Noob looking for guidance to revamp his sound setup.

[Damian Shroeder]

Hello,

Total neophyte here so please bare with me

Looking to upgrade my home theater/console setup.

I currently own the following:

• 4x Klipsch RSX-3 for front and surround.
• 1x Klipsch RCX-3 for the central speaker.
• 1x Klipsch RWP-10 subwoofer.
• 1x Yamaha RXV-361 receiver
• 1x LG ACC97WK Wireless rear speaker kit.

My gripes with my current setup, in order of aggravation:

• Surround system barely works: the wireless receiver is offline 80% of the time (red light or no light) and when it does work the sound from the rear speaker is very faint. This is critical.
• Lack of nice tall front pillar speakers that would probably improve the overall sound quality which I find lacking.
• My current receiver lacks HDMI ports to split video.
• Only 5 channel, maybe going 7.1 would be worth it?

I was looking at a Fluance ES "Higher Fidelity" speaker kit today that includes pillar speakers but would it be an upgrade for the quality over what I have? Hard for me to judge as I don't understand the specs much.

Could really use some guidance as where I should go at this point. Was looking to invest around 1k$ overall.

Thank you.

 

[rojo]

Hey Damian, and welcome!

You don't have to get towers if you have a subwoofer and your other speakers have a good response below 80Hz. Bookshelf speakers are very common for this sort of thing. But yeah, that Klipsch satellite combo you've got has got to go.

Fluance... I like my Fluance bipoles pretty well. I see what you're talking about on sale on the Fluance website. Looks like a bargain, and it should beat the crap out of that Klipsch satellite set you've got. Nice find! But you'll still need a subwoofer. I suggest getting a grown-up subwoofer like this SVS PB-1000. You'll be MUCH happier with that than you would a Fluance sub. Much. Happier.

However, this puts you over budget, and still doesn't address getting you a new receiver with HDMI ports. You can save money by upgrading only the front LCR (left, center, right) and using your existing Klipsch satellites as surrounds. They should work fine if you just run speaker wire under your baseboards and get rid of that wireless garbage. The Fluance ES series towers are available a la carte, but the center doesn't appear to be. It's generally advisable to get a center channel from the same manufacturer and series as the main LR to timbre match, so I wouldn't recommend ES towers and SX center or similar.

For $392 you can get this tried, true, and worthwhile combo of Pioneer bookshelfs and center channel. But then you'll need speaker stands as they aren't wall mountable; and by then you might as well have just gotten the Fluance ES series HTIB.

*shrug* I dunno, man. I can't offer much worthwhile advice that doesn't involve increasing your budget. Stick around, and maybe an actual Canadian will offer something more worthwhile.

 

[ImcLoud]

$1000 is a decent starting point, I would agree with rojo and do not see the need for towers, but see a need to upgrade judging by your current list...

I would start with a strong sub, I am not sure on your room dimensions but the sub is going to give you the most satisfaction for your money...
VTF2 by HSU research would be nice, they are on sale rite now, I own 2 of them and even with just a single lit, it over powers my -400sq foot room and 200w per channel mains...VTF-2 MK4 Subwoofer
So there goes 1/2 of your budget, lol..

Now onto your front sound stage, your front left, right, and center... there are a lot of options out there for bookshelfs, lower budget stuff like the wave crest {$335 for 3 of them} HVL-1 Two-Way Loudspeaker | Wave Crest Audio, the pioneer andrew jones center and books, ascend 200's, ect are all decent but I like the output and sq from the wave crests, they are nice for the money...

Now for your surrounds {stay with 5.1}, I would leave the rsx3's back there and if you ever upgrade your fronts move the wave crests back there....

As for your avr, if you want to upgrade that also and stretch your budget, this seems like a good deal DENON AVR-E300 5.1 3D Networking Receiver AirPlay | Accessories4less..

