Help with budget stereo setup please

[tzadik]

First off I am going to admit I don't have much of a clue what I am doing trying to build my 2.0 setup, or with sound systems in general.

My main focus for the setup is music, but for now it will be used for my entertainment system also (xbox360 gearing all netflix streaming).After trying to do as much research as I could for a stereo setup on this forum I decided to go with Harman Kardon 3490.

I listen to all kinds of music but it is mostly geared towards doom-stoner metal (Kyuss, Fu Manchu, High on Fire, Goatsnake, SLEEP) so while a sub is in future planning it is not a must, I really dont like any punchy bass and usually tend to turn bass down to where I can to get my "perfect sound".

My price for my speakers is about 200 dollars and tried to read up as much as I could. There are some Pioneer tower speakers mentioned for this price sold at bestbuy, or what caught my eye. The bic Venturi DV64.

I am leaning towards the bics, but that is only because I read you could mod them. and I admit just the title of "modding, or having tubes drive your system" is what makes me have a real intrest in them.

So basically I don't know sh*t and would like some helpful information if you guys can spend some time with another noob.

 

[markw]

In applaud your having the gumption to know what you want and go directly for a two-channel unit right from the start. It's easier to get great sound within a fixed budget when you have a two-channel focus.

All in all, by any standards, that's quite a nice receiver and can be the heart of a fine two-channel system for years to come.

Remember, ther e's a whole lot that BestBuy doesn't sell. I can't say that I'm too familiar with those particular speakers you mention and your budget does limit you somewhat, but I did stumble across these that you might want to consider. Many nice things have been said about this brand. And, I have dealt with this company before with excellent results.

Remember, while that's a really, really nice and versatile receiver, it's only as good as the speakers you connect to it, and you have great room for growth with that receiver.

Welcome to the machine, and good luck.

 

[Alex2507]

That H/K 3490 is 4 Ohm stable. Those Behringer 2031P's would work with that.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[tzadik]

I guess I forgot to mention that these speakers are just going to be used for the summer probably and then end up on craigslist or to a HT system, and perhaps music recording (another hobby I want to pick up so moniters would be a good idea).

I am a wildland firefighter so the summer is where I make the big bucks depending on workload. So I hope to be out most of the summer and come back with a giant wad of cash ready to upgrade to some nicer speakers. Or I wait off till next years tax rebate because you always gotta buy yourself something nice with that.

Those beringers are pretty tempting thanks for the idea, I didn't even think of moniters. Back to the drawing board.

 

[GranteedEV]

Hi.

Get a pair of these

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2325P

or their big brother

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR2328P/

and run them straight off of anything with a volume control and pre-outs. Perhaps one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Audinst-HUD-mx1-Hi-Fi-USB-Audio-DAC-/180650811300?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0fa09fa4

That's my recommendation.

 

[bikemig]

Active monitors are an attractive option in your price range but you don't want or need them if you've bought your HK 3490. I've seen some really attractive prices on the Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 speakers. I think audio advisor has them for around $250 with stands. That's a bit over your price range but the stands are a big plus. If you haven't bought the receiver yet, then the Audioengine A-5 speakers ($325) will cost less than a receiver and speakers. You will not be disappointed by them. They sound great and I suspect they have a reasonable resale value if you do decide to get rid of them.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

My price for my speakers is about 200 dollars

I think you should save up to get $451.74 and get a pair of Infinity P362:

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-P362-Floor-Individually/dp/B000LKC372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1303483688&sr=8-1

http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/605infinity

Bottom line: one of the best budget speakers money can buy!!!

It even has a better off-axis frequency response than the B&W 802D.

 

[scott911]

you mention that you're a wildland's firefighter....

Where will you be using these speakers? In a dorm type environment as you go to locations?

If so, maybe some nice bookshelf styles speakers would be a better bet considering the size of your accomidation, and the potential need to move them around as you follow the fires?

Be safe out there...

 

[scott911]

and if I were looking for bookshelves - I'd take a look at KEF.

Here's one that's a penny under your budget! http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ10BLA/KEF/Iq10-5-1/4-Bookshelf-Speakers-2-way-black-pair/1.html

I have NOT heard these... but I got a pair of different in-ceiling KEF's as rear speakers and I was impressed with them for the price point.

 

[digicidal]

I listen to all kinds of music but it is mostly geared towards doom-stoner metal (Kyuss, Fu Manchu, High on Fire, Goatsnake, SLEEP) so while a sub is in future planning it is not a must, I really dont like any punchy bass and usually tend to turn bass down to where I can to get my "perfect sound".

First of all I would like to salute you on your exquisite taste in music.

If you're really planning on spending no more than a year with the speakers and will then want to be upgrading with some more cash... I would highly recommend taking a look at Aperion. I recommend them not only because I've had nothing but wonderful experiences with them - and I find their speakers (at least the Grand Verus line I have) to be exceptional for the price. Even the GV Bookshelves would be out of your current budget range (and not too easy to move around). However, the Forte satellites would be in range.

