Help in deciding with optimal speaker configuration.

[michalk3777]

Hello,
Thanks in advance for any help offered.
Home theatre room in the basement about 24x16, 7ft ceiling. This will be mostly used for movies, and occasional music.
I'm trying to set up a half decent system, on a low budget to spend and additional $200-300 for speakers.
I currently have a Yamaha RX-V481 and a pair of 3 way Cerwin Vega AT10 floor speakers (10" woofers).
My question is, is it better to keep the floor speakers and add a centre speaker and 2 surround speakers for the back, or sell the vegas and buy bookshelf speakers (thinking Polk OWM3 that I can pick up a pair for about $70 used; or paradigm, klipsch in that price range), plus a subwoofer.
If I go with the bookshelf speakers, should all 4 be the same or the rears can be smaller.
Also is it better to use 2 front bookshelf speakers plus a center speaker or 3 identical bookshelf speakers one being in the centre?
Located near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Any input would be much appreciated.
I'm not super picky about the sound quality, I just want it to be half decent, hence my low budget.
Just looking for some overall set-up advice.
Regards,
Michal

 

[j_garcia]

With that budget, it will be tough to get a decent sub for a room that size. I'd say selling the CVs, getting a pair of good speakers and a sub is the best way to start, but that budget may not allow it even selling the CVs.

To stay in budget, I'd say keep the CVs, add a center and save for a sub. Maybe not even adding the center is necessary. Down the road, sell the CVs and get a decent pair of bookshelf speakers and the sub. I bought a used amp and they guy threw in some old CVs and I used them for a few years too, so you can make due with them. If you are looking to improve the system, speakers will have the biggest impact. I know when I started upgrading to better speakers, I could hear the differences and then it becomes an "audioholic" thing lol.

 

[michalk3777]

Thank you j_garcia
this is exactly what I was looking for. This sets a path that I can work towards.
I come across some good deals on facebook marketplace occasionally, but I need to jump on those quickly, without knowing what I need, I'll end up buying more junk. I'm not in a hurry.
Now couple more questions and I should have a pretty clear path.
for that room size ( 24x16, 7ft )what would be the optimum subwoofer size, most of the subs for sale are small hence cheap, but I also see some 10" occasionally. Would that suffice providing I'll only have one, or should I shoot for a 12"?
Also for the bookshelves can I get away with 4.5" woofers or should I look for 5.25".
And last question, a lot of the stuff for sale in my area is from Polk Audio, Klipsch or Paradigm, are these reasonable brands, for buying used stuff, again I'm not looking for top of the line stuff, just something half decent. And I mention these since I should be able to find a good deal once in a while in these brands.
Thank you again, I'm a lot further now then before my post.
Kind regards,
Michal

 

[lovinthehd]

You might try this article for room size with sub capabilities. I'd generally shoot for larger drivers than 5.25" myself, as well as subs at least 12" if not 15" or 18"....

Bassaholic Subwoofer Room Size Rating Protocol

This article outlines our test procedure in determining a subwoofers room size recommendation based on its max CEA SPL output while making room size and subwoofer distance assumptions.

www.audioholics.com

 

[michalk3777]

Thank you, this article and the excel file is great reference.
Thank you for the advice on the speaker size too.
It may take longer to get all the pieces but at least it will be sized right, again no rush.