Advice on HTIB vs. Separate Components

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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Decided to take the plunge and buy a projector for my home theater. I need to find a good speaker and receiver package. I've done some research and found some possible packages. I'd like to buy the components separately but I only have ~$350 to spend. I've been using the built-in TV speakers for as long as I can remember so I'm no audiophile. I just want something that will provide surround sound and hopefully a good base for future upgrades. I would like the receiver to be able to process audio over HDMI so I can run just one cable to my projector.

Here are some of the HTIBs I found:

Sony HT-7200 $340 new
Onkyo HT-S894 $325 Refurb 1-yr warranty
Yamaha YHT-380 $262 new
Pioneer VSX-516-k and surround speakers $175 Refurb 1yr warranty
Samsung HT-AS720ST $394 new
Yamaha/Pioneer bundle $335 Walmart

Separate component deals I found:

Receivers
Onkyo TX-SR605 receiver $228.65 refurb 1-yr
Harman Kardan 146 $195 used

Speakers
Polk R300 pair $103 new at Fry's
Polk RM6750 $205

The only input devices I'll be using are an HTPC (DVI-to-HDMI adapter) and an XBOX 360 with component cables.

Can you guys offer a noob some advice on which deal would be the best or a selection of components that would fit the budget?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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If your budget is only $350, I Recommend going 2.0 with a decent receiver until you can upgrade further.
 

Elfear

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Originally posted by: PurdueRy
If your budget is only $350, I Recommend going 2.0 with a decent receiver until you can upgrade further.

I may need to do that. Which combo would you recommend? Onkyo TX-SR605 with Polk R300s?
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
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I would go with the TX-SR605, over the HK 146, because you will get 3x the power, 90 watts per channel vs 30 for the HK 146. You will also have a warranty on the TX-SR605.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy
If your budget is only $350, I Recommend going 2.0 with a decent receiver until you can upgrade further.

I may need to do that. Which combo would you recommend? Onkyo TX-SR605 with Polk R300s?

Depends if you need the HD audio formats or not. I would actually recommend a cheaper receiver and putting more into the speakers.
 

herm0016

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Feb 26, 2005
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why do you need audio over hdmi when none of your sources support it? you should just have one vid cable from the receiver to the projector, and then the audio and video cables from your sources to the receiver. the projector should not ever touch an audio signal.
 

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: herm0016
why do you need audio over hdmi when none of your sources support it? you should just have one vid cable from the receiver to the projector, and then the audio and video cables from your sources to the receiver. the projector should not ever touch an audio signal.

Yeah, I just realized that is true. Wasn't thinking too clearly last night at 3am. So what receiver would you guys recommend? I'd like the ability to upgrade to 7.1 one day when I can afford more speakers.
 

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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Ok, I think I've figured out a good setup for my budget. Let me know what you guys think and if you can do better for the same price.

Onkyo TX-SR605 $228
Pair of Polk R300 speakers $108
Polk CS1 $100

When I get more money, I can get a pair of Polk R50s and use the R300s as rear speakers. I can also pick up a good sub at that point.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Ok, I think I've figured out a good setup for my budget. Let me know what you guys think and if you can do better for the same price.

Onkyo TX-SR605 $228
Pair of Polk R300 speakers $108
Polk CS1 $100

When I get more money, I can get a pair of Polk R50s and use the R300s as rear speakers. I can also pick up a good sub at that point.

I still don't think you should spend 1/2 your budget on a receiver.

I've been trying to access shoponkyo for you to see their current options but their site is down for me. Look for any cheap receiver...maybe around $150. Keep in mind the receiver affects the sound very little compared to the speakers.

Then get a pair of quality stereo speakers like these:

http://av123.com/component/pag..._virtuemart/Itemid,37/

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3.html

Then...when you get some more money saved up buy a sub. A quality 2.1 setup is surprisingly good. Then later you can add a center and rears. IMO invest a good deal into your center channel if your into movies...it will make a big difference in the clarity of the voices.
 

