Home Theater Setup with EMP 351's

[Caeberos]

I have been reading around the forums here for a few days, and I have seriously been considering getting an EMP 351 set, but there are a few questions that are holding me back from my decision.

Firstly I am definately sticking with bookshelf speakers, this system is primarily for my family, and it will be used for 95% HT, and 5% or less Music, I recall reading in a previous thread that perhaps a Klipsch Qunitet set would be better for HT.

Also, what exacly is the difference between the 351 and the 551? The sub appears to be less powerful though most people have commented that at some future point it would be worthwhile to upgrade that anyway even on the 351

Finally, there have been comments about requiring a fairly powerful amplifier to properly drive the 351 set. I currently have an HK AVR-247, would this be enough to drive the speakers properly? (I know the 50 watts rating is somewhat deceptive on the HK line)

I would like to keep the price under $600 but I would be willing to go higher, I am a little new to the Home Theater waters, even though I stalk around audio karma a lot for vintage stuff

Thank you for any help you can provide

 

[cym_city]

There are a couple differences. The 551 package has a 4" Aluminized Fiberglass Matrix Woofer and uses a 1" nano-silk tweeter. The EF30's used in the 351 package contain use a 5.25" Poly Graphite Woofer with a 1" Fabric Dome Tweeter. The EF50's also have the removable baffle on them.

I've listened to the Klipsch Quintet and I wasn't impressed. I've read the Klipsch speakers in general are better for home theater but I don't think I've read any good reviews on the Quintets. I have the EF50's for my surround and in my rookie opinion, the EMP's are better than the Quintets. Overall though, it is your ears. Go with what you like.

I don't think you have to have a failry powerful amp to drive them. Just a decent receiver. I have no idea how your receiver will do but there are plenty of people on here that will be able to help you with that. Like I mentioned before, I'm a rookie with all of this. I'm just here to look at the pictures.

 

[Caeberos]

Thanks, I was asking mostly because I didn't (and still don't) completely understand the price difference between the EF30's and 50's

Unfortunately I am don't think I am going to be able to demo either system before buying it... but it will definitely be an improvement over the speakers that are currently in my system

 

[lsiberian]

I have been reading around the forums here for a few days, and I have seriously been considering getting an EMP 351 set, but there are a few questions that are holding me back from my decision.

Firstly I am definately sticking with bookshelf speakers, this system is primarily for my family, and it will be used for 95% HT, and 5% or less Music, I recall reading in a previous thread that perhaps a Klipsch Qunitet set would be better for HT.

Also, what exacly is the difference between the 351 and the 551? The sub appears to be less powerful though most people have commented that at some future point it would be worthwhile to upgrade that anyway even on the 351

Finally, there have been comments about requiring a fairly powerful amplifier to properly drive the 351 set. I currently have an HK AVR-247, would this be enough to drive the speakers properly? (I know the 50 watts rating is somewhat deceptive on the HK line)

I would like to keep the price under $600 but I would be willing to go higher, I am a little new to the Home Theater waters, even though I stalk around audio karma a lot for vintage stuff

Thank you for any help you can provide

You could also look into the infinity beta series of ebay. 4 Betas 20s one Beta 250. Throw in a dayton 10 or 12 inch and you got a nice system.

If you want something smaller look at getting a kef series off Vanns or Accessories4less.

As far as the receiver goes. HK's biggest issue is reliability not power or sound quality.Your 247 would probably rival the sound of many mid-fi amps and be perfect for driving EMPs, Kefs, Klipsch, or Infinity's.

If you want a really nice at your price range. I suggest you look on craigslist to see if any deals can be had on great speaker brands.

I put my 7.1 system together for under 600 and absolutely love it. Take a look at what I have and maybe you can glean something from it. Also look at the speaker company. They have a no risk in home 30 day trial.

 

[Caeberos]

what places do people on the forums use to demo speakers? I live in a Suburb of NYC so I suppose if I looked around I could find someplace that has a good setup. I am going to start looking into the Inifinity Beta's, thanks.