[profanitypete]

Let me preface this with thank you all for your help, I know there are dozens of these threads created daily. I'm looking to set up what will be a dedicated theater room in the house I just bought, and all I have right now is a subwoofer (Outlaw LFM-1 plus). The room is a finished attic, vaulted ceilings going up to 9', and about 16x22. Three walls are completely closed off, the other is somewhat open to the stairwell. I have pre-wired the room for 7.2 (going to buy another Outlaw eventually), but now need to pull the trigger on speakers and an AVR.


Specs:

$2000 budget for 7 speakers and AVR

16x22x9 vaulted ceiling room



Here's my wants/needs:

I need 7.1, 7.2 would be a bonus but at this point wouldn't be used.

I want Audyssey MultiEQ XT

I need wall mountable speakers for the surround and surround rears (haven't bought mounts yet)

I need either wall mountable or towers for the front sound stage

I need at least 4 HDMI inputs

I don't need analog inputs/outputs

I need a networked AVR

I want Airplay compatibility

I want to do the entire system now, but if absolutely necessary I will do 5 speakers if $2000 really isn't enough for 7.

 

[jonnythan]

Denon 2112: $400


Ascend CMT-340 L/C/R

Ascend CBM-170 surround and back surround

Package from Ascend for $1490


Total $1890

 

[guns&motorcycles]

If it were me, I would look to spend $500 on the AVR (or even a little less), and put the rest into the speakers. That would cover your "needs", but would specifically exclude the "want" of XT 32. The Onkyo 818 would fit the bill, but would cost about $1,000.


If you are ok with MultEq XT, there are some good deals on the Denon 2112 and 2312 (both at or under $500), and that would open up some other speaker options.

 

[profanitypete]

First off, I forgot to mention the uses of these speakers... They'll be probably used 60% movies, 30% games, 10% music

Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnythan  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127771


Denon 2112: $400

Ascend CMT-340 L/C/R

Ascend CBM-170 surround and back surround

Package from Ascend for $1490

Total $1890

That package looks great, definitely a contender. Are they more musical speakers or better for HT? I've never looked at Ascend before.

Quote:
Originally Posted by guns&motorcycles  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127784


If it were me, I would look to spend $500 on the AVR (or even a little less), and put the rest into the speakers. That would cover your "needs", but would specifically exclude the "want" of XT 32. The Onkyo 818 would fit the bill, but would cost about $1,000.

If you are ok with MultEq XT, there are some good deals on the Denon 2112 and 2312 (both at or under $500), and that would open up some other speaker options.

I'm still on the fence about XT32, but I might be able to deal with just XT. Another option is I have an Onkyo SR806 that I can use (was going to sell), but I will just need to find another way to do the networking features. Would expanding my speaker budget to $1900 (probably $100 for an appleTV) greatly expand my options?

 

[jonnythan]

The Ascends are fantastically neutral speakers with good dynamics that should excel at pretty much anything.


What in XT32 is it that really attracts you?

 

[profanitypete]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jonnythan  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127874


The Ascends are fantastically neutral speakers with good dynamics that should excel at pretty much anything.

What in XT32 is it that really attracts you?

My biggest draw to it is it's multi-sub tuning ability, but it's not something I would be using right away. The 2112 has XT, right?

 

[jonnythan]

Yeah, XT. You need to pay a lot more money to go from XT to XT32. With your budget that doesn't seem like the best idea.

 

[aliasfox]

If you have an Onkyo 806, wouldn't you be able to use that along with an Apple TV? That would spare a couple hundred dollars for speakers.


Three sets of Paradigm Mini Monitors and the matching center would get you a system that (I think) would work very well for a home theater system. The Mini Monitors are $560/pair, and the center is about $400 (I think). You might be able to get a slightly better deal if you ask your dealer nicely. They have a lot of 'impact' so they're good for home theater (in my opinion), but perhaps a bit bright for music - that said, having identical speakers all around should do pretty well for multichannel music (if you have any).


The Atoms are one size smaller and might be easier to wall mount than the Mini Monitors, though you'll get better bass out of the Mini Monitors (can cross over your Outlaw a bit lower).

 

[TVMan1414]

You should definitely try calling around to the online retailers because I am also looking to build a home theater setup soon and I have been calling around and they will work with you on the phone with the pricing on items. Vann's is good because it is free shipping and no sales tax to all lower 48 states, considering you are from the U.S.


I have been looking at several speaker options with around the same budget. You should check out the Klipsch RF-82 Series II front towers with the matching center and surrounds. Or even check out the KEF iQ90's as fronts because they are pretty reasonably priced now.


Hope this helps some.

 

[jonnythan]

The RF-82 and iQ90 are about $500 each.


A receiver with XT32 and a pair of RF-82s would consume his entire budget.

 

[TVMan1414]

Most will quote around $450 for each Klipsch and you can get the KEF iQ90's for around $350 each. But after doing the math this is true about the total, unless you start with just the front stage and a receiver that does not have the XT32 option. I know you can get the 2112 and 2312 Denon receivers for pretty good prices right now.


I beleive the Klipsch RF-62 Series II would also be a great speaker, just based on the reviews I have read and from the people I have talked to. Also movie theaters will have Klipsch speakers, just to give you an idea.

 

[profanitypete]



Quote:
Originally Posted by TVMan1414  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127959


Most will quote around $450 for each Klipsch and you can get the KEF iQ90's for around $350 each. But after doing the math this is true about the total, unless you start with just the front stage and a receiver that does not have the XT32 option. I know you can get the 2112 and 2312 Denon receivers for pretty good prices right now.

