Good speakers (5.1) and receiver(7.1) set for movies at a US$ 1000 budget?

[Legend]

Hey there.

I'd like your help on deciding which 5.1 set might be better for me.

First of all, let me say that I live in Brazil, and everything regarding quality home audio is extremely expensive in here. So I'm planning on buying everything on the week I'll be at the US (between april/may 2014). All of that is just to say that I will have little time for listening, so I really need some help in here, lol.

The room I will have the HT is 3,65 m (~12') x 3,45 m (~11,3') and is 2,5 m (~8,2') high. The TV will be set on the longer wall (I know it might not be the ideal size of the room - TV standing on the larger wall - but that's waht I got).

I want to spend around a 1000 US$ between the receiver and the speakers. Regarding the receiver, I'd like it to be futureproof (4K, 3D, etc.) and have a second zone/room feature, since I'm placing a couple stereo speakers on the room close to the HT and would like it to play some music independently from the HT. I came to the conclusion that a good new receiver will cost me around 500 US$, which leaves me 500 US$ for the speakers/sub.

I was looking at the reviews of the new Pioneer speakers (SP-FS52/BS22), and they do seem to fit my needs: the sound is seems to be quite good for the price.

But after reading some other reviews, I wondered if those speakers were really the best option for me, and if I couldn't get something better for the same price. So the first question is, will towers make that much of a difference? I don't want anything too powerfull (currently I'm using a Infinity Total Solution TSS-500 set at a larger room and I don't need anything louder), just want quality sound.

What about the sub? Which one do your recommend? Is there a better sub than the Pionner SW-8MK2 at the same price range?

 

[j_garcia]

On that budget, the Pioneers will be a solid setup. I am sure you can do better than that sub for the price, but it depends on how you will be ordering these.

 

[Legend]

On that budget, the Pioneers will be a solid setup. I am sure you can do better than that sub for the price, but it depends on how you will be ordering these.

That's the conclusion I'm getting to. I just don't know if the FS52 as the front speakers would be much better than the BS22. I could use the extra $$$ to buy a better sub. Would you have any suggestions?

 

[Transmaniacon]

That is a smart plan, you will see more benefit from a better sub than you will having the towers instead of bookshelves.

 

[j_garcia]

Well, I just switched from BS22s to the FS52s in the second setup because I don't intend to use a sub in that one. I do like the FS52s a lot, but the 22s with a better sub is probably a better choice at this price point. The 52s do have sufficient bass to be used without a sub for most things IMO, but you aren't going to get that bottom octave with any authority, so a sub is still necessary in most cases IMO. The 22s won't play as loud as easily as the 52s, but I don't have any complaints about the sound levels the 22s were able to achieve.

This is the sub I'd go with on a budget (probably too high for this budget): http://hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Less expensive, this one: http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391533621&sr=8-1&keywords=bic+f12

And even less: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

 

[kzaudiovideo]

Having a good quality audio system always comes up with a good price. Perhaps Cerwin Vega speaker are good enough and is less expensive.

 

[j_garcia]

Having a good quality audio system always comes up with a good price. Perhaps Cerwin Vega speaker are good enough and is less expensive.

 

[zieglj01]

For me, I for sure will bypass Cerwin Vega - I have owned some, and the Pioneer
is much better with the mids and highs.

 

[j_garcia]

I've also owned CVs and liked them well enough, but they are not in the same ballpark here. The OP specifically asked about the speakers being discussed, so offering something "good enough" isn't exactly good advice.

 

[Legend]

Well, I asked about the Pioneers because I saw some good reviews about them and they are within my budget, but I'm open to other suggestions. If I could get something better for a similar price, I would go for it.

What I learned from my readings is that the BS22 / FS52 are great for movies, but might not be that good for music (classical, mostly). Am I correct?

 

[zieglj01]

Well, I asked about the Pioneers because I saw some good reviews about them and they are within my budget, but I'm open to other suggestions. If I could get something better for a similar price, I would go for it.

