7.1 choice of speakers (Leave suggetions please! :P )

[krum]

I'm completely new to HT, so please leave me any comments or suggetions on what I picked. The HT would mostly be used for movie watching. I'm currently on a small budget, and it seems what I picked would cost me around $900.

(2) Polk Audio Monitor 70 Black Floorstanding
(2) Polk Audio Monitor 30 Black Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair
Polk Audio PSW Series PSW505 12" Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker

 

[krum]

If you think I could go with a different selection of speakers for the same price, let me know!

 

[lsiberian]

If you think I could go with a different selection of speakers for the same price, let me know!

My picks would be 3 pairs of behringer 2030p(321)
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_plus.cfm

and an SVS sub
http://svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

I gander they'd be a much better setup than the Polk one. Especially given the SVS sub.

I'd keep the extra behringer for experimentation or backup and run a 5.1.

 

[krum]

Umm, what you listed is almost 4k in total. I guess you didn't see my 1k limit? hah. So yes, better than the polk setup, but also 4 times the price. Thanks for the suggetion, though I'll be sticking to my 1k limit for now.

 

[sholling]

Umm, what you listed is almost 4k in total. I guess you didn't see my 1k limit? hah. So yes, better than the polk setup, but also 4 times the price. Thanks for the suggetion, though I'll be sticking to my 1k limit for now.

He hit the wrong link is all. 3x Behringer B2030P on sale for $108/pr shipped. They aren't pretty but they sound really good for the money. Review. Then add the SVS PC12-NSD lsiberian suggested. That's a really good 5.1 (plus a spare) suggestion for just about exactly $1000 shipped.

Other suggestions for just over your budget:
SVS SBS-2 5.1 "Deluxe" bundle with PB12-NSD sub for $1150+S&H (review), or a Hsu Research Enthusiast 2 bundle for the $1250+S&H (review).

 

[3db]

Umm, what you listed is almost 4k in total. I guess you didn't see my 1k limit? hah. So yes, better than the polk setup, but also 4 times the price. Thanks for the suggetion, though I'll be sticking to my 1k limit for now.

I'm the resident PSB fan boy in these parts. Try and pick up the previous generation Image series speakers...towers T45, T55, T65 I have the T45s and they are amazing... center channel C40 or the C60, bookshelves B15 or the B25 and surrounds S45?? (not sure on the model number). You may get a better/price performance from SVS, Outlaw, or HSU on subs than you would from PSB.

Also, consider building this in stages and don't get it all at once. If the listening position is relatively narrow less than 30 degrees from off center, then a good pair of front speakers is all you need. You can do without the center channel in that respect. (i'm gonna have life threats applied to me for that statement in these parts but i'm not scared.. ) When I was moving, I had to take the top part of my console off which held the center channel. I confgiured the receiver to do a phantom center channel and my T45s anchored the sound to the display. It does depend on listening position but if you can keep that angle narrow, you can avoid the center channel. So get two good front speakers, a pair of surrounds and a sub. At least then you have the beginnings of surround sound. Then add on the other pair of surrounds and the center channel later as money permits.

 

[krum]

He hit the wrong link is all. 3x Behringer B2030P on sale for $108/pr shipped. They aren't pretty but they sound really good for the money. Review. Then add the SVS PC12-NSD lsiberian suggested. That's a really good 5.1 (plus a spare) suggestion for just about exactly $1000 shipped.

Other suggestions for just over your budget:
SVS SBS-2 5.1 "Deluxe" bundle with PB12-NSD sub for $1150+S&H (review), or a Hsu Research Enthusiast 2 bundle for the $1250+S&H (review).

I thought lower the hz, and higher the kHz the better? Those speakers have 75 Hz - 21 kHz, which is one of the smallest ranges I've seen. Of course I'm sure stats don't always mean everything, but I'm just curious since I know very little about HT. Or is it that the in between sound is amazing, so the sub makes up for the low hz sound those speakers can't provide?

I know this doesn't belong in this area of the forum, but since you have kindly suggested me these speakers, what would you recommend for a 7.1 AVR, thats under $500 to match them? I was wondering about 1.4 hdmi, to at least be some what future proof with the 3D.

