need advice on 5.1 HT speakers

[reapinwombat]

I was hoping to get some advice on what speakers offer the best quality sound for HT and music in the $500 range. My considerations are:
1)I need a subwoofer that is NOT a big cube. 11" on a side is about the limit
2)I need sats I can mount on a wall

Thats about it.

So far I have demoes in my home these systems:
Polk Audio 6880
Mirage nanosats & Omni S8

I am considering trying the HSU performance 1 package:
XXX.hsuresearch.com/products/performance1.html

I am using an onkyo sr500 receiver.

My thoughts so far have been:
POlk Audio 4880.
Pros: $400 bucks
better than my Aquos LCD's speakers 8^)
COns: <--bass is muddy. Not very punchy. Not very bright either.


Mirage nanos and Omni s8
pros:<-puncher bass than the PA system. bright. nice sound field.
cons: weak around the 100hz since this is where the sats stop. voice is clear but not "full" sounding.

Would I do better with the HSUs? I seem people like their subs but what about their packages?

I admit I am not an audiophile, but I do think I have a reaspnable ear. I just have never hear the HSUs.

Is there something else that should make my short list?

I apologize if tihs has ben answered before.

Thanks!

-Greg

 

[jostenmeat]

I was hoping to get some advice on what speakers offer the best quality sound for HT and music in the $500 range. My considerations are:
1)I need a subwoofer that is NOT a big cube. 11" on a side is about the limit

Dude. 11" limit on each dimension for your sub? Does HSU even make something like that??

My bookshelf surrounds and rears have a larger dimension than 11", in both height and depth.

If you care about your audio, be careful just how small your sats might be as well.

 

[reapinwombat]

smaller subs....

Nah. 11" wide really is what I need, not all dimensions. The Omni 8 I have now fullfills that requirement. The polk Audio 6880 is only 9" wide. Yahama makes a subwoofer that is like 6" wide.

The HSU STF1 is 11" wide.

-Greg

 

[InTheIndustry]

This systems MSRP is $600, but I think $400 shipped or there abouts is doable with patient shopping.

One of the nicest Sub/Sat systems I've found. Energy Rep let me demo this system and it really was nice. I'm a Mirage dealer as well & can tell you that the Energy system (in this case) is a nicer product & a better value. Used to do Polk years ago & while it's a nice line, it's not really done anything to set it's self apart. The Energy Take system is a really nice finish in piano black. Very very pretty for what you pay.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/take-classic-5-1-overview/

 

[reapinwombat]

in-walls then?

What about the Dayton Ultra series which is in-wall? aka the US620W?

I must admit it all really daunting. There are so many options and every thread seems to introduce anouther dozen speaker brands I've never heard of.