Suggest a 5.1 Speaker set to me

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8042 posts

Uber Geek

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#588916 1-Mar-2012 15:29

You know for most people, a good sub and centre speaker is 90% of the way to creating that wow factor.

donthaveacow

54 posts

Master Geek

#588944 1-Mar-2012 16:06

What do you guys think of this?

Onkyo TX-SR309 --> http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452791734
AND
Wharfedale Crystal 2 Series 5.1 speaker set --> http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452448304

dclegg

2806 posts

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#588945 1-Mar-2012 16:11

donthaveacow: What do you guys think of this?

Onkyo TX-SR309 --> http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452791734
AND
Wharfedale Crystal 2 Series 5.1 speaker set --> http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452448304

Those Wharfedales are the set I have, and I'm happy with them. But like I said earlier, I'm no audiophile. But they were are HUGE step up from the speakers they replaced (Sony bookshelf 5.1 surround set).

Jaxson

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#588983 1-Mar-2012 17:08

Crystals? No, can't really recommend sorry. Diamonds is where it's at in that range.

Ragnor

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#588993 1-Mar-2012 17:27

Jaxson: Crystals? No, can't really recommend sorry. Diamonds is where it's at in that range.

Diamonds are not in his price range though, he wants to spend $1000 max on receiver + 5.1 speakers.

2nd hand is pretty much the only way.

Jaxson

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#589133 1-Mar-2012 23:49

Ragnor: Diamonds are not in his price range though,

Yeah I thought about that but came to the conclusion that if you can't buy semi good stuff then why waste your money on a bunch of really low end gear? You'd be better served buying a good satellite system or something. I had the crystals and they didn't sound much better than speakers off your average mini system etc.

rhy7s

623 posts

Ultimate Geek

#589152 2-Mar-2012 02:16

After having gone through a small number of speakers, if I was starting again I'd say don't bother with combo kits. Just figure out a pair of speakers you like and add more of the same speaker to fill out surrounds if you feel you need them later. Better having good stereo and stopping there than a bunch of anaemic satellites. Maybe have a look at kit speakers like these.

Wise

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Jaxson

8042 posts

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#589196 2-Mar-2012 09:04

Yeah I agree. It sounds mean or harsh, but really for $1000 for receiver and speakers, everything is much of a muchness unfortunately.

donthaveacow

54 posts

Master Geek

#589502 2-Mar-2012 17:17

What do you guys think of these two listings? Compared to the wharfedales I linked to previously I mean

Polk RT12s - http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/home-audio/speakers-and-stands/floor-speakers/auction-453891996.htm
Wharfedale VR-400s - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452305121
Wharfedale Crystal 40s - http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=452354494

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#590009 3-Mar-2012 20:45

The Polk's will smoke the Wharfedale's you've listed.
Add in a receiver that offers a decent power supply (discrete amplification is a must IMHO) - probably a new one so you're up to date re: HDMI 3D pass through + lossless formats... and you're away. If you can lay down the wedge for a Denon or Marantz amp, then add a stereo set of speakers, you're sweet.
Later on, find a new Polk centre speaker, some surrounds (not necessarily Polk) and a subwoofer to suit your preference (whether it be music or movies) and you're there.

donthaveacow

54 posts

Master Geek

#590072 4-Mar-2012 00:10

"$350 for only 2 speakers?" - my parents reactions D:

BarBader

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#590131 4-Mar-2012 11:00

It is hard for audiophiles (like me) to suggest cheap components to buy.

But i can understand simply wanting to get best value for money.
Good names you have come by so far are:
Polk
Onkyo
Sony

Others which are excellent:
Marantz
Denon
NAD
Harman Kardon

I think this listing you were looking at before would be OK: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=453808934

Some other replies to your post have made some good points. Start with some basic components at the beginning... whatever you can afford like a receiver and 2 speakers. Then you can gradually add to it and you will end up with sound quality that is way above average (eventually). For example get those $350 Polk speakers with a good amp. You will not be disappointed and music and even DVD/Blu rays will still sound VERY good with 2 channels esp if you are able to space the left and right speakers far apart. Then you will get some good spacial imaging (the appearance of sound moving around in the room).

If you choose a good amp that will handle future needs like HDMI and all the speakers you will eventually want then you will be ok.

When I started I got a Mission speaker set (left, right and centre) for $1100 in 2001. It is good to match the centre with the left and right front speakers so you get seamless transition when the same sound (like plane) travels from one side to the other.

I also got a Harman Kardon 6ch amp used for $900 also in 2001.

My system is still going strong after all those years and is now with good sub and surrounds.

So overall my advice is to start with a couple good components. Spend on middle of the range quality as I believe you get best value for money there.

CHeers

BarBader

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#590144 4-Mar-2012 12:27

Check out this GZ user in the "offers and wanted" section. HE is selling some really good quality gear at good prices!!! Plus free shipping to Auckland. He is in Wellington.

His Polk centre speaker could make a good match with those TM Polk front speakers!
Also has a Marantz receiver for sale.

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=77&topicid=96867

Good luck!!

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#590265 4-Mar-2012 20:37

I don't want to be a fly in the ointment - but I despise the Sony unit linked to above... almost as much as it's possible to despise something.
They 'trick' people into thinking they'll enjoy a great home theatre / music experience.
Instead, all they get are a lot of boxes, THD through the wazzoo (Total Harmonic Distortion) and neighbours complaining about those 'ruddy subwoofer things'.
If you're an 18-22 year old and like to meet various noise control professionals on a regular basis, fill your boots. It you want good sound... run away.

Ragnor

8219 posts

Uber Geek

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#590519 5-Mar-2012 11:20

donthaveacow: "$350 for only 2 speakers?" - my parents reactions D:

Sounds like they are not interested in paying for quality / separate components.

Just get them a cheap home theatre in a box package like the ones from Harvey Norman or JBHiFi eg: Samsung, Yamaha etc

http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/tv-and-audio/home-theatre-systems/

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