Advice on 5.1 system under $2k for small HT (1 Viewer)

[wkuder]

Hello everyone,

I have a HT setup in a small room, about 12'x14'. The couch (primary viewing area) is against the wall opposite the TV. Because of this limited space, I'm looking for a 5.1 set of speakers to fit the room. I am a VIDEO guy and appreciate all the nuances of VIDEO and only go for the very best. In this case, the Sony LCD 52" XBR4. In terms of AUDIO, I've always made do with built-in TV speakers. I don't need the top of the line on the audio side; in fact, I'd never know the difference. But I do want it to sound better than a public theater!

I have no surround sound right now, but I recently picked up an Onkyo 805. Now I need speakers and a sub to go with it, but I need to keep this whole set (excluding the Onkyo) under $2000. I want it to sound GREAT. From what I've read on this site, it seems like SVS might be an option for me? But I'm willing to look elsewhere.

Can anybody recommend a set of speakers? I can floor-stand or wall-mount, and I do want a pretty powerful sub. Thanks in advance!

By the way, I do mostly movies and games...not so much music. If it makes a difference...

 

[hodedofome]

You'll get as many opinions as there will be people to reply, I'm a fan of av123.com...SVS is good as well, same with Outlaw Audio, Axiom, Emotiva, Home Theater Direct, and others. A couple systems come to mind:

Speaker Package 1

HTD Level THREE Speakers

AV123.com - x-ls encore Monitor Loudspeaker
with AV123.com - x-cs encore Center Loudspeaker
and AV123.com - MFW-15 Subwoofer

The MFW-15 sub is a great sub for movies, music, etc. Pairing that with one of the other speaker combos out there would make an awesome system. The Emotiva package with the MFW-15 would rock.

 

[gene c]

There's a lot to choose from at that price. I went with these Swan Diva's fronts surrounds center for about $1375 shipped from oz hometheater. Add an SVS sub for another great option package. But there are many, many others to consider.

 

[wkuder]

hodedofome, thanks for all those options...this is exactly the kind of feedback I was hoping to get here! Looking at the emotiva package, how would the surrounds work in my small-ish setup having to be placed almost directly to the sides of the viewing/listening area? I'm asking since they have the angled design and I'm not sure if that makes any difference?

gene c, how do you like the setup you have?

I've seen a lot of posts about av123.com...but I have noticed that the recommended speakers are not in stock, and some not ready until the end of May!

Thanks for the feedback so far!

 

[SethH]

I would go with Ascend Acoustics. 340's for the fonts and 170's for the back. Then add the SVS PB12-NSD/2 (currently on clearance for $799). With shipping that would put you right at $2000 and would be an incredible system.

CMT-340 SE Mini-Tower Loudspeaker
SVSound - Box Subwoofers

 

[gene c]

Like them very much. Very smooth mid-range, wonderfull build quality and they look fantastic. Might be a bit large for your room, though. Another internet brand to consider is Aperion Audio. And I've always liked Infinity. But speakers all produce a bit of a different sound from one another so you may not care for what someone else likes.

 

[wkuder]

Thanks everyone...I have a lot to research now and a much better idea of what to purchase!