newbie to home theater: help me with simple setup

[dssguy99]

We are building a house and I have decided to install some decent speakers in my living room to have a nice little home theater. My friend, who is a home automation installer, has recommended Russound Acclaim 7 series. I have to mount my rears in the ceiling and I would like to do eithier in walls or in ceilings for the fronts. I was told that in ceilings are not good for fronts. Can anyone recommend me a nice setup? Are these Russounds good? If so which models are recommended?

I dont really know how much a "good" speaker costs...but I guess I can pay around $200 per speaker...maybe more.

I was also told the Denon AVR 990 would be a good amp for my 7.1 setup.

 

[bandphan]

The most important will be the front 3 and the sub. The front 3 will determine what your power requirements for the avr, and the room size. The 7 series are descent speakers, but the 5 series may work as the surrounds. Unless you need 7.1, 5.1 will do the trick most of the time. You can always start out with 3.1 and have the wires run for the rears; to be installed/purchased at a later date. If your are installing a display on the wall,make sure to run at least the CEDIA spec wiring.

 

[dssguy99]

So you would recommend the Russound Acclaim 7's for the rear and the 5's for the front?

Is there anything else anyone would suggest? I am a bit overwhelmed by all the speakers I have been researching. As mentioned, I need in-ceilings in the rear and in walls or in ceilings in the front.

 

[bandphan]

So you would recommend the Russound Acclaim 7's for the rear and the 5's for the front?

Is there anything else anyone would suggest? I am a bit overwhelmed by all the speakers I have been researching. As mentioned, I need in-ceilings in the rear and in walls or in ceilings in the front.

5 for the rears. If you can, do in wall for the fronts opposed to in ceiling. If you have to do in ceiling, the 7s or any pivoting mount, ie russound, speakercraft, niles audio.

 

[dssguy99]

From what I have heard, russound, speakercraft, niles audio are all about the same. Is there something that is a step or so up from these brands? Will a step up make a considerable difference in the sound?

 

[bandphan]

From what I have heard, russound, speakercraft, niles audio are all about the same. Is there something that is a step or so up from these brands? Will a step up make a considerable difference in the sound?

About the same is not true. All speakers have unique characteristics. I tend to use niles more than the others for several reasons, but their CS is outstanding. Listening to the speakers is the best thing you can do. Other brands such as Martin Logan and Triad also make pivoting woofers, but will be out of your intended budget. Come up with a budget, try to use about 1/3 of the budget for speakers and the rest towards power and sources. Remember its the front 3 and the sub that will have the greatest impact on your HT experience.