Not sure what to get, would appreciate help.

Refozo said:

Hi all, I’m new to the audio game, and I want to get a nice sound system for my living room. I have some pictures attached but the room is 17ft long by 14ft wide with an open room behind it about 12ft behind living room(dining room)

Is that considered a big room as far as speakers are concerned? Or still small?

My plan is to mount the TV on the wall above the fireplace and mount a left and right on either side with a center below it and get two read speakers for 5.1 surround sound.

I was originally looking at the Bose Acousticmass mass 10 V with the Yamaha RX-V485BL receiver, but I want to know if that’s just a name brand id be buying or not? Is this receiver even good, and what type of speakers would be good for this size room? Any help would be appreciated.

Click to expand...

Bose is way over priced! You can generally can a setup that will easily outperform them for less.
What is your budget?
Listening habits? moderate? loud?
system use? music? movies? how much of each?
Are you in the US?
Any WAF or aesthetic concerns?
Is mounting over the fireplace set in stone? Can you set up on the long wall?

Refozo said:

I was originally looking at the Bose Acousticmass mass 10 V with the Yamaha RX-V485BL receiver, but I want to know if that’s just a name brand id be buying or not? Is this receiver even good, and what type of speakers would be good for this size room? Any help would be appreciated.

Click to expand...

Nothing wrong with the Yamaha receiver, it's the Bose that's overhyped, overpriced garbage.

Take 5 minutes to answer the previous poster's excellent starting-out questions, and you will get a slew of useful recs.

Refozo said:

Hey pace,

What is your budget? $1500 - $2000
Listening habits? Moderate

system use? music and movies

how much of each? Mostly movies

Are you in the US? Yes

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

Is mounting over the fireplace set in stone? Yes only because in the photo I have an office on opposite side of long wall (doors into the home office)

Can you set up on the long wall? No (see above)

Click to expand...

Sorry correction tv would be above fireplace but speakers could be on stands (to clarify)

Refozo said:

Hey pace,

What is your budget? $1500 - $2000
Listening habits? Moderate

system use? music and movies

how much of each? Mostly movies

Are you in the US? Yes

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

Is mounting over the fireplace set in stone? Yes only because in the photo I have an office on opposite side of long wall (doors into the home office)

Can you set up on the long wall? No (see above)

Click to expand...

The sub and center are your most critical pieces in an HT setup. You can just get an HSU hybrid 2 package and call it a day. Their rosewood speakers are actually much nicer than the website depicts. Alternatively, you can get 3 Chane A2.4'S or A1.5 + A2'4's with an HSU vtf-2 mk5.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid2mk5pkg.html
https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/A2.4
https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/A1.5

Refozo said:

(snip)

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

(snip)

Click to expand...

Wife Acceptance Factor.

I don't know the size of the woofers in the Bose system, but the satellites are 3.3" wide, 3.3" deep, and 7.5" high. They must be 3" or smaller, which is too small.

I suggest the good (but not really popular) Hybrid 2 package from Hsu Research. http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid2mk5pkg.html The additional $152 over the similar Hybrid 1 package gets you a much more capable subwoofer.

The main drawback to dealing with Hsu is no free returns (for hardware that isn't defective). Other than that, they are a pleasant company to do business with, if you're in the US.

bobknavs said:

Refozo said:

(snip)

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

(snip)

Click to expand...

Wife Acceptance Factor.

Click to expand...

Lol she’s all for it so I’m good on that end.

pase22 said:

Refozo said:

Hey pace,

What is your budget? $1500 - $2000
Listening habits? Moderate

system use? music and movies

how much of each? Mostly movies

Are you in the US? Yes

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

Is mounting over the fireplace set in stone? Yes only because in the photo I have an office on opposite side of long wall (doors into the home office)

Can you set up on the long wall? No (see above)

Click to expand...

The sub and center are your most critical pieces in an HT setup. You can just get an HSU hybrid 2 package and call it a day. Their rosewood speakers are actually much nicer than the website depicts. Alternatively, you can get 3 Chane A2.4'S or A1.5 + A2'4's with an HSU vtf-2 mk5.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hybrid2mk5pkg.html
https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/A2.4
https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/A1.5

Click to expand...

Pase, would the whole kits work well with the Yamaha I picked out or would a different receiver be better?

I had heard it’s better to buy prices than a bundle as far as quality was concerned, but I assume they are all separate pieces since it’s not actually bundled with a receiver correct?

Also these speakers will last or are they a bit future proof? Sorry for my lack of knowledge but my biggest sound system I’ve ever owned was a Sony STR-KS370 which I’m sure hitting a pot with a wooden spoon would sound better lol

Refozo said:

Pase, would the whole kits work well with the Yamaha I picked out or would a different receiver be better?

I had heard it’s better to buy prices than a bundle as far as quality was concerned, but I assume they are all separate pieces since it’s not actually bundled with a receiver correct?

