Putting Together A Home Theatre On A Budget

[Soundman]

Hi all,
I'm currently in the process of putting together a living room HT. My projector and screen have been placed. The room is approximately 16x16, with a vaulted ceiling reaching 12ft 8in. at the highest point. The room also opens up into the kitchen. it's a 4x8ft opening. The kitchen is approximately the same size as the living room, 16x16, also vaulted, the highest point being around 11ft. I'm not sure of the cu in. I've done a little research and am planning on spending $1000-$1500 on some speakers. I know there have been some posts similar to this one, but I'm looking for something predominantly for HT use. Here are my selections so far:

SVS sbs-01 5.1 speaker package
*sbs-01(4 for fronts and surrounds)
*scs-01 (1 center channel)
*20-39 PCI subwoofer
total price $1149 +s/h

HSU Research Enthusiast 2 package
* 1 VTF-2 MK 3 Subwoofer
* 4 HB-1 Horn Bookshelf Monitors
* 1 HC-1 Horn Center Channel
total price $1099 +s/h

AV123 x-Series speaker package
*X-ls Bookshelf Loudspeaker (pair for fronts, pair for surrounds)
*x-cs Center/Main/Surround Loudspeaker
*Rocket UFW-10 Subwoofer
total price: $1,176 + s/h

Currently, I'm leaning towards SVS b/c I've heard great reviews on it for HT use. The subwoofer I selected also seems quite nice for the price. The HSU system is horn loaded so it will offer plenty of volume, but they are not magnetically shielded. This may or may not matter depending on room placement. As for AV123, well, all of their speakers are beautiful, so it's tempting, but I haven't seen enough information on them to make a decision since they have yet to be released.

All 3 of these companies seem to be reputable, but currently SVS has given me the best support. If anyone has any feedback, please let me know. I'd like to get the best sounding speakers for HT use. If you have other suggestions not listed, please share. The more information I have the better. I'm looking for the best bang for the buck, but in the end, I'm willing to spend a little more for performance.

 

[Adam]

Soundman,

I've read good things about those systems, as well. I'm going to sound like a company rep or fan boy on my suggestion after my posts this past week, but I'm neither...I've just heard good things (from a close friend, and now Gimpy Ric) about Aperion Audio.

I've heard a set of their surround speakers paired with an Onkyo receiver at my friend's house, and I liked them. Aperion offers a no risk 30-day trial, and they'll even pay shipping both ways if you decide to return them. The finish on them is great, and I think that they sound good. Their Intimus 532 Harmony 5.1 system is in the same price range as your other systems at $1139.

Gimpy Ric just started a thread about his new pair of Aperions. I say check that out and maybe even PM him. I don't know how their subs would compare to the likes of SVS or Hsu, but I know that my friend is very happy with his.

Adam

 

[Soundman]

Hey Adam,
I took a look at Aperion. That free shipping both ways is a nice touch and their website is very nice. Their speakers are also very beautiful. However, the sub that comes in the Harmony package is not in the same league as the HSU or SVS subs that come with their comparable packages. But the Aperions are very pretty....Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[Adam]

One thing I just noticed about that package from Aperion is that the price is just the sum of the components...so that's not a discounted package price. Therefore, if you wanted to get an SVS or Hsu sub and Aperion speakers (from that package or any others), you could do that without giving up a special package price. The Aperion sub in that package is only $399, so putting those speakers with the SVS sub (for example) would up the overall price to $1339...more than your original package prices.

 

[Soundman]

Thanks Adam,
Thats something for me to think about as far as price goes, but I'm also trying to get a comparison on how these different systems stack up against each other. The harmony system I assume is for users geared more for music. This system I'm putting together is for a HT setup. I have heard that the Aperion's offer good detail with the highs, but good detail compared to what?. This doesn't necessarily make them better for HT application. Have you heard any of the others. I guess it's hard to make a decision without actually hearing them all and it's nearly impossible to demo them all at the same time.

 

[Adam]

Aperion recommends the system that I mentioned for movies and games, but not for music. I can't really say why.

With speakers, enjoyment really does come down to personal preference. Sure, people can give their impressions and opinions, but what really matters is how you like them. It's so important to audition speakers yourself. It is quite difficult, often financially, to pull off home auditions of multiple internet-direct offerings. I figure if you find one that you like, then you can stop...unless you're someone who always wonders about those others that you didn't try. Honestly, you'd probably enjoy any of the systems that you mentioned.

