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Help me with an audio system for my shop - $1K budget preferably, 1500 MAX

502 Views 23 Replies 6 Participants Last post by ousooner2, Apr 4, 2013

XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · Apr 3, 2013

I've got a 24'x24' metal building out behind my house that we're cleaning up and remodeling to where I can actually start using it... Garage doors, electricity, etc.

Anyway, I'm thinking about moving my weight equipment out there and just making that whole shop my man cave... Might park my truck in there on occasion... Who knows what else I'll do out there, but that's what I've got off the top of my head at this point.

This is gonna be for music 100%... For now. I need a receiver, some speakers, and a sub. I guess just a 2.1 system... I don't really see the need for more than 2 speakers. I listen to all kinds of music, but mainly rock and rap. I'm definitely a bass head... I've had a 15" sub with a 1000 watt amp in my crew cab truck for the past few years, so that's the kind of sound I'm used to. I had to take it out and put my backseat back in here recently, so I feel kind of lost without a system of any kind at all lol

The 15" sub that I had in my truck was in a ported box, so I'd want the sub out in my shop to be ported too.

I just don't really know what to get. I need my receiver to be able to connect to my iPhone. I've got the iPhone 5, so I don't know if any of the receivers out there have that new lightning adapter? I also want it to be capable of satellite radio and FM. I've got satellite radio in my truck, but I may move it out of there and move the subscription over to this new receiver.

Any help would be much appreciated. I've been searching and doing a little bit of research, but I really wanted to make a thread geared toward my needs and try to get some help. I don't know much about home audio

1 - 20 of 24 Posts

XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #2 · Apr 3, 2013

I failed to mention that I went to an audio shop yesterday to listen to a few things and this is one thing they recommended:

http://www.klipsch.com/rb-51-ii-bookshelf-speakers-pair

Those with this sub:

http://www.klipsch.com/sw-115

With some Yamaha receiver... Don't know the specifics for it

I have no clue how good this would be or if it would even be that great for what I'm looking for

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XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 3, 2013

Anyone?

Brennan.OSD

· #4 · Apr 3, 2013

Typically you would connect your iPhone to the receiver via Bluetooth. Some of the nicer receivers have this, Yamaha included. I believe the RX-V473 has that feature, for example. But if you're just planning on doing a 2.1 system, the home theater receivers may be overkill. I would just run a simple stereo receiver (Bluetooth enabled) to the two front speakers and output into a powered subwoofer.

Klipsch make some good products, but for that price, you could potentially do an entire 5.1 system if you wanted. Are you limited to bookshelf speakers, or could you do in-wall or in-ceiling?

- Brennan, OSD Audio

XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 3, 2013

Well, I'm thinking probably just bookshelf speakers. I don't know that I'm limited to just that necessarily, but I'm thinking that's what I wanna go with.

If you think I should just go with a simple stereo receiver that's got Bluetooth, what would you recommend?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brennan.OSD /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max#post_23160537

Typically you would connect your iPhone to the receiver via Bluetooth. Some of the nicer receivers have this, Yamaha included. I believe the RX-V473 has that feature, for example. But if you're just planning on doing a 2.1 system, the home theater receivers may be overkill. I would just run a simple stereo receiver (Bluetooth enabled) to the two front speakers and output into a powered subwoofer.

Klipsch make some good products, but for that price, you could potentially do an entire 5.1 system if you wanted. Are you limited to bookshelf speakers, or could you do in-wall or in-ceiling?

- Brennan, OSD Audio

ousooner2

· #6 · Apr 3, 2013

That's a large space and relatively low budget. I'd look at high efficiency bookshelves and a large sub. You dont need an expensive AVR. A few options came through my mind for a man cave with some audio to just rock out and be loud (in no particular order)

1. HSU HB-1 MK2 (92db) - $159/ea.

Pick up a few of these or even 4 and put one in each corner of the shop/building. Looking at either $320 for 2 or $640 for 4.

2. HSU HC-1 MK2 (92) - $250/ea.

If you want to just do 2 speakers, this could be another option. Pick up 2 of these for a little more cone area than the HB-1. $500 for a pair

3. BIC PL-89's (98db) - $550ish/pair

or even the PL-76 towers

4. BIC PL-26 or PL-28 (98db) -- $200ish/pair or $400 for 4

5. Klipsch (not sure of model #'s, but plenty to look at here too)

PLENTY of other options, but these are some high efficiency ones that came to my head. Might look into JTR and some of these other higher efficiency companies, but I believe most are catered towards a higher budget crowd

For subs...if you don't need/crave the very low stuff (30ish and below) then you could pick up

1. A couple PA-150's - $700

This will have A TON of output 40hz and above (which seems like a good bet for what you're wanting it for)

