New here, and with alot of questions (1 Viewer)

[n3ok318]

Hey guys, I recently bought a bank owned house and previous owner had a theater room. Unfortunately, everything got torn down and I'm left with a room with wood frames with wires hanging around. Good news is, I have unlimited options as to how I can set this room up. But the bad news is I am clueless! I am having an electrician coming over tomorrow to sort out the wiring and set-up the room to be ready for speaker installation. My budget is $1500, and I need speakers, subwoofer, screen, projector, and receiver. I know it's a tight budget, but I am looking for a best for the bang setup for what I can do right now. I looked around on craigslist but there are so many and I don't know what to buy. If anyone can point me to a right direction, I would much appreciate it.

 

[n3ok318]

The guy who's supposed to be doing wiring tomorrow gave me list of speakers he could get. He told me that he'd be getting these speakers at discounted price. Are these fair price? And what is the best one for the buck for a 7.1 system? Thanks! AVI Solutions -- In-wall/ceiling Price Sheet 255CLS polk Dual 5.25" In-Wall Center Channel $299.00 Each 255CRT polk Dual 5.25" In-Wall Center Channel $225.00 Each 265LS polk 6.5" 3-Way PowerPort In-Wall Spkr $325.00 Each 265RT polk 6.5" 3-Way PowerPort In-Wall Spkr $225.00 Each 500LS polk 5" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $199.00 Each 50RT polk 5" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $139.00 Each 5C61S RUSSOUND 5.25" IN-CEILING SNGL PT SPKR $99.00 Each 5C84 RUSSOUND 8" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $249.00 Pair 5C85 RUSSOUND 8" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $199.00 Pair 5C85S RUSSOUND 8" IN-CEILING SNGL PT SPEAKER $109.00 Each 5W62 RUSSOUND 6.5" 2-WAY IN-WALL SPEAKERS $175.00 Pair 5W64 RUSSOUND 6.5" 2-WAY IN-WALL SPEAKERS $225.00 Pair 6.5A2 Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $225.00 Pair 6.5CS Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $125.00 Pair 620RT polk 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $129.00 Each 625RT polk 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speaker $129.00 Each 65LS polk 6" 2-Way PowerPort In-Wall Speaker $249.00 Each 65RT polk 6.5" Switchable 2-Way in-Wall Spkr $199.00 Each 660A2 Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speakers $225.00 Pair 660CS Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speakers $149.00 Pair 700LS polk 7" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $249.00 Each 70RT polk 7" 3-Way In Ceiling Speaker $199.00 Each 7C72 RUSSOUND 7" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $199.00 Pair 7C75 RUSSOUND 7" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $269.00 Pair 7C76 RUSSOUND 7" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $324.00 Pair 7C78 RUSSOUND 7" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $249.00 Pair 7C85 RUSSOUND 8" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $349.00 Pair 7C85S RUSSOUND 8" IN-CEILING SNGL PT SPEAKER $249.00 Each 7W52FT RUSSOUND ACCLAIM 7 - 5.25" IN-WALLS 85W $249.00 Pair 7W55LCR RUSSOUND ACCLAIM 7 - 5.25" IN-WALL LCR $249.00 Each 7W57LCR RUSSOUND ACCLAIM 7 - 5.25" IN-WALL LCR $249.00 Each 8.5A2 Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers Round $249.00 Pair 8.5B Jamo 8.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $219.00 Pair 8.5CS Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $175.00 Pair 80FXLS polk 8" 2-Way Surround In-Ceiling Spkrs $475.00 Pair 80FXRT polk 8" 2-Way Surround In-Ceiling Spkrs $349.00 Pair 900LS polk 9" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $299.00 Each 90RT polk 9" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $249.00 Each C-855R Factor 8" Paging Ceiling Speaker 5Watts $49.00 Each CM610 Niles Ceiling Mount 6" 2-Way Speakers $175.00 Pair CM710SI Niles Ceiling Mount 7" Stereo Input Spkr $125.00 Each CM730 Niles Ceiling Mount 7" 2-Way Speakers $199.00 Pair CM730SI