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How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

#1
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1/27/08 at 10:41am
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$300.oo
$500.oo
$1000.oo
$1500.oo
$2000.00
or Much More,

My reason for asking this question is that my wife thinks I've lost my mind wanting to spend 1k for a 5.1 system from SVS (SVS SBS-01 5.1 system). I've been trying to up-grade from a HTiB Curtis speaker system 40w (one speaker per speaker) and a 40w powered sub for two (2) years now.
She also thinks there is no way a 1k speaker system will sound any different than say a $500.oo or even a $300.oo one . So if I could get some data and personal feedback from HTF members to show my wife just how little I'm wanting to spend to get good sound, maybe she'll understand and then again maybe not.

Thanks to all the reply,
hyghwayman

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#2
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1/27/08 at 11:01am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

About 9K, but I am including a powerhouse 2 channel amp in that, because that is the only thing which can suitably power my L/R speakers. Subtract about 2K without the amp.

The SVS setup is money well spent and quite a deal. It is a few magnitudes better then anything for $500.


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Some bright-eyed and crazy, some frightened and lost.
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#3
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1/27/08 at 11:07am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnRice
About 9K, but I am including a powerhouse 2 channel amp in that, because that is the only thing which can suitably power my L/R speakers. Subtract about 2K without the amp.

The SVS setup is money well spent and quite a deal. It is a few magnitudes better then anything for $500.

Thank you John, anyone else willing to post.

hyghwayman

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#4
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1/27/08 at 11:11am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

My speaker setup is currently just under 1k. I am still using my old HTiB surrounds though, so replacing them should get me up to about 1300.

Its a Polk Rti system, with a PSW 125 sub.

Sounds night and day better than my old Sony HTiB system.

My advice is to buy her something nice. She will forget about your speakers..or at least consider them well bartered.
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#5
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1/27/08 at 12:19pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

In one room, Swan Diva's for $1375 shipped and two Dayton 10" subs for $125 each. In another room, Polk RTi's (for now) for around $625 + tax and another Dayton 10"er. I should mention that the RTi's should have been around $1000 but I bought them as open box/display items. I'd LOVE to up-grade the subs but I wouldn't be able to take advantage of their capabilities so I have to make do with the Daytons. And they really aren't that bad for what they are.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#6
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1/27/08 at 1:59pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

What sort of music does your wife enjoy?
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#7
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1/27/08 at 2:27pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

4 years ago I got an Onkyo HTiB with the receiver for around $500. (I think???) It is far better than any HTiBs I have ever heard. I have nothing else to compare it too as far as speakers go. But, I think the SVS system is money well spent. You won't "have to" upgrade in a few years.
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#8
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1/27/08 at 3:07pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

and for the record, probably close to $1000, maybe more.
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#9
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1/27/08 at 5:20pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

b&k processor $2250.00
cinepro 3k6 power amp $6750.00
source technology speakers $13000.00
and along way and lots of dollars to go....
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#10
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1/27/08 at 5:58pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

hyghwayman,

Boy do you get around. LOL

$5100 in speakers.

Mazer

http://community.webshots.com/user/maze069

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#11
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1/27/08 at 6:37pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

If, by luck, she does enjoy music, it might be worth demonstrating how that music sounds on a decent enough system-- though unfortunately, the svs speakers are not sold in store--no demos.

You really don't want this to be viewed as a "silly way to hear the explosions and helicopters"...

You will need a decent receiver-- 75--125W per channel. (measured in the standard manner-- 20-20kHz, 8 ohms, etc. etc.)
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#12
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1/27/08 at 7:08pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
it might be worth demonstrating how that music sounds on a decent enough system
And if that doesn't work, the next time she wants you to take her to Neiman-Marcus for a new pair of shoes, drop her off in front of Payless Shoe Source instead. After all, a $150 pair of shoes can't be any better than the $19.95 ones, right? BTW, you aren't really going to show her this thread, are you?
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#13
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1/27/08 at 7:52pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

speakers $300 fronts, $120 surrounds, $600 sub.

