Speaker(s) suggestions...

[Coppertop]

I'm new to this Audioholics forum. First off, there is such an overwhelming number of post that I cannot seem to figure out where to start. So instead of asking where to start, I thought perhaps I could explain what I am looking for first.

Right now, I am in the process of remodeling my basement from scratch. I've got walling frames up, insulation in, some wiring, and in the process of putting up drywall as I write this. The theme is creating a theater / kitchen / social bar area. The space is virutally small about 20 feet by 20 feet. Chop that in half (20 X 10) would be the theater layout.

I am hearing impaired in one ear yet I wear a hearing aid so trust me, I CAN hear just fine with it on. Sure, I still love jamming (and I mean nice and loud) out to this day to my favorite band "Rush"... yeah, I am in my 40's but that doesn't stop me from rekindling the days of rock each day on. Audio isn't the only thing... I am enjoying a temporary setup with an older stereo in a different part of my dwelling watching DVD movies on the t.v. through the audio stereo. Anyways, back to my question.

I'm not looking into a super high-end system, yet I do crave the quality (loud) sound without any distortion or getting the worry of cracking up speakers. Keep in mind, this will be in a small space. What I was thinking of was getting a Harman Kardon AVR 245 7.1 Channel Audio/Video Receiver. So, to ask the question if I may, can anybody suggest a good theater audio/video speaker system to go well along with this system without poking such a big whole in my wallet? I know that many are going to ask what is my budget so I guess I will say anywhere in the neighbor of between $600-$1,000 will do alright with me.

I know this is a "high-end" forum and figure many are going to say buy those "Theater-In-A-Box" kit, but seriously... there's got to be something else out there that I can get that does 10X better. I thought about going with Bic Acoustic but thought I'd see if somebody else might have other suggestions.

Oh and I almost forgot... eventually in another time later I'd like to add another set of speakers somewhere near the social /bar area for "multi-room" sound? I'll write up a different post for that request for info.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advanced for any advice and or information leading onto my future purchase(s).

 

[yettitheman]

I had some BIC's, and they were all right.

I got a pair of PSB 600i's now and the walk right over those old 8.3's.

But, BIC's would be cheaper than the PSB's probably, and are a safe bet to an extent. Also, are you planning on using 7.1 or 6.1 or 5.1? I know some people get a 7.1 reciever but use it for 5.1 and it's not a bad way to start out with.

So, a short list:
BIC
PSB
Infinity
NHT
B&W
Paradigm (although I might be thinking twice about them, maybe)
Maggies (Magnepan)

Seth=L has some more experience with other companies, maybe he'll chime in and proclaim NHT!

And, one last thing: They will KILL anything BOSE.

 

[yettitheman]

Forgot to add:
For a subwoofer, you might want to look at HSU or SVS or Paradigm...

I have a Paradigm, and I've made it a dual mode subwoofer:
Loud Chud box
or
Very nice and musical <<< the way it always is

Surprisingly, after switching reciever/amp setup and re-tuning the sub for my new reciever/amp, the Paradigm actually sounds much more controlled and smooth than before.

 

[Coppertop]

Also, are you planning on using 7.1 or 6.1 or 5.1? I know some people get a 7.1 reciever but use it for 5.1 and it's not a bad way to start out with.

I'm kind of stuck on that decision yet. I still haven't figured out how I will or should go about this.

 

[rexracer]

I've been educating myself on this forum, and elsewhere, and am also in the market for a new system whith close to the same budget, so I'll tell you how I'm leaning.
Looks like my receiver will probably be a Pioneer 1016 or a Yamaha 659. Ive seen both for <$400. I'm set on the sub, an HSU STF-2 ($319) Speakers are a little tougher. I can get the Infinity Primus 150's for $120 a pair from J&R, and a C-25 center for $100. I really think the Axiom T3's look great, but I don't think I can swing 2 pair and a center, and I dont know what would match up well if I just got a pair for mains. The x-ls are also on my short list for 2 pair and a center. Finally, the PSB alpha b-1's can be had on e-bay new in box, for little $$. The t-3's are probably out of reach, but if anyone has any comments on any of these, I'd also love to hear it.

 

[AVRat]

Welcome Coppertop, there are many of us 40+ers here, and the budget gambit runs from Meister Brau to caviar so sit back and be prepared to be inundated with options. One question, do you prefer floorstanders or bookshelfs for your main L/Rs. For many on a low budget, a BIC setup may be the way to go, but we’ll see what we can do.

 

[mazersteven]

The theme is creating a theater / kitchen / social bar area. The space is virutally small about 20 feet by 20 feet. Chop that in half (20 X 10) would be the theater layout.

I am hearing impaired in one ear yet I wear a hearing aid so trust me, I CAN hear just fine with it on. Sure, I still love jamming (and I mean nice and loud) out to this day to my favorite band "Rush"... yeah, I am in my 40's but that doesn't stop me from rekindling the days of rock each day on.

QUOTE]

Make sure you save a little room to play your "Air Guitar".

 

[mazersteven]

I'm not looking into a super high-end system, yet I do crave the quality (loud) sound without any distortion or getting the worry of cracking up speakers. Keep in mind, this will be in a small space. What I was thinking of was getting a Harman Kardon AVR 245 7.1 Channel Audio/Video Receiver. So, to ask the question if I may, can anybody suggest a good theater audio/video speaker system to go well along with this system without poking such a big whole in my wallet? I know that many are going to ask what is my budget so I guess I will say anywhere in the neighbor of between $600-$1,000 will do alright with me.

I know this is a "high-end" forum and figure many are going to say buy those "Theater-In-A-Box" kit, but seriously... there's got to be something else out there that I can get that does 10X better. I thought about going with Bic Acoustic but thought I'd see if somebody else might have other suggestions.

Oh and I almost forgot... eventually in another time later I'd like to add another set of speakers somewhere near the social /bar area for "multi-room" sound? I'll write up a different post for that request for info.

Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advanced for any advice and or information leading onto my future purchase(s).

This is not just a "High End" forum. This is a place for everyone no matter what system you have.

Take a look at these systems

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

This system comes with a sub. It's an awesome system for movies and does a very good job with music.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/spkrlist.html

This system is a little more then your budget. But it is a highly recommended system. This system again is awesome with movies, but is excellent with music. With this system I would recommend adding a SVS sub.

 

[zumbo]

I doubt you will find a better deal on a quality speaker package for the price of this Athena set-up. You will need to buy a sub separately. This will be over your budget, but worth it.

Athena 5 speaker system. No sub. $999.85 shipped
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATKLS500

X-sub. $199.00
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=12.1

I would recommend increasing the budget just a little for a better sub.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2.html

or

Killer price on this Klipsch sub
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=34191

 

[Coppertop]

One question, do you prefer floorstanders or bookshelfs for your main L/Rs. For many on a low budget, a BIC setup may be the way to go, but we’ll see what we can do.

I like floorstanders. However, I may be looking into bookshelfs with the stands available for them these days.

 

[Coppertop]

Thanks!...keep em coming

I really appreciate how quickly some of you have posted for speaker suggestions. Thanks and do keep the suggestions coming. I'm getting more excited yet will be researching each of the suggestions more throughly. At this time, I am trying to find some showrooms locally that has the suggested sound systems and or at least similiar setups. Thanks again