Niles Ceiling Mount 7" Stereo Input Spkr $149.00 Each CM830 Niles Ceiling Mount 8" 2-Way Speakers $249.00 Pair CS270 Boston 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $99.00 Each CS275 Boston 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speaker $99.00 Each CSW100 polk In-Wall Built-In Subwoofer $329.00 Each DS7FX Niles Ceiling 7" Surround Effect Spkrs $299.00 Pair DS7MP Niles Ceiling Mount 7" LCR Speaker $175.00 Each DS7PR Niles Ceiling Mount 7" LCR Speaker $110.00 Each DS8FX Niles Ceiling 8" Surround Effect Spkrs $399.00 Pair DS8HD Niles Ceiling Mount 8" LCR Speaker $299.00 Each DSI465T2 Boston 6.5" In-Ceiling Single Pt Speaker $249.00 Each DSI480 Boston 8" 2-Way In-Wall speakers $349.00 Pair GRAPHIC Jamo LCR In-Wall Speakers $329.00 Pair HDLCR Niles In-Wall LCR HD Loudspeaker $229.00 Each HSI460 Boston 6" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $149.00 Each HSI470T2 Boston 6.5" Stereo In-Ceiling Sngl Spkr $275.00 Each HSIH460T2 Boston 6" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speaker White $225.00 Each HSIS6W2 Boston 6" Subwoofer In-Celing Ported $339.00 Each I/O8.52DVCA2 Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Ceiling Single Pt Spkr $149.00 Each I/O8.52DVCA2FG Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Ceiling Spkr Flat Grill $149.00 Each IC406FG Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $- Pair IC408FG Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $319.00 Pair IC408LCR Jamo 8" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $225.00 Each IC606 Jamo 6.2" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers Pair IC606FG Jamo 6.2" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $349.00 Pair IC608 Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Ceiling Speakers $369.00 Pair IC608LCR Jamo 8" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $249.00 Each IC610LCR Jamo 10" 3-Way In-Ceiling Speaker $269.00 Each IC610SUR Jamo 10" 3-Way In-Ceiling Dipolar Spkr $299.00 Each IW150 MK X 5.25"IN-WALL SPEAKER WHITE $668.00 Each IW406 Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speakers $275.00 Pair IW408 Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Wall Speakers $319.00 Pair IW425LCRFG Jamo 5.5" LCR 2-Way In-Wall Speaker $249.00 Each IW606 Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speakers Pair IW606SUR Jamo 6.5" 3-Way In-Wall Surround Speaker $249.00 Each IW608 Jamo 8" 2-Way In-Wall Speakers $369.00 Pair IW625LCR Jamo 6.5" 2-Way In-Wall Speaker $269.00 Each IW626LCR Jamo 6.5" 3-Way In-Wall Speaker Each IW807 Jamo 2-Way In-Wall Paintable Speaker $249.00 Each IW827LCR Jamo LCR 2.5Way In-Wall Install Speaker $429.00 Each IW85 MK 5.25" 2-WAY IN-WALL SPEAKER WHITE $379.00 Each MP6R Niles In-Wall 6.5" 2-Way Speakers $229.00 Pair OMNICAN55 Mirage 5.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Can Speaker $175.00 Each OMNICAN65 Mirage 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling Can Speaker $225.00 Each PC645 Boston 6.5" 2-Way In-Ceiling speakers $169.00 Pair PR6R Niles In-Wall 6.5" 2-Way Speakers $269.00 Pair PRI665CV Boston 6" 2-Way In-Ceiling Can Speakers Pair SC50 polk 5.25" In-Ceiling Speaker White $125.00 Each SC60 polk 6.5" In-Ceiling Speaker White $129.00 Each SC65 polk 6.5" In-Wall Speaker White $169.00 Each SC6S polk 6.5" Stereo In-Ceiling Speaker Wht $175.00 Each SC80 polk 8" IPR Ready In-Ceiling Speaker Wht $149.00 Each SC85 polk 8" IPR Ready In-Wall Speaker White $179.00 Each SCC polk 5.25" X 2 In-Wall Center Speaker Wh $225.00 Each SPA6C RUSSOUND 6.5" 2-WAY IN-CEILING SPEAKERS $175.00 Pair

 

[David Willow]

Hi Jacob, If you want the best sound, skip the ceiling speakers. In wall speakers are compromise as well, but they are much better than ceiling. I suggest you slow down and do more homework. No need to rush this and if you do go with in-walls, you will have to live with them for a long time. Take your time and listen to speakers. Only you can decide what you like. Sorry, I can't comment on the prices...

