Home Theater for $1500 recommendations

[jeffdean5]

Hello!

I am new to home theaters and am looking to spend about $1500 for a 3.1 system. My spouse does not want wires showing and I am not very handy so I think a surround sound is not in my future. I also love the idea of including atmos speakers but I think that won't work either with the wiring I would have to attempt. From the pictures you can see the basement layout. The basement is about 24 feet (the wall where the TV is) by 32 feet and the ceiling is 8 foot and it is textured. Primary use is to stream moves and some gaming. (80% streaming, 20% gaming). I am considering the polk and elac systems recommended in Wirecutter as well as the RSL/SVS recommended on Audioholics. I will also need to buy a receiver. Could potentially use it for karaoke. I don't know if that needs any special consideration.

Thanks for any thoughts and recommendations. I am not in a hurry and may just wait for black Friday for good sales.

 

[mazersteven]

Mains

CMT-340SE MINI-TOWER PAIR

Uncompromising Performance, Our Best Value! "These speakers’ levels of design, capability, and refinement far exceed what could previously be expected from this price range. Those considering buying far more expensive speakers would be well advised not to ignore the Ascends simply because of...

www.ascendacoustics.com

Center

CMT-340SE CENTER SPEAKER

High Performance Center Channel "Lead vocals through the CMT-340c are clear and natural, and are free of mid-range honk or thinness." -Felix Martinez, DVD Etc. Perfectly timbre matched to our other models, this center will add shockingly realistic dynamics combined with our already renowned...

www.ascendacoustics.com

Subwoofer

VTF-3 MK5 HP Subwoofer

The new VTF-3 MK5 HP sets a new standard for high-end performance at an affordable price point. It’s earned its reputation as one of the best value ported 15" subwoofers on the market. Customer favorite and best seller Smaller enclosure than the VTF-15H MK2 (4” less depth) and lighter, but...

www.hsuresearch.com

 

[jeffdean5]

That looks amazing, but I would still need to get a receiver. Denon seems well liked? Probably gets me to about 2k, Would I need something like the Denon 3600H or something less expensive like the S750H. I am really lost on receivers.

 

[mazersteven]

Would I need something like the Denon 3600H or something less expensive like the S750H.

The 3600 is a really nice receiver. Do you need it? No but it does have a lot if nice features

 

[jeffdean5]

That is a bit more than I want to spend but I am curious is there benefit to having 2 subwoofer 10s vs putting more money in 1, like the HSU?

 

[mazersteven]

That is a bit more than I want to spend but I am curious is there benefit to having 2 subwoofer 10s vs putting more money in 1, like the HSU?

You have a Large Room. 10" sub IMO isn't going to give the Performance to Justify purchasing it.

Id rather have 1 Great Sub then 2 Just OK subs

 

[Mpsafranski]

And others would say always 2....but in your case, with a space that size, I’m with @mazersteven: get the biggest sub you can afford and add another down the road. Check the used market as well, deals are sometimes out there if you have the patience for that sort of thing!

 

[mazersteven]

That looks amazing.

Look at the SVS Prime from there Outlet center. You could get Floorstanders on your Budget

SVS Outlet Store | Best Deals on SVS Speakers and Subwoofers

Deals and discounts on top-rated SVS speakers and subwoofers. Lowest prices, fully warrantied.

www.svsound.com

 

[mazersteven]

How about this. Forget the Sub for now. I know its still a little over stated budget. But you'll be Happy you spent the Money

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

www.accessories4less.com

 

[mazersteven]

You could always add these Down the Road. Or go with the HSU

Home

Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered SubwooferDayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered SubwooferAdd thrilling low-frequency effects to your home cinema experienceThe Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" powered subwoofer system is the perfect addition to any home theater system. This powered sub...

www.parts-express.com

 

[jeffdean5]

Thanks! I had a conversation with my wife this morning, and after showing her the cost of the cantons she leapt at the CMT-340s. lol Initially she did think my budget was going up to 4-5k, so maybe I could have even gotten away with the Cantons, if I had a more expensive option to show her first. But I think the CMT-340s with the HSU you mentioned will be a great choice. It will mostly be used for movies, and rarely music. I will do some more looking, and maybe wait for labor day for sales. Although from my reading I don't think the CMT's or the HSUs go on sale very often. I am looking at the Denon-S750H, looks like I can get that at Costco for 430.

 

[mazersteven]

Never Never Ever get the Wife involved (and you can show her I wrote this I'm not Scared).

 

[NINaudio]

Never Never Ever get the Wife involved (and you can show her I wrote this I'm not Scared).

I got my wife involved. "What color would you like me to get these new speakers in?"

 

[jeffdean5]

Found some cmt 340s on Facebook. But may be too rough and maybe an old model. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1612439262257760/

 

[mazersteven]

You haven't Pulled the Trigger yet - SMH

 

[jeffdean5]

LOL, I did mention I was going to wait for sales. Labor day is around the corner but from what I have read HSU and Ascend don't have sales so often anyway.

 

[mazersteven]

LOL, I did mention I was going to wait for sales. Labor day is around the corner but from what I have read HSU and Ascend don't have sales so often anyway.

B-Stock

 

[jeffdean5]

I am obsessed with these forums. Been reading a lot about the Canton 396.2s. My wife agreed to them if i want them. I am not a music person, we do watch more movies and TV during this time and I have always wanted to have a speaker system. It sure is a huge step from my cheap sound bar. The Ascend CMTs look perfectly fine, about 1k for the speakers. Spend another 1k for the 396.2 towers and the center? Agonizing. Are the Canton's more for music people or will it make a big difference for watching movies? I hate it when I can't understand the dialogue. Is it overkill to have the towers and the Hsu subwoofer? There is enough space inbetween the couch and the TV? (There is 13 feet) The basement itself is large, but I like the couch where it is for the TV viewing. I will have the speakers for a long time so it is probably okay to spend a bit more on something really nice.

 

[mazersteven]

The Ascend CMTs look perfectly fine, about 1k for the speakers.

Spend another 1k for the 396.2 towers and the center? Agonizing.

Are the Canton's more for music people or will it make a big difference for watching movies? I hate it when I can't understand the dialogue.

Is it overkill to have the towers and the Hsu subwoofer?

There is enough space inbetween the couch and the TV? (There is 13 feet)

The Ascends are nice speakers. And for a Budget HT system are great.
But the Canton 596.2 are a big Up-Grade.
Are the Cantons for Music people? Yes the Cantons are excellent for Music. (You might find yourself listening to more music with these) But you could put an Awesome HT system together with them. And you will hear the Dialogue. (At a cost remind you)
OVERKILL??? Go Big or Go Home. No such thing as Overkill.
And I think there is plenty of space

 

[jeffdean5]

Is denons 570h an okay choice? It is now on sale at assesories4less