Muadib

Lifer
May 30, 2000
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I think you are going to have to look at the used market if you want decent sound vs just sound. You should check Craigslist and see whats available in your area. Some good buys can be found on Ebay too.





 

conehead433

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2002
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Based on your budget I would go with the onkyo HTIB and upgrade the front left and right speakers when you could afford it. The speakers in the kit aren't that bad but the Polks would be better for the fronts.
 

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

I still don't think you should spend 1/2 your budget on a receiver.

I've been trying to access shoponkyo for you to see their current options but their site is down for me. Look for any cheap receiver...maybe around $150. Keep in mind the receiver affects the sound very little compared to the speakers.

Then get a pair of quality stereo speakers like these:

http://av123.com/component/pag..._virtuemart/Itemid,37/

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3.html

Then...when you get some more money saved up buy a sub. A quality 2.1 setup is surprisingly good. Then later you can add a center and rears. IMO invest a good deal into your center channel if your into movies...it will make a big difference in the clarity of the voices.

I figured if I got a good receiver now I wouldn't have to upgrade it with the other components. I'll go for a cheaper receiver if will still provide a good foundation. I've seen a refurb Onkyo TX-SR505 for ~$175 but I'm not sure what the differences are between the 505 and 605.


Originally posted by: conehead433
Based on your budget I would go with the onkyo HTIB and upgrade the front left and right speakers when you could afford it. The speakers in the kit aren't that bad but the Polks would be better for the fronts.

Is the receiver that comes with that HTIB a good one?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

I still don't think you should spend 1/2 your budget on a receiver.

I've been trying to access shoponkyo for you to see their current options but their site is down for me. Look for any cheap receiver...maybe around $150. Keep in mind the receiver affects the sound very little compared to the speakers.

Then get a pair of quality stereo speakers like these:

http://av123.com/component/pag..._virtuemart/Itemid,37/

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3.html

Then...when you get some more money saved up buy a sub. A quality 2.1 setup is surprisingly good. Then later you can add a center and rears. IMO invest a good deal into your center channel if your into movies...it will make a big difference in the clarity of the voices.

I figured if I got a good receiver now I wouldn't have to upgrade it with the other components. I'll go for a cheaper receiver if will still provide a good foundation. I've seen a refurb Onkyo TX-SR505 for ~$175 but I'm not sure what the differences are between the 505 and 605.


Originally posted by: conehead433
Based on your budget I would go with the onkyo HTIB and upgrade the front left and right speakers when you could afford it. The speakers in the kit aren't that bad but the Polks would be better for the fronts.

Is the receiver that comes with that HTIB a good one?


But if you reduce your front speakers to the Polk options you were looking at you may want to update those fairly soon. The options I posted should hold you for quite a while.

A receiver tends to become "obsolete" fairly fast. New technology comes out, new connections, new audio formats etc. Buying a decent one now like the 605 doesn't mean you won't have to update it later. I say cut your losses and invest in the technology that doesn't go out of date(the speakers).

I believe the main difference between the 605 and the 505 is the lack of HDMI audio.

As for the Onkyo HTiB it depends which one your talking about...however none of the HTiB receivers in your budget range are going to be anything impressive.
 

Elfear

Diamond Member
May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

But if you reduce your front speakers to the Polk options you were looking at you may want to update those fairly soon. The options I posted should hold you for quite a while.

A receiver tends to become "obsolete" fairly fast. New technology comes out, new connections, new audio formats etc. Buying a decent one now like the 605 doesn't mean you won't have to update it later. I say cut your losses and invest in the technology that doesn't go out of date(the speakers).

I believe the main difference between the 605 and the 505 is the lack of HDMI audio.

As for the Onkyo HTiB it depends which one your talking about...however none of the HTiB receivers in your budget range are going to be anything impressive.

I guess that makes sense. Is there an inexpensive receiver you'd get to start out with?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

But if you reduce your front speakers to the Polk options you were looking at you may want to update those fairly soon. The options I posted should hold you for quite a while.

A receiver tends to become "obsolete" fairly fast. New technology comes out, new connections, new audio formats etc. Buying a decent one now like the 605 doesn't mean you won't have to update it later. I say cut your losses and invest in the technology that doesn't go out of date(the speakers).