I'm the resident PSB fan boy in these parts. Try and pick up the previous generation Image series speakers...towers T45, T55, T65 I have the T45s and they are amazing... center channel C40 or the C60, bookshelves B15 or the B25 and surrounds S45?? (not sure on the model number). You may get a better/price performance from SVS, Outlaw, or HSU on subs than you would from PSB.

Also, consider building this in stages and don't get it all at once. If the listening position is relatively narrow less than 30 degrees from off center, then a good pair of front speakers is all you need. You can do without the center channel in that respect. (i'm gonna have life threats applied to me for that statement in these parts but i'm not scared.. ) When I was moving, I had to take the top part of my console off which held the center channel. I confgiured the receiver to do a phantom center channel and my T45s anchored the sound to the display. It does depend on listening position but if you can keep that angle narrow, you can avoid the center channel. So get two good front speakers, a pair of surrounds and a sub. At least then you have the beginnings of surround sound. Then add on the other pair of surrounds and the center channel later as money permits.

Also thanks for the suggetions! I think I will skip the center for now, and get it at a later date.

 

[lsiberian]

I thought lower the hz, and higher the kHz the better? Those speakers have 75 Hz - 21 kHz, which is one of the smallest ranges I've seen. Of course I'm sure stats don't always mean everything, but I'm just curious since.

If you plan to use a subwoofer you only need extension down to 80hz because the subwoofer will take over at that point. These speakers are probably better than most of what you have heard. Of course if you want to build in stages as 3db suggests then you would have an even greater setup.

These speakers have been measured and have excellent response on and off-axis the waterfall graph which shows distortion is amazing for an off-the-shelf speaker. While 3db offers the best option if you want it all now. The 2030p's and SVS sub I think give you the best set you could get on your budget. I've not heard of a speaker with as many happy customers. I've met numerous folks who flat out love the speakers. Of course if you are looking for something to build over time I'd start with a great pair of speakers. Imagine what you could get with 1500. We are talking hi-fidelity stuff.

 

[soniceuphoria]

If you are contemplating doing the upgrade in steps, and are looking for the best speakers that you can afford, then you might consider Magnepan MMG's. They are great speakers for their price, are considered one of the best deals in high end audio, and are available for a free in home trial. Did I mention they are only $600. You can still afford a decent sub Velodyne 12" off EBAY and a cheaper amp to power the speakers Adcom from EBAY as well. And if you end up not liking the Magnepans, you will not be out any money, and you can go buy some monkey coffins with the dough. Not to mention that you will have a decent amp and a good sub to start a great system.
-Greg

 

[sholling]

I thought lower the hz, and higher the kHz the better? Those speakers have 75 Hz - 21 kHz, which is one of the smallest ranges I've seen. Of course I'm sure stats don't always mean everything, but I'm just curious since I know very little about HT. Or is it that the in between sound is amazing, so the sub makes up for the low hz sound those speakers can't provide?

As lsiberian says "If you plan to use a subwoofer you only need extension down to 80hz because the subwoofer will take over at that point."

The suggestion that lsiberian and 3db put forward to start with a really fine $1500 2.1 system is really the best way to build yourself a really nice system. That way your getting into really good speakers and just adding matched pieces as money allows. But if that's not doable then the Behringers are really good bang for the buck - just homely. I use them in my home-office. The SVS and Hsu systems while over your budget would give you nice quality attractive 5.1 speaker systems that you could add to later to make 7.1 or even 7.2.

what would you recommend for a 7.1 AVR, thats under $500 to match them? I was wondering about 1.4 hdmi, to at least be some what future proof with the 3D.

Wait until you pick out the speakers and then select the receiver based on what the speakers need to drive them plus the features that you want.

 

[krum]

The suggestion that lsiberian and 3db put forward to start with a really fine $1500 2.1 system is really the best way to build yourself a really nice system. That way your getting into really good speakers and just adding matched pieces as money allows.

