Best 5.1 system for my apartment

[ack_bak]

The HSU sub has a rear port as well. Would that mean that it would also need to sit well away from the rear wall to be effective? SO many variables!

No. You need to have some clearance with the wall, but the rule of thumb is typically 1" of clearance for each inch of port size. Per HSU, you would want to place the STF-1 at least inches from any wall.

 

[ack_bak]

Ascend Audio

CBM-170 SE pair (B-stock) = $268 /pair

CMT-340 SE pair (B-stock) = $458 pair

CMT-340 SE center (B-stock) = $238

That's 964 or so for the entire Ascsend system.... What to you think? It is B-Stock... and they're ported, that's right forgot that part....

If this system is for movies, you are definitely going to want a subwoofer. I think you would really regret getting bookshelf mains and buying surrounds but not having a subwoofer to drive the lower frequency bass. Especially for movies. IMHO, you should probably spend as much or more on your sub as you would your front speakers. I would definitely recommend 3.1 vs 5.0 if this system is going to be used at all for home theater.

 

[ack_bak]

I am now leaning towards either...

Emotiva's (3) ERM-1 Reference LCR Monitors + the VTF-1 Subwoofer from HSU research total $1004

or

Usher Audio's S-520 Shielded & S-525 Center Channel + STF-1 Subwoofer from HSU research. total $1237

I think I'd rather buy for the longer term taking into account future dwellings rather than shelling out twice for 2 different setups to fit each domicile. What do you think? and which receiver to go w/ these? The Denon AVC-1610?

I would personally go with the Emotiva's and spend some money to get some affordable surrounds.

 

[samhfoley]

surrounds...

with the money saved which surrounds would you reccomend?

 

[ack_bak]

with the money saved which surrounds would you reccomend?

If you go with the ERM-1's I would spring for these if they are in the budget:
http://emotiva.com/erd1.shtm

Not sure if you have heard dipoles, but I really like them. I have not heard the Emotiva dipoles, but they get rave reviews.

For $761 shipped this package seems to be a very solid deal and should last you a long time:
http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=25

And if you could spring for it, one of these bad boys:
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcpow3.cfm

I have heard a number of SVS subs and they are top notch. But based on the smaller spaces in Japan, you would be more than fine with a smaller and cheaper HSU sub. The STF-2 would be more than enough for the future if you move to a larger space.

For the record, I have an Elemental Designs sub (A2-300). It is in my basement with drywall, and acoustical insulation between the basement and main level and that sub rocks my whole 3600 sq ft house if I put on a reference Blu-Ray like Master And Commander and crank it up. It would be big time overkill for your space. That is why I am recommending HSU subs which I have personally spent time with and really liked. They do not pack the punch that an eD sub or the more expensive SVS subs have (although HSU has some of those subs too) but they will have tight accurate bass that will be more than enough to give you what you need for home theater.

 

[samhfoley]

Emotiva

I was also looking at that package from Emotiva and salivating. I think that might just be the one to go for. My problem now is weight and space. The Emotiva parts come to exactly 2 bags for the plane and the SVS Sub is exactly 23kg (1bag) (probably more shipped). That leaves me no room for the HTPC my friend is building me. Maybe I'll just buy another 20kg bag for $200.

Here's another unknown to me. Will I need another amp besides my AV receiver to run this Emotiva system & the SVS subwoofer?

Also, someone mentioned any Denon would play 4 ohm speakers. is that right? The new AVC-1610 will do that? Also wanted to know if the new 1610 have the HDMI switching recommended before in an earlier post?

 

[ack_bak]

I was also looking at that package from Emotiva and salivating. I think that might just be the one to go for. My problem now is weight and space. The Emotiva parts come to exactly 2 bags for the plane and the SVS Sub is exactly 23kg (1bag) (probably more shipped). That leaves me no room for the HTPC my friend is building me. Maybe I'll just buy another 20kg bag for $200.

Here's another unknown to me. Will I need another amp besides my AV receiver to run this Emotiva system & the SVS subwoofer?

