Comparing SVS, BIC, Acoustech, & your suggestions!

[andy11]

Hello,
Redoing home theatre. Currently have a bunch of polk all over living room. R50's, R30's, R15's and csi3 center.

Looking to spend about $1000-1200 for sub, fronts, center, and 2 surrounds. home layout doesn't really permit for 7.1

I have been seeing incredible deals on BIC's, Acoustech seems like a good budget buy, and everyone talks about SVS.

A 60" tv will be wall mounted. I have free reign to choose between:
1. All fronts and center wall mounted
or
2. Center wall mounted and towers for L/R

What I have considered:
Choice A:
Acoustech PL-200 sub, Acoustech PL-28 Center, Acoustech PL-89 towers
and for surround either the PL-66 or Acoustech HT-64 surrounds.
(I have windows directly behind sofa, but there is a wall to each backside of sofa. So, assume I could still use the PL-66 angled cabinets, although I can't direct those directly at listener, if you know what I mean).

Choice B:
BIC Kevlar VK-12 Sub
Center: Either VK6-LCR or Venturi DV62CLR-S
L/R: Either matching VK6-LCR for all 3 fronts
or
DV62CLR-S matched with DV-64 towers
Surround: DV62si

If I go Acoustech, I didn't really see a good matching L/R that I could wall mount?
However, the VK6-LCR, I guess all 3 could be wall mounted?
Wife may be a little overwhelmed with a 3 speakers wall mounted. I told her why I didn't wall in-wall and she agreed.
So, I guess the other question is VK6-LCR's on speaker stands vs. towers?

Certainly, if you can think of another 5.1 setup like these for $1000-1200, I am all ears.

Oh,
Choice C:
SVS SCS-02 (M) for L/CR
Either SBS-02 or SSS-02 for surrounds
Have to stick with BIC sub for cost.

Thanks for any suggestions. Truly appreciated if you like any of the above choices, mix-match, etc...

Thanks

 

[andy11]

Here are photos of room

 

[sholling]

If you go with the SVS then I'd save a bit longer and buy them with the bundled sub. Preferably the PB12-NSD or a PC12-NSD if they will do it. The box sub could be used for an end table.

 

[andy11]

I hope some others can jump in on this. Would really love some comments on the BIC, Acoustic, and Infinity options as well.

 

[fightinkraut]

Choice A:
Acoustech PL-200 sub, Acoustech PL-28 Center, Acoustech PL-89 towers
and for surround either the PL-66 or Acoustech HT-64 surrounds.

Choice B:
BIC Kevlar VK-12 Sub
Center: Either VK6-LCR or Venturi DV62CLR-S
L/R: Either matching VK6-LCR for all 3 fronts
or
DV62CLR-S matched with DV-64 towers
Surround: DV62si

Choice C:
SVS SCS-02 (M) for L/CR
Either SBS-02 or SSS-02 for surrounds
Have to stick with BIC sub for cost.

First things first, head out somewhere and listen to the differences between a soft fabric tweeter in the DV62 series and the horn tweeter in the acoustech line. Some people love the highs, some people think they're too harsh. If you have a strong opinion one way or another it should help narrow down your selections.

Years ago when I started getting interested in quality sound I bought a pair of the DV62SI speakers, listened to them for a few months, then sent the crossovers to Ed in AZ for modifications. I was pleasantly surprised by the speakers, found them to have a strong bass response and a overall pleasant sound. That being said, the biggest thing I noticed when comparing them against others (including my current speakers, EMP E5Ti's) was the feeling they overemphasized some bass and wound up sounding muddled throughout the low-midrange. I had planned on purchasing 3 62CLR-S for LCR, but wound up saving and buying the EMP impression line. I believe those two speakers represent a very good value for the money, but I'm not inclined to agree with the masses on audioreview who say they're the best in the world.

Unfortunately I have not had a chance to hear the SVS package, but they certainly garner a lot of attention, and I would encourage you to seriously consider them. Don't be put off by the smaller size when compared to some of the BIC offerings, since you're planning on coupling the speakers with a sub you shouldn't be too concerned about their extension below 70 or 80 Hz.

I'm very pleased with the EMP Impression speakers I selected, you could certainly add them to the list. A 5.0 package paired with a BIC sub would be a viable option given your price range.

I concur with Sholling that saving up for an SVS sub would be preferable to the BIC. That being said, some people sure do like their BIC subs, and they're priced well. I would encourage you to look long and hard at SVS and HSU, perhaps even consider two of the more affordable SUB-120 from parts express.

Many options, I'm sure you'll be pleased with any of your choices. Hopefully this gives you something to think about.

Seth

 

[AJinFLA]

I hope some others can jump in on this. Would really love some comments on the BIC, Acoustic, and Infinity options as well.

How deep is the recess that the current system sits in? It looks around 2' or so (from the edge of the fireplace to the wall behind the unit).