I have heard the wave crests {5 of them} with an HSU vtf2 and a decent entry level avr {pioneer 1122} in a 325sq ft room and the setup really sounds like something that cost much much more. The vtf2 is low, hits hard, and has very strong clean output the wavecrests are clean, clear, and don't seem like they need a ton of power to get loud {bookshelfs tend to need more wattage to make a lot of sound}...

There are a lot of sales and decent deals around, do some in home testing {most companies will ship to you and take returns if you are not happy}, and for heavens sake hard wire your surrounds!!!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

$1K for AVR, speakers + sub?

AVR: Denon X2000 for $279 (MSRP $500).
Amazon.com: Denon AVR-X1000 5.1-Channel Networking Home Theater AV Receiver with AirPlay: Electronics

Sub: JBL ES150P 10"/500W subwoofer $160 (MSRP $450).
ES150P | 500-watt, 10†(254mm) powered subwoofer for your home theater. | JBL US

Front L/R speakers: JBL ES30 for $200/pair (MSRP $500).
Amazon.com: JBL ES30BK 3-Way, 6" Bookshelf Speaker - Black (Pair): Electronics

Surround L/R speakers: JBL ES20 for $130/pair (MSRP $379).
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-ES20-High-Performance-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00167340E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405012029&sr=8-1&keywords=JBL+ES20

Center: JBL ES25C for $180 (MSRP $329).
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-ES25CBK-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B00166VDKS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405012029&sr=8-3&keywords=JBL+ES20

Total : $950 shipped.

 

[afterlife2]

Not sure if you can get the NXG 4.1 bookshelf from amazon ca, but if you can get 5 of them and use one as a center and the SVS-PB1000 or the Dayton Sub 1200. this should keep you under 1,000. You can go wrong with any suggestions thus far. good luck.

 

[rojo]

When making recommendations, bear in mind the OP's location. Shipping to Canada from Amazon U.S. costs $2 per pound, and A4L doesn't ship to Canada.

 

[ImcLoud]

When making recommendations, bear in mind the OP's location. Shipping to Canada from Amazon U.S. costs $2 per pound, and A4L doesn't ship to Canada.

Didn't see that, so you can throw out my ideas...

How about a set of jamos and a sub I never heard of....
http://www.amazon.ca/Jamo-WENGE-5-Piece-Theater-System/dp/B00AX7DRPA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405012856&sr=8-1&keywords=s426
http://www.amazon.ca/Theater-Solutions-SUB15DM-Mahogany-Subwoofer/dp/B00CZESIRQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405013061&sr=8-1&keywords=theater+solutions

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

When making recommendations, bear in mind the OP's location. Shipping to Canada from Amazon U.S. costs $2 per pound, and A4L doesn't ship to Canada.

Oh, man, darn it. Why do I always assume everyone is in the USA?

 

[Damian Shroeder]

The response is overwhelming. Great community you have there thank you so much.

I can get the whole thing delivered to the border actually and pick it up. Ideally ordered from the same place as the place I use charges a premium if they hold stuff past a week. Would be a pita for returns and all so I must be 100% sure that what I will order will do the trick.

As for hardwiring I can't run through floorboards 100% and will have to go around a doorway. Would be easier to run it inside the wall but I doubt it'd be an option. I'll need 2 sets of long speaker wires - what would be the best place to order them from? Monoprice?

I'll have a closer look to all your messages when I'm back from work and post my shopping list.

Thanks again.

 

[rojo]

Oh! Excellent! Well, in that case, the frontrunner in my mind would be Pioneer LCR and the Hsu sub.

Pioneer bookshelfs -- $127
Pioneer center -- $97
Speaker stands -- $40
speaker wire -- $9
subwoofer cable -- $4

Use your existing Klipsch satellites for surrounds -- free

Hsu VTF-2 MK4 -- $586
-or-
If you don't mind a slightly blemished subwoofer, then this SVS PB12-NSD outlet special is also well-worth considering for $549.

Denon AVR-E300 -- $190

Total with Hsu = $1053
Total with SVS = $1016

 

[zieglj01]

speaker wire -- $9

So, you do recommend copper-clad-aluminum wire?

