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Noob needs some advice - 1000-1500k

post #1 of 14
2/3/13 at 1:14am
Thread Starter 
I'm looking at a new home theater system, with a limit of around $1500 or less. Room is 8h 14w 14l and the length of the room opens up into a dinning area. The total length is probably 40 feet.

A couple gotcha's - one, the speakers and receiver needs to be able to handle dual voltage. I'm currently overseas with the military and don't want to rely on a transformer. After a quick look the Yamaha receivers seem to handle 110v/220v if you get the world models. Two - I'm looking for a 5.1 system. I really like the DT ProCinema 600s but I believe they are only 110v so I'm looking for another option. I run all my media through a Mac Mini, no BlueRay player (everything gets ripped) and have a Wii. Everything is displayed on a Samsung 6000 series LCD.

Also I don't want anything huge.

I'm fairly new with home audio setup so I'm still reading up on all the options and learning lots.

Thanks
Edited by l0pht - 2/3/13 at 1:20am
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post #2 of 14
2/3/13 at 4:41am
fwiw, whats the reasoning of not relying on a voltage transformer/ converter. thats what they are made for.
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post #3 of 14
2/3/13 at 4:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by smasher50 View Post

fwiw, whats the reasoning of not relying on a voltage transformer/ converter. thats what they are made for.

The reasoning is that some of them have built in safety hazards and have killed people. One thing to avoid are the cheaper ones that are "auto transformers" and not isolation transformers.

If you buy a good one, it is merely a little inconvenient. When I had the problem I went with a good transformer and all was well.
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post #4 of 14
2/3/13 at 6:25am
Since the speakers are passive, except for the subwoofer, all you would have to do when you return to the states would be get a new subwoofer. The speakers don't care what voltage the receiver is running off of...lol.

That would be a perfect opportunity to upgrade, since the subwoofer that comes with those small speaker systems are not very good anyway.
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post #5 of 14
2/3/13 at 6:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman View Post

Since the speakers are passive, except for the subwoofer, all you would have to do when you return to the states would be get a new subwoofer. The speakers don't care what voltage the receiver is running off of...lol.

That would be a perfect opportunity to upgrade, since the subwoofer that comes with those small speaker systems are not very good anyway.

That's what I'm looking for. So what do you suggest???

smile.gif
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post #6 of 14
2/3/13 at 6:49am
Most of the small package systems are pretty weak, because they have 2.5" or 3" main drivers in the front speakers. Way too small for your room.

I would want to get a pair of front speakers that have drivers that are at least 5 inches/130 mm in diameter.

Then get a matching center speaker and a pair of compatible rear speakers.

It's hard to know what you have access to there , or what prices are like.

What brands or systems can you get?

KEF stuff is nice.

Maybe you can find a subwoofer that has a dual-voltage switch on it, so you can bring it back?
Edited by commsysman - 2/3/13 at 7:13am
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post #7 of 14
2/3/13 at 7:00am
The Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 55 is an EXCELLENT speaker, and sell for $598 per pair in the USA.

If you can get a pair of those, jump on them.

They are large enough for your room, and you can add a center and satellite speakers to go with them.

The DT ProCenter 1000 would be good for the center, and the ProMonitor 800s for satellites.

That system would be about $1000 in the USA, but your prices may be quite different.

The front speakers are where 90% of your sound comes from, so they are JOB ONE!
Edited by commsysman - 2/3/13 at 7:11am
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post #8 of 14
2/3/13 at 7:55am
To add to commysman suggestion, the speaker that the sm55 replaced, the SM 350/450 have huge discounts in pricing right now. You can get a pair if sm350s for 170! I have that speaker (and the sm450s) and that is one excellent speaker, for the money.
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post #9 of 14
2/28/13 at 10:22am
Thread Starter 
What KEF speakers would you recommend?
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post #10 of 14
2/28/13 at 10:23am
Thread Starter 
Keep in mind I want bookshelf style (they needs stands though) speakers.
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post #11 of 14
2/28/13 at 10:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by l0pht View Post

Keep in mind I want bookshelf style (they needs stands though) speakers.

Since you are overseas, are you looking for speakers that you can purchase where you are? Or are you going to buy in the US and have them shipped overseas (I am assuming you are US military)?
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post #12 of 14
2/28/13 at 10:47am
Thread Starter 
I have an APO so buying them from the US is possible and probably cheaper but can also buy them in Germany.
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post #13 of 14
2/28/13 at 11:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elihawk View Post

To add to commysman suggestion, the speaker that the sm55 replaced, the SM 350/450 have huge discounts in pricing right now. You can get a pair if sm350s for 170! I have that speaker (and the sm450s) and that is one excellent speaker, for the money.

On that same topic I'm looking at the SM45s and am now intrigued with the SM450s. If I can save $100 on the pair I'm going that direction if the difference between the two sets of speakers are not that different.

My question is what is the comparison between the outgoing and current offerings? I know the 450s have larger drivers (6.5" vs the 45s 5.25") and the addition of a bass radiator. Is it just a visual change?
Also, what center channel goes with either the SM45 or SM450? The CS-8040hd, ProCenter 1000, or Procenter 2000? The LCR center channel that paired with the 350/450 is discontinued.

Your Thoughts?
John
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post #14 of 14
2/28/13 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by l0pht View Post

I have an APO so buying them from the US is possible and probably cheaper but can also buy them in Germany.

In that case, I'll recommend the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE, CMT-340 SE center, and HTM-200 SE for surrounds.
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