creating a budget 'home theater' for streaming concerts

[emmeya]

Hi - I've been really impressed by the details you all have given other people and it seems like I will get the best info by sharing my specific situation.

I literally know nothing about audio/visual (aside from being in the AV club in the 7th grade, which just seemed to involve rolling a TV cart to classrooms) and have been listening to music on a Jambox Jawbone and my phone for a few years (to give you an idea of my low level of entry!).

I just decided to turn my backroom into a space to stream some live concerts - they are broadcast in stereo - they usually sound really clear, and only stop a few times to buffer during the whole show. I have a ViewSonic PJD5134 projector that I'm going to be using - now I need help with the sound.

The room is 11x18 - it's actually 11x20 but the 'wall' I want to project on has a 2' deep full wall of shelves covered with white curtains (going to try this for projection with the understanding that I might need to buy a screen). Hardwood floors but half of the room is covered with a rug and there's a big couch so it's not echo-y.

I THINK I need to buy a receiver, a subwoofer, and 2 speakers (fairly good sized ones, so it'll sound like the music is coming from the "stage") to start. If I can get all that for $500, I'll be really happy, but I don't know if that's feasible.

Secondarily, we will use the room to stream stuff from Netflix/Amazon. I think that means eventually, we would get a 5.1 or 7.1 system, but I don't know if it's worth it to think about that too much right now because I really want it to be LOUD for the concerts and I only have so much money. But I definitely want the receiver to be able to handle a 5.1 system as well as just stereo.

We are planning to run the video by hooking up to a laptop (HDMI) or Apple TV (we have been using an Ipad->Apple TV to watch the shows so far). And the concerts are Phish if that helps advise your advice.

So, I'm looking for pointers on anything I might not be considering, and most of all recommendations for models in my price range.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me!

 

[shadyJ]

A receiver, two speakers, and a subwoofer can be done for $500, but not really well. If I were you, I would just buy a used or refurbished receiver and a couple tower speakers, also used if possible. Forget the subwoofer for now, that will take too large of a bit out of your budget, and you still wouldn't end up with a worthwhile one. If you live near a Fry's, the Infinity Primus p363 and Pioneer SP tower speakers go on sale very cheaply pretty frequently, they are excellent for the price. The Primus speakers can hit as low as $100 each sometimes, and the Pioneers can go for $140 a pair at times. You could walk out of Fry's with a decent 2.0 set for $500 at those prices. You can find good prices on refurbished receivers at accessories4less.com. Buy your HDMI and speaker cables at monoprice.com or even Home Depot. Electronics stores badly overprice cables.

 

[agarwalro]

Pioneer towers, look for SP-FS52 and not last gen FS51. In fact, except for the sub, the Pioneer 5.1 package is as good of 5.1 someone can hope for in the $500 range.

http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/pioneer-sp-pk52fs

I would not recommend 7.1 in your room. The rear surrounds need to be at least 5 to 7 ft behind your couch.

 

[emmeya]

That's helpful information...I had looked on Craigslist some, didn't even think about getting something refurbished from a company!

And, I was looking at that Panasonic package just last night! Thanks for the tip on the 7.1, really narrows down my choices (which is helpful!).

 

[agarwalro]

As long as its Panasonic with spelling, PIONEER .

 

[jcparks]

500 dollars is tough, but you are only doing stereo so it will be easier for you.
Always keep an eye on craigslist, awesome deals can be had there.
As for speakers, everyone loves the pioneer speakers for budget here but you have a very unique situation.
JBL is widely known for their "stadium" or "theater" sounding speakers
Amazon.com: JBL ES20 High-Performance 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Black, Pair): Electronics
check out these speakers
Amazon.com: JBL ES250PBK High-Performance 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer: Electronics
coupled with this sub....
price 430
the sound may not be as "quality" as the pioneer speakers, but they will have a more "live concert" edge to them... which sounds like what you are looking for.

 

[afterlife2]

You can start with a 3.1 then add another pair of speakers later for a 5.1.

Receiver: YAMAHA RX-V375 5.1-Channel AV Receiver | Accessories4less

Speakers: they go on sale for $90ish if you can wait):Amazon.com: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeakers: Electronics

Center: they go on sale for $80ish) Amazon.com: Pioneer SP-C22 Andrew Jones Designed Center Channel Speaker: Electronics

Alt speaker: (I love mine for concerts. $47.50 each. Buy 3 or 5 and use one as a center): Amazon.com: Nxg Pro 4.1 Satellite Speaker: Electronics

Sub: Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer 300-629