4.0'ish Sound System Plan

[techedgecrl]

Hi!

I'm looking for your guys' thoughts and ideas. I'm planning for a sound system.

See attached image.

I have a wife... so I have constraints.

Constraints:
-can't permanently place rear speakers anywhere
-can't have wires
-minimize cost (maybe <$200 for both front speakers)
-live in a condo, subwoofer probably not a good idea

Additional info
-I already have the Bose Mini Soundlink speaker

Questions/Suggestions
-What front 2.0 channel speakers would you recommend?
-Is this setup viable? Is there a better alternative?

 

[techedgecrl]

Hi!

I'm looking for your guys' thoughts and ideas. I'm planning for a sound system.

See attached image.

I have a wife... so I have constraints.

Constraints:
-can't permanently place rear speakers anywhere
-can't have wires
-minimize cost (maybe <$200 for both front speakers)
-live in a condo, subwoofer probably not a good idea

Additional info
-I already have the Bose Mini Soundlink speaker

Questions/Suggestions
-What front 2.0 channel speakers would you recommend?
-Is this setup viable? Is there a better alternative?

I've update the design to show the power supply.

Also I now show how the bluetooth signal would be received

 

[KEW]

The Philharmonic Affordable Accuracy Speakers (AA's) are a no-brainer for speakers at ~$200 for use without a sub!
(they are $210 a pair plus shipping, so slightly over budget)
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Do you already have amplifier/receiver?

 

[techedgecrl]

The Philharmonic Affordable Accuracy Speakers (AA's) are a no-brainer for speakers at ~$200 for use without a sub!
(they are $210 a pair plus shipping, so slightly over budget)
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Do you already have amplifier/receiver?

Hi Kurt, Thanks for the suggestion.

I currently don't have any amplifier/receiver. In this case I would need to buy two amplifiers (one per speaker) as I can't have wires crossing the fireplace.

Since the AA's are based of Pioneer 22, what's your opinion if I just went with the Pioneer 22 (particularly if I'm lucky to find some kind of black Friday discount).

Regards,
Alex

 

[KEW]

Hi Kurt, Thanks for the suggestion.

I currently don't have any amplifier/receiver. In this case I would need to buy two amplifiers (one per speaker) as I can't have wires crossing the fireplace.

Since the AA's are based of Pioneer 22, what's your opinion if I just went with the Pioneer 22 (particularly if I'm lucky to find some kind of black Friday discount).

Regards,
Alex

That is the old AA. The new ones are based on the Dayton Audio BR-1 kit:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-br-1-6-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-monitor-speaker-kit-pair--300-640
This is a more substantial speaker and gets you a significant improvement in the bass response over the old design.

If you are seriously considering the Pioneers, I would suggest you get the Sony Core Series 5" bookshelf speaker instead. It is currently on sale at half price ($108 for the pair) and is a much better speaker (but you don't need to believe me, just go to best buy and get both.- you have 14 days to return the one you don't like.
However, understand that the AA's provide exceptional bass for a 6.5" bookshelf speaker and will far outclass either of these smaller speakers (Sony or Pioneer).

For the wires, I've always put a floor mat or piece of carpet (non flammable) in front of the fireplace to catch any ashes, sparks, or debris to keep the floor in top shape and run wires under the mat.

 

[techedgecrl]

That is the old AA. The new ones are based on the Dayton Audio BR-1 kit:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-br-1-6-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-monitor-speaker-kit-pair--300-640
This is a more substantial speaker and gets you a significant improvement in the bass response over the old design.

If you are seriously considering the Pioneers, I would suggest you get the Sony Core Series 5" bookshelf speaker instead. It is currently on sale at half price ($108 for the pair) and is a much better speaker (but you don't need to believe me, just go to best buy and get both.- you have 14 days to return the one you don't like.
However, understand that the AA's provide exceptional bass for a 6.5" bookshelf speaker and will far outclass either of these smaller speakers (Sony or Pioneer).

For the wires, I've always put a floor mat or piece of carpet (non flammable) in front of the fireplace to catch any ashes, sparks, or debris to keep the floor in top shape and run wires under the mat.

Wow the sony core series 5 are a great deal! Thanks so much I just ordered them

Would you have any suggestions for a good value amplifier? Your solution for wiring is reasonable, however my wife is not :S Unfortunately my best solution is buy two separate amplifiers. The input signal is a similar approach as the attached picture.

 

[KEW]

Budget mono amps are not a common item!
Generally mono-blocks are enough more expensive that manufacturers assume they are for upscale customers and design/price them accordingly.

This is about the best solution I know of, and here you would be buying two stereo amps!
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800

I really don't attempt to try to keep up with small, inexpensive amps, so others may be able to better assist you on that.

However, you might be best advised to cancel your order until you find a suitable amp, otherwise pro audio (amplified) speakers may be your best option!

 

[Mark of Cenla]

Amazon has the Sony Core bookshelf speakers for $108 a pair...good deal on good speakers. I have a pair that sound great in the system they are in. Peace and goodwill.

 

[zieglj01]

Wow the sony core series 5 are a great deal! Thanks so much I just ordered them

Smart choice

 

[techedgecrl]

I plan to stick with the Sony core series 5

If anyone has additional suggestions for budget amplifier, it would be much appreciated.

