upgrading my 5.1 [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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cyto
09-10-2010, 07:45 PM
I was thinking going with Klipsch HDT500 to replace my old Sony 5.1, retail is $599, I have an Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver.

Any thoughts?

dakatabg
09-10-2010, 08:30 PM
It should be a good upgrade

Mr Peabody
09-10-2010, 09:00 PM
is that dollar figure pretty much your budget? Klipsch can make some good products, if it is in the budget you may be better off with some entry Reference series. Either way try to listen to the Klipsch, the horns aren't for every one. You should listen to some other brand as well before buying. Maybe Energy, NHT , Jamo has some really attractive prices online, Epos if can be found, even Infinity or Polk. See what you think of the Martin Logan, Motion series.

cyto
09-11-2010, 03:57 AM
Yes $600 pretty much is the budget, the Klipsch HD500 can be purchased for $425-$450. I want to stick with small speakers which knocks out the reference series.

I am also considering the Bose Acoustimass 5.1

How does the Bose compare to the Klipsch, other than price?

cyto
09-11-2010, 07:05 AM
I have been doing a little research and am thinking of getting separate speakers instead of a kit for the 5.1. This speaker system is basically going to be my Christmas present from my wife so I am in no hurry.

What are the opinions here on Behringer B2030P for the 2 pair of left and right?

Mr Peabody
09-11-2010, 09:04 AM
Klipsch will give a dynamic presentation and sound more similar to what you might hear in a theater. Bose to me sound like the high end is rolled off and the sound a bit muted. You should really listen to both if you get a chance. I own some Klipsch and like what they do. The sound is a bit different from most other speakers, more of a live sound, some love it and others don't. To be honest I personally find for the money Bose costs it's easy to find other brands that blow them away in sound quality.

I have no experience with Berringer speakers. I'm not sure if Best Buy shows Magnolia on their website but if so take a look at the Martin Logan, Motion series. I think you can put the smaller ones together in your price. I heard the floorstanding model and liked it.

rakeford
09-11-2010, 02:15 PM
Hey cyto, I'm going to listen in on this thread.

I've been thinking about getting a 5.1 (6.1, 7.2, 9.8, whatever) system.

Good luck.

cyto
09-14-2010, 03:42 PM
I ordered 2 Infinity P152 speakers to replace the front right & left and an Infinity PC250 center channel. For the time being I will use the Sony satellites for surround and rear and use the system as a 6.1

Now I am looking for a subwoofer but I cannot spend more than $400 after tax/shipping

Mr Peabody
09-14-2010, 04:31 PM
Did you look at www.emotiva.com ? No tax and you get a try out period. The 12 is $399.00 and the 10" is less. I have the Ultra 12 and it's good.

You are really bringing the system up. Let me know how the Infinity sound. I haven't heard anything by them in a while.

cyto
09-14-2010, 04:41 PM
It looks like the 12 is $599, the 10 is $289

http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm

Mr Peabody
09-14-2010, 04:50 PM
Looks like the price went up, for that kind of money I would pick up the SVS, www.svsounds.com entry cylinder sub. The Emo is good but I have my doubts it is SVS good. You shouldn't go any smaller than a 10" driver. Off the top of my head I'm not aware of many good subs in the $400.00 range.

cyto
09-14-2010, 05:23 PM
Any opinions on the HSU?

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

I read some reviews on Amazon about the Infinity PS212 burning up amps, any experience with that?

Mr Peabody
09-14-2010, 05:39 PM
The HSU would be a great choice. Amazon reviews are from users, supposedly, so if you see a trend amongst the reviews I'd tend to believe it. The Emo 10" wouldn't be bad either.

cyto
09-15-2010, 02:24 PM
I have decided to go with HSU, now the question is:

STF-2 or VTF-1

These are the 2 best that I can afford

If there really an advantage to the variable tuning?

Mr Peabody
09-15-2010, 04:52 PM
I didn't notice the variable tuning, what does it do? If it's a crossover you most likely won't use it with home theater application. The best way is to bypass the sub's crossover and let the receiver do that job. Most subs today have a bypass switch. If it's some type of EQ, honestly, unless you have the proper equipment or a darn good ear it probably wouldn't be worth it either.

cyto
09-15-2010, 05:17 PM
from the HSU web site

Variable tuning allows you to switch the bass characteristics on-demand. Choose between lower extension (‘music’ mode) or higher headroom (‘home theater’ mode). Subwoofer designs involve tradeoffs – one cannot optimally design a subwoofer to play low deep notes, and at the same time play loud. Usually the designer chooses a tradeoff for you. With the VTF series, we let you, the user, have uncompromising control at home.

Mr Peabody
09-15-2010, 08:17 PM
OK, my SVS has something like that. I don't think it is a big deal unless using it for both music and movies. I set mine for best HT set up and haven't moved it. It basically lets you select how low you want the sub to play. HT goes up to around 100 Hz, on mine the lower the sub plays the more difficult it is for it to reach close to 100 Hz and it may not seem as loud.

cyto
09-22-2010, 05:00 PM
Still haven't got a sub yet, the Emotiva Ultra 10 can be had for $289 with no shipping charge.

The HSU STF-2 comes to $388 with shipping.

Is the HSU $100 (35%) better than the Emo?

I can get a Polk Audio PSW505 shipped for $250 but I am concerned about it not being tight..

Mr Peabody
09-22-2010, 05:16 PM
I think either the Emo or HSU would be worth the difference over the Polk. I haven't heard the HSU but they have an excellent reputation. I believe both offer a money back trial. If the HSU is ported I'd tend to lean that way for the possible additional output.

cyto
09-22-2010, 05:33 PM
I looked up the contact info on Emo and they are 15 miles from my house, i am going to see is I can hear one before I buy.

I also seen that they are made in China, from their web site:

Please note that for export and customs purposes, the country of origin of all Emotiva products is China, unless otherwise specified.

Should I be concerned about that?

Mr Peabody
09-23-2010, 05:32 PM
Don't be worried about China, many U.S. designers have their gear built in China. Well, actually more gear is built in China than not. That is very cool you live so close to Emo, I bet they would be glad to let you check some gear out.

cyto
09-30-2010, 05:37 PM
The folks at Emotiva were VERY nice, put on a nice demo of the ultra 10 in their "demo room" which was full of awesome equipment. I got an Ultra 10 and it is great, my wife gave me permission (Ok I admit it) to get another one so I can run dual subs. I am going to call them tomorrow for that.

This is a very tight sub with plenty of power, for me anyway. I am getting a second one, while they are on sale, to enhance the home theater aspect.

Mr Peabody
09-30-2010, 05:49 PM
:) You'll be rockin'