Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Need recommendations for a budget speaker setup to go with new HDTV
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Need recommendations for a budget speaker setup to go with new HDTV

post #1 of 14
10/29/04 at 2:41am
Thread Starter 
Hi guys,
I just bought this 34" 16:9 TV:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-...oductDetail.do


With good source material, the picture is sweet! As expected though, the built-in speakers just aren't up to scratch. Before I start showing this beast off, I'd like to get a halfway decent speaker system (all I own right now is headphones).

Here's the setup:
They will be used primarily for DVDs, but I don't want them to completely suck for music. I have a Harmon Kardon AVR-225 5.1 receiver, and I'll probably want to start off using that to save a few bucks. Rather than diving into a full 5.1 setup, I'd rather go with fewer, higher quality speakers. I'm considering either a 2.0, 2.1, or 3.1 setup. I live in apartment, so I don't want anything too fancy, and I'm not expecting this to come close to me headphone system (see sig/profile) for music. I would rather not go too far over $600, and I want to buy new (with a return policy). My living room is 13'x16' with 9 foot ceilings, but there is nothing to separate it from the 9'x10' dining area and only the 4' kitchen counter seperates it from the 9'x10' kitchen. My personal preference is for a smoother, darker sound (Senns over grados).

I like what I've read about the Ascend CBM-170's, perhaps with one of the Hsu subs. Would these be a good match for my needs? Is there a big improvement to be had with a center channel? Or should I just go with 2 good floor-standers and skip the sub? Any other recommendations?
Reply
post #2 of 14
10/29/04 at 4:15am
If you are using these speakers primarily for movies, then the center channel speaker is critical since it carries a lot of the info in the front. Definitely budget for that center channel speaker.

You should into Paradigm's Mini-Monitors and the matching center channel speaker. I think the MM goes low enough, for my taste at least, that you can hold off on the subwoofer.
Reply
post #3 of 14
10/29/04 at 8:38am
I use the cbm170s as the L&R in a 6 channel Ascend HT with a HSU STF2. From what I read, Ascend speakers are the budget speakers of choice when music is also a priority. It is hard to make these comparisons but I would characterize the Ascend Acoustics house sound as more like the HD595 than the HD580.

Soundboy's concern about the loss of center info is a common concern but in practice it just didn't work out that way for me. To my ears the 170s do a fine job creating a phantom center channel over a reasonably wide angle. The phantom center image is well defined and even throws some depth. I have used a HTM200 and a CMT340 for the center. I prefer the phantom to 200 as center. The 340 is another story. My advice: Try the pair of 170s and see how they work for your ears in your situation. You can always send them back (30 day guarantee) or order a center speaker later.
Reply
post #4 of 14
10/30/04 at 4:09am
What's your budget?

The sub is really going to kill the budget.

If you want a darker/smoother sound, look for soft dome tweeters.

If you want small and cheap, Paradigm is a good bet. If you want some "oomph" maybe a pair of Titans to start? with a matching Center channel?

I have an old HK AVR85. I want more dynamics in my HT, so I may end up buying a decent Denon receiver when the ole HK dies. But till then, no HT upgrade for me.

Well, I might get a serious HT setup when I buy a house. But I have a condo, so no crazy setup. Damn neighbors. Bleh.

-Ed
Reply
post #5 of 14
10/31/04 at 12:48am
The Ascend speakers are a good choice but I think you can get a better value by getting 4 Athena AS-B2 speakers and 1 AS-C1 center channel at BB.These are just as good but cost a lot less.You can add a Sub.at any time if you feel it is really necessary.
Reply
post #6 of 14
10/31/04 at 1:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Edwood
If you want a darker/smoother sound, look for soft dome tweeters.
From the ascend acoustics web site: "1" soft dome ferro-fluid cooled neodymium tweeter"
Reply
post #7 of 14
10/31/04 at 9:39am
I have a pair of Ascend speakers at work.I like them very much and have no problem recommending them to anyone.If I had the choice of buying speakers again for work,I would get the Athena speakers instead.If there is a better value in audio than these,I am not aware of it.BTW the speakers I use at home are the Von Schweikert VR-1s.These look nicer,have slightly better bass, and image better.That is about it.
Reply
post #8 of 14
10/31/04 at 7:32pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys, for all the great (albeit diverse) advise
I'm going to look further into the Athenas and Paradigms mentioned above, but I'm still very interested in the Ascends. Keep 'em comig. Any recommendations for a good pair a full range or floorstanders that can be used without a sub? I'm still a little wary of getting a sub for an apartment.

