Suggestions for a Living Room Home Theater Setup

[audioholic212]

Annunaki,

Thank you for those suggestions. Just one question. Now, I am thinking of getting a good set of front speakers and then, a good sub. I probably will end up not getting the rear and centers for atleast a while. Do you suggest getting something like SVS PB12-NSD (I have read some very good reviews of this one on this forum), or do you suggest a PAIR of subs? If latter, why so?

 

[annunaki]

A single high quality sub is always nice. However, I believe that to get proper integration with a single sub, an eq such as the Behringer Feedback Destroyer or DCX2496 is necessary to work it into the room. Now some do not like to get too involved with EQ's & frequency plots and such and prefer a simpler route.

That is where two subs of good quality can come into play. Properly placing two subs can be easier than using an eq with frequency plots when trying to integrate the bass response in the room.

With my experiences in home theater, I have found that identical matching speakers tend to offer the best performance for a seamless sound field. Good mains are nice, but in a living room scenario that will primarly be used for movies, I would opt for 5-7 really good quality bookshelves an two subs.

I would do the high quality speakers in an area I plan to relax & listen to music in and really enjoy it. An office/library/sitting room situation or something.

 

[audioholic212]

Hi, I have done some research and I am thinking of getting Onkyo TX-SR806. Anybody have any inputs on this particular receiver?

Thank you.

 

[BoB/335]

I've heard that Onkyos can overheat if not properly ventilated. Most furniture to hold equipment today is open shelved so that there is a lot of ventilation. If you plan are using a unit that has enclosed shelving you should look further into theoverheating issue. I have NO personal experience with this. Just something I heard.

I have heard good things about Aperion speakers. They have 30 home trial and free shipping BOTH ways.

Axiom also has some very good reviews and has free shipping to you and a reasonable return shipping if you choose to return them.

I am very new to this so take everything I say with that in mind. Not sure why you are getting so many opinions for bookshelves. I would certainly get towers for the mains in that size room not even considering the breakfast area. Towers will better fill that size room and give good souns back in the breakfast area. Sounds like you will be like me and have the same room for TV/Movies and Music Listening. Some here would like for you to buy two systems. (No comment) Since both Movies and Music will be used in the same room I would concentrate my efforts to a good Music system. A good HT sytem may not reproduce music to as high a fidelity as a good music system. But good music system will do wll for HT.

I did not do as much listening as I probably should have. I liked the sound of Paradigm Studio 60's. I have read in many places that Axiom M80's sound very similar to Studio 100's which in the next level up from the Studio 60's.
Along with many excellent reviews of their products was testimony to great customer service and a very helpful forum.

Be aware that some receivers don't work well with 4ohm speakers. Luckily the receiver I bought at Christmas goes well with the Axiom M80's 4 ohm load.

My speakers should be shipped any day so I can't "swear" how good they are. Just how I came about my decision. There are a few on this forum that don't care for Axiom but that will happen with any brand.

So to end this long post I purchased a Denon 2309 for $599. Pair of M80's, pair of QS8's, VP-150 center channel, and an EP-350 sub all purchased through their Factory Outlet Store with a discount plus a discount for 5 or more pieces came to $2596. Close to your total budget. Last minute upgrade for me was to go with their EP-500 sub for $400 more. I went over budget and I'm sure most do.

Many have suggested other subs as a better deal and they may be right.

I am certainly not recommending this system over anything peviously suggested. Except I will suggest again to go with towers in the front for that room.

 

[audioholic212]

Bob,

Looks like these TX-SR876 and TX-SR806 (I am considering either of these) do power 4Ohm speakers (Please see the attached thumbnail).

Also, I am planning to get an open or good ventilated (very low height too) stand for all the AV gear.

And yes, I will be using the living room ONLY for my Audio and Video needs. I am NOT going to get a media room made out of the open game room I already have (altough it is prewired for speakers).

I have one question though for anybody who can answer.

The only major difference I can see between 806 and 876 is the Video UpConversion algorithm ??? (I probably got that wrong) is , HQV Reon vs DCDi Cinema.

But, I have a good upconverting player Oppo DV-980H already. Do I need the upconversion and anything else that the 876 gives me above 806 that is worth 370.00 dollars? (Price difference is 370.00 in Amazon).

Edit: Oh Yeah, forgot to mention. The 806 is 130W/Channel and 876 has 140W/Channel. I am guessing that won't matter as far as my HT setup will possibly go.

Thank you.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I will be testing the ability to integrate two very different subs, with a simple EQ device, later today or tomorrow. Right now my DIY sub runs all over my expensive consumer level sub but I am curious if the EQ can even them out. The Servo will be back up for sale after it fails this test. Results to follow in a new thread.

A single high quality sub is always nice. However, I believe that to get proper integration with a single sub, an eq such as the Behringer Feedback Destroyer or DCX2496 is necessary to work it into the room. Now some do not like to get too involved with EQ's & frequency plots and such and prefer a simpler route.

