Monoprice Premium 5.1 Speakers: $164 shipped (until 2/3)

[Crow550]

These are the mounts I went with.

Cheap as dirt, look great and work like a charm.

+1. I just put the mounts upside down to not cover the holes on the backs. Except for the center Speaker.

Also went to a Screw store and got the proper length Screws.

 

[qliveur]

Yeah, those mounts may take a little bit of gerrymandering.

Not a problem at all if you're the least bit mechanically inclined.

If you aren't, well, shame on you.

 

[Erik_KSU]

Still $183 - the shipping killed it for me.

 

[qliveur]

Yeah, you got to wait for free shipping.

Sometimes it's free shipping + 10% off or some other discount, but if blink you'll miss it.

 

[Kaido]

The Sony 7.2 4K receiver I bought is on sale today for $179 shipped:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHC7ZTE/

Now that the weather is settling down a bit (blizzards whoohoo), I think I'm going to make a Home Depot run this week to finish getting the wood I need for mounting the custom painted screen I'm working on. Then it's just mounting the speakers & I'm done!

 

[TwiceOver]

The Sony 7.2 4K receiver I bought is on sale today for $179 shipped:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BHC7ZTE/

Now that the weather is settling down a bit (blizzards whoohoo), I think I'm going to make a Home Depot run this week to finish getting the wood I need for mounting the custom painted screen I'm working on. Then it's just mounting the speakers & I'm done!

We should have a budget theater mailing list. I would have loved to snag that up at $180. Now back at $270.

I have my items picked out, just waiting to finish the basement remodel. So I have time to scout prices.

 

[Kaido]

We should have a budget theater mailing list. I would have loved to snag that up at $180. Now back at $270.

I have my items picked out, just waiting to finish the basement remodel. So I have time to scout prices.

Yeah. And it's amazing how slow projects can be! I'm really anxious to get it up & running, but you need time & energy after work, and there's always missing little bits & pieces that you need. My setup will be pretty basic:

1. Viewsonic LED projector (with custom DIY screen)
2. Sony receiver
3. 5.1 Monoprice set
4. Roku 3

I'm building a mirrored Light Fusion screen, which is the last big piece I need to finish it off. Hoping to get that wrapped up before the end of the month. Also decided not to go with 7.1 for now. I am considering upgrading my projector; I have the 500-lumen LED model, which is a bit dim, and they just came out with an 800-lumen model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0x800_800.html

However, one of the benefits of the Light Fusion screen is that it effectively adds some brightness due to the paint & reflection qualities of the mirror underneath the paint, so I'm going to test it with the finished screen before making an upgrade decision. I don't mind the 720p resolution either, as a lot of my content are 480p DVD movies & old SDTV shows, especially since the bulb is non-replaceable (13-year life @ 4 hours of usage per day, as well as instant turn on thanks to the LED bulb!).

The Roku handles all of my viewing: Plex (local), Netflix, Amazon Prime, VUDU, Youtube, Vimeo, and Crackle. At some point I'll add a retro gaming system in (probably a Raspberry Pi 2), but that will TBD. The nice thing with the Roku remote is that it's RF-based, so you don't have to aim it at anything. I'm considering adding a Logitech Harmony IR blaster for the projector & receiver...we'll see.

 

[TwiceOver]

Yeah. And it's amazing how slow projects can be! I'm really anxious to get it up & running, but you need time & energy after work, and there's always missing little bits & pieces that you need. My setup will be pretty basic:

1. Viewsonic LED projector (with custom DIY screen)
2. Sony receiver
3. 5.1 Monoprice set
4. Roku 3

I'm building a mirrored Light Fusion screen, which is the last big piece I need to finish it off. Hoping to get that wrapped up before the end of the month. Also decided not to go with 7.1 for now. I am considering upgrading my projector; I have the 500-lumen LED model, which is a bit dim, and they just came out with an 800-lumen model:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...0x800_800.html

However, one of the benefits of the Light Fusion screen is that it effectively adds some brightness due to the paint & reflection qualities of the mirror underneath the paint, so I'm going to test it with the finished screen before making an upgrade decision. I don't mind the 720p resolution either, as a lot of my content are 480p DVD movies & old SDTV shows, especially since the bulb is non-replaceable (13-year life @ 4 hours of usage per day, as well as instant turn on thanks to the LED bulb!).

The Roku handles all of my viewing: Plex (local), Netflix, Amazon Prime, VUDU, Youtube, Vimeo, and Crackle. At some point I'll add a retro gaming system in (probably a Raspberry Pi 2), but that will TBD. The nice thing with the Roku remote is that it's RF-based, so you don't have to aim it at anything. I'm considering adding a Logitech Harmony IR blaster for the projector & receiver...we'll see.

