can I do better for ~$700

[rexracer]

I will soon be buying a new receiver (probably a Pioneer 1016) and speakers. Like many, I'm on a tight budget, and since the system is going in a townhouse, room is also at a premium. After looking around at whats available, I'm leaning towards Infinity Primus 150's, an Primus c-25 center, and a HSU STF-1 sub. The 150's seem to be a non-current model, and can be had for $60 a peice, so the whole setup will be about $700. I looked at the Micra-6, but I like the bigger drivers in the Infinities. I may get the 160's for the front to handle the bass even better. Any thoughts? I'm still very new and on a really steep learning curve with all the research I've been doing, so please, educate me andlet me know if I'm on the right track!

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I will soon be buying a new receiver (probably a Pioneer 1016) and speakers. Like many, I'm on a tight budget, and since the system is going in a townhouse, room is also at a premium. After looking around at whats available, I'm leaning towards Infinity Primus 150's, an Primus c-25 center, and a HSU STF-1 sub. The 150's seem to be a non-current model, and can be had for $60 a peice, so the whole setup will be about $700. I looked at the Micra-6, but I like the bigger drivers in the Infinities. I may get the 160's for the front to handle the bass even better. Any thoughts? I'm still very new and on a really steep learning curve with all the research I've been doing, so please, educate me andlet me know if I'm on the right track!

The Primus series are nicely regarded at the clearance prices and the cabinet can be modified pretty cheaply for less resonances. do a search and you'll find a thread here somewhere on the topic.

The other choice in that price range seems to be the Onix X-series. $219 a pair book shelf speakers and a $200 sub.http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

Go listen to the Infinites if you can and if they sound nice in the store try them at home to know for sure. Just make sure of the stores' return policy.

Have fun!
SBF1

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Oh, I almost forgot!

Only you can answer if you can do better for $700. They are your ears after all.

Have lots of fun!!!
SBF1

 

[angstadt530]

Keep in mind that since you'll be getting a nice sub and can set the crossover frequency, you won't need mains that handle extremely low bass frequencies. Keep you focus more on the midrange and up.

 

[speakerman39]

I will soon be buying a new receiver (probably a Pioneer 1016) and speakers. Like many, I'm on a tight budget, and since the system is going in a townhouse, room is also at a premium. After looking around at whats available, I'm leaning towards Infinity Primus 150's, an Primus c-25 center, and a HSU STF-1 sub. The 150's seem to be a non-current model, and can be had for $60 a peice, so the whole setup will be about $700. I looked at the Micra-6, but I like the bigger drivers in the Infinities. I may get the 160's for the front to handle the bass even better. Any thoughts? I'm still very new and on a really steep learning curve with all the research I've been doing, so please, educate me andlet me know if I'm on the right track!

As a current Infinity Primus owner I can NOT recommend them enough. Personally, I prefer the sound of the 150's to the 160's because the 150's are a bit more aticulate in the upper midbass and not so boomy sounding as the 160's. I have the 360's, C25, and the 150's in the rear. Just love them and for the money the Primus speakers offer a huge bang for the buck. Good luck in your decision. Happy Hunting!!!!!

 

[rexracer]

The Primus series are nicely regarded at the clearance prices and the cabinet can be modified pretty cheaply for less resonances. do a search and you'll find a thread here somewhere on the topic.

The other choice in that price range seems to be the Onix X-series. $219 a pair book shelf speakers and a $200 sub.http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

Go listen to the Infinites if you can and if they sound nice in the store try them at home to know for sure. Just make sure of the stores' return policy.

Have fun!
SBF1

I saw that x-ls setup, and they seem to get pretty good reviews. I wonder how they compare...especially the subs. I'm trying to see if I can hear both in person. I have time...still have to wait for the check from the IRS before the wife will let me buy.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Try them risk free.

http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?threadid=18763

SBF1

 

[jcPanny]

HTIB Killer

I will soon be buying a new receiver (probably a Pioneer 1016) and speakers. Like many, I'm on a tight budget, and since the system is going in a townhouse, room is also at a premium. After looking around at whats available, I'm leaning towards Infinity Primus 150's, an Primus c-25 center, and a HSU STF-1 sub. The 150's seem to be a non-current model, and can be had for $60 a peice, so the whole setup will be about $700. I looked at the Micra-6, but I like the bigger drivers in the Infinities. I may get the 160's for the front to handle the bass even better. Any thoughts? I'm still very new and on a really steep learning curve with all the research I've been doing, so please, educate me andlet me know if I'm on the right track!

Rex,
You did well. I think your new setup should beat any HTIB system out there. At more than double the cost, the Onix X-LS would probably be an upgrade but they don't match up with your $700 budget. Enjoy the new HT.

 

[gmichael]

I can vouch for the Infinity's. Very nice for the buck.

 

[abefroeman]

I cant really say if you can do better for $700. But the setup that I am working towards costs $730, so it might be of interest to you.

I own these:
$410........Mordaunt short 914 Link
$80 .........NAD 7155 stereo receiver (Circa 1985) (from ebay)

Looking to buy this:
$240........Onix x-sub Link

Staying 2.1 allows me to get higher quality speakers and better WAF than I would get for the same price in a 5.1 setup. This is because you spend the money on 3 speakers instead of 6, and good stereo receivers are dang cheap. I couldn't be happier with what I have for the price. A budget of $1,500 is where I would start considering some of the 5.1 options (x-ls, paradigm atom, etc..).

I understand that this doesn't work for everyone.

 

[abefroeman]

Although $1,500 gets you:

~$1,000..Axiom Audio M-60 towers
$80........Stereo Receiver
$429......SVS PB-10

...but I digress

 

[no. 5]

Look at me! I have speakers in my signature!

me too!

I like the sig Abe.... but I digress farther.
anyway, rexracer; the 150's do sound good, Athenas sound a bit bright to me.
of corse you do have to listen to them to make the right choice.