Newbie Needs Advice

[mavery]

Hi all, I was hoping I could get some advice from some of the seasoned vets. If some of my questions seem a bit silly, I apologize ahead of time, but since this is what I would consider a relatively significant investment (for me), I wanted to get all of the opinions I could...

First, the background...I'm looking to buy what I would consider a mid-range ($2000-$3000...maybe a little more) receiver and speakers. I currently live in a 1 BR apartment with an approximate 12' x 14' living room where the system will reside. I'm also planning to buy a condo or home w/in 1-2 years.

I'm currently looking at the Klipsch RF-62 II HT Package in the Audioholics store which includes (sorry I couldn't hyperlink since this is my first post):

Klipsch RF-62 II Tower Speakers in Black (1 pair)
Klipsch RC-62 II Center Channel Speaker in Black
Klipsch RS-52 II Surround Speakers in Black (1 pair included)
Velodyne MiniVee-10 Subwoofer
Yamaha RX-A810 Surround Receiver

I have listened to the Klipsch's in a local showroom and like the way they sound.

So now to my questions:

1. Do you consider this package deal a good value ($2500)?

2. I know that right now a 5.1 will more than handle the space I have. However, when I buy the condo/house I will most likely upgrade to a 7.1 (i.e., add 2 more speakers and leave everything else the same). Do you think it would be wise to go ahead and get two more matching speakers now and basically leave them in the closet for a year or 2 rather than take the chance and not be able to get similar speakers 1-2 years from now? I know it's kind of an aesthetics thing, but I'm pretty anal about stuff like that.

3. If you do think I should get the additional speakers now and that the deal is a good value, do you think it would be better to go with 2 more RS-52's ($798 pair) or go with the RB-61 ($529 / pair) bookshelf speakers?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

Can’t comment on the “value” of the system, but it’s all good equipment (although I’m less certain about the sub).

My only suggestion is that you’re probably going overboard on the speakers. There’s little need for hulking floor-standing speakers if you’re going to have a subwoofer. The main benefit of large speakers is extended low frequency response, but generally you’re going to filter off the lowest frequencies to the subwoofer. So the speakers’ enhanced bass capabilities are never utilized and therefore are essentially wasted.

It makes more sense to go with smaller, bookshelf speakers like the Klipsch RB-61 or -81. Not only are smaller speakers cheaper, but they possibly will sound better than their larger brethren. It’s much easier to build a small cabinet to be rigid and resonance-free than a large cabinet.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Velodyne MiniVee-10 is good sub, but I doubt it's design is best suited for you.
What you need is ported or servo ported sub - sealed sub will struggle (or unable) to bring the really low frequencies which action movies are rich with.
I think this would be better choice:
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV12.html
In fact I'd change your entire system to one with much better SQ and better value:
Ascend acoustics
CMT-340 SE/pr
CMT-340 SE center
CBM-170 SE pair
Pedestal Stands /pr
Rythmik FV15HP 600 watt vented Servo Sub, black oak

Total: $2,357.05 + shipping

Add AVR - http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A1000-7-1-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003XDU48O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314558980&sr=8-1

 

[mavery]

Thanks guys. I had never heard of the Ascend's until you mentioned it. From looking at some of the comments in other threads, they look pretty sweet. I'd also wondered about the overkill of the floor standing speakers.

Now I get to weigh those options too. Honestly, I was pretty much going with the Klipsch just for the "brand" and the fact that the package looked like a good deal compared to the individual prices. It seems like the more I research, the more confused I get.

Man oh man...

 

[mavery]

At the risk of getting even more confused...what options would the Ascends/Yamaha provide in the future?

I guess what I'm really asking is what would be the next step in "improving" my system a year or 2 down the road? Aside from adding 2 more surround sound speakers of course...

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

At the risk of getting even more confused...what options would the Ascends/Yamaha provide in the future?

I guess what I'm really asking is what would be the next step in "improving" my system a year or 2 down the road? Aside from adding 2 more surround sound speakers of course...

Not sure that you mean - if you want you can add another CBM-170 SE pair for rear surrounds or add 2nd sub, but in you small room FV15HP is already an overkill....

The reason I rec Ascends is unlike Klipsch, they very neutral and precise delivering to you exactly what as it was mastered - meaning they are equality good for both music and ht.

 

[mavery]

You've been a great help BoredSysAdmin.

So the Ascends are kinda fool proof? Meaning that I shouldn't have to worry about calibration or adjusting settings as much as I would the Klipsch?

One other thing that I've considered...since it is such a small area, is the average person going to be able to notice the difference between this system and something that I would go to Best Buy and buy a home theater in a box for $700-$800?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

You've been a great help BoredSysAdmin.

So the Ascends are kinda fool proof? Meaning that I shouldn't have to worry about calibration or adjusting settings as much as I would the Klipsch?

One other thing that I've considered...since it is such a small area, is the average person going to be able to notice the difference between this system and something that I would go to Best Buy and buy a home theater in a box for $700-$800?

Nothing is fool proof, but luckily for you Yamaha has automated configuration called YPAO, that should help you quite a bit. Other receivers use similar automatic systems.

Regarding the difference with crappy HTiB? If nothing else even lay person will notice chest pounding, bone shacking might on movies like U-571,War of Words and Thor.

Ascends CM series maybe not be best looking speakers, but they engineered and measure extremely. Ascend Acoustics are definitely one of few good guys in audio.

One more thing - if you need cables - all you need is at monoprice.com or BlueJeans cable if you like your cables with a bit more flare.