Speaker help for a newbie.....

[zumbo]

Also I would recommend spending as much as $400 on a good sub if able. You should still be able to get an acceptable front stage for $600. Since you are using this as purely home theater the sub is going to be of importance.

IMO, $400 will not buy a "good" sub. $400 will buy an entry-level sub.

$600 will not buy three good speakers. $600 will buy three entry-level speakers.

A 50%-75% price increase on each will put a person in a much better playing field of options.

 

[bandphan]

it seems the hardest thing for "newbies" to understand in this hobby is speakers. Its always i just bought my new avr, should i upgrade my htib speakers?? The Op needs to put his wants into perspective. If the OP is looking for value the Behinger 2030p's are the best bang for the buck in "no brainers". 6 cost 390, add 2 dayton subs(insert value sub here) and you have a major upgrade over the existing setup, and some that have been recommended

 

[calnbs]

Hey now I like those! matching would be best I guess and the price seems right.

How do you know how "good" a speaker is when looking at them side by side? Some retail locations don't have the sound room where you can hear them and those that do dont always have all the speakers hooked up. Is there a "good" frequency range or technical details that I should either look for or stay away from?

The best way in my opinion is to really just to listen to them. I also research as much as I can and take every owners' opinions with a grain of salt.

As for Internet Direct like AV123, Ascend, Aperion, etc, they best way is to audition them is from current owners or buy them yourself and return them if you don't like them. AV123 and Axiom for example have a very active forum and their members are willing to give you an audition. Secondly, AV123 or Aperion will refund everything and have the speakers ship back to them if you are not happy.

 

[dronezero]

IMO, $400 will not buy a "good" sub. $400 will buy an entry-level sub.

$600 will not buy three good speakers. $600 will buy three entry-level speakers.

A 50%-75% price increase on each will put a person in a much better playing field of options.

I was using good as relative to his budget. The main point I was trying to make was that the sub he was looking at would not be the best use of his money and that he should consider putting more of his budget towards the sub. So I suggest that he put about $400 towards a sub and the rest towards speakers. Of course spending more will get him better equipment, but I assumed he has a budget of $1000 for a reason.

 

[mazersteven]

IMO, $400 will not buy a "good" sub. $400 will buy an entry-level sub.

I would have to disagree with this statement. $400 will by a very good subwoofer. $400 is not going to fill a large volume room. But a small to medium room yes.

 

[markw]

I'm a little sorry you feel insulted, but not too much.

Budget: $1000 +/- for front three
Quality level: Middle of the road is fine. I dont need to have the best of the best speaker, just a reasonable set up.

I appreciate the response - but people come here for help probably because they are pretty much cluless and I was attempting, in good faith, to be as "real" as possible given my stated limited understanding of speaker dynamics, logistcs, costs,etc. Hardly a "rambling diatribe" either since the post was specific in subject and the detail nessesitated the length. I put alot of effort into trying to find what info I though was important for you to know and I don't think you need to be insuting to make your point.

My post is also pretty clear on what Im looking for, assuming one bothers to read it rather than ...fall asleep?

Thanks for the help.

Dude, I read your post even though it took three cups of strong cofffee to get through it. That's how I formulated the first and last segments of my three part response, which I still stand by. In fact, the three sentences in that short post covered three main areas of concern for you, wether you knew it or not.

As to that "what info I though was important for you to know" bullshiite, well, why don't you think a price range is needed in order to tailor a fitting answer? You really don't think that's important? Those in a position to provide the answers you seek seem to think it is.

Please note that you started getting "serious" answers only after you clarfied that little issue. Before you did that, you were a laughing stock. If anything, you should be thanking me for pointing that omission to you, not crying like a baby that you feel you were insulted.

Methinks you just might want to get off that high horse, take a few steps back, and take another look at your initial post through the eyes of those who you want to provide answers.

Oh, get a thicker skin while you're at it. My post was not in the least bit insulting. A bit sarcastic, perhaps, but in a friendly way. If you really found my post insulting, you may be a wee bit too sensitive for this environment.

BTW, I never mentioned falling asleep. You must have me confused with the other posters. I just said it was overly long, particularly since you left out the most vital information you needed to specify. The price and the color.

Please note that, due to your curt response to my initial helpful post, the sarcasm knob has been turned up a little. It's only up to about three now. It goes all the way up to eleven.

 

[zumbo]

I was using good as relative to his budget. The main point I was trying to make was that the sub he was looking at would not be the best use of his money and that he should consider putting more of his budget towards the sub. So I suggest that he put about $400 towards a sub and the rest towards speakers. Of course spending more will get him better equipment, but I assumed he has a budget of $1000 for a reason.

Budget is 1k for the front three.

Budget: $1000 +/- for front three
Quality level: Middle of the road is fine. I dont need to have the best of the best speaker, just a reasonable set up.

 

[zumbo]

I would have to disagree with this statement. $400 will by a very good subwoofer. $400 is not going to fill a large volume room. But a small to medium room yes.

Can you post a link to this "very good $400 sub" for the OP?

