Mid-Low Budget HT System Recs

bwshockley

I tried searching around the forums a little, but didn't quite find exactly what I was looking for.

I'm looking to get started on a HT setup in my family room. It's approximately 12' x 16' with the TV on the 12' wall. One 16' side is completely open to a kitchen next to it. Carpeted flooring.

I'm looking at a full 5.1 or 7.1 system eventually. I'd say 90% movies/TV and 5% music and 5% playing video games. I'd like to keep the whole speaker system around $1000.

I plan to eventually have everything in front (fronts, center and maybe sub) placed inside built in shelves like a HT entertainment center. Cubbies for each speaker, over sized a bit. However, I'm not sure if that would affect the sound too much.

I'm looking into a Pioneer VSX-1021-K (90W per channel) for the A/V part. I'm no audiophile, just looking for good sound for movies and some music. I could see myself using the speaker for more music using the Pioneer's airplay/DLNA features.

I am looking into Polk Audio's eBay store and have narrowed it down a bit. I'm thinking of going with RTi A5's for the fronts and a CSi A4 for the center. I'm not sure on surrounds or the sub yet. I'm considering some built ins (RC65i) for the back speakers, and maybe for 7.1 I'd add RC60is to the ceiling.

So, here are the questions:
I was also interested in the TSi500's, as I can get them for the same price as the A5's. If I did that, I'd go with the CS20's for center channel. What is the recommendation for a HT setup? A5s + A4 or 500s + CS20?

Will that receiver provide enough power to use the A5s / 500s effectively? If not, any recs?

Are built in surrounds any good, I'm just a little unsure of their sound quality.

Thanks in advance.

Ben

Ericw2431

If you made up your mind on that reciver you can get either rtia3 or a5s although they will both benifit. From better power theyre good....and i would recomend going wit the csia6 for center its a world of diffrence.....i would go wit yamaha 665 or onkyo tx sr 708 or pioneer vsx1120 they have pre out just in case u decide to upgrade...wich we all do eventually....and rtias are far better than tsi for ht

bwshockley

I will keep in mind pre-outs for future expansion. I haven't firmly decided on the receiver yet.

How about this question. What do people think of going with A7s and forgoing the subwoofer altogether? I'm not sure if I want to reduce the mids from two to one on each main speaker (A5 to A7).

On3s&Z3r0s

Reported post 4.

jbooker82

I wouln't go a7's with no sub over a5's with a sub. Why not 7's with a sub?

Slaine777

DSkip wrote: »

If you are going to get a receiver w/ no pre-outs, why not check out the local used market? You might be able to find a nice one for cheap, something like a Harman Kardon 154 or 147. Buying a new receiver with no pre-outs is the worst investment I've made in audio yet.

If you can find a used HK 254 or 247 they both had preouts.