That is true, but surround sound is where it is at, is it not? Who knows how long I'd have to wait for surround by having to wait for another $1,500 for just another 2 speakers? I'm a senior student in college, so will have a job after the spring, but I still got school bills, buying a better car and other things to pay off afterwards. Do you really think its worth not having the surround sound for a long period (maybe a year or longer)? I mean if the surround sound isn't what its cracked up to be, then its do able. What would you be recommending for the 2.1 speakers?

3x Behringer B2030P on sale for $108/pr shipped. Then add the SVS PC12-NSD lsiberian suggested. That's a really good 5.1 (plus a spare) suggestion for just about exactly $1000 shipped.

I'd keep the extra behringer for experimentation or backup and run a 5.1.

Couldn't the extra speaker be used for a center? Or do centers need to be something special, other than size...?

 

[lsiberian]

That is true, but surround sound is where it is at, is it not? Who knows how long I'd have to wait for surround by having to wait for another $1,500 for just another 2 speakers? I'm a senior student in college, so will have a job after the spring, but I still got school bills, buying a better car and other things to pay off afterwards. Do you really think its worth not having the surround sound for a long period (maybe a year or longer)? I mean if the surround sound isn't what its cracked up to be, then its do able. What would you be recommending for the 2.1 speakers?



Couldn't the extra speaker be used for a center? Or do centers need to be something special, other than size...?

Surround speakers don't need to be expensive at all and need not match the fronts. There are theater grade surrounds much cheaper than 1500. The critical part of a setup is the front speakers and the sub. Outside of that you can use just about anything for surrounds.

I understand there are many places that say to match all speakers, but this is ridiculous waste in most cases. Of course with the Behringer setup cost isn't a concern, but I think size is for the surrounds. Generally most folks like smaller surrounds. I suggest you get an easy to move sub since you are a senior in college who might be moving soon. The Dayton Sub-120 is very inexpensive and is a great starter sub with plenty of portability. Grab that and 2 pairs of Behringers. See if that's good enough for you. If not you can always upgrade later. When you get settled after college you can look at getting better stuff. Center channels are best when they match the L-R channel, but this isn't possible in most cases.

 

[krum]

Taking into account everything you have told me, I think I'll most likely go with:
(1) Behringer B2030P pair
(1) Behringer B2030P single (for center)
(1) SVS PC12-NSD sub
(1) Something for surround -pair

You said that surround doesn't need to be costly, and a smaller size would be nice for the surround/rear. What would you recommend for cheap surround sounds? The original surround I picked was the Polk Audio Monitor 30, and they cost pretty much the same as the Behringer. So its pretty much the same setup as you recommended in the beginning, but getting rid of the bigger behringer and switching up for smaller surround speakers. You mentioned that the center should be the same type as the left and right, so I could buy a single behringer for a center as well. Could easily upgrade 7.1 by getting another pair of surrounds as well, if I had the room for it... Does this setup sound horrible or would it not be to shabby for a beginner 5.1 setup? Or are there better surrounds that are also small for the same price? Let me know what you think in general.

Now of course this setup is a starting set, and I'd upgrade over the years. Though I'd prob stick with this for at least a year or longer before upgrading anything.

 

[sholling]

That is true, but surround sound is where it is at, is it not? Who knows how long I'd have to wait for surround by having to wait for another $1,500 for just another 2 speakers? I'm a senior student in college, so will have a job after the spring, but I still got school bills, buying a better car and other things to pay off afterwards. Do you really think its worth not having the surround sound for a long period (maybe a year or longer)? I mean if the surround sound isn't what its cracked up to be, then its do able. What would you be recommending for the 2.1 speakers?

The problem with recommending specific brands of expensive speakers is that speakers are very subjective and what I love you may hate. That's less of a problem with cheap speakers because expectations are lower and turnover is more rapid. When you pick a $1000 pair of speakers it's something you are going to live with for 10-15 years. You'll need to do a ton of research yourself and figure out what meets your taste.

