audiophiles - 5.1 speaker systems w/ subwoofer question

[mikeg826]

any recommendations on a decent 5.1 speaker system, around the $400- 500 range? looking for small front and rear's that can be mounted on wall. I already have all the speaker wire , 14 AWG, ran.

Quick subwoofer question - should i look for a powered or non-powered sub? does the connection make a difference, i.e see above where the speaker wire is already ran.

[Entropy]

Does it have to be 5.1?

You can get some really good deals on 7.1 systems.

I picked up a ONKYO HT-S7100 for around $630 a little over a year ago that I'm really happy with.

New Egg is running a good sale on some systems right now.

Newegg.com - ONKYO HT-S6300 7.1-Channel Home Theater System With iPod Dock

[Mike Mercury]

Originally Posted by mikeg826

any recommendations on a decent 5.1 speaker system, around the $400- 500 range?

there isn't a "decent" 5.1 speaker system for $500. Heck; my center channel speaker alone was $425.

Quick subwoofer question - should i look for a powered or non-powered sub?

powered.

does the connection make a difference,

Powered subwoofers have line-level (RCA -type- connector and shielded coax -type- wire)

[mikeg826]

Originally Posted by Entropy

Does it have to be 5.1?

You can get some really good deals on 7.1 systems.

I picked up a ONKYO HT-S7100 for around $630 a little over a year ago that I'm really happy with.

New Egg is running a good sale on some systems right now.

Newegg.com - ONKYO HT-S6300 7.1-Channel Home Theater System With iPod Dock

I only ran for 5.1, I know , I should have taken the extra time to do all, but was limited on how much time. Besides I don't think the room size/layout would benefit from 7.1 as the speakers would be on top of each other.
If the rears could be wireless I could get away with it.

[mikeg826]

Originally Posted by Mike Mercury

there isn't a "decent" 5.1 speaker system for $500. Heck; my center channel speaker alone was $425.



powered.



Powered subwoofers have line-level (RCA -type- connector and shielded coax -type- wire)

So with a powered sub, Can I utilize the 14AWG already there, or would I need to run new?

Mike, I understand $500 is low-end for a full speaker system, but that's the budget I've set for this. Next house will get the better system

[Exotix]

You can't lose with a set of Polk 2 x 6.5 mid-range/silk dome tweeter towers & Center Channel ensemble and I recommend a Dayton 12" Titanic Powered subwoofer ... (most receivers have the subwoofer out as opposed to powered subwoofer out now) ...

This ensemble has the biggest bang for the buck in terms of sound quality and price ...

[joecaver]

Take a look at these. Find a dealer near you that has them and go try them out. That is what I did and I was very surprised at the sound. I am very happy with them. I'm sure for more money you can get better but for a budget these are nice.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1297876096&sr=1-1
There are a lot of reviews on line for this system too.

[thkauffman]

Originally Posted by Exotix

You can't lose with a set of Polk 2 x 6.5 mid-range/silk dome tweeter towers & Center Channel ensemble and I recommend a Dayton 12" Titanic Powered subwoofer ... (most receivers have the subwoofer out as opposed to powered subwoofer out now) ...

This ensemble has the biggest bang for the buck in terms of sound quality and price ...

Says the guy who swears by Pyle...

[War Eagle ZO6]

Monster Cable and Pyle.

[Exotix]

Originally Posted by thkauffman

Says the guy who swears by Pyle...

Oh, well, nobody minds that I get sustained jet-liner take-off and landing dB's ... so mine is a whole different breed of sound reinforcement than the guy who wants something aesthetically pleasing and of the best sound quality for the least price .... as opposed to no-expense spared monolithic towers that are *com'n to get you for the purpose of boot'n your azz into the stratosphere* ...

[thkauffman]

Originally Posted by Exotix

Oh, well, nobody minds that I get sustained jet-liner take-off and landing dB's ... so mine is a whole different breed of sound reinforcement than the guy who wants something aesthetically pleasing and of the best sound quality for the least price .... as opposed to no-expense spared monolithic towers that are *com'n to get you for the purpose of boot'n your azz into the stratosphere* ...

Yes, because you have a degree and use CAD and know something about THD.

[War Eagle ZO6]

Originally Posted by Exotix

Oh, well, nobody minds that I get sustained jet-liner take-off and landing dB's ... so mine is a whole different breed of sound reinforcement than the guy who wants something aesthetically pleasing and of the best sound quality for the least price .... as opposed to no-expense spared monolithic towers that are *com'n to get you for the purpose of boot'n your azz into the stratosphere* ...

we are gonna need to see pics

[Exotix]

Originally Posted by thkauffman

Yes, because you have a degree and use CAD and know something about THD.

Does come in handy when one embarks on designing ones' own crossovers ...

[War Eagle ZO6]

Originally Posted by Exotix

Does come in handy when one embarks on designing ones' own crossovers ...

don't you build the cabinets too?

[Exotix]

Originally Posted by War Eagle ZO6

don't you build the cabinets too?

Quit kidding ... you can't find my stuff even at high-end audio oultets ...

[War Eagle ZO6]

Originally Posted by Exotix

Quit kidding ... you can't find my stuff even at high-end audio oultets ...

I imagine flea markets huh??



I KID I KID

[Exotix]

Originally Posted by War Eagle ZO6

I imagine flea markets huh??



I KID I KID

[Mike Mercury]

Originally Posted by mikeg826

So with a powered sub, Can I utilize the 14AWG already there, or would I need to run new?

since powered "anything" requires 600 ohm coax wire... "twin-lead" will not work.

But, subs are less critical than all other speakers in a 5.1 setup - as far as placement goes.

Mike, I understand $500 is low-end for a full speaker system, but that's the budget I've set for this. Next house will get the better system

well; I guess I was a bit crass there :sorry:

I have been amazed at the quality of sound of some of these "ALL IN ONE CARDBOARD SHIPPING BOX" surround sound speaker systems for sale at retailers.

The key is to used matched drivers; and these all-in-one-box systems do just that. Even though the front/center/rear cabinets may contain inexpensive drivers.... they are usually the same driver.

I truly hate listening to a guys system that's a mutt-mix of different model speakers/mfgrs. Each speaker mfgr/model has it's own unique tonal characteristics.

Having Sansui fronts, a JBL center, and Pioneer rear speakers creates a muddy mess of differing tonal qualities competing against each other.

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by mikeg826

I only ran for 5.1, I know , I should have taken the extra time to do all, but was limited on how much time. Besides I don't think the room size/layout would benefit from 7.1 as the speakers would be on top of each other.
If the rears could be wireless I could get away with it.

You might be able to get a better deal on a 7.1 since it's more popular these days. You don't have to hook up the extra speakers, but it's there if you want to wire them in eventually.

[themonk]

Originally Posted by joecaver

Take a look at these. Find a dealer near you that has them and go try them out. That is what I did and I was very surprised at the sound. I am very happy with them. I'm sure for more money you can get better but for a budget these are nice.

Amazon.com: Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black): Home Audio & Theater

There are a lot of reviews on line for this system too.

I have a set of Energies and they are loud and clear.