 

[Treozen]

Dude, I read your post even though it took three cups of strong cofffee to get through it. That's how I formulated the first and last segments of my three part response, which I still stand by. In fact, the three sentences in that short post covered three main areas of concern for you, wether you knew it or not.

As to that "what info I though was important for you to know" bullshiite, well, why don't you think a price range is needed in order to tailor a fitting answer? You really don't think that's important? Those in a position to provide the answers you seek seem to think it is.

Please note that you started getting "serious" answers only after you clarfied that little issue. Before you did that, you were a laughing stock. If anything, you should be thanking me for pointing that omission to you, not crying like a baby that you feel you were insulted.

Methinks you just might want to get off that high horse, take a few steps back, and take another look at your initial post through the eyes of those who you want to provide answers.

Oh, get a thicker skin while you're at it. My post was not in the least bit insulting. A bit sarcastic, perhaps, but in a friendly way. If you really found my post insulting, you may be a wee bit too sensitive for this environment.

BTW, I never mentioned falling asleep. You must have me confused with the other posters. I just said it was overly long, particularly since you left out the most vital information you needed to specify. The price and the color.

Please note that, due to your curt response to my initial helpful post, the sarcasm knob has been turned up a little. It's only up to about three now. It goes all the way up to eleven.

Seems I'm not the only one talented in "diatribes"

Why no price range initially? I thought people might simply say "hey...check out X brands, they are pretty good an middle of the road for quality, prices will vary". I had no idea the range in speaker price was so vast and tied directly to quality of sound....that would be why I'm on here asking questions rather than out buying a speaker. Your right of course, those in a position to provide the answers do think providing a budget is important - yet they managed to tell me without .....turning on their sarcasm Knob... I'd have assumed you'd at least have a touch screen sarcasm button.

Laughing stock? nah, and as I recall, I did thank you.

Sarcastic in a friendly way? please....It didn't come across that way in the slightest. I have a very thick skin (as other posts on this thread aught to have somewhat proven), but I do not suffer unwarranted insults well - still, you say it was friendly sarcasm, I'll take you at your word.

As for your sarcasm Knob, please feel free to crank it as you feel necessary. I'll alert the media.


Thanks for all the replies folks - I’ll look at the suggested brands and try listen to some this weekend.

Also – I’m not opposed to buying an new Sub, as some have recommended, so I’ll see what’s out there.

 

[markw]

Seems I'm not the only one talented in "diatribes"

Why no price range initially? I thought people might simply say "hey...check out X brands, they are pretty good an middle of the road for quality, prices will vary". I had no idea the range in speaker price was so vast and tied directly to quality of sound....that would be why I'm on here asking questions rather than out buying a speaker.

Is that bolded part your final answer? Are you telling me that you really don't see where specifying a price range is fairly important whe posing such questions? You really didn't think there just might be somewhat of a corrolation between what you pay and what you get?

Ya see? You didn't even know how much you didn't know, at least until I pointed it out to you.

Dude, you're using tiny HTIB speakers in a cathedral! Virtually anything is a step up! What do you expect us to think? Without a range to go by, we don't know if we should send you to Singer Audio in Noo Yawk or back to Wallyworld for another HTIB! As it stands, we/they just had fun with that long post that left out the most important part of the equation. At least I provided insight into two areas, and used a whole lot less bandwidth, and was entertaining to boot!

And, again, you're welcome for my starting the "real" answers flowing.

Your right of course, those in a position to provide the answers do think providing a budget is important - yet they managed to tell me without .....turning on their sarcasm Knob...

....Only after I forced the price range from you. Before that, all I heard was people talking about sleeping, which you seemed to blame on me. I guess you chose to ignore that, didn't ya?

I'd have assumed you'd at least have a touch screen sarcasm button.

Laughing stock? nah, and as I recall, I did thank you.

Oh, be real. Before I forced your price range out of you all ther was was jokes about sleeping and such. Are you saying you didn't see that?

Oh, you're welcome.

Sarcastic in a friendly way? please....It didn't come across that way in the slightest. I have a very thick skin (as other posts on this thread aught to have somewhat proven), but I do not suffer unwarranted insults well - still, you say it was friendly sarcasm, I'll take you at your word.

Yeah, you've got a thin skin, at least when someone points out your mistakes or logical omissions in a light-hearted manner. Maybe it's a pride/ego thing? You don't know me, or anyone else here, well enough to take umbrage with what I, or we, say.

As for your sarcasm Knob, please feel free to crank it as you feel necessary. I'll alert the media.

If your smug attitude doesn't change, I'm sure it will.

Thanks for all the replies folks - I’ll look at the suggested brands and try listen to some this weekend.

Also – I’m not opposed to buying an new Sub, as some have recommended, so I’ll see what’s out there.

Gee, wasn't that one of my suggestions, too?

Again, you're welcome.

 

[mazersteven]

BTW, I never mentioned falling asleep. You must have me confused with the other posters.

 

[mazersteven]

 

[mazersteven]

Can you post a link to this "very good $400 sub" for the OP?

Your going to break my balls over $29 bucks over on this one.

