A Somewhat Unique Need

[dsantjer]

So, to start, this forum has been a huge help. This is my first post, obviously, and I am in need of a bit of help. I am looking to set up a home audio system, or just a system, that I can use for about 50% movies and television and 50% music.

My space: My room is about 14' L, 14' W, 10' H.

My predicament: I live in a fraternity house. My goal is to be able to watch movies with an awesome surround sound. I also need to be able to entertain casual watching and volume levels. My third requirement is that I need the bass to entertain a gathering in my room. If you've ever been in a fraternity house, there are all sorts of card and drinking games going on with loud music and people talking at obnoxious levels. I need a system that can hold up against the high bass demand of this generation while still sounding pure. I suppose that is where the situation is unique; I need to be able to entertain a small room at a frat party.

My budget: I am looking to spend around $500-650 on the whole shebang, with a little bit of leeway towards the expensive side.

I have done a little bit of research, and a little bit of shopping. I have an idea of what I want but I'd love the experts on the site to lead me in the right direction if I have gone astray.

Television: Some form of a 32-40 inch display. Nothing too large. (Not included in the sound system budget.)

Speakers: Polk Audio RM85 at $239
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V475 5.1-Channel Network AV Receiver with Airplay at $269.95
Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer at $131.38

Like I said, I am only seeking wisdom and guidance. Let me know what I can do to improve my thought process.

 

[rojo]

Hey dsantjer, and welcome! Here's my recommendation. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

Speakers: NXG 4.1 (sold each) - $132 for three (for LCR) shipped, or $214 shipped for five
Wall mounts: this 4-pack for LCR use - $13, or this 5-pack for about 4 bucks more
Receiver: Denon AVR-E300 - $190 shipped
... which, if you choose the 3.1 config rather than the 5.1, leaves a little over half the budget for subwoofer. Excellent! This Hsu STF-2 would be a MUCH better sub than the one you have picked out.

Those NXG satellites will sound much better than the Polks you have picked out. The Yamaha is no better than the cheaper Denon I chose. And if you want big bass, you need to devote the bulk of your budget to your subwoofer.

 

[dsantjer]

If I were to stick to the 5.1 system, which I am very keen on (not particularly because I want to overpower the small room, but because I hope to keep it for a bigger room eventually and just upgrade it), what would you recommend?

 

[rojo]

I recommend getting the 3.1 system I listed above and look for something disposable from Craigslist or a garage sale for your rear surrounds until the budget allows for upgrading them. Where are you? If you're near me, I'll give you a pair of HTIB satellites I'm just sitting on for free.

Those Polks are probably OK for movies, but will probably be awful for music. Let's see if anyone else has an opinion to contribute, though.

 

[dsantjer]

South Dakota - A bit of a ways from TN.

 

[afterlife2]

Shah rojo said , I really like mine. I have 2 pairs. Give them a try I'm sure you will like them when hear and see them in person.

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[afterlife2]

Sorry trying a new app. What rojo said I meant to say.


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[rojo]

afterlife2, I kind of liked "shah" there. King rojo. Kneel before me!

OP: put a bid on these and you can probably get them for about $23 shipped. Finest cheap plastic crap Mexico has to offer. (Or China or wherever -- who knows?) But they'll do until you can build up the $90 for two more NXG for your rear surrounds.

 

[dsantjer]

Those won't be necessary, but thanks. So, I'm looking at a receiver of some sort. Possibly the Yamaha I listed or possibly the Denon. Also, 4-5 NXG 4.1 Speakers...it could be 4 if I find a decent center? Also, could there be a speaker upgrade somewhere for the fronts? I'm thinking that there is a sub out there that isn't that expensive that will suffice. I do want to knock the socks off people but is there a more economic way to do it? I'm not set to my budget, completely. I'm allowed to wiggle up if it is for the right reasons so if that sub has to be it, then I'll consider it.

 

[rojo]

Timbre matching the left-center-right is more important than timbre matching the lr + surrounds. If I were you, I'd use one of those NXGs as the center channel, mounted immediately above or below the television but in the same vertical orientation as the L+R satellites. You might find a good deal on a decent center of a different brand, but it could sound jarringly out of place.

For a cheaper alternative on the subwoofer, this Dayton Audio 15" might be worth considering. It'll be a little more physically imposing on your room, but I think it should move some air nevertheles, and offers good low frequency extension. That puts you at about $620 for everything not including cables -- 5x NXG Pro 4.1 satellites, 5 wall mount arms, the Denon receiver, and a massive subwoofer. Add a subwoofer cable and some speaker wire, and you're still under your $650 limit. You might also ought to consider some cord management to tidy up the install.

 

[dsantjer]

Thanks for your time, Rojo. Your advice has proven very useful!!! I'll let you know what I end up doing when I come back for another review before I make final purchases!

 

[rojo]

We'll want pics and impressions after you get it all installed as well!

 

[afterlife2]

People sleep on those NXG 4.1. When they sellout that's it, unless you find them on ebay, which I doubt. I think they are as good as the highly praised Pioneer 22's and 52's and much prettier. Be sure to let us know what you decide and ENJOY!

 

[dsantjer]

So I pulled the trigger on (5) NXG Pro 4.1 Speakers.

I have moved on to shopping for the correct subwoofer, and I have taken into account the recommendations made by you guys. I think I am leaning towards the NXG NX-BAS-500 if I can get ahold of one somehow - I'm not in a hurry so hopefully somewhen gets one it stock.
NXG NX-BAS-500 Subwoofer Review - Home Theater Forum and Systems - HomeTheaterShack.com

What do you guys think of that subwoofer?

 

[afterlife2]

No one here has one that I know of, but it's highly praised there at HTS and they always sell out, so that should tell you something. I came close to buying one, but got the SVS PB1000 outlet sale for my bday last year and I'm thrilled with it. Jman should be listened to, he is the reason I got the SVS and the Dayton 1200. If you're patient wait or the Dayton 1200/1500 should also be on your short list.

 

[dsantjer]

The PB1000 is something I'm going to keep an eye on as the summer progresses. If I can't find the NX-BAS-500, I'll look to that, the other NXG, or maybe the Dayton that rojo mentioned. I am partial to the NX-BAS-500, though, because it is highly praised on its music review and is a bit less expensive.

Would the Denon that rojo suggested for a receiver still work?

 

[rojo]

As long as it has the inputs and features you need, it'll easily drive those nxg satellites and whatever active subwoofer you choose, which includes every sub mentioned in this thread thus far. It might be worth hopping on denon.com to fetch the owner's manual and give it a look before committing if you aren't convinced. As far as room correction goes, I'm a fan of Audyssey. I think the Denon is the best choice for your budget.

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