I believe the main difference between the 605 and the 505 is the lack of HDMI audio.

As for the Onkyo HTiB it depends which one your talking about...however none of the HTiB receivers in your budget range are going to be anything impressive.

I guess that makes sense. Is there an inexpensive receiver you'd get to start out with?

Here are some options...depends how many optical and digital coax inputs you need.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=259-200

http://www.accessories4less.co...-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

Then get one of the pairs of speakers I linked to above...probably the AV123 speaker as it goes the lowest of the options I linked to and you have a good starter system. Add a sub when you get some money and I think you'll be surprised with how good that alone can sound.
 

Elfear

Diamond Member
May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Here are some options...depends how many optical and digital coax inputs you need.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=259-200

http://www.accessories4less.co...-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

Then get one of the pairs of speakers I linked to above...probably the AV123 speaker as it goes the lowest of the options I linked to and you have a good starter system. Add a sub when you get some money and I think you'll be surprised with how good that alone can sound.

So do you think the lack of newer audio features not supported by the SR505 are going to matter much? Specifically, it looks like it doesn't support Dolby Digital Plus, Digital TrueHD, DTS HD, or DTS HD Master Audio. My HTPC has HD-DVD and Blu Ray capability but I don't know if those audio features are all that important.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Here are some options...depends how many optical and digital coax inputs you need.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=259-200

http://www.accessories4less.co...-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

Then get one of the pairs of speakers I linked to above...probably the AV123 speaker as it goes the lowest of the options I linked to and you have a good starter system. Add a sub when you get some money and I think you'll be surprised with how good that alone can sound.

So do you think the lack of newer audio features not supported by the SR505 are going to matter much? Specifically, it looks like it doesn't support Dolby Digital Plus, Digital TrueHD, DTS HD, or DTS HD Master Audio. My HTPC has HD-DVD and Blu Ray capability but I don't know if those audio features are all that important.

That won't matter unless you have a sound card that can output those formats in bitstream format. Seeing as I think there is only 1 that can and it is still in development then that feature will not affect you. The difference between the new audio formats and old is not as significant as the difference between a good set of a speakers and some "okay" ones.


It really does not take long for receiver technology to change. I bought a $580 receiver 3 years ago and I have wanted to upgrade for about a year now. I don't have the new audio formats and I don't have any HDMI connections. I don't have upconversion either. These are all features that are all fairly standard in the $400 receiver range now.

Going from the old audio formats to the new audio formats is like going from 192 kbps VBR mp3 to FLAC. Yes there is a difference, but some people may not hear it and its all dependent on how high in quality the rest of your system is.
 

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

That won't matter unless you have a sound card that can output those formats in bitstream format. Seeing as I think there is only 1 that can and it is still in development then that feature will not affect you. The difference between the new audio formats and old is not as significant as the difference between a good set of a speakers and some "okay" ones.


It really does not take long for receiver technology to change. I bought a $580 receiver 3 years ago and I have wanted to upgrade for about a year now. I don't have the new audio formats and I don't have any HDMI connections. I don't have upconversion either. These are all features that are all fairly standard in the $400 receiver range now.

Going from the old audio formats to the new audio formats is like going from 192 kbps VBR mp3 to FLAC. Yes there is a difference, but some people may not hear it and its all dependent on how high in quality the rest of your system is.

Thanks for that excellent reponse PurdueRy. I'm such a noob when it comes to audio stuff and it helps a lot to have it broken down the way you did.

So what kind of quality can I expect out of my 7.1 HD Realtek onboard audio? Is that going to be sufficient or should I be looking into a better discrete card?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

That won't matter unless you have a sound card that can output those formats in bitstream format. Seeing as I think there is only 1 that can and it is still in development then that feature will not affect you. The difference between the new audio formats and old is not as significant as the difference between a good set of a speakers and some "okay" ones.


It really does not take long for receiver technology to change. I bought a $580 receiver 3 years ago and I have wanted to upgrade for about a year now. I don't have the new audio formats and I don't have any HDMI connections. I don't have upconversion either. These are all features that are all fairly standard in the $400 receiver range now.

