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need advise to select a speaker system < $500 (Klipsch/Energy/Infinity/HK/ML)

post #1 of 35
2/11/12 at 7:35am
Thread Starter 
Hello All,

I am trying to decide between the following 5.1 speaker systems for my Yamaha RX-A700 and I am really not sure which one is better. The main purpose would be to watch movies in my rec. room (20x18). My budget is < $500. Please help me make a decision on this. if you think that some systems should not even be on this list please let me know - that would help too

1. Klipsch HD 1000 - $398
2. Energy 5.1 Take Classic - $352
3. Harmon Kardon HKTS 30BQ - $445
4. Infinity TSS-800CHR - $342
5. Martin Logan MLT-1 - $336

It is hard to find a place where I can listen to all of them so your suggestions will be very helpful to me. Thanks in advance!
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Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #2 of 35
2/11/12 at 7:56am
I bought the Pioneer 5.0 set from BB and have been very happy so far. I run them with a Denon 791 and with a little tweaking they sound good to me.
There is a long thread about these in this forum. Just like everything else some like them and some don't.
Some prefer them over their Polk 60 speakers.
Best buy price was $304 after taxes and it is the set with the 2 towers.
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post #3 of 35
2/11/12 at 8:09am
I suggest that you look at these; Jamo S426HCs3 for $325 on Amazon.

These front speakers go low enough in frequency and are powerful enough that you will get better sound out of them than the el cheapo micro-speakers and "subwoofers" that come with those systems you listed.

Most of those tiny "subwoofers" in those systems are pathetic little boxes that put out distorted bass and not much of it.

Good deal for the price. I think. This is one of the few inexpensive systems that have adequate front speakers. Tiny speakers are OK for satellites, but not for the front. Even if you had a decent subwoofer, it can't make up for tiny front speakers.

Avoid front speakers that have drivers smaller than 4 inches; you will get tired of those real fast.




Quote:
Originally Posted by mikewebq View Post

Hello All,

I am trying to decide between the following 5.1 speaker systems for my Yamaha RX-A700 and I am really not sure which one is better. The main purpose would be to watch movies in my rec. room (20x18). My budget is < $500. Please help me make a decision on this. if you think that some systems should not even be on this list please let me know - that would help too

1. Klipsch HD 1000 - $398
2. Energy 5.1 Take Classic - $352
3. Harmon Kardon HKTS 30BQ - $445
4. Infinity TSS-800CHR - $342
5. Martin Logan MLT-1 - $336

It is hard to find a place where I can listen to all of them so your suggestions will be very helpful to me. Thanks in advance!
Reply
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post #4 of 35
2/11/12 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikewebq View Post

Hello All,

I am trying to decide between the following 5.1 speaker systems for my Yamaha RX-A700 and I am really not sure which one is better. The main purpose would be to watch movies in my rec. room (20x18). My budget is < $500. Please help me make a decision on this. if you think that some systems should not even be on this list please let me know - that would help too

1. Klipsch HD 1000 - $398
2. Energy 5.1 Take Classic - $352
3. Harmon Kardon HKTS 30BQ - $445
4. Infinity TSS-800CHR - $342
5. Martin Logan MLT-1 - $336

It is hard to find a place where I can listen to all of them so your suggestions will be very helpful to me. Thanks in advance!

The Pioneers at Best Buy with a BIC F12 would be a good fit for your budget.

If you want the Jamo system, it is VASTLY less expensive at Fry's:

http://www.frys.com/product/6680684?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Personally, for a room that big I would probably start with a 3.1 system of some Primus P162's and PC350 speaker plus a BIC F12.

http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/primus.html

A couple of coupon codes will get the price on front three down to $280. The BIC F12 can be had for $182 here:

http://www.nothingbutsoftware.com/ca...175658&ai=1550

Or a couple of Polk Monitor 60 or Monitor 50 and a matching center on sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=Polk%20Audio

Then save up and get the surrounds later. I personally think that start with a competent front three (which do 90% of the work) and a decent sub would leave you much more satisfied in the long run than any of the systems you mention in your posting.

