5.1 Speaker setup suggestions ~$1500 w/Denon AVR-2800

[wertdaman]

I got a Denon AVR-2800 (85W/ch) handed down to me and would like to pair with some decent speakers. My budget is ~$1500, and I definitely want floor standing speakers up front, probably bookshelves in back. My primary use will be TV/movies and occassional music. Any input is appreciated. Also, one specific question I have is with respect to any setup, I would expect to get the surrond speakers from the same manufacturer & series, but what about the subwoofer, is it worthwhile going to more specialized manufacturers for it?

Thanks
James

 

[Ryan8886]

Welcome, James!

First thing you should do is go audition some speakers at a local store. Conditions are usually not optimal, but that will give you an idea of what sound you like. Just because one ear likes a particular sound does not mean yours will...and it's your money you're spending! Also need to know the size of the room you're working with to get the best recommendations.
That being said, there's a pretty good deal going on these

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/CANTLE190BLK

Canton is changing lines and these are the outgoing model. I've not heard them myself, but many have spoken highly of them for about $600/pr
The Athenas I run are also an outgoing model and can be had for about $400/pr

http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=58

Center channels are available for both lines. You should match L/C/R speakers when possible, otherwise you can run into timbre issues. It's not as big an issue with your surrounds.

As for subs, search the sub forum and you'll find that it is not necessary to match your sub to your speakers. Subs and loudspeakers are apples and oranges; often the big speaker brands to not make a quality sub. The big players in the "bang for buck" league are Hsu and SVS. There's also Onix Rocket and Velodyne. All are quality manufacturers. Enjoy!

 

[zumbo]

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENKC500

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2.html

$1655.82 shipped. Budget's are like rules. They are meant to be broken.

 

[Davemcc]

Welcome, James!

First thing you should do is go audition some speakers at a local store.

Yeah, I didn't want to be the first one to say it.

But let's face it, speakers are like farts, everybody likes their own, the louder the better and usually the result of a variety of intensely personal conditions. And in the end, its got to put a smile on your face, even if everybody else pukes.

 

[no. 5]

But let's face it, speakers are like farts, everybody likes their own, the louder the better and usually the result of a variety of intensely personal conditions. And in the end, its got to put a smile on your face, even if everybody else pukes.

we should give out awards for the most creative and strange analogies.

 

[no. 5]

I would expect to get the surrond speakers from the same manufacturer & series, but what about the subwoofer, is it worthwhile going to more specialized manufacturers for it?

yes.
but just because a manufacture primarily builds speakers does not, in of it self, mean that they will make a bad subwoofer, just look at Axiom.