Going from the old audio formats to the new audio formats is like going from 192 kbps VBR mp3 to FLAC. Yes there is a difference, but some people may not hear it and its all dependent on how high in quality the rest of your system is.

Thanks for that excellent reponse PurdueRy. I'm such a noob when it comes to audio stuff and it helps a lot to have it broken down the way you did.

So what kind of quality can I expect out of my 7.1 HD Realtek onboard audio? Is that going to be sufficient or should I be looking into a better discrete card?

You're welcome. :thumbsup:

From your realtek card you can expect the same quality you get from any other digital source to your receiver. Since I don't think you are looking immediately at going surround sound, you don't have to worry about the digital outputs limitation with gaming surround sound. See, a normal audio card cannot output surround sound from games over a digital connection. This is because audio occurs in realtime on a game and is not preencoded like a movie. In order to get surround sound from games if and when you did get surround sound you would likely need to invest in a Dolby Digital or DTS encoding card. These exist starting at around $70.

But if you go with 2.0 or 2.1 this isn't really much of an issue to concern yourself with. The fact of the matter is that integrated sound won't be holding you back if you use a digital connection from your computer.
 

Elfear

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May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

You're welcome. :thumbsup:

From your realtek card you can expect the same quality you get from any other digital source to your receiver. Since I don't think you are looking immediately at going surround sound, you don't have to worry about the digital outputs limitation with gaming surround sound. See, a normal audio card cannot output surround sound from games over a digital connection. This is because audio occurs in realtime on a game and is not preencoded like a movie. In order to get surround sound from games if and when you did get surround sound you would likely need to invest in a Dolby Digital or DTS encoding card. These exist starting at around $70.

But if you go with 2.0 or 2.1 this isn't really much of an issue to concern yourself with. The fact of the matter is that integrated sound won't be holding you back if you use a digital connection from your computer.

That makes sense. I'll stick with what I have for now than and look into a discrete card when I go 5.1 or 7.1.

I think I've narrowed down what I want for speakers. For fronts (L/R) I plan on using Infinity Beta 20s which I can rotate into the surround positions when I can afford some Beta 40s or 50s. If I stretch my budget a bit I can afford either a decent sub or a good center. I was thinking the Infinity C360 for the center and either a BIC H-100 or Velodyne VX10 for the sub.

Would I get more benefit out of the sub or the center to start out with?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

You're welcome. :thumbsup:

From your realtek card you can expect the same quality you get from any other digital source to your receiver. Since I don't think you are looking immediately at going surround sound, you don't have to worry about the digital outputs limitation with gaming surround sound. See, a normal audio card cannot output surround sound from games over a digital connection. This is because audio occurs in realtime on a game and is not preencoded like a movie. In order to get surround sound from games if and when you did get surround sound you would likely need to invest in a Dolby Digital or DTS encoding card. These exist starting at around $70.

But if you go with 2.0 or 2.1 this isn't really much of an issue to concern yourself with. The fact of the matter is that integrated sound won't be holding you back if you use a digital connection from your computer.

That makes sense. I'll stick with what I have for now than and look into a discrete card when I go 5.1 or 7.1.

I think I've narrowed down what I want for speakers. For fronts (L/R) I plan on using Infinity Beta 20s which I can rotate into the surround positions when I can afford some Beta 40s or 50s. If I stretch my budget a bit I can afford either a decent sub or a good center. I was thinking the Infinity C360 for the center and either a BIC H-100 or Velodyne VX10 for the sub.

Would I get more benefit out of the sub or the center to start out with?


Sorry for the delay getting back with you.

I don't think too many people would disagree with me that the sub is more important than than having a center channel in the case of deciding between 2.1 or 3.0. Stereo speakers can imitate having a center channel if positioned well. However, very few can extend far below 60 Hz...especially bookshelfs.

I would like to ask how you came about picking the infiniti's. They are indeed good speakers. However, I have two cautions to raise in regards to your current plan.