2. Outlaw LFM-1ex -- $550 to $600

3. Other options from SVS (pb-1000 or pb-12nsd), HSU (vtf3, VTF-15h if you get lucky and find one cheap)

4. If you're into DIY stuff then you could put together a very heavy hitting sub for around these prices too. Same goes with some bookshelves (look at diysoundgroup.com)

Again...this isn't all the options. Just a good start I'd think

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XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 3, 2013

I really appreciate this response, man. What kind of receiver would y'all recommend tho that would fit what I'm looking for? You're saying it doesn't have to be expensive

Quote:
Originally Posted by ousooner2 /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max#post_23160714

That's a large space and relatively low budget. I'd look at high efficiency bookshelves and a large sub. You dont need an expensive AVR. A few options came through my mind for a man cave with some audio to just rock out and be loud (in no particular order)

1. HSU HB-1 MK2 (92db) - $159/ea.

Pick up a few of these or even 4 and put one in each corner of the shop/building. Looking at either $320 for 2 or $640 for 4.

2. HSU HC-1 MK2 (92) - $250/ea.

If you want to just do 2 speakers, this could be another option. Pick up 2 of these for a little more cone area than the HB-1. $500 for a pair

3. BIC PL-89's (98db) - $550ish/pair

or even the PL-76 towers

4. BIC PL-26 or PL-28 (98db) -- $200ish/pair or $400 for 4

5. Klipsch (not sure of model #'s, but plenty to look at here too)

PLENTY of other options, but these are some high efficiency ones that came to my head. Might look into JTR and some of these other higher efficiency companies, but I believe most are catered towards a higher budget crowd

For subs...if you don't need/crave the very low stuff (30ish and below) then you could pick up

1. A couple PA-150's - $700

This will have A TON of output 40hz and above (which seems like a good bet for what you're wanting it for)

2. Outlaw LFM-1ex -- $550 to $600

3. Other options from SVS (pb-1000 or pb-12nsd), HSU (vtf3, VTF-15h if you get lucky and find one cheap)

4. If you're into DIY stuff then you could put together a very heavy hitting sub for around these prices too. Same goes with some bookshelves (look at diysoundgroup.com)

Again...this isn't all the options. Just a good start I'd think

GregLee

· #8 · Apr 3, 2013

I often see nice used Klipsch speakers on Craigslist. Look there, so you can save more of your money for a nice sub.

XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #9 · Apr 3, 2013

Receiver recommendations?

ousooner2

· #10 · Apr 3, 2013

As far as a receiver, I'm not sure what's our there for stereo AVR's so I can't say if there a good way to go, cheaper, etc. Most of these home theater receivers that will fall in your budget after you spend for speakers/sub(s) will be pretty close to the same as far as power and features (especially for what you need it for).

Say you spend $400-500 on speakers & $500-700 on a sub or multiple subs, that leaves you in a range of about $900 to $1,200. So you've got either $600 left for cables/AVR if you end up on the that cheaper side or about $300ish if you end up on spending around $1,200 on speakers/sub. Either way, you can easily pick up an AVR and cables that will get the job done for those ranges.

Look into something like the Denon 1612/1712. If you'd like something like AirPlay then look into the 1713. Look at Accessories4Less for these Denons. You could also check out some of the comparable $200-300 AVR's from Yamaha or Pioneer. Like I said, power is going to be basically the same and basically inaudible if there's a difference. Little things like AirPlay on certain models might help you (especially since you want to play stuff from your phone). I would pick up one with it, but you'll need a WIFI connection for it.

Speaker wire, cables, etc can be purchased from Monoprice, Bluejeanscable, etc. I use Monoprice.

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XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 3, 2013

What all would I need as far as wires and cable?

Quote:
Originally Posted by ousooner2 /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max#post_23160898

As far as a receiver, I'm not sure what's our there for stereo AVR's so I can't say if there a good way to go, cheaper, etc. Most of these home theater receivers that will fall in your budget after you spend for speakers/sub(s) will be pretty close to the same as far as power and features (especially for what you need it for).

Say you spend $400-500 on speakers & $500-700 on a sub or multiple subs, that leaves you in a range of about $900 to $1,200. So you've got either $600 left for cables/AVR if you end up on the that cheaper side or about $300ish if you end up on spending around $1,200 on speakers/sub. Either way, you can easily pick up an AVR and cables that will get the job done for those ranges.

Look into something like the Denon 1612/1712. If you'd like something like AirPlay then look into the 1713. Look at Accessories4Less for these Denons. You could also check out some of the comparable $200-300 AVR's from Yamaha or Pioneer. Like I said, power is going to be basically the same and basically inaudible if there's a difference. Little things like AirPlay on certain models might help you (especially since you want to play stuff from your phone). I would pick up one with it, but you'll need a WIFI connection for it.