You have a big enough room those are probably going to struggle.
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post #5 of 35
2/11/12 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman View Post

I suggest that you look at these; Jamo S426HCs3 for $325 on Amazon.

These front speakers go low enough in frequency and are powerful enough that you will get better sound out of them than the el cheapo micro-speakers and "subwoofers" that come with those systems you listed.

Most of those tiny "subwoofers" in those systems are pathetic little boxes that put out distorted bass and not much of it.

Good deal for the price. I think. This is one of the few inexpensive systems that have adequate front speakers. Tiny speakers are OK for satellites, but not for the front. Even if you had a decent subwoofer, it can't make up for tiny front speakers.

Avoid front speakers that have drivers smaller than 4 inches; you will get tired of those real fast.

I dont know where the OP lives but if he has a Fry's Electronics close by the s426 HCS3 can be had for $179 this weekend.
http://www.frys.com/product/6680684?...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

If you're gonna spend $325 (plus $32 shipping), you might as well spend $399 and get the S606 system which has better Jamo speakers.
http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-S606HCS3-...8986405&sr=8-5

I wouldn't want any of those small satellite systems for a 20 x 18 room.
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post #6 of 35
2/11/12 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

i wouldn't want any of those small satellite systems for a 20 x 18 room.

x2
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post #7 of 35
2/11/12 at 11:09am
IF you have the patience to wait, you can get from newegg these sale prices. You'll end up doing piece by piece but worth it. The sales are fairly regular, you just need to watch closely AND sign up for their regular emails.

All Polk Audio, all no tax (depending where you live), and all free shipping

Monitor 60's can be had for $99.99 ea

CS2 Center - $99.99 ea

Monitor 40's - $99.99 pr

PSW505 - $179.99

NOW, that's $580 so I'm not sure if your budget of $500 is firm. If so, be MORE patient

Get the 40's, the CS2, and the PSW505 and some 30's for $59.99 making the total $440 and when the budget allows, get the 60's and move the 40's to surrounds, and the 30's to back and you're ready for a decent 7.1 (which your receiver supports and probably the route I'd take in the situation you described). OR start 3.1 with the 60's, the CS2, and PSW505 for $480 then add the 40's when the budget allows. Many other combos like 4 40's the CS2 and the PSW505 for $480, ...

ALL will outperform the options you posted, BUT that is an opinion and we've all got one GOOD LUCK!
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post #8 of 35
2/11/12 at 11:13am
I'm not so sure the Monitor 60s would outperform the Jamo s606 towers. I think the Polks sound rather bright and I prefer a more balanced sound. The CS2 center and surrounds are larger than their Jamo counterparts though.

But everyone has different preferences. You may like the Monitor 60's better.
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post #9 of 35
2/11/12 at 1:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rakstr View Post

IF you have the patience to wait, you can get from newegg these sale prices. You'll end up doing piece by piece but worth it. The sales are fairly regular, you just need to watch closely AND sign up for their regular emails.

+1 ^^^^^
Being patient and waiting for Newegg sales is worth it. I picked up a Energy Take 5 pack for $180 the other day there. That would leave you enough to get a $320 subwoofer to go with them. What I liked about the Energy system besides the sound, is they were small and stylish enough to keep the wife happy. I used monoprice wall mounts front stands and they are very unobtrusive.
- Joe
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post #10 of 35
2/11/12 at 1:52pm
Hey all, I live on Kauai where the only speakers to listen to r at Sears. Cost of living in Paradise. I have a 10 year old Panasonic HTIB system. It is crapping out on me.
I have a small room 15'x10' and a 42" plasma Panavision HDTV