Aperion offers a 30-day no risk trial with free shipping. AV123 offers the exact same thing on their x-ls speakers, but I'm not sure if they'll pay shipping on the other items like the sub. I think that you'd have to pay shipping for the SVS and Hsu systems, but I'm not positive of that. The shipping probably wouldn't be all that much, and it may very well be a worthwhile investment in trying out different companies and systems. I'd also recommend that you check out local stores (specialty and big box) to listen to their offerings as well. Crutchfield offers free shipping both ways on orders over $249 (or others if there's a promotion code), so you could check out some of the more mainstream brands that way.

Hopefully others will chime in here. Either way, I hope that you enjoy the process. Good luck!

 

[Davemcc]

The harmony system I assume is for users geared more for music. This system I'm putting together is for a HT setup. I have heard that the Aperion's offer good detail with the highs, but good detail compared to what?. This doesn't necessarily make them better for HT application.

If you audition these, you are best off to audition with music as your main priority, IMO. Critical listening with music will demonstrate the full range of dynamics and capabilities of the speakers better than just listening to movie clips. If you can find a speaker that sounds good to you with music, it will most likely be a good home theater choice as well, but the reverse is not always true. Any company can make a speaker that focuses well in the human voice range and provide a little bass effects rumble. Bose has been making a killing doing just that, but they don't sound that great for music, nor can they compare to a good music/theater setup. Just because your primary use will be theater, don't diminish the value of music auditions to demonstrate the true capability and sound quality of the speakers.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 X-series

Great options for your new system.

Note that AV123 also has a risk free trial on all of their bookshelf speakers (shipping both ways). They offer excelent build quality and real wood veneer in their entry level price range and they are currently running a 10% off GC promotion. If you go with AV123, I would consider their upcomming MFW-15, a 15" ported sub. However, it is not necessary to match the sub with the speaker manufacturer.

 

[Soundman]

If you audition these, you are best off to audition with music as your main priority, IMO. Critical listening with music will demonstrate the full range of dynamics and capabilities of the speakers better than just listening to movie clips. If you can find a speaker that sounds good to you with music, it will most likely be a good home theater choice as well, but the reverse is not always true. Any company can make a speaker that focuses well in the human voice range and provide a little bass effects rumble. Bose has been making a killing doing just that, but they don't sound that great for music, nor can they compare to a good music/theater setup. Just because your primary use will be theater, don't diminish the value of music auditions to demonstrate the true capability and sound quality of the speakers.

Good point Dave. I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Soundman]

Great options for your new system.

Note that AV123 also has a risk free trial on all of their bookshelf speakers (shipping both ways). They offer excelent build quality and real wood veneer in their entry level price range and they are currently running a 10% off GC promotion. If you go with AV123, I would consider their upcomming MFW-15, a 15" ported sub. However, it is not necessary to match the sub with the speaker manufacturer.[/QUOTE

Sounds like a good deal. Do you know how these stack upagainst SVS and HSU? I noticed that all 3 of these entry level systems use different tweeters. Any preference or are they all about the same quality? Or is it mainly just a preference on what you prefer? The components for the Aperions seem to be a different design as well. I did also notice the frequency response for the Aperions are only to 80hz so they'd have to be crossed over higher. I wonder if any of these speakers stand out for movies. I hear that speakers that have dynamic punch tend to stand out for movie viewing. All opinions are welcome.

 

[jcPanny]

Read the reviews

Audioholics has done detailed reviews on the AV123 X-ls, SVS, and HSU bookshelf speakers, check it out. I think they even reviewed some of the Aperion speakers a while back.

I own some of the higher end speakers from AV123 (Onix Ref 1's) and the SVS SB12-Plus. Both are great products.

 

[Soundman]

Audioholics has done detailed reviews on the AV123 X-ls, SVS, and HSU bookshelf speakers, check it out. I think they even reviewed some of the Aperion speakers a while back.

I own some of the higher end speakers from AV123 (Onix Ref 1's) and the SVS SB12-Plus. Both are great products.

Actually, I have read those reviews. They have all gotten great reviews. That may be why I'm having a tough time deciding. I guess it's a hard decision to make without a side by side comparison.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

One thing I just noticed about that package from Aperion is that the price is just the sum of the components...so that's not a discounted package price. Therefore, if you wanted to get an SVS or Hsu sub and Aperion speakers (from that package or any others), you could do that without giving up a special package price. The Aperion sub in that package is only $399, so putting those speakers with the SVS sub (for example) would up the overall price to $1339...more than your original package prices.