Also these speakers will last or are they a bit future proof? Sorry for my lack of knowledge but my biggest sound system I’ve ever owned was a Sony STR-KS370 which I’m sure hitting a pot with a wooden spoon would sound better lol

Click to expand...

The HSU bundle is a good choice. Good rep, good sound, and awesome subs.

Chane is also a good choice. Very well received here on AVS. Great reviews.

Both are pretty efficient speakers so your Yamaha will be fine.

Other sub manufacturers to look at in case you go with Chane are Rythmik, Monolith THX, PowerSoundAudio, and SVS.

Consider getting a MantleMount, so the TV can be nearer eye height. You might also consider mounting he center speaker under the TV, so it floats with the TV. This would put your TV at a good angle for viewing (TVs mounted high cause neck pain unless you are in a recliner). The floating center channel speaker would also benefit by being much closer to the tweeter level of the speakers on the floor (bookshelf speakers on stands or actual floorstanding speakers).

https://www.mantelmount.com/collections/all?msclkid=e7490107f76417e670065c5cfae32a19#pull-down-tv-mounts

Refozo said:

Hey pace,

What is your budget? $1500 - $2000
Listening habits? Moderate

system use? music and movies

how much of each? Mostly movies

Are you in the US? Yes

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

Is mounting over the fireplace set in stone? Yes only because in the photo I have an office on opposite side of long wall (doors into the home office)

Can you set up on the long wall? No (see above)

Click to expand...

Simplest and best sounding option would be to do 3 identical wall mounted compact bookshelves above your TV, tilted downwards towards your listening position, and 2 more identical as surrounds if possible. This would give you the most seamless and uniform sound field.

Because that is a not-small space, the best thing to do would be to invest in a robust sub (or two), just tuck it away in one of the corners.

Most economical but still well performing solution would be 5 x NHT SuperOnes ($500 from Amazon) and a Hsu VTF-3 ($900 shipped). Or 5 x Ascend 200SE for $722 shipped. RSL CG23/CG3 also worth looking into, these have free return shipping if you are risk averse.

Lots of great options in that ballpark.

Zorba922 said:

Refozo said:

Hey pace,

What is your budget? $1500 - $2000
Listening habits? Moderate

system use? music and movies

how much of each? Mostly movies

Are you in the US? Yes

Any WAF or aesthetic concerns? Not sure what WAF is.

Is mounting over the fireplace set in stone? Yes only because in the photo I have an office on opposite side of long wall (doors into the home office)

Can you set up on the long wall? No (see above)

Click to expand...

Simplest and best sounding option would be to do 3 identical wall mounted compact bookshelves above your TV, tilted downwards towards your listening position, and 2 more identical as surrounds if possible. This would give you the most seamless and uniform sound field.

Because that is a not-small space, the best thing to do would be to invest in a robust sub (or two), just tuck it away in one of the corners.

Most economical but still well performing solution would be 5 x NHT SuperOnes ($500 from Amazon) and a Hsu VTF-3 ($900 shipped). Or 5 x Ascend 200SE for $722 shipped. RSL CG23/CG3 also worth looking into, these have free return shipping if you are risk averse.

Lots of great options in that ballpark.

Click to expand...

How much better is the hay vtf 3 vs 2?

Also I could do vtf 3 and two hsu bookshelf’s with a center and upgrade to the rear bookshelf’s later if vtf3 is that much better

RayGuy said:

Consider getting a MantleMount, so the TV can be nearer eye height. You might also consider mounting he center speaker under the TV, so it floats with the TV. This would put your TV at a good angle for viewing (TVs mounted high cause neck pain unless you are in a recliner). The floating center channel speaker would also benefit by being much closer to the tweeter level of the speakers on the floor (bookshelf speakers on stands or actual floorstanding speakers).

https://www.mantelmount.com/collect...7f76417e670065c5cfae32a19#pull-down-tv-mounts

Click to expand...

As for the mantle mount, it wouldn’t help as we usually have quite a few people over and if it pulled down it would put part of the screen in the way of peoples heads but it could be good for when I just want to watch a nice movie on my own I guess. I’ll check them out.

Refozo said:

How much better is the hay vtf 3 vs 2?

Also I could do vtf 3 and two hsu bookshelf’s with a center and upgrade to the rear bookshelf’s later if vtf3 is that much better

Click to expand...

The VTF-3 Mk5 uses 15" drivers. It's sort of a downsized version of Hsu's flagship VTF-15H Mk2. I believe that the VTF-3 is supposed to be about as loud at 25 HZ and up.

The VTF-2 has a 12" driver. I have two VTF-3s. I might have gone for the VTF-3, but the initial constraint I used was depth. The VTF-3 is 24" deep, the VTF-3 is 25" deep, and the VTF-15H is 28.5" deep.