In light of more knowledge of your situation let's step back a minute and think this through. As a student you probably have limited space and you're 1st place after college is likely to be a small apartment and you're likely to move around a bit. Because of that I'd probably stay with bookshelf speakers over floorstanders. Three equally legitimate approaches are to the problem are:

• Buy something inexpensive but pretty good for now like the Behringers and when you're ready for better speakers you can move the Behringers into your bedroom and you're not out any money. The only downside is the Behringers are homely. They were designed for recording studios and not living rooms and your significant other may say no way. 3 pairs of Behringers (6 speakers) would be used for L&R fronts, the center, and 2 surrounds. The 6th could be a spare, or used as 1/3 of a bedroom system, or you could go 6.1 to start.
• Or you could go with an inexpensive and attractive package deal like the SVS SBS-2 bundle. Later you could just stay with this well regarded set of speakers as-is, or add a pair of their towers to it, or move the speakers in the bedroom with a smaller sub. Again you have a long term direction so you're not out any money.
• Or start with two really good bookshelves and add to the system over time. An example might be Ascent's Sierra-1 bookshelves. I haven't heard these but their reputation is pretty darn good. The Ascends are just an example and you should look at others as well. The Audioholics Pro Reviews are an exceptional resource. Later you can add the matched center and just get by with some cheap surrounds until you're settled and making a good living. Not a cheap option but you've made a 10 year investment in quality that can also move into the bedroom someday way down the road.

The continuing theme is long-term value.

Subwoofers are another issue. Again based on more knowledge about your situation there are options. Something small and suitable for a dorm room or small apartment's living room like a Dayton SUB-120 might be a good choice. It won't blow the windows out of a big room but you can always add a second one later, or move it in your bedroom and buy a big heavy sub once you get settled. With subs size does matter and as room size increases you'll need more more or bigger so that's something you might need to keep in mind for down the road. The other approach is the SVS bundle or at least a sub that size which should be plenty to get you evicted from any medium sized apartment.

 

[krum]

sholling,

I take your suggetions to heart. I do currently live in an apartment, on the 3rd floor. But I don't think it would be a problem with loud / bassy speakers during the day, hah. I already own a lot of crap, so having more or bigger items won't matter much since I'll need a moving van anyways. The setup I'm looking to get is really for when I move out when I graduate and hopefully get a small house. Though I do have plenty of room in my apartment at the moment to fit a 5.1 setup.

I'm torn between the SVS bundle you guys keep linking and the setup I listed above. I really want to be able to upgrade to a 7.1 from the 5.1 when I get more space. Would I beable to upgrade to a 7.1 with the SVS bundle? I'd assume that would be if they sell those bookshelf speakers seperately. BTW, the pictures don't work for me in the review (second page with the graphs), which is disappointing.

 

[sholling]

Taking into account everything you have told me, I think I'll most likely go with:
(1) Behringer B2030P pair
(1) Behringer B2030P single (for center)
(1) SVS PC12-NSD sub
(1) Something for surround -pair

You said that surround doesn't need to be costly, and a smaller size would be nice for the surround/rear. What would you recommend for cheap surround sounds? The original surround I picked was the Polk Audio Monitor 30, and they cost pretty much the same as the Behringer. So its pretty much the same setup as you recommended in the beginning, but getting rid of the bigger behringer and switching up for smaller surround speakers. You mentioned that the center should be the same type as the left and right, so I could buy a single behringer for a center as well. Could easily upgrade 7.1 by getting another pair of surrounds as well, if I had the room for it... Does this setup sound horrible or would it not be to shabby for a beginner 5.1 setup? Or are there better surrounds that are also small for the same price? Let me know what you think in general.

Now of course this setup is a starting set, and I'd upgrade over the years. Though I'd prob stick with this for at least a year or longer before upgrading anything.

I think I'd just stay with Behringers for the surrounds. That way you have a perfect match all around. That would be a killer system. But if you want small and cheap surrounds you might want to look at Wharfedale WH-2. I had a pair in my bedroom for a while and while not great they aren't horrible for $80/pr starter surrounds. The Behringers are a lot better though.

 

[sholling]

Well since you have lots of room towers are an option. There is a $1000 floorstander face off and most of those can be had for $800/pr or so if you shop well. Or you could look at the long discontinued Boston Acoustics VR3 towers that Onecall has on clearance for $250ea plus S&H. Because they are discontinued I'd get the matched VRC center ($180) at the same time. I had a set of these for 5 years and as long as you have room to give them some space they are good speakers. Unfortunately the matched surrounds are rare as hen's teeth. Just a thought.

