For the sub, I'd pay an extra $100 to get the new SVS PB1000 Pro which is supposedly on par with the VTF-2 (verify this in the Subwoofers forum). Having the 5 year SVS warranty on it is a nice perk, plus their upgrade option. Sub amps do die on you, so if the cost savings is small it'd be better to buy brand new, imo.Hello folks, Newbie here and dipping my toes into some real speakers for the first time ever. I have been reading anonymously on the forums so know for sure that this hobby can be expensive and it won't really end at my first rodeo.
I do have a smaller living room with a kitchen to the side (no separation in between), about 20ft x 20ft living room with a similar footprint kitchen. So think of it as 20ft x 40ft room with both kitchen and living side by side.
Main listening position is about 12 - 13ft. Usage is 50 - 50 Music and TV (Netflix, YT, Cable). Room has soft rugs, soft couches and curtains on the other side of the kitchen.
I am on a tight budget and I do like my bass, so most likely will get a lightly used HSU VTF2 and a Denon S750H to power all this.
For a 5.1 setup I am thinking the following, this is just from what I researched feel free to suggest something different, I am not hung up on them.
1. Emotiva B1+'s and C1+ as LRC with Dayton Audio B652 for rears
or
2. Chane A2.4's for LRC with Dayton Audio B652 as rears
Right now I don't really have a ton of space for towers, however, this is a rented place and once this stupid housing market calms down I soon will buy my own bigger place.
If I get all new speakers either options will be about $800, I am assuming about $400-500 for the used VFT2 and $400 for the new Denon.
So all in all about $1600-1700.
I haven't heard of Ascend before, clearly I need to read more. Will check these out!Three of these: CMT-340 SE Mini-Tower Loudspeaker
Two of these: HTM-200 SE Home Theater Monitor
Using their "System Advisor" it comes out to $1220 shipped.
I did consider T0s and when I created cardboard mock ups I had no space to move around in my living room, so for now (maybe for 6 or so months) towers will be inconvenient. Plus the WAF is very low on them since it messes up her. 'aesthetics'. Also, I do have stands for B1s already so it won't be an additional cost - for now. Not sure what the new layout in the new house will be. Who knows about the future.For the sub, I'd pay an extra $100 to get the new SVS PB1000 Pro which is supposedly on par with the VTF-2 (verify this in the Subwoofers forum). Having the 5 year SVS warranty on it is a nice perk, plus their upgrade option. Sub amps do die on you, so if the cost savings is small it'd be better to buy brand new, imo.
For the speakers, I'd go with the Emotiva T0 instead of the B1+ because when you add in the cost of speaker stands ($70-100/pr for decent ones) the cost difference is like $50-75 and you get the benefit of a second woofer on the T0. A pair of the T0 costs less than a pair of the Chane A2.4 so if you are trying to keep your costs down then I'd go with Emotiva.
I would consider holding off on the Dayton rears and spending that money on the larger C2+ since you're sitting 12-13ft away.
For the rears, I'd wait for the next Infinity sale and pick up a pair of the R162 for $160 shipped, an insane bargain.
Want to keep the speakers under 1k so I have room for a decent sub and AVR. Trying to keep the total setup under 2k or else I'll be sleeping on the couch for long.Three of these: CMT-340 SE Mini-Tower Loudspeaker
Two of these: HTM-200 SE Home Theater Monitor
Using their "System Advisor" it comes out to $1220 shipped.
All 3 are very good brands. I've owned all 3 and personally prefer the Emotivas' and Chanes' flat tweeters for music, but the Ascends do have higher sensitivity so they'd be easier to drive if you were a volume freak. They will likely have a little bit more dynamics and treble energy as well for HT, though whether that will suit YOUR personal tastes and room acoustics is an open question.Want to keep the speakers under 1k so I have room for a decent sub and AVR. Trying to keep the total setup under 2k or else I'll be sleeping on the couch for long.
Are these a setup up from the Emotiva's or Chane's?
