Speakers to match a Yamaha RX-V2600?

[jmone]

Hi,
I'm a bit of an IT geek and love the specs of the New V2600 (esp the HDMI upconversion). The plan so far is to team the V2600 with a large 1920x1080 display (eg the new 71" LCOS LG) with feeds from the usual sources + HD from the home network. The problem is I have **NO** idea about speakers and it seems to me that the local HI-FI dealers push big $$$ / margin boxs.

The room is 5m x 4m, and the system will be used 90% for Home Theater / TV. I'd prefer wall mounted but happy to have the Front L/R (mains) as floor standing. I am NOT a audiophile but what something decent (eg "great value for money", not the top "5%").

I've listened to the B&W MT20's with a Velodyne R12 sub and while they sounded great to a novice like me they also seemed relativly expensive (AUS$399 per MT20, and AUS$1,599 for the sub = $4K for a 6.1 - almost twice the price of the Yammie driving them).

So I'd really appreciate being pointed in the right direction on this!
1) Should I go for a 7.1 or 6.1 speaker package?
2) Any suggested budget?
3) Any suggested makes / models / configs?

Thanks in advance,
Nathan.
(Syd Aust)

 

[jcPanny]

High end setup

Sounds like you are planning on a high end video setup. Check out the offerings from RBH Sound for something that will match the performance of your display.

For a reasonably priced, lower performance setup, look at the offerings from Axiom Audio.

Also, for a fraction of the price of the 71" LCOS display, you might consider a front projection setup. With the new 720P projectors in the 2K price range, you can get a 120" display.

 

[jmone]

Thanks JC Panny, will look at those speakers (if avail in Oz).

I looked at front proj but I have a non light controlled room and want something the Wife/Kids can use for std veiwing. At this stage Rear Proj seems to be the best combo of size, flexibility, $, and true 1080p.

Any thoughts on 6.1 vs 7.1?

Thanks
Nathan

 

[Snap]

If posible that would be a good idea for a front projection. But if you can not do a front projection, then check out Sony's new SXRD rear projection TV's They are getting awesome reviews.

To add to the speakers already mentioned, Phase Tech PC series, Energy Veratas. Very nice.

Room set up is going to determine if 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 is going to be the best for you. Some rooms just are not good for anything more than 5.1 So your room and the placement of door and windows, and other things are going to be a factor.

Take your time with speakers. Listen and listen again. they are the most important part of HT in my oppinion. Next is the display. Some people disagree. But speakers are VERY important! Take your favorite DVD's with you and hit the local AV stores. Even though it is 90% for movies like you said. Also bring a few of your favorite CD's as well. Something that you are very familiar with. That way you know what it is supposed to sound like. That is the best advice any one can give. Listen and listen again. Find out what your "quaility per buck" is. It is probably different than others. What you might find is worth 500 is worth 200 to some one else.

 

[jmone]

I can get a WHARFEDALE speaker set for aroung A$1K (US$725 / GBP425) including:
1x pair Diamond 8.4 (FloorStanding Speakers)
1x pair Diamond 8.1 (BookShelf Speakers)
1x Diamond 8 Centre Speaker
(would then need to add a sub)

Unfortunaly I can not "try" them out. Would these be an good value match for the 2600?
Thanks
Nathan

 

[mulester7]

.....yes, Snap, your system should begin with front mains and center and surrounds and rears that melt you....JMone, you buy any speakers you can't hear first, and the chances are marginal, that there wasn't another line of speakers within hearing distance, you would have much rather had for the same relative money....no one here has golden ears, don't it show?....huh?....arf.......

 

[Sheep]

Any speakers with pos. and neg. hook ups


Oh and that fit your budget, room config, and tastes (sound wise)



SheepStar

 

[jmone]

Yamaha YSP-1 vs Traditional Set Up

Ok Ok, got the hint and have started annoying the local dealers listening to different set ups / brands (and so far have worked out I like the sound generated with floor standing fronts over cubes - see I have a way to go!).

I've also continued reading the reviews/threads on the site and came across the Yamaha YSP-1....Is this really a viable option to just plug in / config and go Vs a traditional 5.1 setup for a 2600 for quality and volume (note: I have not seen/heard one at the dealers yet)?

Also, I like the idea but sort of makes the whole amplificaiton bit of the 2600 kind of useless doesn't it?

Thanks
Nathan

 

[jcPanny]

Yamaha YSP

If you have a small, square room, than the sound projector will give some surround speaker effect. You will still need to add a sub for anything under 100 Hz. You don't need a receiver.

If you can afford the RX-V2600 or 2500 and have a speaker budget of more than $500 than you will get a better performance from a real 5.1 or 7.1 system than a simulated one like the YSP.

 

[jmone]

Thanks JC - will keep going down the traditional 5.1/6.1 path

 

[MFox]

I have the RX-V2500 since August and was also searching weeks for speakers that time. I tried a few speakers and ended up with B&W 800 Series. What I didn't like were speakers, that sounded very bright. Some say the Yamahas sound brighter than others.

I would suggest, if you can't listen to the speakers at home, take your Yamaha to the dealers and listen to the speakers there. If you ask about brands you will get two opinions on every one, that's the lesson I learned when browsing forums for speaker-reviews