I see from reviews at audioholics.com that the VTF-3 is about 6dB or so above the VTF-2 at 40 Hz. That suggests that the VTF-3 would be equivalent to two VTF-2s (neglecting spatial uniformity).

bobknavs said:

Refozo said:

How much better is the hay vtf 3 vs 2?

Also I could do vtf 3 and two hsu bookshelf’️s with a center and upgrade to the rear bookshelf’️s later if vtf3 is that much better

Click to expand...

The VTF-3 Mk5 uses 15" drivers. It's sort of a downsized version of Hsu's flagship VTF-15H Mk2. I believe that the VTF-3 is supposed to be about as loud at 25 HZ and up.

The VTF-2 has a 12" driver. I have two VTF-3s. I might have gone for the VTF-3, but the initial constraint I used was depth. The VTF-3 is 24" deep, the VTF-3 is 25" deep, and the VTF-15H is 28.5" deep.

I see from reviews at audioholics.com that the VTF-3 is about 6dB or so above the VTF-2 at 40 Hz. That suggests that the VTF-3 would be equivalent to two VTF-2s (neglecting spatial uniformity).

Click to expand...

So if I got the flagship sub, and two bookshelf’s with a center would that be a decent sound system for movies, till I can afford the two back bookshelf’s?

Also these can all be mounted on a wall and pointed downward right?

Refozo said:

Also I could do vtf 3 and two hsu bookshelf’s with a center and upgrade to the rear bookshelf’s later if vtf3 is that much better

Click to expand...

The rear surrounds typically do a measly 5-10% of the output during HT/TV, so that is definitely an area where you can wait until more funds are available. Many people deliberately go with rears from an entirely different make or model line if budget demands and they don't want to wait.

bobknavs said:

Refozo said:

How much better is the hay vtf 3 vs 2?

Also I could do vtf 3 and two hsu bookshelf’️s with a center and upgrade to the rear bookshelf’️s later if vtf3 is that much better

Click to expand...

The VTF-3 Mk5 uses 15" drivers. It's sort of a downsized version of Hsu's flagship VTF-15H Mk2. I believe that the VTF-3 is supposed to be about as loud at 25 HZ and up.

The VTF-2 has a 12" driver. I have two VTF-3s. I might have gone for the VTF-3, but the initial constraint I used was depth. The VTF-3 is 24" deep, the VTF-3 is 25" deep, and the VTF-15H is 28.5" deep.

I see from reviews at audioholics.com that the VTF-3 is about 6dB or so above the VTF-2 at 40 Hz. That suggests that the VTF-3 would be equivalent to two VTF-2s (neglecting spatial uniformity).

Click to expand...

Bobknavs, you were talking about the higher dB and higher Hz for the sub is that what makes a good sub? Do I just look for high dB and Hz or is it really more than that? And would those same specs work when looking at bookshelf speakers and center speakers?

Is there a general spec I’m looking for to determine if a speaker is better than another?

Also do certain speakers pair better with certain name brand receivers?

Sorry if these questions are dumb, I’m just trying to figure this out...

Refozo said:

So if I got the flagship sub, and two bookshelf’s with a center would that be a decent sound system for movies, till I can afford the two back bookshelf’s?

Also these can all be mounted on a wall and pointed downward right?

Click to expand...

The Hsu HB-1 and HC-1 have no provision for mounting built in. I'm using a pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/VideoSecu-Clamping-Bookshelf-Surrounding-MS56B/dp/B000X9O8SI but they only tilt down 10°. It wouldn't work at all with the HC-1, which is 23" wide. (Max width is 11".)

You can get greater flexibility of you're prepared to drive screws into the speakers.

The better approach would be to mount the front 3 so that their tweeters are near ear height, and the speakers are in their normal orientations.

Refozo said:

Bobknavs, you were talking about the higher dB and higher Hz for the sub is that what makes a good sub? Do I just look for high dB and Hz or is it really more than that? And would those same specs work when looking at bookshelf speakers and center speakers?

Is there a general spec I’m looking for to determine if a speaker is better than another?

Also do certain speakers pair better with certain name brand receivers?

Sorry if these questions are dumb, I’m just trying to figure this out...

Click to expand...

I'm not prepared to write an essay, largely because I don't know enough.

I believe that speakers don't "pair" with certain receivers (or brands). Some receivers might go into thermal protection if used with 4 ohm speakers played loudly for long periods. The Hsus are 6 ohm speakers, which should be OK with most AVRs.

One consideration with receivers is the room equalization software included. Denon and Marantz are the only ones that still include Audyssey. In the Denon line, the AVR-X3400H and its descendants are the lowest-end models that have Audyssey XT32, plus SubEq (equalizes 2 subs semi-independently). There may be better software, like Dirac, which tends to be found in more expensive AVRs. (The cheapest that I know of that bundles Dirac is the NAD T 758 V3. It has some limitations, like few HDMI ports, but it comes with Dirac.) Room equalization can be controversial; some people prefer to not use it at all.