Building on a new system and looking for advice

[Peilers]

Hello all! I'm in the process of Slowly building a new A/V system and in my research on products was lucky enough to stumble on this forum and have enjoyed reading through some of the topics. Sounds like a lot of you guys really know what you are talking about and it seems I largely agree with the advice that has been given on the few products that I have experience with and I'm hoping you all can help me with some additional advice.

This system will be in our living room which is 20x24 with a vaulted ceiling and opens to the kitchen. We have an LG 47le8500 panel and have switched out our tower speakers that I built 15 years ago for a pair of KEF IQ10's at my wife's request for smaller speakers that fit on our bookselves. We don't usually listen to high volumes, (higher for movies) and the system is split evenly 50-50 between music and movies. I like the sound of the KEF's and wish I could try their larger styles, but that's another story I'm sure you've heard before.

A KEF Q series center channel will be added later. I am looking at a Marantz SR5004 A/V receiver and an SVS SB12-NDS sub. I need help with rear satellite-type speakers (something smaller than the IQ10's) to be mounted on the wall and in a highly visible area but in corners. I'd love to put another pair of IQ10's but they aren't made any more and are a bit on the big side for wall mounting in this area and want something that will balance with the fronts.

Plugging into the AVR will be a Samsung BD player, Carver CD player, HD cable box,WII player and an Apple TV box.

I'd love to hear some opinions about what I'm looking at and am completely open to other ideas. Would like to keep the total $$ spent to stay under $1800 for the AVR,Sub,center, and rears... Definitely under $2K.

Also, is it totally horrible to place the center speaker above the panel when the fronts are lined up with the lower part of the screen?

I think that's about all... let me know if you have any questions!
Thanks for your help!!

Pat

 

[AVRat]

Two speakers for the surrounds that come to mind being a little smaller are the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200 and the Def Tech ProMonitor 1000. Another possibility may be the EMP E5Bi.

The center above the TV is not a problem.

 

[Peilers]

Thanks for the suggestions AVRat! Both speakers look like winners, but I think the Def Tech's will fit a bit better in a corner and will hide a little easier. I'm curious though, do you know how they compare to the KEF IQ10's? If they are similar, I may order them in white to help hide them a bit more. But the reviews make them sound pretty impressive (for the size) and may want them up front and put the KEF's in back? Seating area is pretty much in the middle of the room.

Also, do you think my choice of AVR and Sub are valid candidates for the room?

Thanks a bunch!

 

[AVRat]

There is a slight sonic difference between them, but not so much that you’ll notice especially when they’re used for surround duty. If you purchase the DTs, you could try them up front to see how you like the sound. If so, the ProCenter 2000 is a great match and will be easier to purchase than finding the matching Kef iQ60C. You can see that I use it’s granddaddy in my system.

I’ll need to get back later on the sub & receiver if no one else jumps in. Gotta run right now.

 

[Peilers]

Thanks again, I'm also considering the Denon 1910 for the receiver... I like the fact that it allows you to have crossover control for each channel.

 

[AVRat]

For the sub, I’m guessing aside from the budget that there is also a WAF size constraint. You have a healthy sized room to fill with bass, but you seem rational enough to know you can’t do overkill on your budget. If you can’t push the size, the SVS SB12-NDS is an excellent performer especially at its current discounted selling price. However, if you can, I suggest these for consideration:

Outlaw LFM-1 Plus
HSU VTF-2 MK 3
SVS PB10-NSD
Epik Legend, which will be shipping again shortly

 

[templemaners]

For the sub, I’m guessing aside from the budget that there is also a WAF size constraint. You have a healthy sized room to fill with bass, but you seem rational enough to know you can’t do overkill on your budget. If you can’t push the size, the SVS SB12-NDS is an excellent performer especially at its current discounted selling price. However, if you can, I suggest these for consideration:

Outlaw LFM-1 Plus
HSU VTF-2 MK 3
SVS PB10-NSD
Epik Legend, which will be shipping again shortly

Peilers, if you are interested in the PB10-NSD, SVS seems to have a B-Stock version for $100 off the normal price. That page changes quickly (earlier today they had 2 PB12-NSD's on there, which are gone now), so keep an eye on it.

