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Topic: Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500 (Read 2887 times) previous topic - next topic
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Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500

Hi there,

I'm looking to put together a 5.1 home theater speaker configuration and I've got about $1,500 to spend on the equipment.  This will be primarily for Blu-ray viewing and music listening.  A good value receiver with a lot of functionality would be great - definitely need 2 HDMI, component, and several composite, with room for expansion.  The subwoofer doesn't have to be killer - just accurate and punchy, not necessarily super loud.  We don't need to go overboard on the center channel either.  Rear speakers should provide a nice enveloping surround sound for movies.  If I had to choose a focus point though, it would probably be on the front left/right speakers for stereo music listening (CDs, FLACs, etc.).

This can be a complete all-in-one solution, or it can be pieced together separately.

Any advice would be appreciated.  I always visit this site when I need to know something about audio.

Thanks,

Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500

Reply #1 –
Quote from: raydawn on
Hi there,

I'm looking to put together a 5.1 home theater speaker configuration and I've got about $1,500 to spend on the equipment.  This will be primarily for Blu-ray viewing and music listening.  A good value receiver with a lot of functionality would be great - definitely need 2 HDMI, component, and several composite, with room for expansion.  The subwoofer doesn't have to be killer - just accurate and punchy, not necessarily super loud.  We don't need to go overboard on the center channel either.  Rear speakers should provide a nice enveloping surround sound for movies.  If I had to choose a focus point though, it would probably be on the front left/right speakers for stereo music listening (CDs, FLACs, etc.).

This can be a complete all-in-one solution, or it can be pieced together separately.

Any advice would be appreciated.  I always visit this site when I need to know something about audio.

Thanks,


Watch out with the importance of the center channel.  A startling number of 5.1 sources have the dialog ONLY over the center channel.

Unfortunately, I operate @ ~a price range below yours, so I'm not too familiar with equipment in that range.

Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500

Reply #2 –
Quote from: raydawn on
Watch out with the importance of the center channel.  A startling number of 5.1 sources have the dialog ONLY over the center channel.

I agree. For films, the center channel is key.

IMO, your speaker choices should be based in large part on the size of the room and the distance between them and your preferred seating position. I personally use dipole speakers for my rear channels because I believe they are best for films (for me, they provide a more diffuse sound which is better for movies). If you think you'll listen to more music than films, you may want to consider a normal monopole speaker for the rear channels. They should also be placed differently (to the sides of the listener for diffuse speakers and in the rear corners for monopoles). I enjoy listening to music with my setup very much.

Some will recommend that you should stick with the same brand (and even series) for the speakers and that probably has some merit, but once I have my receiver dialed in (with an SPL meter), I'm very happy with the sound despite there being some different brand speakers. If you're buying a new setup, there's no reason not to buy from the same series.

Subwoofers are usually categorized by their ability to deliver impact (for films) vs. musicality, but as long as you size it correctly for the room and set it up correctly, I think you'll be happy with it for both films and music.

Let us know what you get and how you like it.

Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500

Reply #3 –
Cool, thanks.  Good stuff.

I should probably add:  The listening area is approximately 20' x 15' x '8, with the TV and front speakers on one long side and the couch/chairs on the opposite side.

Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500

Reply #4 –
Considering this setup:

Receiver - Yamaha HTR-6240BL - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001S2RDAY - $230
Front:  Axiom M22 v3 - http://www.axiomaudio.com/m22.html - $470
Sub:  SVS PB10-NSD - http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm - $475
Center:  Axiom VP100 v3 - http://www.axiomaudio.com/vp100.html - $255
Rear:  Behringer B2030P - http://www.amazon.com/Truth-B2030P-Studio-.../dp/B000QF2T1M/ - $130

Total: $1,560

Help with 5.1 setup? - $1500

Reply #5 –
That's a 2400 cubic foot room. I'd say that the 10" sub should be large enough. I have never listened to any of the speakers you're considering. Try your best to audition them somewhere before you buy (if possible).

Don't forget to factor in the cost of stands for your bookshelf speakers and center. Ideally, all of the tweeters in the front array (including the center) will be level with your ears when seated. This will give you amazing localization for music and movies. You could always improvise something until you can afford it, but this makes a huge difference in enjoyment (IMO).