If doing cca wire - then for me, I would go 14 awg

 

[zieglj01]

The response is overwhelming. Great community you have there thank you so much.

I can get the whole thing delivered to the border actually and pick it up. Ideally ordered from the same place as the place I use charges a premium if they hold stuff past a week. Would be a pita for returns and all so I must be 100% sure that what I will order will do the trick.

Since you are riding on a merry-go-round > I will give you another recommendation.

JBL Studio 130 speakers - 2 pair
Amazon.com: JBL Studio 130 4-Inch Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair, Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

JBL Studio 120 center
Amazon.com: JBL Studio 120c Dual 4-Inch Center Channel Loudspeaker (Each, Black) (Discontinued by Manufacturer): Electronics

NXG BAS-500 Subwoofer
Amazon.com: NXG Technology NX-BAS-500 12" 500-watt Powered Subwoofer - Black Pebble Finish: Electronics

Denon E300
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-E300-Channel-Networking-Receiver/dp/B00B7X2OV2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405022240&sr=8-1&keywords=denon+e300+receiver

If going in-wall then look at this wire - as an option
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-2-Conductor-Speaker-Copper/dp/B00BWS87WW/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1405021905&sr=1-1&keywords=16awg+copper+speaker+wire

14 awg here
Amazon.com: Cable Matters 2-Conductor In-Wall Rated (CM) 14 AWG Speaker Cable, 100% Bare Copper 50 Feet: Electronics

Amazon also sells Monoprice speaker cable
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=electronics&field-keywords=monoprice speaker cable&sprefix=monoprice+speaker+c,electronics

Your option and your call

 

[afterlife2]

It's funny when I first came here I had Satellite setup too. If you can get the NXG 4.1, Stand and NXG or Dayton sub that will be an awesome setup. Just cause those NXG 4.1 are small don't overlook them. They can go loud and clean just ask my neighbors lol. They are gf/wife friendly too.

 

[ImcLoud]

Monoprice is a good place for cable... I have yet to see the room where I couldnt get the wires there, once you get to the wall where the speakers are going you can fish in the wall.. I have used base moldings and case moldings then chased up the wall.. In other words pull the base molding, gouge the plaster to recess the wire place the wire in and replace the molding, once you are in the wall that you want the speaker in pop a hole behind the molding to get into the stud bay, pop a hole where the speaker is going {the wall plate will cover it} then use fisch stix to get the wire through the bay.... time consuming but worth it...

 

[Damian Shroeder]

Planning to go with the following:

- 2x JBL ES30
- 2x JBL ES20
- JBL ES25C
- NXG-BAS-500 Subwoofer
- Denon AVR E300 5.1
+ wires

Speaker Stands is TBD as my space next to TV (which kinda sits in a corner) may be tight for them. For best results should left and right speakers be on left and right side of the TV or can they be kinda under it on the bottom left and bottom right corner if the TV is mounted? Right now my speakers are on a shelf below the TV.

I'm a bit uneasy about the receiver as I don't think it will be 4k compatible? Since it's an upcoming thing shouldn't I look into this feature if I go with a 4k TV 2-3 years from now? What would be a good pick for a 4k enabled receiver?

Thanks again.

 

[zieglj01]

For best results should left and right speakers be on left and right side of the TV or can they be kinda under it on the bottom left and bottom right corner if the TV is mounted? Right now my speakers are on a shelf below the TV.

I'm a bit uneasy about the receiver as I don't think it will be 4k compatible? Since it's an upcoming thing shouldn't I look into this feature if I go with a 4k TV 2-3 years from now? What would be a good pick for a 4k enabled receiver?

How much do you want to spend for the receiver? However you can start with
a budget friendly receiver, and then save for a better receiver when you buy
your new TV.