Yeah, we don't have cable and only have Roku boxes and my home server of DVD and Bluray rips, Netflix, Amazon, etc. Kicking myself for not buying PlexPass Lifetime when it was $75.

I've nailed down getting these speakers, my room really isn't 7.1 friendly anyway. I have a few Receivers picked out, basically whichever is reasonably priced when I'm ready to buy. I plan on buying an elite screens fixed screen for the wall and probably the Benq W1070.

Crossing my fingers for carpet this week.

Before1:

Before2:

Current (Paint Finished):

The far room in the bottom picture is going to be the theater. It's long and not deep enough. Around 14 deep 20 wide. So cramming 7.1 along only 14 feet just isn't going to work for me. But, that's OK. Screen will go on the wall of the far room on the left side.

The last picture where the picture was taken is the game room with a pool table and hopefully a dart board. There will be a 6'x3' island between the rooms for table top gaming.

 

[BenJeremy]

Why can't somebody make a nice, compact DTS decoder/amplifier unit so I can plug in digital out from my computer, to the unit, and have it wired to my 5.1 speakers?

I used to have a crappy, cheap, but functional unit like this I bought for $50 at Walmart, and it worked for 10 years before the coax input died (optical still worked), followed by the right side speaker output.

Now, most units are usually tied to a DVD or BluRay player. Ugh. ...or worse, a simple Bluetooth stereo pod.

Found it... Durabrand HT-395. Doesn't handle DTS, either, but does do Dolby 5.1.

 

[qliveur]

At this point, the best solution is to just bite the bullet and buy a decent HDMI receiver.

You can then stream compressed or uncompressed multichannel digital audio from your PC to the receiver over HDMI using a modern video card.

 

[AgentUnknown]

Just picked one up. It doesn't come with speaker wires. What gauge do you recommend? Do I need banana plugs? How long of a wire do I need? I am a total noob to audio. I can build PCs. But the back of my receiver is crazy with all these inputs. How would I connect my PS4 which is my primary bluray player to it?

 

[Thump553]

AgentUnknown: audiophiles treat speaker wire and interconnect cables as if the "good" ones are made of fairy dust and must cost as much as a Bentley. My blasphemy-which has done me well for over forty years: buy speaker wire in bulk at Home Depot or Lowes. Actually ordinary lamp cord works fine, but it's OK to spend extra to get oxygen free clear cover speaker wire. My runs can be long (fifty feet plus), I tend to use 14 gauge wire.

How long a wire you need depends on your room layout, keep it as short as possible but treat the fronts and rears as pairs and try to use the same length wire for each speaker in a pair.

You only need really heavy wire (12 gauge) if you have extremely long runs.

Banana plugs if either your speakers and/or receiver require them. If you aren't going to be connecting and reconnecting a lot, my KISS system perfers to go with bare wire ends if your equipment handles them. If you need banana plugs or anything like that, monoprice is a great source.

Most important-make sure you wire all the speakers the same, convention is copper/red/ribbed wire to red plug, other wire to the other plug. Make sure you do the same connection at both ends (ie, speaker and receiver) otherwise you will reverse phase with will drastically effect the sound. Check your wire every couple of years, if any oxidation (greenish) replace the wires.

PS-look up your receiver's manual, it should show how to hook up the speakers. It really is pretty simple to do.

 

[BenJeremy]

At this point, the best solution is to just bite the bullet and buy a decent HDMI receiver.

You can then stream compressed or uncompressed multichannel digital audio from your PC to the receiver over HDMI using a modern video card.

I have those (I have a nice Onkyo for my home theater experience)... what I don't have is space for a massive A/V receiver in my computer room. I don't need 5000W of speaker output, nor do I need an AM/FM tuner, or HDMI switches - I just need a simple decoder to handle the output from a PC. If I can mount it to the wall under my workstation surface, all the better.

The problem is, nobody makes anything remotely like that, from what I can tell.

 

[Ranulf]

Just picked one up. It doesn't come with speaker wires. What gauge do you recommend? Do I need banana plugs? How long of a wire do I need? I am a total noob to audio. I can build PCs. But the back of my receiver is crazy with all these inputs. How would I connect my PS4 which is my primary bluray player to it?

PS4 likely uses HDMI. Monoprice has decent prices on speaker wire, better than what I could find at Radioshack or Homedepot. I went with 12 gauge but 14 or 16 is probably fine for short runs. It was $30 for 100ft and I used most of it, the rear speakers were 20-25ft each if I remember. It all depends on your room size.

