Low End Surround Sound Speaker Selection: Best Bang for $500

[SoCalAudioNewb]

I can't suggest this package. I am very concerned about the very high crossover for the sub.

I suggest you look at an SVS set. http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Even the Speaker companys LCR packages would be better IMO.

That would give you a nice home theater setup. You can just get the bookshelves and center for the fronts and a pair of smaller speakers for the side surrounds.

See www.dolby.com for optimal room placement guidelines.

> High crossover point - I can see that as a potential issue. I guess I need to go hear them in person to assess whether I can discern what I am missing. If my ears lack the ability to tell the difference, the point is moot

> I was excited to have this all squared away, but ultimately my objective is to find something I will be happy with, so thanks for the additional two suggestions.

> Speaker Company LCR: is that THIS package? If so, I see the package is for three speakers - how to I get to 5?

> As for the SVS 5.0 speakers you mentioned (HERE), I did a google search, but I can't seem to find any retailers for the SVS SBS-01 other than the manufacture's site, which I am guessing is more expensive than a retail distributor - are you aware of any other places that sell these so I can get a sense of the price?

 

[AVRat]

SVS is manufacturer direct only in the states. They'd be more expensive through a retailer.

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

SVS is manufacturer direct only in the states. They'd be more expensive through a retailer.

> Thanks AVRat - good info. I was going crazy trying to find a retailer ;-)

(Writing this from my phone, so sorry if it's a bit disjointed.)

I'm in southern California, and as luck would have it the 1st b&m retailer I found for Energy was Ken Crayne Big Screen, which is 8 miles from my place, and has a 3 day sale on the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system (5 speakers and the sub). Their price is $300 with no tax - this set retails online for $400 + shipping and tax. I already have the Velodyne sub, so ideally I would have gotten just the speakers, but they were only available as a box set. I will either run dual subs (with the velodyne set at a low crossover for stricly low frequency) and the Energy sub with the highest crossover it offers to compensate for the high end of LFE (to fill in the 80-110Hz frequency spectrum that the Energy satellite speakers don't do so well), or I will sell one of the subs.

Question: Any input on whether my above dual sub strategy will be effective at filling in the 80-110Hz range?

 

[lsiberian]

> Thanks AVRat - good info. I was going crazy trying to find a retailer ;-)

(Writing this from my phone, so sorry if it's a bit disjointed.)

I'm in southern California, and as luck would have it the 1st b&m retailer I found for Energy was Ken Crayne Big Screen, which is 8 miles from my place, and has a 3 day sale on the Energy Take Classic 5.1 system (5 speakers and the sub). Their price is $300 with no tax - this set retails online for $400 + shipping and tax. I already have the Velodyne sub, so ideally I would have gotten just the speakers, but they were only available as a box set. I will either run dual subs (with the velodyne set at a low crossover for stricly low frequency) and the Energy sub with the highest crossover it offers to compensate for the high end of LFE (to fill in the 80-110Hz frequency spectrum that the Energy satellite speakers don't do so well), or I will sell one of the subs.

Question: Any input on whether my above dual sub strategy will be effective at filling in the 80-110Hz range?

I can't suggest your approach. You would be better off running them both with the high crossover. Localization is the biggest issues for the LFE above 80hz.
If they are ported these speakers would be a disaster at loud volumes. I hope they are at least sealed. You don't usually want to cross at the bottom frequency of the speaker. I wouldn't cross it any lower that 120 and maybe at 150.

A pair of small 8 inch subs would be a nice way to complement this system. But I don't know if your sub is a deep one.

 

[fredk]

Any input on whether my above dual sub strategy will be effective at filling in the 80-110Hz range?

Try it both ways and see what sounds best. Localization can be an issue above 80Hz, but its not a given.

 

[WmAx]

Memory foam is what Wmax suggests to help decouple the sub from the cabinet structure.

I have never recommended memory foam. What I recommend is a high grade resilient foam such as latex foam or evlon foam. These have an extraordinary long life; they greatly resist flattening which most common low grade polyurethane foams are subject to.

-Chris

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

Isiberian and Everyone else: Thanks for all of your continued help!

The Take Classic speakers met the expectations I had for the price, but I am curious how much difference I would hear in the SVS 5.0 set that Isiberian recommended HERE.

