Best 5.1 for ~$2000?

[Skywing]

Hey guys, I will be moving into a new apt soon and would like to get a decent 5.1 system. I will most likely be using a Yamaha RX-V2700 Receiver. The room is approx 18'x12'. It will be used for both music and movies so i would like a good balance between the 2, nor do i want something thats too overpowering for the room itself. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks for the help.

 

[abefroeman]

Here is a 5.1 system for $2000
$400 - Canton center
$500 - Canton bookshelf x2
$429 - SVS PB-10



Here is a 5.1 system for $2500 (sorry, had to do it)
$900 - Canton towers
$400 - Canton center
$500 - Canton bookshelf
$429 - SVS PB-10

 

[zumbo]

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MORD500SPKPACKAGEMAPLE

http://www.axiomaudio.com/epic50_350main.html

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=34504

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NHTKC2B

Systems I listed above are ideas. System below with Energy and HSU is the best (IMO) I can find today.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENKC500
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3.html

 

[jonnythan]

You don't need big floorstanders for an 18x12 room.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicgrandmaster_350main.html
^^ Gives you better surrounds and center channel vs the Axiom system zumbo linked to.

 

[zumbo]

You don't need big floorstanders for an 18x12 room.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicgrandmaster_350main.html
^^ Gives you better surrounds and center channel vs the Axiom system zumbo linked to.

Your Axiom pick could posibly be a better Axiom option. However, the Axioms in the Epic 50 system and the Energy C500 system are far from "big floorstanders". And, the Energy floorstanders FR makes it down to 35Hz +/-3dB. Much better FR than the M22 @ 60Hz +/-3db.

The Axiom M50's make it to 39dB +/-3dB.

I believe the added FR of either tower is needed, no matter what the room size is.

Another thing to note is that the Energy center makes it down to 50Hz +/- 3dB. Perfect for a 60Hz crossover setting.

One Axiom center is 90Hz +/-3dB, while the other is 85Hz +/-3dB. That's not even good for a recommended 80Hz crossover setting.

 

[jonnythan]

I didn't mean for the first statement to be in any way related to the second. Sorry!

I was making a general statement about speakers, then pointed to the Grand Master.

BTW, with a decent sub, you'll be cutting the mains off below 60-80 Hz anyway, so 4 Hz of response below 40 Hz is ireelevant..

 

[zumbo]

I didn't mean for the first statement to be in any way related to the second. Sorry!

I was making a general statement about speakers, then pointed to the Grand Master.

BTW, with a decent sub, you'll be cutting the mains off below 60-80 Hz anyway, so 4 Hz of response below 40 Hz is ireelevant..

Neither Axiom center is capable of a 60Hz setting. I would be scared of a 80Hz setting. I was adding specs to my previous post while you posted. A speaker needs to make it to 50Hz +/-3dB for a crossover setting of 60Hz. And, it needs to make it to 70Hz +/-3dB for a setting of 80Hz.

The Energy system gets the knod from me. Not only do the specs of every speaker in the system smoke Axiom, check-out the specs for the subs.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENKC500
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3.html

 

[zumbo]

jonnythan
I would like to add that I am not arguing for the sake of arguing. This conversation has brought out some interesting facts about several speaker options. All very important for the OP to be aware of.

 

[billnchristy]

5 of these in Rosewood
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=23.1
AV123 Ref 1s $599 a pair

$1497

1 of these:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=stock&product=78.1
$599

=$2096

That sub is actually wicked overkill in your room, you can stay in your budget including shipping with an X-sub or even the HSU that was reviewed here recently.

All av123 bookshelves are risk free now meaning they will pay shipping to and fro if you find you dont like them within 30 days.

Ref 1 price is a sale, usually 1500 a pair, found used around 700.

Happy hunting!

 

[jonnythan]

Neither Axiom center is capable of a 60Hz setting. I would be scared of a 80Hz setting. I was adding specs to my previous post while you posted. A speaker needs to make it to 50Hz +/-3dB for a crossover setting of 60Hz. And, it needs to make it to 70Hz +/-3dB for a setting of 80Hz.

The Energy system gets the knod from me. Not only do the specs of every speaker in the system smoke Axiom, check-out the specs for the subs.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENKC500
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3.html

That is interesting. I'd never argue for the Axioms over the Energys. I've never heard either. I was just trying to point out what I felt was the "better" Axiom choice

 

[billnchristy]

Heres another option, on the weird side of things. If my dreams come true I will be building an all tube 5.5 system with these guys.

http://www.ohmacoustics.com/styles_microwalsh.cfm

$750 a pair for the shorts (talls are actually reccommneded for stage height)
2.5 pair at $1875

and....not much left for the sub so save a couple bucks and get an X-sub.

 

[jcPanny]

Onix Rocket 5.0

$2099 including shipping:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=99.1

This does not include a sub, but the 760 mains can play pretty low and should hold you over for a while.

 

[speakerman39]

Hey guys, I will be moving into a new apt soon and would like to get a decent 5.1 system. I will most likely be using a Yamaha RX-V2700 Receiver. The room is approx 18'x12'. It will be used for both music and movies so i would like a good balance between the 2, nor do i want something thats too overpowering for the room itself. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks for the help.

Hello Sky welcome to the forum. If you dont mind me asking, is the $2000 budget including the Yammie 2700 OR is the $2000 for just the speakers? The reason I am asking this is because the Yammie 2700 will set you back at least $900 or so which would then leave you with about $1100 for speakers. Even a decent powered sub is going to cost another $400 or so leaving about $700 for the fronts, center, and rear speakers. Lastly, is there any particular reason as to why you have decided on the Yammie 2700??? I mean, the 2600 is an awesome receiver and will do just as good of a job for you and can be found a bit cheaper than the 2700. Anyways, please give us a bit more info as others here have already suggested some outstanding gear for you. Oh almost forgot, in an apartment be careful which sub you do get because quite often neighbors will complain and it is absolutely no fun when they call the police. Where I live, the police are issuing fines for loud music. Just wanted to mention that to you as well. Have a great day.

 

[AVRat]

An Ascend 340CMT/340CMT-C/170CBM with HSU VTF-2 MK2 combo would be nice.

 

[abefroeman]

Just go 2-channel, you know you want to.