AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › Are Energy Take Classic 5.1s still considered the best budget speakers?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Are Energy Take Classic 5.1s still considered the best budget speakers? - Page 2

post #31 of 62
6/14/12 at 12:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

What did you end up getting? Do you have it set up in a big room? I'm looking at maybe Polk Monitor 30's for fronts, Polk CS1 or CS2 for the center, and the Bic F12 sub. Maybe throw in a pair of Dayton's for $40 to serve as rears...

My room is 18x19 with vaulted ceilings. I went with the Polk monitor 50's for fronts, Polk CS1 for the center and the Polk DSW pro550wi sub. The wife put a constraint on the size of the sub, so I could not do anything bigger than a 10" sub. I purchased the fronts and center from Newegg for cheep and I picked up the sub from the Polk Audio Direct storefront on ebay. The sub was manufacture refurbished, but I could not tell the difference. I know it is not the best system out there, but for a budget build it sounds awesome. Additionally, I picked up the Polk OWM3 for $69 on Newegg for the rears. The wife also vetoed large rear speakers and these passed the test and are better than satellites IMO.
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #32 of 62
6/14/12 at 1:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

I wish the black ones were on sale - I don't really care for the red cabinets. Unfortunately due to the layout of the room we'll never really have a place for floorstanders... I'll have to wait until I start making the big bucks and we move somewhere with a big, dedicated living room.
What did you end up getting? Do you have it set up in a big room? I'm looking at maybe Polk Monitor 30's for fronts, Polk CS1 or CS2 for the center, and the Bic F12 sub. Maybe throw in a pair of Dayton's for $40 to serve as rears...
If you can go for L/R & center with a little larger driver size, get a little bit stronger sub, and then wait for your surrounds further down the road, I think you'd be much happier.

Two good subs to look at are the BIC PL-200 and Premier Acoustics PA-150. Was possible to get the PA-150 for $300 delivered. If it's still available at that price, definitely worth getting because it has more output than the BIC PL-200 and will have a little better SQ. Otherwise, the PL-200 is the step up from the BIC F12 in both output and SQ. I'm not sure what the best price at the moment on it is, but typically you can lowball Acoustic Sound Design and they'll counter with their best price.
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

I wish the black ones were on sale - I don't really care for the red cabinets.

They are definitely red, but the finish is very nice on them. Here are a few images of the Veritas series:

http://www.avsforum.com/t/630450/energy-owners-thread/33300#post_21192688
http://www.hifiexpert.eu/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/e/veritas-v-6-3-system.jpg
Reply
Reply
post #33 of 62
6/14/12 at 2:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

If you can go for L/R & center with a little larger driver size, get a little bit stronger sub, and then wait for your surrounds further down the road, I think you'd be much happier.

I only mentioned getting the surrounds because those Daytons are only $44.50/pair on Amazon right now. I don't think leaving them out to save $50 would really get me a whole lot more in the L/R, Center or sub department would it?

Looks like that PA-150 for $300 is over... back to to $448 and coupon code doesn't work anymore.
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 62
6/14/12 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

I only mentioned getting the surrounds because those Daytons are only $44.50/pair on Amazon right now. I don't think leaving them out to save $50 would really get me a whole lot more in the L/R, Center or sub department would it?
Looks like that PA-150 for $300 is over... back to to $448 and coupon code doesn't work anymore.

My vote would be to put the $50 into the subs front or center. You would be surprised how much more speaker you can get for an extra $50. However, that is always how I find my self spending more than I planed because for just a little more you can upgrade and then a little more than that an you can get even better...etc:D

Hey, I know you said one of the centers you wanted was the Polk CS1. Did you see newegg has it on sale for $64 shipped? Polk CS1. I have this and think it sounds awesome. This center would match the Monitor 30's you were looking at too and either keep the budget down or allow you to get a better sub or AVR.
Reply
Reply
post #35 of 62
6/14/12 at 2:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

However, that is always how I find my self spending more than I planed because for just a little more you can upgrade and then a little more than that an you can get even better...etc:D

That's where this is quickly headed I'm afraid...

My original budget was about $500 for everything (receiver + speakers)... but nobody seems to think that there's anything worth getting at that price. Now it's gotten up past $700 and I'm still not sure if what I'm looking at is any good frown.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

Hey, I know you said one of the centers you wanted was the Polk CS1. Did you see newegg has it on sale for $64 shipped? Polk CS1. I have this and think it sounds awesome. This center would match the Monitor 30's you were looking at too and either keep the budget down or allow you to get a better sub or AVR.

