Speaker reccomendations for HT system

[markw]

Focus...

I am interested in a sub recommendation, the front firing one you mentioned seems like it may fit into the budget, along with the other speakers, over the next few months. Could you post a few options that fit within the general price range? Thanks

Who are you talking to and/or what's your price range for a sub?

 

[Jimbog22]

I am talking to everyone. I am going to have piece this system together slowly but surely. For the future purchase of a sub, I am looking to spend 200-300.

 

[markw]

Sales occur on occasion. Ask again when you're about ready for a sub but, be aware, you'll be pretty much in the enrty level area.

Here's a little something to read in the meantime. Some may be out of production and you might/probably will be able to find some cheaper prices on some but, hey, that's what Amazon and Google are for, right?

FWIW, the first one is the one I recommended.

 

[zieglj01]

I am talking to everyone. I am going to have piece this system together slowly but surely. For the future purchase of a sub, I am looking to spend 200-300.

Anything can happen between now and then - I would concentrate
on what you can do now. I would also aim higher than the little sat
speakers, that would sound better in a walk-in closet.

 

[jonnythan]

A sub worth getting will be expensive. An HSU STF-2 at $350 is the smallest I would get. I'd highly recommend a Rythmik FV12 or HSU VTF-2 though.

 

[Jimbog22]

I am looking to find a cheaper location to purchase my speakers. Any recommendations? Also, what is the difference between a CS2 and CS20 for my system. I do realize that the CS20 is meant for a newer system, however, would it be a better option for this setup? Thanks!

 

[jonnythan]

The CS20 is meant to match the TSi series of speakers, which are almost but not quite identical to the Monitor series. The CS2 should be paired with the Monitor 70s. The CS20 would go with the TSi500.

You will probably not find a cheaper place than Polk's eBay refurb store for the Monitor 70s. NewEgg sometimes has sales on the Monitor Series II, but the prices are about the same as Polk's refurbs. For example, their current sale price is $190 each or $380 a pair. Polk's eBay store price is $350 a pair.

 

[Jimbog22]

I wound up getting a speeding ticket, so there will be a delay on my speaker purchase. However, I do have access to a pair of Yamaha NS-A2835 Floorstanding Speakers for less than $100 dollars. Are these speakers worth purchasing/ is there a recommendation for a center to go along with these speakers?

 

[jonnythan]

Eh. I'd skip it. Probably won't sound very good and will be difficult to find matching speakers for.

 

[Matt34]

These speakers for now:

CBM-170 SE High Performance Bookshelf Loudspeaker

The HSU STF-2 sub that jonnythan suggested in a couple months.

Then the CMT-340 Center Channel a couple months after that.

A very solid 3.1 system (5.1) with your Bose as surrounds.

 

[Jimbog22]

700W 5.1 Speaker System MB9500+

Is this a half way decent system?

 

[jonnythan]

Ehhhh. Maybe, maybe not. Never heard of them and can't find any good reviews. You'd be taking a shot in the dark. They do look pretty high quality and have binding posts, though. So that's a good sign.

 

[markw]

Pinnacle MB 9500 blurb. You do realize that these are all 3" speakers, don't you?

After all that's been discussed, you're still bound and determined to get a setup of tiny speakers, aren't ya?

 

[Jimbog22]

I do still intend to purchase the Polk 3.0 unless I find a comparable speaker for a cheaper price. As I said, it will be a bit until I make my full purchase. I do appreciate all of the input, and am simply exploring my options.

 

[ahblaza]

Sales occur on occasion. Ask again when you're about ready for a sub but, be aware, you'll be pretty much in the enrty level area.

Here's a little something to read in the meantime. Some may be out of production and you might/probably will be able to find some cheaper prices on some but, hey, that's what Amazon and Google are for, right?

FWIW, the first one is the one I recommended.

I agree with Mark about the sub and also looking at tiny sats, you will not be happy
Amazon.com: BIC America F12 12-Inch 475-Watt Front Firing Powered Subwoofer: Electronics

That sub is hard to beat at the $200 price tag and Ascends 170 mains, I have these and they are impressive speakers, I moved them from surrounds and listened in a 2.1 setup and was amazed at the SQ and SPL produced. The 170's image so well I thought I had the center turned on but did not, this setup will give you many options to expand with an all Ascend setup including the 340 center when funds become available. Good call Matt with the 170's and 340 center. Hope this helps
Jeff

 

[Jimbog22]

Hey All, Here is an update. I have purchased one monitor 70, and a CS2, and will be picking up the other monitor next paycheck. one of my roommates is setting up the rest of the surround (for now) with a pioneer 5.0 system. I will look in to a sub after we get all of this set up. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[Jimbog22]

Note: I will post some before pics of the setup with the bose speakers, and will post along as the speakers come in, and the seating is installed/blackout curtains are hung/screen is built

 

[Jimbog22]

Hey All,

I have received the m70s and the CS2, and wired them up last night. The sound quality is significantly better than the previous setup (pictures will be posted of both, once the setup becomes more permanent). I have a few questions, however.

The first being; what are the advantages and disadvantages of bi-wiring (mentioned in the manual). I realize that this should improve the sound... but why/how/at what cost?

The second question being; for the current setup and speakers at my disposal, would it make sense to utilize the Bose 601's as rear speakers, or use a set of small pioneer(100W 8Ohm) wall mounted speakers (I do realize that small woofers; i.e. 2.5-3 inches; are not optimal for a system of this type)?

Third, is there a brand of speaker wire that provides exceptional clarity? (16 gauge)

Note: this is to be a temp setup, until higher quality surrounds are acquired

I appreciate any input! Thanks!

-James

 

[jonnythan]

Bi-wiring is a waste of time. Forget about it.

As for which speakers to put back there, try both and see if you prefer one or the other. Be sure you run the auto-calibration every time you alter the setup or replace a speaker before doing evaluations.

For speaker wire, take your pick of 14 or 16 gauge wire here: HDMI Cable, Home Theater Accessories, HDMI Products, Cables, Adapters, Video/Audio Switch, Networking, USB, Firewire, Printer Toner, and more!

 

[Jimbog22]

Bi-wiring is a waste of time. Forget about it.

But what is the concept behind it? Is there really any difference that is noticeable; some distortion or fogginess or something?