[wmarkw]

Hey everyone. I need some help designing a modest 3.1 set up. I did a lot of research on here last night and came away with some good knowledge but wanted some more opinions. I’ve been out of the game for a while but it looks like I will need bookshelf speakers. I have attached a couple of pics of my entertainment cabinet and Samsung LCD. Quick back story. I have 2 young kids so floor standing speakers are out. I also will not be connecting any surrounds as I don’t want wires everywhere and do not desire to run wires and wall mount speakers. I recently sold my 10 year old Monitor Audios 5i’s front, 4is rears, silver center and the 2-10 ASW sub. Also got rid of my Outlaw 950/7100 pre/pro & amp. I downsized like crazy. I’m planning on purchasing an Onkyo 507 or RC160. They will be used primarily for TV & movies and this will be my set up for the next 3+ years. My budget would be $500 or less.


I liked the Infinity Primus 162 speakers as they got great reviews but I didn’t realize that these things are big. So I don’t think they will fit on my stand nor in the shelves of my stand if I laid them horizontal (can I do that?). Would then add the 250 center speaker. But the price looks great and it’s a perfect stop gap solution for my life style now.


The Emotive ERM-1 appears to have a good following and could do the 3 pack of these but not sure if my av receiver will be able to power them as they’re 4 ohm speakers. But the discounted price is nice.


The SVS SCS-01(M) "Front Three" package looks good too.


I also can get Monitor Audio speakers for a real good price. I was looking at their R in One HD LCR speaker Bar or going with 2 R90 HDs and the R1080 center. Either option can both be had for under $500.


Looking at my entertainment unit, I was hoping I could place the L & R speakers in the 2nd shelf down from the top and the center speaker in the designated center shelf. Or in front, to the side of my LCD.


Any other ideas?


I also would like a decent 8” sub but will bug the sub forum.


Thanks for the help. Any other details needed let me know.

 

[m_vanmeter]

you might consider smaller towers on each side of the stand, to get a little more distance between the speakers. Your seating is far enough back that you will not create much, if any, of a front soundstage with all three of your speakers so very close together. Towers do not need to be huge 5' monsters taking up the whole corner. If you add a decent subwoofer, the towers can be narrow and very modest height by using smaller primary speakers and let the sub handle the heavy lifting.


just a thought

 

[wmarkw]

Thanks vanmeter. Any brand recommendations?

 

[m_vanmeter]

what is your budget for the front 3 - as they should match from the same speaker manufacturer? Color - black or wood veneer ?

 

[boarder1995]

There are a bunch of online retailers that have good in-home audition policies, some with free return shipping too. They all sell good priced bookshelf speakers...
http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/
http://www.axiomaudio.com/index2.html
http://www.edesignaudio.com/index.php
http://emotiva.com/
http://www.hsuresearch.com/
http://www.outlawaudio.com/
http://www.svsound.com/index.cfm
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/manuf...s.php/mPath/10
http://www.ozhometheater.com/
http://www.thespeakercompany.com/


Now have a look through these, find some you like, look up their model number here and see what's been said about them.

 

[wmarkw]

Thanks Boarder. Thats pretty much what I did last night but now i have more options. I


Vanmeter, I would like a black finish and my budget would be $350-$500. I'm looking for a good sounding speaker that will not be too expensive. The infinity 162 looked perfect but not sure of the size.