[MuzikFan]

I'm setting up a 7.1 HT area and need some advice. I'm a big AV fan, but not very savvy when it comes to the tech. First and foremost, my set-up needs to be able to handle movies and music with as equal quality and depth as possible. The listening/viewing area is 14' W x 12'3" D x 8' high. My budget is $1500. I have an Onkyo TX-NR636 receiver that I plan to use (I'm willing to entertain another receiver, but currently not in the budget).

Now for the main help, I'm currently Choosing between the following two set-ups and would like feedback and/or recommendations to make this set-up the best it can be:

Satellites: Mirage OS-3 Sat's for all 6 (i can get them for $125/ea)
Center: Mirage OS-3 CC or OMDC2 (or recommended that fits the budget)
Sub: HSUnVTF-2 MK4, SVS PB-1000 or SVS PS-1000

Or

Orb People's Choice package with the additional speakers to make up a 7.1 set up.

Please let know your thoughts.

 

[MuzikFan]

Hi Everyone, I'm sorry to bump this but I'm really interested in what people think about the purposed set-ups. My speaker knowledge is very limited and need help to make this system the best it can be for my budget. Do people think the Mirage OS-3 speakers are better than the Orbs or is there another set of speakers you would recommend? I'm looking to spend about $1000 for the all of the speakers (sub is separate).

In addition, for the sub which do you think will be better the HSU VTF-2 MK4 or the SVS PB-1000? I want this system to be able to handle both music and movies well.

 

[zieglj01]

Hi Everyone, I'm sorry to bump this but I'm really interested in what people think about the purposed set-ups.

I would look at something bigger - where the speakers can play down
to around 80 hz, before the subwoofer takes over for the lower bass.

Why are you looking at such small speakers?

The HSU Sub can be a nice option for you.

 

[MuzikFan]

I would look at something bigger - where the speakers can play down
to around 80 hz, before the subwoofer takes over for the lower bass.

Why are you looking at such small speakers?

The HSU Sub can be a nice option for you.

Thanks for the reply. A friend recommended the speakers due to their sound and my wife doesn't want anything too big. Do you have any recommendations on other speakers that would be better?

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks for the reply. A friend recommended the speakers due to their sound and my wife doesn't want anything too big. Do you have any recommendations on other speakers that would be better?

I would try to do some bookshelf speakers - what is your restriction for
the height, width and depth for your front 3 speakers - smaller ones for
surrounds can still work out fine.

 

[smcmillan2]

Lots of other choices out there. I'm sure Zieg will have a good sized list for you shortly, but I'll throw this out there:
http://emptek.com/r5bi.php
http://emptek.com/r5ci.php

I just replaced our Mirage Nanosat Prestige and Nanosat CC with the above (granted, a bit smaller than the OS-3s) and the difference in SQ is night and day. Living room, slightly larger than your space at 13.5x17.5x8, open to other areas.

3 sets of the R5Bi and the center will set you back $870. You could go with the E3b line if you want to reduce the size of the surrounds: http://emptek.com/e3series.php

 

[MuzikFan]

I would try to do some bookshelf speakers - what is your restriction for
the height, width and depth for your front 3 speakers - smaller ones for
surrounds can still work out fine.

I really haven't thought about it. I guess around 6.5"x10"x8" (WxHxD). Does this sound reasonable? I'm not saying I have to stick to these dimensions because sound and price point are more important (to me at least). Do you have any recommendations?

 

[MuzikFan]

Thanks McMillan! I will check out what you have and it sounds like you have a similar (little larger) room size as I do.

 

[zieglj01]

I really haven't thought about it. I guess around 6.5"x10"x8" (WxHxD). Does this sound reasonable? I'm not saying I have to stick to these dimensions because sound and price point are more important (to me at least). Do you have any recommendations?

