Front/Bookshelf Speakers - Need Advice

[stealth]

I have a Pioneer VSX-514 receiver and a Yamaha NS-P100 HT. I want to add a front speaker that will reinforce the sound, I mean giving emphasis on the stereo sound. What are the good front/bookshelf speakers that will do the job (budget $300) ? Thanks.

 

[JJMP50]

Question

I'm not sure I follow your question. You have an entry level Pioneer 5.1 receiver (good starter unit) and you want to replace your satelite mains with a pair of bookshelves? I think that is what you are asking. I don't know if you will like the results. You will not have a voice match with your center. It is important to match your mains with your center for multichannel listening. That being said, the best bang for the buck in bookshelves, IMO, are the Athena B1's or B2's. The problem, I think, will be they are very efficient and will overpower your center and surrounds. And they will have a different timber which will make movies a little distracting. You will have a hard time hearing the dialogue.

 

[stealth]

Reply....

Thanks for your reply....One more question if you don't mind. If I need to have a good setup for 2 channels or 2.1 ch audio system for my room perhaps early next year, is the combination below a good one?

Polk Audio Monitor 40 or R20 for main/front speakers
Polk Audio PSW202 or Yamaha SW315 subwoofer
NAD CB5200 amplifier (2x80w RMS) or Harman HK3480 (which is better)
Sony NS50P DVD/CD player

Once again, thank you very much.

 

[Takeereasy]

Some of that I like, for others you can do better. Can you list the total price you are looking to spend so I know if I'm in the ballpark here? For the fronts on the cheap go with BIC America DV-62SI, should be around $100-$110. Those Polk monitors are nice but if you're willing to spend $300 I'd suggest you look into Monitor Audio Bronze B2's. I'm not saying the Monitors or Bics are better, but you should at least try to give them a listen. For the Sub go with the BIC V1220 for about $210 + shipping or the Cadence Sub $219 shipped. They destroy the two subs you mentioned, I own that polk and it is about to be replaced because it is not up to snuff. Can't find anything on the Nad you mentioned. Are you sure you got the model right? I like Nad gear a lot but that HK you mentioned is a heck of a product. Also you know that if you go with an amp it can't just be a power amp, it would have to at the least be an integrated amp to allow you to connect a source like a DVD or CD player right? Just checking, not trying to be mean. As for the DVD player I think you would be better served with the Pioneer DV-578A-S for about $99. It plays just about every audioformat in existance. I went with under $100 players only though.

Hope this gives you some options, sounds like you've given yourself some great products to start researching. Good luck with it all.

 

[stealth]

Reply

Thanks, that's hell of an advice. I've heard a lil' of BIC America but the problem is I'm here in the Gulf. Most products here, I mean the usual brands being sold here were UK stuffs like Castle, B&W, NAIM, Rel..etc. I doubt if some US products are available in the market here. How about Paradigm speakers and Acoustic Research? I think some are available here? About the NAD model, it's C352 Integrated Amplifier 80w x 2 @ 8 ohms, up to 115w IHF power output @ 6-4 ohms.

Anyway, thanks once again.

 

[Takeereasy]

Rel & B&W are names I'm more familiar with, but I have heard of the others and I'm sure many here would know way more than myself. Can you get a chance to listen to the gear you listed? I really like Paradigm speakers (they are Canadian) and I think that they are a high value per dollar. That Nad integrated is a nice amp. It does not have a radio tuner so you can't listen to over the air radio (probably not a huge concern over there). You can however hook up the DVD player no prob and you could add a tuner when you get home. The tuners in most of today's receivers chomp anyway. I have a $1300 US receiver that only gets 2 stations while my GF's $150 CAD boom box picks up 9 stations when set up right next to it. I think that if you can get to some Paradigm speakers then start looking at the Titans or above. Titans retail for about $250 US and are regarded as one of the best buys out there by many. If you can't get the Bic or Cadence sub then Paradigm sells subs that are also pretty good but they cost more than either of those two. The PDR 12 is the Paradigm sub that is about equivilant to those two. (but the cost is about $200 more) You may want to check with Cadencesound.com to see if they'll ship the sub, I know they ship internationally. If you have an APO or AFO address you'll find that many companies will break their own rules about shipping overseas, as they should.

 

[stealth]

Reply...

Thanks again...by the way, how about the comparison within the range let me say the NAD T743 (50w x 5 ) AV Receiver vs Yamaha RX-V650 (95w x 6) or Pioneer VSX-814 (100w x 7). Which of these 3 is better or is worth to own? Need suggestion on AV Receiver at $800 price range.

Thanks and regards,

 

[JJMP50]

814

As far as the Pioneer 814 (lengthy review elsewhere) you mentioned you have a Pioneer 514. They are almost the same unit except 5.1 instead of 7.1 and a little more flexibility in the 814 on the back panel. All of the Pioneers up to (but not including) the 1014/15 are very similar chassis with added features as you go up the line. The 1014 (older) and 1015 are rebaged Elite units for all intents and purposes and are far superior units.

 

[Takeereasy]

The Pioneer 814 should not be anywhere near $800. Also they are up to the 815 right now, the 814 is last years model. Bird is 100% correct about looking up in models to get more of what you want. You can geta Pioneer 1015 for $429 from JR.com and I know they ship internationally. I know that this is well under $800 but the next step up, the 9300, is right about $800 before taxes, shipping etc. Your best bet may be to get a receiver shipped to a friend or family member stateside and have them ship it to you.