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Apartment Speakers

2729 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Perch33, May 12, 2007

gevaudan

Discussion Starter · May 12, 2007

Hello all, I just purchased a Samsung LNT-4665F flatscreen TV and as expected, the speakers are pretty puny on this model. I live in an apartment (first floor) and am looking to add a receiver/speaker package for music/movies. I've never been one to listen to either on full volume so I'm not looking for speakers that will wow me, but to present clean, articulate sound until I can afford a place of my own. I'm plan on buying the receiver as a long term purchase but the speakers will likely be something to tie me over.

So far I've been looking at the Onkyo TX-SR605 receiver and the Bose Cinemate speakers. Surround sound is not that important to me so I've got to ask a noob question. If I hook up a 2.1 channel speaker system to a 7.1 channel receiver, I assume that all of the missing channels done in the processing get routed to the two speakers and subs? I sure hope so. I'm OK with floorstanding speakers as long as they are thin or on-wall speakers like the Cinemate. For my purposes, are the Bose worth $500 or is there something else out there that can ring in crystal clear sound without bassy distortion or muffled sound (like the LNT4665's speakers). Again, surround sound is not important as I really don't care to listen to Wolf Blitzer announce the evening news from behind me

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steveklein

· #2 · May 12, 2007

that receiver is fine. maybe a bit more receiver than you need for 2.1, but it is nice to "future proof" i suppose.

bose speakers are trash. for a few hundred dollars you can do way, way, way better.

look into getting a pair of ascend acoustics 170s. they will run circles around bose... as will dozens of other brands! i'll let more people fill you in here.

and yea... just because you have a 7.1 receiver doesn't mean you will lose sound by just going 2.1... the receiver will process everything and get all the sound to those speakers.

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gevaudan

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 12, 2007

Wow, thanks for that recommendation. Those look like good speakers. I really know next to nothing about speakers, so can I assume that they make stands to elevate such bookshelf speakers? I see Audio Acoustics makes a stand but I am unsure of whether it could fit a bookshelf speaker. I would assume they would need to be about the same height as the TV (22'' tv stand + 46'' tv - built in tv stand). I have to admit I haven't had a chance to make it over to a showroom to hear the cinemates yet or any other 2.1 system but that is definitely on my to-do list before I purchase (3-4 weeks once the 605 comes out).

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EnzoPolotso

· #4 · May 12, 2007

Yep, the Ascends are very good, if you want a more laid back sound, check out the X series at **********, also great speakers, but might be a little big for you.

Both of these companies will have speaker stands for sale on their website that will get the tweeter up to ear level (which is pretty much where you want it) when you're sitting down, so don't worry too much about the speaker stands or if it's level with the TV.

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aboroth00

· #5 · May 12, 2007

I doubt any receiver is future proof especially with the dynamic character of HDMI. If you're not looking for surround sound at this time, it may be a good idea just to get an integrated amp instead of a surround sound receiver. To really take advantage of HDMI's sound, you'll need the whole speaker package with 7 speakers, but seeing that you don't want it, it seems illogical to get HDMI when you could just run the video directly into the TV. You'll get better sound with the integrated amp while saving a couple of bucks. As for speakers, these guys could probably recommend you some good brands to start your search.

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ericgl

· #6 · May 12, 2007

If you would like something wall mountable and pretty unobtrusive, consider the SVS SBS-01s.

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iahawkeye

· #7 · May 12, 2007

If I were you I would get an inexpensive pair of bookshelf speakers such as the Paradigm Monitor Atoms ($250/pr) and a set of the matching stands ($140.)

This will provide an attractive looking setup and really good sound at moderate and low levels. No sub, but in my opinion subs don't belong in apartments where neighbors care about being courteous to one another.

When you get a house, these excellent little Paradigms can become surround speakers or be a nice set of stereo speakers for the den or office.

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gevaudan

Discussion Starter · #8 · May 12, 2007

Quote:
I doubt any receiver is future proof especially with the dynamic character of HDMI. If you're not looking for surround sound at this time, it may be a good idea just to get an integrated amp instead of a surround sound receiver. To really take advantage of HDMI's sound, you'll need the whole speaker package with 7 speakers, but seeing that you don't want it, it seems illogical to get HDMI when you could just run the video directly into the TV. You'll get better sound with the integrated amp while saving a couple of bucks. As for speakers, these guys could probably recommend you some good brands to start your search.

That's an interesting point. I didn't think they made such things to convert speaker wire connection to red/white composite. I assume when buying these, the only real number I am looking for is wattage making sure it stays above the wattage of the speakers? Thanks all for your help. This is definitely helping to clear up a few things

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gevaudan

Discussion Starter · #9 · May 12, 2007

Hmm, I wonder if I would just be better off getting a receiver similar to the Onkyo TX-8222. It's for audio only which is OK since the TV already has 3 HDMI ports and 2 components. It also allows for me to hook up a dedicated cd player (among other components) so I won't have to turn on my TV just to listen to music unlike with the A-9995 amplifier also made by Onkyo (1 composite in, speaker wire out).

In the mean time, I am going to continue researching the speakers that have been posted in this thread.

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aboroth00

· #10 · May 12, 2007

Quote:
Originally Posted by gevaudan /forum/post/0

I assume when buying these, the only real number I am looking for is wattage making sure it stays above the wattage of the speakers? Thanks all for your help. This is definitely helping to clear up a few things

Usually the manufacturer posts the recommended amplifier power. Pretty much any amp nowadays could power a speaker and give it sound; no need for the exaggerrated receivers who claim to give you 100 watts/ch.

If you're looking for an integrated amp, i'd recommend you the NAD C320BEE. It'd blow away the onkyo even if the NAD only rated at 50 watts/ch it could drive any reasonable speaker to ear popping levels. You could probably find it for less than retail if you look around

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Perch33

· #11 · May 12, 2007

Just to give another option, take a look at Klipsch RB51, or RB61. You should be able to get a decent pair of speakers to get you started. I would get something decent for now, and then when you get a bigger place, you can still use the speakers for your surrounds in a 5.1 or 7.1 configuration. Just be sure to get a brand that you like so you'll be timbre matched down the road. There is nothing wrong with piecing a system together. I would consider where you'll be 5 years down the road, and maybe build on what you are wanting to get now. Just a thought.

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