Should I buy this speaker package or buy diff cntr ch., towers, and sub?

[Brguitarist]

I'm trying to buy my first surround sound system and I'm not sure what to do. I will most likely go with the Yamaha RX-A800 for my receiver. I found a Pioneer speakers and sub package at Best Buy for $545 (model numbers; SP-FS51-LR, SW-8, SP-BS21-LR, SP-C21) and from the reviews it seems pretty good but talking to some people they recommend putting that money towards a better center channel, towers, and sub. What would I be better off going with?

 

[96cobra10101]

I don't know about the Pioneers, but this was posted earlier and it may interest you;http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/deals-deals-deals/77500-boston-acoustics-sale.html

 

[Brguitarist]

I forgot to put my budget... I'm looking to spend $1000 to $1200. Hopefully that will help.

 

[3db]

Skip the Pioneers and look at the Infinities being carried there. They are more accurate with a better measured frequency response. I may hold off on their sub and save up for something a little better. If this is too much, just buy 4 of the bookshelves and the center channel.

http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/-/b9001101.aspx?path=495858f2a271f6fbd384cb76fd7c9ae3en02

 

[Brguitarist]

Thanks for the info! That is a pretty high price jump tho. I'm not planning on purchasing a system til the new year and that sale will be over but it does look way better than the pioneer. How much of a difference does it make to have 4 bookshelves instead of 2 towers and 2 bookshelves? And is there a specific spec that i can look for that will give a good indication of speaker quality?

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the info! That is a pretty high price jump tho. I'm not planning on purchasing a system til the new year and that sale will be over but it does look way better than the pioneer. How much of a difference does it make to have 4 bookshelves instead of 2 towers and 2 bookshelves? And is there a specific spec that i can look for that will give a good indication of speaker quality?

It's best to start with a great pair of speakers and add on over time.

Surrounds can be just about anything(cheap). What is the budget?

 

[3db]

Thanks for the info! That is a pretty high price jump tho. I'm not planning on purchasing a system til the new year and that sale will be over but it does look way better than the pioneer. How much of a difference does it make to have 4 bookshelves instead of 2 towers and 2 bookshelves? And is there a specific spec that i can look for that will give a good indication of speaker quality?

You get two of the bookshevlves and a sub or get two towers. Although a sub will play lower than a sub, the towers will have enough bass to cover most music with the exception of the pipe organ or rap. I use my towers full range for music and only run a sub with movies.

 

[timoteo]

Brguitarist where do you live?

I ask this because i can get you that Pioneer set for $275 minus the cheesy sub.
(SP-PK51FS set without sub)

Pair up these speakers with a great sub that the remaining money can buy & you will have an unbelievable starter theater!

Youd have a good $500-$600 (think, FV12) for a killer sub from HSU/Rythmik/Outlaw

Ive heard that pioneer set hooked up to a Yamaha rx-a700 & it sounded great. That was with the weak sub so i can imagine what a real sub would do!!!

If you have questions on that set call me at 562-587-0469
I have an account at a wholesaler & they are on sale for the holidays. Id be happy to give you my price. You pay shipping. Just a thought....

 

[Brguitarist]

Thanks for the info. I live in Ga and but I can get the set for a little over $200. My buddy gets a sweet discount at best buy and for that set, the receiver, and a 200w polk audio sub it'll cost me $650.

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks for the info. I live in Ga and but I can get the set for a little over $200. My buddy gets a sweet discount at best buy and for that set, the receiver, and a 200w polk audio sub it'll cost me $650.

I would look for a differnt sub.

 

[Brguitarist]

I want thank everybody that has responded to this post! All of the info is much appreciated! My general consensus is that I need a good sub. If everyone that views this post could post a yes or no to tell me if I should buy the pioneer speaker for that cheap or not. Again thanks for the info!

 

[psbfan9]

What would you prefer, towers or bookshelf? Are you thinking of getting the Pioneer package because it's all inclusive and like the way it sounds? If so, then get it. There are better systems, but if you like the way the Pioneer system sounds, that's the most important thing. You can always add a better sub later.

VTF-1 Powered Subwoofer

Or

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/deals-deals-deals/77306-$100-off-w-free-shipping-either-12-15-a.html

Welcome to the forum. These guys are great and more than willing to help.

 

[psbfan9]

What would you prefer, towers or bookshelf? Are you thinking of getting the Pioneer package because it's all inclusive and like the way it sounds? If so, then get it. There are better systems, but if you like the way the Pioneer system sounds, that's the most important thing. You can always add a better sub later.

VTF-1 Powered Subwoofer

Or

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/deals-deals-deals/77306-$100-off-w-free-shipping-either-12-15-a.html

Welcome to the forum. These guys are great and more than willing to help.

Having thought a little more about your listening preferences, 90% movies 10% music, this sub may be a better choice. And it's cheap;

BIC America Formula F-12 Subwoofer - 150 Watt

 

[timoteo]

I say if you've heard them & like them then a big YES on buying them for that price!

However i highly recommend you not get the pioneer 8" sub that is paired with those speakers. Believe me, a better sub will give those speakers such a facelift. The VTF-1 is a good option, HSU makes incredible subs. But i believe Dr.Hsu helped design that f12 mentioned. Id probably recommend that sub for hometheater use.

If you get the Pioneers, what would your budget be for a sub?

Did you say how big the room is its going in?

Get the best sub you can afford. Even if you spend more for a sub than those speakers. A decent sub STARTS around $250-$300. A good sub $500. A great sub $700-$800. An excellent sub $900-$100. The ultimate sub $2000+. take your pic!!

 

[biglaw22]

If you like them go for it. These small systems have defiantly stepped up their game in the last few years. With that said the I bought my brother the Martin Logan MLT-2 setup for his dorm room. The sub included was ok, defiantly underpowered, but probably plenty for a dorm room with concrete on all six sides.

I tested the speakers in my setup first, I was impressed for a complete system under $300. I than set the system up with my old klipsch RW-10, and it made a huge difference. Thats with a sub I bought 7 years ago.

Besides once you upgrade you can use these speakers somewhere else that just needs some background music, or for normal TV viewing in another room.

BOTTOM LINE: Buy the system, knowing that you'll want a different sub and upgrade when you can.

 

[Brguitarist]

Thank you guys for all the info. I bought the speakers minus the sub and I bought the yamaha rx-v671. The system sounded amazing while watching black hawk down! Half way through the movie the receiver shut off and wouldn't turn back on... Hopefully its just a bad unit so I will be replacing it tomorrow. I'll let you guys know how it goes.