1. Retail speakers like the infiniti's typically have a higher markup than the products I have mentioned earlier(which there are more options for as well). If you are on a budget, this savings may allow more budget for a sub or allow you to get better bookshelf speakers.

2. You mentioned the Beta 40's or 50's. While again nice speakers, your trying to get quality without spending too much. I wouldn't recommend getting towers if you are looking to save some money....even if you plan on upgrading later. Towers in a home theater setup net little performance gain from a bookshelf and sub setup and typically have less placement options. The added extension from a floorstanding speaker is usually nullified by the subs crossover point.

Keep up the good research though. I always enjoy a person who thoroughly looks into their electronic investments :)
 

Elfear

Diamond Member
May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Sorry for the delay getting back with you.

I don't think too many people would disagree with me that the sub is more important than than having a center channel in the case of deciding between 2.1 or 3.0. Stereo speakers can imitate having a center channel if positioned well. However, very few can extend far below 60 Hz...especially bookshelfs.

I would like to ask how you came about picking the infiniti's. They are indeed good speakers. However, I have two cautions to raise in regards to your current plan.

1. Retail speakers like the infiniti's typically have a higher markup than the products I have mentioned earlier(which there are more options for as well). If you are on a budget, this savings may allow more budget for a sub or allow you to get better bookshelf speakers.

2. You mentioned the Beta 40's or 50's. While again nice speakers, your trying to get quality without spending too much. I wouldn't recommend getting towers if you are looking to save some money....even if you plan on upgrading later. Towers in a home theater setup net little performance gain from a bookshelf and sub setup and typically have less placement options. The added extension from a floorstanding speaker is usually nullified by the subs crossover point.

Keep up the good research though. I always enjoy a person who thoroughly looks into their electronic investments :)

Appreciate your help on this. I'm about to go cross-eyed from poring over forums and speaker specifications but I figure it will be worth it in the end.

The reason I wanted to go with the Infinity speakers is from all the praise I've read about them. I found a used pair of Beta 20s I can probably get for $130 shipped. The AV123 speakers you linked too are MIA and the Axiom speakers are a little spendy (although maybe the price is justified). The SB-01s look to be more in line price wise to the Beta 20s. I found a used pair I may be able to get for ~$150 shipped. Are the SB-01s noticeably better than the Beta 20s?

From what you're saying, I wouldn't need to upgrade the front bookshelf speakers to towers if the gain isn't there. Do I need to mount those on a stand or how would you set them up?

In the way of subs I've been thinking either a Velodyne VX10 or a BIC H-100. I've heard the latter is better but we'll have to see which I can fit into my budget. Any thoughts on either of those?
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Sorry for the delay getting back with you.

I don't think too many people would disagree with me that the sub is more important than than having a center channel in the case of deciding between 2.1 or 3.0. Stereo speakers can imitate having a center channel if positioned well. However, very few can extend far below 60 Hz...especially bookshelfs.

I would like to ask how you came about picking the infiniti's. They are indeed good speakers. However, I have two cautions to raise in regards to your current plan.

1. Retail speakers like the infiniti's typically have a higher markup than the products I have mentioned earlier(which there are more options for as well). If you are on a budget, this savings may allow more budget for a sub or allow you to get better bookshelf speakers.

2. You mentioned the Beta 40's or 50's. While again nice speakers, your trying to get quality without spending too much. I wouldn't recommend getting towers if you are looking to save some money....even if you plan on upgrading later. Towers in a home theater setup net little performance gain from a bookshelf and sub setup and typically have less placement options. The added extension from a floorstanding speaker is usually nullified by the subs crossover point.

Keep up the good research though. I always enjoy a person who thoroughly looks into their electronic investments :)

Appreciate your help on this. I'm about to go cross-eyed from poring over forums and speaker specifications but I figure it will be worth it in the end.

The reason I wanted to go with the Infinity speakers is from all the praise I've read about them. I found a used pair of Beta 20s I can probably get for $130 shipped. The AV123 speakers you linked too are MIA and the Axiom speakers are a little spendy (although maybe the price is justified). The SB-01s look to be more in line price wise to the Beta 20s. I found a used pair I may be able to get for ~$150 shipped. Are the SB-01s noticeably better than the Beta 20s?