Also, well worth the $20 investment, auto wire stripper:

http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRI...4296475&sr=1-1

 

[qliveur]

I have those (I have a nice Onkyo for my home theater experience)... what I don't have is space for a massive A/V receiver in my computer room. I don't need 5000W of speaker output, nor do I need an AM/FM tuner, or HDMI switches - I just need a simple decoder to handle the output from a PC. If I can mount it to the wall under my workstation surface, all the better.

The problem is, nobody makes anything remotely like that, from what I can tell.

You want to use speakers like this Monoprice set, so you need amplification as well, right?

That's why, unfortunately, my answer is still the same: a receiver with HDMI. Since HDMI can stream uncompressed multichannel PCM audio (what PC games use), it doesn't have to be compressed to DTS or AC3 before streaming it to a receiver like it does with S/PDIF, though a receiver is, of course, perfectly capable of decoding those formats as well.

A cheap receiver like what Kaido found + this speaker set when it's on sale would totally blow away any PC surround sound system made by Logitech for around the same price. The only other realistic alternative would be said Logitech set, or a home theater in a box.

 

[TwiceOver]

Free shipping on the speakers right now. $184 shipped! Not lava hot as $164, but a good deal I think.

 

[Kaido]

Finally got the speakers mounted last night. Pic of the speaker & mount for scale:

The mounts are great. I got three packs & used the sixth one to mount my projector on the ceiling, solid as a rock! $15 a pair with all mounting hardware included:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BV0FHG

Total for the complete speaker system was just north of $500: (current prices as of June 3rd, 2015)

* Monoprice speakers ($184 + shipping, which was about $44 for me)
* Sony receiver ($219 shipped)
* (3) sets of brackets (3 x $15 = $45 shipped)
* Speaker wire ($10 for 100' or $31 for 100' of in-wall cable)
* Subwoofer cable ($10 shipped)

Compared it to my buddy's $2k+ Bose 5.1 system; we agreed that the Monoprice/Sony setup sounds about 75% as good as the Bose does. Excellent separation & very nice boom for LFE passages. The Bose has the advantage of using I believe an 8" sub with their Waveguide stuff iirc (more of a mid-bass really) which really ties the soundfield together. I used the microphone included with the Sony for auto-calibration & then bumped up the center half a decibel to enhance dialogue. Overall, excellent for the money - definitely beats out the old Logitech Z-680/Z-5500 stuff I've setup in the past. If you don't mind waiting for sales, Monoprice drops the price on the speakers sometimes, and also occasionally offers free shipping, and the Sony has gone on sale in the past as well.

For a projector, my current recommendation is the Viewsonic PLED-W800 projector ($649 at B&H, 720p, permanent LED bulb). Amazing contrast, instant-on, tiny size, reasonably quiet (fan noise gets muffled by the surround-sound), and the brightness is now good enough that I feel good recommending it. If you need to view the projector during the day, check out this DIY ambient light screen project:

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/110-d...asy-ambient-light-rejecting-screen-paint.html

If you have light control available (ex. a basement or blackout blinds), check out the RS-MaxxMudd LL paint mix: (designed for low-lumen projects in light-controlled rooms)

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/110-diy-screen-section/1319717-official-rs-maxxmudd-v-2-mix.html

Both of those can be rolled on (either to a smooth wall or another surface like MDF board). If you want an even better screen, SilverFire 2.5 is the way to go: (requires an HVLP sprayer, which can be found on eBay for about $80)

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/110-diy-screen-section/1311989-official-silver-fire-v-2-thread.html

I'm currently building a 9' RS-MaxxMudd LL screen on my wall. Finishing up the primer & then doing the walls this weekend, but it's looking good so far! The contrast is bananas on LED projectors, it looks stupid good for the price. Here's a nice grainy shot in the dark with my iPhone: (108" diagonal)

Just some quick cost estimations:

* $650 LED projector
* $530 5.1 system (with in-wall speaker wire)
* $150 screen paint (primer, paint, sandpaper, rollers, etc.)
* $120 Roku 3 & pair of HDMI cables (Roku to receiver & receiver to projector)

Total: $1450 (round up to $1500 for random shipping & tax charges & any misc. parts you may need, and toss in another $20 if your wall isn't smooth & you need a 4x8' MDF board for a painting surface).