The great part about them is that, in addition to a 30-day return policy, they offer a 1 year upgrade as well. So if you like their sound but want it to be much larger and fuller - then you can simply return them for full credit against a pair of VGT's or VGB's - and either one will sound just fine without a sub. The Forte's will be missing a decent amount of the bass - but I'm sure they would sound just fine for a small room and under casual listening circumstances.

Just another option to consider.

 

[tzadik]

you mention that you're a wildland's firefighter....

Where will you be using these speakers? In a dorm type environment as you go to locations?

If so, maybe some nice bookshelf styles speakers would be a better bet considering the size of your accomidation, and the potential need to move them around as you follow the fires?

Be safe out there...

Long story short the system will be in my house but I will be stationed about 1.5 hours north, plan to go home on the weekends.

 

[tzadik]

First of all I would like to salute you on your exquisite taste in music.

If you're really planning on spending no more than a year with the speakers and will then want to be upgrading with some more cash... I would highly recommend taking a look at Aperion. I recommend them not only because I've had nothing but wonderful experiences with them - and I find their speakers (at least the Grand Verus line I have) to be exceptional for the price. Even the GV Bookshelves would be out of your current budget range (and not too easy to move around).

The great part about them is that, in addition to a 30-day return policy, they offer a 1 year upgrade as well. So if you like their sound but want it to be much larger and fuller - then you can simply return them for full credit against a pair of VGT's or VGB's - and either one will sound just fine without a sub. The Forte's will be missing a decent amount of the bass - but I'm sure they would sound just fine for a small room and under casual listening circumstances.

Just another option to consider.

I really like the idea of these being able to upgrade and such. A little over what I initially want to pay but it sounds worth it, though I would still have to get stands but I just cant get over the option to upgrade.

I have my own house and system would be in my living room which is pretty decent size 20x30 estimated size.

Bookshelfs would also be nice because I am renting now and will be renting for the next 5 years of my life probably so smaller speakers = easier move. Am I missing anything with that thought process? My dad just visited and tried to convince me not to get towers.

 

[tzadik]

Wish I was able to edit my previous threads so I wouldnt have to keep adding them. I just realized Aperion is based in Portland which is a few hours away. And I am planning on going to see Red Fang play a show next weekend so I am going to try and stop by there to check the stuff out in person.

 

[digicidal]

Wish I was able to edit my previous threads so I wouldnt have to keep adding them. I just realized Aperion is based in Portland which is a few hours away. And I am planning on going to see Red Fang play a show next weekend so I am going to try and stop by there to check the stuff out in person.

I would highly recommend it. I haven't been to their offices, but if the experience is anything like their online/phone business... it will be something special. I would put their customer service up there with the best luxury automobile dealerships... in addition to the manner in which they package and ship their speakers, they followed up the sale with a 'customer care' email (checking to make sure that everything arrived properly and inviting me to contact them via email/phone and let them know what I thought of them) and they responded promptly to all of my inquiries even before I had purchased anything from them. They sent additional emails each step of the way (packaged, shipped with tracking, and then post arrival).

Considering the size of your room... I would definitely recommend getting a sub with them if you're getting bookshelves. 20X30 is a pretty big area for some little 4" drivers (Forte's) or 5.5" drivers (VGB's) to fill. Don't think of a subwoofer as getting you deep bass - which it of course will - think of it as getting you better, cleaner midrange (because it will do that as well).

You might not be able to swing a sub just yet (I would definitely recommend against anything that's even close to your budget... they just don't cut it).

I agree with your Dad on the towers... at least at the moment. Although you will definitely get a more full-range sound from towers... if they are good ones (like the VGT's/Salk Songtowers/etc...) they will not be very easy to just pack up and move. Yes stands add some cost to bookshelves... but if you're even slightly handy with wood or metal, or don't care about aesthetics - then they can be practically free. You could even put 3 cement blocks under a cloth and set them on that... ugly perhaps... but nearly free.

If you want to get loud, and stay cheap - I would also recommend looking at the Klipsch Referrence line. I personally don't care for their sound after hearing much better speakers - but I had the (even cheaper) Synergy line for about 10 years back in the 90's and the one thing they do well is get loud without much power at all. I'm sure you could pick up some used for $200 with some looking. They aren't the most accurate speaker, but they are one of the most sensitive and they do go pretty deep for bookshelves.

Just another thought - although if you go audition the Aperion offerings - I'm pretty sure you'll be sold on them. I sure am.

 

[tzadik]

Sad days, work changed on me so I canceled my Portland trip, then I did some serious damage to me teeth and had to go to dentist..

I was getting ready to just buy the grands blindly at the end of the day before the dentist stuff, and now am going to try out the Forte's.

I am excited to try out some new quality stuff and super excited for keeping it as local as I can. I will probably have to buy a cheap sub from Best Buy next time I am in Bend, but I will keep everyone fully posted how the system is going.

 

[zieglj01]

Sorry about the challenges - good luck.