Wanting to build a HT/Stereo for $1000. Newbie (1 Viewer)

Hey guys,
I appreciate any and all help. First off, I'm most likely not buying anything any time soon, but would love to know what my options are, who knows I'm a impulsive buyer sometimes. As of right now I live in military barracks (lol) and won't be moving out until I get married next year. I don't really know much about the home theater systems, I've only had a cheap sony one that I've had for probably 10 years now. I've had a pair of Infinity SM 152's (they were made in the 90s I believe) which I'm sure most people haven't even heard of, but I've always loved them. They have 15" subs (though they don't allow for much excursion).
I listen to music as much as often as I watch movies, mostly heavy metal (I love double bass drums and electric guitar) and rap. Also, I like to occasionally listen to music at ear piercing levels.
Ok enough rambling.. I'd prefer to spend between $1000 and $1500 for everything; speakers, sub, and receiver. I plan to buy a projector later as well.

Rather than try and tell you what to get at this point I think it's better to show you where to look...
Polk Monitors from newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008225%2050012345&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&SrchInDesc=monitor&Page=1&PageSize=20
Refurbed receivers from ac4l.com http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/AVReceiver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html
BIC F12 sub from Partsexpress.com http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=303-436
Great deals from...
OneCall.com http://www.onecall.com/LandingPage.aspx?lpID=1955&s_tnt=14971:0:0
Vanns.com http://www.vanns.com/
TigerDirect.com http://www.tigerdirect.com/
jr.com http://www.jr.com/
ElectronicsExpo.com http://www.electronics-expo.com/
And Amazon of course
Cables/wires from
Monoprice.com http://www.monoprice.com/
Partsexpress.com http://www.parts-express.com/ http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

I will add to Gene's list.

Check out internet direct companies for speakers and subs.

Axiom Audio for speakers: http://www.axiomaudio.com/

SVS for subs (and speakers): http://www.svsound.com/

HSU for subs: http://www.hsuresearch.com/

Lava for subs: http://www.lavasubs.com/

Aperion Audio for speakers: http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx

Fluance for "cheap" speakers (skip the subs): http://www.fluance.com/


As a general rule, spend more on the speakers than the receiver (most on the sub). For a $1500 budget, spend about $500 on the receiver, $3-500 for the sub, and the rest for the speakers. Go with 5.1 over 7.1 to start (better speakers, not more).

A couple of more...
Ascend Acoustics http://ascendacoustics.com/
Elemental Designs http://www.edesignaudio.com/index.php?cPath=2
And Fry's has had some excellent in-store sales recently. Infinity Primus P362 towers for $199/pr is hard to beat.

Hey I appreciate it guys. There are so many different routes to go its almost mind boggling.

David Willow said:

I will add to Gene's list.
Check out internet direct companies for speakers and subs.
Axiom Audio for speakers:  http://www.axiomaudio.com/
SVS for subs (and speakers): http://www.svsound.com/
HSU for subs: http://www.hsuresearch.com/
Lava for subs: http://www.lavasubs.com/
Aperion Audio for speakers: http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx
Fluance for "cheap" speakers (skip the subs): http://www.fluance.com/
As a general rule, spend more on the speakers than the receiver (most on the sub).  For a $1500 budget, spend about $500 on the receiver, $3-500 for the sub, and the rest for the speakers.  Go with 5.1 over 7.1 to start (better speakers, not more).

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I've read multiple posts from Robert_J about the 19Ov.2 sub/ DIY enclosure which looks like it will cost about $500, seems like it would be pretty power... and I love the hard hitting bass.

Not almost...it is mind boggling. Here's a couple of places to learn things.
Aperions "University" http://www.aperionaudio.com/catalog/Aperion-University,2.aspx
Crutchfield's "Research" http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Learn/Article/Menu.aspx?c=4&tp=4

Originally Posted by mulalleybs /t/321933/wanting-to-build-a-ht-stereo-for-1000-newbie#post_3944215
I've read multiple posts from Robert_J about the 19Ov.2 sub/ DIY enclosure which looks like it will cost about $500, seems like it would be pretty power... and I love the hard hitting bass.

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Yes, that's the other route. If you have the tools and skill, you can DIY and save big. Read up on the plans and start a thread for your build. Robert will help you (he loves this stuff).

I've had a pair of Infinity SM 152's (they were made in the 90s I believe) which I'm sure most people haven't even heard of, but I've always loved them. They have 15" subs (though they don't allow for much excursion).

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Those aren't subs. They are 15" woofers. Big difference. In your PM, you mentioned replacing them. Don't. If you want reasons, it will take me about 30 minutes to list them all.

I've read multiple posts from Robert_J about the 19Ov.2 sub/ DIY enclosure which looks like it will cost about $500, seems like it would be pretty power... and I love the hard hitting bass.

Click to expand...

I'll be more than happy to help you design a DIY enclosure. But that sub is $250, it will be a minimum of $200 for an amp. That leave $150 for everything else. Do you have tools? If you really want to tackle this, start a thread in the speakers section (this definitely isn't a beginner project) with your budget for the sub only, the room size and finally the amount of space you are willing to give up. Subs can range from the size of a shoe box to the size of a refrigerator.