Smaller speaker options

[NeMo_ET]

I currently have a Yamaha RX-V773 receiver paired with the S-HS100 Pioneer set

Link to Pioneer speakers for those who are unfamiliar: Click Here

Needless to say, they sound horrible and I've grown tired and frustrated with them. The problem is, the current room setup doesn't allow for large towers in the front. I'm looking at the set of Energy take classic II, but I'm worried it will result in the same problem. Does anyone have any solutions for me? I might be able to accommodate relatively small bookshelf speakers all around and a decently sized center channel. Looking to spend $1000 or less, as this is a temporary solution and I'll be looking to replace them once a proper theater room is set up. Canadian stores preferred (Futureshop, 2001, etc.).

Thanks for the help and suggestions!

[schan1269]

Polk R, TSI or Monitor
Infinity Primus(still around?)
Yamaha NS333(there are smaller)
Pioneer AJ
BIC DV

[superpacman]

You probably should look into a better subwoofer first. Depending how your receiver set the hz to your speakers, that could be the reason they sound horrible. I was looking at the specs for your set, and they range 120hz and up.

Check your settings in your receiver to see if they are below that 120, and if so, that is the reason they may sound bad.

Did you ever run the calibration program in your Yamaha?

[NeMo_ET]

Originally Posted by superpacman

You probably should look into a better subwoofer first. Depending how your receiver set the hz to your speakers, that could be the reason they sound horrible. I was looking at the specs for your set, and they range 120hz and up.

Check your settings in your receiver to see if they are below that 120, and if so, that is the reason they may sound bad.

Did you ever run the calibration program in your Yamaha?

I ran the auto-calibration with the microphone they provide. It helped a little, but the sound is still very hollow. This is especially true for the dialogue. I'll double check the hz when I get home tonight, but I think I already did this at one point. Thanks for the ideas!

[prerich]

Originally Posted by NeMo_ET

I ran the auto-calibration with the microphone they provide. It helped a little, but the sound is still very hollow. This is especially true for the dialogue. I'll double check the hz when I get home tonight, but I think I already did this at one point. Thanks for the ideas!

You could step up to these (Andrew Jones designed):

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...kers/SP-PK22BS

[ImPulSive]

Originally Posted by superpacman

You probably should look into a better subwoofer first. Depending how your receiver set the hz to your speakers, that could be the reason they sound horrible. I was looking at the specs for your set, and they range 120hz and up.

Check your settings in your receiver to see if they are below that 120, and if so, that is the reason they may sound bad.

Did you ever run the calibration program in your Yamaha?

Yeah, 120 Hz is crappy, not much you can do there other than seeing if the sub can help you out. See how far you can bump up the cross over on the sub and in the receiver to see if anything can be salvaged before jumping ship to buy new speakers. Make sure receiver is set to small for all speakers you can set, use a crossover of at least 160 Hz and see how it goes; you do not want to set it at the actual low end value stated in specs (120 Hz) but something higher than that.

If you do end up making any changes in the receiver or to the sub, re-run the auto-cal once again and then double check the settings in the receiver to see what it changed and if that auto-cal made it worse or better. You definitely need small speaker setting and cross over of 160 Hz to get anything better out of this config.

[Henry T]

Really if you are going to upgrade later then I would just wait till then. Spending $1000 now for a temporary set up would be a waste IMO.

The truth is though with some careful shopping and maybe considering used components you could set up a pretty decent HT 5.1 speaker system for $1000...

[NeMo_ET]

Changing the crossover definitely helped smooth out the bass, which is nice. The speakers are a little better but still sound very hollow and tin-y (if that's a word). I think I've found a solution.

I was thinking of getting the new SVS set coming out: Click Here

My rationale being that the sub should be good and I can use the satellites as part of a 7.1 setup once I have a proper theater type room thoughts?

[superpacman]

Originally Posted by NeMo_ET

Changing the crossover definitely helped smooth out the bass, which is nice. The speakers are a little better but still sound very hollow and tin-y (if that's a word). I think I've found a solution.

I was thinking of getting the new SVS set coming out: Click Here

My rationale being that the sub should be good and I can use the satellites as part of a 7.1 setup once I have a proper theater type room thoughts?

I feel the same way as you!!

That is a good idea with thinking ahead with your upgrading. When I first posted, I was thinking a sub like that one with your current satellite speakers would be good, but this move is better(especially if you have the funds).

from me.

[schan1269]

69hz at the bottom end from a 4.5 inch driver, trade off?

85db (in). (But no tiny speaker is efficient)

[3db]

Originally Posted by NeMo_ET

I currently have a Yamaha RX-V773 receiver paired with the S-HS100 Pioneer set

Link to Pioneer speakers for those who are unfamiliar: Click Here

Needless to say, they sound horrible and I've grown tired and frustrated with them. The problem is, the current room setup doesn't allow for large towers in the front. I'm looking at the set of Energy take classic II, but I'm worried it will result in the same problem. Does anyone have any solutions for me? I might be able to accommodate relatively small bookshelf speakers all around and a decently sized center channel. Looking to spend $1000 or less, as this is a temporary solution and I'll be looking to replace them once a proper theater room is set up. Canadian stores preferred (Futureshop, 2001, etc.).

Thanks for the help and suggestions!

I would seriously consider the PSB Imagine Minies

A review ...
http://www.soundstagehifi.com/index....i-loudspeakers

[sonic_debauchery]

Goldenear Aon 3 or 2. You can use them as mains or surrounds.

Goldenear.com

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Bowers & Wilkins M-1 Mini Theatre Satellites: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speake...eatre/M-1.html

Find a retailer near you: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Store/local_search.html

[STARKILLER--1138]

Originally Posted by NeMo_ET

Changing the crossover definitely helped smooth out the bass, which is nice. The speakers are a little better but still sound very hollow and tin-y (if that's a word). I think I've found a solution.

Also, check the equalizer setting. Make sure it is on "Flat."

As for the Energy Take Classics, I used these in a temp setup, and they are great little speakers for SMALL rooms (mine is 10x14).

[3db]

The PSB Imagine Minis offer the best performance of any speaker recommended in this thread so far. They have one of the flattest response curves I have ever seen. Couple this with a cabinet that is almost free of cabinet resonance and you get a very high quality speaker.

[Scarriere]

Originally Posted by 3db

The PSB Imagine Minis offer the best performance of any speaker recommended in this thread so far. They have one of the flattest response curves I have ever seen. Couple this with a cabinet that is almost free of cabinet resonance and you get a very high quality speaker.

They're also a very nice looking speaker. The few reviews I've read of PSB have all been positive. I doubt the OP could go wrong with those speakers.

If the NeMo_ET has one of these stores in his area, they sell some good brands:

https://onlinestore.avu.ca/mystore/index.php

I'd go see those dudes before Bestbuy.

[rpatt]

This is a really good deal on Monitor Audio BX2's. I'm very happy with mine. I wish I would have had this price when I bought.

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=...2&e=840d271525

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by rpatt

This is a really good deal on Monitor Audio BX2's. I'm very happy with mine. I wish I would have had this price when I bought.

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=...2&e=840d271525

The OP maybe able to accommodate relatively small bookshelves but his primary option were sats. Maybe he could use the BX1 instead as fronts.

THeir footprint is pretty darn Small and they sound bigger than their size would suggest.