Suggestions for a inexspensive HT setup?

[lowlevel]

I was considering the HTP-710 setup from Pioneer, but I'm also playing around with trying to find a good combination of seperate receiver, speakers, and sub.

I think I've settled on the JBL NSP1 package with the JBL PB-10 sub... but I'm at a loss for what to select as a receiver. I'm still considering the Pioneer VSX-D810S (the receiver that comes with the HTP-710 package), but I don't really know if that's the right choice.

This will be my first HT setup and I'm not sure what exactly to look for. I know I'm interested in Dolby Pro Logic, DPL II, and DTS... these all seem to be pretty standard. Also, I have concerns about under/over-powering the 100W speakers (and specifcally the center channel that seems to be rated at 150W unlike the surround speakers).

Help?

[lowlevel]

What about this???

The JBL Northridge NSP1

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/product_detail.asp?ProdId=NSP1&SerId=NOR

The JBL PB10

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/product_detail.asp?ProdId=PB10&SerId=PBS

and the Onkyo TX DS494

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7T31shtjXAL/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=580TXDS494&s=0

I can swing this setup for under $800 before cables... good deal? I'm thinking of jumping on it, my only hesitation is whether the reciever would be under-powering the surround and center channel speakers too much (rated at 100W and 150W max, respectively). I don't find an "approved range" on JBL's site, though.

Is there a rule of thumb to follow in regards to under/over-powering speakers???

[Leon]

Remember, power doesn't destroy speakers, distortion does. By underpowering your speakers at high volume, you are creating distortion. A rule of thumb is to ensure that the amplifier chosen can produce more power than the speakers can handle.

[Leon]

...And everyone knows my speaker suggestion for that price range. Energy Take 5 set. :heh:

[dbax791]

Originally posted by Leon
...And everyone knows my speaker suggestion for that price range. Energy Take 5 set. :heh:

I agree, Leon. I got these for my setup and I love the center channel and rear satellites, but I felt I got a fuller, 'Ballsier' range of sound using my home speakers (Bose reflecting) for the front satellites, so I ended up switching back.

Lucky for me because one of my rear sats fried and luckily I had a spare.

[lowlevel]

Thanks for the clarification, I think I see what you're saying about distortion vs. underpowering.

BTW, Leon YHPM!

[Leon]

Originally posted by lowlevel
Thanks for the clarification, I think I see what you're saying about distortion vs. underpowering.

BTW, Leon YHPM!

I do? I never got one.

[lowlevel]

Good god, I'm so used to the AT boards, I probably screwed it up!

;)

YHPM, Leon!!!

[Leon]

Hi Nate,

Onkyos are extremely high quality products and they usually underrate their power output, so that's why he is saying that 55Watts should be fine. If you underpower your speakers and mostly play stuff at low volumes, then your speakers should be okay. The problem is when you have an underpowered amplifier and want to crank up the volume. That is when the underpowered amplifier will start to distort, causing speaker damage.

As for overpowering your speakers, you shouldn't have to worry about that. Amp power must be doubled to produce an audible 3db increase in loudness. For example, a 200 watt amp will not drive a given speaker four times as loudly as a 50-watt amp. Instead, because amp power must be doubled to produce a 3db boost in sound, a 200-watt amp will only add 9db of added volume. To double the loudness of the sound, you must increase the level by 10db. This is equivalent to multiplying the amplifier power by 8!

The reason I always recommend the Energy Take 5 set is because they are a great value. For the money, you get really nice quality speakers. They cost around $499 retail for the set of five speakers and about $800 with a subwoofer. However, they are very small speakers, so I would recommend them for a small to medium sized room. The Good Guys carry them. I would recommend you bring a DVD movie with good sound (The Matrix, The Rock, etc.) and some CDs of music you enjoy and go test them out. Test out the Klipsch Quintets as well since they are about the same price, and see if you like them. Speakers are mostly about your personal tastes. Some people like the Klipsch over the Energys, but I personally like the Energy speakers better. So go and test out EVERYTHING before deciding. And don't let the sales person talk you into getting anything that day. Go home and do more research.

Also, decide what your budget is. Mine was $1,200 for just the five speakers so I went with Paradigms. You may not have heard of them. When you come across a product you haven't heard of, it can be because of two reasons. They really suck or they are really good. A lot of higher end sound systems are unknown because they concentrate their money on research. Other companys like Sony and Bose are more well known because they spend their money on marketing. The best speakers in the world are going to be brands we have never heard of before. So don't get too hung up about brand names. If your budget is $800, then I recommend the Energys unless your room is too large or you like to rattle your windows. Some people like the JBLs, but you really need to go listen to them by yourself and decide. Do a blind test. Close your eyes and ask a friend or the salesman to switch speakers on you. Then decide which one sounds the best to you.

Sorry for being long winded. But just remember, it is always better to overpower speakers than to underpower them.

http://www.geocities.com/trustnoho/boseframes.html
http://www.sentra.net/solm/december01/speakers.shtml
http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htforum/index.php

[lowlevel]

Leon,

Thanks again for the detailed information!

I've already done a small amount of legwork by going out to Best Buy (for the JBLs) and Circuit City (for the Onkyo receiver). Of cousre neither place has the complete setup that I was loking for all in one place.

I plan to swing into a couple local stores that specialize in Home Audio and HT, and I certainly will take your recommendations to heart. I know both places carry Klipsch HT products, but I'm unsure about whether they carry Energy.

Saving Private Ryan and The Matrix will be making the trip with me, as well as a few of my favorite CDs from various genres. :D

Again, I can't stress how helpful you've been to me! Thanks for putting up with the newbie questions and taking such care to explain your answers!

Cheers!

[lowlevel]

Well, I think I'm gonna jump on the following setup:

JBL NSP1

JBL PB10

Denon AVR-1602

TOTAL: $850 shipped :)

Just add cables!


I appreciate your help, Leon. I actually did have a local stereo shop that dealt in Energy speakers, and got a chance to listen to them. Very nice, but they are only offering the Take5.2 setup, which is about $300 out of my pricerange.

[Leon]

That's cool, man. Your JBLs should give you countless hours of pleasure. Nice receiver. Let us know how it all sounds. :D