 

[andy11]

Yes. The alcove is 9.5wide x 2'deep x 9' to ceiling

Someone mentioned acoustic transparent screen. Can't afford it and wife doesn't want a huge screen there. Also, was planning on a built-in entertainment unit, but minimum bid was $4400, and that would wide out any quality equipement I get.

The problem now is wife is concerned about 2 year old messing with the towers. I don't want in-wall. Therefore, may have to go with wall mounted L/C/R around 60" tv?

 

[AJinFLA]

Yes. The alcove is 9.5wide x 2'deep x 9' to ceiling

Someone mentioned acoustic transparent screen. Can't afford it and wife doesn't want a huge screen there. Also, was planning on a built-in entertainment unit, but minimum bid was $4400, and that would wide out any quality equipement I get.

The problem now is wife is concerned about 2 year old messing with the towers. I don't want in-wall. Therefore, may have to go with wall mounted L/C/R around 60" tv?

Alcove was the word I was looking for .
Genuine concern with the kid. Aesthetically, would towers to the outside + 2 subwoofers beside/inside of them (so that they cannot tip sideways, the main concern with towers, since most are far too deep to tip forward/back), then a media center between, work?

 

[sholling]

Yes. The alcove is 9.5wide x 2'deep x 9' to ceiling

Someone mentioned acoustic transparent screen. Can't afford it and wife doesn't want a huge screen there. Also, was planning on a built-in entertainment unit, but minimum bid was $4400, and that would wide out any quality equipement I get.

The problem now is wife is concerned about 2 year old messing with the towers. I don't want in-wall. Therefore, may have to go with wall mounted L/C/R around 60" tv?

Looking at that photo again the alcove could be a problem. I would stick with either front ported towers poking out past the wall; or sealed or front ported bookshelves. I know from experience that rear ported speakers are a challenge in a tight alcove. You could wind up with corner loading like crazy. I'd use the sub(s) as an end table(s) next to the couch if there is any way to run the cable.

 

[andy11]

Hello.
Interesting options.
I am assuming you meant the Dayton sub-120? Yes, for the price, it certainly seems very easy to get two of them and place next to each front?
They are rear-firing? I thought that could be an issue with that alcove?

I am assuming most of you would feel 2 sub-120's won't overwhelm the high's in this livingroom and not be excessive? I also am assuming that the sound from this dayton speaker is as good as the BIC?

Thanks

 

[AJinFLA]

Hello.
Interesting options.
I am assuming you meant the Dayton sub-120? Yes, for the price, it certainly seems very easy to get two of them and place next to each front?
They are rear-firing? I thought that could be an issue with that alcove?

I am assuming most of you would feel 2 sub-120's won't overwhelm the high's in this livingroom and not be excessive? I also am assuming that the sound from this dayton speaker is as good as the BIC?

Thanks

If towers with the twin subs to prevent tipping inwards is an option, then here are my suggestions (as always, it is better to audition for yourself, but this is not always possible...which is probably why you're here ).

With the (362) towers, the subs can be run over a very limited bandpass (frequency range), say below 50-60 hz. This narrow range (20-55hz) limits the possibility of any nasty peaking not being able to be tamed by simply reducing the gain on the sub, regardless of type (sealed, front/rear ported, etc.). You've got plenty of flexibility in the budget for your subs if you keep your surrounds and go with the 362/350 front stage, so sealed, front/bottom port, etc. are options.

cheers,

AJ

 

[sholling]

Hello.
Interesting options.
I am assuming you meant the Dayton sub-120? Yes, for the price, it certainly seems very easy to get two of them and place next to each front?
They are rear-firing? I thought that could be an issue with that alcove?

I am assuming most of you would feel 2 sub-120's won't overwhelm the high's in this livingroom and not be excessive?

Subwoofers have a volume knob so you could go with as much sub as the budget allows and then just turn it down to fit your space. The nice thing with buying more sub than you need is that they are easy to turn down. When you buy too little sub the only way to turn it up beyond 100% is to add another sub.

Other than difficulty running cables there is no real reason not to place the subs next to the sofa. As long as you set the crossover at 80hz or below it won't be really obvious where the bass is coming from. Yes if you try hard enough you can localize 80hz but it's not glaringly obvious. They make perfectly good end tables.

 

[andy11]

Hello,
Thanks for sub advice as well.

Can either of you comment on doing the SVS speakers wall mounted with the alcove depth that I have? In other words, because of the alcove, am I better off with towers on each either of an entertainment center? In addition, that may also force me to NOT mount the center speaker if the depth of the alcove is an issue. Aesthetically, I thought at least mounting the center would be nice.

You both got me thinking about the alcove and its affect on sound.

EMP seem like nice speakers. Can anyone comment on EMP versus Infinity versus SVS?

 

[sholling]

You could wall mount and see how they sound. And if you don't like the sound move them forward on shelves. I'd just try and have the L&R at ear level and the center as close to ear level as possible. You can always angle the center down a bit but I'd get as close to the screen as possible. Remember that you can localize the sound from those speakers (unlike the sub) and I don't think I'd want the sonic effect of conversations taking place 3' over the TV. But that's just me.

