3 speaker surrond?

[bdogfish]

Hey guys/gals
I had a great 6.1 system that I had sold to fund schooling I will plan a new setup soon but was wondering if a 3 speaker (2 fronts and 1 center channel) can work for a surround effect. I know that a 6.1 or a 7.1 is great and will tackel the job but I am curious as if anybody has a set up as I am asking. I am thinking about having the two fronts include powered subs within the cabinets (floor standing) and a good center cannel to match. Can anybody give me some input if this can be done and as to what speakers will work best. Thanks...

 

[markw]

ain't gonna happen...

With your setup you'll get a great front spread but no surround sound at all!

Unless you buy one of those packages that "do it all" with one speaker or the like (Yamaha YSP 1000 or 800*), you're gonna need those surrounds.

* Even these have their limitatons.

 

[j_garcia]

I've done it. It works, but it definitely does not give you the same effect as a surround setup. I'd opt for a 4.1 setup (phantom center) before a 3.0 setup.

 

[Sheep]

I've done it. It works, but it definitely does not give you the same effect as a surround setup. I'd opt for a 4.1 setup (phantom center) before a 3.0 setup.

Agreed.

SheepStar

 

[Bee-Man]

I ran 3.1 for a while during a renovation period - and would not hesitate to go that route again if for any reason I couldn't hook up the rear surrounds..

With every respect, the centre speaker and the sub are to my way of thinking the most critical components within the HT system.

In short, the sound was pretty good (about 80% of the full system I would say) but what you get is a sound effect like you are in a movie theater, as say compared to the true surround effect....

Similar to the Yamaha YSP's (which are pretty good and even better in the right room with a sub).

I think you might be pretty happy with it if the subs within your floorstanders are sufficient.....

Might not be a surround effect, but still is a pretty good home theater sound - and you can always add some rears to it when in a position to do so.

Good luck.....

 

[bdogfish]

Thanks guys for the reply, I am now at a lost as to what speakers would fit best with what I plan to set up. Any suggestions as to what would fill the bill.

Budget $4,000 to spend, help anybody???

Thanks

 

[billnchristy]

RS1ks and RSC200

www.av123.com

If you dont want powered woofers there are many more options. You can get a real nice full system for 4k.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Don't be afraid to put your speaker budget into only the front three and a sub. You can always add the surrounds later. The majority of your sound comes from the front. For now you can pick up a pair of the insignia three way speakers at best buy for $20, or any cheap basic speaker to use as your surrounds until you can afford something nicer. This will allow you to have nice speakers up front and surround sound for now. There is nothing wrong with piecing together your system. In the long run you'll end up with a much better setup.

Jack

 

[Bee-Man]

With 4K - you can buy a lot of sound....

Assuming this is just for movies (no music) I don't think there is better value than either the SVS 5.1 package or a Hsu Ventriliquist (the VT2-MK2 sub) package.....

Sure there is much better sound on the market...but the law of diminishing returns comes into play for mine...

For music - a dedicated amp with two speakers is how I would spend the rest of that 4K...and would be looking at second hand components....

Just my two cents....

 

[j_garcia]

$4K for speakers only or the entire system? Either way, that would be a decent budget.

 

[bdogfish]

4k just on speakers, I know I can get a good surround 5.1 or 7.1 for that but if you had 4k what would be best. A great 3 speaker fronts with powered subs or not, and a separate sub? Or is there any great 5.1 set up that will be spent well within my budget. I plan to run the speakers on a Denon 3805. What do you guys think? I want a good floor standing with matching center for music and movies. Any info guys pass them along.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I'm partial to Paradigm and PSB offerings (your budget puts you right in the big-boy leagues with Studio® and/or Stratus® series offerings). Go with a 3rd party subwoofer merchant (Hsu Research, SVSound, Velodyne) for best results.

 

[j_garcia]

Nobody can tell you what would be best, YOU have to listen and find speakers you like.

Well, since you're in Daly City, I'd take a trip over to Music Lover's in Berkeley and listen to their offerings. Then you will get a good idea of what that kind of money is going to buy you. I'd place focus on a single GOOD sub (SVS, HSU, etc...) and a solid front 3, and then add whatever surrounds the rest can buy. Music Lover's does carry Paradigm, so I'd probably listen to the Studio line.

 

[bdogfish]

Thanks, I will do...