- I got the Take Classic 5.1 system installed and setup last night, and they are a good quality for the price. I bought them knowing I needed to hear them in my living room to evaluate, and I have 7 days to return.
- Energy Take Classic Satellite Speakers: (115Hz-20KHz) / (6.9" x 4.1" x 4.1") / $200 for 5.0
- SVS SBS-01 and SCS-01: (68Hz - 20kHz) / (12" x 7" x 9.5") / $569 for 5.0

The wife is cool and said the larger SVS speakers are ok if I mount them nicely (no issue there). Question is, do I want to spend the extra $369 on the SVS 5.0 system (again, I already have a Velodyne CT-100 10" 150W sub, so just comparing price of SVS and Take Classic 5.0 speakers). It's a hard question for me because I am under the impression that there are no local retailers where I can hear the SVS. My living room is (EDIT TO DIMENSIONS) 20'Lx15'Wx12'H, and opens up into the rest o the bottom floor.

QUESTION: If I go with the SVS, am I likely to notice a pronounced and unequivocal improvement in: A) frequency range, B) fidelity, C) volume, D) other parameter I am overlooking?

 

[WmAx]

Objectively (quantified/measured), the best value for that price range ($400-$500) is to buy 3 pairs of Behringer 2030P monitors. There is nothing else in existence, to my knowledge, that performs as well, or built as well as these do for the price. However, they are intended to be an audio tool (for audio monitoring), and as such, they are not very pretty. They do not even come with grills. Cross these to a sub at about 75 Hz - 80 Hz.

-Chris

 

[Sounds Good]

do you check out Ascends offerings? they have a system builder on their site and i quickly threw together a middle of the road 5.1 set up w/o sub

CBM-170 SE front
CBM-170 SE center
HTM-200 SE rear

and it came to $718.00 plus $60 ship

same deal on axiom's site, they also have a "theater builder" (which i suggest YOU do, because i just clicked some generic all around options)

CENTERS VP100 $255.00 USD
FRONTS M2i $296.00 USD
REARS QS4 $428.00 USD
SUBS EP125 $375.00 USD

total $1286.00 if you want to keep your sub take 375 off that price obviously and your right around the same as ascend...


i am just trying to show you dont jump into something because its a good deal... there are enough of us around here that can say they have done that... imo... spend a little extra upfront and youll be a lot more happier down the road...

 

[anamorphic96]

The system MarkW posted is the best bang for the buck you are going to find. Plus you are getting the ESW-10 instead of the 8" model that would normally come with the package.

The Energy Take Classic speakers are no joke and offer superb sound for the money.

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

do you check out Ascends offerings? they have a system builder on their site and i quickly threw together a middle of the road 5.1 set up w/o sub

CBM-170 SE front
CBM-170 SE center
HTM-200 SE rear

and it came to $718.00 plus $60 ship

Thanks for the input man, but I think that's outside of my budget. I am looking to spend $500 or less. I do appreciate the suggestion though.

 

[lsiberian]

Isiberian and Everyone else: Thanks for all of your continued help!

The Take Classic speakers met the expectations I had for the price, but I am curious how much difference I would hear in the SVS 5.0 set that Isiberian recommended HERE.

- I got the Take Classic 5.1 system installed and setup last night, and they are a good quality for the price. I bought them knowing I needed to hear them in my living room to evaluate, and I have 7 days to return.
- Energy Take Classic Satellite Speakers: (115Hz-20KHz) / (6.9" x 4.1" x 4.1") / $200 for 5.0
- SVS SBS-01 and SCS-01: (68Hz - 20kHz) / (12" x 7" x 9.5") / $569 for 5.0

The wife is cool and said the larger SVS speakers are ok if I mount them nicely (no issue there). Question is, do I want to spend the extra $369 on the SVS 5.0 system (again, I already have a Velodyne CT-100 10" 150W sub, so just comparing price of SVS and Take Classic 5.0 speakers). It's a hard question for me because I am under the impression that there are no local retailers where I can hear the SVS. My living room is (EDIT TO DIMENSIONS) 20'Lx15'Wx12'H, and opens up into the rest o the bottom floor.

QUESTION: If I go with the SVS, am I likely to notice a pronounced and unequivocal improvement in: A) frequency range, B) fidelity, C) volume, D) other parameter I am overlooking?

