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Need speaker advice, up to $1k budget

post #1 of 17
9/24/12 at 2:54am
Thread Starter 
Hello there,

I've been lurking here for quite some time and appreciate all of the expertise and discussions.

I'm in the process of upgrading my sound from an old (6yr) LG HTIB with a passive sub which cost $250 back then.

So far I have a Denon AVR 1713, which seems really nice and the discussions over in the Receiver forum support that.

For speakers, my instinct is to go with a box set. Basically I don't know enough to pick out individuals and have it end well. To that effect, I'm considering the following.

Definitive Technologies ProCinema 600 - $799
http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-ProCinema-Speaker-System/dp/B000TDENA6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348480126&sr=1-1&keywords=definitive+technology+procinema+600

Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System - $399
http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348480155&sr=1-1&keywords=energy+5.1

My living room is about 16' x 16' and the system will primarily be used for watching movies and TV. Lots of Sci Fi, plus Kung Fu both recent releases and older stuff like Tron and Star Wars. TV is mostly the Science and Discovery Channels.

So, my question is, will I notice an improvement with the Definitive Technology over the Energy? Would I be better off buying the system piecemeal. If piecemeal, what would be recommended? I could stretch up to $1k if it would be worth it, I just wouldn't know where to put the extra money.

Thanks a ton!
-Paul
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post #2 of 17
9/24/12 at 4:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atredeis View Post

Hello there,
I've been lurking here for quite some time and appreciate all of the expertise and discussions.
I'm in the process of upgrading my sound from an old (6yr) LG HTIB with a passive sub which cost $250 back then.
So far I have a Denon AVR 1713, which seems really nice and the discussions over in the Receiver forum support that.
For speakers, my instinct is to go with a box set. Basically I don't know enough to pick out individuals and have it end well. To that effect, I'm considering the following.
Definitive Technologies ProCinema 600 - $799
http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-ProCinema-Speaker-System/dp/B000TDENA6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348480126&sr=1-1&keywords=definitive+technology+procinema+600
Energy 5.1 Take Classic Home Theater System - $399
http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1348480155&sr=1-1&keywords=energy+5.1
My living room is about 16' x 16' and the system will primarily be used for watching movies and TV. Lots of Sci Fi, plus Kung Fu both recent releases and older stuff like Tron and Star Wars. TV is mostly the Science and Discovery Channels.
So, my question is, will I notice an improvement with the Definitive Technology over the Energy? Would I be better off buying the system piecemeal. If piecemeal, what would be recommended? I could stretch up to $1k if it would be worth it, I just wouldn't know where to put the extra money.
Thanks a ton!
-Paul

The Energy is a very nice value but the Def Tech system does blow it away. Those passive radiators in the Pro Cinemas make those little guys sound like theyre much bigger. The soundstage is definitely better. Piece by piece will always net you a nicer setup. If you can't afford all 5 channels and the sub at once, start with just the front L and R and a subwoofer, and add as you can afford. The Energy Veritas 6.2 towers on sale at Vanns for 300/tower leave you with 400 left for a great sub. The HSU VTF-1 would be a great sub choice! BTW, Vanns offers 0% interest financing if you wanted to stretch the budget.
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post #3 of 17
9/24/12 at 5:05am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advice. As far as piecemeal, I'd like to get everything for a 5.1 system off the get go.

What about the Infinity Primus? Seems I can get 2 3-way P363 towers, a PC351 center, two P153 bookshelfs and a PS410 subwoofer for less than $1k.

Also, I have listened to the Definitives at a local Best Buy. They do sound great.

Thanks!
-Paul
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post #4 of 17
9/24/12 at 5:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atredeis View Post

Thanks for the advice. As far as piecemeal, I'd like to get everything for a 5.1 system off the get go.
What about the Infinity Primus? Seems I can get 2 3-way P363 towers, a PC351 center, two P153 bookshelfs and a PS410 subwoofer for less than $1k.
Also, I have listened to the Definitives at a local Best Buy. They do sound great.
Thanks!
-Paul

The Primus have a nice transient response but that's about it. I used to own those. They sounded a bit dull, although transparent. I'd go for something else personally, but they are okay.
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post #5 of 17
9/24/12 at 3:17pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks again, every little bit helps. I'm wondering if a $1k budget is overconstrained. Would going up a few hundred dollars open more doors?


Any thoughts on the procinema 800 vs 600? Seems like bigger speakers in the center and satellites along with a much better sub.
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post #6 of 17
9/24/12 at 3:46pm
My advice, if you can, is to avoid any sub that comes with a box set. Thoses subs are usually pretty poor. If you have room, look at the Energy 10.3 at Newegg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269026

It is a great value if you have the room for a slightly bigger box. It will be noticeably better sounding with the type of stuff you listen to, regardless of which satellite speakers you choose.
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post #7 of 17
9/24/12 at 3:55pm
2 pair of the HTD Level Two bookshelves, with the center channel - plus the
Energy sub listed above > will make you a nice system.
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-two-speakers
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post #8 of 17
9/24/12 at 4:17pm
The Procinema subwoofer series is actually pretty good for a compact setup. And the pro cinema 800 is going to be a bit more bass and slightly better dialogue from the center channel.
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post #9 of 17
9/24/12 at 5:10pm
5 NHT Superzero 2.0s and a Outlaw, HSU or Epik sub in your price range.
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post #10 of 17
9/24/12 at 5:44pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for all of the replies. I'm checking out the NHT, Energy and HTDs online now.

Also, size is not necessarily a restriction. The bookshelves are nice, but if towers are better sound per dollar, I'll certainly look into them for the fronts.

