Is this the best 5.1 setup for ~$1000?

[ptsawyer]

I know there are other "under $1k" threads.... but I couldnt find one that was current (less than 12 months old).

Anyways... on to the speakers.

2 x infinity 363 $400
2 x infinity 163 $170
1 x infinity PC351 $200
HSU STF-2 x 1 $350

That bring my total for speakers to about $1100. Anything out there that can top this? Or should I just pull the trigger? Where would you put your ~$1k if you had to buy 5.1 speakers with it?

 

[markw]

"Best" is so relative and dependent on what's available where you are at that particular moment that it's impossible to say.

But, that's a good system for a good price, if you like the sound.

 

[ptsawyer]

"Best" is so relative and dependent on what's available where you are at that particular moment that it's impossible to say.

But, that's a good system for a good price, if you like the sound.

I don't have much to choose from locally. I'll be buying online, sound unheard.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I would get the BIC PL-200 subwoofer for $279 shipped (coupon CODE TV15) :
http://www.sounddistributors.com/buynow.asp?action=detail&prid=526&crid=57&cat_name=Powered+Subwoofers

It's also designed by HSU, but offers more bang for a buck (literally )

I'd switch to Classia series if your budget could be stretched a bit more:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542899516/infinity-classia-c336bk?v_c=GoogleBase&ci_sku=542899516&ci_src=14110944

p.s: If you could place a bookshelf in center - it'll be cheaper and better quality then center speaker.

 

[markw]

I don't have much to choose from locally. I'll be buying online, sound unheard.

Well, many people like the Infinity speakers and Hsu subs so that's a good sign.

And, we have no way of knowing where you are so advice will have to be fairly general.

If you would like more geographically significant info, you might want to update your profile to show some indication if it. that way people in your area might be able to help you with more specific recommendations.

 

[ptsawyer]

I'm in Dayton, oh

 

[its phillip]

I've heard nothing but good things about the primus series, and here's a nice review of the STF-2 by Ed Mullen:
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/forum/thread/189521/hsu-research-stf-2-subwoofer-test-review

 

[j_garcia]

I think it sounds like a solid setup for the money. For another $50 there is a new sub coming out from Cadence that you might be interested in, the CSX-12 MkII. I will post up a review of it in the near future. The STF-2 isn't a bad choice though, if you want to stick to that budget.

 

[sholling]

p.s: If you could place a bookshelf in center - it'll be cheaper and better quality then center speaker.

Just a quick note on this suggestion. Infinity Primus speakers have a wave guide on the tweeter and the OP would want to rotate the tweeter 90 degrees. Personally I don't have a problem with MTM centers like the PC351 but I own both an MTM style center in my family room and a bookshelf on its side style center in my bedroom and both ways work well.

 

[j_garcia]

Just a quick note on this suggestion. Infinity Primus speakers have a wave guide on the tweeter and the OP would want to rotate the tweeter 90 degrees. Personally I don't have a problem with MTM centers like the PC351 but I own both an MTM style center in my family room and a bookshelf on its side style center in my bedroom and both ways work well.

I've had setups both ways as well. I prefer a center speaker, providing it is a speaker that does its job as intended

 

[ptsawyer]

p.s: If you could place a bookshelf in center - it'll be cheaper and better quality then center speaker.

Why would it be better? The PC351 is a 3 way speaker with more drivers. What makes the P163 better as a center?

 

[Cruise Missile]

Welcome to the forum!

Good to see someone else from Dayton on here.

M.T.M. (midrange, tweeter, midrange) center channel speakers can suffer from lobing (the two outer drivers actually interfere with each other) when listening from off axis (not in line with the speaker). This is why an identical speaker to your mains is ideal (more often than not it's totally impractical). Bookshelf speakers have the drivers arranged vertically eliminating the lobing. This is why the recommendation towards a bookshelf speaker is an easy one.

Personally I'd spend my money on the mains first (most important) then surrounds followed by a center and sub(s).

Tell us about your room: size, shape, does it open to other rooms etc.. Also how do you intend to use this system: Music, movies, gaming, and/or T.V.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Why would it be better? The PC351 is a 3 way speaker with more drivers. What makes the P163 better as a center?

