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5.1 / 3.1 on a budget.

830 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by sdg4vfx, Feb 21, 2014

Topcon7

Discussion Starter · Feb 20, 2014

So I'm planning out a build for this summer. So I'm starting to get all my ducks in a row, and absorbing as much info as I can to help make some informative decisions.

I'm making a home theatre/family room in my basement, the room is a bit of an odd rectangle, and the home theater is going to be in half of it. Which limits me to max a 5.1 system.

I'm still discussing on another thread about which receiver to go with (currently leaning towards a sony STRDH540).

Originally I was just going to buy a set of Klipsch HDT-300. which would give me 5.1 and a pretty low price point.

I am on a pretty tight budget. As I've got a wedding to pay for.

So those speakers I'd be in around the 300-350 price point (Canadian).

I have however been debating on just going with something like the HTD level two bookshelves and center. and going with a better 3.1 setup and upgrading down the road to 5.1.

Any suggestions on which would be better? or a whole different setup that will get me good quality at a decent price point?

As a secondary question. I have a 5-6 year old 600w Samsung (HTIB) surround system (one of those built into the dvd player deals) I bought while living in the states. There's nothing really wrong with it besides the wireless receiver for the rear speakers stopped working.

Would there be a problem using the sub, and two rear satellite speakers to have a 5.1 system until they could be upgraded. or would that just be a horrible idea.

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Transmaniacon

· #2 · Feb 20, 2014

If I were you, I would get a decent pair of bookshelves, and then build up piece by piece. You can utilize a phantom center effect for the time being, and this is the progression I would follow: L/R > Sub > Center > Surrounds.

If you are just looking at one pair of speakers for $300, you have a lot of good options: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1514586/list-of-interesting-bookshelf-speakers-100-350-pair-prices-and-links-no-reviews

Alternatively, you could go with a pair of bookshelves and a sub, something like the Pioneer BS-22 and BIC F-12 would be a good 2.1 system to start with. Then add a Pioneer C22 center and another pair of BS22 for surrounds.

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East Glenn

· #3 · Feb 20, 2014

Just strap on your boots and shop. Pick the gear which is the most appealing to YOU. I could tell you buy this or buy that but what's the point as we all have different wants and taste. You can do online research until the cows come home but in the end it all depends on what YOU like (features, sound, etc.) and the only reliable way you can determine that is by auditioning - preferably in your own home if the seller allows it.

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Topcon7

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 20, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by Transmaniacon /t/1518896/5-1-3-1-on-a-budget#post_24383885

If I were you, I would get a decent pair of bookshelves, and then build up piece by piece. You can utilize a phantom center effect for the time being, and this is the progression I would follow: L/R > Sub > Center > Surrounds.

If you are just looking at one pair of speakers for $300, you have a lot of good options: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1514586/list-of-interesting-bookshelf-speakers-100-350-pair-prices-and-links-no-reviews

Thanks for the link to that Thread, definitely gave me a lot more speakers to look at. Much appreciated.

Yes I know it'll end up being what I decide. but as someone who doesn't really know what brands are out there in my price point, I Didn't quite know where to start.

That list in that thread, definitely gives me a good starting point!

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afrogt

· #5 · Feb 20, 2014

The HTD Level Two would be a huge upgrade over the Klipsch satellite system. Any decent bookshelf speaker would be better than much smaller satellite speakers.

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East Glenn

· #6 · Feb 20, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by Topcon7 /t/1518896/5-1-3-1-on-a-budget#post_24384077

Thanks for the link to that Thread, definitely gave me a lot more speakers to look at. Much appreciated.

Yes I know it'll end up being what I decide. but as someone who doesn't really know what brands are out there in my price point, I Didn't quite know where to start.

That list in that thread, definitely gives me a good starting point!

I don't know what its like where you live but if its like where I live not all recommended brands/models are available locally, some not even within a few hundred miles which is why I recommend hitting the pavement and buying something you've actually heard. I'd pick out the speakers last. They are the one part of the system that'll determine the final 'sound' more than anything besides room acoustics. Take a favourite CD along and hit some local audio stores and listen to what you get for x amount of dollars. You might end up spending more or spending less or end up buying from a couple different stores, but I think once you actually get into a store or two or three, preconceived ideas about brand x or y will take second place to what they have on hand. Having said that knowing what specs mean ahead of time is good to know.

Buying audio equipment is like buy nuts - you never know what you are going to like unless you've tried them. I once heard walnut are good. I don't like the taste of walnuts. But others do. Go figure.

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Topcon7

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 20, 2014

I realize that hearing them in person would be the best option. The thing is, in Nova Scotia, audio stores are hard to come by. And the one's that are here, are well above my price range.

I'm guessing I'll have to order, when I'm ready try em out, if I don't like them, send back and try again.

I however just realized a huge flaw in my room. The room layout isn't set up for 5.1

I might be stuck with a 3.1 system.

My sectional will be in the corner . The room is oddly shaped, and this is really the best way of arranging the room to not waste a ton of space. How will this effect the surround speaker placement. the only way I'd be able to do it is place them angled down almost at ceiling level. and it'd be more or less directly above the seating position. Bah.

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Transmaniacon

· #8 · Feb 21, 2014

Yeah that is not ideal for surround sound. You could put them on the back wall, angled in towards the center of the couch opposite the TV, but then you really only have one of two good sweet spots, with others losing the surround effect. 3.1 would still be fine, there isn't a whole lot of surround content so the bulk of the audio is coming from the front sound stage.

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crazyrob425

· #9 · Feb 21, 2014

I had a similar room set up in my first apartment. My living room was completely open on one side to the kitchen. I had the speakers on either side of the back of the couch and it worked out great for what it was.

Your proposed set-up will work to give you surround sound.

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sdg4vfx

· #10 · Feb 21, 2014

Quote:
Originally Posted by Topcon7 /t/1518896/5-1-3-1-on-a-budget#post_24385921

...I however just realized a huge flaw in my room. The room layout isn't set up for 5.1

I might be stuck with a 3.1 system.

My sectional will be in the corner . The room is oddly shaped, and this is really the best way of arranging the room to not waste a ton of space. How will this effect the surround speaker placement. the only way I'd be able to do it is place them angled down almost at ceiling level. and it'd be more or less directly above the seating position. Bah.

I have a friend with the same layout. His surrounds are high up on the wall and angled down, slightly towards center. While not ideal it works acceptably well for most of the seating (all living room HT setups have compromises). .

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