WHich part of the 5.1 can I skip for the time being?

[topspin]

Hello all,
I am on the verge of buying some good speakers after doing some exhaustive research.
I will most probably be buying the Axiom Audio M80/M60/M22 depending upon things like, am I going to buy a house soon (among other factors). I am leaning towards M80 so that I don't suffer from upgraditis in the future.

My question for you is that, I may not be able to afford the complete 5.1 setup right now. So what can I forego right now and buy later?
I know that I will need the mains and the satellites at the latest. Atleast I will need the mains.
I can afford to buy 4 items right now.
Can I hold off on the sub? or the Center channel? Which components can I hold off for now and why?
I would think that if I buy the M80s which have decent bass, I can hold off on the sub. OTOH, with such great speakers I can hold off o the center channel for the time being?
BTW, I will be buying some el cheapo Denon receiver until the HDMI 1.3 compliant Denon 4306 comes out in spring.
Thanks,
Topspin.

 

[jaxvon]

Be aware that the M80 is a 4 ohm speaker and not suitable for reference level with most receivers, and definitely not a "cheapie". That said, I think the best option would be to forgo the center channel. You can create a phantom center by using the L&R speakers and get pretty good results.

 

[Nick250]

I would fill our a sound system in the following order:

1. Mains - Save money and buy bookshelf's because are going to get a sub next.

2. Sub

3. Surrounds

4. Center

One could also make an argument to buy a cheap sound system and add to your house purchase fund instead. It's all a matter of trade offs.

Nick

 

[topspin]

jaxvon

Hi Jaxvon,
Your comment about the 4 ohm impedence is duly noted.
Would a Denon 4306 class sufficiently able to drive that speaker? I cannot beyon'd $2000 for a receiver and 4306 is a pretty good receiver a a mid-high level.
Thanks
Topspin.

Be aware that the M80 is a 4 ohm speaker and not suitable for reference level with most receivers, and definitely not a "cheapie". That said, I think the best option would be to forgo the center channel. You can create a phantom center by using the L&R speakers and get pretty good results.

 

[markw]

Well, one can believe what they wish.

Here's the spec sheet, direct from Denon. Please read it carefully, particularly where power ratings are stated.

http://www.usa.denon.com/AVR4306.pdf

Generally, when ratings for four ohm speakers aren't listed, I generally suspect there's a reason. I'm not saying it'll go up in smoke, but distortion levels can rise quickly as impedance goes down. But, all in all, 130 watts is a lot to play with so you may never hear it.

And, IMNSHO, I'd go for the front three speakers and a sub now. Actually, I'd go for the five channels and forgo the sub for now. By waiting to add the center you run tte risk of that model being obsoleted and the chance of finding a timber matched center diminishes. Matching rears are less critical for HT.

A sub can be addd at any time and matching it to the other speakers is not an issue.

 

[emorphien]

Alternatively, if you're feeling exceptionally cheap get a pair of bookshelf speakers for your fronts, and a sub. Then later move the bookshelf speakers to your rears and get fronts and a center.

 

[Pianoman84d]

you should note that axiom throws in a discount when you buy 5 items at once and they have a factory outlet page which is also applicable for the 5 item discount (at least, this was true as of several months ago) might be able to get the complete system after all. I'd not get the m80s if you are going to wait awhile to upgrade your receiver b/c of the 4 ohms thing. I'd step down to the cheaper m60s and get a better sub.

 

[emorphien]

Didn't axiom had a deal including a sub recently? Probably too late now.

 

[mike c]

I would rank the importance exactly as nick250 enumerated but markw has a point regarding the obsolescence of that model's center speaker.

then again, axiom will probably be producing the matching center for quite a while.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I would fill our a sound system in the following order:

1. Mains - Save money and buy bookshelf's because are going to get a sub next.

2. Sub

3. Surrounds

4. Center

One could also make an argument to buy a cheap sound system and add to your house purchase fund instead. It's all a matter of trade offs.

Nick

Listen to Nick, worry about your mains first. If you have cheap speakers, use them until you can upgrade them. personally, I would upgrade my center before the surrounds, but that is only if you use your system more for movies than music. If music if your priority then the center could be later. Don't be afraid to take your time and start with only one set of speakers, as opposed to a whole system. You'll be happier in the long run if you get an entire nice setup by piecing it together, unless money isn;t a problem. Then, just get what you want now.

