need help w/ speakers...

[phillyrx]

hi guys,

i just recently purchased an onkyo 605 receiver, and have a little less than $500 to spend on speakers. i'm well aware of spending more on speakers than the receiver, but i wanted a receiver that was semi future-proof. before i get started, here is what i have:
1 - 46' aquos 1080p
2 - crappy dvd player that will be upgraded to blu-ray player one affordable
3 - nintendo wii
4 - onkyo 605 receiver
5 - verizon fios hdtv cable box
6 - my room is approx 20x20 with tv on front right corner but facing diagnol. wood burning stove oven on front left corner, chair and ottoman in mid right side, sofa about 4 feet from rear of room in middle, and loveseat on left side near sofa.

with that said, i have to fit some criteria from the better half...
1 - she hates wires! i don't have enough to get and electrician in, so it'll be done by myself for the most part. i have no problem putting in shoe rails to run some wires.
2 - she hates bulky items! so that means no tower speakers. i finally convinced her that a sub has to be somewhat bulky, but thats the best i got. so any smaller speaker system would be great.

as for my requirements...
1 - i'm still debating between a 5.1 and a 3.1. the reason i say that is because i would prefer to keep it to a 3.1 to avoid wires to the back of the room, etc. are there any 3.1 systems that provide ample surround sound compared to a 5.1?
2 - any wireless systems available for my budget? i've been reading a bit about rear wireless speakers and it seems that most are wireless from front to back, but have another receiver in back of room to go to rear speakers. is this true, or are there others out there? ideally would love completely wireless rear speakers. i cannot do the "semi" rear wireless speakers b/c sofa is not against back wall and thus wires would be seen...
3 - lastly, i want them to be black (simple enough, right?)

thanks a million!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Do you have attic access? In-ceilings work great for surrounds with no wires seen.

 

[John Bailey]

You're not going to get much in the way of 5.1 system for $500. I'd go with a stereo system for now and save to add a sub first, then surrounds later. There are a lot of good bookshelf type speakers in that price range. My favourites are the PSB Image 25B and the Monitor Audio BR2. Those are far from the only ones however, and you've lots of choices.

John

 

[Frugal]

hi guys,



i cannot do the "semi" rear wireless speakers b/c sofa is not against back wall and thus wires would be seen...

Most building supply places sell a paintable peel and stick track suitable for 110V and speaker wire. Higher WAF than bare wire.

 

[phillyrx]

You're not going to get much in the way of 5.1 system for $500. I'd go with a stereo system for now and save to add a sub first, then surrounds later. There are a lot of good bookshelf type speakers in that price range. My favourites are the PSB Image 25B and the Monitor Audio BR2. Those are far from the only ones however, and you've lots of choices.

John

thanks for the info john! as i'm still new to all the lingo, i take it stereo system means front, left and right (3.0)? i was thinking of starting at 3.1 or 3.0 and working my way up...

as far as 5.1, are the quintet IIIs any good? i read a couple of favorable reviews...

 

[phillyrx]

hi guys,



i cannot do the "semi" rear wireless speakers b/c sofa is not against back wall and thus wires would be seen...

Most building supply places sell a paintable peel and stick track suitable for 110V and speaker wire. Higher WAF than bare wire.

thanks for the suggestion! as of right now, i think i'm gonna check out fishing the wire through the crawl space. if that doesn't work out, i'll try your idea!

 

[John Bailey]

thanks for the info john! as i'm still new to all the lingo, i take it stereo system means front, left and right (3.0)? i was thinking of starting at 3.1 or 3.0 and working my way up...

as far as 5.1, are the quintet IIIs any good? i read a couple of favorable reviews...

Actually, I erred in my advice. Stereo would usually mean just the mains, or front two speakers. If were me, I'd go with just those two at first. You'll get great sound from many speakers in the $800 to $1,000 range with just those two. Then I would add a sub when money allowed to get a good one. After that would come a center for dialogue, again when you can get a good one. Most here would advise you to match the fronts and center. I'm strictly stereo, so am not up on that. The final step would be to add surrounds.

I think this process has great merit because you will get good sound immediately and you will end up with system that doesn't continually cry out for upgrades.

John