Ive done lots of dd and i would like opinions/advice on speakers for my first system

[clarence2society]

Okay bear with me I will try to explain this is clearly as I can there is a lot to write so I may miss a few things along the way.
So I've been doing DD for the past month and as far as AV units I've decided on the Denon x4400h. The price isn't too horrible I can get one for around a grand it's got the 125 watt 2 Channel at 8 ohms 11 channels processed all those goodies plus three zones if I ever need it with my new house by next year. I've looked at Sony's and yamaha's but Denon seems to have more of everything I want plus 3-year warranty.
Now for the reason of this post. My Denon won't be worth anything without great speakers. I'm trying to keep my budget around 1500 for speakers if circumstances require I may go a little bit more. So here is what I'm looking at and I want to know people's thoughts on what they like and why and the sound quality of each of these speakers and possible setups that I'm going to list.

First I started shopping and came across SVS within a couple hours I almost decided on a PB 1000 double setup and the bookshelf system for 1000. After further reading and talking to SVS even though support said that speaker would be great for my mobile home I also read that it doesn't have a lot of punch and really doesn't live up to the hype now even with two of those that would put me at $1,000 for 2 Subs and although they offer the 45-day return I don't know if they really are going to be what I'm looking for. I've also considered SVS bookshelves in satellites for my surround speakers again there are other options for less or equal money that I think might be better than SVS.
I have also researched Hsu recently and I'm really leaning towards that. I can get a vtf-2 MK5 sub and their hb1 MK2 surrounds with their center speaker I think it's the hc1 MK2 I believe for about 1300. From the reviews I've read Hsu has great sound very neutral and carries a lot of depth and every review about that sub has been excellent. I could also get double of those subs for under $1,100 to two grand for speakers if I want to upgrade later. My problem is Hsu does not do free shipping and returns or a trial time period of any sort. And if I don't like them I'll have to pay to return them. My second thing I'm thinking with Hsu is that the hb1 mk2s are going to be a little big and boxy for rear surround speakers then should I want to mount them on the wall well they're not going to look too good and I'll need a stand most likely and they will look big and bulky. However the reviews of their speakers and their center speaker and their subwoofer all very very good reviews and they're not too bright or not fatiguing which would be very good for me. Aesthetically I'm not too sure about those rear speakers being the hb1 MK two.

Also in my research at one point I was leaning towards Polk Audio and I can't afford the LSI m unfortunately. I was leaning towards the RTI A3 from my front left and right and the CSI A6 for my Center. Now all three of these have good reviews and I would have to get a sub from Hsu or SVS or whoever you guys recommend. I also investigated the fxi A6 for the Rears which are triangular and would look really bad ass on the wall and they do have good reviews on the a 6S in the ffxii a 4S had even better reviews then the A6. So there's one for you there. I think Towers would be too much and I would like to use double Subs at some point instead of towers. What do you guys think?

So as of last night what I'm thinking maybe is I could get the Hsu 3.1 setup for my LCR and sub and either get SVS for the rear channel or Polk Audio for my rear channel and mount the fxi A6 or 4 model. I think that would look great but how would that sound?

I definitely need to add that I currently live in a mobile home which is a two-bedroom two-bath my living room and kitchen are somewhat open with a counter in between and my living room space is only about 13 by 13 Maybe so it is not very big. I am a professional DJ and work strip clubs so I'm not totally unfamiliar with sound and so on but this is my first home theater hence why I'm looking for the best I can get for my money. Also important is I'll be buying a real house within a year or so and who knows how big that living room will be I'm kind of going with maybe a 15 x 20 or 20 x 20 space possibly opens the kitchen. I'm just going by what I'm shopping for but who knows where that will end up so I'm also keeping the future in mind and buying the system now. I'd rather be overpowered in my small living room that's temporary than underpowered in my permanent house. So I'm looking for advice on these Polk Audio speakers all around and the SVS and the Hsu and the possibility of mixing and matching me is for my home theater.
I think I've covered most bases and you guys get the idea if not let me know.
It would be great to hear opinions of sound quality on the RTI A3 s and the fxi the Hsu and the SVS and gather a total consensus. It really sucks that I can't test out the Hsu in person or the SVS in person and I have no idea what store I could go to here in South Florida and see all these setups on this play and actually get a physical field for them because we all know that's the best way to really decide so I feel as if I'm going in blind although I have done much research and I'm not big on a Hertz in kilohertz and so on and what have you I know very minimal stuff about that. but I know I want a full range sub with lots of debts and lots of power I like to feel and hear my bass and be immersed in whatever it is I'm watching or listening to. speaking of which that's what I forgot to mention being a musical person there will be music used on his system as well which is a very important factor I would say the system will be probably 70% TV and movies and 30% musical use. thank you guys I know this was long but I tried to be as detailed as possible so you get an idea of what I'm thinking and why my head is about to explode from trying to decide which way to go. thank you in advance and I can't wait to hear what everyone has to say. this is my first post but now that I'm joining the home theater family I'm sure I will be around quite often

Im open to all ideas and advice outside my bubble also.

