[michael_her]

Thanks to a lovely fire Memorial day weekend I'm in the market for a new home theater setup. I have an installer pushing TruAudio to me, never heard of them and the lack of reviews scare me. I was hoping for some input from you guys on what I should be looking for. I think I can do better purchasing on my own and paying him to do the install.


My apologies in advance if showing pricing is a no no, just want to get some good advice. I had originally thought of getting an SVS sub or something similar.


Current bid has:


Denon E300 $450

Tru-Audio Tru Cinema Series Tower Speaker 6.5inch Dual x2 $1500

Tru-Audio Tru CT-44 Series Center Speaker 4inch Dua x1 $250

Tru-Audio In-wall Speaker Surround Rear 6.5inch Pair $280

Tru-Audio 10inch Ported Subwoofer Front Fire $550


Where would you put the money?

 

[Transmaniacon]

How large is your room; length, width, and height? Also is it open to any other spaces?

 

[commsysman]

You will be putting a lot of that money in his pocket. His profit margin on that junk is astronomical.


You are paying BMW prices for a Ford Fiesta; a real rip-off.


That is not good-quality stuff, and terribly overpriced besides. You can buy better speakers from Polk for one-third that price.


Here's a really excellent system you can get from KEF Direct:


A pair of KEF Q700 speakers; $1500


A Q200c center speaker; $500


A pair of KEF C1 speakers; $279


A NHT B12D subwoofer; $800 (I have this one; it is excellent).


That is a system, for $3100, that is the real BMW-class stuff and will sound about 300% better. Very fine sound at a fair price.


Go to the KEF Direct website and check it out.


KEF has been making some of the best speakers in the world for 50 years; they will still be around a long time from now to support their products, unlike those other guys.

 

[Transmaniacon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342206


You will be putting a lot of that money in his pocket. His profit margin on that junk is astronomical.


You are paying BMW prices for a Ford Fiesta; a real rip-off.


That is not good-quality stuff, and terribly overpriced besides. You can buy better speakers from Polk for one-third that price.


Here's a great system you can get from KEF Direct:


A pair of KEF Q700 speakers; $1500


A Q200c center speaker; $500


A pair of KEF C1 speakers; $279


A NHT B12D subwoofer; $800


That is a system, for $3100, that is the real BMW-class stuff and will sound about 300% better.


Go to the KEF Direct website and check it out.

If he has a decent sized room, he is going to need a more capable sub. I would be looking at spending around $1500 on a pair of subs. KEF would be a good choice though, I might consider Q300s for the front instead with a good quality sub(s).

 

[commsysman]

I have a fairly large room, and the NHT B12D does the job rather well.


It has a 500-watt RMS power amplifier, for one thing; way more than most.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transmaniacon  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342226


If he has a decent sized room, he is going to need a more capable sub. I would be looking at spending around $1500 on a pair of subs. KEF would be a good choice though, I might consider Q300s for the front instead with a good quality sub(s).

 

[ClawAndTalon]


Klipsch RF 62         $1000

Klipsch RC 52        $370   

Klipsch RB 52        $420

PSA XV 15             $800

Denon X3000         $900

 

If you want you can go back to your cheaper amp and ratchet up the component speakers in the Klipsch Reference Series. I wouldn't, but that's an option.

 

Other sub options include SVS PB2000, HSU VTF3... which are also 800 shipped. 

 

Frys has all Klipsch Reference for 20% off MSRP. If you go that way I'd suggest putting that savings towards the Denon X4000

 

[Transmaniacon]

I am sure it sounds great, but you can get an SVS PB-2000 for the same price which will go 10hz lower...and also has a 500 watt RMS amp.

 

[commsysman]

Comparing those those Klipsch speakers to the KEF speakers you can get for the same price is a bad joke.


The Klipsch speakers don't even come close to sounding as good.


The KEF speakers get great reviews, and the few reviewers that will even bother with the inferior Klipsch speakers have to try hard to say anything good at all.