Looking again at the Procinema, the only ones I've actually listened to, the 1000 seems like a decent set. However, my thinking is drifting into the bigger is better area regarding driver size. I'm not sure that's entirely the case though.

That being said, I'm thinking of stretching the budget to $1500. Basically, I don't want to be looking for/wishing for upgrades a year or two from now.
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post #11 of 17
9/24/12 at 6:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atredeis View Post

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm checking out the NHT, Energy and HTDs online now.
Also, size is not necessarily a restriction. That being said, I'm thinking of stretching the budget to $1500. Basically, I don't want to be looking for/wishing for upgrades a year or two from now.

Then look at the HTD Level Three speakers - and Level Two bookshelves for surrounds >
and then a sub from HSU or Epik.
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-three-speakers

http://www.htd.com/Products/level-three-speakers/Level-THREE-Tower-Speakers
Edited by zieglj01 - 9/24/12 at 6:50pm
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post #12 of 17
9/25/12 at 3:09am
Thread Starter 
Thanks again, I've narrowed it down to three choices at this point. My better half doesn't want the towers due to appearance so bookshelves it is.

Another anecdote: Hearing dialogue is important. With the old LG system, at times I'd have to run the volume up to hear the dialogue and down for action/explosion sequences. That might be the receiver/decoding though. Either way, don't want to have that with the new system.

Lastly, it may be my newness to home audio, but I'd like to buy everything from one source unless there's a compelling advantage to using multiple vendors.

All opinions on the 3 setups below are welcome, as well as alternative suggestions. At the moment, I'm leaning HTD.

HTD ~$878
Level 2 Center + 4x Level 2 Bookshelves + Level 2 Sub (10")

NHT ~$1048
Absolute Center + 4x Superzero 2.0 Bookshelves + Super 8 sub (8")

Def Tech ProCinema 800
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post #13 of 17
9/25/12 at 5:00am
This is what is working for me in a room far larger than yours...

(Upgrading from an Onkyo HT-S5400 HTiB)

Mains: BIC DV64 Towers $240
Center: BIC DV-62CLRS $109
Surrounds: BIC DV62si $109
Rear Surrounds: BIC DV52siB $66
DIY Sub: $500

(If you're unfamiliar with BIC, check the reviews on Amazon.)

Speaker wire, stands, wall mounts, etc: $100.

Total cost: $1124

If I do it right, I'll have this $500 sub sounding better than a $1000 pre-fab; however, honestly, with your room size, I wouldn't even go for DIY, I would get the Lava LSP12 for $280. So...

DIY Sub: $500 Lava LSP12 12" Sub: $280

Total cost: $904

My system rocks and I love it. The Venturi drivers really sound phenomenal. Classical music is a joy to listen to now, as well as rock and house. Can't wait to get the sub project completed (currently using the Onkyo 10" from the HTiB package)...
Edited by mfrey0118 - 9/25/12 at 5:08am
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post #14 of 17
9/25/12 at 7:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atredeis View Post

Lastly, it may be my newness to home audio, but I'd like to buy everything from one source unless there's a compelling advantage to using multiple vendors.
All opinions on the 3 setups below are welcome, as well as alternative suggestions. At the moment, I'm leaning HTD.
HTD ~$878
Level 2 Center + 4x Level 2 Bookshelves + Level 2 Sub (10")
NHT ~$1048
Absolute Center + 4x Superzero 2.0 Bookshelves + Super 8 sub (8")
Def Tech ProCinema 800
I would get everything from one vender, except the sub - the ID sub companies,
will have subwoofers that perform better.

If you still decide to go with one vender, and you decide on HTD - then go with
the Level Three sub.
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-three-speakers/Level-THREE-Powered-Subwoofer
Edited by zieglj01 - 9/25/12 at 3:23pm
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post #15 of 17
9/25/12 at 2:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atredeis View Post

Thanks again, I've narrowed it down to three choices at this point. My better half doesn't want the towers due to appearance so bookshelves it is.
Another anecdote: Hearing dialogue is important. With the old LG system, at times I'd have to run the volume up to hear the dialogue and down for action/explosion sequences. That might be the receiver/decoding though. Either way, don't want to have that with the new system.
Lastly, it may be my newness to home audio, but I'd like to buy everything from one source unless there's a compelling advantage to using multiple vendors.
All opinions on the 3 setups below are welcome, as well as alternative suggestions. At the moment, I'm leaning HTD.
HTD ~$878
Level 2 Center + 4x Level 2 Bookshelves + Level 2 Sub (10")
NHT ~$1048
Absolute Center + 4x Superzero 2.0 Bookshelves + Super 8 sub (8")
Def Tech ProCinema 800

Just go with 5 superzeros for $500 and one of the ID subs for around $500-$600. If you go with NHT.
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post #16 of 17
9/25/12 at 6:41pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, ordered up the following from HTD:

HTD ~$954
Level 2 Center + 4x Level 2 Bookshelves + Level 3 Sub (12")

Should be here Monday and I can compare them to the Def Tech Procinema 600 from Best Buy. Same price for both sets out the door, but I'm thinking the bigger cabinets and drivers from HTD will give a better overall sound for the TV and movies this system will see.

Thank you for all of the suggestions and help!
-Paul
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post #17 of 17
9/25/12 at 7:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Atredeis View Post

Okay, ordered up the following from HTD:
HTD ~$954
Level 2 Center + 4x Level 2 Bookshelves + Level 3 Sub (12")
Should be here Monday and I can compare them to the Def Tech Procinema 600 from Best Buy. Same price for both sets out the door, but I'm thinking the bigger cabinets and drivers from HTD will give a better overall sound for the TV and movies this system will see.
Thank you for all of the suggestions and help!
-Paul

Good choice on HTD - they will be solid performers.
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