5.1 system for my folks ...Cheap?!Help?

wingnut4772

I have a 5.1 Pioneer receiver that I bought used that actually sounds pretty nice. I would like to set it up for my Mom and Dad but I need some speakers. I am only familiar with Polk's LSI and RTi line but those are too expensive. Which Polks would be decent for the average listener? Something maybe I can find on Ebay at a really decent price? TIA

aaharvel

wingnut4772 wrote:

I have a 5.1 Pioneer receiver that I bought used that actually sounds pretty nice. I would like to set it up for my Mom and Dad but I need some speakers. I am only familiar with Polk's LSI and RTi line but those are too expensive. Which Polks would be decent for the average listener? Something maybe I can find on Ebay at a really decent price? TIA

look for RTI's on ebay. Don't settle for anything less. Good luck.

michael_w

My opinion would be to search for some older polks. Say maybe some Monitor 7's or 10's for the fronts? This might not work if you have a limited amount of time to get them though...

Tour2ma

SurroundBar? I'm seeing them on the bay for $600-ish... add a little SVS or such and be done with it.

Schris22

for aroudn 600 you can an R series setup...

Big step up from tv speakers...

Chris

wingnut4772

Would a surround bar still work in a large, open room?

reeltrouble1

It will work but not as well, could be a good application, though you still need a sub.

I think www.outpost.com has the R30 for 44.00 each, nice entry level at that price, match up with R15 on the special they always run, an advent sub 100.00 from www.partsexpress.com, use another r15 or find a new/used center and your done. Super system nope, but still I bet they would like it.

RT1

RT1

heiney9

As an alternative to Polk you could look at Athena speakers. They are pretty inexpensive and sound really good for the money. I know you said you wanted Polk, but I thought I'd throw this out there.

AS-F1 (floor mains)
AS-B1 (rear surround)
?????? (center channel) not sure of the model.

Look here for Athena prices (brand new)

www.audioadvisor.com

Hope this helps

H9

EDIT: To correct Link

reeltrouble1

Athena speakers

Blasphemy!!!

RT1

heiney9

reeltrouble1 wrote:

Athena speakers

Blasphemy!!!

RT1

eh...yah. A little blasphemy never hurts .

H9

Tour2ma

wingnut4772 wrote:

Would a surround bar still work in a large, open room?

Assuming the folks don't want reference levels and if they sit relatively close to center... I'd think so.

Certainly I'd think the PAF (Parents Acceptance Factor) would be high. Then again, how appreciative are they of your rig?

heiney9

Tour2ma wrote:

Certainly I'd think the PAF (Parents Acceptance Factor) would be high. Then again, how appreciative are they of your rig?

This is certainly something to keep in mind. My parents are just reaching their 60's and I can tell you my idea of a simple/economical rig is much different than my Dad's idea. He's much more willing to compromise than I am. He's very happy with his $300 HTIB system. I always have to look at (audio) things from his perspective. A HTIB would never satisfy me, I'd rather go without than settle for that. Because I would never get any enjoyment out of it (no satisfaction).

H9

fallerjw

heiney9 wrote:

This is certainly something to keep in mind. My parents are just reaching their 60's and I can tell you my idea of a simple/economical rig is much different than my Dad's idea. He's much more willing to compromise than I am. He's very happy with his $300 HTIB system. I always have to look at (audio) things from his perspective. A HTIB would never satisfy me, I'd rather go without than settle for that. Because I would never get any enjoyment out of it (no satisfaction).

H9

If that's the case, the R30's and R15's would probably work out pretty well. It's not a great system, but for the price it's pretty tough to beat.

sickicw

What is the max you are willing to spend?

michael_w

I'd much rather have audition series Athena's than the R series from polk.... They're probably a little more money though.

wingnut4772

Certainly I'd think the PAF (Parents Acceptance Factor) would be high. Then again, how appreciative are they of your rig?

