Help w/Speaker Selection

[Audiofyle]

I've been searching the many informative posts here, but still have a few questions regarding my living room HT system setup.

The receiver will be an Onkyo TXSR-674. Haven't decided on the DVD yet, but I'll have a PS2 and cable box as well.

Big dilemma now is speaker selection. The room is about 17x22 or so, with very high vaulted ceiling (maybe 20' or so), and hardwood floors.

I really like the Hsu VT-12 system, with either the STF-1 or -2 sub. Of course, I haven't heard it because no retailer in my area carries it, but I've read the favorable reviews and I like the idea of smaller speakers -- and it's in my price range.

But I'm concerned about the system's ability to work well in a room this size. Also, the surrounds and front speakers will be wall-mounted at about 10' high. Does this sound like a good match for my room size and needs? I want to keep it under $600, and I want to mount the speakers on the wall.

Big concerns are the VT-12's ability to sound good in a room this size and keeping the cost at $600. I'm also unsure if it's a good idea to mount the speakers that high. Any other speaker ideas that will work, or any suggestions on placement?

Thanks all for the adivice,
cheers,
John

 

[Pianoman84d]

Is your budget $600 for everything (speakers + sub) or just for the speakers?
If its for the speakers and sub, I think you are going to have a problem filling a room that size with small speakers. If it we're me, I'd get a cheaper receiver and spend more on speakers. Just my thoughts, but I don't know that the VTF 12 system, like any small system, is capable of filling your room.

Good luck!! and welcome

 

[markw]

It's a good system.

but, like the other guy said, it will be overwhelmed in a room that size unless you set it up in one little corner. You might want to consider a bit larger alternatives, but that $600 limit gonna have to be upped a little. If that's acceptable, we can provide suggestions.

Likewise, unless you're gonna mount the TV that high, mounting the speakers 10' off the floor is not the way I would go about it. You want them in pretty much the same horizontal plane as the TV and the center speaker. You can get by with the rears a little higher but I wouldn't go too much above 6 - 8 feet or the effect will sound "strained".

 

[GreenJelly]

$600 is not a good price starting point. The only speaker I could hit at with that range is the B&W 602.5 new, or the B&W 603 used. This wouldnt include a sub...

The 603 doesnt really need a sub and will fill a room. It only needs a sub for movies.

I would recomend spending a bit more and getting the used 603 with a sub. 2.1 will be more appreciated by you and your family then a cheap 5 channel.

 

[Nick250]

As mentioned, cheap out on anything but the two main front speakers. My suggestion, buy a $300 receiver and spend the rest of your budget buy two front speakers. Build the rest of your system over time as your budget allows.

Nick

 

[Audiofyle]

Thanks for the advice guys. I was afraid the VT-12 system would be too small, so I'm glad I asked before I took the plunge.

I think I might just get the sub, center and 2 fronts for the time being. Haven't looked at the B&Ws yet (thanks for the tip jelly) but I will. Just wondering what else you all might recommend for this type of setup.

I've read more about the Hsu subs than any other...is that a good choice? 8, 10, or 12" give my room size? I'm not looking for earth-shaking sound here, just a quality speaker that will sound good watching movies and listening to music.

I know "good" is highly subjective, but realize I've been living with the speakers in my Hitachi rear projection TV, and my only stereo is an Onkyo mini system. I don't need perfection here, but would like it to sound good on those days I decide to crank the music or turn up my favorite movie.

Fire away with your ideas on a $600 system with a sub, center and fronts.

THanks again,
John

 

[Nick250]

Thanks for the advice guys. I was afraid the VT-12 system would be too small, so I'm glad I asked before I took the plunge.

I think I might just get the sub, center and 2 fronts for the time being. Haven't looked at the B&Ws yet (thanks for the tip jelly) but I will. Just wondering what else you all might recommend for this type of setup.

I've read more about the Hsu subs than any other...is that a good choice? 8, 10, or 12" give my room size? I'm not looking for earth-shaking sound here, just a quality speaker that will sound good watching movies and listening to music.

I know "good" is highly subjective, but realize I've been living with the speakers in my Hitachi rear projection TV, and my only stereo is an Onkyo mini system. I don't need perfection here, but would like it to sound good on those days I decide to crank the music or turn up my favorite movie.

Fire away with your ideas on a $600 system with a sub, center and fronts.

THanks again,
John

You are not going to get much with those limitations. If you can swing it, get two x-ls speakers for $438, add a cheapo receiver, add the X sub for $200 when you have saved up some dough and continue the building process.

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

This is just one of many reasonable choices and the way I would go if I were in your shoes.

Nick

 

[Audiofyle]

Nick,

Your point is well taken. The x-ls AV123s would be an easy choice except for the fact that aesthetics matter (gotta make the wife happy too), and I really like the choice in finishes available with the Axiom M2s. I think that's worth the extra $$. From the reviews on the Axiom site, it sounds like the M2s would be better with a sub than the M3s. Any opinions? Will I regret not spending the extra $30 for the M3s?

