Advice on new speaker system ($1500 range)

[Ixi640]

Looking to spend about $1,500 on a system. I already have a receiver, but it was a $200 Yamaha I bought about a year ago. Not sure of the model number off-hand, but I assume this could handle a beefier system, or is that a bad assumption? Looking for a 5.1 system to go with a 67" DLP TV. Movies, sports, games, music in order of what it will be used for most to least. I don't care a whole lot about aesthetics, but it can't be ugly.

The room is a very large room (30x17), but only half is the living room area where the speakers will be used. I like to do a lot of research on my own, but the problem is sites like CNet will rate a $200 set of speakers as "the best $200 set of speakers ever" but it doesn't really say how those are different from a $1,000 set of speakers and whether or not it's worth it. And there just seem to be so many options out there and I've never owned a high-end system before so I figure this is a good place to ask.

TIA

 

[Davemcc]

If I were shopping right now with the budget and conditions you describe, I would get THIS and THIS. This would be a fantastic system for about $100 over your budget. In fact, Emotiva is having a sale right now, so if you were to call, this speaker package will be even less expensive than that package price, maybe even enough to bring you right back within your budget.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

If I were shopping right now with the budget and conditions you describe, I would get THIS and THIS. This would be a fantastic system for about $100 over your budget. In fact, Emotiva is having a sale right now, so if you were to call, this speaker package will be even less expensive than that package price, maybe even enough to bring you right back within your budget.

Wow I shopped around, and this is the way to go. You might want a different sub, but as a former Hsu sub owner, I can say they are great. Musical and strong.

The Emotiva speakers are a bargain right now. Get this setup. I didn't price Axiom, or AV123, but this rig will beat them all.

 

[Ixi640]

Thanks for the info. Those speakers look pretty sweet. Can you mount them on the wall though? There's no way I could put one of those on top of the TV.

Also, will my receiver be able to handle them?

RMS Output Power (20Hz - 20kHz) 80W x 5
RMS Output Power (1kHz) 110W x 5
Total Power (20Hz - 20kHz) 400W

The speakers say 50-250watt RMS, plus the sub is 250W but I think the sub has its own amp. Thanks for the help!

 

[Ixi640]

www!yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200505&CTID=5000400&ATRID=1020&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

Change the ! to a .

That's the full link to the details on my receiver, if that helps. I guess I can't edit posts or I would have.

 

[mazersteven]

Here is an excellent system for your needs. I would up-grade the subwoofer for your size room.

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

 

[jcPanny]

Receiver specs

www!yamaha.com/yec/products/productdetail.html?CNTID=200505&CTID=5000400&ATRID=1020&DETYP=ATTRIBUTE

Change the ! to a .

That's the full link to the details on my receiver, if that helps. I guess I can't edit posts or I would have.

You have an entry level receiver so I would stick with 8 ohm, easy to drive speakers. The Emotiva and SVS speakers both fall into this category. Also check out the X-series speakers and MFW-15 sub from AV123.com

 

[Ixi640]

If I were to buy two sets of ERD-1s and two ERM-1s, would it be a problem to use the ERD-1 as a center channel? It would work better for my setup.

racksandstands.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=SY0018&refid=XT1-SY0018#ProdDetails

Also, anyone see a problem setting the ERM-1s on top of a rack like that? Or have any suggestions? Sorry for all the questions but as I said I'm new to this.

How about the $899 deal for the EF30Ts on Audioholics' store? Although I gotta say it scares me a little bit that I can't find ANYTHING on either the EF30Ts or the Emotiva stuff anywhere outside of Audioholics. Are these speakers that new or something? Just seems odd.

 

[Davemcc]

You don't really want to use a bi-pole/di-pole speaker as a center channel. It may impair the clarity of dialog or not place voices in the center of the soundstage during a movie.

I don't see a problem with setting a speaker on that rack. It's not optimal due to height and other issues, but it might work if you are not an overly critical music listener.

Also, Emotiva is exclusively an online retailer and their speakers are a new product this year. I have heard the speakers and I really like them but I'm not in the market for something in that category right now. If I were, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment in getting the Emotiva speakers.

 

[jcPanny]

RBH/EMP info.

This AH review is for the equivalent RBH model to the EMP EF30T's:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/rbh-sound-tk-5ct/?searchterm=RBH review

RBH has a network of dealers and EMP is internet direct. You will find more reviews for the RBH products than the new EMP line.