2.1 Channel Setup Help

[dc_519]

Hey gurus, its my first post .
As the title says I need some help on picking and setup of equipment for a 2.1ch setup. I have decided to only do 2.1 because of the limited space I have right now. For future purposes I will be switching over to a 5.1 or 7.1 setup.
Are there any speakers I could use for my 2.1 setup and then also incorporate them into one of the other setups? I am able to get a pair of Paragon Pro Series PS-9180 floor standing (no idea if they are any good). I will also be needing a reciever which will allow for the different setups aswell. According to my price range I am looking at mid-entry level components. Going through the forums brands come to mind such as Sherwood, Onkyo, Yamaha, which seem to produce good quality products at a fair price. Im not to sure what else to say, but any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[krzywica]

First we need to know what your price range is exactly. This site is awesome for helpful advice and you wont find a better one for advice if you are unsure of what to get. I googled your speakers and all I found were baseball mits. Did you mean paradigm maybe? anyhoo I'm sure you would be very happy with a yammy or sherwood, a few other brands include outlaw, denon, pioneer elite (Check on this site I think they just did a review on an entry level pioneer), and harmon kardon. I have a yamaha and I love it. As far as 2 channel speakers go your can get towers or bookshelves, it depends on how much room you have. If you get bookshelves you can always upgrade to towers later and use you bookshelves for surrounds in a 5.1-7.1 setup. Some good speaker companies are Athena, axiom, paradigm, ah hell there are just too many to name before you have a set price range. I have athena's all round (6.1) and I love em to death.

 

[krzywica]

here is the pioneer review from this site

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/avhardware/PioneerVSX-815ReceiverReview1.php

 

[markw]

2.1 isn't difficult at all.

Start out with a pair of mains you can live and grow with. That takes care of the "2" part.

When I say to grow with, I mean those that offer a matching center speaker. But, be aware that there may be a time limit whereby that matching center may no longer be available new.

Now, choose the best sub you can afford. Look for one with the most flexible setup options and, most important for your current setup, one with two line level inputs. You can't combine two stereo channels into one subwoofer input.

Likewise, speaker level inputs are pretty standard and may be useful depending on your chosen receiver/amp.

As far as the amp/receiver goes, if you follow the above advice you'l be pretty welll set for anything you choose.

You indicate that you are going two channel so I'l assume a two channel receiver. If possible, go for one that has a preamp output or, even though it's not too common, a subwoofer output. This will allow you to use the crossover on the sub to determine and set the optimum low pass point for your system. If worse comes to worst, you can always use the sub's speaker level inputs and some people swear by these.

Of course, if you go for a multi channel HT receiver, you'll have a LFE output and that will simplify your life somewhat. You'll have to read the manual to see how to integrate the sub into the picture.

 

[dc_519]

lol...thats hilarious, baseball glove. As far as the budget goes...that is a tough question, because I am also a student. Lets just say I want components that get the job done. I'd rather pay more for speakers and sacrifice some dollars on the reciever. I was also looking into getting a 5.1ch HTIB. Also I am in Canada, so I can really benefit from those deals you Americans have ...lol. Right now I am using my Altec Lansing computer speakers on my dvd player, but it functions as if there were regular 5 speakers plus the sub. No Surround, also I wanna switch them back to comp cuz the games just dont seem as fun. If I could get a reciever and speakers for $300, that would be awsome, but I say max $400 budget. And then there is always the option of saving more money yada yada, but Id probably end up spending more the longer I save? Make sense? Anyways thanks for the reply krzywica & markw.

 

[tbewick]

I have to say that I don't recommend 2.1 set ups, particularly for music. I'd suggest getting a really good pair of full-range stereo speakers instead. I'd bet you'd get better sound if you bought a good pair of £1000 stereo speakers rather than getting a £500 pair + a £500 subwoofer.

 

[dc_519]

I guess after looking at the cost, the only way to fit my budget would be a HTIB.

 

[Spiffyfast]

I guess after looking at the cost, the only way to fit my budget would be a HTIB.

Well, if you leave out the sub, its a workable budget. Get a decent receiver in the $200 dollar range and get a pair of book shelf speakers that go low enough for decent music.

Pioneer VSX515 for $179 and free shipping
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4035735

Bic DV62si Book Shelf speakers $120.94 and free shipping
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006JPDI/qid=1124371206/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/104-6141203-7629528?v=glance&s=electronics&n=507846

So you'll have a 6.1 receiver and a great set of bookshelves that have some bass to them. Later you can add the rest of the set and get some floor standing speakers a center and a sub, more the DV62's to the surrounds and you will have a great setup.

 

[jaxvon]

Not so sure about that Pioneer Spiffy...I think the 815 would be a better investment.

Have you also considered Athena and the lower ends of the Paradigm lines? Since they're Canadian, you should be able to get some good deals on them.

That said, I still favor the BIC speakers (as I have them). Great deal, really.

 

[Spiffyfast]

Not so sure about that Pioneer Spiffy...I think the 815 would be a better investment.

Have you also considered Athena and the lower ends of the Paradigm lines? Since they're Canadian, you should be able to get some good deals on them.

That said, I still favor the BIC speakers (as I have them). Great deal, really.

I agree, the 815 would be better suited, but would be above the total budget of $300 didnt notice the max $400, yeah the 815tx would be a much better piece of equipment for not alot more money.

 

[dc_519]

thanks for the advice guys. I will be looking into all those products suggested.