That is where two subs of good quality can come into play. Properly placing two subs can be easier than using an eq with frequency plots when trying to integrate the bass response in the room.

With my experiences in home theater, I have found that identical matching speakers tend to offer the best performance for a seamless sound field. Good mains are nice, but in a living room scenario that will primarly be used for movies, I would opt for 5-7 really good quality bookshelves an two subs.

I would do the high quality speakers in an area I plan to relax & listen to music in and really enjoy it. An office/library/sitting room situation or something.

 

[annunaki]

Hi, I have done some research and I am thinking of getting Onkyo TX-SR806. Anybody have any inputs on this particular receiver?

Thank you.

The 806 is great receiver. It was very well reviewed in HT Magazine recently.

They should be well ventilated as should any receiver/amplifier.

 

[annunaki]

Bob,

Looks like these TX-SR876 and TX-SR806 (I am considering either of these) do power 4Ohm speakers (Please see the attached thumbnail).

Also, I am planning to get an open or good ventilated (very low height too) stand for all the AV gear.

And yes, I will be using the living room ONLY for my Audio and Video needs. I am NOT going to get a media room made out of the open game room I already have (altough it is prewired for speakers).

I have one question though for anybody who can answer.

The only major difference I can see between 806 and 876 is the Video UpConversion algorithm ??? (I probably got that wrong) is , HQV Reon vs DCDi Cinema.

But, I have a good upconverting player Oppo DV-980H already. Do I need the upconversion and anything else that the 876 gives me above 806 that is worth 370.00 dollars? (Price difference is 370.00 in Amazon).

Edit: Oh Yeah, forgot to mention. The 806 is 130W/Channel and 876 has 140W/Channel. I am guessing that won't matter as far as my HT setup will possibly go.

Thank you.

You are on a budget. The 806 will suit the needs. 10 watts will not be audible between the two. Diminishing returns my friend.

 

[DD66000]

Hi, I have done some research and I am thinking of getting Onkyo TX-SR806. Anybody have any inputs on this particular receiver?

Thank you.

I'll jump in here 3 pages late. imo there are any number of AVRs better than Onkyo, as far as sound quality goes; HK, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha for starters.
Next forget a power conditioner, mostly a total waste of money. I bought a $500~600 Monster conditioner about 4 years ago. I had it in/out of the system for 30 days, I never saw or heard any improvement in the video, and audio. Took it back to BB. You only need a good surge protector for maybe $40.
As for speakers, there are many good ones in the price range of $1000~2000/pr. The better the speakers the better the system will be, and building up a system over time with a good pair of mains first is really a good way to go.

Depending on if you get full range towers and what ones, you could for go a sub until later. Full range towers can't replace a sub, but if you find really nice towers, that are a bit more than you were thinking of spending, then you could hold off on a sub for awhile, as you're already in the mind set of building the system over time.

One the other hand, there are really some outstanding "bookshelf" speakers that would require a sub. I put bookshelf in parenthesis as some are quite large. You really want a bookshelf speaker that doesn't wimp out on the mid-bass. I've been running 3-way bookshelf "towers" for 30 years that have outstanding mid-bass to go along with very good highs and midrange. And can always pick out the sat speakers that can't deliver good mid-bass.

 

[audioholic212]

DD66000,

Thank you for that input. The reason I was going for Onkyo is that I thought (by reading some reviews) that they are the best bang for the buck. Anyway, have been researching more and I see that Denon 2809CI looks like it would be future proof for my requirement. There are some open boxes on onecall.com for 876.00 and I plan to get that one. Any input?

Thank you.

 

[AVRat]

The 2809 is a good choice.

 

[jostenmeat]

I have one question though for anybody who can answer.

The only major difference I can see between 806 and 876 is the Video UpConversion algorithm ??? (I probably got that wrong) is , HQV Reon vs DCDi Cinema.

-Audyssey multEQ XT
-Beefier power supply
-ISF controls
-Dual HDMI outputs

But, I have a good upconverting player Oppo DV-980H already. Do I need the upconversion and anything else that the 876 gives me above 806 that is worth 370.00 dollars? (Price difference is 370.00 in Amazon).

Only you can answer that. The 876 has the most flexible video calibration/processing anywhere near its price point, however, it still can't touch an outboard video processor.

 

[annunaki]

To the OP, please don't forget that speakers and subs make the biggest difference when it comes to performance of an entire system. I usually suggest 60%-70% of the budget be spent there. Many times this can be forgotten when it comes to individual component selection. The audible performance difference on the same set of speakers/subs from say a Denon 589 to a 889 would be modest at best. The convenience & processing (video) features are typically what costs more. That is why I would suggest a powerful, value packed receiver such as an Onkyo.

This is why I suggested the Onkyo TX-SR706. A closeout 805 would be a great option as well. Many of the higher end options are nice, but on a budget, most should go to what matters most, the speakers & subs.