Want my system primarily for movies and Netflix etc. Not into really loud high volume usage but want a satisfying theater experience. I am not an apple person, no smart phone or other gadgets.
As I have been reading these forum posts more questions come up than I had thought of myself.
Since I live in hawaii in a place where there is no "stereo store" how concerned should I be about "firmware updates"? Warranties.
I like the idea of buying quality at a time as this is probably my system for quite a while.
I am wondering about things I should know about that will be coming down the pike that i should know about.
Currently I have about 1K to start with. Have been looking at the Denon avrs.
How do u know different speakers will work together and I am willing to wait to get speakers on sale after new series are brought out
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post #11 of 35
2/11/12 at 2:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kauaidoug View Post

Hey all, I live on Kauai where the only speakers to listen to r at Sears. Cost of living in Paradise. I have a 10 year old Panasonic HTIB system. It is crapping out on me.
I have a small room 15'x10' and a 42" plasma Panavision HDTV

Want my system primarily for movies and Netflix etc. Not into really loud high volume usage but want a satisfying theater experience. I am not an apple person, no smart phone or other gadgets.
As I have been reading these forum posts more questions come up than I had thought of myself.
Since I live in hawaii in a place where there is no "stereo store" how concerned should I be about "firmware updates"? Warranties.
I like the idea of buying quality at a time as this is probably my system for quite a while.
I am wondering about things I should know about that will be coming down the pike that i should know about.
Currently I have about 1K to start with. Have been looking at the Denon avrs.
How do u know different speakers will work together and I am willing to wait to get speakers on sale after new series are brought out

I think you should probably start your own thread.
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post #12 of 35
2/11/12 at 6:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwe416 View Post

I bought the Pioneer 5.0 set from BB and have been very happy so far. I run them with a Denon 791 and with a little tweaking they sound good to me.
There is a long thread about these in this forum. Just like everything else some like them and some don't.
Some prefer them over their Polk 60 speakers.
Best buy price was $304 after taxes and it is the set with the 2 towers.

very true. I am a bit of a brand snob and I really enjoy the BB Pio 5 speaker set.
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post #13 of 35
2/11/12 at 6:48pm
Thread Starter 
I was planning to get satellites because they were not bulky especially with the klipsch HD1000 since it was very good deal but now I see why I should not get satellites. Is there a Klipsch equivalent to the Polk configuration that you have suggested? Is the VF-35 good or bulkier than the monitor 60?

I will keep an eye on newegg deals, the monitor 60 black is 129 compared to cherry (99). I will wait for a few days to see if i can get a good deal. My $500 is not firm so I dont mind going a bit over this budget
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post #14 of 35
2/11/12 at 7:02pm
Vanns has the lower model Klipsch Icon series on discount, although I don't know much about them.
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post #15 of 35
2/11/12 at 7:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikewebq View Post

I was planning to get satellites because they were not bulky especially with the klipsch HD1000 since it was very good deal but now I see why I should not get satellites. Is there a Klipsch equivalent to the Polk configuration that you have suggested? Is the VF-35 good or bulkier than the monitor 60?

I will keep an eye on newegg deals, the monitor 60 black is 129 compared to cherry (99). I will wait for a few days to see if i can get a good deal. My $500 is not firm so I dont mind going a bit over this budget

This week the cherry, next week the black, or visa versa, sometimes both That's why I say patience!!!!! I have purchased the black version of all the speakers I mentioned at the price I mentioned over the past 3-4 months
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post #16 of 35
2/13/12 at 8:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

I'm not so sure the Monitor 60s would outperform the Jamo s606 towers. I think the Polks sound rather bright and I prefer a more balanced sound. The CS2 center and surrounds are larger than their Jamo counterparts though.

But everyone has different preferences. You may like the Monitor 60's better.

That's my opinion as well.

Like the Jamo's from what I've heard and would make a nice system. If you can upgrade a little, I really like the HTD Level Two speakers that I've had for a few weeks now. $399 for the towers, $129 for the center then wait on the surrounds.