HT: Marantz SR8000, PSB Alpha B fronts, Alpha C center, CSW Newton S200 surrounds, Martin Logan Dynamo Sub, Marantz DVD, Sony CRT TV

Stereos include vintage Sony receivers/amps into vintage AR and KEF speakers.

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#14
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1/27/08 at 9:51pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by gene c
And if that doesn't work, the next time she wants you to take her to Neiman-Marcus for a new pair of shoes, drop her off in front of Payless Shoe Source instead. After all, a $150 pair of shoes can't be any better than the $19.95 ones, right?

You're assuming that she's a materialist. Not all women are.
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#15
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1/27/08 at 11:42pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by mazersteven
hyghwayman,

Boy do you get around. LOL

$5100 in speakers.

Well, what a surprise Mazer , I guess I'm keeping good company though. Thanks for all of your replies today .

hyghwayman

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#16
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1/28/08 at 1:18am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

$1175......and that's for a 4.1 system, since I don't use a center channel.
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#17
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1/28/08 at 5:47am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by JeremyErwin
You're assuming that she's a materialist. Not all women are.
This is true. But odds are there is something he can use to help convince her. After all, we have to do everything we can to help this guy replace those Curtis speakers!
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#18
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1/28/08 at 5:54am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

How about this, U-turn the question on her. Does she have a Coach or Prada or some name brand purse? Ask her how a $300 purse can be any better than a $30 purse from Walmart. That should get her thinking in the right direction.

TL

P.S. Opps, I should have read all of the posts before replying... I see this has already been covered.

--
Mains: Paradigm Studio 100 v.4
Center: Paradigm CC-590
Surrounds: Polk TC615i
Sub: SVS PB12-Plus/2Receiver: Integra DTC-9.8Amplifier: Outlaw 7500DVD/CD: Sony DVP-CX995VHDTV: Sony KP-51HW40RC: Philips TSU-6000

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#19
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1/28/08 at 8:47am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Around $2000. JBL L/C/R: $750
Polk surrounds: $250
SVS sub.: $1000
The enjoyment I get from it:priceless
Gary Shipley
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#20
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1/28/08 at 3:36pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Do I get extra points with your wife being a woman myself? I had to talk my husband into $1000 for speakers (full kit from Axiom at their outlet prices) and (I think) $429 for a SVS PB10-ISD. Then there were the "we don't talk about it" extra expenses of SPL meter, AVIA disc, cables, stands, and the inevitable upgrades in the rest of the system to keep up with our new speakers...
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#21
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1/28/08 at 4:41pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

One of the nice things about a good sound system is that it can make the movie's score that much more enjoyable. After watching 'King Kong' with my brother, I brought up the subject of "Dead Alive", Peter Jackson's contribution to zombie splatter flicks.

To tell the truth, I was not that interested in the film, having seen it once in college-- I thought it a bit silly, really. But when I brought it home, and we watched it together, I found that the score tied the film together-- excess became ballet. The Karo syrup was choreographed...

So I'm sure that all of the guys here remember being dragged to chick flicks. And though you may have tried to remain stoic, unmoved by the sappiness, your efforts were resisted by the music sweling in he background, peeling away that cynicism and forcing tears into your eyes at the worst possible moments. They don't call them tearjerkers for nothing...

Anyway, perhaps your wife will find this effect to be endearing, or at least amusing.
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#22
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1/29/08 at 4:42am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darla
Do I get extra points with your wife being a woman myself? I had to talk my husband into $1000 for speakers (full kit from Axiom at their outlet prices) and (I think) $429 for a SVS PB10-ISD. Then there were the "we don't talk about it" extra expenses of SPL meter, AVIA disc, cables, stands, and the inevitable upgrades in the rest of the system to keep up with our new speakers...

Darla ,

First welcome to the Home Theater Forums and thank you for responding to my question with your 1st post here. I'm sure your input will be very helpful .

hyghwayman

P.S. here is a picture of my wimpy 40w Curtis speaker; I need to have 10 post before I'm able to post pictures so I had to attach them.