I will give Aperion a try WITHOUT their sub. I'm using a Hsu VTF-3 HO Turbo with a pair of Aperion Audio 632 LR bookshelves in a 2.1 system and LOVE IT. Aperion is the ONLY brand that gives you a year to trade in - trade up! Yup you get FULL PRICE PAID towards a larger speaker!

Either SVS or Hsu Research subs are great, can't go wrong there.

 

[Pheaton]

Hi,
I noticed that your three options are all Internet companies, is there are reason for this? If you have the ability to audition at a store or even better at your home I would try to do that. I recently went through the search that you are doing now and bringing the speakers home made a big difference. I would agree with Davemcc about testing out speakers with music. All of the speakers that my wife and I liked for music we also liked for HT.
Since you are looking for recommendations, I would give the Monitor Audio Silver line a listen for your fronts, center, and surrounds. I really liked how they sounded and I think they would be in your budget. I would stay away from the Monitor Audio Silver Sub though, it lacked any real punch and was very disappointing. Hope you have fun with your search.

Pheaton

 

[mazersteven]

SVS SBS-01 system

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

AV123 x-series

You can put together a system using towers, or bookshelf speakers all under $1500.

http://www.av123.com/products_category_brand.php?section=speakers&brand=55

Ascend Acoustics

CBM-170 SE BOOKSHELF

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170hts.html

CMT-340 SE BOOKSHELF

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340mhts.html

HSU Research

Enthusiast 3

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast3.html

Paradigm

http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/rec-systems-1-1-2-4.paradigm

PSB Alpha Speakers

http://www.psbspeakers.com/series.php?sId=4

Energy RC-Mini's

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-line.php?id=318

 

[Soundman]

Hi,
I noticed that your three options are all Internet companies, is there are reason for this? If you have the ability to audition at a store or even better at your home I would try to do that. I recently went through the search that you are doing now and bringing the speakers home made a big difference. I would agree with Davemcc about testing out speakers with music. All of the speakers that my wife and I liked for music we also liked for HT.
Since you are looking for recommendations, I would give the Monitor Audio Silver line a listen for your fronts, center, and surrounds. I really liked how they sounded and I think they would be in your budget. I would stay away from the Monitor Audio Silver Sub though, it lacked any real punch and was very disappointing. Hope you have fun with your search.

Pheaton

Thanks for the feedback. The main reason I have been looking at Internet direct companies is b/c generally you can get more speaker for your money that way. Also, I live in a somewhat small town so there are no dealers here. I could travel about an hour to one and it may well be worth the trip.That's not too long really. But the main reason is b/c since I have a limited budget, I'm trying to get the most value I can. I will take a look at the speaker you mentioned though. The more options, the better!

 

[mazersteven]

Or this

Usher S-520 system

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/ht-1-center-channel

$1240 retail. I'm sure you can get 10% off. That would be $1116, leaving just under $400 for a sub.

This would be a great system.

 

[Soundman]

Or this

Usher S-520 system

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/ht-1-center-channel

$1240 retail. I'm sure you can get 10% off. That would be $1116, leaving just under $400 for a sub.

This would be a great system.

That does look like a nice system, but those bookshelfs ($400/pair) are nearly twice the price of the others I've looked at, and I'll only have $400 left for a good subwoofer. I was planning on getting a SVS or HSU sub in the $600 range. Thanks for mentioning though. I am considering all possible options

 

[mazersteven]

That does look like a nice system, but those bookshelfs ($400/pair) are nearly twice the price of the others I've looked at, and I'll only have $400 left for a good subwoofer. I was planning on getting a SVS or HSU sub in the $600 range. Thanks for mentioning though. I am considering all possible options

So for $200 extra over budget you'll have a system that will give you years of enjoyment. $200 isn't so much for that is it?

 

[johsti]

I'm sure you can get the Usher's for less than retail price or maybe a package deal from your local dealer. I'd skip the HT-1 center and go for the S-525 center for less money and matched drivers all the way around. Also, the HT-1 isn't available in the matching piano black finish. I just picked up an S-525 and it is much larger than I thought it would be. It matches the S-520 perfectly. I was originally concerned about the front baffle that slants upwards, but the slope is not as drastic as it looks in the pictures.