Jack

 

[Nick250]

Hi Jaxvon,
Your comment about the 4 ohm impedence is duly noted.
Would a Denon 4306 class sufficiently able to drive that speaker? I cannot beyon'd $2000 for a receiver and 4306 is a pretty good receiver a a mid-high level.
Thanks
Topspin.

I would consider getting a 3806. It will sound the same as the 4306, but you will have funds in reserve to buy an external amp if it is necessary.

Nick

 

[Nuglets]

Well having a HT system and only having room currently for the front 3 speaker's I am very satisfied. I think the surround speaker's are the least important speaker's in the setup unless you are obsessed with sound coming from behind you. Honestly, I think the surround sound in many movies is just crap and unrealistic anyways so I don't really miss not having surrounds connected at the moment. Don't get me wrong, some movies are just plain awesome with surround, but there are too many that just seem to put random stupid effects into the surround channel that it's just stupid anyways in my opinion.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Listen to Nick, worry about your mains first.

I agree. In fact, I think that it is a common mistake to buy a cheap but complete surround system right away. Good mains are quite satisfying on their own, and will provide the foundation for a better system down the road.

 

[j_garcia]

Surrounds are by no means the least needed, I find them to be quite beneficial, however of the speakers I have that are not in use at the moment, the surrounds are the ones sitting idle and I am still pleased with my sound (3.1). If I had to go without anything, it would probably be the center. A 4.1 setup can go a long way.

I too agree that the focus should be on the mains and sub, they are the most important, period.

 

[billnchristy]

I would say get a real nice set of bookshelves to use as your mains (something you wouldnt mind having behind you), a good center and the sub.

Or you can skip the center for the time being and get a nice set of bookshelfs and a killer sub.

When the time comes to upgrade get the killer towers you wanted and a center and move the nice bookshelfs to the back.

That way initially you spend less and have some money for those unforeseen just got a house expenses.

 

[topspin]

Thanks Everyone. One question.

Thanks everyone for your response.
I will consider your suggestiions before I buy M80/M60/M22s as my mains.

one question though.
If I buy M22s now and move them as surrounds later, will they perform better than the QS8s?
The reason I ask is that I will definitely be buying the M80s and the Denon 4306 replacement with HDMI 1.3 this spring.
THanks
Topspin

 

[no. 5]

I argee with billnchristy and emorphien, use bookshelves as mains to start off with; thay will make great surrounds latter on.

as far as 'which can be skiped for now', I think you can live without surrounds, although some movies are not the same without them (M Night Shyamalan's moives come to mind), there is no moive that won't bennifit from a good center channel.

yes, you can get the effect of a center channel with a stereo pair, but that only works if you happen to be sitting in the 'sweet spot', which is fine if it's only one (maby two) people, but if it's more than that, a center may be nice.


(edit: topspin posted as I was typing, I must type faster next time)

 

[emorphien]

The QS8s are a dipolar design (maybe quad? not sure but someone called them that once and I'm confused now), which as I understand can be a great rear choice in a room that necessitates it, otherwise from what I've heard a pair of bookshelf speakers also makes for excellent surround speakers.

Now what I understand about the ins and outs of home theater speaker design is more limited than what I understand about quality two channel stereo systems. So you may want the input from someone more in to home theater than myself on that matter. The reason I say that is I believe that the need for a speaker design like the QS8 might be partly dictated by the listening position and the shape of your room.

Now assuming I'm correct (which I may not be) it might be beneficial for you to include a diagram of your floorplan and intended listening area that you will be moving in to (if you know what it looks like).

 

[jaxvon]

Be sure that you are not buying too much speaker for your room. Talk to Axiom about your speaker choices. They know their speakers better than anyone, so they can recommend the best option given your situation. Also, unless you have your heart set on Axiom, don't be afraid to still shop around. You might just find a great deal or another speaker that just seems 'right'.

However, if you know you want the M80ti speakers, then I would suggest getting this to go with them:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-A500-500W-ReferenceClass-Studio-Power-Amplifier?sku=480780

It's a great amplifier, and for $200, you're not going to do better.

 

[robot]

I suppose I'm going a bit against the grain here but... if I were you I would rather take the money I would otherwise spend on a sub and get better mains Musical clarity is #1 on my list... I find also that I prefer a more detailed sound in movies as well. So, nice mains without surrounds suit me very well.

Also, you must hear at least a few other brands before you decide what you will stick with. Paradigm and B&W are a good start. Edit: after reading the Paradigm thread... just listen to the Paradigms, but don't actually buy them .


PS

I have a hunch that the m80 needs a super dead room to sound good. keep this in mind when shopping for speakers... pay attention to the room you are listening to them in.