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#23
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1/29/08 at 8:51am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Front speakers: $500
Centre channel: $300
Surrounds: $300
Receiver: $300
Subwoofer: $450

Total: $1,850. Speakers and receiver all purchased at Boxing Day pricing (doorcrashers, etc.). Sub was used from a friend. Approximate "regular" pricing would have been $2,900.

My wife thinks it's all very silly, but she does admit the system sounds great, and whenever she has a girls' movie night, it's at our place.
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#24
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1/29/08 at 11:22am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Fronts: $500
Center: $285
Rears: $150
Sub: $600 (plus or minus)
Receiver: $385

Total is $1920 (whoa, did I really spend that much?!). I searched high and low to buy the fronts and center used. One rear was a refurb and the other I just got a good price on. The sub was DIY (which is why it was plus or minus). The receiver was new and will be replaced the moment I can get a better one. If I had bought everything new it would have been $3220 (given the same price for sub and receiver). A $1k is pretty manageable, really.

I have no wife so it's all good. And when I do get one, I'll already have all this crap!!
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#25
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1/29/08 at 12:19pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

By the time I get finished building my 7 speakers, I'll have about $800 in parts and at least 50 hours invested in them. With my subs, I'll have around $1,000 in parts (I built them from scratch with magnets from one company and cones, etc from another). $350 for the 2,400w sub amp. Another 50 or so hours in design and building. So about $2,000 and 100 hours total.

My wife knows I have a sub issue so I don't complain about her shoes/purses and I can have as many subs as I want. My current list:
18" TC Sounds/Fi Car Audio (4) - building from scrtach for future IB sub in the home theater.
15" Earthquake (4) - in need of refoams, left over from the car audio days
15" TC-3000 (2) - current subs in the theater room
12" Stryke AV12 (3) - extra subs
12" Blueprint 1201 (1) - extra sub
10" Blueprint 1001 (3) - extra subs
12" Ascendant Audio Atlas (2) - extra subs
10" MTX 5200 (3) - extra subs
10" Lambda Acoustics (2) - extra subs
12" Adire Audio VP12 (1) - extra subs
12" TC Sounds OEM (2) - extra subs
12" SVS Ultra driver (1) - extra sub
10" Cerwin Vega VMAX (2) - extra subs
12" TC9/Eclipse/Robot Underground (1) - in the process of building this one from scratch
15" TC3HP/TC-2000/Robot Underground (2) - in the process of building these from scratch
assorted sub motors (7) - still need parts to finish building the subs
12" Stryke passive radiators (4)
NHT 500w amp (3)
Dayton 275w amp (3)
Cerwin Vega 120w amp (2)
MCM Electronics 200w amp (4)

-Robert
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#26
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1/29/08 at 3:41pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

2 Chan Amp $650
3 Chan Amp $750
Pre Amp $1200
Speakers $1600
Sub $1100
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#27
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1/29/08 at 5:50pm
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

You know Don. If you continue with this hobby, You will want to upgrade. Some are content with what they have. Others "including myself" not so much. Your wife says that you've lost you mind. My wife said that the first time I paid over $1000 for a pair of speakers. But $30,000 later, she's ready to have me commited.
MY HT AND 2 CHANNEL PICS
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#28
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1/30/08 at 3:41am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Quote:
Originally Posted by DelRay
You know Don. If you continue with this hobby, You will want to upgrade. Some are content with what they have. Others "including myself" not so much. Your wife says that you've lost you mind. My wife said that the first time I paid over $1000 for a pair of speakers. But $30,000 later, she's ready to have me commited.

Quote:
$30,000 later, she's ready to have me commited.
I think my wife would have me killed by 10k.

hyghwayman

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#29
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1/30/08 at 6:25am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

A mix of new(slightly)and used my speakers were approx 2,300. would of been about 4,500. new.Add the sub an add'l 800.approx.
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#30
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1/30/08 at 7:23am
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Re: How Much Did You Spend on Your 5.1 Speaker Sysyem?

Here are a few pictures of my wimpy 40w HTiB speaker system;



As you all can see they are very small and sound just a little better than the speakers in the TV.

hyghwayman

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