Also, someone mentioned any Denon would play 4 ohm speakers. is that right? The new AVC-1610 will do that? Also wanted to know if the new 1610 have the HDMI switching recommended before in an earlier post?

If you buy a decent receiver that supports 4ohms I would think that you would be fine. I can't find any solid specs on the Denon 1610 yet but I would guess that it only does HDMI video switching, not audio (the 1609 did not and the 1610 is the replacement receiver). I do notice that the 1610 does not have a preamp out so you cannot hookup an amp in the future which seems limiting to me as well (I am in the same boat with the Onkyo 605). I take it you plan on buying the receiver in Japan vs the US? I am not sure if they offer Onkyo receivers there, but you can pick up a refurbished Onkyo 806 for a decent price at shoponkyo.com (comes with a full 1 year waranty). This receiver will drive 4ohm speakers and has pre-outs as well. I believe any receiver that is THX Ultra 2 Plus Certified should be able to drive 4 ohm speakers but I could be wrong.

I think Denon makes excellent speakers as well, and Yamaha is also a good fit. If you are buying in Japan you may want to check with local dealers to ensure you get a receiver that meets your needs. That said, it will definitely require a step up to get a receiver that supports 4ohms per their user manual. So you may want to reconsider 6-8 ohm speakers if you do not want to spend as much on a receiver. IMHO, I really wished I would have sucked it up and bought the Onkyo 805 at the time vs the 605. The 605 is a good receiver, but the 805 seems much more future proof. And you may want to look for a used or refurbished Onkyo 805. It will meet all your needs.

 

[fredk]

Denon seems to be very popular with folks that own the Axiom M80 (4 Ohm speaker). I have seen posts from folks using stuff from the 8 & 9 series without any issues.

There are also a few using the Onkyo 805/6. They tend to run hot so you need to make sure the receiver is properly ventilated.

 

[samhfoley]

Onlyo...

Yes I am planning to buy the receiver in Japan. The Onkyo 805 is about 1300 dollars right now... a little more than I was wanting to pay for a receiver. How about the new 607 from Onkyo?

 

[samhfoley]

607

impedance 6 Ohms

same as the 805 actually

not sure if that's the stat I am looking for. Hard to read up on these in Japanese!

 

[ack_bak]

impedance 6 Ohms

same as the 805 actually

not sure if that's the stat I am looking for. Hard to read up on these in Japanese!

The 607 is the newer version of the 606/605. It is a solid receiver for the money, but you will not get a preamp and Onkyo will not recommend running 4ohm speakers on them. The general consensus is that you can, but I did not want to take any chances and that is why I canceled my order on the Emotiva speakers and went with the SVS speakers. The SVS speakers (SCS-01's, and SB1's) are highly regarded as home theater speakers but not as well regarded for music (although they are not bad). I will be using my speakers for 95-98% home theater usage and mostly listen to music on my computer/iPod.

BTW, you will need to read the owners manual to determine if 4ohm speakers are acceptable with most receivers. In my Onkyo 605 manual it specifically states to use 6-8 ohm speakers and not to use 4ohm. That was why both myself and the Emotiva tech I spoke to were leary.

 

[samhfoley]

link from Denon

http://denon.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/denon.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=58&p_created=1187274955&p_sid=f-Jur_vj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MiwyJnBfcHJvZHM9MCZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PW9obQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

seems to say that all Denon receivers can run 4 ohm speakers but says that you need to be careful of excessive volume which shouldn't be a problem in my little apt.

 

[ack_bak]

http://denon.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/denon.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=58&p_created=1187274955&p_sid=f-Jur_vj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9MiwyJnBfcHJvZHM9MCZwX2NhdHM9MCZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PSZwX3BhZ2U9MSZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PW9obQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

seems to say that all Denon receivers can run 4 ohm speakers but says that you need to be careful of excessive volume which shouldn't be a problem in my little apt.

Then Denon may be the way to go. They are excellent receivers. I just remembered. The Onkyo 605/606/607 models in Europe are authorized to drive 4 ohm speakers. So there is a chance that the Japanese models may as well. You may want to download and check the Japanese Onkyo 607 manual. The 607 will offer more bang for the buck vs the Denon but I have found Denon receivers to sound a little "warmer".

