Spending up to 600 USD on a new system (1 Viewer)

[Raj_asaurus]

I'm looking to get 2 bookshelves, 5.1 or 6.1 receiver, and a sub for this amount of money that will be worth keeping and upgrading through the next few years.

Currently I'm looking at Polk RTi38s for about 250, a Yamaha HT-5630 receiver for about 200 and either a WM500 or WX700 Sony sub.

What changes would you guys make to this setup?

ANY advice is HIGHLY appreciated as I'm very new to this market.

PS the speakers will be used in a dorm room until june then a slightly larger bedroom the next. They will be used for my PC and for my PS2.

 

[AaronJB]

I would consider a pair of JBL S38IIs. I just replaced my front mains with these and love them. While they are recommended to be placed horizontally, I have them vertical and they sound wonderful. They are also quite large and sturdy - at nearly 30 pounds a piece, you need sturdy support. They provide deep, tight bass and, at the same time, crisp highs and a clean, detailed sound. Your mileage may vary depending on your room's size/accoustics, but in my smallish room, they sound amazing.

They can be found at Amazon.com or Onecall.com for less than half of their original $600 list. They are part of JBL's now discontinued, but very well-regarded Studio series.

 

[Raj_asaurus]

That doesnt damage or affect the speakers at all? (placing them vertically)

On audioreview.com the reviews are very mixed about these speakers. That has me worried since they are discontinued and might be hard to return/service?

Any other suggestions? Anyone know about the Panasonic SA XR-25 its one of their ultraslim receivers. I am not sure if its as good as the yamaha but it definitely doesnt take up as much room!

 

[RubenS]

I was in the same boat... This is the setup I got.

Onkyo HT-R510 6.1 Receiver (Part of HT-S760 Package, Refurbished from Ecost.com) $165 Shipped
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 Bookshelf Speakers $368 Shipped
Dayton 10" SUB from Parts Express $125 Shipped

So, the total system came out to be $658.

 

[Raj_asaurus]

I wont be able to do it myself, so dayton sub is out of the question...How good is that receiver? Pretty good?

 

[Wayne Ernst]

No. Ruben meant that you can get a *complete* 10" subwoofer from Parts Express for $125 - shipped. Not just the driver and not just the kit, but the fully assembled subwoofer with cabinet and amp.

 

[Raj_asaurus]

Are these pretty good? They dont have the auto-off do they? if so there arent any issues with it turning off prematurely are there?

 

[JimPeitersen]

I would get the Panny SA-XR25 (approx. $200) and these:

sub - http://www.srs-store.com/store/mall/inter_subwoofer.asp ($99.95 shipped)

speakers - http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/pr...rry%20-%20Pair

or these -
http://www.accessories4less.com/Amaz...S300%2FLC&tpc=

These would make a great little system, for now and in the future.
JP

 

[Raj_asaurus]

Jim,
how do you know of this sub? i cant seem to find any reviews and as its my first system I'm slightly trepidatious to buy without someone saying something good about the product from listening or experience.

 

[Ian-Fl]

There's quite a few people who have that sub now. It's an excellent sub for the price. It's clean and not distorted and very tight. It might not go as low as 20 hz but I've been throughly entertained by it. It comes complete, no assembly required.
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...D=122583&DID=7

 

[Raj_asaurus]

How does it compare to the SRS-A11. Its 150watt and goes down to 20hz.

 

[JimPeitersen]

I've got a couple of the SRS subs coming in tomorrow. I will let everyone know how they handle music and HT. We could either have a decent little inexpensive sub, or a "giant-killer."
JP

 

[Raj_asaurus]

How did the SRS Subs work out?

 

[Mike D.]

I'm curious about the SRS also. Has anyone heard one yet? Any reviews?