5.1 HT speaker recommendations for $1000-$1250ish

[Athlon]

I'm trying to put together a HT audio system to go with my recent purchase of a 50" Pio Signature Elite plasma and would like to seek some sage advice. I'm very much a video snob, but less so with audio [taking cover]. However, I don't want to couple a cheap HTIB with my beautiful display. I live in a 1200sq ft apartment on the 1st floor of a row house. The living room (where the HT will be) is approximately 18x12. The movie/music split will probably be 75/25.

I've budgeted $400-$500 for a receiver and about $1000-$1250 for a 5.1 setup. As far as receivers go (I know, wrong forum, but I'd appreciate any comments) I'm looking at the Pio VSX-01TXH, VSX-1019, Onkyo 607 and 706.

For speakers, I've come up with the SVS SBS-01 5.1 system with 12" sub and the Axiom Epic Midi 125. Also through an uncle who own an electronic store, I can get a Yamaha 525 5.1 set for about $1000 at cost. The MSRP of the Yamaha's is certainly a lot higher, but I was unable to find useful reviews of them and wouldn't be surprised if the SVS or Axiom systems outperformed them despite the $ difference. However, the Yamaha set would be the only set with full tower mains.

The Axiom's and Yamaha's are certainly better looking than the SVS system, but SVS seems to have a strong following. Also, how much of a step-up would the SCS-01 system be over the SBS-01s?

Thanks for any advice and recommendations. Feel free to suggest other alternatives as well.

 

[ack_bak]

For your front 3 speakers I would recommend stepping into the SVS SCS-01 speakers as your front 3 speakers if you can stretch your budget just a little bit more.

Here is another option in your price range as well (but the SVS sub you are mentioning is going to be a better sub):
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast1.html

I have the SVS SCS01 speakers and love them.

I am sure that other people will have other ideas as well.

 

[GrandLotus]

I own the Pio VSX-01TXH and it is great. MY father has owned several onkyo recivers, but my Pio VSX-01TXH has taken the cake. The pio will let you expand your system into a 7.1 if you ever feel like investing into two more speakers down the line.

 

[ack_bak]

I agree regarding Pioneer and Onkyo. In the late 90's I purchased a higher end Sony receiver and it was nothing but a huge PITA. It had several problems that Sony could not fix (they were completely incompetent and their customer service was very poor). I ended up selling it for a huge loss and bought an Onkyo. I have been a big fan of Onkyo ever since. I have yet to have any issues with any Onkyo receiver that I have purchased (I have owned since 1999). But I also like Pioneer receivers and would definitely recommend them.

 

[ErnieM]

Hsu 5.1

I am still shopping myself for a 5.1 system. Here's a price quote from Hsu:

2 front: HB-1 MK 2 Rosenut
Center: HC-1 MK 2 Rosenut

2 rear surrounds: VT-254 plain black

Sub: VTF-3 MK 3, also plain black as it's going in a corner.
Only the front three need to have the nice finish.

Price: $1380.15. Shipping to the Chicago area is an add'l $178, and most of that is the sub, of course!

This comes in just above your price range of 1250.

Any comments on anyone about this versus SVS which others are recommending to the OP?

ErnieM

 

[lsiberian]

I will like clock work suggest 3 pairs of Behringer 2030p's and a good DIY subwoofers or an SVS sub.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHB2030P 3 pairs for 450

search around for a price match and they will beat it. I don't see any other system coming close to that deal.

Then you will have 600 to 800 left for a sub.

If you can driver to Arizona. Matt 34 is selling 2 sick subs for 800 bucks. If not I suggest you search audiogon for a deal on a used SVS or some other beast for 800 you can get a really nice used sub usually.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1246559810&/SVS-PB12-Ultra

That's an example of a great sub.

For your receiver I suggest you look at a nice Denon, Onkyo, HK, Marantz, or Yamaha

 

[Athlon]

Thanks for the replies.

How about some comments on the following options:

5 x behringer truth 2030p's (approx $375) plus SVS PB12-NSD ($525) = $900

VS

Ascend CMT-340SE mains and center w/ CBM-170 SE rears ($1000) plus SVS PB12-NSD ($525) = $1525

Has anyone heard all of these speakers? How much of a step-up in performance would there be to the Ascends? Would the price/performance still favor the 2030p's? I'm a tad concerned about using the 2030p's for a HT setup, as they are near-field monitors, but supposedly they offer a great bang for your buck. I wish I could go sample the Ascends in a store. Comments?

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the replies.

How about some comments on the following options:

5 x behringer truth 2030p's (approx $375) plus SVS PB12-NSD ($525) = $900

VS

Ascend CMT-340SE mains and center w/ CBM-170 SE rears ($1000) plus SVS PB12-NSD ($525) = $1525

Has anyone heard all of these speakers? How much of a step-up in performance would there be to the Ascends? Would the price/performance still favor the 2030p's? I'm a tad concerned about using the 2030p's for a HT setup, as they are near-field monitors, but supposedly they offer a great bang for your buck. I wish I could go sample the Ascends in a store. Comments?

Thanks again for the advice!

I would say the behringers would win, but you get them in pairs usually. The behringers are excellent studio quality speakers. Don't worry about words like near-field monitors. What matters most is the quality of the enclosure and drivers. The Behringers have excellent performance in both areas. And they should easily fill your room with sound. They are also easily upgraded to sound better. Wmax details this numerous times.

Axiom makes nice speakers though. And some my prefer their finish. Does Axiom do in home trials?

If so you can get a pair of those and a pair of behringers and try for yourself. Remember to use music. It's the easiest way to tell a speakers quality.

 

[fredk]

That Axiom system would make a very nice budget HT. I use the M2s as dual centers, but have listened to them in stereo a few times. They have a stunning midrange and very good upper end.

Here is a recent review of the M2 where it compares very well agains Paradigm Mini monitors and Aperions Intimus B5 bookshelf. I think the reviewer nails it when he talks about the neutral presentation of these speakers.

Yes, Axiom does have a 30 day in home trial period.

The only thing I would change in that system is the sub. The 125 is a dated design and just isn't enough for HT. I would replace it with something like the SVS PB10NSD, or if you want to stick with Axiom the EP350v2.

Conversely, the QS4 surrounds are the icing on the cake in this system. Axiom makes some of the best surrounds in the industry.

 

[Tex-amp]

Jump on Ascend Acoustics' moving sale. With the free shipping it is roughly 20% off. http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=4000

The 340s are a better speaker than those Behringers. You are getting SEAS with the Ascends.

 

[cynan]

For a Budget of $1250, I woul be inclined to recommend the HSU Enthusiast 1 or Enthusiast 2 package. Both 5.1 HB-1/HC-1 mk2 systems. The Enthusiast 1 comes with the VTF 1, while the Ethusiast 2 with the VTF 2. I would think the VTF-3 recommended above might be a bit overkill for apartment living. However, the VTF-1 may be a bit underpowered if you are able or want to play loud. The VTF-2 is very similar to the VTF-3, but with less output.

hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast1.html

hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast2.html