$1000 Best bang for your buck setup

[Protostar1]

Hello Audioholics,

I am a new member so please be kind as I am not familiar with this forum. Anyway, I am not sure I can yet call myself an "audioholic", however, I do appreciate a good sound system and can tell the difference between the $100 ebay junk and a nice Axiom or whatever high end audio you prefer. While I know I could spend much much more, my budget is approximately $1000 for a 5.1 theater setup and a receiver.

I am in the process of building a computer with the Logitech Z5500 sound system to be independent of this theater setup. I am going to stream movies and music directly from my computer to my theater setup as they are relatively close and I would prefer avoiding wireless streaming. I would like your advise on how to best route from a computer to a theater sound system receiver. The TV portion is simple with a GTX275 GPU and an HDMI cable. The sound routing is not as simple. I may need an independent sound card in order to do what I want to do unless any of you are familiar with the Z5500 and know of a pass through that would allow me to connect the receiver through those speakers as an output. Currently thought I plan to operate without a sound card and use the onboard 8.1 audio chipset (ASUS P6T Deluxe V2 motherboard).

My original plan was to purchase the EMP HPT-351 (pair of large towers, pair of bookshelf speakers, center channel, and a 10" sub). However, I no longer see them listed anywhere for the ~$700 they were a few months back. If anyone knows where I can get this setup (or the RBH/ Destination audio equivalent) for a similar price, let me know. I know Destination has the $1000 deal but thats my whole budget without receiver. I was looking at a Yamaha receiver as recommended by Audioholics.

There are two issues there, my number one is what theater system to buy (or assemble) and your advice on connectivity between a PC is secondary. Thanks guys and I look forward to getting to know this forum!

 

[shadyJ]

With that motherboard, I don't think you have to go out and buy another sound card. It has optical, digital coax, and 1/8 analog outs. The logitech can accommodate any of those, so I would run optical out to the logitech, and the HDMI to the receiver. I am not sure how the sound drivers would act when you use the HDMI on the video card to playback audio, but worst case scenario is you have to switch the driver you want to use for audio playback. In XP this only takes a few seconds.

For a complete system at $1000, I would budget $300 to receivers and the rest to speakers. One receiver for roughly $300 is the Denon AVR 590, (75 wattsx5, HDMI 1.3a, Auddyssey, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio) I see a sale on these for $255. But there are a lot of good receivers that can be had for $300, ask for recommendations in the receiver forum, you will get a lot of good advice.

Probably the best deal you can get with a full speaker package for a modest sum currently is with The Speaker Company, they have a bunch of different speaker systems for under $700, just look in their packages section. They are reputed to be very high quality speakers for the money. There are, of course, many other good speaker systems, and for other suggestions you should ask for advice in the speaker forum. If you do ask for advice there, be sure to mention the dimensions and characteristics of your room, they do have a big effect on sound and you will be given much more helpful advice if you can specifically describe what you want and what your situation is.

 

[lsiberian]

The best setup is a subjective term. This is how I put up a setup in your price range. I start with the best budget speakers

Wmax likes the Behringer 2030p. Because they can be modified to the hi-fi level I really like this kind of option. They go for around 150 a pair so I realize I would need 3 pairs for a 5.1 setup. I could probably sell off the extra speaker or make it a spare.

That would be 450 for the speakers. Now on to the subs.

Many would do a single 300 dollar sub, but I like the idea of doing dual subs in any room. For 300 I can get a pair of Dayton 12s shipped from the AH store. When funds permit down the road I could add in Behringer Feedback Destroyer to eq them and have amazing potential.

That would be around 750 spent total.

That leaves 250 for the receiver. An HK 247 costs 205 shipped from the Harman Audio Store. Just put in a 180 best offer. Though I'd try to win a 254 for around 200 first.

There are lots of speakers to choose from of course but this setup would be better than most people you know have. As almost any setup ever recommended here is going to be good bang for your buck I don't think you can go wrong.


Now if you like your tunes. Then I have a different idea and it involves a pair of great towers paired with a nice old stereo receiver. Seriously consider this.

 

[m_vanmeter]

hands down, the best tower speaker system on sale at the monent is this offering from Jamo http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/144763/9_1_-1_103__0_0_0_-1/

Add an Onkyo SR606 or 607 receiver, or a Yamaha V565 or V665 receiver and you have a system under $1k. When the budget recovers, add a powered subwoofer.

If you are even considering the Jamo system, you don't have long to think about it. A smaller system using the E660 towers for all 4 has already sold out.