 

[samhfoley]

Called Denon and Onkyo today. Onkyo said their receiver is has a switch between 4, 6 and 8 ohms. Denon said that all of their receivers are rated 6 ohms and up. They said I could use 4 ohm speakers but that i would have to shy away from playing music or movies too loudly and also for extended durations of time as temperatures could rise causing damage. I asked how long is too long and they said that they couldn't give me a definitive answer. So knowing that....which would you choose?

Denon
AVC-1610 500 dollars
AVC-3920 700 dollars
SCS-01M 5.0 Set with SBS-01 surrounds Black & 2531PCi sub total 1373.30

Onkyo
TX-SA607 $630
Emotiva Speaker system w SVS or HSU sub
3 ERM-1 LCR Monitors, and 2 ERD-1 Surround $761
2531PCi sub $566
Total cost $1327

 

[ack_bak]

Called Denon and Onkyo today. Onkyo said their receiver is has a switch between 4, 6 and 8 ohms. Denon said that all of their receivers are rated 6 ohms and up. They said I could use 4 ohm speakers but that i would have to shy away from playing music or movies too loudly and also for extended durations of time as temperatures could rise causing damage. I asked how long is too long and they said that they couldn't give me a definitive answer. So knowing that....which would you choose?

Denon
AVC-1610 500 dollars
AVC-3920 700 dollars
SCS-01M 5.0 Set with SBS-01 surrounds Black & 2531PCi sub total 1373.30

Onkyo
TX-SA607 $630
Emotiva Speaker system w SVS or HSU sub
3 ERM-1 LCR Monitors, and 2 ERD-1 Surround $761
2531PCi sub $566
Total cost $1327

Are you into Blu-Ray? That Denon 3920 is an older model (released in 2005) and does not have some of the features that newer receivers have like decoding to Dolby TrueHD, and DTS HD-MA. You also want to ensure that this receiver can carry both audio and video over HDMI (I am almost positive that the AVC-1610 cannot). In addition, the newer Onkyo receiver will be rated for HDMI 1.3 (as will the newer Denon). If you do not care about Blu-Ray and don't think you will in the future the Denon 3910 and 1610 may be a great fit.

If you do care about Blu-Ray or the ability to send both audio and video over HDMI I think the Onkyo is the pick. As far as speakers go, the Emotiva speakers vs the SVS speakers have more features and offer more flexibility. Like I mentioned I had selected the Emotiva's over the SVS speakers but the fact that the Onkyo 605 was not rated to drive 4ohm speakers in the US was the dealbreaker.

As for the HSU subs vs the SVS subs. Tough call. Both excellent subs, but I have always really liked the SVS subs and the cylinder design of the 2531 makes it unique and a little easier, IMHO, to place in a room. Honestly though? I think you would be very happy either way. It really comes down to budget. You can get the STF-2 for cheaper and I think this sub would really be more than you need.

But. If you plan on keeping this equipment for a long time and could be moving to a larger space stepping up to a bigger and more powerful sub may make more sense longterm.

I guess flip a coin at this point Either way, I think you will have an audio system that will blow your socks off (especially for movies) and will easily give you 10 years of happiness (or more).

If you are still on the fence you could always try contacting both SVS and Emotiva and talking to them about any concerns you have. That is what I did. I thought both companies (as well as HSU) had excellent customer service, and all of them seemed up front and honest about their speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

Was just driving by, and took notice of this thread, especially about the "Energy" - "Take-5.1 System"....and just as previously stated by others here......You cannot go wrong for the money with this sytem in an apartment environment......If will thrill you a bit at first, if you have never heard it before, and you probably wonder how a system so small and low-priced could make all that great sound........

A friend just purchased this setup recently, and I was impressed by it for what it is.......And it is also true, that the 8"-Sub is a marvelous little thing that has amazing output for what it is.......

I have seen this advertised recently for just around $300 or so...and that in and of itself is amazing considering what you get for your money......With the money you can save on this speaker ensemble, you can afford a good quality CD player and Receiver, and still be way in your budget.....