I think the SVSs would be a superior option for home theater.

I wish you could do behringers, but the looks wouldn't go over well with the lady.

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

I think the SVSs would be a superior option for home theater.

I wish you could do behringers, but the looks wouldn't go over well with the lady.

The SVS's offer an expanded frequency response over the Take Classics (SVS SBS-01 / SCS-01 is 68Hz-20kHz vs the Take Classics 115Hz-20KHz), but it's hard to "go by the numbers" as the sole predictor of how much I'll like the speakers. I'd like to be able to hear the SVS's first hand to assess if they are worth the extra cash. If there was a way to audition the SVS's in my home I would do it, but I am under the impression that it's not possible due to the fact that SVS only sells direct, and not via retailers. Is there any reasonably easy way for me to audition the SVS in home?

As for the Behringers, they would actually be a steal at $130/pr, or $390 for six speakers. They are 15.5" tall, they are twice as large as the Take Classics, but if the sound was that much better I'm sure my wife would not object (too much). Is there a reasonably easy way to put a grill on these bad-boys so my living room doesn't look like a recording studio? (Yes, I do realize these are monitors that I am trying to re-purpose for surround sound.)

 

[ack_bak]

The SVS's offer an expanded frequency response over the Take Classics (SVS SBS-01 / SCS-01 is 68Hz-20kHz vs the Take Classics 115Hz-20KHz), but it's hard to "go by the numbers" as the sole predictor of how much I'll like the speakers. I'd like to be able to hear the SVS's first hand to assess if they are worth the extra cash. If there was a way to audition the SVS's in my home I would do it, but I am under the impression that it's not possible due to the fact that SVS only sells direct, and not via retailers. Is there any reasonably easy way for me to audition the SVS in home?

As for the Behringers, they would actually be a steal at $130/pr, or $390 for six speakers. They are 15.5" tall, they are twice as large as the Take Classics, but if the sound was that much better I'm sure my wife would not object (too much). Is there a reasonably easy way to put a grill on these bad-boys so my living room doesn't look like a recording studio? (Yes, I do realize these are monitors that I am trying to re-purpose for surround sound.)

The only way you can really listen to SVS speakers in person would be to drive to their offices (I think they are in Ohio), or find someone on the forums near you that has them.

I am just outside of Salt Lake City, so if you are close to me you are welcome to come over to listen.

Internet direct is not for everyone. You will definitely get more bang for your buck as you are eliminating the middle man, but if you are reluctant to buy something you cannot listen to locally, then don't

That said, the reason why people recommend companies like SVS, HSU, Axiom, Emotiva, eD, etc is because they have good reputations, good customer service, and offer excellent products for their price.

When I first ordered a subwoofer from an internet based company (Elemental Designs or eD) I was a little reluctant. But the eD sub lived up to its reputation. It blew away the subs I heard (in the same or close to the same price range) at Best Buy and several local audio stores.

So when I ordered my SVS speakers recently, I was a little more confident this time. And you can return the speakers back to SVS for your money back. You will just have to pay the shipping.

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

The only way you can really listen to SVS speakers in person would be to drive to their offices (I think they are in Ohio), or find someone on the forums near you that has them.

I am just outside of Salt Lake City, so if you are close to me you are welcome to come over to listen.

Internet direct is not for everyone. You will definitely get more bang for your buck as you are eliminating the middle man, but if you are reluctant to buy something you cannot listen to locally, then don't

That said, the reason why people recommend companies like SVS, HSU, Axiom, Emotiva, eD, etc is because they have good reputations, good customer service, and offer excellent products for their price.

When I first ordered a subwoofer from an internet based company (Elemental Designs or eD) I was a little reluctant. But the eD sub lived up to its reputation. It blew away the subs I heard (in the same or close to the same price range) at Best Buy and several local audio stores.

So when I ordered my SVS speakers recently, I was a little more confident this time. And you can return the speakers back to SVS for your money back. You will just have to pay the shipping.

I'm in Southern California, but thanks much for the invite to listen to your SVS. I can tell SVS gets a lot of respect from people in the know. I am totally fine paying shipping, but I don't want to do anything shady. If I did buy the SVS and not like them, it is not frowned upon by SVS for me to ship them back (I would pay shipping of course)?