You can also buy the speakers you might want individually (slightly more expensive) if you don't want tower surrounds http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/-1/9_1_-1_103__0_0_0_-1/

 

[Protostar1]

It seems like there is no consensus, granted with only three responses. Anyway, I can't write a long post this moment, but I like the looks of that Jamo system. However, I am living in an apartment and hauling speakers that large would be a bear. Also, I would really like a sub with the system right now. I have no bias towards EMP/ RBH/ Destination but they have a 5.1 setup that is small and has a 10" sub for like 400-500 (dont remember the name but it is in the Audioholics store) that seems like what I am looking for. I will find it and post it later if you guys dont know what I am referring to. Thanks for the advice so far!

 

[aarond]

for $1k this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9999109700050000&st=Save_on_Select_Yamaha_and_Klipsch_Audio_Packages&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=pcmprd109800050000 is a decent system

 

[adwilk]

for $1k this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9999109700050000&st=Save_on_Select_Yamaha_and_Klipsch_Audio_Packages&lp=1&type=product&cp=1&id=pcmprd109800050000 is a decent system

Thats a decent price for the sum of the parts, but I wouldnt dare spend my money on that based on what else has already been listed.

 

[septim]

Personally I think that the Infinity Primus P362 is an amazing sounding speaker. Considering that Fry's occasionally offers them for $99 I would get a few of those if you can get them at that price.

 

[Protostar1]

The best setup is a subjective term. This is how I put up a setup in your price range. I start with the best budget speakers

Wmax likes the Behringer 2030p. Because they can be modified to the hi-fi level I really like this kind of option. They go for around 150 a pair so I realize I would need 3 pairs for a 5.1 setup. I could probably sell off the extra speaker or make it a spare.

That would be 450 for the speakers. Now on to the subs.

Many would do a single 300 dollar sub, but I like the idea of doing dual subs in any room. For 300 I can get a pair of Dayton 12s shipped from the AH store. When funds permit down the road I could add in Behringer Feedback Destroyer to eq them and have amazing potential.

That would be around 750 spent total.

That leaves 250 for the receiver. An HK 247 costs 205 shipped from the Harman Audio Store. Just put in a 180 best offer. Though I'd try to win a 254 for around 200 first.

There are lots of speakers to choose from of course but this setup would be better than most people you know have. As almost any setup ever recommended here is going to be good bang for your buck I don't think you can go wrong.


Now if you like your tunes. Then I have a different idea and it involves a pair of great towers paired with a nice old stereo receiver. Seriously consider this.

Now I have a minute to process these responses

I know "best" is a terrible word to use but you guys got the meaning. I am looking for a "good as it is" 5.1 setup, not necessarily something I am going to add to or update simply because I have 5 speakers now not 2 good ones and wait.

To clarify my use for this system further and hopefully narrow your advice, 2/3 TV/ Movie and 1/3 Music. I will use music on the speakers more than the average home theater but TV is still the primary function. In addition, the room is approximately 15'x18' (total guesstimate), so not huge.

lsiberian, I looked at the speakers you recommended and have no issue aside from buying an extra speaker (could I use it in 6.2 or is that such an uncommon audio format its not worth it?). I am relatively unfamiliar with audio installation and receivers in general. Can you just hook up 5 speakers to the various position ports on the back of the receiver and be on your way? Can you do basic calibration with the receiver you recommended? I always thought there was a reason to putting smaller speakers in the rear as it is not primary sound, would there be any balance issues with have 5 identical speakers for a 5 channel setup? Also, would the receiver be able to run 5.2 or would the two subs simply be chained together distributing identical sound? Based on my room size I would think I want those slightly smaller Dayton subs and save myself $40. The speaker sets are also now $130 a pair so I am happy as far as the budget goes.

If anyone else has more ideas on connecting a PC to a receiver AND a PC sound system I'd like to hear.

Id love recommendation on cabling (monoprice?) and speaker stands!

Thanks guys so far for a place to start!

 

[Protostar1]

Thats a decent price for the sum of the parts, but I wouldnt dare spend my money on that based on what else has already been listed.

My friend has that sub and while very powerful, I didn't think it was especially clear. Almost overpowered sounding though that was likely due to the environment the sub was in (small room terrible acoustics). I have no problem with Klipsh (sp?) or that setup in general but I would like to circumvent nearly 10% sales tax if at all possible. I would rather keep my $100 thank you

 

[shadyJ]

If it isn't a long run from the receiver to the logitech, you could run a cable going from the pre-out on your receiver to the logitech, so you sort of daisy chain the signal. That would be awkward if the receiver isn't nearby the PC sound setup though.

