Home Theatre Speaker Reccomendation- Def Tech or something better??

[ilfirecrew]

Hey guys, I am having trouble selecting a speaker configuration for home theater, any help would be appreciated. Here are the details on the space:

12x18 basement theater, ceiling height is 92", no windows, carpet flooring, working on acoustic panels

I have purchased a BENQ 1070 projector and am looking for an impressive sound system. I am content purchasing used or refurbished speakers as I feel like this will help my budget and it seems most people on the forums have had good success with this route.

I initially got introduced to home theater by a friend with the same projector as I purchased. I love his setup but feel the sound is lacking. He has a Polk Audio RM705 5.1 theater system

Amazon.com: Polk Audio RM705 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black): Electronics.

So after much research I planned on going with:


Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 (Center)
Amazon.com: Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 Compact Center Speaker (Single, Black): Electronics

Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 (Left and Right)
Amazon.com: Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 Bookshelf Speaker (Single, Black): Electronics

Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Receiver
Amazon.com: Yamaha RX-V375 5.1 Channel 3D A/V Home Theater Receiver (Black): Electronics

Rears will be Polk RM101's that I have on hand and a 10" JBL sub also on hand. These will be upgraded within a year or so.


Anyways, I found these refurbished for a good price and was excited until today. I went to demo these at Best Buy and they just seemed flat and just not loud enough. The demo amp was Pioneer Elite and the salesman had them almost to max and I just kept thinking this wont due.

I cant help but wonder how all the people here and AVS forum could possibly be wrong. I asked to demo some of the other def tech speakers as well, and he had trouble getting a center to work and when he finally did the $2700 tower package just sounded ok.

Could it be just a bad demo? Will these give me the great sound I am seeking?

We watch a ton of music videos and usually pretty loud, and I am looking for that sincerely satisfied feeling of a good purchase and incredible sound. I know the sub will play into the overall impressive sound stage, so this will come in time. I just need some direction here. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[zieglj01]

The PRO-1000 can only get so loud - what is your budget to start with for speakers?

 

[ilfirecrew]

Don't laugh.....$500 for the center, left and right. I know it's not much that's why I have been thinking used or refurb.

 

[zieglj01]

Don't laugh.....$500 for the center, left and right. I know it's not much that's why I have been thinking used or refurb.

Give me a few minutes to stop laughing.

 

[zieglj01]

One pair Cambridge S70 towers
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO S70 5" 3-way Floorstanding Speakers Each Dark Oak | Accessories4less

One pair S30 bookshelf speakers and use one as a center channel - worth it if you
can do the vertical placement.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO S30 4½" 2-way Bookshelf Speakers Pair Dark Oak | Accessories4less

For info, and if you need to do horizontal placement - S50 center
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO S50 4" 3-Way Center Channel Speaker Dark Oak | Accessories4less

 

[ilfirecrew]

The price is right on those Cambridge units, I will start researching these guys! Do you have any experience with them?

 

[ImcLoud]

them are solid speakers at a really good price, like a bookshelf in a tower..

 

[zieglj01]

The price is right on those Cambridge units, I will start researching these guys! Do you have any experience with them?

Yes with the S30 bookshelf speaker - and I will take the Cambridge over regular small
satellite speakers, and some bigger bookshelf speakers - the S30 has a nice vivid-like
midrange, and the bass on them will go down to 60 hz, for a nice crossover to a sub at
and around 80 hz. Do not let the size of the S30 bookshelf fool you.

The all around word on the towers is good - however, some still prefer the S30 over the
tower speakers - however, you should get more punch up front with the towers.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If your screen is AT then just get 3x of these Cabridge towers .... For next project you'd need to save twice as much as your current budget for a nice sub(s)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Don't laugh.....$500 for the center, left and right. I know it's not much that's why I have been thinking used or refurb.

I would get the Infinity P363/163 speakers when it comes to budget speakers. Simple. Clear. Accurate. Loud enough. The P363 have been sold for $200/PR when on sale.

But you need to audition.

 

[ilfirecrew]

I have been researching these S30's and the reviews are phenomenal. I am going to try and find a demo in my area.

If I move the door opening I can fit the towers in place, and it wouldn't be to much trouble. I am debating weather I should do this to make sure I get the most bang for my buck. How would you guys compare the S70 to the Infinity P363 towers? Price is right on both!

Hey bored...I can't figure out what "AT" means lol Sorry noob here. Please explain. And I know the budget is tight, basically shoe stringing it here. But truthfully the JBL sub is not as bad as you would think. Is it mind blowing? No sir....but it will get me by for now and let me build up the front sound stage, so I am happy.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hey bored...I can't figure out what "AT" means lol Sorry noob here. Please explain. And I know the budget is tight, basically shoe stringing it here. But truthfully the JBL sub is not as bad as you would think. Is it mind blowing? No sir....but it will get me by for now and let me build up the front sound stage, so I am happy.

AT= Acoustically transparent

See example below:

Good source for screens: Seymour AV | Center Stage screens - Fixed are best and cheapest. Fixed DIY is even cheaper

 

[ilfirecrew]

Wow that is impressive! I checked out Seymour, and yeah out of budget for now. I will start looking at some DYI options. Thanks!!