They liked my old set up but they haven't seen the new one yet. I think they would be very happy with the HTIB also so I am thinking maybe spending $400.00 to $500.00 used with a sub?

adam2434

Some other options if you can't find anything decent used:

1) 2 pairs of Athena AS-B1s, an AS-C1 from audioadvisor.com and a Dayton 10" or 12" sub from partsexpress.com.
I've owned most of the Athena Audition series, and they are an excellent value, especially at Audio Advisor's prices on the previous models. For music, they were a little to bright for me though.

2) Mission M70 system from tsto.com and a Dayton 10" or 12" sub from partsexpress.com.
I have a pair of the M70s and they are decent little speakers for the money.

3) The Hsu Ventriloquist with a STF-1 sub.

These would all be around $500 or less.

4) If your parents will do much music listening, adding a Hsu STF-1 to 1) or 2) would be a nice upgrade over the Dayton subs.

wingnut4772

Thanks guys. These are alll great ideas. I love my Polks but my experience is limited to just a few brands. I will look into these suggestions.

Mike Reeter

Several Polk 5.1 speaker systems "7200" and such for sale on e-bay worth the money...

wingnut4772

I was wondering if those were ok..I mean I know they are Polk but they are so teeny.

Mike Reeter

I think,if you can find a "7600" system...all the speakers use the same drivers as the RTi28's...just in a different enclosure...more decor friendly...cheaper

wingnut4772

Re-he-ally? Hmmm....I guess my folks could live with that..how about a decent (but inexpensive..ok ..CHEAP! )sub?

Mike Reeter

The two systems I was thinking of are; RM 7200/RM 7600...Both of these set-ups include subs...You can do a product search here and get your read on...Of course,I don't find any listed on e-bay at this moment...but they do come up for sale and they go cheap...

wingnut4772

Are the subs anything like my PB12 Ultra? Ha. Just kidding..allrighty then. I will put them on my watch wish list.

wingnut4772

Guess what..? My mom actually has a few speakers left over from before Hurricane Andrew days( she does not think they got wet?)-but not a complete set. She has a pair of Infinity RS2004s and one Infinity RS2001. Now before I go looking on Ebay to buy another pair of RS2001s are these any good or would I be better off just getting her a whole new 5.1 set up?Also they are WAY dusty. Can they just be vacuumed and be ok. I mean really really dusty. TIA

wingnut4772

Ok. Those Infinitys are kinda crappy so I was looking at the Athena option and saw some Micro 6s for sale on Ebay. Does anyone know if these are ok? They seem to have some pretty good write ups. Athena Micro 6 Review

adam2434

Those little Athenas are a good value and would be a nice upgrade over TV speakers, but would have the same limitations that most small sub/sat systems have:

1) Can't fill a medium to large room at high levels without strain.
2) The little sub won't dig very low.
3) For music, integrating little sats with a sub can be difficult - localization of bass due to high crossover and weak midbass.

If any of these are concerns or consideration, going with bookshelf sized speakers (at minimum) and a larger, more powerful sub would be better.

wingnut4772

I finally ended up getting them a Hsu Ventriloquist system used on Ebay. The seller said it was 'like new' and it is still in the box so I guess I will see. He has 100% feedback though. Now I just need a sub.

wingnut4772

Well I FINALLY got my parent's system set up and I gotta tell you..WOW!:eek:

It sounds excellent. I would kill to have the acoustics that they have in their room. I also went out to BB yesterday and got a sub for them, open box. I ended up getting a Klipsch Sub 12 for $319. It sounds great for their set up. I am not really all that familiar with Klipsch but for my 'Rents purposes the Sub 12 is doing a pretty decent job.

I was shocked with how great the Hsu Ventriloquists sounded...even without the sub. They were really clear and capable of BIG volume . I had them powered by an older Pioneer 5.1 receiver that I got in the thrift store for $30.00! and it sounds terrific. All in all, I spent about maybe $700.00 on their total HT and it sounds killer! My mom said "It sounds as good as yours". :eek: Okay...Just between us, I can tell you that it does not sound AS good but with their acoustics and the great bargain set up it sounds excellent and I am very happy with the results.

Ricardo

Good for them!!! I need a daughter like you

cfrizz

WTG Darla! I'm impressed that your parent were even interested in getting a system!