 

[Protostar1]

If it isn't a long run from the receiver to the logitech, you could run a cable going from the pre-out on your receiver to the logitech, so you sort of daisy chain the signal. That would be awkward if the receiver isn't nearby the PC sound setup though.

Unfortunately There is likely a ~50ft route between the speaker set and the receiver but assuming I can use a digital IR cable thats only like $20...

 

[PhillyDan1969]

hands down, the best tower speaker system on sale at the monent is this offering from Jamo http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/144763/9_1_-1_103__0_0_0_-1/

Add an Onkyo SR606 or 607 receiver, or a Yamaha V565 or V665 receiver and you have a system under $1k. When the budget recovers, add a powered subwoofer.

If you are even considering the Jamo system, you don't have long to think about it. A smaller system using the E660 towers for all 4 has already sold out.

You can also buy the speakers you might want individually (slightly more expensive) if you don't want tower surrounds http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/-1/9_1_-1_103__0_0_0_-1/

Not trying to highjack this thread, but honestly how good are these Jamo speakers, say compared to your typical Klipsch or Polks??? I am helping my dad get a basic home theater set up and that price is very tempting!!!

 

[lsiberian]

Personally I think that the Infinity Primus P362 is an amazing sounding speaker. Considering that Fry's occasionally offers them for $99 I would get a few of those if you can get them at that price.

The best place to get Primus speakers is from the Harman audio store on ebay. They sometimes go for less than the fry's price. Just an FYI

 

[lsiberian]

Now I have a minute to process these responses

I know "best" is a terrible word to use but you guys got the meaning. I am looking for a "good as it is" 5.1 setup, not necessarily something I am going to add to or update simply because I have 5 speakers now not 2 good ones and wait.

To clarify my use for this system further and hopefully narrow your advice, 2/3 TV/ Movie and 1/3 Music. I will use music on the speakers more than the average home theater but TV is still the primary function. In addition, the room is approximately 15'x18' (total guesstimate), so not huge.

lsiberian, I looked at the speakers you recommended and have no issue aside from buying an extra speaker (could I use it in 6.2 or is that such an uncommon audio format its not worth it?). I am relatively unfamiliar with audio installation and receivers in general. Can you just hook up 5 speakers to the various position ports on the back of the receiver and be on your way? Can you do basic calibration with the receiver you recommended? I always thought there was a reason to putting smaller speakers in the rear as it is not primary sound, would there be any balance issues with have 5 identical speakers for a 5 channel setup? Also, would the receiver be able to run 5.2 or would the two subs simply be chained together distributing identical sound? Based on my room size I would think I want those slightly smaller Dayton subs and save myself $40. The speaker sets are also now $130 a pair so I am happy as far as the budget goes.

If anyone else has more ideas on connecting a PC to a receiver AND a PC sound system I'd like to hear.

Id love recommendation on cabling (monoprice?) and speaker stands!

Thanks guys so far for a place to start!

I think you're on the right track.

The only concern is that you make sure your center channel is vertical if you go the behringer route. AH has an article that explains centers very well I suggest you read it.

The HK 247 has The EZset EQ system that sets up all the speakers for you. It's much simpler than Auddysey, but the crossovers are bunk on almost any auto setup so you'll want to manually set those.

The receiver isn't without faults and doesn't always play well with cable boxes or tv tuners. This is a common issue for HDMI devices though. My Onkyo 705 had similar issues.

Still for the price and power you get it's a good receiver IMO.

6.1 is certianly doable, but can be problematic for couch placement. Most like to put theirs close to the wall.

For subs I would suggest a 10" at least. I use a 10" dayton atm. It works fine for me and my room.

 

[m_vanmeter]

"PhillyDan1969"
Jamo speakers are owned by Klipsch and the company is located in Denmark. If you do a review search I think you will find they are well liked quality speakers. Certainly equal or better than mid range Polks.

 

[MidnightSensi]

In your budget, I'd recommend looking into going the 2.1 route. I think you'd get a better home theater experience even. Also, if you buy a 1000 dollar 5.1 setup, you'll probably end up wanting more pretty soon, but if you buy a 2.1 setup in that pricerange, you'll have good enough speakers where you can grow the system (add a center channel, then rears, etc.) as budget permits.

Just something to ponder.

 

[Protostar1]

I think you're on the right track.

The only concern is that you make sure your center channel is vertical if you go the behringer route. AH has an article that explains centers very well I suggest you read it.

The HK 247 has The EZset EQ system that sets up all the speakers for you. It's much simpler than Auddysey, but the crossovers are bunk on almost any auto setup so you'll want to manually set those.

The receiver isn't without faults and doesn't always play well with cable boxes or tv tuners. This is a common issue for HDMI devices though. My Onkyo 705 had similar issues.

