Which setup would work best for my room?

[jormar23]

Hi, I'm having a hard time deciding on what system to get. I think I narrowed it down to these 2 systems, they are not too mainstream, but seem to get good reviews. The first system is Premier Acoustic PA-8F Titanium Home Theater System for 1199 shipped. Or the EMP HTP-351T 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System for 815.00 shipped. Which has the better specs for my room size. My room is 20x16. I emailed the guy selling the EMP HTP-351T to see if this would work in my room, he thought I should buy another sub. Is he correct? The max I can spend on speakers is 1200.00

Thanks Guys

Chris

 

[ski2xblack]

The only real way to see which is better for your room is to listen to those systems in your room (this is the main drawback with the ID companies, but the cost savings and bang/buck ratio is often far superior). Room acoustics account for the overall sound far more than most realize. You may want to consider an e-tailer that offers free shipping both ways so you can do that for free...not sure which ones do, but I think Aperion does. I'm sure you will get further suggestions from our more market aware members. There are some saavy bargain hunters here who will help you out.

I just saw the EMP531 system for under $500 at audioholics store, for example; if you could live with the smaller mains (high passed, they should sound identical to the towers), it would free enough cash to get a second sub (its much easier to get even response throughout the room w/ two subs, plus increased overall output). I suspect that system w/ two subs would outperform the 531T system with one sub with regards to overall output, dynamics, and superior bass response, with otherwise identical sound, and be within budget.

 

[fredk]

Two subs are always better than one. It has to do with how low frequency sound interacts with our rooms. If the focus is HT I would definately go with smaller mains and a second sub.

 

[jormar23]

so those 2 little bookshelf speakers will fill my room? That don't make sense to me, but I'm newbie in this area. I thought that system was meant for a bedroom. So if I order this system, and if I buy an additional sub should it match the one that comes with it.

Thanks again

Chris

 

[jormar23]

what does high passed mean?

 

[ski2xblack]

so those 2 little bookshelf speakers will fill my room? That don't make sense to me, but I'm newbie in this area. I thought that system was meant for a bedroom. So if I order this system, and if I buy an additional sub should it match the one that comes with it.

Thanks again

Chris

I was under the impression you were looking for a 5.1 system, no? The system I mentioned would give you 4 'little bookshelvelf' speakers, a matching center, and a sub, plus extra cash to use on a second sub. I'm not sure if you could get the same sub that comes in the system a la carte, but you probably can. You'll have to check with the respective retailer for that. You may also be able to get just the mains and center, and get a different sub (or subs) from another manufacturer for improved performance.

But, yes, such a system would probably be just great in your living room. By adding a second sub, you'll have far fewer problems with room modes and such, and greater overall bass output. This would add realism and impact that running just one sub (from within this price range) could not do.

what does high passed mean?

'High passed' is referring to the frequencies allowed to pass through an active crossover/bass management which is integral to your AV receiver. High pass simply means that lower frequencies are filtered out of the signal before your amp sends the signal to the speakers. This has a number of benefits: it spares amplifier power which otherwise would go to reproduce very power-demanding low freq signals, and it prevents your bookshelves from being asked to reproduce frequencies for which they were not designed to. The sub would be 'low passed' to pick up where the mains leave off. By relieving the load of producing low frequencies from your main amp, you will yield more available power to those frequencies which it does produce. Result: better dynamics, increased overall output, and potentially less risk to your main speakers.

If you were to use the system I mentioned, you would want to set your AV receiver's bass management accordingly, i.e. set your mains to 'small' or choose ~80Hz as the high pass cutoff.

 

[jormar23]

sorry I was not clear, I meant those 2 bookshelf speakers instead of 2 towers. Yes I definitely want a 5.1 system. And thanks for the info on the high passed question. I don't even have a receiver yet, I have to wait till my next paycheck to get that.

 

[ski2xblack]

sorry I was not clear, I meant those 2 bookshelf speakers instead of 2 towers. Yes I definitely want a 5.1 system. And thanks for the info on the high passed question. I don't even have a receiver yet, I have to wait till my next paycheck to get that.

You probably could not tell the difference between towers and bookshelves; same manufacturer, same drivers, same crossover networks. If they are producing only 80hz and up, for example, you would be hard pressed to discern a difference. Smaller speakers are more convenient to move and place, too.

The audioholics will be ready to recommend a receiver for you when the time comes. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

[jormar23]

I think I'm going to go with the Premier Acoustic PA-8F package, the speakers are heavier and sub goes a little lower from what the specs are. I appreciate your help

Chris

 

[jamie2112]

I did a little research on the Premier Acoustic and I myself would go with the EMP........IMO of course...


Did you read the forums on these?

 

[Matt34]

I think I'm going to go with the Premier Acoustic PA-8F package, the speakers are heavier and sub goes a little lower from what the specs are. I appreciate your help

Chris

I had the BIC Acoustech series which I think is VERY simiular to the Premier Acoustic line and was not that impressed with them. They only good thing from that setup was the H-100 sub. I haven't heard the EMP system.

For the money your looking to spend here is the two systems I'd be looking at:

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

or 2 sets of these and a 340 center with a SVS PB-10 sub:

[URL="http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?"]http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?[/URL]

 

[jormar23]

It seems I get more and more confused. There are so many speaker brands out there and now that bestbuy took out their Theater dept and put in a music store, there are no places to listen to the speakers. The only other place they sell speakers, are in the home theater specially shops, which one speaker equals my speaker budget. I checked out the svs, but I would really like 2 towers for the front, I have a dog that gets wild once in a while, plus I would not have to buy stands.

Thanks for your time

Chris

 

[jormar23]

So are the svs better speakers then the EMP tower system with an extra sub? I emailed the guy and he said he would sell an additional sub for 200 shipped. So that would be 1015.00 total

 

[lsiberian]

So are the svs better speakers then the EMP tower system with an extra sub? I emailed the guy and he said he would sell an additional sub for 200 shipped. So that would be 1015.00 total

This is not a statement one can make without listening to both sets in there room.

The SVS set does cost more. Honestly either would probably be great for you. I don't think you can go wrong. Since you can't really decide on sound. Go for which fits your aesthetic desires. Which seems to be the one with towers.
You can talk about what speakers are best all day, but you can't really know until you've heard them yourself. If you order them and don't like them then return them and try something else.

If you do like them then

It may cost you some shipping to go this way, but hey you get to decide for yourself. let us list suggestions then you start trying different ones until you get what you want.

I would try out Aperion or TSC first. Both have free shipping no risk trials.

My list to audition would be these sets

KEF(visit a dealer and listen to them)
Aperion
TSC
EMP
SVS
HSU
Energy

You never know until you've tried.

 

[jormar23]

That is sound advice. I think I may choose the Emp first since that is the most affordable one with towers. and if I'm happy with it. Then cool if not I will return it and start over