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Was going to go with a HTiB.. now I want to build HELP! (1 Viewer)

jroberson21

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jeff
I was originally looking into a blue-ray HTiB combos like the Samsung HT-E5500w to connect with my 50' Samsung LED 6 series (1080p). I was wanting the Smart hub because my TV does not have that to play Netflix etc. I researched more on that HTiB and figured out that I can't watch video on their 'browser' from sites that use flash etc. So I decided that I should buy a 20 foot Hdmi cable and run it from my desktop to a receiver input (any other wireless options?). I am curious on what receivers I should be looking at along with what 5.1 speakers are good for quality/sound/price. I decided to build since I have read that in the box speakers on those HTiB are not so great. I will just have to buy a Blue ray player later down the road I suppose. My main objective is to get 5.1 from my computer to TV using netflix and other formats like flash including those *free movie sites***smirks*. I like what I'm reading about the Onkyo receivers. Uverse receiver, PC, and BD player will be my inputs to receiver. My budget is around $300 even though I'm not expecting a BD player in this budget. I am knew to the forums and would appreciate any help from those with experience. :cool:
 

jroberson21

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jeff
Although a powered subwoofer is much more appealing to me, I'm beginning to think an HTiB is not out of the question for me. I just want something that has good sound at the best bang for my buck if you know what I mean. I just don't want to get stuck with something and wish it did more or sounded better etc. I also want it to last.
 

jroberson21

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jeff
I bought the DENON AVR-1612. I need some speaker seperates/5.1/5.0+Sub recommendations. Trying to stay around a $250 budget.
 

gene c

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The Monoprice speaker set would be a good option. It's a re-badged Energy TakeClassic. Here are some others... DefTech ProCinema 60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325104 Martin Logan MLT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882981013 KEF KHY1005.2SE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882156028 Klpsch HD 300 http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-HD-300-Definition-Theater/dp/B001XURGSK/ref=sr_1_79?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1361359626&sr=1-79
 

jroberson21

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jeff
I like those suggestions. What would you choose for best quality and compatibility with the 1612 of these three? DefTech ProCinema 60http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882325104 Martin Logan MLThttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882981013 Monoprice 5.1 Hi-Fi http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=9774&seq=1&format=4#feedback Would http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0021L9BME/ref=gno_cart_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A17CCOEUTDEYW0 PLUS a $100 sub be a better route? Polk has some options also... Thanks for the suggestions!
 

gene c

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I can't say which would sound better since I haven't heard the Take Classic for a couple of years now (but I was pretty impressed with it back then for what it was). I have heard the DefTech ProCinema 600 and 800 and thought they were very good for their size. But I haven't heard the ProCinema 60. I haven't heard the Martin Logan system at all but it's probably very good just based on the ML name alone. The Monoprice system is exactly the same as the Energy Take Classic. I heard they even printed the Energy name by accident somewhere in the manual. On paper, the ProCinema 60 looks the best. The subwoofer, even though it's an 8" model (the ML has a 10" sub) is listed as going down to 23 hz. The Energy/Monoprice is listed at 33 hz and the ML sub is listed as only going down to 37 hz. But again, I wouldn't want to venture a guess as to which one sounded better. Those Polk 5.1 speaker systems usually have pretty weak subwoofers. They usually only go down to 40 hz. But they are an in-expensive option. With what I know about these speaker systems, which isn't all that much, I'd go for the ProCinema 60. There's also the refurbished Onkyo HT-540 sytem. Most other members here would bypass it since it's from a receiver company and not a speaker company (a valid reason). It's a pretty basic speaker package but it does have much larger center and front speakers. The subwoofer is also a 10" 25 hz model. It's from the HT-780 and HT-800 home theater packages of a few years ago (I think). At $189 + shipping for a good sized 7.1 speaker package it's really not that bad. But I liked it a lot more when it was $149. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKSKSHT540/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-7.1-channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System/1.html
 

jroberson21

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jeff
I can get the ProCinema 5.1 at $245 shipped off ebay, or go 5.0 for $170 shipped and add a subwoofer. OR Energy Take Classic 5.0 for $195 shipped + Add a sub. What do you all think??
 

rivrbyte

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Feb 10, 2013
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Jim
Hi and Welcome! I know how daunting this all can be when looking for a decent surround package. I saw your thread and wanted to give you my two cents. Before I put together my system, my neighbor across the street bought what he believed to be a "KILLER" Sony Home Theater in a Box System. I'm no audiophile geek, I used to play drums in several bands, and love all kinds of music, but especially love when I can sit down and enjoy a movie experience in my own home, without over rated ,expensive, fattening movie popcorn and sodas! My friends system sounded ok, and the speakers were very small. You get what you pay for. The Sub was not powerful enough to compliment the other speakers, I thought. The more people I talked to, the more told me I'd be much happier with a component piece by piece, bought separately system. So I went searching and researching the best value for the money, have tested a few, then found a place right down the street from me who originally started out selling only subwoofers. They branched out to several package systems that are great value for the money, and built in the USA and actually puts out great products. I also saved on shipping, since they were virtually five minutes away. What I found for me is this: RECEIVER> Yamaha RX-V665 A/V receiver, I purchased a few years ago. I have everything connected to this: My Samsung HDTV, Sony S350 BD Player, Time-Warner Set Top Box. ($499.00) SPEAKERS> For my 6.1 Channel Speakers...I have 'HSU Research' STF-2 / 10" -200 Watt Sub-Woofer, which rattles the windows a bit...LOVE IT! Six (6) VT-12 Ventriloquist speakers, each with 8ohm, System frequency 80Hz-20Khz, and Amplified power 10-125 Watts each. These are very good speakers and I tried klipsch first, and they did not even compare at all to these HSU's.( $520.00) What I have for me, puts out a great full sound. I did not have to spend thousands, It also depends on your plug connects. I use HDMI for everything. I also have a TOS Audio cable from my Cable box to the receiver. 'Monoprice' sells good quality Cables and accessories at a really fantastic low price, and has excellent customer service. The HDMI's (for me anyway)does not have to be the expensive Monster gold plated cables....X's and O's, 1's and O's, it 's still getting the HD signal. it's been about four years and receiver/speakers are still kicking butt. Good Luck into your search for you surround experience. You may be happy with the HTiaB, if money is an issue, but try not to get bummed out if you go this route. I was looking at Onkyo before I settled on Yamaha, only beause I was told that Onkyo runs hotter. I also bought an ANTEC Receiver/Amp cooler unit that draws heat away from the unit, and has two speeds Low and high. it's worth the money to keep a cool head! Take care!
 

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