Still for the price and power you get it's a good receiver IMO.

6.1 is certianly doable, but can be problematic for couch placement. Most like to put theirs close to the wall.

For subs I would suggest a 10" at least. I use a 10" dayton atm. It works fine for me and my room.

PhillyDan, hijack away, I have no problem with people asking different questions as it will likely inadvertently help me with mine.

Midnight Sensi, at this point I would really like a 5.1/ 5.2 setup as I like the surround of multiple speakers and honestly probably do not want to screw around with adding to this system in the future. However, I would still like to hear your opinion on a 2.1 in this price range that allows for future expansion. I can be swayed haha.

lsiberian, I did a few quick searches on the Behringer 2030ps and I was not immediately impressed with community response to them. I saw a number of people (including in either one of your threads or one you commented on) questioning the quality of those speakers and the company in general. I was a little confused regarding what was going on in the AH thread about these speakers so forgive me if you already have your defense for the speakers in that thread. However, what specifically do you like about those speakers? I enjoy a loud system while watching a movie or listening to music (I like to "be there" ), do the Behringers have a good, clear high output or will they struggle in certain ranges? Would you recommend a center channel speaker to compliment 2 pairs of Behringers?

What is the real advantage to 2 sub setup opposed to a uni direction single sub?

Septim, what Fry's is selling those speakers for $99pr or even each?! On ebay they are $400+ a pair.

Also, is the AH store going to be the best place to purchase this type of gear or am I better off scouring the web?

Thanks a lot guys for your help and opinions!

 

[WmAx]

lsiberian, I did a few quick searches on the Behringer 2030ps and I was not immediately impressed with community response to them. I saw a number of people (including in either one of your threads or one you commented on) questioning the quality of those speakers and the company in general. I was a little confused regarding what was going on in the AH thread about these speakers so forgive me if you already have your defense for the speakers in that thread. However, what specifically do you like about those speakers? I enjoy a loud system while watching a movie or listening to music (I like to "be there" ), do the Behringers have a good, clear high output or will they struggle in certain ranges? Would you recommend a center channel speaker to compliment 2 pairs of Behringers?

What is the real advantage to 2 sub setup opposed to a uni direction single sub?

I am best qualified to answer questions pertaining to the B2030P, as I was the one that analyzed this speaker and suggested it originally on this site.

I recommend the B2030P based purely on objective build quality and measured performance - compared to other speakers in the relative price range. Nothing less than about 4x the price, actually compares overall equally with the B2030P. The cabinet is built better (double thick front baffles, relative stiff side panels), the drivers are better (huge motor on the mid-bass, cast alloy frames, high measured performance), the crossover is superior (all film capacitors, very large gauge inductors for very low core saturation at high input signals), and the measured response is extraordinary for the price. A relatively flat response, good waterfall response (demonstrating low stored energy levels in the drivers/crossover) and an extreme wide off axis response (frequency response remains nearly identical even through the treble band, up to very far horizontal angles). You would have to (seriously) spend around $2000 for a 5 channel set of speakers that compare favorably with the B2030Ps, which will cost you under $500. Based on measured/objective factors. In addition, you can improve the B2030P by fixing some minor over looked issues common with mass produced speakers. For example, you can fix some air leaks around some gaskets, you can some superglue and remove the vibration present in the magnetic can shield on the woofer and you can replace the internal acoustic absorption material with a superior material for a more defined mid-range. These speakers are ideal for a small to medium size room. However, for a large size room, you need a speaker with more output(SPL). Ascend CBM-170SE speakers cost about 2x as much as the Behringers, but can reach SPLs about 6dB(2x) of what the Behringers can manage due to the more advanced motor designs used on the drivers. You will give up mid-range resolution with the Ascends(due to much more resonant cabinet) compared to the Behringers and the Ascends will sound more harsh (as they have a raised upper treble band) and the Ascends have a worse off axis response(then again, very few speakers match the off axis response of the B2030P). So, there is a trade off for that increased SPL. If you want to have both the SPL increase AND retain the fidelity level, you will have to spend much more.

-Chris

 

[Protostar1]

Wow, thank you for that very technical response, I really do appreciate a scientific analysis especially regarding things like audio setups.

My only hangup with the Behringers is their lack of aesthetics. I hate to bootleg a solution to that, but maybe screening stapled to them Any ideas to make them prettier??

I am liking the Jamo's the more I look at them. $488 for 4 towers and a center channel, $220 for a HK254, and a single (for now) 12" Dayton Sub coming to $860 (free ship on I think everything). Do you all have any more thoughts on those or places I can read up on them?

Thanks again guys!