2 Bookshelves with a $300 budget!

[its phillip]

Another vote for the RC-10s while they're in stock

Instead of the RC-mini-cc, I'd buy another pair of the RC-10s if you didn't want to buy the LCR and just use one of them as a center.

 

[MisterK]

Another vote for the RC-10s while they're in stock

Instead of the RC-mini-cc, I'd buy another pair of the RC-10s if you didn't want to buy the LCR and just use one of them as a center.

From what I've read, if the RC-10 is used as a center, it would have to be standing vertically correct? If so, that would cover up half of my tv due to placement restrictions, lol.

 

[its phillip]

Yeah, it'd have to be vertical. Totally understandable if you don't have room for it. It wouldn't fit on my current stand either (I'm using an LCR)

You can get a little speaker stand (12-18" or so) and angle the speaker up, though.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

You can get a little speaker stand (12-18" or so) and angle the speaker up, though.

I don't think you need to angle the speaker up at all.

If it has a good 10 degrees vertical dispersion, dialogue should sound just fine if you are sitting back 10-15 ft.

 

[MisterK]

Any ideas where I could find an Energy RC Mini CC?
I'm really considering the mini CC because my dresser isn't really that large and a LCR would dwarf my 32 inch tv. Unless of course....I buy a bigger tv, lol.

Found some B stock RC mini surrounds for $150 tho.

 

[its phillip]

I dunno where you would be able to find one new since they've been discontinued for awhile. I dunno where Vanns keeps finding these RC-10s and RC-LCRs and soon the RC-70s though...

 

[MisterK]

Well, it looks like we have another contender here.

4 Superzero 2.0, super 8 sub, absolute center = $1050
Just about 100 bucks less than the cambridge setup.

Cambridge: Two S30, two S20, S50 center, $400 dollar sub = $950

I love this forum.

 

[its phillip]

I just noticed you had listed the Emotiva 10. Ignore that at $399 (plus I think it's discontinued until a new model comes out).

The Emotiva 12 is on sale right now for $429 shipped.

There are other subs worth looking at in the same price range:
HSU VTF-1 is on sale for $444 shipped
Elemental Designs A2-300 $415 shipped
Elemental Designs A3-250 $450 shipped

 

[MisterK]

Alpha,

I read the whole thread over on AVS started by zieglj01 regarding the S30. Since you said the Energy RC-10 wins but not by a large margin, I ordered the S30 because of value. I thought I'd give them a chance first and if I don't like what I hear, I'll order the RC-10.

I just hope my ears don't hear any better speakers out there for around $200 for a long time, or else I might just have the upgrade bug.

 

[alphaiii]

Alpha,

I read the whole thread over on AVS started by zieglj01 regarding the S30. Since you said the Energy RC-10 wins but not by a large margin, I ordered the S30 because of value. I thought I'd give them a chance first and if I don't like what I hear, I'll order the RC-10.

I just hope my ears don't hear any better speakers out there for around $200 for a long time, or else I might just have the upgrade bug.

Yeah, I prefer the sound of the RC-10, but didn't feel like it stomped the S30 in any way... other than looks. It's also built more solid... but the S30 is well built for the price.

The S30's do sound nice, and are a deal for $219.

 

[zieglj01]

I just hope my ears don't hear any better speakers out there for around $200 for a long time, or else I might just have the upgrade bug.

And if you like what you hear, and still wish for a little more - the modified
version will take it up another step - And, it is cheaper than spending $200
for a upgrade set of speakers. Good Luck!

Also, get some bumper feet that are more thick, than the ones that come
with it.

 

[MisterK]

And if you like what you hear, and still wish for a little more - the modified
version will take it up another step - And, it is cheaper than spending $200
for a upgrade set of speakers. Good Luck!

Also, get some bumper feet that are more thick, than the ones that come
with it.

Any other purpose for rubber feet besides preventing it from moving around?
Less vibration or something?

 

[alphaiii]

Any other purpose for rubber feet besides preventing it from moving around?
Less vibration or something?

Essentially yes... so less cabinet vibration is passed to the surface beneath...

You'll hear people refer to is as isolation or decoupling... and thick rubber feet, or neoprene, is a good way to achieve this.

 

[zieglj01]

Essentially yes... so less cabinet vibration is passed to the surface beneath...

You'll hear people refer to is as isolation or decoupling... and thick rubber feet, or neoprene, is a good way to achieve this.

It works, and it will sound better.

 

[MisterK]

Speakers sound amazing! Nice clean punchy bass, voices sound great, instruments are detailed. I've never had speakers this good and what a price too! I don't know how else to describe them. Thanks for all the input!

Now, next comes my surrounds. Last decision to make.

Should I get a pair of Cambridge S20 for $150
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_779S20N/Cambridge-Audio-S20-Noir.html?search=cambridge+s20

Or the Minx 10 for $160
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_779MIN10B/Cambridge-Audio-Minx-Min-10-Black.html?search=cambridge+minx

I'm guessing the minx would be more detailed and provide better highs? I'm leaning towards these guys.
Paired with a sub too of course.

 

[zieglj01]

Speakers sound amazing!

Now, next comes my surrounds. Last decision to make.

Should I get a pair of Cambridge S20 for $150
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_779S20N/Cambridge-Audio-S20-Noir.html?search=cambridge+s20

Or the Minx 10 for $160
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_779MIN10B/Cambridge-Audio-Minx-Min-10-Black.html?search=cambridge+minx

I'm guessing the minx would be more detailed and provide better highs? I'm leaning towards these guys.
Paired with a sub too of course.

I am glad that you like them
The S20 has a tweeter and will play down lower, and blend in better - the Minx has no tweeter.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

P163 back @ $85

Hey, the Infinity P163s are back @ $85 each on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313546107&sr=8-1

 

[LAB3]

Hey, the Infinity P163s are back @ $85 each on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313546107&sr=8-1

Nice little speaker........10-150 WPC I would go for these over the Cambridge
S-20 or the Minx 10.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For only $85 each brand new shipped, I don't see any other speakers on the planet that can touch these speakers in terms of measurements (Soundstage/NRC).

Anechoic NRC:
5-point Avg +/- 15 degrees response is 70Hz-80kHz +3dB/-2dB; the +3dB is ~ 800Hz, otherwise it's +/-2dB; 65Hz @ -3dB.

Even @ 60 degrees off-axis, the polar response is down ~ -6dB @ 10kHz, -8dB @ 1.5kHz, otherwise -5dB from 650Hz-9kHz.

Of course, I might add that speaker measurements are not EVERYTHING. I believe that higher-end speakers will sound better. But for $85 brand new, it's hard to beat.