[JoE5005]

So in three weeks, I'll be in my first apartment since graduating college. I have an old Pioneer system from 2005 that was designed for the Xbox 360. Obviously, it will not cut it in my new place.

Since I'll be in an apartment and not blasting movies or games at full volume, i figured speakers/sub would be prioritized first.

My budget? $800, but that's including a receiver (I know this is a speaker forum, but any help with a receiver would be a big help as well.)

Any help would be appreciated guys, as I'm not well ventured in home audio. I did like the Sony core series for what it's worth, but they seemed a little pricey, since I still have a receiver to think about.

 

[JMak00]

I just went the first gen andrew jones speakers. You can find them at newegg (model #s are sp-fs51, sp-bs41 or - bs21,and sp-c21). These were well reviewed just as the second generation set were (model numbers end in 2). I bought the whole 7-piece 1st gen set for $309 with everything on sale.

I paired that with a bic america f12 sub for $189 from walmart.

I bought a refurb denon x1100w receiver from accessories4less online for $250. Youll get some advice to buy refurb, this is my first time, but this outfit gets good reviews around here.

Thoughts for you... Dont forget about cabling and speaker stands. Decent speaker stands seem to be at least $50. Not sure if you want to mount speakers on the wall and/or some speakers cant be wall mounted cuz theyre rear-ported, like my pioneer andrew jones.

I wanted my speakers and full set up like right now, so i wasnt into waitng to build my system incrementally. However, you may want to consider starting with receiver (dont spend more than 25% of budget on this), your front stage (right, left, center), and a sub. That way you spend more on fewer but better speakers. Your fronts are most important so you might focus on those and the sub and come back to the surrounds later.

A lot of the suggestions here will be to maximize the amount spent on the sub...but, in my reading, thats getting into the $500 dollar range for something like svs. I was aiming for a dayton 1200 which is well liked here at avs, but decided to stretch to get the bic f12.

Best advice... Get to an audio-video store and audition or get to a frys or best buy to audition speakers. You will hear differences and they will be important.

Good luck!

 

[dsrussell]

Well, if you like the Sony Core SSCS5 bookshelf speaker, they are only $218 / pair: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-...1428627033&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+core+speakers
Add in their SSCS8 center channel for $168 and you have the front stage set for $386: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS8-3-Driver-Channel-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLNRS/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y
Add in a Dayton SUB-1200 for $148 and you have a 3.1 system for $534: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629
An AVR from Accessories for less can be had for under $200 (take your pick), and you’re under $734: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak.../receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html

All that is left are the rear speakers which you could easily get for under $100 a pair (doesn’t have to be Sony).

 

[JoE5005]

Just a quick update:

I went with the Sony Core Series bookshelf speakers and center speaker. I also picked up a Dayton low-profile sub, since I'm in an apartment and don't have a ton of space. I also went with a Onkyo receiver (can't remember the model).

All in all, I spent a little over $800, but not by much. I'm excited that my front sound stage is set and I can worry about the surround speakers down the road. Thanks to the both of you for helping me out!

 

[zieglj01]

Just a quick update:

I went with the Sony Core Series bookshelf speakers and center speaker.

Good choice - continue to enjoy the adventure!