Matching speakers to my Receiver

[air2mud82]

Hi everyone -- I'm hoping not to turn this into another "oh no, not another of those threads"... but I'm in a bit of a time crunch, so I'm looking for help.

My situation: home for only the next 12 days on R&R from Afghanistan. Normally I heavily research any big buy (my definition of big buy: more than $200) for hours on end, to the point it almost drives me crazy, but I don't have that luxury now. I need to spend as much time as possible with my wife and kids. So, I'm looking to the experts here to not hold my hand, but maybe give a few suggestions and I am open to any advice. I just want a setup so that when I get home this summer, I have a nice home system to enjoy and I can just sit on the couch for a week, watch movies w/ the family and catch up on a lost year.

So here goes...

I currently have Pioneer VSX-2016AV receiver. I am in the market for 2 front, 2 surround, 1 center speaker and sub.


The room is 16x16 and 8 foot high. The ceiling and floor are wood and the walls are brick/cement-ish. I have plenty of room for both floor and/or bookshelf style speakers.

My TV is a Hitachi 47" LED.

Now the kickers: I am stationed in Germany, so 220 volt power rules. This shouldn't affect the speakers, but may limit my sub options. Locally, at the "American Store" on the base, I have a (very) few options. It looks like the best option would be a Yamaha YST-SW216 as it's dual voltage. Outside of that, options are limited. I can use a transformer if necessary though, but would like to consider the Yammy if it doesn't suck. I know nothing about it!

Also, I would prefer to buy online as the exchange rate sucks. I know the Germans have some great options and I may have a look, but the tax and exchange just makes it real tough. As does my timing.

Finally, my budget. Really, I don't know. Again, w/ the Yamaha option here locally, I was looking at the NS-333 series w/ $200 front's, the ns-c444 for $100 center, the mentioned sub for $150 and I'll find some surrounds for whatever. Those prices are great - but not my top end. If I could get everything for ~ $600 I would be happy. Plus or minus for a great deal would be ok.

I really just want to enjoy watching movies, football, video games and music. Nice clean, clear sound is my goal and I don't need the neighbors to know about it.

ANything else???

I apprciate any and all help, have email notification turned on and will be back as much as possible over the next few days.

Thanks ahead of time!

Mike

 

[jp_over]

I currently have Pioneer VSX-2016AV receiver. I am in the market for 2 front, 2 surround, 1 center speaker and sub.

Finally, my budget. Really, I don't know. Again, w/ the Yamaha option here locally, I was looking at the NS-333 series w/ $200 front's, the ns-c444 for $100 center, the mentioned sub for $150 and I'll find some surrounds for whatever. Those prices are great - but not my top end. If I could get everything for ~ $600 I would be happy. Plus or minus for a great deal would be ok.
Mike

Thanks for your service!

I know how you feel about getting your system ASAP but I'd recommend just a little patience. Enjoy the search! Many times I've heard folks (here at audioholics) mention that if money is tight, buy a couple of quality pieces at a time. I think this advice is solid.

I've been fortunate enough, over the past couple of years of research, to put my own system together and actually ordered it all from Afghanistan.

I like the idea of a converter box for the sub (and/or other components as required). This way, when your tour is over you can keep the equipment and sell the 220/110 converter.

If you have to buy right now, at your budget, I'd take a look at this:

http://store.audioholics.com/product/2053/0/infinity-tss-500-5-1-home-theater-speaker-system

Another option is holding off on the surrounds and sub. This opens up more possibilities such as:

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

http://www.emptek.com/towers.php

Or even:

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-4T-Tower-Speaker,164,90,404.aspx


Of note, I have not heard any of these systems but I do read the reviews and have quite a fair respect for the audioholics recommendations.

Just my .02...

 

[air2mud82]

Thanks Joe!

Actually, I wouldn't say that budget is the deciding factor at all - other than the fact that I have lots of toys/hobbies and I just kind of used that as a guide based on my local purchase options here in Germany.

Speaking of local purchases -I basically have Bose, HCT, JVC and this Yamaha option:
Sub: YST-SW216 ($150)
Front: NS-333 ($189/pair)
Center:NS-C444 ($99)

I can find surrounds later or double up on the NS-333's. I'm trying to find some info on those speakers. I think they are models that came out a few years ago, so I'm digging up info. If anyone can "thumbs up/ thumbs down" that setup for me though, many thanks!

I can absolutely buy the front speakers first and surrounds later -- I am just trying to arm myself with as much info as possible as soon as possible.

My research/purchasing is limited in the desert due to the austerity of the location, but not impossible. My wife can help from home as well. I just wanted them on their way so that when I get home I don't have to wait -- plus my wife can enjoy them while I'm gone!

I'll check out those links -- thanks again -- and if anyone else has suggestions, please take the minute to reply!

Cheers!

 

[jp_over]

Here's an audioholics review where the NS-333 is compared to some others.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/budget-bookshelf-shootout-2009

Most folks here (I don't recall the link/s.) agree that bose is overpriced and does not render a true picture of the music you're playing. If you do a search it's also proven on a variety of audio testing equipment.

Finally, I'd hold off on the sub at that price. 1st, put your money on some decent mains. Minimum sub I'd look at would be emotiva or HSU STF (strictly speaking on budget).

A good place for research is here:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews

Good luck!