Looking for a speaker upgrade

[Freeze]

I currently have Yamaha RX-V263 receiver and some old Yamaha satellites (that came in my previous HTIB). I also have the included sub - I think it is 8", though I'm not really sure. In any case, I want to upgrade my speakers and maybe the sub, if it fits in the budget.

First up, the room is my main living room and it's pretty big - roughly 20x25x8. It's also has the dining area attached (another 12x15x8 or so), in an L shape.

We primarily watch TV, movies, and play video games (Xbox 360, Wii). We do listen to some music, but it's primarily via the XM stations on Directv. The main complaint with the current setup is that dialogs during movies is difficult to hear without cranking up the volume. This leads to a constant battle with the volume buttons to adjust based on the current scene.

I want to spend less than $600 and get something that won't be too huge. Any purchase will need to be approved by the wife. Floorstanding speakers are out, so that leaves me with Bookshelf or another "satellite" style.

I saw the TSC TSAT-1000-HT8-B setup for $399 which intrigued me. I also saw some Klipsch and Polk speaker kits (4 + a center) that I could live with, if they are powerful enough for the room size. I'm not opposed to picking up a few book shelf speakers and a center channel, but would prefer a "matched set".

Thanks for any suggestions and help.

 

[s44]

Dialogue clarity is a function of the center channel. So I'd avoid the tiny-speaker setup like that TSC one -- although their full-size (bookshelf + center) models are certainly worth considering. Some tiny-speaker sets have a larger center, which could be OK, but honestly I think you'd do best just replacing your front 3 for now. Not only will you get a better speaker, but larger drivers should have an easier time filling your space.

Specific idea: if it fits your space, get two pairs of the KEF IQ3 bookshelves (at an excellent clearance price), use two for L+R, another for center, and either sell the last or use it as a rear surround for 6.1...

 

[Freeze]

Those seem pretty nice. I'd have to sell the wife on 500 for essentially 3 speakers. She's under the impression that I am getting 5 and I had to fight for that. That's certainly an option though.

I've seen 4 "box sets" that seem to fit the budget, but as you noted I'm afraid that the center won't be enough for my space. I'm sure there are others.
Klipsch Quintet III (500 at BB)
Polk RM85 (500 at BB and has a free sub with this kit as a web special)
Boston Acoustic MCS100MDNT (listed as 600 at sears)
TSC set noted in my first post

Are there other sets that might be good in this price range, or am I wasting my time trying to find a package set this cheap? I do appreciate the suggestions. As I said, I'm not opposed to piecing it together, I just prefer the all in one box transaction. Thanks!

 

[s44]

Well, there's this excellent Energy 5.1, but the fronts are floorstanders.

You could also get a set (5 speakers, no sub) of the somewhat larger (2 3.5" mids each) TSAT-2000s from TSC for $450. Definitely a better choice than the 1000s (you already have a cheap sub!), but I'd still look for something bigger... Remember you can use your current speakers as surrounds to keep a 5.1 or even do 7.1 if you just get the front 3.

Edit: Amazon has that Boston set for $200! Read the reviews though -- probably underpowered for you.

Edit 2: Here is a smaller Energy 5.1 setup. I think this will definitely be the best if you want prepackaged, though as with the others it's still pretty small. Note that one of the reviews indicates it may be available at the CC clearance...

 

[krotchy]

Kef, Energy and Mirage are all good calls. Another good option is Elemental Designs. Their subs are their killer item, but their speakers have been getting good reviews too:http://www.edesignaudio.com/index.php?cPath=2_42

5 5T5s will run about $515 and should be pretty powerful. Personally I would get 3 of the 6T6's for $560 and then pickup some 5TC rears later.

 

[Project86]

Some good suggestions here so far, especially the Elementals. I'll add another option as well: HTD Level Three bookshelf fronts and center which would be $500 plus I think they have very cheap shipping. Other option would be the HTD Level 2 towers and center which would be just a few $$$ more. I'm not sure what your setup is so you might need stands for the level 3s.

I would definately focus on the front stage for now, then upgrade the sub/surrounds down the road.

 

[Freeze]

Those Elemental Designs 5T5s are pretty nice looking, as are the HTD Level Threes. I think they are a little bigger than my wife will allow. If I could convice her for those, I could probably get a small Floor standing set.

I like the Energy sets. Those are pretty nice and a good size too. I'll certainly keep those in mind while looking.

 

[Freeze]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I am going to try out a set of 4 bookshelf speakers (their P5 line) and a center from TSC. I'm also going to pick up the 10" sub. Grand total for everything (all 5 speakers and the sub) is about $340 w/ free shipping and a 30 day moneyback guarantee (free return shipping). I think it's a great price for what I am getting and no risk to me if I don't like it or it isn't "big" enough. If I don't like this for some reason, I think I'm going to look into that Energy Take Classic system.

Links for those interested:
Bookshelf speakers
Center channel
10" Sub

 

[s44]

Honestly, I'd drop a bit more to move up to their T250 sub (or a low-end Hsu).

Actually, I'd go with their TS bookshelves/center too -- they're the ones formerly well-reviewed for rather more as Sapphire Audio. Definitely a grade above the P series, though of course more expensive.

 

[Freeze]

My budget may have shrunk on me after I made the mistake of mentioning the current price for the setup to the wife and she was pleased...

If for some reason I can convice her that I *need* one of these upgrades (I'm certain both would be out, even though it's within the original budget) - the better sub or the upgraded center and mains, which is better upgrade choice?

Furthermore, if I have to choose between an upgrade to the center vs. an upgrade to the mains, which is the better choice? My upgrades would be to the next model up from TSC in the respective category...

I image the surrounds would still be ok at the P5 model, right?

Thanks.

edit: I think my receiver only does 100W per channel - would it be enough to drive that monster sub? Total newb here...

edit2: on second thought, what do I gain by getting the 10" over the 8", without considering the upgrade to the T250 10" for a moment?

 

[s44]

Most subs have their own built-in amps. In fact, the superior amp is a large part of the difference between all those subs. I haven't heard the speaker sets to compare, but I'd probably take the T250 sub and upgrade the speakers again later...

 

[SAWYER]

I have Paradigm and have been pleased with them.