Energy 10.3 for a dorm?

[Chessie]

My son is heading back to college in a couple of weeks, and wants to take an audio system with him. He is on a very limited budget (aren't we all) so I've been looking around for something decent for the least $. He loves my sub at home - ( it's an old Adire Audio Rava sub that can blow you out of the room ) so he's convinced that I know more about them than he does. LOL So, I've looked around, and I see an Energy 10.3 for a reasonable amount. Question - it's a ported sub (mine is sealed) - how much difference will that make for him? My sub is in a large open room...he will be in a dorm - not a tiny room (he gets a bit bigger one this year) but still an enclosed room.

Also, are there any special things to be aware of as far as a receiver to go along with this sub? I haven't looked at receivers yet, but if this sub is a reasonable choice, then I'll start searching for the receiver and the other speakers. He'll be hooking up a TV/dvd player as well - that is my setup at home, and of course he thinks mom's setup is the bomb.

 

[lsiberian]

For a sub internet direct brands rule. The HSU STF-1 at only 300 is a better option than the Energy sub IMO.

For speakers check out the Infinity Primus series via harmanaudio.com.


For a receiver check out accessories4less.com they almost always have the cheapest price for receivers.

Don't put too much into a dorm system. A pair of Primus speakers with that HSU sub on a budget receiver should do wonders.

 

[theJman]

The Energy S10.3 is a very solid value, especially for the 200 and change Newegg usually sells them for. I suspect your son would be thrilled with it.

 

[Chessie]

For a sub internet direct brands rule. The HSU STF-1 at only 300 is a better option than the Energy sub IMO.

For speakers check out the Infinity Primus series via harmanaudio.com.


For a receiver check out accessories4less.com they almost always have the cheapest price for receivers.

Don't put too much into a dorm system. A pair of Primus speakers with that HSU sub on a budget receiver should do wonders.

I've heard good things about HSU before, but at $300, that would be a bit more than he can manage. Budget is 600 tops, so 200+ on the receiver, and then the rest on a sub and 2 speakers. That's the plan.

 

[Chessie]

For a receiver check out accessories4less.com they almost always have the cheapest price for receivers.

I'm looking for a NEW receiver. All those on that site are refurbished.

 

[Sheep]

For a sub internet direct brands rule. The HSU STF-1 at only 300 is a better option than the Energy sub IMO.

For speakers check out the Infinity Primus series via harmanaudio.com.


For a receiver check out accessories4less.com they almost always have the cheapest price for receivers.

Don't put too much into a dorm system. A pair of Primus speakers with that HSU sub on a budget receiver should do wonders.

That Energy model is actually quite competant. The 12.3 was actually up for going toe to toe with some of the lower end ID offerings (NSD series etc). Mind you, retail price hurt it badly at nearly a grand.

I would grab the S10.3 over the STF-1. It will dig deeper and have comparable if not a bit more output, not to mention be a bit less.

SheepStar

 

[afterlife2]

I'm looking for a NEW receiver. All those on that site are refurbished.

No worries they are basically brand new(no scratches or dents at all). I bought my Onkyo from them and never had a problem. Alot here on the forum have bought from them as well. They are a great company.
These receivers are a great value:
Onkyo TX-NR509 5.1-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less
or
DENON AVR-1612 5.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less
For speakers(I have them and love them):
Klipsch Icon VB-15 2 Way Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - Black 743878022827 | eBay
Center:
Klipsch VC-25 Center Stereo Speaker 743878020526 | eBay
Sub(I don't have this sub, but alot of people here recommend it):
Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer 300-629
All under $600.00.

I'm in a studio apt and this setup is great.

 

[jcl]

I have a pair of 10.3s and they are a great value. Newegg's price is currently $250, but they often have them for ~$200 so be patient.

Manufacturer's refurb is usually a brand new product that didn't meet QC at the factory and was repaired there. You have to check to make sure that is the 'refurbished' you are getting , but these can be a great deal. I know a number of people had issues with Denon refurbs in the past, but other brands have been fine.

If you must have new this pioneer vsx 522 is $180 at newegg -
Newegg.com - Pioneer VSX-522-K 5.1-Channel 3D Ready A/V Receiver

Sherwood also makes respectable avrs for < $200 and are sold at Newegg as well.

You have gotten some good speaker recommendations already. I agree with the Def Tech sm 350 or 450 or the Infinity Primus at this price range.

I wasn't clear, is the $600 budget only for receiver, speakers & sub?

 

[Jeff R.]

Don't forget to check your local Craigslist ads....there are always a few diamonds in the rough that could definitely make a solid investment.

 

[KEW]

I know a number of people had issues with Denon refurbs in the past, but other brands have been fine.

Personally, I believe the reason for these problems ties back to the agency selling the refurbs.
Denon used to sell through Damark and some other clearance house.
Now that Denon is selling refurbs through Accessories4less, I bet their satisfaction rates will be on par with other brands.

 

[jcl]

Personally, I believe the reason for these problems ties back to the agency selling the refurbs.
Denon used to sell through Damark and some other clearance house.
Now that Denon is selling refurbs through Accessories4less, I bet their satisfaction rates will be on par with other brands.

I think it was Dakmart and ECost that used to sell refurb Denons. While I don't think either dealer was good in handling issues (I think it was basically deal with Denon) if Denon was doing the refurbing then there should have been better quality control. The issues may be a thing of the past as I haven't seen complaints in a while.
I used to have a denon 1603 and liked it a lot. It offered good value and their latest offerings do too.

I haven't dealt with Accessories4less but I have heard nothing but good things about them. Dakmart and Ecost on the other hand...

 

[KEW]

I think it was Dakmart and ECost that used to sell refurb Denons. While I don't think either dealer was good in handling issues (I think it was basically deal with Denon) if Denon was doing the refurbing then there should have been better quality control. The issues may be a thing of the past as I haven't seen complaints in a while.

I haven't dealt with Accessories4less but I have heard nothing but good things about them. Dakmart and Ecost on the other hand...

Thanks for the name corrections!
Well I can offer two data points. I have a receiver and cd player from A4L and both work great and appear as new!