Need help deciding

[scotsman8]

So I have been looking around at getting a new surround sound system and believe I have narrowed it down to 4 choices. Any suggestions and help would be appreciated to narrow it down to 1.

1. SV Sound STS-01 - 5.1 Affordable Audiophile Package
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sts01.cfm

2. AV123 ELT525 5.1
http://www.av123.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=472&category_id=51&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

3. EMP Impression 5.1 Tower System
http://store.audioholics.com/product/2722/66382/emp-impression-5-1-tower-system---black

4. Element Designs 5.1 System -A6 6T6 Towers with the MTM center and bookshelfs with a A5350 Sub.
http://www.edesignaudio.com/htpackage.php

All these packages are within my price range but don't know enough or heard them to narrow them down.

Thanks in advance

 

[bandphan]

So I have been looking around at getting a new surround sound system and believe I have narrowed it down to 4 choices. Any suggestions and help would be appreciated to narrow it down to 1.

1. SV Sound STS-01 - 5.1 Affordable Audiophile Package
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sts01.cfm

2. AV123 ELT525 5.1
http://www.av123.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=472&category_id=51&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

3. EMP Impression 5.1 Tower System
http://store.audioholics.com/product/2722/66382/emp-impression-5-1-tower-system---black

4. Element Designs 5.1 System -A6 6T6 Towers with the MTM center and bookshelfs with a A5350 Sub.
http://www.edesignaudio.com/htpackage.php

All these packages are within my price range but don't know enough or heard them to narrow them down.

Thanks in advance

just throw #2 out the window set it on fire and run. As for the others, subjectively speaking 1 and 3, but they are your ears. The SVS will give you the most impact for HT more than likley. You can always send em back if you dont like them.

 

[scotsman8]

just throw #2 out the window set it on fire and run. As for the others, subjectively speaking 1 and 3, but they are your ears. The SVS will give you the most impact for HT more than likley. You can always send em back if you dont like them.

HAHA alright

Also I'll be buying a Onkyo TX-SR607 for a reciever. It shall be mainly movies and playing ps3.

 

[bandphan]

HAHA alright

Also I'll be buying a Onkyo TX-SR607 for a reciever. It shall be mainly movies and playing ps3.

Unless you just want towers, you could go with the scs/sbs and get a an upgraded sub. Not sure how large your room is?

edit.. If your going to lean towards the EMPs, which are well received also, go 5.0 and get a better sub.

 

[adk highlander]

The SVS would probably be the choice for me our of the three. Many here on the forum have the EMP system and are very happy with it. If you considered not getting their sub and going with an SVS it may be the best setup.

 

[scotsman8]

Unless you just want towers, you could go with the scs/sbs and get a an upgraded sub. Not sure how large your room is?

edit.. If your going to lean towards the EMPs, which are well received also, go 5.0 and get a better sub.

I'm not sure if i need towers just thought that was the way to go?

Here's my floor plan and a picture of the living room for a general idea. The living room is 16 X 23. I kinda drew in the couch and tv. I have a different TV now and that entertainment center is changing, gonna wall mount my tv and get a unit to house everything.

 

[bandphan]

With your open space, IMO getting the bookshelves and applying the money to a bigger sub would be better but Craig will see it different.. Or better yet turn bedroom three into a theater room

 

[adk highlander]

Oh I would definately go with towers with that size room.

Also when your budget allows I would get a second sub to put behind the couch. It will really help your bass response and add major impact for movies.

Looks like a nice place. Huge couch!

 

[scotsman8]

With your open space, IMO getting the bookshelves and applying the money to a bigger sub would be better but Craig will see it different.. Or better yet turn bedroom three into a theater room

haha i want a theater room but didn't think those rooms would be big enough?

 

[adk highlander]

I think going with Scott's suggestion with a bigger sub would work as well but down the road you will want a second no matter what.

Scott has a great idea. That room 3 is away from the main part of the house so you could crank it. I think 13x10 would work with the correct layout. How many people do you want to seat? You could do six easy in that room. Just think 92" screen two rows of 3.

 

[scotsman8]

I think going with Scott's suggestion with a bigger sub would work as well but down the road you will want a second no matter what.