I'm about to search the forum for opnions on Axiom M2/M3, but I've just about decided to give them a try.

Cheers,
John

 

[agarwalro]

I would recommend staggering your purchases so that the overall cost is not a one time deal. You definitely dont want to skimp on speakers and sub for this is one piece that if bought right may be the longest lasting purchase.

I did the same for my setup using this order,
TV+DVD Player, Receiver+Mains, Center+Surrounds, Sub, Upgrade Receiver, Upgrade TV, next upgrade DVD player.

Optionally you can do,
Receiver+Mains+Center, Surrounds+Sub.

 

[Nick250]

Nick,

Your point is well taken. The x-ls AV123s would be an easy choice except for the fact that aesthetics matter (gotta make the wife happy too), and I really like the choice in finishes available with the Axiom M2s. I think that's worth the extra $$. From the reviews on the Axiom site, it sounds like the M2s would be better with a sub than the M3s. Any opinions? Will I regret not spending the extra $30 for the M3s?

I'm about to search the forum for opnions on Axiom M2/M3, but I've just about decided to give them a try.

Cheers,
John

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/faceoff3_g.php

They are well reviewed here. I have seen some posts where it's commented they are too bright for them. It's a personal preference issue which can only be resolved listening yourself. I have also seen posts where some people prefer the M2 to the M3.

In response to your comment about subs, all of the speakers mentioned so far need a sub for good sound quality.

Before any of the above though, you should begin by auditioning speakers sold locally. Very important that one does not miss this step IMO.

Nick

 

[Bee-Man]

I run the Hsu ventriliquist in a room approx 25ft x 30ft with ~10ft ceilings....

I only use it for movies with the odd DVD concert and I have to say that it is plenty loud....and plenty clear.....

The centre speaker is rather substantial, in fact as big as many larger systems - and well since ~ 80% runs through the centre channel........you get a pretty big sound for a sytem of that size and price.....even the surrounds are quite formidable.

My advise would be to not be concerned about getting the Hsu package - but make sure you get the VTF2 - MK2 sub.....its a kicker.

If in a while you want to upgrade the speakers - then the actual speaker cost within the package is rather cheap - in fact only ~ $200 bucks....

The next level up and somewhat a quantam leap is the SVS system.....good luck. Also great bang for your buck...

I run it through a Yamaha RX-V559 amp.....

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker finish

Nick,

Your point is well taken. The x-ls AV123s would be an easy choice except for the fact that aesthetics matter (gotta make the wife happy too), and I really like the choice in finishes available with the Axiom M2s.

Fyle,
The X-LS speakers include real wood veneer as opposed to the vinyl stuff on the axioms. They will have a few more finish option when the new Columbia factory comes on line in a couple months. There have also been some limited runs of Rosewood, Piano Rosewood, and Ferrari Red on the X-LS.

My Onix Ref 1's are in the Rosewood finish and there is a noticible difference between the fine furniture grad cabinet and a vinyl finish.

The Axiom's will sound great too, and with the 30 day trial from both manufacturers, you have got nothing to lose.

 

[Audiofyle]

jc,

Thanks for that info. After more forum-searching I did discover that the Axioms are vinyl covered, but I checked their web site and saw that custom wood veneers are available for more $$.

I emailed av123 and was told they MAY offer the piano rosewood sometime in 07. I'm still undecided, but I might hold out until then. A cheap pair of bookshelves will suffice until I get the x-ls and the x sub.

I'll keep y'all posted on what I finally decide. I just need to quit reading this forum so I won't change my mind!

Cheers,
John

 

[GreenJelly]

I recommend not buying Wood Speakers.

I say so for a bunch of reasons.

Wood is a living product without a consistant density or structure. It is easily damaged, and in the case of speakers, almost impossible to repair. It is also expensive, will expand and dry with the humidity, and can even crack over time because of this.

Black speakers are the best. They get a nick, and you pull out a sharpie and you no longer have a nick.

I understand the desire, but if you look at the highest quality speakers available, I can say they are NOT made out of wood. Wood looks good, but so does allot of other surfaces. It all depends on how flexible you are. Buy your furniture Wood, and Leather. And your speakers should be a composite material.

Spend the money it takes for the wood, and buy a good painting, better equipment stand, or some of thoose AMAZING couches and furniture.

Remember form FOLLOWS function.

Just my two cents...

 

[corysmith01]

I recommend not buying Wood Speakers.

They're not wood, it's a thin wood veneer over 3/4" MDF. Many speakers at the upper end of a manufacturers offering incorporate real wood veneers without issue. B&W, Paradigm, Monitor Audio come to mind, but there are many, many more that do so.