Almost out of $$$ and I still need speakers!

[Luth]

I'm trying to set up a home theatre (my first, so I'm trying to be extra careful to not many (m)any mistakes) on a novice's budget. I've got the projector [Epson HC720], am building the screen, got most of the furniture, got the room painted, bought the cables [monoprice.com], and bought the audio/video receiver [Onkyo TX-SR605]. So far, so good.

I have a pair of Paradigm Phantom v2 floorstanding loudspeakers that, unfortunately, have some blown out drivers. (Some kids a few years back decided to turn my stereo up to full volume, and that was the end of those.) I really liked those paradigms, but I haven't found a place around here (Seattle) that can help me replace the drivers. Is it worth repairing my paradigms?

I want at least 5.1 surround sound, so I'm going to have to get some additional speakers and a sub anyway. I want a sub that'll be powerful enough for a moderately large room like this one, which is 15' x 18'. I was thinking (if you can call it that) of the Polk Audio RM705 5.1 box set, but really, thats just because I don't know hardly anything about anything. But I figured if I got a box set, I might 1) save a couple bucks, which is always good, and 2) be able to fix those Paradigms, put those in front, move the sats around back and use it as a 7.1 system.

Honestly, I didn't know what I was getting into, but I'd like to get myself out for ~$500 if at all possible. If its not, well, then I'll just have to bite the bullet I guess; I'd rather go in the hole a little bit than absolutely hate the audio in my theatre, ya know?

Really, and any all help would be appreciated. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions. Reading this site and lots of the forums helped a lot, but I still have more. If anyone feels like a real chore, look me up on IM (AIM: LuthCrew | MSN/YIM: LuthCrew@hotmail.com) for some real-time question and answer.

 

[mazersteven]

SVS SBS-01

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

 

[Luth]

Whoa, so... thats like a really terse way of saying "$500 ain't gonna do jack, bub" isn't it?

 

[mazersteven]

Whoa, so... thats like a really terse way of saying "$500 ain't gonna do jack, bub" isn't it?

I just think that is about the best system with a killer subwoofer to fill your room.

 

[Luth]

I'm not sure I can afford the best, though. :-/ How about "Best Bang for your Buck" to fill the room?

 

[ShaunH]

I'm not sure I can afford the best, though. :-/ How about "Best Bang for your Buck" to fill the room?

I would agree with maze you can't expect much let alone sounding good at 500. the system he recommend is about the best you can get on such a low price it at all possible at least get that system. It would be a shame to skimp on sound becasue sound is what makes the experience big screens are nice but the sound is was really seals the deal.

 

[John Bailey]

Another option, and one that is often mentioned here, is to go with a good set of standmounts for the time being and add to your system later. You can get a good pair of standmounts for $500 and less. The sound will be good. Then add a sub and center at a later date to add depth of your system and help with dialogue. Finally, when the budget allows, get some good floorstanders and move the standmounts to the rear. This process will take some patience, but you'll enjoy what you have immediately and in the end you'll have a very nice system. Some brands to look at are PSB, Monitor Audio, Focal Chorus, AV123, Axiom and Aperion. Others will have fine suggestions because at this price point, for standmounts, there are many good options.

John

 

[3db]

Audioholics reviewed these with favourabel results;

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/energy-take-classic-review

 

[Davemcc]

Five hun will get you a decent sub for a good size room. I would say get that and fix the Paradigms. Run 2.1 for the time being. Head on down to the DIY forum for advice on which drivers and where to find them.

Add more or better speakers later as the budget allows.

 

[Alex2507]

Isn't Parts Express a good place to call for a recommendation on replacement drivers?

 

[mazersteven]

I'm not sure I can afford the best, though. :-/ How about "Best Bang for your Buck" to fill the room?

That was the "Best Bang for the Buck" system.

If this system is out of budget. Then I will second John Briley's recommendation to purchase a pair of mains for your system. Then add on later as funds are available.

AV123 x-mtm encore Tower
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=114.1

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340 SE
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

Audio Insider Acculine A3
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_32&products_id=67

Audio Insider Swan Diva 5.1BC
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_30&products_id=47

Polk Audio RTi8
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/3753286?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[mazersteven]

PSB Image T45

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

Figured I'd help out 3db.

 

[patnshan]

Get some polk R series from outpost dot com. They are the best bang for barely any buck. You will need a sub however. I'd recommend a BIC H100 or a dayton from p a r t s e x p r e s s.
(2) R50's $60 each
(1) CSR $80
(1) pair R150's $50
So, that's $250 plus shipping without the sub.
Pat

 

[Luth]

Five hun will get you a decent sub for a good size room. I would say get that and fix the Paradigms. Run 2.1 for the time being. Head on down to the DIY forum for advice on which drivers and where to find them.

Add more or better speakers later as the budget allows.

I guess that is the best option. I'll fix up the paradigms, as I did like those a lot, and then take these recommendations for other speakers and consider buying them piecewise.

Thanks a lot.