please help with speaker/sub set choices

[mike c]

i think best i can do for the amp is an rx-v 750
its a 100w x7 RMS the next one is the rx-v1500 (which might not be within budget)

do you think thats enough?

 

[benolium]

Sounds good. Since all the NS speakers are made to go with each other, there should be no problems using the 777s with the 333s as surrounds. No matter if you go for 5.1 or 7.1, I would recommend that you opt for the 333s for your rear for speakers. Then the 777s up front and the 444 as the center. If Yamaha made dipole surrounds, it might be a bit harder to choose. But seeing how they don't 333s all around in the surround channels.

Oh, and no, they shouldn't overpower your other speakers. If they end up being too loud (doubtful), you can always adjust the levels on your receiver.

I'm thinking that your set up is going to be a sweet.
777 Fronts
444 Center
333 Rear Centers, and Surrounds
SW 215 Sub
Around $1,300.00 not including tax
Now there's the 7.1 your Yamaha Receiver wants.

I also want to put a similar system to replace my current setup. I was also looking at this from Best Buy.But after seeing the Yamaha system you guys been talking about, I have second thoughts. So, Yamaha, Klipsch, or Axiom? Before we get into all of the "tin" and "hollow" replies about Klipsch and Yamaha, It is a sound that I like...so there
Klipsch
S-1 Synergy III Surrounds (2-pair)
Sub-10 Sub
F-3 Synergy III Floor Standing (1-pair)
C-2 Synergy III Center
This runs about $2,000 ish
I have a friend that can get me a discount for the Klipsh so it should run about 1,500.00. Just inside my price range.

and this one from Axiom.....too many choices
http://www.axiomaudio.com/epicmidi_main.html
Around $1,300 ish NO TAX and FRee Shipping

Does this ever get any easier? I have done more looiking...tire kicking...listening to, just to find the right system.I didn't even spend this much time buying my car...my house....my motorcycle......my wife.

 

[jaxvon]

There's nothing wrong with shopping around.

Mike: That should be plenty of power. While the Yamaha speakers aren't the most efficient in the world, the 757 (or the the equivalent receiver over there) will be fine. I have an old 70's Yamaha receiver that I'm using to drive some BIC bookshelves and this thing cranks out the sound. At levels where I have to put on hearing protection to get close to the speakers, I'm only seeing 50 watt peaks. Then note that Yamaha has a small horn design on their speakers and you can see that the 100wpc on the receiver should be plenty.

Benolium:

Yes, using two 333 speakers in the surround rear channels is how you would do 7.1 sound. The only reason you would use a 444 in the rear would be as the Rear Center speaker in a 6.1 setup.

As far as the system you're looking at...

If you like the Klipsch horn sound, then that's great. I don't but whatever. HOWEVER...I would look at the Reference series of speakers. The Synergy line is kinda...sub-par for the amount of money you spend. If you really like the horn thing, then I strongly suggest that you check out the Acoustech line from BIC. You can get a full 5.1 setup (subwoofer included) for a little over $900 shipped from Ubid. I'm not sure if it would be cheaper to get all the speakers separately from Ubid, but for convenience I posted the system link. From the reviews I've read, they sound as good or better than the Klipsch Reference series. Here's a recent review. I know there are a few satisfied users of the system on this board.

The only weak spot I could forsee with the Acoustech system is the Subwoofer. The reviewer in the above linked review says it's no slouch, but I would think one might want a little more down low. If you go with the system separately off Ubid, but without the subwoofer, the total is $720 shipped. With your $1500 budget, you could go afford a few great subwoofers, including the UFW-10 from AV123, the Hsu VTF-2, the Hsu VTF-3 (lil over budget), the SVS PB-10ISD, the SVS PB-12ISD, or the SVS-PB-12ISD/V (again somewhat over-budget). If you wanted to spend as little as possible, you could opt for the BIC subwoofer, or a Cadence X-Sub, another great value.

As far as Axiom goes, check out this list and see if there's anyone in your area that you can visit for a listening session. All you have to do is join the message boards and PM the user you want to visit.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[benolium]

BIC or Yamaha

I checked out the BIC system. It's a 5.1 system. I want to do a 7.1, so I need some rear centers. I guess I could get them separetly later on Ubid, or ebay. So dollar for Dollar let me get this straight if I may. Synergy from Klipsch should not be my first choice. OK, The Refernence is better still. So, How would the Reference system from Klipsch measure up to the Acoustech 5.1 BIC system, assuming I add the center surrounds, and don't get the sub from 123. How would the Yamaha set-up compare as well. Cost is always a concern. If it is much Much better and more I will way the cost. Thanks!

 

[brian32672]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Check your email so you won't have the awaiting confirmation below your name.

The Acoustech set probably is the sound you are looking for. I love the slight brightness sound as well.

You can go over to this post, http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12693&page=1&pp=30

And you will see I have posted many pictures of the set. They not only work super efficient, but look superb as well. The included sub may be a good idea. But if you are looking to rock the foundation of your house then possibly a Outlaw LFM or even better a SVS PB12-ISD2 should suite most fine.

Here is a good review for them. http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/SVS_subsPB2-ISD_OutlawLFM-1_1.php

The good thing about the Acoustech, is their super range for all frequencies.
There are no holes in its sound. If you actually read the above post rather than just look at pics, you will see what I am talking about.

There is a on-line etailer that sells on eBay and they are a fully authorized dealer. This means you will not have any warranty problems that you may get with u-Bid. Here is a link to them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/BIC-Acoustech-6-Speaker-Home-Theater-System_W0QQitemZ5795642659QQcategoryZ32861QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I bought all of my stuff from them, (except for one extra set of rear surrounds).