That's actually what inspired the whole change of perspective today tongue.gif My only concern with the Polk CS1/Monitor 30s is mounting them. I was hoping to put the center channel above the TV, but with the CS1 I'd probably have to build a shelf, which is more of a hassle than I'd care to deal with right now (baby due in 6 weeks and moving soon thereafter).
Reply
Reply
post #36 of 62
6/14/12 at 3:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

That's where this is quickly headed I'm afraid...
My original budget was about $500 for everything (receiver + speakers)... but nobody seems to think that there's anything worth getting at that price. Now it's gotten up past $700 and I'm still not sure if what I'm looking at is any good frown.gif
That's actually what inspired the whole change of perspective today tongue.gif My only concern with the Polk CS1/Monitor 30s is mounting them. I was hoping to put the center channel above the TV, but with the CS1 I'd probably have to build a shelf, which is more of a hassle than I'd care to deal with right now (baby due in 6 weeks and moving soon thereafter).

Congrats on the little one. I have one due in about 4 weeks:) I can see where that would be an issue. The CS1 center needs at least an 8" flat surface to sit on, so if you have a thin TV that might not be a good idea unless you can purchase it now while it is on sale and then set it up once you have a little more time.

I also would not worry about whatever you pick sounding good. I spent a little over $1k on my system and after reading many posts here I feel like I have a budget system, however I am happy with the way it all sounds for the money i spent and that is all that matters is that you are happy with it. If all you can afford is $500 and you are in a hurry to get a system then just pick what you think will be the best.
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 62
6/14/12 at 3:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

Congrats on the little one. I have one due in about 4 weeks:) I can see where that would be an issue. The CS1 center needs at least an 8" flat surface to sit on, so if you have a thin TV that might not be a good idea unless you can purchase it now while it is on sale and then set it up once you have a little more time.

Thanks - congrats to you as well smile.gif

Any idea if there are brackets that would work with the CS1? I've searched newegg and amazon but didn't see any that looked meant for a center as big as the CS1.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

I also would not worry about whatever you pick sounding good. I spent a little over $1k on my system and after reading many posts here I feel like I have a budget system, however I am happy with the way it all sounds for the money i spent and that is all that matters is that you are happy with it. If all you can afford is $500 and you are in a hurry to get a system then just pick what you think will be the best.

Yeah, I just would be a lot happier knowing I got the best I could for the money smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #38 of 62
6/14/12 at 4:39pm
Thread Starter 
I guess I should also make sure - I've got a Denon 1612 receiver. I assume that's good enough to power any of the options we've discussed in this thread?
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 62
6/14/12 at 4:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

Any idea if there are brackets that would work with the CS1? I've searched newegg and amazon but didn't see any that looked meant for a center as big as the CS1.

Check out these and see if this helps and then check out the thread. If you scroll to the last post the guy has a CS1 he has mounted above the TV.

center stage bracket

http://www.avsforum.com/t/999725/how-can-i-mount-my-center-channel-above-a-flatpanel-tv
Reply
Reply
post #40 of 62
6/14/12 at 5:08pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

Check out these and see if this helps and then check out the thread. If you scroll to the last post the guy has a CS1 he has mounted above the TV.
center stage bracket

http://www.avsforum.com/t/999725/how-can-i-mount-my-center-channel-above-a-flatpanel-tv

Hmmm... Those look pretty nice, but not sure I want 10 lbs of speaker pushing on the back of my tv. I was looking more for brackets or posts that would go into the wall and then just let the speaker rest on them (no screws or anything attached to the speaker). Something simple - like two pegs that come out from the wall, instead of a full-on shelf.
Reply
Reply
post #41 of 62
6/14/12 at 10:25pm
Thread Starter 
Alright, I bit the bullet and ordered the Polk CS1 from Newegg while they had it for $65 today. I think I've decided to go with the CS1 and Monitor 30s, now I'll have to figure out what to do about a sub. I don't need one that will shake the foundation, just one that will shore up action movies and the occasional loud 80's song.
Reply
Reply
post #42 of 62
6/15/12 at 5:17am
Congrats on the purchase. That is a heck of a deal and I think you will be happy with it. I know mine fills my living room no problem and sounds great.

As far as the sub, I think the first question is what is your budget on the sub. Without a budget you are leaving the door wide open and people will start suggesting $600-$800 subs. I am guessing you do not want to spend that much.
Reply
Reply
post #43 of 62
6/15/12 at 9:37am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

Congrats on the purchase. That is a heck of a deal and I think you will be happy with it. I know mine fills my living room no problem and sounds great.
As far as the sub, I think the first question is what is your budget on the sub. Without a budget you are leaving the door wide open and people will start suggesting $600-$800 subs. I am guessing you do not want to spend that much.

