Strategy for building HT system / Recommendations

[DOlthoff]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and am trying to educate myself to make an informed decision on how to start building a HT system in a 16' x 18' x 10' living room.

By way of background, a friend turned me on to the wonderful world of audio (via his HT setup with JM Lab Chorus speakers). Unfortunately, all I had to start with was an old JVC 800 series receiver and a set of Cerwin Vega Re Series 30 fronts. As a result, for my first step into the wonderful world of higher end audio, I purchased a HSU VTF-3 on my buddy's recommendation. While I couldn't be happier with the sub, I now want to build a real HT system.

I plan on spending $800-1,000 this year, and would like to know the group's thoughts on how best start building my system. From what I've read, it appeared that I should focus on the center and front speakers for now. Is that the consensus, or should I split my current funds into just a center and a receiver?

If I go with just the front speakers, I've already identified following combinations of front speakers/centers as possible options:

Axiom: M22's & VP150
Klipsch: RB 25's & KSP C6
Paradigm: Monitor 5's & CC-370
Aperion: 532LR's & 533-VAC

Are there any other "must listen to" options that I should consider in the $800-1,000 range?

BTW - I'm not interested in listening to music on this system--it will be a pure HT system. Any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jcPanny]

For HT . . .

You will definately need a subwoofer.

Consider purchasing bookshelfs like the Axiom M22tis and a 10" or 12" sub from SVS or HSU. The center cannel is important, but I would buy it after the sub.

An alternate approach would be full range speakers like the Axiom M60s. These would make a great two channel setup and a great start to your HT.

 

[beta5alphamu]

It sounds like you will have to build your system slowly.....all the companies you are looking at are great. There's no need for me to tell you which I prefer(my signature). My advice to you is to look at all the manufacturers bearing in mind that you will probably have to buy the rest of the speakers from them(Best to keep your speakers timber matched for HT) So you will need to take alot of things into consideration; sound you are looking for, 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1, PRICE, build quality, if a moderately priced receiver will run them with ease......GOOD LUCK

 

[DOlthoff]

You will definately need a subwoofer.

Consider purchasing bookshelfs like the Axiom M22tis and a 10" or 12" sub from SVS or HSU. The center cannel is important, but I would buy it after the sub.

An alternate approach would be full range speakers like the Axiom M60s. These would make a great two channel setup and a great start to your HT.

Sorry I wasn't clear, I already have a 12' HSU sub...so I'm set on that front. That said, do you think I should still consider the Axiom M60s or would that be overkill?

 

[jaxvon]

It might or might not be. I think you should also give a fair listen to Phase Technology (their PC series) and Klipsch (their Reference series). They are both very old, and very respected brands, though Klipsch is much more widely known.

 

[korgoth]

i have the m22ti's and the vp150.

they sound pretty good, especially for bookshelf speakers. but, i think if i did it over again id skip the m22ti's and just get the m80's.

or the m60's in your case. I assumed id be moving the m22ti's to rear surrounds eventually but i think id rather have qs8's for side and rear surrounds.

 

[corey]

The Klipsch KSP C6 hasn't been made for a while. Is there a reason you're looking at it rather than the current RC-25 (or RC-35, it's woofer size is 6.5" like the KSP C6)?

 

[DOlthoff]

The Klipsch KSP C6 hasn't been made for a while. Is there a reason you're looking at it rather than the current RC-25 (or RC-35, it's woofer size is 6.5" like the KSP C6)?

Nope, no reason at all. I was just under the impression that the C6 was a different product line for Klipsch--rather than an older model of the RC-25. Thanks.