Usually, it comes out something like this: "well, they DO have lots of bass, and the treble is not quite as bad as the Klipsch reputation might lead you to think..."....ROFL.


Their horn tweeters just plain suck.


Putting them next to some GOOD speakers from KEF, PSB, Focal, or Wharfedale will leave no doubt in anyone's mind that they are strictly 2nd-rate; strictly for audio novices that don't know any better yet.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ClawAndTalon  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342270


Klipsch RF 62         $1000

Klipsch RC 52        $370   

Klipsch RB 52        $420

PSA XV 15             $800

Denon X3000         $900


If you want you can go back to your cheaper amp and ratchet up the component speakers in the Klipsch Reference Series. I wouldn't, but that's an option.


Other sub options include SVS PB2000, HSU VTF3... which are also 800 shipped. 


Frys has all Klipsch Reference for 20% off MSRP. If you go that way I'd suggest putting that savings towards the Denon X4000

 

[Transmaniacon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342371


Comparing those those Klipsch speakers to the KEF speakers you can get for the same price is a bad joke.


The Klipsch speakers don't even come close to sounding as good.


The KEF speakers get great reviews, and the few reviewers that will even bother with the inferior Klipsch speakers have to try hard to say anything good at all.

What is exactly is the purpose of this post? Maybe offer a comparison between KEF and Klipsch to the show the OP the differences in sound instead of just trashing a brand.

 

[ClawAndTalon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342371


Comparing those those Klipsch speakers to the KEF speakers you can get for the same price is a bad joke.


The Klipsch speakers don't even come close to sounding as good.


The KEF speakers get great reviews, and the few reviewers that will even bother with the inferior Klipsch speakers have to try hard to say anything good at all.


Usually, it comes out something like this: "well, they DO have lots of bass, and the treble is not quite as bad as the Klipsch reputation might lead you to think..."....ROFL.


Their horn tweeters just plain suck.


Putting them next to some GOOD speakers from KEF, PSB, Focal, or Wharfedale will leave no doubt in anyone's mind that they are strictly 2nd-rate.

Cool story bro, how about you can your fanboy flaming. You make your suggestions, and I'll make mine.

 

[commsysman]

Try doing some serous LISTENING to Klipsch vs some PSB, KEF, Focal, or Wharfedale speakers in the same price range.


Unless your ears were shot off in the war, you won't have any problem hearing which is better.


Most people certainly don't. You don't have to be a "Fanboy" to drive a Porsche and a Mazda Miata and figure out real quick which one is better!


Performance is performance, and those too isolated from the facts to tell the difference must really be "Fanboys"!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by ClawAndTalon  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342418


Cool story bro, how about you can your fanboy flaming. You make your suggestions, and I'll make mine.

 

[East Glenn]



Quote:
Originally Posted by michael_her  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342144



Where would you put the money?

 

I'd put my money on gear I've actually listened to and then pick the one I liked best.  In other words grab the bull by the horns, go out and do your own leg work and buy the system YOU like best.  

 

[zieglj01]



Quote:
Originally Posted by michael_her  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342144


Current bid has:


Denon E300 $450

Tru-Audio Tru Cinema Series Tower Speaker 6.5inch Dual x2 $1500

Tru-Audio Tru CT-44 Series Center Speaker 4inch Dua x1 $250

Tru-Audio In-wall Speaker Surround Rear 6.5inch Pair $280

Tru-Audio 10inch Ported Subwoofer Front Fire $550


Where would you put the money?

