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Recommendations: Build piece meal or set.

337 views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  AbrasiveD 
#1 ·
Hi All,

I'm setting up a new TV in my basement and I wanted to add a 5.1 surround system. Currently I have 2 Infinity primus 162s down there that I'm not using. (I bought them with the intention of using them in our living room but they were too big/ungainly so they didn't last long). Right now they are just collecting dust.

I'm not on a super tight budget but would prefer to keep it under 500 if possible. I'm essentially deaf* in one ear and can't actually hear in stereo so I'm not looking for the most elite setup, just something that is decent.

Taking into account that I have 2 speakers already, would it be recommended to just sell those and get a fairly cheap system like the 5.1 energy classic? I was also looking at the vizio surround/bar system, but it doesnt look like it works that well with AVRs. I'm planning on upgrading the AVR in the living room and using the old AVR which is a Denon 1712 in the basement w/whatever I end up going with. Not sure it's possible to buy ~3 more speakers and a sub for around or under $500.

I've been doing research, but the amount of information/choices can be overwhelming. Figured I'd check in here and get a few opinions. :)

*I might get some hearing back in that ear, it depends if my health holds up for a long enough time to have surgery.

-Mike
 
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#2 ·
Yes, it is doable to get a left, right and center channel, plus a subwoofer for $500. I'd avoid sound bars and all-in-one systems. Another gentleman (actually several) had the same question and the same budget. Here is my similar answer:

E5Bi Bookshelf: http://emptek.com/e5bi.php

Andrew Robinson review: http://hometheaterreview.com/emp-tek...aker-reviewed/

My review: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/dbtreview.php?do=view_review&id=4850&ri=review

Cost = $225 for the pair. Add a third E5Bi for the center channel and you're at $337.50 (including shipping). A decent subwoofer should be added as the frequency response of these speakers are 60 Hz - 20 kHz plus/minus 3 dB.

Add a Dayton Sub 1200 for $129 (including shipping) at you're at $466.50: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-...m_campaign=pla

While I can assure you that the EMP Teks are quality speakers (I own them), the subwoofer is a budget subwoofer, but will provide you decent bass for the buck.

Another speaker option: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR at $127 / pair ($200 for three if you can buy them individually): http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS2...oneer+speakers If you go this direction, then you'll have more money for a better sub.

If you don't have speaker stands, I suggest you budget to get a pair.

Another suggestion from zieglj01 looks very interesting : Philharmonic Audio
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html
 
#3 ·
Yes, it is doable to get a left, right and center channel, plus a subwoofer for $500. I'd avoid sound bars and all-in-one systems. Another gentleman (actually several) had the same question and the same budget. Here is my similar answer:

E5Bi Bookshelf: http://emptek.com/e5bi.php

Andrew Robinson review: http://hometheaterreview.com/emp-tek...aker-reviewed/

My review: http://www.avsforum.com/forum/dbtreview.php?do=view_review&id=4850&ri=review

Cost = $225 for the pair. Add a third E5Bi for the center channel and you're at $337.50 (including shipping). A decent subwoofer should be added as the frequency response of these speakers are 60 Hz - 20 kHz plus/minus 3 dB.

Add a Dayton Sub 1200 for $129 (including shipping) at you're at $466.50: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-...m_campaign=pla

While I can assure you that the EMP Teks are quality speakers (I own them), the subwoofer is a budget subwoofer, but will provide you decent bass for the buck.

Another speaker option: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR at $127 / pair ($200 for three if you can buy them individually): http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS2...oneer+speakers If you go this direction, then you'll have more money for a better sub.

If you don't have speaker stands, I suggest you budget to get a pair.

Another suggestion from zieglj01 looks very interesting : Philharmonic Audio
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html
Hey dsrussell,

Thanks for the reply! I think I actually read your post in another thread. In your recommendation, I guess the Infinity P162s would be the rear speakers? (I ask because they are pretty big and I'd need to figure out how/where to mount them. Right now the couch is backed up to 2 L shaped desks.. without a lot of room on one side. I think subconsciously I was hedging on having small(er) speakers in the back and that's why I was leaning towards an all-in-one system... I might have to talk to the wife about rearranging the room lol. >_<

I have stands for the P162s but don't have spares so I'd have to take that into consideration unless I can mount/live with the P162's on the desk slightly behind the couch - altho that may be too narrow..
 
#4 ·
^^ It is a bit odd to have larger speakers with larger drivers for your rear channel. Normally one chooses a small satellite speaker for the rears (as you indicated yourself) since the audio information is limited to just enhancing the surround effect … such as something like these: http://emptek.com/e3b.php Does that mean you can't use the p162 for the rears? Not at all. You can always try them to see how they sound with whatever you end up buying. Usually, the rears are placed several feet away on each side of you, and behind and above you a couple of feet, but you would want to try out several different locations, because all rooms are different.

You never mentioned how you like the Infinities (other than not liking their looks and size). If you love their sound, you could keep them for your fronts and try and find their matching center channel on the used market (or a third p162). You want your front stage (right, center and left) to be timber matched (sound the same, or nearly the same). And if you don't love their sound? Then sell them, and get smaller rear speakers.

The more money you can save with speakers, allows you to buy a better subwoofer (which is very important).
 
#5 · (Edited)
Why not jus keep the 162s for the L/R and get the pc251 or pc351? They should be timbre matched enough. If you don't like it just return it and go with something else. Use the money you saved towards a beefier sub(s). You'll have a nice 3.1 set up down there.

But, if you're dead set on a 5.1 I'd get matching speakers all around. I'm too anal retentive to have mismatching speaker brands...
 
#6 ·
I think that might be what I end up doing. My upstairs setup is 2 p363s, pc351, and 2 mirage satellites (I forget what version)and a sub and I'm pretty happy with it. I might go with a 3.1 (get the center speaker and a sub) until I can figure out how I want to do the surround... or with what speakers. Maybe I'll check out the dimensions on the EMPteks and get those as surrounds.. I think I'd prefer something the size of the mirages...
 
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