Looking for a 3.1 HT system

[bikemig]

Looking to replace my existing system which consists of a NAD AV receiver and a pair of PSB imagine B book shelf speakers. I'm keeping the NAD receiver but I'm moving the PSB speakers to the master bedroom as part of a 2 channel system for music.

I'd like to keep the cost down to no more than $1k for the speakers and matching center but frankly I'd like pay less. The acoustics in my HT room aren't great. I'm leaning towards the Cambridge S30 bookshelf speakers and S50 center channel which are available at Accessories4less for $400 plus shipping.

I still haven't picked out the sub but I'm leaning towards an SVS sub; the budget for a sub is right around $800. Because of space limitations, a cylinder subwoofer is a good choice for the space or a smaller sealed unit.

So max on the 3.1 system is $1800 (including the sub) but I'd like to pay closer to $1k.

The room is a bit of beast since it is open in the back. We sit around 8 ft from the HT system but it an open floor plan and the room stretches another 12 or so feet behind the sitting area. Plus there are a lot of reflective surfaces (windows mainly) which makes the acoustics poor.



Any other ideas?

 

[fuzz092888]

How important are aesthetics to you? Are you against a kit you would have to assemble and paint? For an HT setup I don't think you could much better than a pair of Fusion 8 Alchemy speakers, with a matching center. They're also very efficient, which makes driving them off of a receiver to very loud levels even in the room your describing pretty easy.

Depending on where you live you may also be able to get someone to put it together for you and you would just pick them up.

Fusion-8 Alchemy - Waveguide Speaker Kits DIY Sound Group

.67 cuft box - Waveguide Cabinets - Flat Packs DIY Sound Group

Fusion-8 Alchemy MTM - Waveguide Speaker Kits DIY Sound Group

 

[bikemig]

How important are aesthetics to you? Are you against a kit you would have to assemble and paint? For an HT setup I don't think you could much better than a pair of Fusion 8 Alchemy speakers, with a matching center. They're also very efficient, which makes driving them off of a receiver to very loud levels even in the room your describing pretty easy.

Depending on where you live you may also be able to get someone to put it together for you and you would just pick them up.

Fusion-8 Alchemy - Waveguide Speaker Kits DIY Sound Group

.67 cuft box - Waveguide Cabinets - Flat Packs DIY Sound Group

Fusion-8 Alchemy MTM - Waveguide Speaker Kits DIY Sound Group

I'll check them out. I can put it together. You're right that efficiency in speakers matters a lot given the room I'm working with (and I'd rather not spring for an amp). The PSB imagine Bs are 89 dB. Ideally I'd like something more efficient than that as I'd like some speakers that can play more loudly in that room.

 

[fuzz092888]

Well the Fusion 8 is 94/2.83/1m and the center is 98. If you want the towers to match the center in terms of sensitivity, then you'd need to step up to the Fusion-12 Tempest, which are 98.

 

[zieglj01]

While I am a Cambridge Audio fan - I would not consider it an upgrade over the PSB Imagine series.
Also, it will not be more sensitive than the Imagine speakers.

 

[bikemig]

While I am a Cambridge Audio fan - I would not consider it an upgrade over the PSB Imagine series.
Also, it will not be more sensitive than the Imagine speakers.

I wasn't looking for an upgrade. The room acoustics are mediocre and not readily fixable. I want to use the PSB imagine speakers in a 2 channel music system in the master bedroom. I am looking for a good quality 3.1 system that can play reasonably loudly with my current AV receiver.

But yeah, the Cambridge speakers not much more efficient than the PSB speakers. In any case, it's your positive reviews of the Cambridge speakers that got me to thinking about using them, . If I wanted something more efficient, though, I'd probably go with the HSU speakers . . . . That might be the way to go.

 

[zieglj01]

But yeah, the Cambridge speakers not much more efficient than the PSB speakers. In any case, it's your positive reviews of the Cambridge speakers that got me to thinking about using them,

If I wanted something more efficient, though, I'd probably go with the HSU speakers . . . . That might be the way to go.

The Cambridge is still my favorite budget friendly speakers, and they are a little beast.
And, I prefer them over the PSB Image series. > Also, I would prefer the bookshlf (1 ea)
for the center, over their center channel.

I have not listened to HSU - so I can not speculate about their quality - however, they can
be a nice option for you.

My first recommendation would cost you $1050 for the front 3.

The second, about about $850 for the front 3.

Enjoy the search adventure!

 

[bikemig]

The Cambridge is still my favorite budget friendly speakers, and they are a little beast.
And, I prefer them over the PSB Image series. > Also, I would prefer the bookshlf (1 ea)
for the center, over their center channel.

I have not listened to HSU - so I can not speculate about their quality - however, they can
be a nice option for you.

My first recommendation would cost you $1050 for the front 3.

The second, about about $850 for the front 3.

Enjoy the search adventure!

So what are the 2 recommendations? Those fit my budget. It's tough to buy internet direct when you haven't had a chance to listen to the speakers first.

 

[fuzz092888]

So what are the 2 recommendations? Those fit my budget. It's tough to buy internet direct when you haven't had a chance to listen to the speakers first.

Depending on shipping charges, the Hsu's have a 30 day money back guarantee, minus return shipping fee. Some companies pay shipping both ways, but their speakers are a touch more expensive.

 

[zieglj01]

So what are the 2 recommendations? Those fit my budget. It's tough to buy internet direct when you haven't had a chance to listen to the speakers first.

Well since you asked >

JBL Studio 530
Amazon.com: JBL Studio 530 Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black): Electronics

Studio 520
Amazon.com: JBL Studio 530 Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeakers (Pair, Black): Electronics

One I do really like
MB Quart Vera VS05BE
VS05BM (Pair) - Maple Finish*| MB Quart

Vera center
VS1CM - Maple Finish*| MB Quart

Since you are going 3.1 and you are buying a subwoofer > your receiver
can drive both options loud

Best wishes for whatever you decide or do