Speaker wire, cables, etc can be purchased from Monoprice, Bluejeanscable, etc. I use Monoprice.

Nethawk

· #12 · Apr 3, 2013

I definitely suggest an AVR, would probably look at Denon 1713 for about $450 (maybe cheaper refurbished), which will give you MultiEQ XT. With that big a space and subwoofer, particularly since it's a metal building, I'm thinking Audyssey is going to be important. You can find some good information on it in the first couple of messages in this forum thread .

Man caves are fun, so are garages. I'm jealous!

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XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #13 · Apr 3, 2013

I may not do the sub right away... I may hold off on it for a little bit and just get my bookshelf speakers and AVR first

They can do just 2 speakers, right?

And since most subs come with an amp installed in them already, I guess you don't really have to worry about matching a sub with an AVR or wondering if it can handle it or anything like that, do you?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nethawk /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max#post_23161050

I definitely suggest an AVR, would probably look at Denon 1713 for about $450 (maybe cheaper refurbished), which will give you MultiEQ XT. With that big a space and subwoofer, particularly since it's a metal building, I'm thinking Audyssey is going to be important. You can find some good information on it in the first couple of messages in this forum thread .

Man caves are fun, so are garages. I'm jealous!

ousooner2

· #14 · Apr 3, 2013

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1713/DENON-AVR-1713-5.1ch-Networking-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-Ready/1.html

$300. MANY buy from Accessories4Less with no problems at all. I'm one of them! I thought MultEQ XT would be nice to have too for your space

ousooner2

· #15 · Apr 3, 2013

Quote:
Originally Posted by XPmpnII /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max/0_70#post_23161066

I may not do the sub right away... I may hold off on it for a little bit and just get my bookshelf speakers and AVR first

They can do just 2 speakers, right?

yes

And since most subs come with an amp installed in them already, I guess you don't really have to worry about matching a sub with an AVR or wondering if it can handle it or anything like that, do you?
nope

XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #16 · Apr 3, 2013

I may go with the 1612 and get it from accessories 4 less... That seems to be a really good deal and not that much money at all for a nice AVR

Quote:
Originally Posted by ousooner2 /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max#post_23161068

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/DENAVR1713/DENON-AVR-1713-5.1ch-Networking-Receiver-w/AirPlay-3D-Ready/1.html

$300. MANY buy from Accessories4Less with no problems at all. I'm one of them! I thought MultEQ XT would be nice to have too for your space

Nethawk

· #17 · Apr 3, 2013

The benefit of MultiEq XT over just MultiEQ are apparently significant. If you're waiting for sub the extra $100 is probably worth it. 1612 doesn't have AirPlay support. You can connect to front panel USB, just not as convenient.

ousooner2

· #18 · Apr 3, 2013

Quote:
Originally Posted by XPmpnII /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max/0_70#post_23161095

I may go with the 1612 and get it from accessories 4 less... That seems to be a really good deal and not that much money at all for a nice AVR

You lose AirPlay with the 1612, which is what you'll want. The 1613 from them is $20 more ($219), but adds AirPlay. The 1713 ($100 more than the 1612) adds MultEQ XT (over MultEQ for the 16xx)...still has AirPlay too. Is MultEQ XT worth it over MultEQ for you? Only you can answer that truly as you're the one spending the money. MultEQ XT just has a higher resolution (more calibration points) for the speaker (not sub) than the MultEQ. Unless you're extremely critical of how it sounds (being in a large metal building)...you might be okay with just MultEQ (the Denon 1613).

http://www.audyssey.com/audio-technology/multeq

XPmpnII

Discussion Starter · #19 · Apr 3, 2013

But doesn't AirPlay require wifi? My wifi doesn't reach out to my shop

Quote:
Originally Posted by ousooner2 /t/1466516/help-me-with-an-audio-system-for-my-shop-1k-budget-preferably-1500-max#post_23161126

You lose AirPlay with the 1612, which is what you'll want. The 1613 from them is $20 more ($219), but adds AirPlay. The 1713 ($100 more than the 1612) adds MultEQ XT (over MultEQ for the 16xx)...still has AirPlay too. Is MultEQ XT worth it over MultEQ for you? Only you can answer that truly as you're the one spending the money. MultEQ XT just has a higher resolution (more calibration points) for the speaker (not sub) than the MultEQ. Unless you're extremely critical of how it sounds (being in a large metal building)...you might be okay with just MultEQ (the Denon 1613).

http://www.audyssey.com/audio-technology/multeq

ousooner2

· #20 · Apr 3, 2013

Yes. How far away is the shop? Maybe you could upgrade your router. If not then you'll just need to plug in your phone/tablet/etc

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