Cheap system for the mancave/garage?

[LitoGeorge]

So while I am awaiting final feedback for the house setup, I was wondering about purchasing a cheap and cheerful system for the garage.

22ft long, 20ft wide, usually one car in there. No wall space is really unoccupied. Couch, wall shelves, and in front a 18ft wide workbench that extends 8 feet down the adjacent wall, with lots of tools on pegboard above the workbenches. Space underneath is occupied by vacuum/compressor/storage on wheels/ etc.

I'm just finishing hanging ceiling, so there's no real space in there to do much cable wise.

System:

1) Thinking of just stereo speakers, tied to a cheap receiver perhaps? Music from by Mac/iPad/iPhone.

2) Alternatively, perhaps this system that seems cheap! Newegg.com - Energy Take 5 Pack 5CH Home Theater Speaker System

Of coure then I may need some bass, and all those speakers might present a space challenge...

Any thoughts?

Considerations:

a) I dont need/want to rock the house down - seriously. Quiet neighbourhood, keep it that way

b) Budget less than $400 hopefully (maybe even find some Craiglist or similar cheapies?)

c) Just want a fun pleasant noise while I work on the Jeep or sit on the couch drinking a nice cold one.


Would love your thoughts! Tx - George.... edit: would a photo of the garage help? Not looking for high fidelity mind..

 

[jcl]

The Take 5 are small speakers. While they do sound remarkably good for their price they will not play loud or low. If you really needed surround sound in a small room with a small budget they are hard to beat. I think they'll get lost in that room.

In your case you have a relatively large room and are looking for stereo. Good budget speakers like Infinity Primus or the Andrew Jones Pioneers are your best bet. Probably in towers or maybe bookshelves.

Then an inexpensive avr, or maybe a stereo receiver.

 

[zieglj01]

Sherwood receiver
Sherwood RX-4109 Stereo Receiver Component in Stereo and Surround Sound Receivers | JR.com

Onkyo receiver
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8255/Onkyo-TX-8255-50-watts-2-channel-Stereo-Receiver/1.html#!more

HTD Level Three
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-three-speakers/Level-THREE-Bookshelf-Speakers

Infinity Primus
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355944954&sr=8-2&keywords=infinity+primus

Boston CS26
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836218021

 

[afterlife2]

These are on sale. Just get them.
Pioneer Andrew Jones SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Loudspeaker - 2 Way, 55Hz-20kHz, 80 W, Gold 5-Way Binding Posts at TigerDirect.com

 

[agarwalro]

Keep the clutter down by getting self powered speakers like, Behringer Truth B1031A. You will need a sub to complement them.

I got the smaller version. They are loud when needed and highly accurate at moderate listening levels.

 

[bikemig]

Powered speakers get my vote as well; I'd look at the Audioengine A5s as well.

http://www.onecall.com/audioengine-a5-black-pr-open-box

Edit: btw, if you want to focus on a 2 channel rig that is set up for streaming from a mac/ipad/iphone (per your post), then you can think of something like the Onkyo TX 8050 which has multiple digital inputs, an apple express (connect it to the receiver using a mini-toslink to toslink cable), and a pair of passive speakers.

You are going to want a dac with the AE express; the Onkyo TX 8050 is the least expensive stereo reciever with digital inputs. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UR486G/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=12116363739&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9378017181780830451&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_4gq0hh29ur_b

 

[LitoGeorge]

Wow! Thanks guys, lots to consider. I will respond properly to your suggestions as soon as.

 

[macddmac]

Got mine at a Garage sale!!
Onkyo integra tx ds- 838 receiver from the late nineties - 25.00 kicks a$$ Polk rt 25i's 30.00 for the pair on the look out for a sub, but it sounds great in my 3-car garage as is
Cheers, Mac

 

[agarwalro]

$400 on Craigslist can go a long way. Where are you located?

 

[hizzaah]

$400 on Craigslist can go a long way. Where are you located?

That's where I'd be looking if I were him. Got all my ascends and vtf3.3 for just 100 more than that

 

[LitoGeorge]

Wow! Those are truly good prices. I am in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Our local popular web list is a thing called Kijiji - not as good as Craigslist for true treasure I must imagine, but will keep an eye out.

I just saw a free pair of JBL speakers there. Maybe a bit of time and patience will "hook me up".

 

[agarwalro]

Here are a few options to consider (I'm leaning towards the AR Speakers + Denon Stereo Amp),

Logitech Wireless Boombox

Energy Take Classic 7.0 + Yamaha RX-V659 700W 7.1 AVR + add subwoofer later

AR Acoustic Research P428 PS speakers + Denon DRA-697CI Stereo Receiver.

 

[LitoGeorge]

Holy Smokers! Thanks mate - that looks good. I cant do jack for the next few days (family has descended) but thought I'd respond.

Merry Christmas!

 

[agarwalro]

Holy Smokers! Thanks mate - that looks good. I cant do jack for the next few days (family has descended) but thought I'd respond.

Merry Christmas!

Cheers Mate and Merry Christmas to you too! Family first is the good way to be .