Kurt's suggestion seems to be good value:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dta-120-class-t-mini-amplifier-60-wpc--300-3800

Any opinions on using amp boards like TDA7492P (it has bluetooth so it saves me the cost of the receiver)
https://www.amazon.com/TDA7492P-Amplifier-Wireless-Bluetooth-Receiver/dp/B01BTJZFY6/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[lovinthehd]

I was going to suggest active speakers, similar to what you show in your attachment in post 6. Each speaker then does have its own amp. JBL 305s might be nice and the price is good but if you already ordered the passive speakers then maybe not.

 

[techedgecrl]

I was going to suggest active speakers, similar to what you show in your attachment in post 6. Each speaker then does have its own amp. JBL 305s might be nice and the price is good but if you already ordered the passive speakers then maybe not.

How would you compare the quality of the JBL 305 to the sony core series 5"?

Generally I thought the PA speakers were meant to output a lot of sound for larger venues. I would be using this mostly at night for movies at lower volumes.

 

[lovinthehd]

How would you compare the quality of the JBL 305 to the sony core series 5"?

Generally I thought the PA speakers were meant to output a lot of sound for larger venues. I would be using this mostly at night for movies at lower volumes.

I haven't heard them myself. The 305s get very good reviews on the forums, search around a bit; they're fairly inexpensive for the quality reviews they get. I know less about the Sony Cores. The 305s are small studio monitors, not PA speakers; if I were to pickup a pair of active speakers to try at a low price, these seem like the way to go. BTW as to the previous AA speaker recommendation, those are good as well, I built a pair of the kit speakers (and am building another set but with AA crossovers).

I made the 305 recommendation mostly in reference to your desire to have two amps....may as well put them in the speakers in that case but the input wiring still remains (as well as AC power for the speakers). I don't think that wireless solutions may work all that well btw, much prefer wired and there are ways to hide wire you may not be thinking about.

 

[Pogre]

what is with wives making things so difficult? seriously. most of the stuff looks nice. we
need to take our living rooms back!

 

[techedgecrl]

I haven't heard them myself. The 305s get very good reviews on the forums, search around a bit; they're fairly inexpensive for the quality reviews they get. I know less about the Sony Cores. The 305s are small studio monitors, not PA speakers; if I were to pickup a pair of active speakers to try at a low price, these seem like the way to go. BTW as to the previous AA speaker recommendation, those are good as well, I built a pair of the kit speakers (and am building another set but with AA crossovers).

I made the 305 recommendation mostly in reference to your desire to have two amps....may as well put them in the speakers in that case but the input wiring still remains (as well as AC power for the speakers). I don't think that wireless solutions may work all that well btw, much prefer wired and there are ways to hide wire you may not be thinking about.

Oh I see, thanks for the clarification on the 305s. While I know wired is always better, my current solution is bluetooth receivers.

If something like the TDA7492P amp provides reasonable quality, then they essentially cover the cost of the bluetooth receiver. Which leaves the price comparison of $108 vs ($134*2)=$268, which is kinda why I'm leaning towards the sony cores.

 

[lovinthehd]

Not up on my bluetooth stuff but you can run those units at different frequencies so as to not have to run in mono?

 

[techedgecrl]

Not up on my bluetooth stuff but you can run those units at different frequencies so as to not have to run in mono?

I'm not sure I follow... I have found there is a single bluetooth transmitter than can allow two receivers to pair (i.e. the left and right speaker receivers would pair to the single 2 channel bluetooth signal). Then then the left and right would extract the left or right channel... an individual speaker is suppose to run in mono right?

Bluetooth transmitter:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bluetooth-Transmitter-and-Splitter/39457824

 

[KEW]

I'm not sure I follow... I have found there is a single bluetooth transmitter than can allow two receivers to pair (i.e. the left and right speaker receivers would pair to the single 2 channel bluetooth signal). Then then the left and right would extract the left or right channel... an individual speaker is suppose to run in mono right?

Bluetooth transmitter:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bluetooth-Transmitter-and-Splitter/39457824

That is correct, he was thinking you needed to send different transmissions to each side (I'm guessing, but I had the same concern), but you are correct, you can send two transmissions to each side and just not connect the unneeded one to get the same result.

 

[KEW]

How would you compare the quality of the JBL 305 to the sony core series 5"?

I have not personally heard the 305's, but by reputation, both it and the Sony are amazing speakers for their cost. I think you would be tickled with either.

I'm thinking the most critical factor between them is how they will look in the room!

The JBL has the advantage of containing almost everything you need in one box. Assuming you can hide your wireless receiver behind the speaker, all you have is the speaker with the AC cords going to them.
The flip side is: I believe most people would find the Sonys with their grill (or even without) more presentable if this is going in a room that frequents company. The JBLs are pro audio and take a more utilitarian approach to cosmetics.

However, the Sony could be a little messy depending on how well you can hide the amps and the wires running from them to the speakers.

 

[lovinthehd]

That is correct, he was thinking you needed to send different transmissions to each side (I'm guessing, but I had the same concern), but you are correct, you can send two transmissions to each side and just not connect the unneeded on to get the same result.

LOL just a case of thick skull on my part