Need Help with a 5.1 Speaker System - $500 budget

[nolesrb]

I am replacing an old HTIB I got out of college, and I need to find some upgraded speakers. Unfortunately, I am only working with ~$500 . For that price, I am considering the Infiniti TSS-1200 set, which have good reviews, and they would meet the wife's physical requirements.

The speakers will be used primarily, while watching TV, BluRays and occassionally music.

I have a YAMAHA RX-V565 receiver that will power them.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I really appreciate the help.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm not a big fan of tiny speakers and a small sub systems...
This is the system i'd get and add a sub then budget allow.

But if you insist on smaller speakers - Infinity Primus™ Theater 5-pack II Home theater speaker package at Crutchfield.com

and this sub:
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1321999654&sr=1-2

Maybe you could find a better sub on used market

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

+1 for Infinity Primus system + BIC sub.

If you must have matching brand, then also get the Infinity sub:

Infinity PS28 (Black grille) Powered subwoofer at Crutchfield.com

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

+1 for Infinity Primus system + BIC sub.

If you must have matching brand, then also get the Infinity sub:

Amazon.com: Infinity Powered 12IN Subwoofer 400 Watt: Electronics

Fixed for you

 

[zieglj01]

At least, the Infinity sub will boom.

 

[psbfan9]

Two suggestions that fit your budget.

Newegg.com - MartinLogan MLT-1 5.1CH Home Theater Speaker System Black System

OR

Newegg.com - Energy Take Classic 5.1 5.1CH Premium Home Theater System

Of the two, I would go with the Energy system.

 

[zieglj01]

For a pre-packaged deal - I would look at the Martin MLT-2 system.
http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-MLT-2-Theater-System-Black/dp/B0049P2000

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

[/B]
Fixed for you

The 12" Infinity Sub is better, but it is also $80 more including s/h.

 

[nolesrb]

Thank you so much. I would prefer bigger speakers, but the wife hates them. I have absolutely NO aversion to seperate components, though. I will go ahead and take a closer look at some of the suggestions, and let you all know what I decide.

 

[jcl]

Best Buy carries the Martin Logan motion line. I'd take a listen before you buy. I was excited to hear the Motion line when they came out and was underwhelmed by the towers. The bookshelves sounded better, but that may have been because they were placed so high I was listening off axis.

The Energy Take 5 and Micro systems routinely go on sale. You just missed a sale at NewEgg. Other subs offer more value so I'd try to get a 5.0 set $199 and a separate sub.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Certainly not every speaker is for everyone.

Some people prefer "more accurate" speakers, and some people prefer "less accurate" speakers.

Infinity P162/P362 are known to be "accurate" speakers, as confirmed by Soundstage/NRC and Stereophile.

NHT, PSB, Paradigm, Energy also fall in the "accurate" category.

Martin Logan speakers, as well as many other speakers like Polk, Klipsch, may fall into the "less accurate" category.

Of course, this is just generalization and does not apply to every case.

A lot of people think DefTech is no "accurate". But if you look at the DefTech Mythos STS (Soundstage/NRC) and SM450 (The Audio Critic), they are quite accurate based on their frequency responses.

A lot of the Klipsch speakers I've seen are not accurate either, but some are accurate.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

The 12" Infinity Sub is better, but it is also $80 more including s/h.

yes, but
$80 is a small price to pay for 12" with more robust amp vs weak amp and tiny 8" woofer.

However in any case $200-250 on used sub would be much better deal:
ie:
Outlaw Audio LFM-1 Subwoofer

 

[lsiberian]

Onkyo TX-SR308 5.1-Channel 3-D Ready Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-CF-30-Floorstanding-Tower-Speaker/dp/B001SAJ1VA

With 500 bucks I'd buy the above setup

Onkyo SR308 + 2 Energy CF-30s

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Here is another option for a 5.1 speaker system:

Infinity TSS-1200 CHR 5.1 Channel Charcoal Total Solutions Series Speaker Package Charcoal Finish at Vanns.com

That is $800 off retail.

 

[jcl]

I've heard KEF's little 5.1 systems and they're not bad either. If you have to keep it < $500 and small this might be worth consideration too :
KEF Kht1005.2 5.1 Speaker Package w/Sub Gloss Black | Accessories4less

 

[zieglj01]

yes, but

However in any case $200-250 on used sub would be much better deal:
ie:
Outlaw Audio LFM-1 Subwoofer

That is a good option