Home Theater Setup

Schwartz · Post by **Schwartz** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 7:11 pm

Well, I decided to purchase a home theater system. When I was in college back in 94 I had a Sony STR-D911 Pro-Logic receiver and some RS Optimus Mach 3 (I think that was the model) 15" speakers with Pioneer El Cheapo surrounds and center. When I came back home I really didn't have enough room for them and sold everything.

Well now I have some more room and being I have all these DVDs, PS2, and am going to be getting an X Box I thought it was time for a new setup. I did some research but most of the info I found was user reviews. I didn't audition anything before purchasing, I know I should have but I think I picked good stuff. I ended up purchasing a Yamaha HTR-5280 and Polk RM7500 speakers with the Polk PSW650 sub.

I live over 2 hours away from any store that would carry this stuff so I had to have it shipped, plus I don't think it would fit in my car. Shipping was freakin expensive but it looks like I still got a better deal by purchasing them on-line as I didn't have to pay tax and the price was much cheaper that a retail store. I still ended up spending around $1,900 for everything with shipping. The part that sucks is the waiting for the stuff to arrive. I'm still not sure when I will get the speakers, they said 7-14 days until delivery.

Does anyone have any experience with any of the stuff I purchased or think I made a horrible mistake in my choices?

Schwartz · Post by **Schwartz** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 7:19 pm

Doh, I just saw the other forum above and tried to delete this post and make a new one there but the BBS software says I'm not allowed to delete the post.

Viperoni · Post by **Viperoni** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 7:33 pm

In all honesty, following a DIY kit (like one that comes with all the drivers & components and prefinished cabinets) would be the best route to get ultimate sound quality, and it's the only one I'll ever take.
Simply, you get ripped because whatever you paid, only ~20% of that goes into the actual speaker parts. The rest is wasted on advertising and profits.
WIth DIY, you can focus 100% of your cash on the speakers, so you get the best possible sound for your buck.

Sub's are particularily notorious for being way overpriced.......

poop · Post by **poop** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 7:49 am

Viperoni is right. But for some, the hours it takes to make truly high quality speakers is too much. A lot of work goes into cabinet design, crossover design, and cone selection/design. You can also be assured that speakers you buy will have consistent quality. Spending the time to DIY is always cheaper, but not as convenient for most.

If you sink your money into something like a pair of Dunlavy's, you get your money's worth. With Polk's and other mega-store brands, you don't get the same quality for the money. You are generally better off going to a stereo shop and buying a brand that spends less $$$ on advertising and licensing deals. If you decide you don't like the Polk's that much, and you don't want to DIY, try these brands:
- Paradigm
- Definitive Technology
- Energy
- B & W (may be a bit pricey)

For $1500, you can get a nice Paradigm, Defnitive, or Energy set up. In fact, the Energy Take 5.2 system is supposed to be VERY nice, or so I keep hearing.

Viperoni · Post by **Viperoni** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 5:38 pm

Actually, if the link was working properly, Parts Express has a HT kit designed by Vance Dickason (the guru of speakers baically), that comes with all the needed drivers and components AND pre-finished boxes for only $900. It uses Audax woofers and Morel and Audax tweeters....good caps, good coils and audiophile quality resistors. All you have to do is assemble the crossover (as per the diagram) and screw the drivers into the boxes.
It's almost like putting together a model car kit....except no painting

Solstice · Post by **Solstice** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 9:01 pm

Poop, I like your taste in speakers. Have you heard of PSB? I'm looking at the Stratus Silver series. If only I had $1500 to burn.

I'll also add that I think Polk makes an excellent speaker for the price you pay. Compared to the Sony's, Kenwood's, Yamaha's, Pioneer's, etc... the Polk's sound SOO much cleaner.

Viperoni · Post by **Viperoni** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 9:11 pm

Heheh, with $1500, I'd have a high quality DIY HT system, including all 5 speakers AND the 15inch/270watt sub

Here's a nice little $250 for all 5 speakers DIY setup.
Speakerbuilder.net's DHT speakers

I plan on building a Dual woofer version for my center + mains that he'll be releasing in a week or two.