Speaker guidance for HT

[Droff]

There are soooo many threads on which speakers are better than the other ones, it's hard to decide on which direction to go, and I am NOT an audiophile by any stretch. Trying to cipher out HD, cabling, projectors, DVD players, screens, receivers, speakers, etc., as well as build the room.... It all gets a little bit overwhelming at times.
I need a system for a 26' long x 14' wide room with a 7.5' ceiling. The ceiling slopes on either side (it follows the rafters, it's in the attic). It will be used as a theater room, but also video games, TV watching, some CD and radio playing, etc., so it isn't dedicated to just one function.
I've read that I should put the money into the speakers and buy them first and then find the receiver I want. I want bookshelf speakers, not too big, maybe 15" high with the surrounds around 12" high. I can nail down the size issue when I have options to choose from. I currently have an Optoma HD70 and that is the sole piece of equipment I have so far. I've looked at receivers and I'm leaning toward Onkyo or Denon at this point. Money is a factor, and as I said, I am not an audiophile, I just want my movies to sound good. I was figuring $800 - $1K for the speakers and the sub, around $1200 for the whole system including the receiver (if that is doable).

So to make a long story short, I'd like some suggestions on a speaker system that runs from $800 - $1K for a multi-purpose theater room.

Your input and suggestions are appreciated.

 

[AVRat]

An AV123 X-series system http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=92.1 or HSU Performace package http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/performance3.html fits into the budget with money left for the receiver.

Another possible option for the very budget minded that hasn’t been mentioned much lately would the BIC America’s DV62si/LCR combo (~$312 for the 5) http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-DV62si-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00006JPDI/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3030632-0587069?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1173124425&sr=1-1. Pair this up with a much better sub SVS PB10-NSD or HSU VTF-2 MK3.

 

[Droff]

Thanks for the input Rat.
I've read a little about Athena speakers as well and have seen Paradigm mentioned often. How are these in comparison?

 

[AVRat]

They are also good quality options, but their pricing might compromise the budget slightly. At the minimum, I would use the HSU STF-3 for $350 shipped. The Athena Athena AS-B1.2/AS-C1.2 runs about $500 shipped. Leaving about $350 for a receiver which is possible. I'm not sure on the Paradigm pricing.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Thanks for the input Rat.
I've read a little about Athena speakers as well and have seen Paradigm mentioned often. How are these in comparison?

You could get one Paradigm Studio 100 and fall into your budget. For your budget I would look at what RAT has mentioned or look at one of the complete systems from SVS, HSU or othet ID comapanies.

Another option is to buy in segments so you will end up with a better system in the end. (main speakers and AVR first, Center and sub second, surrounds last)

 

[mazersteven]

Here are two more options for systems.

The SVS system is a very solid system for HT use. Comes with a killer sub for your sized room.

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

Ascend Acoustics

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

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

 

[dpnaugle]

If I read it right you are 800 - 1K on speaks and 2-400 on a receiver.

That is dead on.

You have to get out and audition.

here is something to browse:http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/SystemChoice/systems.html

 

[Ryan8886]

They are also good quality options, but their pricing might compromise the budget slightly. At the minimum, I would use the HSU STF-3 for $350 shipped. The Athena Athena AS-B1.2/AS-C1.2 runs about $500 shipped. Leaving about $350 for a receiver which is possible. I'm not sure on the Paradigm pricing.

Actually, take a look at AudioAdvisor.com. You should be able to get that Athena set for just a bit over $400 shipped. The Audition Series are being closed out.

 

[billy p]

Out of all the options mentioned here, remember take your budget into account. I'm a happy owner of Athena's(for now) and I have heard the sbs01 system from svs and IMO it's the best deal under a grand and includes the killer sub.

Cheers, Billy p

 

[billnchristy]

I have an X series and a rocket system from av123.

You can get the X speakers risk free so it wouldnt hurt to buy a pair of X-LS and see how you like them once you get your reciever picked out. They will pay return shipping within 30 days if youre not satisfied.

I have a friend with an X-system in a similar sized room and he loves it, mine is in a tad smaller room.

The Panasonic XR55-57 recievers are pretty well regarded and sometimes you can get the 55 as low as $160 on Amazon, the 57 will run you closer to 300 but has HDMI.

I also have the Optoma HD70 and love it, if you havent seen it perform yet you should be pretty happy when you do!!

 

[Droff]

Thanks for all the input on the speakers. I have 3 or 4 systems to look into instead of 30 or 40, and the names given here pop up a lot on A/V forums, so I see that as they must be good systems. To my understanding, these systems are hard to audition since they are only sold online?

I'm not sure on the receiver yet, but I do want HDMI upconversion and plenty of component inputs. I just bought an Oppo 970 so that is one more piece to the puzzle.

I have the Optoma set up in my living room right now, it's in the way and the set up looks like crap, but I'm projecting onto a 5'x10' piece of laminate and it looks awesome. I just recently picked up an HD tuner and have been watching my local channels in HD. Very nice.

Thanks for all the input.

 

[Nick250]

Droff, I urge to still audition every speaker locally that you can that's in your price range. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you don't. You would be amazed how much local auditioning helps get your head around what speakers are are best for you, be it locally or one of the Internet direct companies.