NHT SuperOne 2.1 - sold each and on sale
http://www.nhthifi.com/Bookshelf-speaker-SuperOne-2-1?sc=12&category=3772

Sale price on second picture
http://www.nhthifi.com/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monitor Audio Bronz BX1 - scroll down on left side
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/monitor_special.htm

 

[zieglj01]

Also Wharfedale Diamond speakers 10.1
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15476-wharfedale-diamond-101-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx

 

[MuzikFan]

NHT SuperOne 2.1 - sold each and on sale
http://www.nhthifi.com/Bookshelf-speaker-SuperOne-2-1?sc=12&category=3772

Sale price on second picture
http://www.nhthifi.com/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monitor Audio Bronz BX1 - scroll down on left side
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/monitor_special.htm

Thanks Ziegl!!! One question about the SuperOne 2.1 speakers. I was just looking at some reviews and they talked about not needing a powered sub. Does this mean that a powered sub may cause problems for the speakers or that they can produce a little base themselves and therefore may not need an extra sub for some music?

 

[crazyrob425]

SVS Prime Satellites are within your budget and size restrictions
http://www.svsound.com/speakers/prime-series/prime-satellite-5-1

 

[MuzikFan]

SVS Prime Satellites are within your budget and size restrictions
http://www.svsound.com/speakers/prime-series/prime-satellite-5-1

Thanks Rob, are SVS speakers good? I've heard mixed reviews. I know sound is subjective, but figured I would ask.

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks Ziegl!!! One question about the SuperOne 2.1 speakers. I was just looking at some reviews and they talked about not needing a powered sub. Does this mean that a powered sub may cause problems for the speakers or that they can produce a little base themselves and therefore may not need an extra sub for some music?

They will still need a sub - for the overall best results for music and HT.

 

[MuzikFan]

NHT SuperOne 2.1 - sold each and on sale
http://www.nhthifi.com/Bookshelf-speaker-SuperOne-2-1?sc=12&category=3772

Sale price on second picture
http://www.nhthifi.com/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Monitor Audio Bronz BX1 - scroll down on left side
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/monitor_special.htm

Another question about using bookshelf speakers for the center, L & R but they would be too big for the satellites (in my space). Would I still be able to use the OS-3's or would that sound to loose (for a lack of a better term) because of how the OS-3s disperse the sound combined with the directional sound from the fronts?

 

[zieglj01]

Another question about using bookshelf speakers for the center, L & R but they would be too big for the satellites (in my space). Would I still be able to use the OS-3's or would that sound to loose (for a lack of a better term) because of how the OS-3s disperse the sound combined with the directional sound from the fronts?

A vertical bookshelf for center channel, is the overall best option for
center channel.

The OS-3 is a good option for surround effects with home theater.

 

[MuzikFan]

A vertical bookshelf for center channel, is the overall best option for
center channel.

The OS-3 is a good option for surround effects with home theater.

Great to hear about the OS-3's. I can be a little slow, so to make sure I understand your point about the center channel. I should get all 3 front channels in the vertical configuration? I should not get a "center channel speaker" (horizontal config)?

 

[cesar123]

Thanks Rob, are SVS speakers good? I've heard mixed reviews. I know sound is subjective, but figured I would ask.

SVS offers a free in home trial period. Order them, see if you like it. If not, send it back. It'll cost ya $0.00

 

[zieglj01]

Great to hear about the OS-3's. I can be a little slow, so to make sure I understand your point about the center channel. I should get all 3 front channels in the vertical configuration? I should not get a "center channel speaker" (horizontal config)?

The goal is for 3 vertical across the front - Some vertical bookshelves can be turned horizontal
for center use, if restricted for vertical height in the center placement. I would only purchase the
horizontal center as a last resort - and it still would not be the end of the world.

 

[MuzikFan]

SVS offers a free in home trial period. Order them, see if you like it. If not, send it back. It'll cost ya $0.00

Fair point and thanks for the advice. I have never "demo'd" speakers before so this is a new concept (which is rather nice).