Noob looking to spend < $1,500 for HT system

[dmh96ss]

Hi-

I've been searching through the forums and since the room is so odd I figured I better post something.

Here is a video of the living room:

I'm looking for a 5.1 system that is somewhat user friendly. If I had to buy today I'd get the Onkyo 9400 HTIB and not use two of the speakers.

Interested to hear what you think the best bang for my buck would be.

Thanks!

 

[agarwalro]

Nothing wrong with the Onkyo HTIB, but, with $1500 you can do better. You're going to need a much bigger subwoofer than the bundled sub and more than one to fill that space with bass.

 

[Matt34]

I'd start with something like this and upgrade as needed.

Infinity P253 Home Theater Package

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'd start with something like this and upgrade as needed.

Infinity P253 Home Theater Package

like AH store on FB to get extra 10% off

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Infinity Primus package looks great to me. Better than any HTIB.

I like Infinity and Yamaha. Great stuff. And with another 10% off, sweet.

 

[afterlife2]

I suggested this to another member: Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less
Fronts: EMP Tek E5Ti Tower Speakers
Surround: EMP Tek E5Bi Bookshelf Speaker
Center: EMP Tek E5Ci Center Channel Speaker
Maybe this Sub sale: Amazon.com: Velodyne VX-11: Electronics (I'm sure some members will chime in with more).

 

[dwh]

Denon 1612, $250 (Crutchfield)

Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 6 piece HT set $719 (open box special) (Crutchfield)

eD A3-300 $600

$1569 with two subs

 

[dmh96ss]

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far. I looked at the infinity setup and the only thing that wont work is the floor standing speakers. The wife will only allow hanging the four speakers on the wall as long as they're not huge so the smaller the better. The center channel will go on the matel and the sub by the couch.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[cpp]

Speakers:Infinity Primus or the EMP Speakers noted. You can't go wrong with either for the price.

 

[dmh96ss]

Just did some more searching what do you guys think of the Orb Mod1 speakers for the fronts and rears?

I could get four of them for $480 (msrp).

 

[agarwalro]

Just did some more searching what do you guys think of the Orb Mod1 speakers for the fronts and rears?

I could get four of them for $480 (msrp).

IMO, they are not going to do justice to that space. Additionally, they aren't particularly good value for money.

Gov's Ascend 340 LCR listed in sale section
2x Ascend CMB-170 for surrounds
Onkyo 609 as recommended by Afterlife
2x Premier Acoustic PA-150 - $450 each, but you can make them a lower offer

Since the total is slightly over budget, parse it over time and go in this order,
LCR + Receiver + One sub; Second sub; Surrounds

The final result will be well worth not going for a full setup at the onset.

 

[Grador]

If you decide to set things up piecemeal, which may be a good idea depending upon the quality you want in the end, I would suggest a possible different order. Depending upon the speakers I might go for surrounds before the center. This goes strait out the window if you get an LCR package, which would be fine too if you found a deal. I would set up the LR (and probably first sub at this time) and decide which you think subjectively would add more to the soundstage, a center or surrounds. Continuing with this method of "what do i think will add the most?" may do you better than adding in a discrete order.

 

[Beatmatcher247]

It is always easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

 

[dmh96ss]

Getting ready to pull the trigger and here's what I'm thinking thanks to the suggestions so far.

Onkyo 609 <--my only question is I don't think this has Bluetooth and it seems like this would be a nice option to have for streaming Pandora through my phone.

Emp Tek E5CI Center Channel

ED A3-300 Sub

Get this hooked up then add in the surrounds. I realize you guys dislike small speakers (for good reason) but if you had to what compact speakers would you go with?

 

[Matt34]

If you want some small HTIB-like speakers I recommend these:

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TL350-5-Channel-Theater/dp/B004FTJAIA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1334337072&sr=1-3

I have the model down (TL2) and they really do sound great with a sub crossed over at 110-120hz. Add a HSU STU-2 sub and the Onkyo AVR and you'll have a very good, compact system.

I would not recommend the eD subs at this time.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Getting ready to pull the trigger and here's what I'm thinking thanks to the suggestions so far.

Onkyo 609 <--my only question is I don't think this has Bluetooth and it seems like this would be a nice option to have for streaming Pandora through my phone.

Emp Tek E5CI Center Channel

ED A3-300 Sub

Get this hooked up then add in the surrounds. I realize you guys dislike small speakers (for good reason) but if you had to what compact speakers would you go with?

Audio thru bluetooth will never sound good, you'd better off streaming pandora from TV or natively from AVR - many support this including Onkyo 609

Not big fan of eD sub - they are build very well and have a long of bang, but they are not very musical/transient - keep in mind eD starting by selling subs for car where audio design objects are very different

I'd suggest for PA-150 for sub. You should place offer for about $350

3 Front speakers must be of same brand/series. You could mix and match with surrounds and sub, but not with the lcr speakers

If Infinity towers are no go - get P152 bookshelfs for crunchfield on sale (open box)
Or if budget allows - High End Speakers & Stereo Equipment | Subwoofers, Home Theater Systems are highly regarded for smaller speakers which sound and measure very well

 

[dwh]

Please read these 20 1 star reviews on Amazon before pulling the trigger on the Onkyo 609. I ignored them, and purchased it anyway from Crutchfield who had the lowest price at the time. Fortunately, I got it from crutchfield, as around day 40 I started having hand shake and HDMI pass through issues. Their 60 day return policy saved me from having to deal with Onkyo. I'm dropping a few extra shells and getting a Marantz.

 

[dmh96ss]

The Polk TL350 setup looks great. I definitely would prefer the system is robust, if Onkyo is known for troubles what company builds the most relaible product in my price range?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

The Polk TL350 setup looks great. I definitely would prefer the system is robust, if Onkyo is known for troubles what company builds the most relaible product in my price range?

Marantz 5005 on ac4l.com

 

[dmh96ss]

You guys have good luck with refurb receivers?