Thanks, feels good to have finally made a speaker purchase after so much agonizing over what to do biggrin.gif

For the sub, I'd like to stay under or around $300. Like I said, I don't need one that will shake the foundation of the house - Based on other's suggestions I've looked at the Bic F12 for $192, Polk PSW505 for $249, and the Bic PL200 Acoustech for #329.

I like the Polk because it seems pretty compact. The F12 seems huge. The PL200 is the most powerful, but also most expensive.
Reply
Reply
post #44 of 62
6/15/12 at 11:22am
The PSW505 is $199 shipped from Newegg through 6/17 (promo code EMCNDJE49). At that price, go for it over the F12.

However, since your open floor plan is 15x35, better to have the PL-200 with more power. It's more likely than not that you may need it.

Make Acoustic Sound Design an offer on the PL-200. I believe I remember reading that they will take $280 (hard to keep track of all the prices. LOL).
Reply
Reply
post #45 of 62
6/15/12 at 11:36am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

The PSW505 is $199 shipped from Newegg through 6/17 (promo code EMCNDJE49). At that price, go for it over the F12.

Oooh thanks for the heads up. It's like Newegg KNOWS what I'm looking at, haha. I know it's best to have matching center and front speakers; does that also apply to the sub? In other words, if I have the Polk CS1 and Monitors, is it best to stick with a Polk sub? Or does it not matter since subs are subs and there's no real sound matching to worry about?
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

However, since your open floor plan is 15x35, better to have the PL-200 with more power. It's more likely than not that you may need it.
Make Acoustic Sound Design an offer on the PL-200. I believe I remember reading that they will take $280 (hard to keep track of all the prices. LOL).

Is this site legit?? Haha... I've never heard of it before. I assume they charge for shipping though...? If I can get it for under $300 that'd be awesome.
Reply
Reply
post #46 of 62
6/15/12 at 12:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

Oooh thanks for the heads up. It's like Newegg KNOWS what I'm looking at, haha. I know it's best to have matching center and front speakers; does that also apply to the sub? In other words, if I have the Polk CS1 and Monitors, is it best to stick with a Polk sub? Or does it not matter since subs are subs and there's no real sound matching to worry about?

Nope. Subs don't need to match the same speaker line at all. Tonal match is important most for the front sound stage. Rear surrounds can make a little difference, but subs not at all.
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

Is this site legit?? Haha... I've never heard of it before. I assume they charge for shipping though...? If I can get it for under $300 that'd be awesome.

Yep. If you read through the PL-200 owners thread, I think you'll find most people buy from there (see this search result) smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #47 of 62
6/15/12 at 12:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

Nope. Subs don't need to match the same speaker line at all. Tonal match is important most for the front sound stage. Rear surrounds can make a little difference, but subs not at all.

Cool, good to know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

If you read through the PL-200 owners thread, I think you'll find most people buy from there (see this search result) smile.gif

Ok...I probably deserved the search comment tongue.gif Thanks for the links
Reply
Reply
post #48 of 62
6/15/12 at 12:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

.I probably deserved the search comment tongue.gif Thanks for the links

I didn't mean it that way. Hard to find things. This is a big, big site, and I know where to look smile.gif
Reply
Reply
post #49 of 62
6/15/12 at 3:09pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

I didn't mean it that way. Hard to find things. This is a big, big site, and I know where to look smile.gif

No worries, I wasn't offended anyway. Heaven knows I get frustrated with people on other forums who don't use the search function. I just joined AVS last month, still getting the hang of things. Searching here does seem to be a bit trickier than other forums I'm on though.
Reply
Reply
post #50 of 62
6/15/12 at 6:04pm
A speaker I have seen on websites, but not heard, is the Boston Acoustics A23. I have not found any specific reviews or posts on the A23. These speakers, especially the white ones, seem to be heavily discounted. Ayone heard the A23?
Edited by David HT guy - 6/15/12 at 6:37pm
Reply
Reply
post #51 of 62
6/18/12 at 12:16pm
Just I thought I would share this deal i came across on a cheap sub. Polk Audio PSWi-8M Wireless Powered Subwoofer, 8”, 70W RMS, 2.4GHz, Down-Firing, Ported
$79.99. I know it will not hit nearly as hard as the subs mentioned above, but for this price you could purchase two and still come out cheaper. Being wireless they could also be hidden a little easier. Only problem is the deal is only good for another 10 hours.
Reply
Reply
post #52 of 62
6/18/12 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark1280 View Post

Just I thought I would share this deal i came across on a cheap sub. Polk Audio PSWi-8M Wireless Powered Subwoofer, 8”, 70W RMS, 2.4GHz, Down-Firing, Ported
$79.99. I know it will not hit nearly as hard as the subs mentioned above, but for this price you could purchase two and still come out cheaper. Being wireless they could also be hidden a little easier. Only problem is the deal is only good for another 10 hours.