 

[clarence2society]

I forgot to mention one thing as far as looks of speakers the Hsu or the ugliest of the bunch and very boxy I love the shape of the CSI 6 Center because it makes a in your face object a lot more bearable but in the end all I want performance and looks come second although it is somewhat important to make the room look good. Told you I'd forget some stuff

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

It would be great to hear opinions of sound quality on the RTI A3 s and the fxi the Hsu and the SVS and gather a total consensus

Haha, Two Audioholics = Three opinions.

Now to matter at hand. What are your overall budget, room size, and the intended use? (HT/TV/Music - what percentage each?)
As a side note, as you've already noticed Polk LSiM cost arm and a leg. They are legit good speakers, but extremely overpriced. Keep in mind that with going down the model range, while the prices do go down, but also does the quality, but overpriced valuation still there.
In simpler terms - LSiM = Good but at MSRP at least 2x more expensive than it should be. Everything else sux balls and should be avoided.
Side node b) I like Denon stuff, a lot. My next AVR would be Denon for sure. That said, speakers are responsible for 90% of sound quality. Placing anything over 10-20% (tops) into AVR would not be a best possible sound you could get.

 

[clarence2society]

Hey what's up man thanks for the reply I did mention room dimensions somewhere in the middle of that whole mess. Not being a smart-ass just saying it's in there. For now I have a somewhat small living room 13 by 13 who knows what my next one will be when I buy a house within a year or so. So you're saying the Hsu and SVS and all that is crap?
I read a couple post since I put this up and I guess a lot of people crap on RTI a.
The budget was in there also I'm figuring 1500 for speakers I can go higher if need be but would prefer not to. I really like that Denon reviews are pretty spectacular

 

[KEW]

Clarence,
You missed this one:

What is the intended use? (HT/TV/Music - what percentage each?)

When you say $1500 for speakers, does that include the subwoofers?

The Denon AVR-4400 is a great AVR, but I agree with BSA; only spend 10-20% of total budget on AVR. You are not going to hear a difference between the 4400 and the 3400. But more importantly it is getting close to the time when the next generation of Denon AVR's come out and there have typically been killer deals on the previous model. When the 4400 was released, you could get a 4300 for $800; There is a good chance that when the 4500 is released, the 4400 will go on sale for $800-$850! Even better, you can get the 3400 for about $600, which is a better option for your budget
@AcuDefTechGuy is the guy that knows this system and the timing well and likely will give you a better idea of how long to wait for the discounts to begin.

Taking some liberties at interpreting your posts, I'd guess you are currently thinking $1500 for speakers, $1300 for subs, and $1000 for AVR.
That is a total budget of $3800. Applying BSA's 10-20% rule, you should spend between $380 and $760 on your AVR and put the rest into your speakers/subs! The 3400 is a perfect model for this situation. I have had more expensive AVR's, but have reached the conclusion that the 3400 is really the sweet spot among Denon AVR's! Taking more money out of your speaker budget to get the 4400 is not good use of your budget!

 

[clarence2society]

3400 was my original plan til i started reading... 4400 comes wit hauro and heos (heoa eh whatever) etc etc..no payin for upgrades. And when iget the new house in a yr or so i want to have two games playin inside and out and sep audio.. 3 zones is great. Can also run a tv to kitchen while cooking... Im a dj so i will be playin music at times thats why i thought hsu vtf 2 mk5 with ports and sealed or ported is a good idea. Plus i could run an atmos setup 5.1.4 and still amp two speakers for outdoors for bbqs and parties etc. Or 5.2.4 if i want. I alrdy have some bose 201 series 4s i may use for atmos speaker or maybe theyd be good rear channels. Forgot to mention that.
Speaker budget with subs 1500 to 2000.

Im really thinkin of my next real house i plan on getting soon in thenext yr.... Oh n 4400 125 watts and 3400 105 i believe n no auro

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You're right. I did not read as you put it "all that mess. I am still confused about what "DD" is, besides chest measurements
Auro3D would not be my absolute requirement. Heos integration, maybe interesting, but I won't get stuck on it. With Hoes Heos you'd need other components to also be Heos compatible. About power differences between 3400 and 4400 - they are nearly meaningless. Much bigger impact on the volume level would be speakers sensitivity and impedance.
I do hope that your current room isn't exactly 13x13ft since having a square for a room would create a havoc for sound reflections. You've also mentioned that current location is only temporary and you intend to move to a larger space.
You understand that it would be nearly impossible to design a system with a shoestring budget which would work WELL in both spaces.

Let's say, you've already put aside the budget for 4400 and $1500 is only for speakers.

One option would get just to get 3.0 right now. Add a sub and surrounds later on, after you have more accurate measurements of the new house.
This is the 3.0 set I would recommend: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/ccbspkrpkg.html

 

[KEW]

You still haven't given us a percent breakdown between Music/HT/Gaming!
For example, I am 95/5/0.

