New receiver for old speakers - where do I start?

[1ro]

I moved house this weekend and the previous owner left me 5 wall-mounted speakers (no receiver or sub). The speakers look good in the room and are cleanly installed with wiring inside the walls, so I just want to get them up and running as smoothly as possible. They are 3 ohm speakers from the Sony HT-SF470 HTiB. My understanding is that these are relatively basic speakers, is that right? What specs do I need to look out for in a search for a receiver and sub? Thanks!

 

[Teetertotter?]

Here are some AVRs you can consider to hook up those speakers, TV, DVD, Cable...etc.
avr receivers - Best Buy
Any 5.1 Ch Receiver will work.

Then you can look up any subwoofer in your price range. Speaker wire for 3 OHM speakers, I'd go with 12 ga wire. 14Ga min, depending on distance. Good luck.
Home Theater Audio Channels - A Beginner’s Guide (hometheateracademy.com)
A Beginner’s Guide to Home Theater • Home Theater Forum | Home Theater Forum

 

[lovinthehd]

The nominal 3 ohm rating is going to be challenging to particularly lower end avrs, especially at elevated listening levels. I wouldn't spend too much to provide power to those speakers in any case (I'd just replace the speakers myself). What kind of budget are you thinking for sub and avr?

 

[-Jim-]

I'm with lovinthehd.

However, if money is tight (as you just bought a new house) and you have an intent to really get into a decent Home Theater Setup, then you could go at this a bit bass ackwards. Give us the Room Dimensions (LxWxH) first and advise how much you could afford (some time later) to replace the Sony Speakers, and give us the present budget budget for a Sub and Receiver; then we could help guide you forward. The replacement budget for the speakers will help us fit the Sub and Receiver to them.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[1ro]

I'm with lovinthehd.

However, if money is tight (as you just bought a new house) and you have an intent to really get into a decent Home Theater Setup, then you could go at this a bit bass ackwards. Give us the Room Dimensions (LxWxH) first and advise how much you could afford (some time later) to replace the Sony Speakers, and give us the present budget budget for a Sub and Receiver; then we could help guide you forward. The replacement budget for the speakers will help us fit the Sub and Receiver to them.

I hope this is helpful.

This is in the basement, roughly 18' x 22' from the listing specs. The viewing area is tighter as the speakers are wall mounted around the seating area (I'll get a measurements and report back). Budget is super tight right now, main goal is to get sound up. I do plan to invest in a substantial setup in the future but I'd like to get a better understanding of what I should go for.

I am nervous to start with a higher end receiver in case the 3ohm speakers blow it up (valid concern?)!

My short term options are,
a) pickup a Sony STR-DE898 or JVC RX-5020V from the local pawn store for ~$50 and test these speakers out. Not even sure if they work. Or
b) Bring my Samsung HT-C550 down from upstairs and use that full system instead. Currently only using 2.1 upstairs. The slight problem with option B is I would then need to get a soundbar or similar for the aristocracy upstairs.

Secondary question; the wiring that runs through the basement walls has no markings for + and/or -. As I cannot trace each wire end to end, is there a way to correctly hook up the speakers?

Apologies for my tardy response, I actually did not know anyone even replied to my post! I am just getting used to this site. I am so pleased you all took a moment to share your wisdom -- thank you so much for the advice thus far, much appreciated!

 

[TLS Guy]

I moved house this weekend and the previous owner left me 5 wall-mounted speakers (no receiver or sub). The speakers look good in the room and are cleanly installed with wiring inside the walls, so I just want to get them up and running as smoothly as possible. They are 3 ohm speakers from the Sony HT-SF470 HTiB. My understanding is that these are relatively basic speakers, is that right? What specs do I need to look out for in a search for a receiver and sub? Thanks!

Those 3 ohm HTIB speakers are receiver killers, and you need to replace them before buying any receiver.

 

[lp85253]

I second the thought of changing out the speakers.. There are lots of great options in the under$200 a pair category these days .. The system will be better overall...

 

[Pogre]

Any 5.1 Ch Receiver will work.

With 3 ohm speakers? I don't think so. That's a challenging load for entry level receivers.

Ima just dog pile on with the rest and suggest replacing those speakers.

 

[Eppie]

Secondary question; the wiring that runs through the basement walls has no markings for + and/or -. As I cannot trace each wire end to end, is there a way to correctly hook up the speakers?

Apologies for my tardy response, I actually did not know anyone even replied to my post! I am just getting used to this site. I am so pleased you all took a moment to share your wisdom -- thank you so much for the advice thus far, much appreciated!

Yeah, speaker upgrade is probably the best place to start. I would recommend new speakers and maybe a used AVR if budget is tight. Need a budget to start.

As to the wiring, there is usually a stripe or a ridge on the insulation. If there is no stripe on one side, look very carefully along the edges of the wire insulation for a sharp raised ridge on one side. That ridge will run the length of the cable. Sometimes one wire will be silver and the other copper in colour. You need to see the bare wire to spot any difference. It's unusual for the wire to be perfectly symmetrical unless it was a cheap DIY project.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd think a used avr is a good way to go and I'd go for the Sony over the JVC. I would tend to keep the volume lower than higher to avoid potential issues.

 

[-Jim-]

I'm with lovinthehd. If you want to do this you may want to consider scouring Craigslist or something for a deal on speakers as well.