suggestions on the audio side of a HT

[markR]

Well I've had a Sony KDS-50A2000 for 6 months now and i've been wanting a sound system to compliment it. up to this point i've been pretty much set on buying the HT-SR800 HTIB from onkyo for its outstanding value. my budget is around $500 and now i am wondering whether it would be easier to start with a 2.1 setup and go from there. I'm an avid DIY enthusiast and building speakers/sub is always an option. Also, i can procure a Mirage NANOSAT Home Theater Speaker System from a friend for $350 but that would mean buying a reciever for ~$150. The room is 13'4"x14' 5", with the TV in the middle of the 14'5", by the way.
thanks, mark

 

[avaserfi]

Hey mark,

You are definitely on the right track asking around here and looking into starting with a 2.1 and upgrading later as that is one of the best ways to get bang for your buck. If you have $500 to spend on a receiver 2 speakers and a sub you might be a little tight, but it is very doable.

If you want to go the prebuilt route check out av123.com x-series speakers. I would recommend getting x-ls speakers to start off with and when you are ready move those to surrond duty and get some floorstanding speakers from av123.com for the front or more x-ls's. For the sub I would look into SVS or HSU or the av123 x-sub.

While I haven't heard much DIY suff before many people seem to have great luck with Dayton subs from parts express. More people might be able to step in about the DIY speakers as I have not had a chance to get into this realm yet and I try to only make recommendations on speakers I have heard.

For the receiver I would look into getting something used/b-stock on audiogon/ebay/craigslist or a local store and possibly upgrading it later when you get more speakers.

 

[no. 5]

As you are into DIY, I suggest looking into building your own sub, as it gives you the opportunity to make something that could outperform what could be bought for the price of the components.

 

[markR]

Ive been poking around partsexpress.com and the sub looks rather simple to build. more or less a box enclosure, plate amp and driver. thanks for all the info!

 

[mazersteven]

Hey mark,

If you want to go the prebuilt route check out av123.com x-series speakers. I would recommend getting x-ls speakers to start off with and when you are ready move those to surrond duty and get some floorstanding speakers from av123.com for the front or more x-ls's. For the sub I would look into SVS or HSU or the av123 x-sub.

I would recommend the x-cs over the x-ls speakers. For the difference in cost I think it's worth it.

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

Also for DIY speakers (I know nothing of which kit to get) look at this link

http://www.madisound.com/index.html