I am in the market for a new 5.1 speaker system that I will use in my 12'X15' living room. I am also looking for a decent receiver. This system should sound good for movies as well as music and gaming. My budget is about 1K for everything (exluding a Blu-Ray player which I already have--I use my PlayStation 3).I recently read some rave reviews about the Pioneer SP-PK52FS Andrew Jones 5.1 Home Theater Speaker Package. Some reviewers claim this system is worth at least double what it sells for ($549.95 for 5.1 system without receiver), and sounds just as good, if not better, than other speakers selling for more than twice its price.However, some reviewers had reservations about the subwoofer that comes with this Pioneer package. They felt that it doesn't deliver quite enough punch, and recommend to buy the HSU STF-1 subwoofer instead.(1) Is there something better than this Pioneer system for around the same price? One person I spoke with suggested the following alternatives. How do they compare?
- Fluance SXHTBFR - BIC Venturi DV84- BIC Venturi DV64- Pure Acoustics Supernova 5 F
(2) Is the HSU STF-1 my best option given my budget? I know there are cheaper alternatives that would still be better than the anemic sub that comes with the Pioneer system. But so many people rave about HSU subwoofers that I am reluctant to consider anything else.
Also, if HSU is the best brand for my budget, should I get the STF-1, or the STF-2? Would the STF-2 be overkill for a system like the Pioneer (or anything else within that price range)?
(3) BONUS QUESTION: Can you recommend a receiver for my new home theater? (Does it matter if the receiver is a different brand from the speakers?)In case you're not familiar with them, these are the speakers:http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-PK52FS-Theater-Speaker-Package/dp/B00IK8I9K2.... and this is the HSU STF-1 subwoofer that I am considering buying in place of the one that comes with the Pioneer speaker package:http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-1.html
FYI: My "taste" in sound is crisp separation, with a sense of 3 dimensional space. I also don't like boomy or distorted bass. I like it to be tight and refined, with enough heft to support the higher frequencies, but without being overbearing.
I am fairly new to quality home theater, so I can't consider myself an audiophile. I am more like a newbie with a good ear.
Thanks.
- Fluance SXHTBFR - BIC Venturi DV84- BIC Venturi DV64- Pure Acoustics Supernova 5 F
(2) Is the HSU STF-1 my best option given my budget? I know there are cheaper alternatives that would still be better than the anemic sub that comes with the Pioneer system. But so many people rave about HSU subwoofers that I am reluctant to consider anything else.
Also, if HSU is the best brand for my budget, should I get the STF-1, or the STF-2? Would the STF-2 be overkill for a system like the Pioneer (or anything else within that price range)?
(3) BONUS QUESTION: Can you recommend a receiver for my new home theater? (Does it matter if the receiver is a different brand from the speakers?)In case you're not familiar with them, these are the speakers:http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-PK52FS-Theater-Speaker-Package/dp/B00IK8I9K2.... and this is the HSU STF-1 subwoofer that I am considering buying in place of the one that comes with the Pioneer speaker package:http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-1.html
FYI: My "taste" in sound is crisp separation, with a sense of 3 dimensional space. I also don't like boomy or distorted bass. I like it to be tight and refined, with enough heft to support the higher frequencies, but without being overbearing.
I am fairly new to quality home theater, so I can't consider myself an audiophile. I am more like a newbie with a good ear.
Thanks.