RyanJE

New HT.....Starting with LCR for under $400.

Well Im building a new system starting from scratch. My main goal so far is obtaining the mains and a center for under 400 bones. I cant stretch the budget thats as far as I can go.

I have some ideas so far and am going to try and audition everything. However I dont have access to all of the possibilities so im looking for some good opinions.

My main objectives so far are.

(1)They have to be Bookshelf or CC.
(2)I want extension to around 60hz or lower, I have a sub I x-over at 80hz.
(3)All three can be bookshelf (I dont have to have center).
(4)Looking for imaging, clarity and detail.

Heres my prospects so far.....

-2 Polk monitor 30's and the matching center.
-4 JBL E30
-3 Athena AS-C1
-6 Athena AS-B1. This would give me a full 6.0 setup, but quality comes before quantity.
- OTHER GOOD SUGGESTIONS IM MISSING.


Thanks in advance for anyones input and for reading this lengthy thread!!

Eric C D

Well, since you are asking the question in an online forum, these both are "just" out of the price range you are talking about, but they are killer products available online. Also, if you just wanted to get a stereo pair now (both will have pairs for around $300) they have ways of filling out for very nice complete HTs using their bigger brothers later and moving the ones close to your price to the back as surrounds.

Oh yeah, the product names: Ascend Acoustics CBM-170s or Onix ELTs (look up AV123)

best of luck,

RyanJE

I looked at those and the aperions but they are just strecthing it to far. I would really like to get the 3 upfront.

VinhT

I suggest auditioning the Infinity Primus 150 ($200/pair) and C25 ($180) at Circuit City if you can. The center is sealed (not a bad thing), so it doesn't go as low as you specified. Might be still worth a look though.

Vinh Tran

RyanJE

I was actually looking at 3 160's. Would that work out ok? The center in the lineup doesnt have low enough extension.

Eric C D

No worries mate. But I forgot one other thing I meant to add in that earlier post. Here's another thought for online that would meet your price range - Home Theater Direct. You can actually go to their Level 3 line for the front three at your price range. Or you could do 5 speakers in a level 2 for under your price. I haven't seen them stated as much now as they were back a couple of years ago, but they do have the same kind of try-it-at-home guarantee as those others I stated.

Best of luck in your search,

RyanJE

OK Ive added the HD 3's to my list, those will be the last thing I audition since ill have to wait for ship. Any thing im missing or other suggestions??

Nhan_H

I was going to suggest the HTD Level 3s (L3), as well. I may be picking up the L3 center in about 1 month's time to go with my L4 bookshelves for the bedroom set.

Chad A

You might wanna check out some Wharfedales.
They have several speakers that fit your criteria and some are at rediculously low prices right now.

Diamond 8.1 bookshelves are $140 a pair
Diamond 8.2 bookshelves are $196 a pair
at www.ayselectronics.com

Crystal 10 bookshelves are $70 a pair
Crystal 30 floorstanders are $110 a pair
Crystal 40 floorstanders are $150 a pair
at www.tsto.com

RyanJE

Damn, every time I think Im narrowing it down something else intruiging pops up. So many choices so little patience. Thanks so far guys. Anyone know about these wharfedales? I cant find any nearby.