Budget is sorta undetermined at this time, other than I'd like to keep the recommendations below $1K. Heh, so much other stuff I need/want to buy (also need a digital camera). My new TV continues to amaze me, and I highly recommend it! Best damn image I've ever seen.
Reply
post #9 of 14
10/31/04 at 7:38pm
Also have a look at Axiom. Similar to Paradigm but much cheaper.(higher end models)

For subs SVS Subwoofers and HSU Research can't be beat. This is best bang for the buck right now.
http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...r-10-2004.html
Reply
post #10 of 14
11/1/04 at 1:24am
For a wider sampling of opinions on HT use I recommend that you search the speaker forum on hometheaterforum.com for some of the speakers that have been discussed here.
Reply
post #11 of 14
11/1/04 at 9:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quick, stupid question, guys...
Now I'm thinking of getting the Athena AS-F2 floorstanders, perhaps with the C1 center (this way I think I can avoid the need for a sub, at least for now). Just how well does the magnetic shielding on home theater speakers work? Is there any chance at all they will mess with my new $$$$ CRT tube, even in the slightest way? Is there an increased danger by placing these towers very close to the sides of the TV? As always, I'm paranoid and overprotective about my latest substantial A/V investment. Help give me either a warning or peace of mind
Reply
post #12 of 14
11/1/04 at 10:00pm
If your CRT TV discolors on the side when your speakers are close to them, even when they are magnetically-shielded, then you should consider other speakers. It really depends on both the speakers and the TV involved. On the other hand, I have never heard of the Athena F2's ever being a problem....these are awesome speakers. From the people who gave us the Mirage and Energy brands.
Reply
post #13 of 14
11/1/04 at 11:08pm
This should be considered. Post is from Sound and Vision Forums, a guy who wrote another review:

Quote:
Well, the 10" Titanic is no longer the only sub I will recommend as the PB10-ISD is an amazing product for the money.

I haven't listened to the 10" Titanic for many months and am not sure how it will hold up against the PB10-ISD in a side by sid comparison. However, I have no memory of the 10" Titanic sounding as "fat" or "blossomy" as the PB10-ISD does, so I am still leaning at the more accurate and "musical" qualities of the 10" Titanic as signs it is a better overall product than the PB10-ISD. However, many people could care less about realism and accuracy and would rather have deeper and louder bass at the cost of "quickness" and "musicality". So, for those people who think two $250 subs are better than one $500 subwoofer (a total fallacy), the PB10-ISD would be a good choice. However, for those that prefer a very accurate tower speaker to bookshelves, the 10" Titanic is a better choice.

So, for realistic, accurate, musical bass with less extension or peak output, the 10" Parts Express is still my favorite sub selling for less than $500. For pure gutteral impact and deep extension, the PB10-ISD is my pick. Personally, I prefer less extension and better sound.
Here is his review: http://www.akoza.com/PB10_Review.pdf

I remember my PSB Image 2b's could make my monitor's image shiver when it pumped bass but it looked fine when nothing was playing or at low levels, so, it's hard to tell without a first hand test.
Reply
post #14 of 14
11/2/04 at 12:46am
As long as they are more than 1ft away from the monitor (which they should be) you should be fine.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Cables, Power, Tweaks, Speakers, Accessories (DBT-Free Forum) › Need recommendations for a budget speaker setup to go with new HDTV