Yep, I saw that this morning too. I went ahead and ordered the PSW505 last night from Amazon for $199 (tax free). After reading reviews of it, a lot of people were really happy with how it sounded in their comparably large rooms. I also read that it's a little more musical than the PL200, even if it's not as powerful.

The wireless feature of the woot option is tempting, and the WAF for the smaller box would definitely be higher, but I think I'll be happy with the 505 (and she never has to know this smaller one was an option biggrin.gif)
Reply
Reply
post #53 of 62
6/18/12 at 12:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

(and she never has to know this smaller one was an option biggrin.gif)

Haha...lol! That is too funny. I recently did the same thing about a month ago with my sub purchase:)
Reply
Reply
post #54 of 62
6/18/12 at 12:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

Hmmm... Those look pretty nice, but not sure I want 10 lbs of speaker pushing on the back of my tv. I was looking more for brackets or posts that would go into the wall and then just let the speaker rest on them (no screws or anything attached to the speaker). Something simple - like two pegs that come out from the wall, instead of a full-on shelf.

Like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Pinpoint-Center-Channel-Speaker-Mount/dp/B002MP5JX4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1340048991&sr=8-2&keywords=center+channel+bracket
Reply
Reply
post #55 of 62
6/18/12 at 12:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

Like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Pinpoint-Center-Channel-Speaker-Mount/dp/B002MP5JX4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1340048991&sr=8-2&keywords=center+channel+bracket

That was it - I convinced my wife we needed a bigger table to put under the tv though - so now I'll be able to just put it there and not have to worry about mounts.

By the time I'm done buying stuff for this setup she's going to have a lot of $$ to hold over my head when she goes out shoe/clothes shopping...redface.gif
Reply
Reply
post #56 of 62
6/18/12 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

By the time I'm done buying stuff for this setup she's going to have a lot of $$ to hold over my head when she goes out shoe/clothes shopping...redface.gif

My wife does the same thing to me, but with designer purses. I am proactive and just buy her nice purses for birthdays and such, so when I want something she cannot say boo biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #57 of 62
6/18/12 at 9:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by blakeyj08 View Post

Yep, I saw that this morning too. I went ahead and ordered the PSW505 last night from Amazon for $199 (tax free). After reading reviews of it, a lot of people were really happy with how it sounded in their comparably large rooms. I also read that it's a little more musical than the PL200, even if it's not as powerful.)

Awesome! Can't be beat for $200. smile.gif

You'll have to let us know how it all sounds once you get it setup.
Reply
Reply
post #58 of 62
6/19/12 at 2:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

Awesome! Can't be beat for $200. smile.gif
You'll have to let us know how it all sounds once you get it setup.

Will do - now I just have to wait to be able to actually move in to the house. This whole buying process went much faster than anticipated biggrin.gif
Reply
Reply
post #59 of 62
6/19/12 at 10:46pm
Thread Starter 
Sorry to keep digging this thread up, but we just went over to the new house, and realized that the Polk Monitor 30's are going to be a little big to mount where the wiring currently comes out. I could move the keyhole bracket and feet and mount them horizontally, if needed, or else I'd have to punch through the wall somewhere else to get the wiring through the wall.

Anyway, while I was looking at mounts, I came across the Polk OWM3 speakers.

They'd be much easier to mount and a little less obtrusive - but will there be a significant change is audio quality (They would be the front L/R speakers with the Polk CS1 center and Polk PSW505 sub)? Both these and the Monitor 30's have good reviews, and are the same price, so I don't know which to go with!
Reply
Reply
post #60 of 62
6/19/12 at 11:05pm
Thread Starter 
And on a related note - is it even a good idea to unscrew the mount from the back of the 30 and reposition it along the long side of the cabinet? I read that it won't affect any wiring in the speaker, but will leaving holes where the bracket used to be mounted cause a problem?
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Speakers

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › Are Energy Take Classic 5.1s still considered the best budget speakers?