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Please help me set up 5.1

post #1 of 29
10/21/12 at 2:26pm
Thread Starter 
Hello, and thanks in advance for anyone's help! I recently moved to a home whose basement is pre-wired for surround. Here is a link to a picture of the basement:
http://i47.tinypic.com/24f0b61.jpg
The floor is carpeted. I've red-circled the location of the front left and right wires, and also one of the rear channel wires.
The distance between the two front speakers would be around 14 feet. The distance from the speaker to the rear speaker is about 22 ft. The ceilings are 9 feet high. The room itself extends another 8 feet behind the where the rear speaker wires are. I currently have a 47" LG 3DTV with a blu ray player.
The main purpose of the system would be for TV/movies and gaming.
I am on a bit of a budget, so I'm looking to set up a system that is "adequate enough" for the room design. I would appreciate any advice! Some of the questions I'm trying to figure out include size of subwoofer, front tower speakers vs. non tower (and if non-tower, then where to place them), type of receiver, etc.


Edited by HooHaa - 10/21/12 at 2:44pm
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post #2 of 29
10/21/12 at 2:46pm
That's a pretty big space. I think 14 ft between your front speakers is probably not an optimal placement. In any case, we need to know a budget to better make suggestions.
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post #3 of 29
10/21/12 at 3:02pm
Thread Starter 
Hi postrokfan
Thanks for your message. Do you think the speakers should be closer to each other or further apart? There's about 2' available to the outside of each front speaker port.
Budget-wise, I guess going into this I have don't have a solid idea of what is reasonable. I was thinking maybe $300-400 for the speakers and another $200-$300 for the receiver, but I don't know if I am being realistic. I appreciate your thoughts
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post #4 of 29
10/21/12 at 3:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

Hi postrokfan
Thanks for your message. Do you think the speakers should be closer to each other or further apart? There's about 2' available to the outside of each front speaker port.
Budget-wise, I guess going into this I have don't have a solid idea of what is reasonable. I was thinking maybe $300-400 for the speakers and another $200-$300 for the receiver, but I don't know if I am being realistic. I appreciate your thoughts

Yes, you want them closer. Consider this layout:


You are asking a lot on that budget for speakers in that size room. Do you have a Fry's nearby?
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post #5 of 29
10/21/12 at 3:50pm
Thread Starter 
No Fry's (I live on the east coast).But I have ordered from them online in the past. How far apart are the front speakers in the layout you showed? The rear speakers wires are currently about 2' behind the couch. Is that too far away? What do you think is a more realistic budget? Thanks
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post #6 of 29
10/21/12 at 3:59pm
6-8 ft would work well for distance between front speakers. I would recommend starting with 2.0 and then expanding from there when you can. I would consider the Infinity P363 towers. Some other options include the Polk Monitor 70s/TSi 500 and the Pioneer FS52s (not sure the FS52s will fill that space however depending on how loud you like to listen).
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post #7 of 29
10/21/12 at 4:00pm
Thread Starter 
Do you think a set of budget speakers like the Energy 5.1 classics are too weak for this room/setup?
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post #8 of 29
10/21/12 at 4:01pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the advice
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post #9 of 29
10/21/12 at 4:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

Do you think a set of budget speakers like the Energy 5.1 classics are too weak for this room/setup?

Yes.
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post #10 of 29
10/21/12 at 4:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

Do you think a set of budget speakers like the Energy 5.1 classics are too weak for this room/setup?

100% yes. They will sound better than TV speakers, but you are asking too much IMHO.

If tower speakers will not work:

I would do a pair of these for the fronts:
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-P153-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B004649W1Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350860983&sr=8-3&keywords=Infinity+Primus

This for a center:
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-PC251-Two-way-Center-Channel/dp/B0046A8R5A/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1350860983&sr=8-6&keywords=Infinity+Primus

This has you at $300 shipped.

These for surrounds:
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-P143-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0044D3R7M/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1350860983&sr=8-9&keywords=Infinity+Primus

Then this receiver to save some money:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1612/DENON-AVR-1612-5.1-Channel-A/V-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

You will need a subwoofer but should save up for it.
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post #11 of 29
10/21/12 at 4:42pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ack_bk View Post

=
I would do a pair of these for the fronts:
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-P153-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B004649W1Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1350860983&sr=8-3&keywords=Infinity+Primus


I am sorry if this is an ignorant question: Can bookshelf speakers be placed on the carpeted floor?

