[marathonnutcase]

Hi folks,
Was hoping you could help me with a decision. I'm trying to decide whether to reuse pieces of two old stereo systems or start over with a package 5.1 surround system in a 13x13x8 tv room (hardwood floors). I'm not super critical, but I'd like to make that first step up.

Here's what I have:
Onkyo tx-ds595 receiver (purchased 2002? Optical in, but not much else)
Kenwood kr-a5080 receiver (purchased maybe 1990)
2, Celestion 8 ohm 3-way bookshelf speakers (1", 4", 6"), ?model, 10-100w range, 89 db sensitivity
2, PSB-300 bookshelf speakers (maybe 3" and 6" cones)
subwoofer I built myself, maybe 2002

Am I better off Craigslisting everything and starting over with a 5.1 package? Or does something like salvagable? Many thanks!

- john

 

[marathonnutcase]

please? Any thoughts?

I really don't know if selling what I have for, say, an HSU 5.1 package, or a JBL Studio 530/520C setup, will seem noticeably better.
Many thanks.

-john

 

[jmh547]

please? Any thoughts?

I really don't know if selling what I have for, say, an HSU 5.1 package, or a JBL Studio 530/520C setup, will seem noticeably better.
Many thanks.

-john

Some more info would be nice. Primary usage movies, music?. Budget? Room size? These all play a big part in speaker selection and setup.

If you currently have a 4.0 system and want to upgrade to a 5.1 the I would buy three matched fronts and keeping two of you current speakers for rears. Or if budget allows buy a 5.1 system. Svs makes some very nice speakers with a risk free in home trial period.

As for the avr I would upgrade to something with audyssey.

As far as sound better... That is up to you and your ears.

 

[zieglj01]

The PSB 300 will make good surrounds - then start with new front 3 speakers.

 

[Dan Hitchman]

please? Any thoughts?

I really don't know if selling what I have for, say, an HSU 5.1 package, or a JBL Studio 530/520C setup, will seem noticeably better.
Many thanks.

-john

I'd completely start fresh and go with maybe an HSU, SVS Prime, or Emp Tek setup, as three examples. And no, you don't have to choose the same sub as the other speakers.

It would be great if we knew an idea of your budget and whether you are willing to adjust it as need be.

The receiver purchase should be placed on hold IMHO for a little bit as we find out about what the 2015 models have in store for us.

I recommend at least some throw rugs to help tame audio reflections from your hardwood floor. No speaker will sound great in that environment.

 

[marathonnutcase]

Thanks for the patience and help,
Pictures of room and equipment attached.

Primary usage: 50/50 music/movies
Budget: maybe $1500 for the 5.1, $500 for the receiver?
Main room: 13' wide, 15' deep, 8' ceilings, hardwood floors. But an 8'x8' entryway into another 15x15 room.

I like zieglj01's suggestion to use the PSB300s as surrounds, and am leaning toward buying an HSU or SVS 3.1, and waiting on the receiver for a little bit (I noticed one of the Made in England Celestions has a dented tweeter. damn)

I made my sealed 12" subwoofer using a 250W amp from Parts Express around 2002.
Will an SVS or HSU sub be a big improvement?

And how do the HSU and SVS speakers and subwoofer sound compared to each other?
Any other suggestions about a system? Thanks.

-john

 

[Dan Hitchman]

Thanks for the patience and help,
Pictures of room and equipment attached.

Primary usage: 50/50 music/movies
Budget: maybe $1500 for the 5.1, $500 for the receiver?
Main room: 13' wide, 15' deep, 8' ceilings, hardwood floors. But an 8'x8' entryway into another 15x15 room.

I like zieglj01's suggestion to use the PSB300s as surrounds, and am leaning toward buying an HSU or SVS 3.1, and waiting on the receiver for a little bit (I noticed one of the Made in England Celestions has a dented tweeter. damn)

I made my sealed 12" subwoofer using a 250W amp from Parts Express around 2002.
Will an SVS or HSU sub be a big improvement?

And how do the HSU and SVS speakers and subwoofer sound compared to each other?
Any other suggestions about a system? Thanks.

-john

I'd go with this SVS Prime package first (you can always return it if you're not satisfied and they'll pay the reverse shipping) and then move on from there.

http://www.svsound.com/systems/prime-systems/prime-bookshelf-surround-system

HSU VTF-3 mk5 15" Sub (great boom for the buck)...

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk5HP.html

Total is a little higher than your stated budget, but it would definitely get you on the right path and you would have a more cohesive sound system rather than mismatched speakers, and tremendous bass response that would blow your DIY sub away. Then as an upgrade path, I would later add the Prime Towers in the front and use the included Satellites as height speakers for 3D surround.

Hold on to the receiver for a little while and get a 2015 receiver later on that includes new, much needed HDMI chips for future media. They'll drop in price.

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks for the patience and help,
Pictures of room and equipment attached.

Primary usage: 50/50 music/movies
Budget: maybe $1500 for the 5.1, $500 for the receiver?

In your budget make room for some speaker stands - and a couple of budget-friendly
rugs to put in front of your front speakers.

I have another option for you to look at

JBL Studio 230 and Studio 235
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-23...qid=1431131606&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+230

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-23...qid=1431131631&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+235

Along with the HSU VTF-3 Subwoofer

More modern receiver -Denon E400
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-7.1-4k-3d-networking-receiver-airplay/1.html

Or, Denon X2100
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-receiver-with-wi-fi-bluetooth-airplay/1.html

 

[darthray]

I'd go with this SVS Prime package first (you can always return it if you're not satisfied and they'll pay the reverse shipping) and then move on from there.

http://www.svsound.com/systems/prime-systems/prime-bookshelf-surround-system

HSU VTF-3 mk5 15" Sub (great boom for the buck)...

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk5HP.html

Total is a little higher than your stated budget, but it would definitely get you on the right path and you would have a more cohesive sound system rather than mismatched speakers, and tremendous bass response that would blow your DIY sub away. Then as an upgrade path, I would later add the Prime Towers in the front and use the included Satellites as height speakers for 3D surround.

Hold on to the receiver for a little while and get a 2015 receiver later on that includes new, much needed HDMI chips for future media. They'll drop in price.

I like this option since for most folk, it would be a system that they would enjoy for a very long time.
Nice entry speakers that are all match and have good reviews, a good sub for the foundation.


I agree with Dan on waiting for the Receiver since there is always lot of sales on them due to new models coming out and Boxing day, Black Friday are only a few months away.
And spend a little bit more now for the speakers and a good sub now, most people overlook the sub by trying to go cheap, only to replace it later in the future and end-up costing a lot more.

Yes it is a little bit more to spend now but you will thanks us later
Believe me, I went through lots of up-grades and only learned in the last few years to do-it right the first time.


Ray

 

[darthray]

In your budget make room for some speaker stands - and a couple of budget-friendly
rugs to put in front of your front speakers.

I have another option for you to look at

JBL Studio 230 and Studio 235
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-23...qid=1431131606&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+230

http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-23...qid=1431131631&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+235

Along with the HSU VTF-3 Subwoofer

More modern receiver -Denon E400
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-7.1-4k-3d-networking-receiver-airplay/1.html

Or, Denon X2100
http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...-receiver-with-wi-fi-bluetooth-airplay/1.html

Your recommendation about the carpet is also very important
A cheap solution for many acoustic problems.


Ray