 

[AVRat]

The Marantz and Denon are good options and since you’re not heavy on the volume knob should provide all the power you need. Also since you don’t seem to need a lot of features, you might also take a look at the Onkyo HT-RC270. It also features independent crossover control as well as better Audyssey ARC and more HDMI inputs. http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-RC270-7-2-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B003K51IPI/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_1

 

[Peilers]

Thanks AVRat for the recommendations on the Sub. As you guessed I am restricted not only by WAF but, this is the main living area in a small house and even though the dimensions appear large on paper... it is the central hub of the house and have to hide the Sub under a table behind the couch... there really isn't a whole lot of room available. I'll see if I can figure out how to post an image later. Looks like the SB-12 is no longer available until the new design is shipping in Oct.

Thanks Templemaners for the heads-up on the B-stock at SVS... I'll keep my eye open on that link.

 

[AVRat]

Incorrect, the Gloss Black SB12 for $599 is still available.

 

[Peilers]

Oops... My bad I was in a hurry and clicked on the 'PB12' instead of the 'SB12'

Thanks for the correction!

 

[Peilers]

Where I live, I am unable to audition any quality equipment, so based on past experience and research I've been able to do I think I will pull the trigger on a Denon AVR-2310ci unless anybody can convince me otherwise... Thoughts?

 

[templemaners]

One thing to keep in mind is the 2310 does not have any preouts, so if you ever get to the point where you need more power through an external amp, you would need to replace the receiver to a model that does have preouts. You did mention that you don't listen at high volumes usually, so this might not be a problem for you.

FYI, the next model up, the AVR-3310ci does have preouts.

If you do decide on getting a Denon, be sure to keep this website handy:

http://batpigworld.com/

Denon doesn't make the greatest manuals, but that site has been a real help to me in the past.

 

[AVRat]

Nope, good choice for your needs!

 

[Peilers]

Thanks Guys!

Templemaners- I've heard Denon's manuals are the worst and I thank you for forwarding Batpig's site. I've heard about him and have already been there and is one reason why I am not too nervous about going with Denon

AVRat- thanks for the confirmation!

Next up is the center chanel, rears, and sub. If I can only get one every couple of months... which order do you think is more important? center-sub-rears? Sub-center-rears?

Thanks a ton guys!!

 

[jostenmeat]

center-sub-rears.

The sub could take precedence for those who go with a "phantom" setup since there is no center! (info is routed to stereo mains.) But that's sorta, um, well you know . . . not really relevant to the question.

 

[Peilers]

center-sub-rears.

The sub could take precedence for those who go with a "phantom" setup since there is no center! (info is routed to stereo mains.) But that's sorta, um, well you know . . . not really relevant to the question.

Thanks jostenmeat! That's what I thought also. I have the Kef IQ10's right now and can't find the matching center since they don't make it anymore. How different do you think the Q-series would be?... guess that's more of a question for KEF though isn't it?

Also, if I just have the bookshelf speakers right now... should I just get the smaller of the two sizes? Don't want to overpower the IQ10's.

Thanks!

 

[zumbo]

Something to consider. Sub-rears.

I love my NHT SW12, and you will find 0 complaints about their books.

I would stick with something from KEF for the center.

http://www.nhthifi.com/Bookshelf-Speakers

http://www.nhthifi.com/Subwoofers

 

[zumbo]

Matching center

http://www.amazon.com/KEF-iQ60cBL-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B001HV211M

 

[zumbo]

And if it were me, I would move the 10's to the rear, and put these guys up front.
http://www.amazon.com/KEF-iQ30BL-Bookshelf-Speaker-Black/dp/B001HV7GDK/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_3