 

[KEW]

Also, what type of music do you DJ?

 

[clarence2society]

I dj a steip club so we play all kinds..
Post says 70 ht 30 music. Of course im not mixing n stuff on this just listening. I do game i juat got ps4 pro another reason iwant surround to really immerse in games... Ha 41 and a gamer dj lol.
As far as music i listen to everything i guess top 2 would be rock and electronic.
Dd is due dilegence. And also perfect size for my big hands.
I live in. A mobile home so the living room and kitchen are the same area about 400 sq ft but the only thing dividing them is a counter in kitchen side. Its a single wide 14 ft wide. I will mostly be gaming and for movies tv. Music will be here and there and im sure the gf will play music when cleanin or reading etc...
Lol to hoes heos hahahah

 

[clarence2society]

See i was leaning toward the hsu hybrid 2 5.1 package...

 

[clarence2society]

Lookin forward to continuing this later today aka my tomorrow lol. Graveyard shifts.

 

[shadyJ]

Make sure the front three are good. For rear speakers, its not as much of an issue if they don't match. A VTF-2 will rock a mobile home, by the way, and I hope your neighbors don't live too close. They will hear it if you turn it up.

 

[clarence2society]

Thats what im trying to decide on is front 3 and rears i got atmos heights covered for now...
My neighbor ray has been having wwiii from his house at all hours of the night for two yrs.... Its my turn to do it now hahahhah

Oh and i never complain about it to him ever. I think ita funny and i want mine now.. Shady im here for suggestions man if ya got any

 

[shadyJ]

Thats what im trying to decide on is front 3 and rears i got atmos heights covered for now...
My neighbor ray has been having wwiii from his house at all hours of the night for two yrs.... Its my turn to do it now hahahhah

Oh and i never complain about it to him ever. I think ita funny and i want mine now.. Shady im here for suggestions man if ya got any

You are already on to some really good brands. Hsu, SVS. One thing to consider if you want to save some space and some money is just use some Polk T15s for surrounds. They are not the highest fidelity speakers, but they are easy to mount, they are and easy electrical load and can get loud, and they are plenty good enough for surround speakers. Very good sale going on with them at the moment. Then just get a good 3.1. The VTF-2 is a killer sub for the money. I also like the Monoprice Monolith speakers and subs. Emotiva's new speakers are supposedly good. Ascend Acoustics has some good affordable speakers in the CBM-170s. I like RBH's new Impression speakers.

 

[clarence2society]

yeah man i think i am pretty much deadset on the vtf 2 mk5. for the money i think it is teets!!!

as for surrounds i am reading on t15 now.. holy crap they are cheap....
a full hsu hybrid 2 5.1 system is 1500 and change with shipping at 225 ugh... that shipping sucks!!
the 3.1 is a couple hundred less at 1184

i really was considering fxi a4 or a6 for rears.... i dig the look was hopin ppl could chime in with how they perform. i need a damn store to try all this stuff out lol.
here is the hsu link to hybrid to packages


http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid2mk5pkg.html

svs elevations would be 400
fxi a4 or 6 are 240 or 300 a pair
and the t15s are 70 a pair

i want clarity and capable of loudness when needed, and i dnt want my ears to bleed from too much in the highs.. ugh i cant do shrill lol

also if i go hsu lcr and sub then i dont want something in rear that sounds out of place from the rest i have read about that with some setups...

KEW:

i found a list of updates and release dates for the denon new series.... the x ones are being released june through september. of course 4500 is last hahaha

 

[clarence2society]

ill check out those ascends etc today shade

 

[clarence2society]

i just stumbled upon
BIC Acoustech PL-66

they look great for rears..... thoughts?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'd recommend steering away from inexpensive Polk. Now that I know that your main usage would HT, I would recommend you HB1/HC speakers from HSU. They are not more accurate (CC8 would be better for music and ht) but they are not bad by any means, They are very dynamic and very easy to power from budget AVRs. VTF2 is a great sub and it would be awesome in your current place, but it may be badly undersized in a much larger room - this is why I recommended postponing sub purchase for now.

i just stumbled upon BIC Acoustech PL-66 they look great for rears..... thoughts?

Not a big fan of bipolar surrounds. That idea pretty much dead in the water with 3D sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but if you into such things, may as well get a bit cheaper and potentially better speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-AVBP2-Surround-Satellite-Speakers/dp/B00067OLOS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1528158020&sr=1-1&keywords=fluance+bipolar&dpID=41bhhkPkXoL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

[snakeeyes]

The Ascend idea is good. A couple pairs of 170s and the 340 center and the Rythmik LVX12 is $1500. (Ascend sells Rythmik). I haven’t heard the Ascends but I have the Rythmik. To save a little money you could find cheaper rear speakers. The denon 3400 saves you cash over the 4400 like others mentioned. Good luck!