Nick

 

[Pit36]

You have to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. you can buy a 5.1 speaker setup for around 1k sure, but how is it going to perform compared to 2.5k set? In my opinion the most important part of you theater are the speakers and in order to get a halfway decent setup going, you'd should consider spending arround $2,500 in the speakers and subwoofer.
I just got my setup from onecall a little over a month ago and they were offering 12 months same as cash financing, ferr shipping on everything I purchased, and also match J&R's unadvertised price of $449.00 for my receiver (reg. 599.00).

Go ahead and audition as many as you can, and make sure that your are completly sitisfied with you decision so 6 months down the road you are not selling it on ebay and buying something else (wasting money). Also, I sugest buying from an uthorized dealer that way you warranties are valid. Good Luck!.

 

[mazersteven]

You have to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. you can buy a 5.1 speaker setup for around 1k sure, but how is it going to perform compared to 2.5k set? In my opinion the most important part of you theater are the speakers and in order to get a halfway decent setup going, you'd should consider spending arround $2,500 in the speakers and subwoofer. Good Luck!.

I know everyone has an opinion, and your entitled to yours. But what kind of recommendation is that?

Maybe you should have considered spending around $5000 on speakers, and subwoofer. After all you need to "keep in mind that" "You get what you pay for".

What bogus information you posted.

Maybe you should have purchased a bigger television then a 61". How can you see such a little screen? After all you should "keep in mind that" "You get what you pay for".

 

[Pit36]

Hey Droff,

I'd like to clarify my last post; apparently some people took it the wrong way.

Take your time auditioning and researching the systems you want. If for some reason you are not too crazy about any of them and you are not in a big hurry to make your purchase, I suggest to you to take your time until you find the one you really like. After all it is your hard earned money. I have friends that went out and bought a system, and within 6 months they were selling them in eBay for a fraction of what they paid for.

It took me a few months to narrow down witch set I wanted within my budget (then again I'm a little picky . If you don't find a set that you really like within the price range, you'll have a lot to choose from in the mid-range section.

This is my opinion, and a suggestion to you. I hope it helps you with your investment .

 

[billnchristy]

Droff, where are you, I am sure someone can get you a demo over on the av123 forum somewhere in your area.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

 

[Droff]

Pit36,

Your post did come off as a bit of 'non-advice' and that I should spend at least $2.5K or I won't be happy. Water off a ducks back, and as you say, it's your opinion. I need to stay within my budget, although it's a little loose, but anything over $1500 for speakers, sub and receiver is out of the question. I appreciate your clarification on your post as well.
I'm interested in a system that I like, one that sounds good for what I want and I think I can find that in my price range. It may not be a 'great' system, but if I can't really tell the difference between a $1200 system and a $2500 system, what does it matter? Someone else may be able to tell the difference, but I'm not buying for them.

Billnchristy,

I live in the OKC Oklahoma area. Anyone you can point me to would be appreciated and thanks for the offer.

I was in Ultimate Electronics today listening to a system and the sound was pretty good. It was a Definitive Technology ProMonitor System, PM1000's, with a ProSub, PS800 and a Yamaha RXV659.
Any input on these speakers or how they may compare with AV123, SVS or HSU?

Thanks!

 

[markw]

One last piece of advice.

Now, you can take this as either "Advice" or non-advice" but ultimately, the only one who will either benefit from taking it or suffer due to ignoring of it is you.

If music has any place at all in your system, audition it with music first. Make that your first priority. Once you find a musically satisfying system you can rest assured it will do HT at least as well. If you search this (and any) forum enough, you'll find more than one poster complaining that their system is boffo for HT but barfo for music. You would be surprised at how many "non-audiophiles" instinctively sense that their system is somehow short-changing them on music.

It's all up to you now.

 

[rexracer]

I have to agree with markw. One reason I went with bookshelves instead of the sub/sat systems was because of music. As for the subwoofer, you can get the HSU STF-2 for $319. HSU recommends it for rooms up to 3000 cu/ft, so I think you'll be fine with it, unless you want to shake the pictures off the walls. I have one in my condo, which has about 3000 cu/ft of open area on the main floor, and I run it at about 20% of max.

 

[Droff]

markw,

I will be listening to music with this system - occassionally. As a guess, it'll either be a concert DVD or just a radio station. Mainly this will be for TV viewing, game playing and watching movies, I'd say at least 95% of the time if not higher. This is the only upstairs room I have and it won't be much of a gathering place without some type of video being shown.

I'm a little confused by this statement - "You would be surprised at how many "non-audiophiles" instinctively sense that their system is somehow short-changing them on music." Do you mean guys who think they know more than they do, believe their system isn't very good for music?

rex,

I'm guessing that the Def Tech system is a sub/sat system? I want a bookshelf system and these speakers looked like bookshelfs to me, they were about 12" tall and setting on stands, so they didn't look like satellites. Maybe I need a definition/clarification? Def Tech may call these sub/sat, I'm not sure. I'm going to try to listen to a few systems to get an idea of what is out there, but I may not have too many choices in my area. I thought the Def Techs sounded pretty good to me ('Chronicles of Riddick' was playing), so if they aren't as good as the SVS, AV123 or the HSU's, then I kind of know what I'm getting into.