First System Advice - Newbie

[Newbie1980]

I am primarily going to use my system for listening to music and karaoke (yikes

This is a living room setup and very open to the kitchen, so I am missing a wall for reflection on one side.

My wife wants me to go in ceiling. So here's the deal. I am not really concerned about true surround sound, and I am not really an audiophile, I just want a really good rocking sound system to listen to music and dance etc...

The local home theater store has recommended 4 Miridian 200 P speakers in ceiling, an Integra receiver, and a mid grade sub woofer on the floor. Price installed is $2,000.

All things considered from above, will I be happy with this? Getting a good deal?

I am sure my elementary system would unnerve a true pro reading this, but consider I just want to make sure I am getting a good price for what I am trying to do, and that I will enjoy my system and it sounds good.

Thanks!

 

[markw]

Understand that when you involve professional services, you pay for their expertise as well as the basic hardware, not to mention any labor involved in running wires and miscellaneous hardware as well.

Likeswise, labor charges vary from area to area. NYC Metro area will most likely be more expensive that something in Bosie, Idaho.

So, while you can get prices on individual components that will ne lower than that overall quote, that quote provides a "key-ready" solution.

You might want to get other quotes from other installers in the area.

 

[Newbie1980]

Thanks Mark. I've priced the components and taken into consideration I do have to pay for skilled labor. I think the price is fine.

I suppose my question should have been more along the lines of the speakers. I couldn't find much information about the Miridian 200 P and was wondering if the overall system would be a good sounding setup. It seems like Miridian didn't make this line for very long, and the follow up system is outrageously expensive, 10k +. It makes me wonder about the 200 P speakers, and if there is possibly something I would be more happy with in the $200/speaker range.

The amount of information out there is overwhelming on speaker systems. What one guy says is amazing, another says is no good...

 

[macddmac]

Hey Newbie, welcome to the forum!
In ceilings , are ok for the rears, but unacceptable for your front ( I did this in my family room and have regretted it from the get-go) especially if you want to rock out and dance.
In ceiling's are fine for background music but fail miserably at providinding Any sort of sound stage for you and anyone else attempting to feel the music. At the very least , get in-walls for the Left/ center/ right speakers and make sure the tweeters are directed your typical ear level. Better yet, get a matched set of bookshelf/ center speakers for your front stage. What were you going to use as a center speaker? For movies the, the center channel carries most of the dialog and is well worth the expense. I googled meridian and can't find much info as far as reviews etc. integra is a respected brand but not necessary to provide a good HT/ music experience- go with a Denon- Yamaha - Onkyo for less $ and invest in good speakers and subwoofer. For your budget, there are a lot of better choices than recommended by your local store. I get the wife approval factor (WAF) thing but being stuck with crappy sound is unacceptable. Hang out here a little and check out other first time posts similar to yours- there's ton's- there's a poster on audioholics called First Reflection who gives very insightful (and detailed) recommendations to first timers.
Cheers, Mac

 

[markw]

Well, after that last post I don't even know why you would want any opinion besides that of the deified one, but here goes.

Meridian is a fairly hi-zoot manufacturer but that doesn't always equate to sonic bliss. IT does, however, carry a bit of prestige when installers recommend it. ...and they can command a high price for a classy name.

Are the wires already run? Many contractors do that as a selling point but, in actuality, it limits the new owner's thinking to anything except ceiling speakers.

Secondly, I'm not really a fan of ceiling speakers. They are great foe background music in restaurants and dentists offices but, for home theatre and music enjoyment, they don't make it in my book. With movies particularly, you want the sounds to appear to be coming from where your eyes tell you it should be and, unless God is speaking down from the clouds, overhead isn't it. That's why they have a center speaker mounted as near to the screen as possible: To anchor the voices to the screen. ext, the right and left speakers should be in the same plane. The rears, however can get by with ceiling speakers although I still prefer traditional side mounted speakers for them.

But, if the main goal is to hot have anything visible and they are merely an appliance to fill the room with some sound and the overall experience of the movie is secondary, then they are fine. Many people are happy with them. I'm not one of them.

I'll not disparage Onkyo since it's perfectly serviceable and know nothing about the sub, but you might want to see what alternatives he can offer for the speakers.

 

[zieglj01]

As far as in-ceiling for the front channels, it is too distracting soundwise.
I would cheat and stick them in the front wall instead. Using in-ceiling
speakers for surround use, can be decent. I would not spend a whole lot
for that > you can get some nice Snell speakers here - close out pricing.
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