budget system

[nelly]

Would you piece together a speaker system, bookshelfs + sub and center channel, or go with a 5.1 speaker system. I heard the energy take classic 5.1 system is really good for the money But at the same time I could spend more money, but slower, and get a pair of decent bookshelf speakers (leaning towards kef c1's or paradigm atoms) + sub (polk psw10?) then add a center channel and eventually surround rears. Which route would you go? Suggestions on speakers would be good too
Thanks

 

[dkane360]

A strong majority of people are going to suggest that you piece together your system slower using better components than just buying a 5.1 speaker package (such as the energy you suggested).

 

[njedpx3]

Would you piece together a speaker system, bookshelfs + sub and center channel, or go with a 5.1 speaker system. I heard the energy take classic 5.1 system is really good for the money But at the same time I could spend more money, but slower, and get a pair of decent bookshelf speakers (leaning towards kef c1's or paradigm atoms) + sub (polk psw10?) then add a center channel and eventually surround rears. Which route would you go? Suggestions on speakers would be good too
Thanks

Paradigm Atoms are very good ( look at the Cambridge Audio S30 also $199 per pair http://www.digitalcraze.com/Details.asp?Source=Froogle&ProductID=3969). Get a matching center.This maintains timbre (a seamless front sound) and provides the dialog for movies and TV. The best match is three of the same speakers or a center that is designed for the fronts.

If you want an very good inexpensive sub to start with I would recommend a Dayton Sub-120HT for $155 http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-635 Later when you decide to get a better sub you can get a SVS or Hsu.

Also, later you can get some front towers and mover you current fronts either Paradigm or Cambridge Audio to the surround position.

Good Luck!

The Forest Man


P.S. - I will be putting a small stereo system in my woods cabin using the S30s my main HT system will still be a my house.

 

[nelly]

A bit off topic but a while back I remember hearing the kef kht 2005 and kht3005 systems on display and was really impressed, even more then the polk tower setup they had. That's probably the reason why I was leaning towards the kef c1. How would the performance of these bookshelfs (kef c1/atoms/s30) compare?

 

[njedpx3]

A bit off topic but a while back I remember hearing the kef kht 2005 and kht3005 systems on display and was really impressed, even more then the polk tower setup they had. That's probably the reason why I was leaning towards the kef c1. How would the performance of these bookshelfs (kef c1/atoms/s30) compare?

I know both the Atoms and S30 have excellent sound. I am unfamiliar with the KEF C1s and there are not very many reviews that I could find on them.

However, the best speaker sound is going to be your decision. So if possible, try to audition the speakers before buying with the music you like to listen too and a setup similar in size to what yours will be.

Good Luck!

Forest Man