In the market for surround speakers

[slashbinslashbash]

How about this for a Polk based system?

LR : TSi100 ($149 for the pair)
C : CS10 ($96)
Sub : PSW10 ($126)
Rear Surrounds : OWM3 ($99)

Comes out to just under $500 for the whole system.

I have to admit the Energy Take 5.1 system is pretty tempting at $299. The nice thing about the Polk system is that it seems like it could be modified in the future easier if I really want to, say adding larger LR speakers for example. Chances are for us the Energy system is fine, but the research is half the fun.

That would be a fine system IMO (although the sub is going to be underwhelming, and there are a couple of better choices in the $200 range). Someday you can upgrade to a better sub (not necessarily Polk -- matching the sub to the rest of the speakers doesn't matter) and the fronts to floorstanders like the TSi300, and move the TSi100's to the rears, and move the OWM3's to the garage or something.

One thing that you should do first though is check your local Craigslist for speaker deals. When I upgraded my system, I sold most of my Polks on CL, but kept my floorstanding R40's for an office stereo system. Also you can find decent deals in pawnshops sometimes. I got the start of my Atlantic Technology System 270 THX in a pawnshop for $100 for L/C/R, then the surrounds for $100 on Craigslist, then my SVS sub for $350 on Craigslist. Be sure you can listen to the speakers before purchasing.... make sure there is no visible damage to any of the drivers, and turn the sound somewhat loud and listen for distortion, and then somewhat quieter and put your ear up to each of the drivers to make sure they're all working.

 

[gorb]

How about this for a Polk based system?

LR : TSi100 ($149 for the pair)
C : CS10 ($96)
Sub : PSW10 ($126)
Rear Surrounds : OWM3 ($99)

Comes out to just under $500 for the whole system.

I have to admit the Energy Take 5.1 system is pretty tempting at $299. The nice thing about the Polk system is that it seems like it could be modified in the future easier if I really want to, say adding larger LR speakers for example. Chances are for us the Energy system is fine, but the research is half the fun.

I've never been a large fan of the entry level polk speakers but if you like em, they are cheap. I'd recommend the pioneers for the same money though.

I would definitely skip the polk sub. For a super cheap sub I'd recommend the dayton 1200 or 1500.

 

[ControlD]

I've never been a large fan of the entry level polk speakers but if you like em, they are cheap. I'd recommend the pioneers for the same money though.

I would definitely skip the polk sub. For a super cheap sub I'd recommend the dayton 1200 or 1500.

I'll take a look at the Pioneers as well.

I wish I could hear the different speakers and not have to buy blindly but there just aren't any stores around me that sell anything more than either $100 cheap junk or $999 Bose systems.

 

[ControlD]

After doing WAY, WAY more research than is necessary I am leaning towards the Pioneer package here:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IK8I9K2/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d5_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0RDG2JGWVF650DPME249&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2079475242&pf_rd_i=desktop

Mounting the rears is going to be a bit of a challenge, but from what I have been reading this package is about as good as it gets below the $600 mark. I still like the looks of the Polk system but it seems like getting floor standing speakers and better surrounds makes the Pioneer system a better buy.

Now I just have to actually pull the trigger on something.

 

[mlc]

another thought....

I'd swing the 201's over, if they're not took bulky, and use them as your two surround channels. That'll allow you to maximize your limited budget on the front LCR soundstage, along with a sub.. and not throw money away on the surrounds...

as suggested.. take a look at Craig's List for a used sub and front setup can get you some decent stuff... Klipsch, Polk, Boston Acoustic, etc..

If your primarily using this for movies/tv.. keep in mind the center speaker pumps out about 70% of the sound you'll here.. so don't skimp on the center channel..

 

[ControlD]

I think the 201's are too big for me to use as surrounds as I really need to wall mount the rear speakers.

However, your point about the center speaker is well taken. Originally, my budget was simply for a center and rear speakers plus a sub if it fit in the budget. Since I have expanded to include L/R speakers in this I can bump the total up some. The $500 was a rough budget really. I don't mind spending more, but I don't want to get into the "crap, I could have bought a car" territory either.

 

[purbeast0]

I think the 201's are too big for me to use as surrounds as I really need to wall mount the rear speakers.

However, your point about the center speaker is well taken. Originally, my budget was simply for a center and rear speakers plus a sub if it fit in the budget. Since I have expanded to include L/R speakers in this I can bump the total up some. The $500 was a rough budget really. I don't mind spending more, but I don't want to get into the "crap, I could have bought a car" territory either.

you can mount pretty large speakers on the wall, my surrounds are pretty big. i used a CRT wall mount for them and just put it on a stud

http://imgur.com/cVIVVNG,OLd2Sy5,lMkGcZY,zb9HdT2,Bz29KhQ,drn6J3L,OXslP7b,C7jbenY#0

 

[mlc]

those rears on the Pioneer system don't appear to be much smaller than your Bose 201's.. so similar mounting issues/considerations would exist....

