Best 5.1 System for $1,050 or Less?

Kabigon

I just need some opinions on the plan for my current build. I have been researching and reading everything I can find for nearly a month now and I think I have read enough reviews and opinions to make a wise decision.

First off, I don't have the pleasure of being able to listen to most Speakers. The only ones in stock anywhere near me (Best Buy is the only Electronics store within 4 hours of me that carries large Home Audio Speakers) are the Klipsch Icon VF-35 and VF-36, Polk TSi 300/400, and a few random Pioneer speakers. I tested them out today for probably 45 minutes to an hour and the Polk's really shined over the other two choices, even though the Klipsch speakers are about 3x the price of the smaller Polk's and it was the top 2 models of the Klipsch Icon's compared with the lower two models of the TSi's. The Klipsch speakers just aren't my taste. The TSi's were a TAD on the Bright side but I've read that the Monitor's aren't as bright which is great.

This is the System that I am planning on building. As I said, it HAS to stay right around $1,050 or less. It is a fixed budget and I can't spend any more than that on it nor do I plan to continuously upgrade over time. Therefore, I want the best I can possibly find now.

I am looking for speakers that aren't harsh or uncomfortably bright. I want exquisite detail for music while still having plenty of punch to be a "kick-****" Home Theater System.


The Room is 13' L x 13' W x 7' H. (I will provide a diagram of it at the end.)


Receiver: Denon AVR-791 (Already bought this for $250 Shipped which was a STEAL. It is Manufacturer Refurbished from Denon.)


I have ~ $800 to spend on the 2x Fronts, Center, 2x Surrounds, and Sub.


Fronts: Polk Monitor 70's x2

Center: Polk CS2

Surrounds: Polk Monitor 40's x2

Sub: BIC F-12

TOTAL: $795 Shipped


Bottom Line: Is this the BEST System I can build in that price range and is there anything you would change? How do these sound in a 5.1 HT System and how well do they handle Music? These are things that I cannot find out for myself as I was only able to test the TSi Floor Standing speakers which doesn't tell the whole story.

I know this is the Polk Forum and I trust the opinions on here so if there is a better option outside of Polk, please feel free to let me know. However, I am highly doubting it. The Value of the Monitor Series is superb.

Thank You so much for the help.

(The square below the bed is a closet that juts out into the floor. I can either place the surrounds there, place them directly across from the listening area, or mount them on the back wall. Most likely, I'm thinking I will build a few nice corner shelves so I can angle them and get them a bit closer.)

Kabigon

I agree that it's going to be next to impossible to beat it for that price but I just want to be sure before I buy. I'm going to order these on Sunday night so they'll ship out first thing Monday morning so I have until then to make a concrete decision.

The used market around here is non-existent. I live in a small area and I've scoured CraigsList without finding a single decent deal.

As for the Sub, I've heard that the F-12 is as good as it gets for a budget Sub and they are on sale for $183 Shipped right now which is amazing. I don't know much more about it than that, though. I just hope it sounds great for music and can hold its own for gaming and movies.

ShadowTowel

May I ask where you got the avr 791? That is an AMAZING deal and I've been drooling over that model for a while. I've kept my eyes peeled for refurbished but no on seems to have them. Did you get it directly through denon?

Kabigon

Nope, I found it on Ebay. The guy was selling them with a starting bid of $250 and Buy It Now for $300. I messaged him because it had been on there for several days without a bid and he closed it out to me @ $250 Shipped. I was extremely happy.

There are a few sites that sell their Refurbs.

Try dakmart.com and ecost.com

TNHNDYMAN

Kabigon-- I haven't looked at the specs for the F-12 sub although I have heard about it in a few threads concerning budget subs. For a little more $ I would look into the Polk 505 which polk direct on ebay has a few @ $229 and free shipping. It seems to be a budget bargain sub much more robust than the Polk 110, 125, or 111 that you might run across @ Best buy.

TNHNDYMAN

@ Shadow -- just a heads up, if you check with any semi-local Best Buys you might find the previous years Denon floor models for a great price. I picked up my 890 which has a little more power than the 791 (does lack 3d if that matters to you) and has more legacy connections such as composite video, component video, and phono input for $325 a few months ago. You could also try Best Buys refurb/outlet store on ebay. I've seen a few 591's on there but be careful to make sure it has all the accesories. Trying to find a remote or the correct setup mic can be a real PITA. Good luck.

Kabigon

Well, my main concern with the Sub is that it is "musical". I want it to be tight, quick, and have great precision. I do live in an apartment with people above me so I definitely won't be blasting anything. I want to make sure that it handles low-medium volumes wonderfully and accurately, though.

The main reason I thought best to stray from the PSW505 (it's actually on sale for $199 Shipped right now) is that I've heard it isn't too great for music. It's supposed to be excellent for home theater in movies and gaming, but a bit muddy and loose for music.

I could definitely be wrong on this but that's just the general consensus as I understand it.

Would it be better for me to get a sealed sub since I do live in an apartment instead of a ported sub? I know they're supposed to be far more "musical" than ported subs but I am afraid they will be *too* weak for everything else.

Thanks!

tonyb

Hopefully a stand is on your mind too so that center channel isn't sitting on the floor. Looks good otherwise, though being in an apt., can't see you turning it up too much, which may be a waste.

Kabigon

The Center will be sitting on the TV Stand in front of the TV. lol It's not an exact portrayal but I did the best I could. ^_^

Most likely I will only be living here until summer. I definitely can't blast it, but I can listen at low-medium volumes so I definitely don't think it's a waste. (At least, I hope not. lol)

djperez81

+1 on the 505
I just checked on newegg they have the 505 for 230 with a 30 off promo which puts it at 200. if you purchased everything from newegg 2 monitor 70's, 2 monitor 40's, the cs2 and the psw505 the total comes out to be 800 bucks which is in your budget. Good luck.