home theatre speakers

[Longhorn Al]

I'm looking into getting the projector setup from that other thread. I was wondering if y'all could suggest some good, quality speaker setups that won't break the bank. I guess include receiver and surround sound speakers + sub. I want the best bang for my buck.

The viewing area would be about 14' x 15' in size. Room has 12 or 15 foot vaulted ceilings. The room itself is larger, so it's a bit cavernous.

Thanks for the input.

 

[TheSheriffIsNEAR]

Al,

If you're wanting a "home theater in a box" system (5 or more speakers, sub, and receiver), as it's called, there's one choice that's the most acclaimed and recommended, the Onkyo 770. No matter where you look for reviews or comments, this system is usually at or near the top of every list. Costs under $500. The Link

If you want something more substantial, i.e., separate receiver and speakers, everyone will have their favorites. You probably won't go wrong with what others will recommend here (except for Bose, perhaps). I personally like the Pioneers with the auto-room correction feature (MCACC), together with Ascend speakers and the Hsu sub.

 

[Longhorn Al]

That Onkyo looks pretty good. Since I'm a newbie, I might want to start out with a kit like that instead of piecing it all together. It also isn't too expensive.

Thanks for your help.

I'm still open to more suggestions though.

 

[TennesseeHorn]

I have the Onkyo 770 and it IS the "best bang for the buck".........................YOu will NOT be disappointed. My media room is just about like yours but I only have 8 foot ceilings (basement)

 

[Agent007]

I have always liked Onkyo stuff. They make some damn good receivers...

 

[Longhorn Al]

Sounds like we have a winner. And a 6.1 for $425? Gotta get it.

Thanks guys

 

[LosIllini]

Just don't let them sell you $200 worth of monster cables.

 

[hornbri]

Have to chime in hear, I also have the Onkyo system, great bang for my buck. I have not been disappointed at all.

 

[catfishhorn]

My room is about the same size as yours. I got the Panasonic AE-700 for the projector and am going with Definitive Technology BP/A's (bipolar) for the front and rear, the UIW-75 for the center and my old Sony 12" for the sub. Won't have them installed until New Years eve so I can't tell you how they'll sound in a room that size with the same ceiling height, but I've listened to them at Ultimate Electronics and they sure do fill a room.

Also going with the Yamaha RX-V1500 for the receiver.

 

[suttree]

You should also check outThe Link

Cambridge Soundworks is a great company and i have bought multiple speaker packages from them.

 

[Ollie]

Try www.shoponkyo.com for great deals on refurbished HTS-760's and HTS- 770's. You can get $10 off for registering on their site and up to $35 off for registering other Onkyo products.

Here is the avsforum dedicated to HTIB. They highly recommend Onkyo and have several threads about them, including comparing the 760 vs. the 770.

 

[SuperHero]

I went with Harmon Kardon because their DVD player was rated higher, and I wanted to keep the players / receiver the same brand. The HK AVR-325 I have is awesome, even has a microphone built into the remote control so it can self balance. At the time, my other option was Onkyo. Every Onkyo system I have listened to has been superb.

For speakers, I just bought a pair of Acend Acoustics (xxx-170 don't remember the letters now). They are amazing for their clarity and range. I've had a lot of friends come over and listen to them, and they have all been blown away by how clear they are. They'll run $360/pair, but are worth every penny.

 

[HappyFeller]

Fry's has a special price for the silver version of the Onkyo HTS-770 for $399.

The Link

I assume that this is a web only price.

 

[LosIllini]

You may also want to check out the digital receivers that are new over the last couple of years- such as the Panasonic XR50- which are in the $200's. A lot of people give these boxes high marks- and they are smaller than a traditional amped receiver.