5.1 speaker advise needed

[cyto]

Hi everyone this is my first post here but I have been listening for a while.

I have an Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver, Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray, Hitachi P505602 50" Plasma, Dish HD and Sony SS-MS5 5.1 speaker system.

My listening is either movies or the Sirius channels on Dish.

I am going to upgrade my speaker system, budget $600. I am looking at getting complete system, like Klipsch HD 500 retail $599 can be had for $450, or going with separate components and starting with 2 or 4 Behringer B2030P speakers.

Recommendations?

Thanks

 

[bandphan]

How large is your room? What's lacking with your current setup?

 

[cyto]

The listening area is 12'wide x 16'deep but the area behind is open to the kitchen.

I am just looking for better sound, I have had the Sony 5.1 speakers since 2001.

This is going to be my Christmas present from my wife, I got the Onkyo for my birthday this summer.

 

[bandphan]

The listening area is 12'wide x 16'deep but the area behind is open to the kitchen.

I am just looking for better sound, I have had the Sony 5.1 speakers since 2001.

This is going to be my Christmas present from my wife, I got the Onkyo for my birthday this summer.

I understand that. Personally Id but your budget towards a new sub as that would probably have the biggest impact over/with your current setup, then start adding speakers like the behringers as money becomes available. Getting a good sub that can handle low and mid bass will be a big improvement in the perceived sound. 2.1, 3.1 with decent speakers and a good sub is better than 5.1 with less than stellar products like the particular Klipsch system you mentioned (going that route would almost be lateral )

 

[cyto]

I want better bass and mostly midrange, I was thinking of using 2 Behringers (or something similar) to replace the R & L front and maybe get a better sub. Or just replace the center and get a better sub.

 

[bandphan]

I want better bass and mostly midrange, I was thinking of using 2 Behringers (or something similar) to replace the R & L front and maybe get a better sub. Or just replace the center and get a better sub.

You on the right path with those thoughts. Start with LR and sub, running a phantom center. This sub has been getting good reviews for the price and output. Or this would be better and it would mean upping your budget a little with shipping and 2 2030s.

 

[bandphan]

You should also check out the Infinity Primus series speakers at the AH Store, many consider them an exceptional value.

 

[zieglj01]

At Audioholics store or Crutchfield - Infinity P152 bookshelf,
PC250 center and at Crutchfield PS210 subwoofer. This will
keep you at $600. This would be a good Christmas present
from your wife. You can save up for surrounds.

 

[sholling]

I'd invest in a good sub first and then save up for a pair of P162s. The Behringers sound good but are too homely for a gift.

 

[zieglj01]

At Audioholics store or Crutchfield - Infinity P152 bookshelf,
PC250 center and at Crutchfield PS210 subwoofer. This will
keep you at $600. This would be a good Christmas present
from your wife. You can save up for surrounds.

I just saw the Emotiva Ultra 10 Sub - I would take the Infinity PS210 sub
out of the line up and check on the Emotiva. This will still keep you in the
budget around $600. If you decide, then you may have to buy early - as it
seems that Infinity is changing to the new series and the Emotiva is on sale.

 

[cyto]

Which do you think is a better deal?

Infinity PS410 @ $399

or

Emotiva Ultra sub10 @ $289

 

[sholling]

Which do you think is a better deal?

Infinity PS410 @ $399

or

Emotiva Ultra sub10 @ $289

You gave a room size of 16x24 which is about 1700cuft, plus the kitchen area. I think you need to size the sub for 2500-3000cuft. If you're in a home where you can crank up the volume I'd look for something like Hsu Research VTF-2 (on sale for $510). If you're in an apartment or condo then I'd look at a STF-1 ($350) and place it on an Auralex SubDude or Gramma.

 

[zieglj01]

IF your budget will alow you to move away from the Infinity sub -
then do so. I only suggested the Infinity because of your budget.
HSU is an experienced subwoofer company. For a bargan, Emotiva
is worth looking at - and they are on sale. Having a 30 day return
policy is a nice thing.

 

[cyto]

I ordered an Infinity PC250 center and two P152 for the RL front. I am going to research the sub issue a little more.

The HSU STF-2 looks very interesting, does anyone here have one?

 

[bandphan]

I ordered an Infinity PC250 center and two P152 for the RL front. I am going to research the sub issue a little more.

The HSU STF-2 looks very interesting, does anyone here have one?

so what is going to be your final budget for the sub/s?

 

[shadyJ]

I used to own a STF2, terrific little sub, it might do well for you. If you are sitting in the center of the room, it might struggle a bit, but if you are sitting against a wall or surface, it should do fine. I would still pick that over the Infinity or Emotiva sub.

Bass gathers along a room's boundaries, and if you want bass while seated in the center of a room, you need to have enough air displacement to pressurize the entire room, as the center of the room will be where the bass is weakest. On your budget, I don't think that can be done, so for you it's all about subwoofer placement with respect to seating positions. If you go with Hsu, they will assist you with finding the best place, just send them a sketch or a description of your room, these guys really understand the acoustics of bass.

 

[cyto]

so what is going to be your final budget for the sub/s?

$400 max including shipping/tax/etc..

 

[bandphan]

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1289572120&/SVS-20-39-PCi

 

[Pyrrho]

Hi everyone this is my first post here but I have been listening for a while.

I have an Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver, Sony BDP-S360 Blu-Ray, Hitachi P505602 50" Plasma, Dish HD and Sony SS-MS5 5.1 speaker system.

My listening is either movies or the Sirius channels on Dish.

I am going to upgrade my speaker system, budget $600. I am looking at getting complete system, like Klipsch HD 500 retail $599 can be had for $450, or going with separate components and starting with 2 or 4 Behringer B2030P speakers.

Recommendations?

Thanks

What I would do is spend the $600 on just a subwoofer (and I would go with SVS). Then next year for your birthday...(I think I need not complete the sentence).

Basically, you don't want to buy something that you are only going to want to replace all over again, so buy as good as you will ever want, and don't replace anything until you have the money to do that. It will save you money in the long run if you follow my advice.

 

[bandphan]

^ this was my original thought as well as others that posted. The impact of a good sub goes a long way in the ht experience. Adding good inexpensive speakers is an easier purchase. The Epik legend should be a great sub at the 499 price.