I would skip and keep looking


Denon X2000
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_033AVX2000/Denon-AVR-X2000.html?showAll=N&search=denon_x2000&skipvs=T#overview-tab


Good prices on the JBL Studio 5 series, and they are nice/good


Studio 580
http://www.jbl.com/estore/jbl/us/products/Studio-580/STUDIO%20580_JBL_US


Studio 520
http://www.jbl.com/estore/jbl/us/products/Studio-520C/STUDIO%20520C_JBL_US?skuId=STUDIO%20520CBK_JBL_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=cat140013


Studio 530
http://www.jbl.com/estore/jbl/us/products/Studio-530/STUDIO%20530_JBL_US?skuId=STUDIO%20530BK_JBL_US&searchMode=regularProductOnly&sCatId=cat140013


Power Sound Audio XV15 subwoofer
http://www.powersoundaudio.com/products/xv15

 

[auceny]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ClawAndTalon  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342270


Klipsch RF 62         $1000

Klipsch RC 52        $370   

Klipsch RB 52        $420

PSA XV 15             $800

Denon X3000         $900

Get the RC-62 center to match if you do this and possibly even the RF-82. The Denon x2000 should be plenty. With the saved money you can look into the RS series surround speakers or better or multiple subs. Talk to the sales guys here at AVS and see what kind of deal they can make you. Will be better than Frys I'm sure.

 

[commsysman]

But beware of listening in dealer's showrooms.


What you hear there, and what you will hear in your own home, with your own gear and your own acoustics, will be as different as night and day.


If there is one main thing I am sure of, after 50 years in audio, you are a fool to buy anything until you try it in your home for several days!


If you have to, buy it and return it for a refund if needed. That is a lot better than taking a chance on something you have never heard in your home.

Quote:
Originally Posted by East Glenn  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342447


I'd put my money on gear I've actually listened to and then pick the one I liked best.  In other words grab the bull by the horns, go out and do your own leg work and buy the system YOU like best.  

 

[Transmaniacon]

I would take a look at Monitor Audio, you can great some great deals on their older line which is being phased out (very similar to the new ones).


Grab 2 pairs of RX-1s for your fronts and surrounds, and a silver center, the whole 5.0 set will run you $1700.


Pick up a pair of SVS PB-2000 for $1600, and the Denon X2000 ( www.accessories4less.com ).

http://www.audioadvisor.com/Monitor-Audio-Silver-RX-1-2-way-Compact-Loudspeakers/productinfo/MRSRX1/
http://www.audioadvisor.com/Monitor-Audio-Silver-Series-Center-2-1_2-Way-Speaker/productinfo/1MRSSC/
http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/ported-box/pb-2000


You might also want to look at the SVS Ultra speakers, another good option.

 

[Rexathor]



Quote:
Originally Posted by commsysman  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342440


Try doing some serous LISTENING to Klipsch vs some PSB, KEF, Focal, or Wharfedale speakers in the same price range.


Unless your ears were shot off in the war, you won't have any problem hearing which is better.


Most people certainly don't. You don't have to be a "Fanboy" to drive a Porsche and a Mazda Miata and figure out real quick which one is better!


Performance is performance, and those too isolated from the facts to tell the difference must really be "Fanboys"!!!

Wouldn't the Miata get better MPG, lol...Speakers are subjective so calling Klipsch 2nd rate speakers because you don't like their sound doesn't make much sense. KEF might have better build quality but that doesn't always translate to a better sounding speakers to some people.

 

[shadyJ]

I would definitely skip the Tru Audio stuff. Installer brands are always overpriced and have a nice big margin for the installer, there is a reason why installers prefer them.


I would skip tower speakers. With towers, you will be paying for bass extension that you would never use with a correctly set up subwoofer. Just get some good bookshelf speakers for the front left/rights. I would get dual subwoofers for more even bass throughout the room, and also to lessen localization so the sub doe snot draw attention to itself. The extra headroom of dual subs will be useful as well.


Also, with a $3.5k budget, you can do better than a Denon E300. Your installer is taking you for a ride on that one, and that should raise a red flag right there. I would want something with a beefier amp, a better version of Audyssey and some pre-outs would be nice as well. I would swing for something like a Denon AVR-X2000 at the very least, but that does not have pre-outs. I like the marantz 5008 which does have pre-outs.


