Tight budget, bedroom system, audio-centric

[Ray Salamon]

Hey everyone.
I'm pretty much an audio reproduction newb. I've been reading what I can, and trying to get a general feel for "good" systems.
Up until yesterday, I was looking at HTIBs. From what I gather, they're not excatly recommeded here. So, if I may get some help here, I'll give you what info I can, and let you guys point me in the right direction. Here's what I believe may be relevant.
The room is 18'8" x 10' w/ an 8' ceiling. Nothing fancy, and nothing done to the room acoustically. Carpet floors, unfinished drywalling.
I don't even know if I'll be putting a T.V. in there yet. I would say it's safe to say that for at least two years I wont be, so we can make this a 100% audio system. By the time I decide I want to put a T.V. in there, I'll probably end up re-doing the whole thing.
I'd like probably just 5.1 sound. Of course, though, I could be completly wrong and want 6.1/7.1.
The music that'll be played through it is everything. I'm a session musician, and being able to listen to things and play them the next day is key. What I get hired for one week could be jazz, then an alt rock band the next.
When I'm just listening to listen though, it's mostly heavy metal and hard rock. It'll also be doing movie audio though.
The source for movies/audio will all be from my PC, that does have optical out. It'll also be for my PS3 and X360. Ideally, optical in and two RCA in. If I can't get that, three RCAs in would be cool. If not, well, I can swap cables.
It doesn't need to be a stupid-loud setup, but it does need to be "ample". I want it to fill the room nicely, and if I decide to have a impromptu party in the small room be able to keep it going .
Now, the big question, what's my budget. This is why I was looking into HTIBs, right now it's $500. Not a penny more, and that's all-inclusive. If I wait (though I'd rather not) I can eventually stretch that to $700/750.
I have zero equipment right now, so what I need is up to you guys.
Suggestions please? Thanks!

-Ray

 

[jcPanny]

HT options

Ray,
Since you mention high quality and audio centric, you should consider starting with a good 2.1 system and gradually upgrading to surround sound. I am going this route (with a higher budget) and started with the Onix Ref 1 bookshelf speakers and SVS SB12-Plus sub. A quality 2.1 system will work great for music and better for HT then a cheap 5.1 staellite system, IMHO.

Here are a couple ideas:
Onix X-LS and X-sub from av123.com: $175 each on B-stock.
Used or refurbished HT receiver: $150

Athena Audition series or BIC venturi bookshelf speakers: $100/pair
Yamaha or Pioneer receiver: $2-300
Dayton DIY sub kit $100

If you are interested in the Athena's, I have a pair of bookshelf speakers and center that I need to get rid of.

 

[baseman]

I was where you are now, about 6 weeks ago LOL. And also a musician who wants to listen to music mostly. I got a Yamaha RX-V659 for about $350 and a pair of Infinity Primus 360's which are now a steal at $350 because they are updating the line, but only cosmetically. Just two days ago I got my Velodyne VX-10 subwoofer for $150, and all together with an existing DVD/CD player the system sounds fantastic! My previous system was from the early 80's and nowhere near the quality although the same makes and similar price (adjusted for inflation).

I have been listening to all my old favorites and it all sounds new to me, (hey I didn't know there was a cow bell in there!) I'm hearing guitar licks (my instrument) with a new detail and texture that makes the same old riffs sound different than they did a few weeks ago. It has been a real help in trying to figure out guitar parts on recordings.

Anyway, I don't know much about home audio and even less about home theater, but I can tell you this has been an amazing journey. I wish you the same, good luck.

 

[Davemcc]

I'll second the 2.1 idea. In fact, I'd say go for a 2.0 system first. Spend whatever of the budget you need to to get a pair of really good speakers and get a decent receiver from a pawn shop or somewhere. When you can, add the sub, upgrade the receiver and sell the old one back to the pawn shop. You can also add any inexpensive speakers for temporary surround use until you can get a proper 5.1 thing goin' on. I guess what I'm saying is start small with some really good pieces and build around them.

 

[mazersteven]

I agree with starting out 2.0. Here are the mains I would recommend starting with.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

 

[Ray Salamon]

I do have a 12" dbx subwoofer (I believe it's passive, even. Been so long since I've even looked at it) in my old bedroom that I could use. I don't know the model of it off the top of my head. Big ol box I used as an end table at times .
So, I'll look into just getting a receiver and two good speakers.
What's some good reccomendations?
I looked for reviews, and here's the original receiver I was looking at:
http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?class=Receiver&m=TX-SR574&p=i
Onkyo TX-SR574. Thoughs? It's $284, so that'll leave me roughly $220 for a good set of drivers. Suggestions?
Thanks guys .

 

[Ray Salamon]

I agree with starting out 2.0. Here are the mains I would recommend starting with.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

Those mains are out of my price range alone... I couldn't get a single piece of other equipment with them! Unless I use my bass rack to drive 'em.

 

[mazersteven]

Those mains are out of my price range alone... I couldn't get a single piece of other equipment with them! Unless I use my bass rack to drive 'em.

Well you mentioned streching your budget to $700-$750.

You could then start out like jcPanny mentioned and purchase a set of AV123 X-series speakers and a receiver.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR503

 

[jcPanny]

I do have a 12" dbx subwoofer (I believe it's passive, even. Been so long since I've even looked at it) in my old bedroom that I could use. I don't know the model of it off the top of my head. Big ol box I used as an end table at times .
Thanks guys .

Ray,
FYI, receivers are designed to use a line level output to a powered sub. If you have an old pro-amp you might be able to use it to drive the old passive sub, otherwise I would get the Onix X-sub or something similar for the bedroom.

 

[Ray Salamon]

Well you mentioned streching your budget to $700-$750.

You could then start out like jcPanny mentioned and purchase a set of AV123 X-series speakers and a receiver.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ONKTXSR503

Yeah, I *could* stretch it to that, if I saved up for the crumbs for the next few pays.
A back story about this:
2/3 of my house burnt down about 2 months ago. 99% of my pays are going into the new home and such, so I have a pretty tight budget. In order to get more for A/V, I'd simply need to wait. And, I want to get *something* in this room going.
I like that receiver as well. It's cheaper, and not a whole lot different than the one I was looking at. Onkyo seems to have good rep, and they've gotten back to me with questions I've been asking them pretty quickly.
I'll take the AV123 suggestion for my mains for now. That leaves me with about $110-$125 for a subwoofer. Any suggestions for that?

I really do appreciate your help in this guys. I hate to sound like I'm just asking and not listening, but I am reading and looking at what you guys say.

 

[Davemcc]

Just wait on the sub until you can get a good one. A decent reciever and two good speakers should hold you over for a while.

 

[Ray Salamon]

Ray,
FYI, receivers are designed to use a line level output to a powered sub. If you have an old pro-amp you might be able to use it to drive the old passive sub, otherwise I would get the Onix X-sub or something similar for the bedroom.

I do have quite a few power amps simply lying around. Like I said, I'm a musician... it's awesome the gear we have just sitting there, not always being used .
Is this the sub that you're referring to?
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=12.1
If so, it seems to me that would be a decent start for a 2.1 bedroom system. If it's good enough, I might end up just adding a center later on and calling it a day. It's not currenty and never going to be a HT setup, just kind of a place to go and chill/relax/play instruments.
Will an 8" sub fill a 180+ square foot room? Just realize I'm coming from a PA and bass player school of though, where in those worlds, we'd laugh at that thought. Forgive my ignorance please .

Again, thanks guys!