 

[AJinFLA]

Can either of you comment on doing the SVS speakers wall mounted with the alcove depth that I have? In other words, because of the alcove, am I better off with towers on each either of an entertainment center? In addition, that may also force me to NOT mount the center speaker if the depth of the alcove is an issue. Aesthetically, I thought at least mounting the center would be nice.

It depends on where you wall mount. To avoid the "bandshell" effect of excessive early reflections in the alcove, you would want to avoid mounting LR speakers on the 9.5' wall of the alcove (2' back from the face)...especially poor speaker designs with zero directional control (a quick peek at the SVS site showed just such tragic designs). Mounting them on the side walls of the alcove, flush to the front edge of the 2' wall and toed inwards...might work (how would you hide the wires?). The (362) towers protruding just past the front edge of the alcove is a safe bet for good sound. You could still wall mount the center under the TV or place it on the stand, etc.

EMP seem like nice speakers. Can anyone comment on EMP versus Infinity versus SVS?

I can't see any reason to buy either over the 362, from a linear soundfield, high sensitivity, etc, etc. (related to sound waves) standpoint. Maybe looks, price or something else?
A lot of this seems to revolve around what stand/entertainment center you plan to put in the alcove...and what takes precedence.

cheers,

AJ

 

[sholling]

EMP seem like nice speakers. Can anyone comment on EMP versus Infinity versus SVS?

The only reason that I'd hesitate on the EMP is I believe (if memory serves correctly) that they are rear ported. I can't swear to it but I believe that's correct. If it's true then I don't think they would be a good choice for an alcove. In my experience the sound coming from the port may reflect off the front wall (behind the speaker), the side wall, and the entertainment system creating a megaphone like effect with the bass overwhelming and burying the midrange and highs. That's why I replaced the perfectly good rear ported towers in my family room with front ported towers. I had almost the same situation.

Generally I like to place rear ported speakers at least 2 feet from the front wall and 3 feet from any side walls. In your case even sealed or front ported speakers should have their fronts peeking out past the side walls and cabinet to minimize reflections.

 

[andy11]

Okay.
The entertainment stand will likely be a typical black about 60" wide shelving unit. Positioned in center of alcove. Now, that leaves about 27" on each side. Obviously, each tower is not 27" wide. So, I either have to have each tower right at the edge of each alcove brought forward a bit, or I have them directly against the entertainment center with a small gap to the outsides of each speaker. I kind of figured having a little greater distance between the L and R is better?

 

[AJinFLA]

Okay.
The entertainment stand will likely be a typical black about 60" wide shelving unit. Positioned in center of alcove. Now, that leaves about 27" on each side. Obviously, each tower is not 27" wide. So, I either have to have each tower right at the edge of each alcove brought forward a bit, or I have them directly against the entertainment center with a small gap to the outsides of each speaker. I kind of figured having a little greater distance between the L and R is better?

It looks like you sit more than 9' back from the alcove, so yes, to the outside, slightly protruding from the face of the alcove, maybe toed in slightly. As I suggested before, in the gap between the entertainment center and towers, a pair of narrow subs to prevent the towers from possibly being tipped inward by the toddler. Something like a pair of these might be overkill (or bring law enforcement to the house), but would fill the gap nicely and has a gain control on the front, behind the grill, so that you don't have to reach behind like most subs and the toddler can't "adjust" it with the grill on .

cheers,

AJ

 

[andy11]

Hello AJ,
thanks for sub suggestion. Any comment on going with a dayton 120 sub, that was mentioned by another user, and combining 2 of those instead?

Someone else mentioned with subs you get what you pay for. The 120 sub for about $150 seemed like a steal and a good alternative if doing 2 of them for the cost.

Any other suggestion for a set of 2 sub's, with this setup. I am likely going to go with either SVS STS towers, SVS SCS on wall or speaker stands, or the infinity P362 towers and matching center.

Thanks

Oh...If tv about 1 foot off wall, viewing distance would be 13 feet and speakers at edges of alcove are 12 feet.

 

[AJinFLA]

Hello AJ,
thanks for sub suggestion. Any comment on going with a dayton 120 sub, that was mentioned by another user, and combining 2 of those instead?
Someone else mentioned with subs you get what you pay for.

If you look at the link in my post at the top of the page, you'll see it's me recommending the Daytons .
Indeed you do get what you pay for. The Infinity's across the front and Wharfdale surrounds is $680. Which leaves $320-$520 for subs. 2 Daytons would probably more than suffice (don't let the low price fool you, they perform well), 2 Earthquakes would bust the budget slightly, but knock stuff of the walls....if you're willing to pay .

I am likely going to go with either SVS STS towers, SVS SCS on wall or speaker stands, or the infinity P362 towers and matching center.

The Infinity's will get you far better sound (as I noted previously, the SVS are tragic embodiments of mediocre design) than either of those choices, but the wall mounts may meet you aesthetic demands....at the price of lower SQ.
SVS makes excellent, though pricier, subs.

cheers,

AJ