 

[audioholic212]

Annunaki,

Thank you. I will consider your suggestions.

Anybody know if KEF is still selling iQ speakers? Do they make good floorstanding speakers (as well as the center speaker?).

 

[audioholic212]

Also, I have a question. I am supposed to be auditioning all the speakers that I can find. But, frankly, there are only some speakers that are in the Best Buy or Fry's, like, Polk Audio or Bose (don't worry, I am not gonna get Bose), and Velodyne. Not much more than that. If I lookup a dedicated audio store for DFW (Dallas/ Fort Worth) online, frankly, they talk about B&W's and speakers that cost a lot more. I haven't been to dedicated audio store in DFW yet though. So, I cannot possibly audition those. So, what is my best bet? Just get something online like Aperion or PSB and return their speakers if I don't like them?

I bet I will like them, since, I am not exactly sure what I should be looking for in a good speaker.

PS: I decided on buying the SVS PB12-NSD for the subwoofer. Haven't decided on the AVR yet (Thinking of Denon 2809).

 

[lsiberian]

Also, I have a question. I am supposed to be auditioning all the speakers that I can find. But, frankly, there are only some speakers that are in the Best Buy or Fry's, like, Polk Audio or Bose (don't worry, I am not gonna get Bose), and Velodyne. Not much more than that. If I lookup a dedicated audio store for DFW (Dallas/ Fort Worth) online, frankly, they talk about B&W's and speakers that cost a lot more. I haven't been to dedicated audio store in DFW yet though. So, I cannot possibly audition those. So, what is my best bet? Just get something online like Aperion or PSB and return their speakers if I don't like them?

I bet I will like them, since, I am not exactly sure what I should be looking for in a good speaker.

PS: I decided on buying the SVS PB12-NSD for the subwoofer. Haven't decided on the AVR yet (Thinking of Denon 2809).

There are several places in the DFW area to audition.
http://www2.kef.com/us/Retailers

Look up places there. Chances are if they carry KEF they will carry other top brands too.

the KEF iQ series is amazing and going for a very good price at accessories4less. You can get a full 5.0 set with a matching receiver for about 1000 dollars. That leave you the rest to spend on the subs, display, furniture.

Onkyo receivers are not lower in SQ than other receivers IMO I don't think you can really go wrong on a receiver if you stick to Onkyo, Yamaha, Marantz, or Denon so go with the best deal. The 705 is going for 400 at accessories4less. It's a very nice receiver. For a receiver go for the most features and best connections. You can always get an amp if need be later down the line.

Make sure you buy 2 subs and not just one. Or if you are smart you can build your own subs. There is a build on this site that will smoke any commercial sub you are probably looking at. If you are lazy then just get a full SVS set and buy a 2nd sub. I think most people could be satisfied with that.

 

[lsiberian]

Just get a set of SVS speakers with two subs.

You don't seem to be picky and I think those speakers paired with an Onkyo 705 receivers would satisfy you and fit your budget. Plus you would have extra money for a blu-ray or something.

 

[Midcow2]

ideas

Get power conditioner from Audioholics for $149:
http://store.audioholics.com/product/717/66232/apc-av-h15-1-5kva-h-type-power-conditioner---silver


Where is your TV in relationship to your fireplace.

Possiily use a second zone for speakers to breakfast nook 27 feet away.

As previously said try to audition speakers and see what sounds best to you.

A good rule of thumb spend 1/3 ( ~$1,000) on AVR and 2/3 (~$2,000) on speakers. You might want to concentrate on fronts and center, They should match for seamless sound; timbre.

You have already received some good AVR recommnedations: Onkyo, Marantz, Yamaha, Pioneer , Denon.


Buy cables form either monoprice.com or bluejeanscables.com. Locking Banana plugs make it a lot easier to connect and to change things WHEN you upgrade.

Good Luck!

Marantz 5002 - $579
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=207390544&listingid=19512848&dcaid=17902

One possibility ~

Power conditioner APC H15 -$149

Two BP7004 towers @$849 each = $1,798
http://www.definitivetech.com/Products/products.aspx?path=Speakers%20By%20Series|BiPolar%20Series&productid=BP7004

One CLR2300 center speaker =$649
http://www.definitivetech.com/Products/products.aspx?path=Center Channel Speakers&productid=C/L/R2300

Cables and banana plugs =$100


Total = $2,726

Add sub and surround speakers later.

Good luck!

MidCow2

P.S.- You can typically get 15-20% off the Def Tech MSRP

 

[annunaki]

Annunaki,

Thank you. I will consider your suggestions.

Anybody know if KEF is still selling iQ speakers? Do they make good floorstanding speakers (as well as the center speaker?).

Kef still does the Q series speakers including floorstanders.

 

[audioholic212]

Does anybody use MTS-01 system from SVS? $4099.00

Here is the link.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-mts01.cfm