Honestly.. most of the folks that weigh in on this stuff are usually more critical than the avg consumer, as we tend to be a bit more passionate about our audio and home theater.. so keep that in mind as you receive opinions...

If you really want to go the most efficient route. I would explore a BOSE acoustimass 3 pc set. I believe they provide the 2 rear channels, and a sub for around $300. Then you can keep your 201's up front, and hunt around for a Bose center speaker with similar/matching drivers as the 201's.. For movies/tv, it'll fit your needs without breaking the bank. If you're into the music side of things, then you'll want to explore other options. But for movies/etc.. don't discount this as a reasonably cheap and satisfying option...

next step up... I'd consider something like a BIC F12 sub, (around $200), and then hunt around for a decent 3 piece LCR set for your fronts, and mount the 201's as rear channels. This will allow you to focus on quality of the sub and center speaker..

The problem with the 5.1 speaker packages, is that they tend to skimp on the quality of the center speaker, and the sub.. which are, by far, the 2 most important pieces of the set, especially if music isn't a priority. So keep that in mind in your search..

Also.. don't discount the size of your room.. especially with the lower end subs.. Size and wattage matter.. especially if its a fairly large room.. and room placement is king, when it comes to a sub..

best of luck
Mike

 

[ControlD]

Thanks Mike. It is always good to get more options!

So, I spent a little time examining my "theater room" (which is a bit of a stretch) and this is sort of where my thinking is taking me.

I am a bit space constrained here. The room is what would probably be considered medium at around 15x20 feet. The TV is mounted on the center of the long wall, but I have two fairly large aquariums to either side. I have a couple of feet to work with for speakers and that's where my 201s currently are, on speaker stands. I really, really like the idea of getting the L/R speakers off of the stands and mounted on the wall. Part of the reason is that the Bose speakers are sort of an odd shape and they don't really sit on the stands all that well. The cat can get them wobbling pretty good when he wants up on the fish tanks and I have had speakers knocked off the stands a few times. Also, this would open up some room to place a sub towards the front by not having floor standing speakers or bookshelves on stands. I guess I am willing to sacrifice a little on the L/R speakers knowing that I can somewhat offset with a decent sub.

That leads me back to my original idea of the Polk TSi/TSx 100 speakers for my fronts. Those speakers are made to be wall mounted. They get decent if not stellar reviews, but I also have to keep in mind that this will be used for 90% movie/TV watching, 10% gaming and pretty much never music.

I have been running without any center channel forever. Dialogue sort of sucks when watching movies right now, so getting a center and some rear surrounds is my biggest focus. The matching Polk center gets good reviews, is huge, and must be a TON better than my current solution. The surrounds need to be wall mounted because I don't have a ton of room behind the couch. It seems like the Polk OWM3 is custom made for this.

That leaves the sub. I have no problem going without a sub for now and waiting to snag a good deal on a quality unit. I have a feeling the Pioneer 8" sub is quite basic as is the cheap Polk. I have been without a sub for this long, I feel like I can wait.

It seems like the Polk system, while perhaps not the absolute best in fidelity, is the best fit in my room. I would rather have floor standing speakers for sure, but I would be better off with a good sub and bookshelves I think?

 

[gorb]

The pioneer sub is definitely a piece of poo and worth skipping (or selling if you did end up getting the pioneer bundle).

Here's another option I forgot about - five Wave Crest HVL-1s. Buy a sub later
http://www.wavecrestaudio.com/products/hvl-1-two-way-loudspeaker-pair

 

[giantpandaman2]

The Take Classic 5.1 would be better than the Polk system and easier to mount.

Sub = BIC or DIY or SVS

I wouldn't buy a store brand sub (Polk, Pioneer, almost anything). They are usually terrible values.

 

[ControlD]

I ended up (yesterday) ordering the Polk system outlined above along with a BIC F12 subwoofer. The UPS guy is going to love me.

Thanks for all of the input everyone! Looks like I will be spending the weekend running speaker wire to make this a wife approved installation.

 

[gorb]

Speaker cable if you need some: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=2821

 

[ControlD]

Speaker cable if you need some: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=2821

Yep, that's exactly what I ordered.

 

[ControlD]

Spent about four hours today getting everything installed. Running speaker wire in finished rooms can be a challenge. I am still waiting on the sub to be delivered.

Everything sounds awesome to us. For the money I spent I couldn't be happier.