From what you're saying, I wouldn't need to upgrade the front bookshelf speakers to towers if the gain isn't there. Do I need to mount those on a stand or how would you set them up?

In the way of subs I've been thinking either a Velodyne VX10 or a BIC H-100. I've heard the latter is better but we'll have to see which I can fit into my budget. Any thoughts on either of those?

Yeah the difference is I didn't realize you were looking used on the speakers. If you can nail a good deal on them then by all means go for them. I'm fairly certain that the SVS, axiom and Av123 speakers are most likely better...however whether they will suit your tastes is not something I can judge. I do know that AV123 has a try in home policy...which is nice. I believe Axiom and SVS also have their own versions of these programs.

Yes you really don't need to upgrade to towers. You just put whatever speakers you get on speakers stands, on a shelf or mount them directly to the wall. Just try to keep too many obstructions from being near the speaker.

Between the two subs you mentioned I would prefer the BIC. If you do need to back off your budget a bit you can also look into the AV123 X-sub or a Dayton sub.
 

Elfear

Diamond Member
May 30, 2004
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Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Yeah the difference is I didn't realize you were looking used on the speakers. If you can nail a good deal on them then by all means go for them. I'm fairly certain that the SVS, axiom and Av123 speakers are most likely better...however whether they will suit your tastes is not something I can judge. I do know that AV123 has a try in home policy...which is nice. I believe Axiom and SVS also have their own versions of these programs.

Yes you really don't need to upgrade to towers. You just put whatever speakers you get on speakers stands, on a shelf or mount them directly to the wall. Just try to keep too many obstructions from being near the speaker.

Between the two subs you mentioned I would prefer the BIC. If you do need to back off your budget a bit you can also look into the AV123 X-sub or a Dayton sub.

Thanks again for your advice PurdueRy. I ended up grabbing some Polk R50s on sale at Outpost. I know they are probably in the middle of quality between the speakers you linked me too and the R300s I was thinking about before, but the more expensive bookshelf speakers would have required stands or the purchase of some shelves. With trying to keep in a reasonable budget, it seemed like the best choice.

My plan is to possibly rotate the R50s into the surround position when I can afford some of the speakers you linked me to. Specifically, I've got my eye on some of the SBS-01 speakers. Do you think the R50s would work well as surrounds if I use the SBS-01s as fronts? I also plan on getting the BIC H-100 as you've suggested.
 

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
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Originally posted by: Elfear
Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Yeah the difference is I didn't realize you were looking used on the speakers. If you can nail a good deal on them then by all means go for them. I'm fairly certain that the SVS, axiom and Av123 speakers are most likely better...however whether they will suit your tastes is not something I can judge. I do know that AV123 has a try in home policy...which is nice. I believe Axiom and SVS also have their own versions of these programs.

Yes you really don't need to upgrade to towers. You just put whatever speakers you get on speakers stands, on a shelf or mount them directly to the wall. Just try to keep too many obstructions from being near the speaker.

Between the two subs you mentioned I would prefer the BIC. If you do need to back off your budget a bit you can also look into the AV123 X-sub or a Dayton sub.

Thanks again for your advice PurdueRy. I ended up grabbing some Polk R50s on sale at Outpost. I know they are probably in the middle of quality between the speakers you linked me too and the R300s I was thinking about before, but the more expensive bookshelf speakers would have required stands or the purchase of some shelves. With trying to keep in a reasonable budget, it seemed like the best choice.

My plan is to possibly rotate the R50s into the surround position when I can afford some of the speakers you linked me to. Specifically, I've got my eye on some of the SBS-01 speakers. Do you think the R50s would work well as surrounds if I use the SBS-01s as fronts? I also plan on getting the BIC H-100 as you've suggested.

Sounds good. Glad you got something that worked out for you.

The surrounds have little overall presence in a home theater so voicing concerns between different brands of speakers matters little there.

Enjoy :)