How to choose the correct set of speakers?

[buzzlight79]

Hi sound lovers!

I am in the process of setting up my first surround system (it will be spread over several months given I just bought a condo and baby's coming... many other expenses to come!) and I am wondering what asortment of speakers would be better...

I just bought a used Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K avr and a B&W ASW300 sub. I also have two (almost) vintage JBL front speakers (2 ways).
I am currently leering on a JBL center channel (maybe Balboa series or LC1 Studio L series)...
My room is a pretty large living-room (something like 14" x 25").
I'm more listening to music than movies (65%/35%) but this may change if I get to have a nice setup.

I am really a beginner into those systems so I am prepared to read that my system is a total disharmony!

Thanks for any comment!

Oliver

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Hi sound lovers!

I am in the process of setting up my first surround system (it will be spread over several months given I just bought a condo and baby's coming... many other expenses to come!) and I am wondering what asortment of speakers would be better...

I just bought a used Pioneer VSX-1014TX-K avr and a B&W ASW300 sub. I also have two (almost) vintage JBL front speakers (2 ways).
I am currently leering on a JBL center channel (maybe Balboa series or LC1 Studio L series)...
My room is a pretty large living-room (something like 14" x 25").
I'm more listening to music than movies (65%/35%) but this may change if I get to have a nice setup.

I am really a beginner into those systems so I am prepared to read that my system is a total disharmony!

Thanks for any comment!

Oliver

What are the JBL fronts model number and what is your budget?

If you want to use your existing JBL's try and find the matching center if they made one.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Couple of thoughts: First of all great sub, but it could never fill your huge space (especially if it's open to other rooms - kitchen etc)
Matching LCR is crucial for good HT experience, You might want to consider getting all new LCR speakers and use your JBLs for surrounds if you want to save few bucks.
I'd consider getting a second sub to help b&w fill this space

 

[buzzlight79]

What are the JBL fronts model number and what is your budget?

If you want to use your existing JBL's try and find the matching center if they made one.

I have to wait until tonight to see the JBL fronts model number. They are pretty old (maybe late 80s). Do you think they can have a matching center for speakers of that age ?

My budget is around $200 (could be new or used speakers).
Besides, my mother is bringing me back from my home country my old speakers (Yamaha NS-555). Below is a picture of them. So I don't know yet what I will do with them... I just remember (when I was 18) their sound was pretty nice.

 

[buzzlight79]

Couple of thoughts: First of all great sub, but it could never fill your huge space (especially if it's open to other rooms - kitchen etc)
Matching LCR is crucial for good HT experience, You might want to consider getting all new LCR speakers and use your JBLs for surrounds if you want to save few bucks.
I'd consider getting a second sub to help b&w fill this space

I haven't had a chance to listen to my sub cause it is in repair ($50 repair - dead transformer) for a sub I bought $100.

So let's say I start looking for a new LCR set... Is it realistic to find a decent set for around $400 or $500? I know it would be far from average quality but I can'T afford more for the moment... besides isn't a good way to start and get a better understanding of what I like and what I dislike in sound, generally speaking?
(please, forgive my english... not my first language)

Thanks a lot for all your response.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I have to wait until tonight to see the JBL fronts model number. They are pretty old (maybe late 80s). Do you think they can have a matching center for speakers of that age ?

My budget is around $200 (could be new or used speakers).
Besides, my mother is bringing me back from my home country my old speakers (Yamaha NS-555). Below is a picture of them. So I don't know yet what I will do with them... I just remember (when I was 18) their sound was pretty nice.

Honestly in this situation/budget you should place bigger pair to fronts, smaller to surrounds. Get new center speaker - attempting to timbre match it to front speakers (not easy task), and hope to gods MCACC can make this mish-mash work together
Your backup is getting Dayton mic from parts-express AutoREW software and manual EQing on the pioneer.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I haven't had a chance to listen to my sub cause it is in repair ($50 repair - dead transformer) for a sub I bought $100.

So let's say I start looking for a new LCR set... Is it realistic to find a decent set for around $400 or $500? I know it would be far from average quality but I can'T afford more for the moment... besides isn't a good way to start and get a better understanding of what I like and what I dislike in sound, generally speaking?
(please, forgive my english... not my first language)

Thanks a lot for all your response.

$400-500 you should at look at pair of these
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/529927-REG/Infinity_P362BK_Primus_P362BK_Dual_6_1_2_.html
and this center http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-PC350-Dual-Center/dp/B000M687JI
This combo should be pretty good bang for a buck,

 

[buzzlight79]

Your backup is getting Dayton mic from parts-express AutoREW software and manual EQing on the pioneer.

Sorry but I don't understand what you're suggesting.
What could be my backup ?
(I understood the part where I could manuel EQing my avr, though)

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Sorry but I don't understand what you're suggesting.
What could be my backup ?
(I understood the part where I could manuel EQing my avr, though)

I meant if your pioneer avr is missing mic (since it's used) or MCACC wont provide good results.

Your backup is getting Dayton mic from parts-express AutoREW software.

This is mic I mentioned - You could you RadioShack SPL meter instead, but Dayton or Behringer Mics would much more accurate especially in lower frequencies.

and this is EQ software I mentioned

 

[buzzlight79]

I meant if your pioneer avr is missing mic (since it's used) or MCACC wont provide good results.


This is mic I mentioned - You could you RadioShack SPL meter instead, but Dayton or Behringer Mics would much more accurate especially in lower frequencies.

and this is EQ software I mentioned

Oh ok! I have the mic actually.
Thank you for your help on this.

I was wondering something about the guy repairing my sub : he told me a transformer was dead and needs to be changed. He told me the part would cost around $35. Do you have any idea about what he's talking about? Does it make sense? (no sign of power in the sub when I plugged it)

Any other advice on choice of speakers? comparison never tastes bad

 

[buzzlight79]

What are the JBL fronts model number and what is your budget?

If you want to use your existing JBL's try and find the matching center if they made one.

So, I finally could have a look at the front speaker model : JBL TLX 4 (pretty old ones). Below is a picture of one of them. They are in good shape except for the tweeter of one of them which half of plastic part covering it is gone.
I think their sound is good but definitely lack bass.
Do anyone of you know if they were considered as good speakers?

Thanks again

 

[westcott]

So, I finally could have a look at the front speaker model : JBL TLX 4 (pretty old ones). Below is a picture of one of them. They are in good shape except for the tweeter of one of them which half of plastic part covering it is gone.
I think their sound is good but definitely lack bass.
Do anyone of you know if they were considered as good speakers?

Thanks again

I think that looks like a horn so I would say that they should be sufficient when used with a subwoofer.

Just forget EQ was even mentioned.

I agree that investing more in a center and front channels is the better solution. A second sub would be even better.