Quote:
You will need a subwoofer but should save up for it.

How big/powerful a sub? Would I still need a sub if I am using tower speakers?
Thank you
Edited by HooHaa - 10/21/12 at 5:32pm
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post #12 of 29
10/21/12 at 7:04pm
You will need stands for book shelf speakers. Sanus offers some reasonably priced options. I would recommend 24-28 inch stands depending on your listening position. You want the tweeters at ear level.

Regarding the subwoofer, you will definitely need something pretty powerful to pressurize that room. Most likely, two subwoofers would work best. Some towers dig pretty deep but for movies you really need a subwoofer. I would recommend something from HSU research, SVS, or Rhythmik. Keep in mind, prices are going to be in the $600 range and up for appropriate options for that room. HSU research actually helps out with this on their site and recommends the model based on room size.
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post #13 of 29
10/23/12 at 6:22pm
Thread Starter 
Do you think the following subwoofer would come close for the room? It's on sale for $300

Klipsch Reference RW-12d

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780078&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102312&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102312-_-EMC-102312-Index-_-HomeAudioSpeakers-_-82780078-L027B

Also what are your thoughts on the Definitive Technology Bipolars? They're currently on sale for $199 per speaker
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post #14 of 29
10/23/12 at 7:25pm
What model bipolars are on sale for $199 each? Deftech makes some decent speakers. The bipolars are popular for HT but you have to avoid placing them in corners.

If you're going to spend $500 or more on a subwoofer I would check out the brands I already mentioned. More "bang for the buck."
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post #15 of 29
10/23/12 at 7:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by postrokfan View Post

What model bipolars are on sale for $199 each? Deftech makes some decent speakers. The bipolars are popular for HT but you have to avoid placing them in corners.
If you're going to spend $500 or more on a subwoofer I would check out the brands I already mentioned. More "bang for the buck."

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325015

Agreed on the subwoofer. I would only buy the Deftch sub if I needed a compact sub at a good price.
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post #16 of 29
10/23/12 at 7:51pm
That's a pretty good deal on those Deftech bipolar towers. I think they would work well in that large space as well. I would pass on the Klipsch subwoofer. Check out HSU Research since they have more budget-friendly deals.
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post #17 of 29
10/24/12 at 3:59am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by postrokfan View Post

What model bipolars are on sale for $199 each? Deftech makes some decent speakers. The bipolars are popular for HT but you have to avoid placing them in corners.
If you're going to spend $500 or more on a subwoofer I would check out the brands I already mentioned. More "bang for the buck."

The BP8Bs are on sale for $199 each. Ok I'll rule out the Klipsch subwoofer. Thanks!
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post #18 of 29
10/25/12 at 9:54am
Thread Starter 
I think I'm going to get the Definitive Technology Bipolars for my front speakers. Do I need to get a center speaker that is the same brand? Or can I match a different brand?
Also what are your thoughts on Pioneer SP-BS41-LR bookshelf spears as rear speakers in my set up?
Thank you
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post #19 of 29
10/25/12 at 1:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

I think I'm going to get the Definitive Technology Bipolars for my front speakers. Do I need to get a center speaker that is the same brand? Or can I match a different brand?
Also what are your thoughts on Pioneer SP-BS41-LR bookshelf spears as rear speakers in my set up?
Thank you

You 100% want a matching center channel speaker. I would not mix and match brands. This should match well with those towers:
http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-Speaker-Single-Black/dp/B000TD8XCU

The Pioneer speakers should be fine as surrounds, or you could stick with Deftech:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325059
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post #20 of 29
10/26/12 at 4:55pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ack_bk View Post

You 100% want a matching center channel speaker. I would not mix and match brands. This should match well with those towers:
http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-Speaker-Single-Black/dp/B000TD8XCU
The Pioneer speakers should be fine as surrounds, or you could stick with Deftech:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325059

For the center speaker, Instead of the C/L/R 2002, do you think the Deftech ProCenter 1000 could handle the job?
Also in terms of receivers, do you think this Yamaha is up to the task: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115389&Tpk=rx%20v371

Thanks!
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post #21 of 29
10/26/12 at 4:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ack_bk View Post

You 100% want a matching center channel speaker. I would not mix and match brands. This should match well with those towers:
http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-Speaker-Single-Black/dp/B000TD8XCU
The Pioneer speakers should be fine as surrounds, or you could stick with Deftech:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325059