So all of my equipment is fully warrantied.
The Acoustech in my opinion fully surpasses the Synergy line. Which is Klipsch's lowest line. However the Acoustech's are the highest line of Bic's IMO. I have heard the Synergy line at BestBuy, and I would not look back at them now.

However the reference series of Klipsch is no slouch. Either way you go, I am sure you will enjoy.....

 

[benolium]

Thanks for the links and advice. I guess that the Yamaha set-up and Axiom doesn't compare for the price.

 

[brian32672]

Thanks for the links and advice. I guess that the Yamaha set-up and Axiom doesn't compare for the price.

Not knocking the Axiom or Yammy set-up. But if you are within a budget, it may be hard to beat the set-ups recommended. IMO.

 

[mike c]

benolium,

more choices will actually confuse you ... im happy im not checking out other brands. but i have been offered infinity, jbl, b&w, focal, etc. screw that, i dont do well with choices.

thats exactly the setup im getting except for the subwoofer, im getting the 315. you see, this is also my upgrade, and the only reason my SW choice was easy is because my old JBL 150 watts was fine ... but i wanted an improvement and the yamaha 315 is the next in line at 250 watts. i would have been satisfied if yamaha had a 150+1 watts SW

jaxvon, thanks a lot, you've made my choices a lot easier!
ditto to buckeyefan.

 

[benolium]

Done Deal

Thaks for the advice. The BIC 5.1 system was ordered from ebay. I also ordered an extra set of HT-63 for the rear centers...for the 7.1 experience.I'll post picts and my thoughts when it's here and set-up.

 

[jaxvon]

Wow, that was pretty fast. Glad we could be of help. BIC really makes some awesome speakers for the price. I have some of their Venturi speakers and I love them.

 

[benolium]

Wow, that was pretty fast. Glad we could be of help. BIC really makes some awesome speakers for the price. I have some of their Venturi speakers and I love them.

That was fast. I figured that I could keep going around in Circles for months and months and never make a decision. But I finally did. These tough choices are a pain, but a good price makes the decisions easier. Plus for just under $1,100.00 I will have a decent 7.1 system. That is 300 less than I would have spent for the Yamaha set-up, 700 less than the "lesser" synergy Klipsch system. So I guess that good reccomendations and a good package deal was the swaying factor. Plus the Piano finish on the BEC speakers is really nice! I ordered some 12ga wire, and some banana plugs too. I want to do it correctly this time. Thanks Jaxvon for all of your advice!

 

[brian32672]

Hey I helped to. JK....

Yes I saw that you did the purchase from the link I gave.
Please post back once you get it all set-up....
And let us know if it was the sound you were looking for.
I really feel they have a great cinema sound...........
Also I do not have the sub with that set, and you did pick it up.
So maybe give your thoughts on that as well.....

Brian......

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Another benefit

That was fast. I figured that I could keep going around in Circles for months and months and never make a decision. But I finally, did. These tough choices are a pain, but a good price makes the decisions easier. Plus for just under $1,100.00 I will have a decent 7.1 system. That is 300 less than I would have spent for the Yamaha set-up, 700 less than the "lesser" synergy Klipsch system. So I guess that good reccomendations and a good package deal was the swaying factor. Plus the Piano finish on the BEC speakers is really nice! I ordered some 12ga wire, and some banana plugs too. I want to do it correctly this time. Thanks Jaxvon for all of your advice!

You may not even realize it until you hook everything up, but you'll also experience some serious sensitivity with that set. Instead of going with the Yamaha's rated at 6 ohms, your BIC set will probably play twice as loud. Not that you'll need those huge dB's, but it's nice to know it will help extend the life of your Yamaha receiver allowing it to play "cool." Great purchase. You owe us some pictures, of course.

 

[jaxvon]

You're quite welcome. I think you'll be very happy with the BIC speakers. They have amazing value, as well as a great warranty (7 years!).

 

[benolium]

Hey I helped to. JK....

Yes I saw that you did the purchase from the link I gave.
Please post back once you get it all set-up....
And let us know if it was the sound you were looking for.
I really feel they have a great cinema sound...........
Also I do not have the sub with that set, and you did pick it up.
So maybe give your thoughts on that as well.....

Brian......

Thanks Brian! I didn't mean to leave you out. You all have been tons of help. I should invite you all over for a party!....once it is all installed.

 

[benolium]

Picts soon

You're quite welcome. I think you'll be very happy with the BIC speakers. They have amazing value, as well as a great warranty (7 years!).

Picts will be coming. I couln't sleep last night after I ordered everything. I am too excited to set it up, and CRANK it UP.

 

[benolium]

Pictures

I have some "before" shots I will put up. Maybe some advice as to where to put the surrounds. But first.... How Do I post pictures??

 

[jaxvon]

The best way is the start a Photobucket account (or something similar). Then when you get a URL for a pic, like

www.photobucket.com/jaxvon/bs.jpg

(not a real link, don't click it)

put that between IMG tags in square brackets. Voila!

 

[brian32672]

Here this is a general idea of set-up. This was taken from a Marantz manual.
Granted placement options should be tried for optimum effect and preference.

 

[brian32672]

The best way is the start a Photobucket account (or something similar). Then when you get a URL for a pic, like

www.photobucket.com/jaxvon/bs.jpg

(not a real link, don't click it)

put that between IMG tags in square brackets. Voila!

As long as you keep it under 100kb then you can post straight to Audioholics.
And just do some image resizing through Photoshop. I can do a 600x400 picture that can be perfectly seen and optimize at about 60-70kb's