Best 5.1 system for < $500

[Robof83]

I have looked into the infinity beta 20 bookshelf speakers that go for about 50 each. The question, is would 4 of those and a center + a sub be possible for under $500, and would it sound as good as say a Logitech Z-5500 multimedia system?

 

[alexwakelin]

$500 is a tought budget to work with, but it is doable. You could buy 5 of the infinity speakers, leaving $250 for the rest of the system. If you are willing to get a refurbished or used receiver from ebay, you could probably find one for around $100. Parts Express sells pretty good budget subwoofers, their 10 inch sub would round out your system and keep you under budget. Just remember this does not include wires/cables or shipping.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-633

I believe this system would perform much better then the logitech, and would also allow for future upgrades.

Parts Express, Monoprice and Blue Jeans cables are all good places to buy reasonably priced wires/cables. IMO, stores like radio shack and best buy charge outrageous prices for cables (even non-monster brand).

 

[ChunkyDark]

These reviews might be helpful;

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/tsat-1000-ht8-b/

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/budget-bookshelf-shootout-2009

50$ for beta 20's seems like a really good deal. It would definitely be better than the Logitech when paired with the dayton sub 12" or The Speaker Companys 10" sub.

 

[Robof83]

I am somewhat Interested in the TSAT-1000-HT8-B-Home-Theater-System that was posted. Would I need to buy a receiver if i got this system? On their website it says compares to bose. I'm not really sure whether I should take that as a good thing or a bad thing considering the price of this system.

Also I have listened to the logitech z-5500 quite extensively and they sound great to me. Is there anyone who has listened to both systems and if so, how do they compare.

I may just have to order them with the free 30-day trial and see for myself which one I like better.

 

[rnatalli]

The TSC or an EMP package are good picks. Another option are the Mirage Nanosats. $249 for 5 of them at Vanns right now. Add a sub and you're in business.

 

[alexwakelin]

I am somewhat Interested in the TSAT-1000-HT8-B-Home-Theater-System that was posted. Would I need to buy a receiver if i got this system?

You would still need a receiver if you purchased the TSAT system.

 

[lsiberian]

If you want a real system with a good front sound stage. Go after the Infinity Beta 20(s) and 250 on ebay.

You could even use a couple of them on the sides if you don't mind a big speaker.

Including shipping you can probably pick up the set of 5 for 350 dollars.

Throw in a Panasonic HE100 (my old but decent receiver) and a Dayton sub(off ebay they go for around 100)

And you should be in business.

This would give you full range speakers that are good for music and movies.

If the 20(s) are too big for sides. Then look at getting a couple Kef 1000's they do pretty well with the Beta series.

You won't find a much better setup for this price.

Take a serious look at the Betas I don't think any 70 dollar speaker will match them. Including the TSC's

The build quality is amazing they have metal grills to protect them from cats, and kids. They will punish bad sources though. You will want a decent cd player and good recordings.

 

[Robof83]

Thanks everyone for the reply. It looks like the infinity betas might be my best bet. Size really shouldn't be a problem. Mainly I'm just concerned with the best sound quality I can get for that price.

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks everyone for the reply. It looks like the infinity betas might be my best bet. Size really shouldn't be a problem. Mainly I'm just concerned with the best sound quality I can get for that price.

They are bulky and you may want to get stands for them. If you need stands get the Sanus Basic Foundations 24". They are easy to assemble, the perfect height for putting the tweeter at ear level and have enough strength to hold them.

If you have a TV. I suggest a 250 not a 360 for the center. the 360 is a bit more powerful and not quite as good of a match for the 20s. This is my opinion.

Some people say they sound better with the metal grills off.

The Dayton sub is a good match. I suggest an 80hz crossover. Make sure to leave about 2-3 feet in between the wall and the back of the speaker because it's rear ported. Plus you won't get as many boundary effects.

The receiver I recommended is very easy to use and has a good manual. I can send the manual to you if you want it. These things will produced if properly placed and setup. They play brass and highs extremely well because of the tweeter design. They also have good slam for bass when run with the receiver suggested.

There are two colors black and cherry. black is what the beta 20s are auctioned usually. cherry is what the 250 auctions usually. So you may be forced to get a 360. If you want to color match the fronts. At your budget I wouldn't be to picky though. The 250 fit perfectly into my walmart tv stand and matched it in color too.

Stands probably would be a good future upgrade. You can tilt them up to get the sound at ear level if need be until you get the budget for a couple sanus. The sanus come in pairs and go for around 50 each box. For speaker wire I suggest you get this.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&
cs_id=1023903&p_id=2794&seq=1&format=2

You don't want to run out. And don't forget the rise and fall of the cable.

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm#wiretable

use the above table as a length gauge guide. Some speakers do dip to 4 ohms. So if you want to play it safe use that as your guide.

 

[just-some-guy]

post your location. put it under your name. there "may" be someone close to you that wants to upgrade (like me, maybe), and would sell you their current gear = max bang for buck.

 

[lsiberian]

post your location. put it under your name. there "may" be someone close to you that wants to upgrade (like me, maybe), and would sell you their current gear = max bang for buck.

Even better he could check CL for good deals. I got my Kef 2001.2s for 40 bucks each. They retail for 200 and street price for around 100 these days. I was a very happy man. I also picked up my beta 20s from an audiophile off ebay that was local. He and I didn't have to ship at all. That was a very happy day for me. I have since upgraded by adding another 2001.2 and the center to a 360

I think Bang for buck is always the best way to go.

 

[Robof83]

This may come as a newb question, but what is "CL"?

Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out

 

[lsiberian]

This may come as a newb question, but what is "CL"?

Edit: Nevermind, I figured it out

Sorry I've worked for too many government contractors. Everything is an acronym

For example

AFG-Airflow Generator(aka a Fan)

 

[fredk]

AFG-Airflow Generator(aka a Fan)

DIY AFG - me + pork 'n beans.

Carry on...

 

[no. 5]

DIY AFG - me + pork 'n beans.

Is there an environmentally friendly DIY option?