For the center speaker, Instead of the C/L/R 2002, do you think the Deftech ProCenter 1000 could handle the job? http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-ProCenter-Compact-Speaker/dp/B000TDCJHK/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1351295563&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=definitive+technlology+center

Also in terms of receivers, do you think this Yamaha is up to the task: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115389&Tpk=rx%20v371

Thanks!
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post #22 of 29
10/26/12 at 5:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

For the center speaker, Instead of the C/L/R 2002, do you think the Deftech ProCenter 1000 could handle the job? http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-ProCenter-Compact-Speaker/dp/B000TDCJHK/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1351295563&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=definitive+technlology+center
Also in terms of receivers, do you think this Yamaha is up to the task: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882115389&Tpk=rx%20v371
Thanks!

I would get a pair of the SM-350, and use one as a center channel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325059

I would aim for more power, over the Yamaha receiver
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post #23 of 29
10/27/12 at 8:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by zieglj01 View Post

I would get a pair of the SM-350, and use one as a center channel
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325059
I would aim for more power, over the Yamaha receiver

Thanks for your advice. How many watts per channel would you recommend for the amp?
I'd love to get the SM-350 pair, but then I wouldn't have a use for the extra speaker. Is there anything else you would recommend?
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post #24 of 29
10/27/12 at 9:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

Thanks for your advice. How many watts per channel would you recommend for the amp?
I'd love to get the SM-350 pair, but then I wouldn't have a use for the extra speaker. Is there anything else you would recommend?

The pair of SM350 is cheaper than the C/L/R 2002, and is worth the extra speaker,
and may come in handy down the road.

You need a receiver that is efficient and puts out good power in surround mode
The 371 is weak >
http://www.hometheater.com/content/yamaha-rx-v371-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

The Denon 1612 is more efficient and powerful, doing over 70 watts in surround mode
http://www.hometheater.com/content/denon-avr-1612-av-receiver-ht-labs-measures

Go back to post #10, for the AC4L link on the Denon.
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post #25 of 29
10/28/12 at 11:05am
Thread Starter 
Ok so here's my checklist:
1) Front Speakers: Deftech BP8B, done
2) Center: Deftech SM350, done
3) Rears: Pioneer bookshelves, done
4) Receiver: Denon AVR 1612, done

Now the only thing left is the sub!
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post #26 of 29
10/28/12 at 11:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

Ok so here's my checklist:
1) Front Speakers: Deftech BP8B, done
2) Center: Deftech SM350, done
3) Rears: Pioneer bookshelves, done
4) Receiver: Denon AVR 1612, done
Now the only thing left is the sub!

Looking good. What is your budget for the sub?
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post #27 of 29
10/28/12 at 12:02pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ack_bk View Post

Looking good. What is your budget for the sub?

I have to say I ended up going over-budget with everything else.
Front Speakers: $400
Center: $199
Rears: $150
Receiver: $190
TOTAL SO FAR: $950
I'm already quite a bit over what I had initially budgeted. At the same time, I've come this far so I feel like now's not the time to skimp out! Basically I'm looking to get the lowest-priced sub I can find that can still power the size of the room (~4500 cubic feet). Thanks for any suggestions! The finish line is close on this thread tongue.gif
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post #28 of 29
10/28/12 at 12:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HooHaa View Post

I have to say I ended up going over-budget with everything else.
Front Speakers: $400
Center: $199
Rears: $150
Receiver: $190
TOTAL SO FAR: $950
I'm already quite a bit over what I had initially budgeted. At the same time, I've come this far so I feel like now's not the time to skimp out! Basically I'm looking to get the lowest-priced sub I can find that can still power the size of the room (~4500 cubic feet). Thanks for any suggestions! The finish line is close on this thread tongue.gif

PA-150. You can find them for $300-350 shipped.
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post #29 of 29
11/3/12 at 2:32pm
Thread Starter 
So I ended up returning the Pioneer bookshelves that I got as rear speakers -- they were a bit too bulky and there wasn't an easy way to mount them.
I'm thinking of getting the Infinity Primus P143 that were suggested in the thread ($59/each), but was curious what other options I might find in that range. I'm looking for something that is ready to be wall-mounted.
Thanks!

EDIT: Nevermind, I decided to buy the Infinity Primus P143. Seems like a good deal on Amazon. I'll go with the Premier Acoustics PA-150 for the sub, just waiting to see if I can get it for closer to $300 (it's currently available for $350)
Edited by HooHaa - 11/3/12 at 2:42pm
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