For speakers, KEFs would be very nice, some Q100s or Q300s. Klipsch is good too if you want a punchy sound, I would be looking at some RB-81s with Klipsch. I would also take a look at some ascend CMT-340s . You can get a great speaker and save a little money on a kit like this one if you can do just a tiny bit of assembly on your own. I also like what I read about the JBL Studio 500 series, you might look into those. Also look at some EMP Impression speakers , specifically the E55Ti towers and E56Ci center . For subs, I would be looking at a pair of Hsu VTF2 mk4 s or dual VTF3 s if you can afford it. Hsu's speakers are decent too, you might think about a speaker package from them and tack on an extra sub for a dual drive. You might also take a look at t wo dual-opposing 15"s from a new company called Reaction Audio which could be a killer deal.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]



Quote:
Originally Posted by michael_her  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342144


I think I can do better purchasing on my own and paying him to do the install.

To install the in-wall speakers or the whole thing?


Like connecting the speaker wires from the AVR to the speakers?

 

[Rexathor]



Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342531


I would definitely skip the Tru Audio stuff. Installer brands are always overpriced and have a nice big margin for the installer, there is a reason why installers prefer them.


I would skip tower speakers. With towers, you will be paying for bass extension that you would never use with a correctly set up subwoofer. Just get some good bookshelf speakers for the front left/rights. I would get dual subwoofers for more even bass throughout the room, and also to lessen localization so the sub doe snot draw attention to itself. The extra headroom of dual subs will be useful as well.


Also, with a $3.5k budget, you can do better than a Denon E300. Your installer is taking you for a ride on that one, and that should raise a red flag right there. I would want something with a beefier amp, a better version of Audyssey and some pre-outs would be nice as well. I would swing for something like a Denon AVR-X2000 at the very least, but that does not have pre-outs. I like the marantz 5008 which does have pre-outs.


For speakers, KEFs would be very nice, some Q100s or Q300s. Klipsch is good too if you want a punchy sound, I would be looking at some RB-81s with Klipsch. I would also take a look at some ascend CMT-340s . You can get a great speaker and save a little money on a kit like this one if you can do just a tiny bit of assembly on your own. I also like what I read about the JBL Studio 500 series, you might look into those. Also look at some EMP Impression speakers , specifically the E55Ti towers and E56Ci center . For subs, I would be looking at a pair of Hsu VTF2 mk4 s or dual VTF3 s if you can afford it. Hsu's speakers are decent too, you might think about a speaker package from them and tack on an extra sub for a dual drive. You might also take a look at t wo dual-opposing 15"s from a new company called Reaction Audio which could be a killer deal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by michael_her  /t/1517239/3500-to-spend-on-new-5-1-setup#post_24342144


Thanks to a lovely fire Memorial day weekend I'm in the market for a new home theater setup. I have an installer pushing TruAudio to me, never heard of them and the lack of reviews scare me. I was hoping for some input from you guys on what I should be looking for. I think I can do better purchasing on my own and paying him to do the install.


My apologies in advance if showing pricing is a no no, just want to get some good advice. I had originally thought of getting an SVS sub or something similar.


Current bid has:


Denon E300 $450

Tru-Audio Tru Cinema Series Tower Speaker 6.5inch Dual x2 $1500

Tru-Audio Tru CT-44 Series Center Speaker 4inch Dua x1 $250

Tru-Audio In-wall Speaker Surround Rear 6.5inch Pair $280

Tru-Audio 10inch Ported Subwoofer Front Fire $550


Where would you put the money?

+1 on everything mentioned above. Besides if you ever want to upgrade or change your setup that Tru Audio stuff is just going to sit and not sell. This is when brand recognition comes in to play, people buy brands they're familiar with. If you're not concerned about upgrading I still wouldn't buy their stuff. You can make a dollar stretch pretty far going with Ascend, Emptek, HSU, etc...Same money on the speakers and buy 2 subs and don't look back!