The PC351 is not going to sound better than the P163.

I personally think they will sound the same, so why spend the extra $$, unless the P163 does not fit.

I think it would be "best" to just get five identical P163s + PL200 (which is essentially the same HSU sub you listed, except for $279 shipped).

Better yet, get 5 P163s + 2 PL200 = $983.

 

[ptsawyer]

Welcome to the forum!

Good to see someone else from Dayton on here.

M.T.M. (midrange, tweeter, midrange) center channel speakers can suffer from lobing (the two outer drivers actually interfere with each other) when listening from off axis (not in line with the speaker). This is why an identical speaker to your mains is ideal (more often than not it's totally impractical). Bookshelf speakers have the drivers arranged vertically eliminating the lobing. This is why the recommendation towards a bookshelf speaker is an easy one.

Personally I'd spend my money on the mains first (most important) then surrounds followed by a center and sub(s).

Tell us about your room: size, shape, does it open to other rooms etc.. Also how do you intend to use this system: Music, movies, gaming, and/or T.V.

Id say usage will be 25% movies, 50% games/sports, 25% music. However, music is where sound quality is paramount.

My room is 14x11x8. The TV will be cetered along one of the 14 foot walls with seating immideately accross from it. It is on the corner of the house, and has 2 windows and two doors (plus a closet).

Let me know if that is enough information.

 

[j_garcia]

Identical speakers are really the ideal situation as long as you can accommodate it. I have identical MTM speakers all around and I don't think I'd have it any other way (except maybe for a 2ch music system). Not everyone wants a bookshelf as a center though.

Since you are focused on music, then the mains should be your focus - find the ones you want first, then build the rest of the system around them. That's exactly what I did. I am more like 50% music, 30% movies, 20% games. If the system works great for music, everything else will be fine.

 

[ptsawyer]

Identical speakers are really the ideal situation as long as you can accommodate it. I have identical MTM speakers all around and I don't think I'd have it any other way (except maybe for a 2ch music system). Not everyone wants a bookshelf as a center though.

Since you are focused on music, then the mains should be your focus - find the ones you want first, then build the rest of the system around them. That's exactly what I did. I am more like 50% music, 30% movies, 20% games. If the system works great for music, everything else will be fine.

Ok. That pretty much sells me on 363s for the mains and a good sub. Another thought, what if I downgrade the surrounds from P163s to P153s or P143s? Would I even be able to tell the difference? The cost is close, but the smaller speakers would be easier to place.

Im guessing for movies the difference would be negligable, but for 5 channel music (a rarity) it would be noticeable?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Ok. That pretty much sells me on 363s for the mains and a good sub. Another thought, what if I downgrade the surrounds from P163s to P153s or P143s? Would I even be able to tell the difference? The cost is close, but the smaller speakers would be easier to place.

We are required to inform you that such actions are prohibited.

But in reality, I also doubt you will be able to discern.

As most of us have stated, 5 identical speakers are theoretically the best option.

But other speakers you mentioned are okay too.

 

[j_garcia]

Ok. That pretty much sells me on 363s for the mains and a good sub. Another thought, what if I downgrade the surrounds from P163s to P153s or P143s? Would I even be able to tell the difference? The cost is close, but the smaller speakers would be easier to place.

Im guessing for movies the difference would be negligable, but for 5 channel music (a rarity) it would be noticeable?

That is right, it would mainly show with music, for most movies, not so much. Maybe on something like Tron Legacy.... I think it will be fine. If your receiver can't set individual crossover by "groups" though, meaning a separate x-over for the smaller surrounds, then I wouldn't go down to the 143s.

 

[markw]

As long as we're getting pedantic about this, for music, all five speakers should be identical. Since MC music can send anything out of any channel, the "front soundstage" rule no longer is in effect.

For movies, one can get by with smaller surrounds since those channels are used mainly for effects and are used less and not too much demanded from them.

 

[sholling]

It's nice if they are all identical but it's usually not practical and most people are never going to notice the difference as long as it's the same brand and series. We're getting esoteric and endanger of having another well meaning new member throw up his hands in frustration.