Agreed,, b1s are a tiny bit on the harder to drive side of things as it applies to ht especially...All 3 are very good brands. I've owned all 3 and personally prefer the Emotivas' and Chanes' flat tweeters for music, but the Ascends do have higher sensitivity so they'd be easier to drive if you were a volume freak. They will likely have a little bit more dynamics and treble energy as well for HT, though whether that will suit YOUR personal tastes and room acoustics is an open question.
IMO the "best" combo would be a pair of Chane A2.4 for L/R and the Emotiva C1+ for the center, if you like your 50% music listening a little bit on the loud side...the Chanes will give you more headroom than the B1+ (it's too bad that Emotiva does not make a dual woofer bookshelf but they probably want people to buy their towers instead).
I'm selling a Yamaha TSR-7790 BL 7.2 AVR, if you're interested. Yamaha TSR-7790BL 7.2 AVR for SaleQuick update
Denon isn't available at the Costco near me and they will be shipping it, so should be coming in sometime early next week. The guy at the counter suggest they have a Yamaha TSR 700 in stock and is a hot seller too, for now I passed on it, let me know if that's something I should consider too or do more reading about. I did a quick search at the counter itself and it seems Denon is solid.
Chane has a sale going on the 2.4's - 39 off B stock and shipping dropped to 7.95. 470 shipped for the pair. What a deal!!!! Order placed, yet to be shipped.
Emotiva and SVS were quick to ship so they are already on the way.
To hook all these up to my TV, I am thinking an Amazon Basics HDMI cable
Amazon's RCA cable for the sub
Something like this for the wires: Amazon.com: InstallGear 14 Gauge AWG 100ft Speaker Wire True Spec and Soft Touch Cable: Electronics
And a wire stripper like this one: DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper Cutter Wire Stripping Tool And Multi-Function Hand Tool，Professional Handle Design And Refined Craftsmanship. - - Amazon.com
Am I missing anything to get me started?
Any suggestions on how do I hide my wires? Since currently I am in a rental I don't want to spend a ton, when I'll get my own then it will make more sense to do that. I think the biggest concern will be the RCA cable as with the current layout sub placement will be tricky.
Thanks a ton!
Quick update
Denon isn't available at the Costco near me and they will be shipping it, so should be coming in sometime early next week. The guy at the counter suggest they have a Yamaha TSR 700 in stock and is a hot seller too, for now I passed on it, let me know if that's something I should consider too or do more reading about. I did a quick search at the counter itself and it seems Denon is solid.
Chane has a sale going on the 2.4's - 39 off B stock and shipping dropped to 7.95. 470 shipped for the pair. What a deal!!!! Order placed, yet to be shipped.
Emotiva and SVS were quick to ship so they are already on the way.
To hook all these up to my TV, I am thinking an Amazon Basics HDMI cable
Amazon's RCA cable for the sub
Something like this for the wires: Amazon.com: InstallGear 14 Gauge AWG 100ft Speaker Wire True Spec and Soft Touch Cable: Electronics
And a wire stripper like this one: DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper Cutter Wire Stripping Tool And Multi-Function Hand Tool，Professional Handle Design And Refined Craftsmanship. - - Amazon.com
Am I missing anything to get me started?
Any suggestions on how do I hide my wires? Since currently I am in a rental I don't want to spend a ton, when I'll get my own then it will make more sense to do that. I think the biggest concern will be the RCA cable as with the current layout sub placement will be tricky.
Thanks a ton!
Yeah, Emotiva vs Chane will be interesting. I can't remember if the OP got the T0s or the B1s - I would expect the 2.4s to blow the B1s out of the water in terms of sheer output.Wow, an Emotiva vs Chane shootout? That'll be very interesting! And difficult, I'll bet...both are excellent.
Regarding cables, yeah Amazon Basics, Mediabridge, Monoprice, etc are all you need.
You might want to consider banana plugs, these are purely convenience items but they'll make switching between speakers much much faster/easier. The ones I use:
Amazon.com: Deadbolt Banana Plugs 6-Pairs by Sewell, Gold Plated Speaker Plugs, Quick Connect, SW-29863-6 : Electronics
Buy Deadbolt Banana Plugs 6-Pairs by Sewell, Gold Plated Speaker Plugs, Quick Connect, SW-29863-6: Connectors & Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchaseswww.amazon.com