 

[n3ok318]

Hi David, Thanks for the reply. I am definitely looking for in-wall speakers. I am mainly looking for 7.1 system along with a sub and a receiver that'll go with it. Do you know any good system that's within $1000 range altogether? Thanks!

 

[n3ok318]

Here are some of the old pictures I found, before previous owner stripped the place down.

 

[Jason Charlton]

Jacob - one other piece of advice. If your budget is as tight as it is, you're better off with a 5.1 setup for now. Adding the two rear speakers is an easy project for later on.


The benefits of 7.1 over 5.1 are not all that great. Also, I would take a decent 5.1 system over a compromised 7.1 system every day of the week.


Speakers are the biggest investment of a Home Theater. Purchase wisely and they'll last decades - many times longer than ANY OTHER component of your HT.


Also, I second Davids suggestion of skipping on in-wall speakers. They are not great performers, they are less of a value in terms of performance, and once installed they can't be moved (also they can't be placed anywhere - you're at the mercy of the stud-placement of the room - I hope they are symmetrical about the center of the front wall as well as front to rear). Also, the most important thing about buying speakers is listening to them. Can you audition any of these in-walls before you purchase?


If you really want a "good" system, you'll heed our advice. ANY in-wall 7.1 speaker system plus receiver for $1000 is NOT going to be a solid performer.


One approach would be to get a "packaged" 5.1 system of bookshelf or satellite-sized speakers that can be wall-mounted or stand-mounted. Eventually, you will upgrade all three front speakers at the same time (google search "timbre-matching" to find out why). Repurpose the "old" mains as your surround speakers, and shift the "old" surround speakers to the surround back speakers for 7.1. In this scenario, you only end up with an unused center channel.

 

[n3ok318]

Jason, Thanks for the informative reply. I have searched locally and found the following speaker sets for $900. Front Pair: Energy Take Tower / 250 W RMS each/ 52-23 KHZ +/- 3 DB/Silver (More details: http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/take-twr-overview/) Center: Energy Take FPS/ 200W RMS/ 60-23 KHZ +/- 3DB/Silver (More Details: http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/take-fps-specifications/) Surround(2 pair): Energy Take SAT/ 80-23 KHZ +/- 3 DB/Silver (More details: http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/take-sat-specifications/) Looks like Energy has good value for the money, especially buying them cheap used. I also found Onkyo TX-SR607 for $250, and I am trying to figure out if this is a good fit for my use. I don't plan on using wireless devices to control, but strictly with Blue-Ray, PS3, and Cable TV hooked up to the projector. http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR607-7-2-Channel-Surround-Receiver/dp/B001VEI2KO Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[n3ok318]

Another quick question is, can one of the surround pair be used as right and left speakers?

 

[Jason Charlton]

Jacob,


The Onkyo 607 is a good receiver that should have everything you'll need (provided you're not considering 3D - for that, you really need HDMI 1.4). The 607 has enough HDMI connections for you, and will also upconvert analog sources to HDMI - a nice convenience feature. It also utilizes Audyssey for setup and calibration using a supplied microphone. That's definitely a nice feature.


I have used Onkyo exclusively since the mid-90's and have never had any problems. They have a reputation for running a bit warm, so make sure there's at least an inch or so of clearance all around for air circulation, and definitely don't close it in a cabinet when it's being used.


The Energy speakers do offer a great value. I would probably not try using the SAT speakers as mains - they are specifically designed to be surround speakers (tweeter and one 3.5" driver). The LCR bookshelf speakers in the Take series are the size in between the SAT and the FPS/TWR, but I'm not sure they would not match well with the FPS either - they have different size drivers than the FPS.


You could use three LCRs for the front soundstage, but their limited frequency response would demand you get a subwoofer right off the bat, too.


Either way, it's probably worth giving them a listen, and see how you like them. If you can audition them together and with movies as well as music, even better. Your ears need to be the final judge.


Sorry I can't be more definitive on the speakers.

 

[n3ok318]

Hey Jason, I listened to the system and I like the sound. I bought the speakers and the receiver. I plan on using the SAT for the left and right speakers for now. I also bought BIC V1220 bass to go with it. Thanks for the help!