 

[lsiberian]

I'm in Southern California, but thanks much for the invite to listen to your SVS. I can tell SVS gets a lot of respect from people in the know. I am totally fine paying shipping, but I don't want to do anything shady. If I did buy the SVS and not like them, it is not frowned upon by SVS for me to ship them back (I would pay shipping of course)?

SoCal. You would certainly not be frowned upon. SVS prides themselves in customer service. I doubt you would be disappointed.

The Behringers would be superior, but I don't think it's a good idea for home theater in the living room. If you had a dedicated theater or listening room then they would be a better choice, but not for the living room.

Honestly I think you will be amazed. For home theater my Beta 20, 360, KEF 2001.2 setup was amazing when paired with a Onkyo 705. For music it was good enough for most people. I imagine the SVS would be a bit better. corner load your sub. Pick up the SVS set and you'll be fine.

Another option is to duplicate my old setup.

2 Infinity Beta 20s, 1 Infinity Beta 360, 4 Kef 2001.2s

It would also foot the bill.

 

[ack_bak]

I'm in Southern California, but thanks much for the invite to listen to your SVS. I can tell SVS gets a lot of respect from people in the know. I am totally fine paying shipping, but I don't want to do anything shady. If I did buy the SVS and not like them, it is not frowned upon by SVS for me to ship them back (I would pay shipping of course)?

It is not shady at all. In fact SVS offers a 45-day guarantee just for people like you and me that want piece of mind. From their website:

45 day money back guarantee.

If you are not completely satisfied with the performance of your SVS speaker or subwoofer, return it to us for a full refund of the purchase price. Just a few minor stipulations should you choose to do this:

* Products must be returned in original shipping boxes.
* E-mail SVS for a return authorization number and display this on the outside of the box.
* Subwoofer and/or speaker must be insured during return shipping.
* Shipping costs are not refundable.

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

Thanks ack_bak, that will let me check out the SVS in home to see what kind of difference they offer. EDIT: Yikes - shipping is $99 one way. There goes that option :-(

As for my other question (below) about a grill for the Behringers, does anyone have any ideas on whether anyone has found a way to add a grill to these monitors to increase the wife-friendliness factor?

As for the Behringers, they would actually be a steal at $130/pr, or $390 for six speakers. They are 15.5" tall, they are twice as large as the Take Classics, but if the sound was that much better I'm sure my wife would not object (too much). Is there a reasonably easy way to put a grill on these bad-boys so my living room doesn't look like a recording studio? (Yes, I do realize these are monitors that I am trying to re-purpose for surround sound.)

 

[mtbound10]

SoCal Newb~

I to am still quite a newbie to this sport... I am currently in the market for a more advanced speaker setup and currently am looking into the Axiom M80 or 60's... More to the point, I started off with the EMP 5.1 speaker package which comes complete with its E-10 sub which definitely does a good job.

I have been very happy with my speakers for the money I spent, and I think I might be a little late in the game to be telling you this, not to mention I am not the most informed audioholic as of yet, but the EMP package is a steal for 500+/- especially since you will now be able to run the second sub assuming your reciever can handle it.

FYI- I bought the EMP package without listening and got lucky cause they are a great package...

Other than that, I am staying out of this since the guys you are talking to here know their SHIZZLE!!!

 

[SoCalAudioNewb]

SoCal Newb~

I to am still quite a newbie to this sport... I am currently in the market for a more advanced speaker setup and currently am looking into the Axiom M80 or 60's... More to the point, I started off with the EMP 5.1 speaker package which comes complete with its E-10 sub which definitely does a good job.

I have been very happy with my speakers for the money I spent, and I think I might be a little late in the game to be telling you this, not to mention I am not the most informed audioholic as of yet, but the EMP package is a steal for 500+/- especially since you will now be able to run the second sub assuming your reciever can handle it.

FYI- I bought the EMP package without listening and got lucky cause they are a great package...

Other than that, I am staying out of this since the guys you are talking to here know their SHIZZLE!!!

Thanks mtbound10! I also started my search with the EMP package, and I have no doubt I would find it a good value. Thanks to the input of the Audioholics forum members I picked up the Take Classic 5.1 system (8" sub) at a local brick and mortar for $298 out the door (they have a no tax special). I think that if I don't upgrade to the STS or Behringers, I will stay with the Take Classic set I got this weekend, but thanks much for the post!