Looking for Bookshelf Recs for a Friend (1 Viewer)

[Doug_B]

My friend is interested in a HT system. His price range for 5 channels of speakers is probably in the area of $1000 - $1300, not including sub (probably looking at approx $300 for sub). He's only done a bit of window shopping so far, so I don't know what category of speakers appeal to him yet.

One potential constraint is that the mains may need to be in his entertainment center. He would thus be constrained to 10" in height (I think about 21" wide). I'm having him work on his wife to allow him to put speakers on the side of the unit (either stand-mounted or floorstanding speakers), but in case the wife doesn't budge, he needs to accommodate that 10" height. Wondering what might be appropriate for the price. Additionally, are there any speakers that work on their side dispersion-wise. This may allow him to get a better speaker for the $ versus one that is small enough to fit upright.

Thanks.

Doug

 

[KonradN]

jbl s38 or s38-II work lying on their side and they are even designed that way.

 

[Brian Kleinke]

Polk RT-25i or RT-35i can both be had for really good deals now adays. And the CS-245i center would easily fit in that space (I have RT25i's all around with a CS-254i center and an SVS sub).

They sound very good to me. And given then price reductions are a great value.

Brian

 

[Phil Iturralde]

I'd second the CEA Innovations 2000 Design and Engineering Award Winner JBL S38 (Dimensions (H x W x D): 11-1/2" x 17-1/2" x 12-7/8"),
http://store6.yimg.com/I/consumer-direct_1674_2737696
but based on it's dimension above, it just might be too big for the space you listed

...constrained to 10" in height (I think about 21" wide).

But if you have another 1/4" in height, I'd recommend the JBL S36 (Dimensions (H x W x D): 10-1/4" x 14-5/8" x 5")
Here's the official JBL S36 news release from http://www.dba-pr.com/clients/jbl/releases/studioces.htm
JBL S-Center Studio Series 3-Way Center Channel Speaker
http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=170&Product_Id=25625&showcase=t
JBL S36 $299.99
JBL S36 $299.99
S-Center$169.99
=======
Total: $769.97
Max Budget: $1,300.00
Sub Budget: $ 300.00
5 HT Spkrs: $ 769.97
---------------------
Budget BAL: $ 830.03
SVS “Powered Cylinder”
Link Removed = $549.00
(approx. S/H) + $45.00
========================
Total............$594.00
Minus Remain BAL $830.03
................========
Under Budget:... $236.03
FYI: Mark Knight (Digital Vortex) bought six JBL S-36's & one S-Center (sub's = Twin SVS Subs) for his 6.1 HT Setup, and you can follow this link to read his JBL Speaker review.
Just a thought,
Phil

 

[Doug_B]

The JBL's look interesting. I don't know how exact the 10" measurement is, so I'll have to ask. Since the S36's can be positioned vertically as well, I assume that they can also be stand-mounted, as I think my friend would prefer this for the surrounds vs mounting on rear wall.
LOL about the SVS. I think WAF issues might prevent such a purchase. Also, he may be content in saving some $ versus shifting the budget. Maybe I'll convince him with an SVS demo.
Which B&M stores carry JBL in NJ so as to send him for a demo? The JBL web site search isn't working right for me.
Thanks.
Doug

 

[Phil Iturralde]

...I assume that they can also be stand-mounted...

I recommend emailing Mark (from his linked website above - you can tell him I sent you! ) and ask, because I can't answer your question.
Phil