SVS PB10-NSD
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

HSU STF-2
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Acculine ASub
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/acculine-asub/products_id/68

Dayton T1003K 10" Titanic Mk III Subwoofer Kit
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-760

Cadence CSX-15
http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=137&idproduct=398

All are very good performing subwoofers.

 

[mazersteven]

I'd have assumed you'd at least have a touch screen sarcasm button.

 

[mazersteven]

As for your sarcasm Knob, please feel free to crank it as you feel necessary. I'll alert the media.

 

[zumbo]

SVS PB10-NSD
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

HSU STF-2
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Acculine ASub
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/p/acculine-asub/products_id/68

Dayton T1003K 10" Titanic Mk III Subwoofer Kit
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-760

Cadence CSX-15
http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=137&idproduct=398

All are very good performing subwoofers.

Most are entry level, some I have never heard of, and the SV will be around $500 with shipping.

Next!

 

[mazersteven]

and the SV will be around $500 with shipping.

Always a Technicality.

 

[Treozen]

Is that bolded part your final answer? Are you telling me that you really don't see where specifying a price range is fairly important whe posing such questions? You really didn't think there just might be somewhat of a corrolation between what you pay and what you get?

Ya see? You didn't even know how much you didn't know, at least until I pointed it out to you.

Dude, you're using tiny HTIB speakers in a cathedral! Virtually anything is a step up! What do you expect us to think? Without a range to go by, we don't know if we should send you to Singer Audio in Noo Yawk or back to Wallyworld for another HTIB! As it stands, we/they just had fun with that long post that left out the most important part of the equation. At least I provided insight into two areas, and used a whole lot less bandwidth, and was entertaining to boot!

And, again, you're welcome for my starting the "real" answers flowing.

....Only after I forced the price range from you. Before that, all I heard was people talking about sleeping, which you seemed to blame on me. I guess you chose to ignore that, didn't ya?

Oh, be real. Before I forced your price range out of you all ther was was jokes about sleeping and such. Are you saying you didn't see that?

Oh, you're welcome.

Yeah, you've got a thin skin, at least when someone points out your mistakes or logical omissions in a light-hearted manner. Maybe it's a pride/ego thing? You don't know me, or anyone else here, well enough to take umbrage with what I, or we, say.

If your smug attitude doesn't change, I'm sure it will.

Gee, wasn't that one of my suggestions, too?

Again, you're welcome.

At the very least, you make me smile - guess I'll thank you for that too.

Of course there is a correlation between what you pay and what you get, but is it so hard to believe that someone with no knowledge of the subject might not give it the priority it apparently needs? Others managed to give fairly good answers and steer me in the right direction without budget numbers - odd then that you'd find it so bewildering that I'd exclude them.
Besides, I never said you were wrong for requesting a budget, I griped about your boorish method - again, others managed to get the point across without straining their sarcasm muscles.

You're clinging to this "light-hearted, friendly sarcasm" like some shipwrecked drifter on a log - afraid to admit it was anything but light-hearted or friendly for fear you'll drown. Listen we all make mistakes - I didn't know budget numbers were so important and you couldn't control yourself and came in like my mother-in-law on a PMS day. Just admit it was a bit over the top, or at the every least poorly presented as "friendly" and you'll feel all better about it.

Jokes about sleeping - Yea i saw those but ok with that. Why? because at least that guy made an attempt to show he was being funny.

This statement of yours "You don't know me, or anyone else here, well enough to take umbrage with what I, or we, say." makes absolutely no sense - you do realize that? The way in which people don't get offended by sarcasm is through familiarity with each other. This is pretty easily proved - You claimed your statements were light hearted and friendly sarcasm - assuming that's true, if I did know you better I'd probably have realized it and we wouldn't be having this conversation. It is the very fact that I don't know you that your statements were, or appeared to be, unfriendly and anything but light hearted. It is unfamiliarity that leads to misinterpretation which in turn leads to feeling offense, not the other way around. You may know audio but you might want to brush up on elements of social interaction.

Sigh - do I really have to explain that not all elements of my post were directed specifically at you? Hate to poke holes in your self importance bud but not everything written is about you. If you were confounded, perplexed or otherwise thrown into a downward spiral of confusion - I apologize and will make every effort point out what relates to you and what doesn't.

Oh..my supposed "smug attitude" getting you down? ...now who is thin on the skin.

[For clarity's sake, all of the text prior to this, does indeed pertain to you]


But I, or rather we, digress. This is after all a place for audio discussion and not the halls of mildly amusing yet utterly pointless banter. So In that vein I thank the respondents (yes even Markw) and will advise you what I end up with.

 

[Treozen]

Always a Technicality.

Eh, that's ok if its a good sub. I'll see if I can find any of those in a show-room set up and see what they sound like. As for being entry level...seems like the ones I have now are below that.....what ever THAT is.

 

[zumbo]

Eh, that's ok if its a good sub. I'll see if I can find any of those in a show-room set up and see what they sound like. As for being entry level...seems like the ones I have now are below that.....what ever THAT is.

The offer for you to audition my Quarts is still open. Never heard back from the PM.