[cybrsage]

I have a friend who is looking to buy his first surround sound system. He does not have a lot of money to spend on it.


He already has an older 5.1 receiver (a Sony, do not know the model). He is buying a 720p 50inch plasma, so wants sound for it.


Due to his budget, he is looking at only having about $400 to spend.


I was looking at this combo deal:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...8/energy-eswc8


The Energy Speakers Take 5 Classic set with the ESW-C8 subwoofer.


Anyone know if this is a good setup? Is there something better in this price range?


Room is 15 x 20, even mix of music (classic 80s rock) and DVD movies.


All the related threads were from 2008...

 

[s44]

 this

 

[cybrsage]

Thanks.


I cannot find any reviews on the speakers, though.

 

[afrogt]



Quote:
Originally Posted by cybrsage /forum/post/16876290


I have a friend who is looking to buy his first surround sound system. He does not have a lot of money to spend on it.


He already has an older 5.1 receiver (a Sony, do not know the model). He is buying a 720p 50inch plasma, so wants sound for it.


Due to his budget, he is looking at only having about $400 to spend.


I was looking at this combo deal:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...8/energy-eswc8


The Energy Speakers Take 5 Classic set with the ESW-C8 subwoofer.


Anyone know if this is a good setup? Is there something better in this price range?


Room is 15 x 20, even mix of music (classic 80s rock) and DVD movies.


All the related threads were from 2008...

The C8 is an underpowered sub, its only 60 watts. Plus in a 15 x 20 room, you'd want something bigger.


You'd actually want bigger speakers than the Takes in a 15 x 20 room also.


The other recommendation is probably better for your situation.

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/16876369


The C8 is an underpowered sub, its only 60 watts. Plus in a 15 x 20 room, you'd want something bigger.


You'd actually want bigger speakers than the Takes in a 15 x 20 room also.


The other recommendation is probably better for your situation.

Thanks!


I tried to talk him into more...but no dice.

 

[afrogt]



Quote:
Originally Posted by cybrsage /forum/post/16876412


Thanks!


I tried to talk him into more...but no dice.

What does this mean? He doesn't want the TSC speakers? Bigger speakers? Or spending more money?

 

[slippery44]

If you like energy's this is an upgrade on the takes

C-50 5.0
http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/..._84__0_0_0_-1/


You'd still need to add a budget sub though to stay under $400. He's probably going to be better off starting with a couple good fronts for $400 and working his was up to a full 5.1 system.

 

[s44]

review here

 

[Knucklehead90]



Quote:
Originally Posted by cybrsage /forum/post/16876412


Thanks!


I tried to talk him into more...but no dice.

Either talk him into getting a 2.0/3.0 for the time being or let him know what to expect for the size of budget in that size room.

Reality is a *****.

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/16876461


What does this mean? He doesn't want the TSC speakers? Bigger speakers? Or spending more money?

Into spending more money.


Since these speakers are within his budget, I will press for them.

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by s44 /forum/post/16876509


review here

Thanks!

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 /forum/post/16877113


Either talk him into getting a 2.0/3.0 for the time being or let him know what to expect for the size of budget in that size room.

Reality is a *****.

Yeah, no go on that one.

 

[swgiust]

How about this:

http://www.outlawaudio.com/outlet/atlanticHT.html

 

[hsd1770]

Along the same lines...what about the setup at Parts Express..
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-694


Anybody with any experience of it. I'm also looking for a small setup in a bedroom.

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by swgiust /forum/post/16881200


How about this:

http://www.outlawaudio.com/outlet/atlanticHT.html

$708 after shipping costs added in...$599 before.

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hsd1770 /forum/post/16881513


Along the same lines...what about the setup at Parts Express..
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-694


Anybody with any experience of it. I'm also looking for a small setup in a bedroom.

Look here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...php?p=12343327

 

[afrogt]

$499 shipped for 5.0 system. Get the sub later. Sales ends today.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ge-omni-550-ch

 

[cybrsage]



Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/16881716


$499 shipped for 5.0 system. Get the sub later. Sales ends today.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...ge-omni-550-ch

Thanks!

 

[afrogt]

Or get 4 Omni 150 bookshelf speakers with the matching center for $300.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...irage-omni-150


Then he'll have $100 to buy an inexpensive subwoofer.

 

[Dan Hitchman]



Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/16882280


Or get 4 Omni 150 bookshelf speakers with the matching center for $300.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/it...irage-omni-150


Then he'll have $100 to buy an inexpensive subwoofer.

The Mirage OMNI 550 prices are hard to pass up. I would have your friend consider (if there is room) going with four OMNI 550's rather than the 150C bookshelves for the surrounds. You'll pay a little more than his budget, but in the end you'll have more bass response all around (great for multi-channel music) and you won't have to buy speaker stands.


$649.40 for four OMNI 550's, and a C150 center speaker. And you can move up to 7.0 channels by adding a pair of 150C bookshelves for another $149.88.


I don't think you could go wrong for that moderate price tag.