5.1 + additional "room" ?

[Rupe]

Ok, so we just moved into a loft space and we're looking to setup a basic entertainment system with a small extension. I have an old H/K AVR 40 amp but nothing else.

The loft is essentially one long open space, with the living room area at the end. The living room area is about 11' x 18'.

I was looking at the Energy Take Classic 5.1 speakers, but I was wondering if there was anything that would work for our space under $300. Or would it not be worth the saving for the difference in quality?

To throw a wrinkle in, we'd also like to some how pipe music to 2 speakers at the other end of the loft for parties and such. Is there any decent way to split the front or rear channels to duplicate them? These speakers would end up being about 40' to 50' away.

Thanks in advance

Josh

 

[jcl]

That space is big and the budget is small - a difficult combination. I like the take 5 but it I think will get lost in that space.

You might be able to put together a system on the Pioneer budget line, but I'm not sure if they are efficient enough for that space.

If you have a Frys nearby they have the Infinity Primus 363 towers on sale for $200. I'd start with that and fill out the rest later. Newegg has the primus 153 bookshelves for $50 ea.

You will also want a capable sub in that large a space. Ideally you would end up spending several times your budget on the sub alone. So a real compromise will have to be made hear.

 

[Rupe]

I'm really not worried about filling the space. We currently just have a super cheep-o Magnavox stereo that a friend gave me and it actually does a decent job of filling the entire space.

Are there any recommendations for a 5.1 speaker set around $300, or are the Take 5 really that much better than anything else that it wouldn't be worth the cost savings?

Also, what are your thoughts on the powering of the 2 additional speakers? I'm willing to get an additional amp to boost the signal to them, but I don't know if even that is workable.

Thanks for your input

 

[jcl]

Are you sure the it's the Take 5.1 you're seeing for 300? There is also the Take 5.0 (minus the sub) which is advertised for that. The 5.0 is the better idea as the included sub isn't the most capable.

They only have 3" woofers, which will strain in your space if you try and get any volume. I know, I have a BA system that was great in a small space, but couldn't cut it when we moved.

The Infinity primus 153 on sale at NewEgg for $50 each is hard to beat. If you must have 5.0 on a sub $300 budget that's probably your best bet.

There have been a number of threads on inexpensive subs.

 

[Rupe]

No, we were looking at the Take 5.1 at $400, we were just wondering if there was anything cheaper that was worth considering.

Looking around I saw a recommendation for Dayton 12" sub from Parts Express. Looking a little closer on the site this looks like a very intriguing deal (the forums won't let me use links yet):
www . parts-express . com /pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-696

Are Dayton satellites OK or does Dayton only do decent subs?

 

[TulsaSKD]

If you can spend just a little more check this Atlantic Technology system out.

Atlantic Technology System 2200 Home Theater Sys

If you use the code "ATLOW" it bring the whole 5.0 set down to $329 and then all you will need a nice sub which you could save up and get later. These seem to be pretty great by the reviews and should give you more volume then the Energy setup.