Home theater setup for ~$1500

[Tobas]

Want to finally update my home system geared towards TV and Movies.

Room size: 20x14 with 7’ ceilings and hardwood floors.
Will connect to: 50” 720 HDTV, PS3, DVD, XBOX and VCR
Budget: around $1500 including receiver (not fixed, but want to keep it around here).

This will replace a 13 year old Onkyo pro-logic system with a cheap infinity 5.0 speaker set that came with the receiver.

My current plan:
Onkyo SR606 ($333 shipped from amazon)
SVS – SBS-01 System with PB12 - $1149

The problem is I have no way of hearing the SVS system first. I stopped by a Tweeter store and preferred the Polks (RTI-A3 front A1 rear, DSW-12 sub) they sold over the Klipsch for the same price range (1600 there, 1100 online). It was sad that every time a component was upgrading it sounded better, this can get expensive…. There is a small local high end store I will stop by tomorrow to try as well.

Are the speakers with the SVS a good quality or would I be better off getting something else? The SVS sub gets nothing but good reviews with the only problem being a 1 month wait before a hope of shipping.

I have no problem with either bookshelves on pedestals or floorstanding units in the front. For the rear I want smaller bookshelves as furniture is pushed against the wall and there is not room for anything bigger.

Any recommendations / comments?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think you have a very good plan there.

My first system was a $1K NHT SuperZero/SW2P Sub that I used for > 10 years and loved it.

So that SVS system seems to be a great choice.

 

[mazersteven]

The SVS SBS-01 system is IMO one of the best "Bang for the Buck" budget systems on the market. I have never had a complaint from anyone I've recommended it to. This system comes with one of, if not the best subwoofer in it's class.

Also recommended

AV123
X-Series 5.1 Sale with MFW-15
http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,282/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

This would be an outstanding system.

 

[j_garcia]

I think your plan is already on the money as well. If you actually have the additional funds, I might consider going all SCS across the front, and I believe they still offer that as an option. The SCS makes a better main speaker than the SBS IMO.

 

[Tobas]

If I do go with the SVS system, where would be a good place to buy stands for the front bookshelves?

AV123
X-Series 5.1 Sale with MFW-15

Not a big fan of the visual looks of the X-Series speakers with its strange partial mesh.

 

[mazersteven]

If I do go with the SVS system, where would be a good place to buy stands for the front bookshelves?

www.standsandmounts.com
www.racksandstands.com

 

[Bose_Man]

Bose Life Style

Bose makes some very good systems. For around $1500 you can get the Lifestyle® 18 home entertainment system.

 

[mazersteven]

Bose makes some very good systems. For around $1500 you can get the Lifestyle® 18 home entertainment system.

ROTFLMAO I Love It

Welcome Bose Man

 

[j_garcia]

Bose makes some very good systems. For around $1500 you can get the Lifestyle® 18 home entertainment system.

Yes you could, and then you could ask yourself why didn't I just get something GOOD?!

 

[MinusTheBear]

Bose makes some very good systems. For around $1500 you can get the Lifestyle® 18 home entertainment system.

Welcome to the forum Bose_Man!

May I ask what Bose setup you are currently running in your house?

 

[rnatalli]

Speakers are key as they impact sound the most. The system you've put together is an excellent system. I would still try and audition as many as possible. Perhaps buy a pair of the SVS along with pairs from Axiom, Ascend, Av123, and Aperion. Listen to them all, return the losers, and buy the remaining system. You'll be out some shipping, but its worth it IMO as you'll be sure.

 

[j_garcia]

If I do go with the SVS system, where would be a good place to buy stands for the front bookshelves?

I haven't checked recently, but they offered some Sanus stands right on their site at one point that you could order with your package. **Just checked and they still do.

 

[Spkr_Bldr]

Sounds like a nice system for $1500, I'd say go for it.

I did just recently pickup a brand new Onkyo 805 receiver at Circuit City for $439. If you can find a local store that still has one in stock they'll cut you a great deal on it.

 

[majorloser]

Bose makes some very good systems. For around $1500 you can get the Lifestyle® 18 home entertainment system.

But you can jab an icepick in your ears for free and enjoy the same quality sound.

 

[Gatsby191]

Just look at today's new threads for the Aperion review

Today there was a suggested Aperion Audio System (Harmony 4B Harmony SD) from "Admin" (Administrator). It was very positive, and there was a link provided to the entire review that was done by Audioholics. It is in the "Loudspeaker" threads. It's a 5.1 system, that costs about $1150. So with the Onkyo TX-SR606, you come in just under $1500, and you will be extremely happy. Yes, the svs subs are fantastic, but the Aperion speakers are truly unsurpassed in build quality, and their detailing and bass, are comparable to many speakers costing much, much more.IMHO. Also, the new Bravus line of Aperion's Subwoofers are up there with all the best too!The fact that Aperion Eats the shipping both ways is a big plus too! (you get a 30 day in home audition, and if you are not satisfied, you can send them back free of charge)
Good luck Joe B.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I skimmed the article...I read what I expected to read. Aperion quality is second to none, I should know. But A jump up to the 5 series is what I'd call a starting point. The article stated that the 4 series reviewed was for near field listening, not good for medium or large living rooms.

My Aperion Audio gear all sounds great and I've owned older (read better) JBL, Klipsch, Polk, and Boston just to mention a few. The OP has nothing to lose by trying the Aperion system, but I think the SVS system has a better sub.

I wish the OP success in finding 5.1 for $1500.00...It's doable .

 

[Tobas]

Budget is going up... After looking around more I have decided to add to the budget.

New plan is
$1000 - AV123 ELT525 package with 2 towers
$600 - AV123 MFW-15 (package deal)
$650 - Denon 1909

Total $2250 and still needing cables

I love the looks of the ELT package and they are not too big to dominate the looks movement of the room like the rockets would plus they can be pushed close to the wall. I don't tend to have the volume up very loud so I figure the ELTs can work.

The Denon 1909 has replaced the Onkyo 606. Basically for the 606 heat problem and PS3 compatibility problems. Plus with the dynamic volume control on the 1909, it looks worth the extra $300 for a better product.

Are there better alternatives out there for this updated price range?

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Subs to consider

There have been many reports of the MFW-15 having problems with hum. Check out the AV123 forums. http://av123forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9

For the same money consider and SVS PB12-NSD.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

Or a Hsu Research VTF-2 MK 3 Subwoofer.

http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

or an Epic Knight for $599.00?

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/KnightOverview.html

Just some options. But I like your choices. I'd love a MFW-15 to test against my Ultra .

 

[Nuance AH]

I highly recommend the Onkyo 805 over the Denon 1909. It has better DAC's, more power and a better power supply IMO. If you can't find it local you can grab it from amazon.com for just over $600.

I think you'll love the ELT speakers. If that is what your final decision ends up being, please post pictures and your thoughts on them when they arrive.

Enjoy!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I highly recommend the Onkyo 805 over the Denon 1909. It has better DAC's, more power and a better power supply IMO. If you can't find it local you can grab it from amazon.com for just over $600.

Spkr_Bldr just got one @ Circuit City for $439.