For an upstairs apartment I'd get something like a SubDude/Gramma to put the sub on.

 

[krum]

I think I'd just stay with Behringers for the surrounds. That way you have a perfect match all around. That would be a killer system. But if you want small and cheap surrounds you might want to look at Wharfedale WH-2. I had a pair in my bedroom for a while and while not great they aren't horrible for $80/pr starter surrounds. The Behringers are a lot better though.

Yea, I would perfer smaller because I could mount them on the wall.... how would you mount a monitor? I believe you helped me decide, Behringer B2030P speakers with the SVS PC12-NSD sub. That would work well for a 1-2 years or longer till I have money to buy higher end products. Though again, how would you mount a large monitor on the wall?

Now to the question of the AVR. I'm looking at something for under $500, and most likely supports 1.4 HDMI to future proof myself for 3D. I was looking at the Yamaha RX-V567, though I can't find a single review on google for it (I guess its too new?). I'm up for anything long as its under $500. If there an amazing AVR that is far superior than a 1.4 hdmi, for the same price, I'd def go without the support of 1.4.

 

[lsiberian]

I think your best bet here is to go with the Behringers. They are only sold in pairs, but it never hurts to have a back up because crazy stuff does happen.

7.1 is overrated IMO and without a dedicated theater rooms is difficult to do right. The rule in home theater is if you can't do it right don't do it. Plus it puts too much money into the least important component. I realize it sounds great in the right room.

Now on the sub choice I'm kind of torn. On the one hand I'd love for you to have a great one, but on the other hand they aren't cheap or light. I'm fairly certain the Behringers will be the best speakers you've ever owned and they will best the majority of setups you've been exposed too. Since they are only .5" taller than a ruler size probably isn't the issue I've made it.

Further these speakers can be improved pretty easily to make them higher quality once you have the time and space to do those sorts of things. A roll of R8 and burlap cloth with some 3m-77 can be used to make these things even better.

For the sub I think I'd comb the used market to make sure you can't find a deal. Audigon is probably the best place to look. Velodyne is a popular and reliable brand for a starter sub. SVS aren't sold as often due to their size and quality.

SVS makes good speakers, and the Ascends are good though the bracing is pretty minimal. Too a woman the only thing that looks good is probably KEF eggs. Which are great for aesthetics and surround duty. Unfortunately you gotta catch them on sale to make it worthwhile. But do give a glance on Craigslist just in case.

 

[sholling]

Yea, I would perfer smaller because I could mount them on the wall.... how would you mount a monitor? I believe you helped me decide, Behringer B2030P speakers with the SVS PC12-NSD sub. That would work well for a 1-2 years or longer till I have money to buy higher end products.

I think you have chosen well. If you wall mount the speakers I'd at least space them out from the wall so that they aren't transferring vibrations into the wall. Mounts are cheap or you can hang them like a picture but with rubber stand-offs behind them.

Though again, how would you mount a large monitor on the wall?

The easy way if you don't mind making holes in the wall is with a TV wallmount from monoprice.com. They sell them cheap. However if it were me living in a rental I'd go with a walmart TV stand and cheap speaker stands. $21 Walmart oak bar stools work fine for speaker stands. Monoprice is also your source for cables and speaker wire.

Now to the question of the AVR. I'm looking at something for under $500, and most likely supports 1.4 HDMI to future proof myself for 3D. I was looking at the Yamaha RX-V567, though I can't find a single review on google for it (I guess its too new?). I'm up for anything long as its under $500. If there an amazing AVR that is far superior than a 1.4 hdmi, for the same price, I'd def go without the support of 1.4.

Since you've chosen 8ohm speakers (the most common) pretty much anything will drive them. The Yamaha or an Onkyo TX-SR608 or something from Denon. I personally don't recommend non-Elite Pioneers (the Elites are good) but they have some fans, or Sonys. Assuming you're in the US you can get a deal on factory refurbished Onkyos and Marantz receivers at Accessories For Less.