Scott has a great idea. That room 3 is away from the main part of the house so you could crank it. I think 13x10 would work with the correct layout. How many people do you want to seat? You could do six easy in that room. Just think 92" screen two rows of 3.

So towers aren't needed? Theater room is a long way down the road haha. I put the TV from that picture in there since I got a UN55B700 in the living room and when I get a new surround that crappy HTIB will go in that front room.

 

[scotsman8]

also are there any other suggestions within this price range?

 

[bandphan]

So towers aren't needed? Theater room is a long way down the road haha. I put the TV from that picture in there since I got a UN55B700 in the living room and when I get a new surround that crappy HTIB will go in that front room.

Even if you don't consider it a theater room yet, sound reinforcement would be easier and better in that room.

Check out Dave's (majorloser) cinema in a spare bedroom.
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22943&highlight=Loser+cinema

 

[Patrukas777]

Here's a suggestion

also are there any other suggestions within this price range?

I would upgrade a little bit and buy part of the system now, and then the other half later. Here's what I would buy if I were you:

-2 MTS-01 Towers (on sale $1199)
-1 MCS-01 Center (on sale $479)
-and the receiver of you choice

THEN when you can afford it....

-wait for the M-series Bipole surround speakers to come out (definitely coming out there year)
-and a really nice subwoofer or two (maybe the PB13- Ultra)

*Remember SVS will hook you up when buy multiple products from them. In this economy its not usual to get better deals than advertised

Now you have an awesome system that will HOPEFULLY keep you satisfied for a while. When you get the 2nd part of your system, PREPARE TO BE SHOCKED!!!!

-Pete

 

[scotsman8]

I would upgrade a little bit and buy part of the system now, and then the other half later. Here's what I would buy if I were you:

-2 MTS-01 Towers (on sale $1199)
-1 MCS-01 Center (on sale $479)
-and the receiver of you choice

THEN when you can afford it....

-wait for the M-series Bipole surround speakers to come out (definitely coming out there year)
-and a really nice subwoofer or two (maybe the PB13- Ultra)

*Remember SVS will hook you up when buy multiple products from them. In this economy its not usual to get better deals than advertised

Now you have an awesome system that will HOPEFULLY keep you satisfied for a while. When you get the 2nd part of your system, PREPARE TO BE SHOCKED!!!!

-Pete

Do you think its worth waiting for the Bipoloe surround speakers or just get the bookshelf? I don't really know anything about the Bipole surrounds

 

[Patrukas777]

Bipole

Personally...I really like Bipole speakers for surrounds. You really need to hear some bipole surround speakers to understand what I'm talking about (good ones of course). To my ears, it really widens the sound from the rear speakers and makes them sound more full IMHO. I'm sure there are audiophiles out there that don't care for them, just as there those who love them like myself.

I would definitely spend the extra money and buy good speakers...not to take away from the s-series. There are a lot of people that speak very highly of that series. I would rather spend the extra money and buy the speakers that I want, even if that means buying them a little at a time. I'm a firm believer in spending the extra money and getting a good sub as well. A lot of people go to the local best buy and pick-up the first sub they see, or the one that the kid in the blue shirt swears is the best. They really have no idea what they are missing until they hear a subwoofer comparable to a PB-13Ultra. An awesome sub can make your home theater sound like a entirely new system.

I got a lil side tracked there LOL...You're going to have a lot of fun with all this....This is one fun addicting hobby!

 

[scotsman8]

how is crystal acoustics thx-3d12

http://www.crystalaudiovideo.com/product.aspx

 

[scotsman8]

also what would be a good choice if I went the other direction and spent ~2000 on just a pair of towers and center?

 

[scotsman8]

if i were to get bipole surrounds how would I mount them in this living room? going with the pics earlier and i added this one.

 

[Patrukas777]

if i were to get bipole surrounds how would I mount them in this living room? going with the pics earlier and i added this one.

Hmm...your set up may be a little difficult. I would call SVS and tell them what you plan to do and see what they recommend. You can send them pictures and diagrams and they will come up with a nice setup for you. They seriously have one of the best customer services in the business.