What I learned from my readings is that the BS22 / FS52 are great for movies, but might not be that good for music (classical, mostly). Am I correct?

You can do better, and a clear step up for a little more. And since you are
not coming till April/May - there is time for these to be prepared.

The AAL Monitors, from Philharmonic Audio - they will handle your music
I for sure recommend them
Philharmonic Audio

And this is the cheapest/bargain sub, that I would recommend with the AAL Monitors
Mordaunt Short Avaino 7
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MORDAVI7RW/Mordaunt-Short-Aviano-7-10-175-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-Rose/1.html

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MORDAVI7WN/Mordaunt-Short-Aviano-7-10-175-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-Wnt/1.html

 

[Legend]

You can do better, and a clear step up for a little more. And since you are
not coming till April/May - there is time for these to be prepared.

The AAL Monitors, from Philharmonic Audio - they will handle your music
I for sure recommend them
Philharmonic Audio

And this is the cheapest/bargain sub, that I would recommend with the AAL Monitors
Mordaunt Short Avaino 7
Mordaunt Short Aviano 7 10" 175 Watt Powered Subwoofer Rose | Accessories4less

Mordaunt Short Aviano 7 10" 175 Watt Powered Subwoofer Wnt | Accessories4less

I'm sorry, I didn't express myself correctly. I'm using the speakers mainly for movies, and occasionally for music. And when I'm listening to music, it will be rock / heavy metal.

Does your recommendation still stand? (edit: I just saw that those are the BS22 with new tweeters/crossover, and I right? That's why they looked the same for me, lol. Will definitely look forward it!)

Another question, I've seem that the subwoofers recommended were 12". Isn't that bigger than I need? My room is 12' x 11.3'.

 

[marksas]

Bottom line is, you have a small room. You should be looking at a complete matched 5.1 system, there are a few out there, and bookshelf / satellite size fronts are plenty enough along with a subwoofer to fill your room with great sound for movies and music.

My recommendations, not in any particular order would be:

Energy Take Classic 5.1 - These can be had for around $400 right now, and have been considered one of the best budget systems around.
Energy Take Classic 5.1 Review - Watch CNET's Video Review

Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers - as everyone else in the audio world has said, these are great value. You can get them with either all bookshelf or the floor standers as fronts -
SP-PK22BS - Andrew Jones Designed 5.1 Channel Speaker Package | Pioneer Electronics USA
SP-PK52FS - Andrew Jones Designed 5.1 Channel Speaker Package | Pioneer Electronics USA

Martin Logan MLT-1 5.1 - Martin Logan has always made quality stuff, so i'm sure these would do the trick as well -
Newegg.com - MartinLogan MLT-1 5.1CH Home Theater Speaker System, Black

All of these options i listed are under $500, leaving you plenty of room for a decent receiver. If your music choice is rock / heavy metal, you may be better off with the pioneer setup.
I wouldn't spend more money yet on a subwoofer until you hear the one included in the packages in your own room, you will probably find that it will be plenty given the small size of your room, and if not you can always upgrade further down the road. Good luck.

 

[zieglj01]

I'm sorry, I didn't express myself correctly. I'm using the speakers mainly for movies, and occasionally for music. And when I'm listening to music, it will be rock / heavy metal.

Does your recommendation still stand? (edit: I just saw that those are the BS22 with new tweeters/crossover, and I right? That's why they looked the same for me, lol. Will definitely look forward it!)

Another question, I've seem that the subwoofers recommended were 12". Isn't that bigger than I need? My room is 12' x 11.3'.

Yes you are looking at the modded Pioneer speakers - and they are a clear step up >
they are not a wimp - and a nice sub mated with them, can handle movies and music.
That is your type of music included.

The sub I recommended is a 10 inch woofer - that can still hit 92+ db at 25 hz >>>
I do not recommend the somewhat boomy/mushy type subs with the AAL speakers.
And that sub will handle your room.