Good luck, I hope you find what you are looking for.......Good Sound is so Good.....Once you hear it, you will never go back.....

best,

You should see what a JL Audio 8W7 build is capable off. It's an 8 inch sub that can beat any sub mentioned so far that I've seen.

If interested. I can give you detail on how to build your own. it would be way smaller than the SVS and HSU with greater output. I'm currently planning to use a pair for my subs. PM me for more details.

 

[lsiberian]

After seeing your room here are my suggestions

Build a 4.1 system with a pair of small subs. If you can get a couple of DIY ones together that would be ideal. I wish I were experienced enough to build you a JL Audio 8w7 at this point. I know that type of build would be amazing and easily fill your room with LFE.

Your sitting on axis with the tv so you don't need a center speaker. Most low end Center speakers suck anyway and you'd be better off putting your money in the LR channels than in the center channel at your budget level. Center channels can be more trouble than their worth in many rooms.

Get a brand that you can match with speakers in Japan!

I know there was the EMP plug from a certain member.
Read this post before you buy EMP and then choose for yourself.
http://www.drmarksays.com/?p=71
In that post is a very discouraging review of them. Not to bash any EMP readers. I suggest if you own EMP speakers you not read that post.

This guy is very well respected here and is far more knowledgeable than me on loudspeakers. So I trust his opinions. Ultimately it's your ears anyway.

You don't have to choose right away so take your time.

 

[ack_bak]

After seeing your room here are my suggestions

Build a 4.1 system with a pair of small subs. If you can get a couple of DIY ones together that would be ideal. I wish I were experienced enough to build you a JL Audio 8w7 at this point. I know that type of build would be amazing and easily fill your room with LFE.

Your sitting on axis with the tv so you don't need a center speaker. Most low end Center speakers suck anyway and you'd be better off putting your money in the LR channels than in the center channel at your budget level. Center channels can be more trouble than their worth in many rooms.

Get a brand that you can match with speakers in Japan!

I know there was the EMP plug from a certain member.
Read this post before you buy EMP and then choose for yourself.
http://www.drmarksays.com/?p=71
In that post is a very discouraging review of them. Not to bash any EMP readers. I suggest if you own EMP speakers you not read that post.

This guy is very well respected here and is far more knowledgeable than me on loudspeakers. So I trust his opinions. Ultimately it's your ears anyway.

You don't have to choose right away so take your time.

Keep in mind those EMP speakers were prototype F70 speakers (ie they are not for sale yet and my guess is that EMP is working out the issues with them). The F30 speakers are clones of the RBH TK5 speakers which, I can vouch for having listened to the RBH speakers in person, are darned nice speakers. I am not sure about the F50 speakers. But it seems like the F30's are a very safe bet as far as audio quality goes.

 

[samhfoley]

I know there was the EMP plug from a certain member.
Read this post before you buy EMP and then choose for yourself.
http://www.drmarksays.com/?p=71
In that post is a very discouraging review of them. Not to bash any EMP readers. I suggest if you own EMP speakers you not read that post.

This guy is very well respected here and is far more knowledgeable than me on loudspeakers. So I trust his opinions. Ultimately it's your ears anyway.

One of the options that he gives the best reviews to are the HSU HB-1H's. I could also get
* 1 VTF-1 Subwoofer
* 4 HB-1 MK2 Horn Bookshelf
* 1 HC-1 MK2 Horn Center Channel
for $1279 - $1429

He rates those above the Emotivas.... AND they would only account for 2.5 bags on the plane, leaving me with room for the HTPC..... hmmmmm Anybody else heard these and want to chime in?

 

[lsiberian]

One of the options that he gives the best reviews to are the HSU HB-1H's. I could also get
* 1 VTF-1 Subwoofer
* 4 HB-1 MK2 Horn Bookshelf
* 1 HC-1 MK2 Horn Center Channel
for $1279 - $1429

He rates those above the Emotivas.... AND they would only account for 2.5 bags on the plane, leaving me with room for the HTPC..... hmmmmm Anybody else heard these and want to chime in?

The guy knows his stuff. So you couldn't go wrong with something he likes.