Speaker placement - for best sound, the front speakers should be near your
head level when sitting down.
Speaker Placement for Home Theater

 

[afterlife2]

Planning to go with the following:

- 2x JBL ES30
- 2x JBL ES20
- JBL ES25C
- NXG-BAS-500 Subwoofer
- Denon AVR E300 5.1
+ wires

Speaker Stands is TBD as my space next to TV (which kinda sits in a corner) may be tight for them. For best results should left and right speakers be on left and right side of the TV or can they be kinda under it on the bottom left and bottom right corner if the TV is mounted? Right now my speakers are on a shelf below the TV.

I'm a bit uneasy about the receiver as I don't think it will be 4k compatible? Since it's an upcoming thing shouldn't I look into this feature if I go with a 4k TV 2-3 years from now? What would be a good pick for a 4k enabled receiver?

Thanks again.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices! check yamaha advantage line or Denon for 4k nice selection i like jbl.

 

[rojo]

Planning to go with the following:

- 2x JBL ES30
- 2x JBL ES20
- JBL ES25C
- NXG-BAS-500 Subwoofer
- Denon AVR E300 5.1
+ wires

Speaker Stands is TBD as my space next to TV (which kinda sits in a corner) may be tight for them. For best results should left and right speakers be on left and right side of the TV or can they be kinda under it on the bottom left and bottom right corner if the TV is mounted? Right now my speakers are on a shelf below the TV.

I'm a bit uneasy about the receiver as I don't think it will be 4k compatible? Since it's an upcoming thing shouldn't I look into this feature if I go with a 4k TV 2-3 years from now? What would be a good pick for a 4k enabled receiver?

Thanks again.

I've auditioned the JBL ES series. It's not very. The Studio series zieg mentioned, the Pioneers I recommended, or the Fluance you found originally I suspect, would all probably sound better. The JBL ES line sounds pinched in the female vocal range and has too weak a low end for an easy blend with your sub. The highs are great, though.

TV / HT in the corner is great for acoustics and taming room reflections. But putting the speakers close together or beneath the television will be detrimental to stereo separation and imaging. If speaker stands aren't practical, how do you feel about wall mounting?

 

[zieglj01]

I've auditioned the JBL ES series. It's not very. The Studio series zieg mentioned, the Pioneers I recommended, or the Fluance you found originally I suspect, would all probably sound better. The JBL ES line sounds pinched in the female vocal range and has too weak a low end for an easy blend with your sub. The highs are great, though.

I agree with you about the JBL entry-level speakers - I am not a big fan.
Also from 200 hz to 10 khz they tend to be unstable with peaks and dips
in the midrange and low treble band.

The Studio 1 series bookshelf is built to a higher standard - and measures
real nice in the all important 200 hz to 10 khz frequency band. They were
also measured to be around -3db at 60 hz.

However, if the OP will be happy with his choice - then that is cool.

 

[Damian Shroeder]

Speaker placement - for best sound, the front speakers should be near your head level when sitting down.

Thanks for the advice.

check yamaha advantage line or Denon for 4k nice selection i like jbl.

Prices are very sweet but how much risk is involved with refurbished? Keep in mind that playing the returns game will hardly be an option as I will do cross-border shopping.

I've auditioned the JBL ES series. It's not very. The Studio series zieg mentioned, the Pioneers I recommended, or the Fluance you found originally I suspect, would all probably sound better. The JBL ES line sounds pinched in the female vocal range and has too weak a low end for an easy blend with your sub. The highs are great, though.

TV / HT in the corner is great for acoustics and taming room reflections. But putting the speakers close together or beneath the television will be detrimental to stereo separation and imaging. If speaker stands aren't practical, how do you feel about wall mounting?

Thanks for the feedback. I will swap the JBL ESs with your pioneers and will use stands you linked prev. to have the left and right speakers reach the mounted tv to sitting levels. Any recommandation for brackets to wall mount the surrounds?

Rough layout of my room below: L C R SL SR Sub is the speaker placement, grey is my TV, brown is my L shaped couch and the blue/blue red things are a fish tank and a glass enclosed fireplace.

Are the speakers positioning appropriate?

If it doesn't make sense I'll post real pictures later.