So there you go...about $1500 for an amazing DIY home theater with a humongous screen and 5.1 surround sound. And there are a lot of nice options in this price range as well. For example, if you want a 1080p 3D projector, the last I checked the BenQ W1070 was the way to go ($699). If you want bigger speakers, Fluance has a 5.0 set starting at $249. If you want stuff like built-in Airplay, Sony & other receiver brands have some higher-end options available. Lots to choose from; $1500 is a really nice starting point. Sounds expensive, but for what you get, it practically is on-par with a movie theater - super high-quality picture, excellent surround-sound, and you can bring your own snacks & pause it to go to the bathroom :awe:

 

[ControlD]

Every time I read one of Kaido's posts I start wanting to spend money.

That sounds like an awesome budget system you put together!

 

[Kaido]

Every time I read one of Kaido's posts I start wanting to spend money.

That sounds like an awesome budget system you put together!

It's amazing what you can do for the money these days! I'm installing the smarthome-controlled LED can lights tonight...$35 for a 6-pack of 6" can lights at Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commerci...rtight-Housing-6-Pack-CAT7ICATA-6PK/202256649

Got some Cree recessed LED bulbs for ten bucks a pop, 32-year bulb life with 65w equivalent output @ a 12.5w power draw:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Cree-6-i...wnlight-DRDL6-06227009-12DE26-1C100/205337184

All controlled off a Lutron Caseta smart switch (includes in-wall pushbutton switch with dimming steps, a wireless remote control with a 10-year battery life that can be wall-mounted anywhere or used handheld, & smartphone app control). If you want to get fancy, Logitech sells a Harmony Hub that lets you control all of your A/V devices through either a single remote or smartphone app: ($129)

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Smartphone-Simple/dp/B00BQ5RYI4/

It's the same thing with all technology...everything has come so far for so cheap (compared to historical prices). And so EASY! For example, I have an electrically-driven Traeger pellet smoker-grill (basically a convection oven) sitting outside the HT room on the patio that makes perfect BBQ every time with minimal effort...the new competing models from Green Mountain even have built-in Wifi for monitoring temperatures:

http://greenmountaingrills.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/GMG_WiFi_Trifold.jpg

18-hour automatic brisket smoke with iPhone alerts? No problem! :biggrin:

 

[qliveur]

Now down to $180 w/free shipping! They also have a %10 "site-wide" discount, but this is one of excluded items.

Still cheaper at $180 than it's been in months. :thumbsup:

 

[Crow550]

Gotta say thus far this set still sounds amazing.

 

[Kaido]

Gotta say thus far this set still sounds amazing.

For the price, it's a great set :thumbsup:

 

[Kaido]

Now down to $180 w/free shipping!

That is a pretty hot deal. If you need a good budget receiver, Sony has a 5.2 4K receiver on sale right now for $177 shipped from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH550-5-2-Channel-Receiver/dp/B00J30GXW2/

The second sub channel is cool because you can either use a second subwoofer without having to get a splitter, or throw some bass shakers in your couch. Dayton has a starter 4-pack kit for $45, just add a basic little amp to power it:

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton...ducer-mini-bass-shaker-16-ohm-4-pack--300-389

As far as players go, the updated 2015 Roku 3 is on sale as well for $89: (includes voice search on the remote)

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streaming-Player-4230R-Search/dp/B00UJ3IULO/

If you want something as an alternative to the Chromecast, the Fire Stick is also on sale: ($34)

http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-W87CUN-Fire-TV-Stick/dp/B00GDQ0RMG/

In addition, the NVIDIA Shield player is now available for $199:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U33Q940

 

[MongGrel]

I portrayed Sony negatively because their receivers have been the butt of many jokes over the years as in, "I just bought some awesome Bose speakers to go with my Sony receiver, HAHAHA!" inferring that both are well-known to be overpriced junk.

However, on second thought, I guess if you can find a Sony receiver to mate with these speakers that meets both your needs and price point, I really see no reason not to buy it, since, like I said, these are entry-level speakers and not really worthy of a mid- or high-level receiver.

I'd be willing to bet that it will still sound good (or even great) considering what you paid for it. This is not "audiophile-level" (barf) stuff we're talking about.

I've liked Sony receivers myself for awhile now, but no I don't buy Bose speakers, even if there are some old ones I wouldn't mind having.

Replaced an old 5.1 I had for years awhile back I guess.

Sony STRDH750 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J356C0K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I still wouldn't mind having a nice set of old 901's but will never put that down on them.

Bose 901 Direct/Reflecting Speaker System - Walnut

http://www.amazon.com/Bose-Direct-R...=UTF8&qid=1434328090&sr=1-1&keywords=Bose+901

I don't want cheap Bose and the classic ones sell for a lot.

 

[Crow550]

For the price, it's a great set :thumbsup:

Also better than TV Speakers.

It's a good set for a small / mid-range Room.