New System

[cl0316]

So I am new to this but after reading several topics I see that I am misthinking in putting together a surround system. I have been budgeting for my receiver then trying to add speakers. So now I need help my budget for speakers is about 500 and I really want a 5.1 setup and I will add surround speakers later. I like alot of bass and good sound. My game room is less than 400 sq. ft. This system will mainly be used for playing PS3 games and blu-ray. However I want to hook my cable box up to it as well. I am limited to best buy to buy my receiver b/c I have gift cards and reward points so I have been looking at the Sony str-dg720. I am open to other options though. any suggestions on speakers within my budget?

 

[Highbar]

As far as speakers there are many people on here that are better than me to suggest I'm just going to say go out and listen to as many as you can. The only thing I will say is that it's probably going to be better sound looking at a good left and right speaker set up and adding more as funds allow than trying to get a 5.1 for $500.
Now onto the receiver, I have an old Sony sitting here in my bedroom waiting for me to get new speakers so I can bring in the old ones. I'm not really a fan of it but it works and does what it says it does. When I stepped up to the Denon I have now the difference was huge, sound was clearer and more dynamic. How much are you looking to spend? I would suggest the Yamaha 563 or Denon 1609 as better options, though they are both about $100 more than the Sony.

 

[corey]

Best Buy has the Denon 1609 for $35 more than the Sony. I think it's well worth the extra $35.

 

[EYEdROP0]

So I am new to this but after reading several topics I see that I am misthinking in putting together a surround system. I have been budgeting for my receiver then trying to add speakers. So now I need help my budget for speakers is about 500 and I really want a 5.1 setup and I will add surround speakers later. I like alot of bass and good sound. My game room is less than 400 sq. ft. This system will mainly be used for playing PS3 games and blu-ray. However I want to hook my cable box up to it as well. I am limited to best buy to buy my receiver b/c I have gift cards and reward points so I have been looking at the Sony str-dg720. I am open to other options though. any suggestions on speakers within my budget?

As far as the speakers go, Id say look for used ones on craigslist, pawnshops, and audiogon.com. You can save alot of money and get better performance that way. As long as they arent blown or in bad physical condition, they should be just fine. I have a system that would cost around $5000 retail, and Ive only paid about $700 for it total, which includes changing my front mains 3 times and my subwoofer twice in the process.

Shop smart, read reviews. Good luck.

 

[m_vanmeter]

a speaker system to consider while it is on sale.
http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/144559//

the dealer also has this system with a subwoofer and it's still less than $500.
I think you can do better with a subwoofer from Elemental Designs (eD), SVS, or Hsu Research...but that would depend on your budget.

The Energy system noted would do very well in the smaller space you mentioned.

good luck

 

[calnbs]

a speaker system to consider while it is on sale.
http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/144559//

the dealer also has this system with a subwoofer and it's still less than $500.
I think you can do better with a subwoofer from Elemental Designs (eD), SVS, or Hsu Research...but that would depend on your budget.

The Energy system noted would do very well in the smaller space you mentioned.

good luck

+1. I think these are good bang for the dollar.

 

[john72953]

Here's my 2 cents.

I know you want the immediate impact of a 5.1 system, but that may not be the best option given your budget. Putting together a 5.1 system on that budget will only satisfy you in the short-term.

I'm going to suggest that you start with a 2.0 system. Get some decent speakers for $500 (look around and wait for sales). You'll be able to get $1,000-$1,500 speakers for that price if you are patient. And trust me, a 2.0 system with good Fronts is outstanding.

Later on, when your budget allows, add a Centre Channel or a subwoofer (whichever you prefer) and go from there. Don't worry about 7.1 for now, there isn't enough out there to fully enjoy it anyway. You can do that later.

Build slowly with quality componants. That is the best advice I can give you!

John