As been brought up a million times and I buy into the same rational, buy as good as fronts as you can now, and save up for the center and surrounds. You won't get the instant sastification like you would spending less on a kit but you will be much happier in the coming years and not wonder "what if." Well you will ALWAYS wonder what if but a lot less if you buy better quality now.
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post #17 of 35
2/13/12 at 8:55am
abt.com has the Definitive Tech pro60.6 (not the pro 600) for under $400. very nice system for the money.
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post #18 of 35
2/15/12 at 10:01pm
Thread Starter 
After reading all the replies and other threads in this forum, I feel it is better to increase my budget. I am now leaning towards buying:

Infinity Primus P362 (2 x $179),PC350 ($129),P152 ($74 ea.) @ crutchfield. I am not sure which sub woofer I should choose.

what do you think?
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post #19 of 35
2/16/12 at 2:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikewebq View Post

After reading all the replies and other threads in this forum, I feel it is better to increase my budget. I am now leaning towards buying:

Infinity Primus P362 (2 x $179),PC350 ($129),P152 ($74 ea.) @ crutchfield. I am not sure which sub woofer I should choose.

what do you think?

What is your budget for the sub?
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post #20 of 35
2/16/12 at 5:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bladerunner6 View Post

What is your budget for the sub?

< 200 or 250, this way I will stay within $1000 for all the speakers.
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post #21 of 35
2/16/12 at 5:54am
Thread Starter 
Are these speakers a good choice for < $1000? I have not heard them but I have been reading good reviews. I am about to pull the trigger ... any thoughts?
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post #22 of 35
2/16/12 at 6:07am
Crutchfield has retail showrooms in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg VA. How far is that from you? Perhaps you could demo the Infinity speakers there.
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post #23 of 35
2/16/12 at 6:15am
The Infinity 362's usually get very good reviews in the $200 each price range. I think they are a good speaker if that helps.

But not sure if you will like them. As the above said, try and demo them somewhere
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post #24 of 35
2/16/12 at 6:17am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

Crutchfield has retail showrooms in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg VA. How far is that from you? Perhaps you could demo the Infinity speakers there.

Harrisonburg is about 2.5 hrs drive. I had heard infinity speakers at a friend of a friend's place overseas but I don't know the details of those speakers - perhaps it was a higher end. I liked what I heard . what I meant to say in my earlier post is that I have not heard the primus series.
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post #25 of 35
2/16/12 at 6:27am
welcome to the crazy hobby of speakers.imo you will be very satisfied with the infinities in "your" room and don't get buyers remorse after like many do there are just to many options available and none of them are any better than another imo in this budget.these are way better than any thing you mentioned in your first post. the one thing i do recommand is purchacing a "good" sub it just brings allthe sound and felling together. just my 2 cents
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post #26 of 35
2/16/12 at 8:13am
Thread Starter 
I pulled the trigger on these speakers. I have to shop for a matching sub woofer and most importantly speaker wires

can you please suggest sub woofers than I can use with this set up?
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post #27 of 35
2/16/12 at 9:37am
for speaker wire i would look at monoprice and suggest 14 gauge

and as for subs imo

good--bic f-12 $190

better---bic pl200 $280

**best --hsu vtf 2mk $519 there are other internet direct companies with great subs.( svs , outlaw, rythmik )in $500-$700 range

**imo if you can wait and save to get one of these subs it will be well worth it
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post #28 of 35
2/19/12 at 9:40am
Thread Starter 
Thanks, I was thinking that it would be nice to get an infinity sub woofer so it will match the other speakers but is there any reason I should get other brands instead of infinity? I do not know much about speakers so please forgive me if this is a stupid question

I looked up online and I found some bad reviews about PS210 - most of them were reliability issues.

Please help me choose the last peice that will complete the system

I received L,R & center yesterday and the surround speakers will arrive on Monday. So far the sound seems to be a bit on the softer side.
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post #29 of 35
2/19/12 at 9:46am
you don't need to match brands of subwoofer wiith your speakers.
For $250 or less there are several options.

BIC F12
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F1...9673731&sr=8-1

Energy s10.3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882269026

Polk psw505
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...F8&me=&seller=
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post #30 of 35
2/19/12 at 4:03pm
Thread Starter 
I am trying to decide between Energy S10.3 and BIC F 12 - any recommendations? ( 55% movies, 45% music)
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