The Klipsch RF-62 Series II speakers are also a great option!

I'm scrapping my XT32 dream, it's apparent that I can't really get my full speaker set (or anywhere close) and XT32, so I'll edit my original post.

 

[Mike Garrett]



Quote:
Originally Posted by profanitypete  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127729


Let me preface this with thank you all for your help, I know there are dozens of these threads created daily. I'm looking to set up what will be a dedicated theater room in the house I just bought, and all I have right now is a subwoofer (Outlaw LFM-1 plus). The room is a finished attic, vaulted ceilings going up to 9', and about 16x22. Three walls are completely closed off, the other is somewhat open to the stairwell. I have pre-wired the room for 7.2 (going to buy another Outlaw eventually), but now need to pull the trigger on speakers and an AVR.

Specs:

$2000 budget for 7 speakers and AVR

16x22x9 vaulted ceiling room

Here's my wants/needs:

I need 7.1, 7.2 would be a bonus but at this point wouldn't be used.

I want Audyssey MultiEQ XT32

I need wall mountable speakers for the surround and surround rears (haven't bought mounts yet)

I need either wall mountable or towers for the front sound stage

I need at least 4 HDMI inputs

I don't need analog inputs/outputs

I need a networked AVR

I want Airplay compatibility

I want to do the entire system now, but if absolutely necessary I will do 5 speakers if $2000 really isn't enough for 7.

For HT I would start off with 5.1. You could look at Klipsch RF-62's for mains, RC-522 for center,RS-42 for surrounds and a SW-110 for sub. For AVR, you could look at Denon 2113. If we can help you with selection, shoot us an email.

 

[TVMan1414]

I know its kind of out of your price range but the Definitive Technology 8040ST are also great speakers, if you ever find them at a lower price!

 

[profanitypete]



Quote:
Originally Posted by TVMan1414  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22128051


I know its kind of out of your price range but the Definitive Technology 8040ST are also great speakers, if you ever find them at a lower price!

I actually have 2 of these in my living room along with the center, and absolutely love it. If I could swing it to get at least a 5.0 for under $2k where the fronts wouldn't completely overpower the surrounds, I would probably jump on it.

 

[TVMan1414]

So why don't you just use the Def Tech 8040's in the theater room and build on those? Also I have not owned any Def Tech speakers but I listened to the 8040ST and they sounded really good and even have the built in subwoofer. I am actually trying to decide if I want to purchase them as my fronts.


Any input is highly appreciated.

 

[Brad Horstkotte]



Quote:
Originally Posted by guns&motorcycles  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127784


If it were me, I would look to spend $500 on the AVR (or even a little less), and put the rest into the speakers.

+1 - even at that, only leaves you $200 per speaker (granted, LCR could be a bigger part of the speaker budget) - I managed to shoehorn myself just under that same budget with a Pioneer 1120K + 7x B stock Chase Home Theater speakers.

 

[BudgetNoob]



Quote:
Originally Posted by profanitypete  /t/1415448/2k-budget-for-7-0-speakers-and-avr#post_22127729


Let me preface this with thank you all for your help, I know there are dozens of these threads created daily. I'm looking to set up what will be a dedicated theater room in the house I just bought, and all I have right now is a subwoofer (Outlaw LFM-1 plus). The room is a finished attic, vaulted ceilings going up to 9', and about 16x22. Three walls are completely closed off, the other is somewhat open to the stairwell. I have pre-wired the room for 7.2 (going to buy another Outlaw eventually), but now need to pull the trigger on speakers and an AVR.

Specs:

$2000 budget for 7 speakers and AVR

16x22x9 vaulted ceiling room

Here's my wants/needs:

I need 7.1, 7.2 would be a bonus but at this point wouldn't be used.

I want Audyssey MultiEQ XT

I need wall mountable speakers for the surround and surround rears (haven't bought mounts yet)

I need either wall mountable or towers for the front sound stage

I need at least 4 HDMI inputs

I don't need analog inputs/outputs

I need a networked AVR

I want Airplay compatibility

I want to do the entire system now, but if absolutely necessary I will do 5 speakers if $2000 really isn't enough for 7.

I didn't want to start a new thread but I'm in a similar budget situation but I'm looking to do a 5.1 in my townhome living room. Because of the small size of the room I'm looking to do in-wall speakers. So far I'm looking at:

Front/Rear LR: Speakercraft MTTWO or B&W CCM664

Center: unsure

Sub: Maybe DefTech ProSub 800

Receiver: Denon 3312ci for about $650 or Pioneer Elite SC-55 for $900


I realize the receiver options/wants will take me over budget but the sound reproduction on the SC-55 won me over. I haven't heard the Denon yet.


I'd appreciate your opinions! Thanks!


UPDATE: Listened to the Denon 3312ci earlier this afternoon, loved it! I think it may offer the most bang for my buck especially with EE offering it for $628 plus shipping right now.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would do just 5.1 and free up some cash for either better AVR or better sub or speakers. All the surround speakers are sidekicks and should cost a lot less than the main front 3 speakers and subwoofer.


If you are doing in-wall speakers, you might also do in-wall non - powered subwoofer.

 

[Epyon415]

If you live near an audio/video boutique, consider going in and demo some speakers. Plenty of shops will have speakers+avr to fit your budget.


for HT/gaming I will throw my hat in with Paradigm. The Monitor series is very affordable and does a great job at surround. Should be able to get a 5.1 for around 1100 and probably jump up to 7.1 with room for a good AVR.


I can't speak from experience, but I believe the Denons would likely meet your needs for a receiver. If you haven't take some time to browse audigon and see what people have for sale. Always good deals to find.