5.1 speaker overhaul PLEASE reply!!

LUKassZ32 · 04-11-2007, 02:04 PM

So I am completely overhauling my 5.1 speaker setup. I am debating between a Klipsch setup or a JBL setup.
Here are the two possibilities:
floorstanders: synergy III dual 8" 2-way $850/pair
center: synergy III dual 6.5" 2-way $314
surrounds: synergy III 6.5" 2-way $314/pair
subwoofer: 12" 650-watt powered sub $490
GRAND TOTAL: $1968

floorstanders:
dual 8" 3-way $600/pair
center: dual 5" 2-way $170
surrounds: 5" 2-way
subwoofer: 12" 500-watt powered sub $allready own
GRAND TOTAL: $950

Heres the catch: I work at best buy so I will be paying about $1050 for the entire klipsch setup and about $450 for the entire JBL setup. I am about 99% positive I will be buying the Klipsch setup but I want a couple second opinions.

John Garcia · 04-11-2007, 05:10 PM

Which sounds better to you? Between the two, I'd probably go with the Klipsch, but neither really gets me excited. I'd definitely forget any sub you guys carry that isn't from Magnolia and seriously look at SVS or HSU in the price range because you will get a lot more for your money even with your discount factored in.

My daughter works at Best Buy too

LUKassZ32 · 04-11-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Garcia

Which sounds better to you? Between the two, I'd probably go with the Klipsch, but neither really gets me excited. I'd definitely forget any sub you guys carry that isn't from Magnolia and seriously look at SVS or HSU in the price range because you will get a lot more for your money even with your discount factored in.

My daughter works at Best Buy too

Are SVS subs really that much better?? I am looking at paying about 230 bucks for the Klipsh sub with a 3 year service plan which replaces ANYTHING. I know a 12" from SVS is like $800-1000. Plus if I did buy an SVS I would def. buy the dual because thats how I am, and they run like $1300 if I remember correctly.
I guess I am wondering, if for an amateur HT enthusiast, is an SVS sub really worth 600-1000 dollars more?

John Garcia · 04-11-2007, 06:02 PM

One word: YES. The $429 PB-10NSD will equal if not beat out that Klipsch to be honest with you, and the $1K range subs would simply make it whimper in the corner. Same with HSU, their offerings at about $500-$600 will be better for the money. Neither really makes anything that will be about the same level for $230 though... If it is cash that you want to save, then the Klipsch is the way to go. If you want a better sub even if it will cost you more, then seriously consider the others.

MaxL · 04-11-2007, 06:32 PM

hi luke-

honestly, i've never heard an SVS. is it worth it, only the people have bought them can really say. i can tell you i've never heard one person complain about an SVS sub or say it wasn't worth it or that they returned it or that they prefererred their old "X" sub. i also haven't heard of the owners of another sub company coming on this forum to address their customers directly as they do here. i have heard of system integration issues but i don't think that is brand related, and it's rare. what i can say is that my sub is the most expensive peice of A/V equipment i own and i feel it is worth every penny (about $600 worth).

i happened to be in my local BB yesterday (over an hour and 50+ miles away) so of course i checked out what they had in speakers and subs. unfortunately only one sub was connected and i din't feel like messing with the cables. but that was a velodyne, didn't catch the model # but it didn't sound bad - certainly better than the klipsch subs i've heard before. i second john on the magnolia selection. they have the dynamo that i bought, plus decent subs from boston acoustics and deftech that i heard. the dynamo won on value IMO but if you can get the discount maybe you'd prefer something else.

honestly, i wouldn't buy most subs that retail for $300 or less if you sold them to me for $50 except maybe to resell them on ebay. i would not use one. they may have plenty of power but the sound quality is crap IMO. there are some exceptions and diamonds in the rough, but by and large cheap subs are one note boom boxes good for annoying neighbors and shaking some furniture on explosion scenes if you're lucky. they suck for music.

in that $300-400 range there are some decent sounding subs, but there are compromises in either power and or extension (either not very loud or don't go very low.) these are generally entry level models from quality speaker companies. the high end athena is another exception. otherwise, to get something that can play loud, musical or tight bass down close to 20hz (the low end of what we can hear) in a small to medium sized room, it really starts with the SVS and HSU models starting aroud $400.

you can find deals on other subs that sound good, but they are true deals, not what you'd regularly find at that price point. no you don't need a dual 12" sub, unless your room is HUGE or you're trying to pop out an eyeball or an unsuspecting poop.

so to sumarize, check out magnolia's selection if you can. if not go for velodyne over klipsch on the sub. don't buy that klipsch sub, it's not worth $100 let alone $230 IMO. or go for the hsu vtf1 or for $30 more the pb 10 is well worth it on paper.... stop the presses, SVS overstock sale is on!!!
$375 for the pb10 in white or silver - a hell of a deal IMO.

**HTF Ads**

MaxL · 04-11-2007, 06:34 PM

oh yeah, i'd go for the klipsch speakers over the jbl's unless you hate treble, but presumably you've listened to them both and like them. but they are worth the extra $$ IMO.

good luck

CWiz · 04-12-2007, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxL

honestly, i wouldn't buy most subs that retail for $300 or less if you sold them to me for $50 except maybe to resell them on ebay.

hmm... get the klipsch sub for 230, try and make yourself 50-100 bucks or so (i think they go for like 300 on ebay)... maybe buy a pb12 from their b-stock or an over stocked finish for only $500. it'll be a process, but you'll have a (from what i hear) killer sub and save a hundred or so on it

LUKassZ32 · 04-12-2007, 10:56 AM

So I decided to go with the klipsch setup and I think I am going to foot the cash for a SB-12plus for $700 or MAYBE the PB12-NSD/2 for $900. I was also debating two PB10's, one in each corner of the room. I don't even know where to start on these SVS subs

They are located in Rochester which is about an hour away from me. I wonder if they are setup like a shop and I can go in and demo.