If you desire more - then spend more - your call

 

[j_garcia]

I use the FS52/BS22s for music and they're perfectly fine with it; I don't see it as a weakness at all. A good speaker is a good speaker I listen to a LOT of different styles of music and they're fine with everything so far. They are not perfect speakers as they do lack some refinement expected from a more expensive speaker, but at the price point I think you'll have a hard time finding anything that is significantly better for the same price. The only thing I don't like about them is their very plain appearance.

I picked up the original energy Take system for my dad years ago and it IS a very solid little package. I wouldn't recommend smaller satellite speakers for music though.

There is no such thing as too much sub. You can turn it down to achieve the desired levels, but if it is not enough, then you're stuck with it. Pretty much all subs in the under ~$300 range are only going to get you to 25Hz realistically, so really you are looking for a proven performer.

I love Mordaunt Short, but if they have one weak point, it had traditionally been their subs. I haven't heard the one ziegl01 recommended though.

 

[marksas]

I use the FS52/BS22s for music and they're perfectly fine with it; I don't see it as a weakness at all. A good speaker is a good speaker I listen to a LOT of different styles of music and they're fine with everything so far. They are not perfect speakers as they do lack some refinement expected from a more expensive speaker, but at the price point I think you'll have a hard time finding anything that is significantly better for the same price. The only thing I don't like about them is their very plain appearance.

I picked up the original energy Take system for my dad years ago and it IS a very solid little package. I wouldn't recommend smaller satellite speakers for music though.

There is no such thing as too much sub. You can turn it down to achieve the desired levels, but if it is not enough, then you're stuck with it. Pretty much all subs in the under ~$300 range are only going to get you to 25Hz realistically, so really you are looking for a proven performer.

I love Mordaunt Short, but if they have one weak point, it had traditionally been their subs. I haven't heard the one ziegl01 recommended though.

For his price point of >$1,000 including a new 7.1ch receiver, i just don't see how he can upgrade the sub yet. Btw, i noticed those Epik Empire subs now are on sale for $599, how do you like yours?

 

[j_garcia]

For his price point of >$1,000 including a new 7.1ch receiver, i just don't see how he can upgrade the sub yet.

That's why I recommended a $130 and $200 sub options. They won't be the cleanest subs, but they'll do well enough. Surprisingly, the 8" sub in my dad's older Take package does a really good job and sounds good, it just doesn't go low and is better suited to small to medium rooms.

Btw, i noticed those Epik Empire subs now are on sale for $599, how do you like yours?

The Empire is a solid performer. Epik went out of business unfortunately though and the subs are sold out with no likelihood of them coming back in stock.

You can get a refurb receiver in the $200-300 range with warranty quite easily, so that spares some of the budget.

 

[Alex2507]

For his price point of >$1,000 including a new 7.1ch receiver, i just don't see how he can upgrade the sub yet.

That's why I recommended a $130 and $200 sub options.

I'm with marksas on this and I own and use a couple of $200 10" subs. I'd rather have one $400 sub or the $400. As it is I feel like I'm stuck with the little f^%&ers but I'm still out the cash. What I'd really like is a couple of the 10" or 12" sealed SVS jobs and until I get there I will stop at nothing ...

As it is half the time I leave them off because of the condo dweller thing.

 

[j_garcia]

Agreed, budget subs don't end up being much of a savings because you end up replacing them sooner rather than later. I'd MUCH rather have a better quality sub, but on a $1k budget, there's only so much blood you can squeeze from that stone.

 

[marksas]

As it is half the time I leave them off because of the condo dweller thing.

I feel you, even though i own a big 3 story house, the wife is always texting me from upstairs to 'turn it down' since the sub is shaking this up.

The Empire is a solid performer. Epik went out of business unfortunately though and the subs are sold out with no likelihood of them coming back in stock.

You can get a refurb receiver in the $200-300 range with warranty quite easily, so that spares some of the budget.

Didn't realize they went under! I noticed though you can buy the Empire driver for $75! Hmm…diy sub on the horizon?

You are right about the receiver, i regularly check ACC4Less for deals, they're full of 'em.