Need help choosing 5 speakers and sub to go with Pioneer VSX 1014

Rolando · 03-07-2005, 05:27 PM

Hi guys,

Title says it all. I have decided to go for A VSX 1014 rather than the similar 52TX. Now I need to get the speakers to match.

Here are the limitations:

I am in a small apartment so no monster set up. It's for the living room which is a double room living room-dining room. The living room area is Aprox 13' by 15'.

Couch is up against the wall facing the TV directly across the room the shorter of the 2 distance. would have prefered to set up the "home theater" the other way but there are doors leading to outside on one side (on the 13' wall) and there is no wall on the other side as it just goes on to the dining room.

so as it is when I am on the couch (which is technically up against a 30' wall but for this purpose let's say up against one of the 2 15' walls) I have the doors to my right and nothing to my left. The TV is about 9' in front of me after I calculate the couch sticks out almost 2 feet from the wall and so does the TV across from me.

So what do I get? As I mentioned I am in an appartment so loudness is not a necessity. I am looking for fidelity. I want to create a nice "surround" environment. Directionality is a priority. I want to really feel like I have 5.1 Dolby or DTS with discrete channels not 5 speakers playing movie sounds. know what I mean?

As it is because couch is up against the wall I am not sure how reaer speaker placement will go.

Now I used to have a very nice surround set up 2-3 years ago where just the sub was $3000.00 so I consider myself pretty picky. I want to set a budget of under $1000 for the whole thing so I don't expect to come close in quality but I want to aim high.

What do you guys suggest? I want 5 speakers, not too big as the TV is a 34" HDTV so don't feel safe putting a big center channel on it. rather put it on a shelf over it or something.

I want quality over anything. and how do you suggest I set up the rear speakers?

also have ceramic tiles so I need a front firing sub not bottom firing. I want it TIGHT not loud or booming. I want it to be precise not sound like a night club or some guy trying to impress with his car speakers and we can hear the bass a block away.

Also have to consider the neighbours.

so take it away guys. Oh and it will be for 90% movies and 10% music so that is my priority.

thanks guys. Oh and prefered budget is $500 for the speakers and sub but can go up to $1000 if you guys deem it necessary.

gene c · 03-07-2005, 05:54 PM

I know everyone wants to save a buck or two, but I think the 1014 deserves something closer to the $1000 mark. I'm using Polk RTi6's for the fronts, RTi4's for the surrounds and a CSi5 center (but it's pretty big) with two PE Dayton subs. Maybe 4 RTi4's and a CSi3 for around $720 retail (cheaper if you look around), leaving $200-250 for the sub? RTi's sound nice, look good and have high quality construction. Others will recommend Rockets, Ascend, Swan, etc. but I can only comment on what I've heard. But I'm afraid you will need more than $500 to match the 1014. P.S. Look into the Athena line. It was my second choice only because of the smaller center speaker, which you prefer.

John Garcia · 03-07-2005, 06:36 PM

www.ascendacoustics.com Go to the system advisor and try an all CBM-170 + STF-2 setup - for $1138. There are a few configs that you can get at right around $1K (maybe a little more) for a 5.1 setup. Optionally, drop the STF-2 and the cost is ~$750, then add a Dayton sub for $129 and you will be just below $1K with shipping.

Front firing vs down firing won't make a big difference.

I agree with Gene; $500 is going to be really tough if you want something that is honestly decent.

Directionality comes from proper setup and the quality of the receiver, not so much the speakers. Good speakers just sound better, but good placement of sounds comes from the processing. I think you have that pretty well covered with the 1014.

I have a 34" Sony and I have a decent sized, 38lb center sitting on it.

Take a look at this thread too:

http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...hreadid=227807

Stephen Hopkins · 03-07-2005, 07:39 PM

I'd go w/ 3 pairs of the clearance Rocket ELTs and an SVS PB10. It will keep you under budget, give you 5 perfectly matched speakers (with a spare) and a sub that will go deep and should put out plenty of SPL. The extra budget could be put towards stands for the speakers, cabling, or both.

gene c · 03-07-2005, 07:43 PM

O.K. Ascends, Rockets, now who will recommend Swans?

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John Garcia · 03-07-2005, 07:50 PM

The Rockets are sold out... AV123 doesn't even seem to have them listed anymore.

eddieZEN · 03-07-2005, 07:51 PM

I second John Garcia's suggestion. If pure musical accuracy is what you're after at a reasonable price the Ascends pretty much rule!

Stephen Hopkins · 03-07-2005, 08:32 PM

I would have reccomended Swans 2.1s all around w/ a C3 center earlier but when you add a sub that would be around $1400 and I was trying to keep my recomndaion under the original $1000 cap. Since the ELTs are gone aparently and there's talk of rasing the budget then Swans 2.1s, C3, and SVS PB10 would be my next reccomendation and probably a noticable step up.

Chris Quinn · 03-07-2005, 08:54 PM

Eddie-

Did you end up buying some Ascends, then?