2.1 System?

[charlie swords]

Can anyone recommend a good 2.1 system...i'm looking into upgrading and due the way my house is built (no where to run wires w/o ripping out a bunch of sheetrock) and varies animals (80lb doberman and 3 cats that like to eat everything) i cant really go with 5.1 or anything of that nature.

any suggestions.

[Beta Man]

What is your Budget? Do you need the components/amps too, or just speakers?

[charlie swords]

probably in the neighborhood of $1000 or so maybe $1200.

probably go ahead and get the whole package, my current system is pretty much a budget system.

[Beta Man]

At that price point, I'd get....

A Yamaha 663 AVR
The entry level E/D (elemental design) sub
and a pair of Aperion Audio Intimus 522D-LR

That would be a pretty nice set..... obviously you can switch out whatever you want too

[charlie swords]

thanks...do you know anything about the Yamaha YSP-4000 or other such soundbar systems?

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by charlie swords

thanks...do you know anything about the Yamaha YSP-4000 or other such soundbar systems?

Soundbar = crap, period.

Do yourself a huge favor and skip the soundbar. Betaman has a pretty good recommendation up there, I would start with that.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by charlie swords

thanks...do you know anything about the Yamaha YSP-4000 or other such soundbar systems?

I know there are people who like them.... my brother would like to get one, and budget isn't really an issue for him, he just likes the "convenience" and asthetics of it..... (He has a Pioneer Kuro on his wall, and they only have a few DVDs, no HD antenna, no Cable/Satellite, etc... he just likes the fact that the t.v. doesn't take up space ) I'd say get a soundbar IF, both of these things apply to you...

1) you don't have ANY plans of going to a 5.1 anytime soon.....

2) you're looking for audio for movies/t.v.


If you like to listen to music, I'd say 2 channel, or 2.1 will be far superior to the soundbar.

Also, if you think you'll "get the space, etc." for a 5.1 in the future, and it'd be something you're open to, then getting a solid 2-channel setup (with speakers that could eventually be surrounds for instance) would be a better choice.

[nbxfan]

I installed a bose 3-2-1 system in my mom's place and was very surprised with how good it sounded. There are connectors on back to add other devices but, as she is very basic in her needs and her abilities to run much of anything, it was a perfect piece for her. Also, I have seen that they sell long sound bars that are like a center speaker but, produce sound for multiple channels I believe. It may be a good solution to your issue. However, I would suggest finding out from someone more qualified than myself or do some google searches.

Edit: Noticed others don't recommend soundbars...so it's already been mentioned. I'd still go and at least listen to them if possible to see what you think or call a professional installer and ask them what they think. Might try www.ultimateavmag.com. Also, not sure if you get him where you are at but, Leo Laporte the "tech guy" has a weekend show on air and, a live chat at the same time. You can contact him and ask as well...

[charlie swords]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I know there are people who like them.... my brother would like to get one, and budget isn't really an issue for him, he just likes the "convenience" and asthetics of it..... (He has a Pioneer Kuro on his wall, and they only have a few DVDs, no HD antenna, no Cable/Satellite, etc... he just likes the fact that the t.v. doesn't take up space ) I'd say get a soundbar IF, both of these things apply to you...

1) you don't have ANY plans of going to a 5.1 anytime soon.....

2) you're looking for audio for movies/t.v.


If you like to listen to music, I'd say 2 channel, or 2.1 will be far superior to the soundbar.

Also, if you think you'll "get the space, etc." for a 5.1 in the future, and it'd be something you're open to, then getting a solid 2-channel setup (with speakers that could eventually be surrounds for instance) would be a better choice.

1) my house is less than a year old...so i doubt i'll be moving any time soon, its on a slab so i cant run wires under and they way its built means a lot of drywall work to go through the walls or ceiling.

2) i dont really listen to music much in the house so it will mainly be TV and Movies.

the idea of future expansion is good but i would have to move or do some major work before i did that so unless some great new technology comes out... . Im not that picky about having the true surround and all that...as long as it sounds decent and has good volume then im fine...my current set up is a cheap sony 5.1 HTiB that i paid about $100 for but due to the dog and my high level of ocd about having wires everywhere all the speakers are up front, which of course doesnt do much good so anything would probably be an improvement.

[charlie swords]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Soundbar = crap, period.

Do yourself a huge favor and skip the soundbar. Betaman has a pretty good recommendation up there, I would start with that.

can you give me a reason why they're crap...

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by charlie swords

can you give me a reason why they're crap...

More often than not, they are made of an array of smaller speakers that are not capable of accurate sound reproduction. They often drop off way before the subwoofer kicks in and because they are required to reproduce frequencies for the entire human hearing range, they only do so moderately well. Separates provide much more detail. The "soundfield" created is merely an illusion created by a timing delay, the bar does not play discrete channels like a 5.1 setup does. Lastly, they are overpriced. You just can't get a good home theater experience from a soundbar.

[Beta Man]

By your set-up, what you're trying to achieve..... I'm going to officially recommend the soundbar.... I'd say you'll be less than $700 out-the-door too.... which leaves money for other things.

It'll give you the simple, clean look you're going for too.....

[charlie swords]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

More often than not, they are made of an array of smaller speakers that are not capable of accurate sound reproduction. They often drop off way before the subwoofer kicks in and because they are required to reproduce frequencies for the entire human hearing range, they only do so moderately well. Separates provide much more detail. The "soundfield" created is merely an illusion created by a timing delay, the bar does not play discrete channels like a 5.1 setup does. Lastly, they are overpriced. You just can't get a good home theater experience from a soundbar.

thanks...that answer was much more helpful.

[charlie swords]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

By your set-up, what you're trying to achieve..... I'm going to officially recommend the soundbar.... I'd say you'll be less than $700 out-the-door too.... which leaves money for other things.

It'll give you the simple, clean look you're going for too.....

thanks for your help...i'll look at and price all options.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

At that price point, I'd get....

A Yamaha 663 AVR
The entry level E/D (elemental design) sub
and a pair of Aperion Audio Intimus 522D-LR

That would be a pretty nice set..... obviously you can switch out whatever you want too

+1 on this recommendation

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

By your set-up, what you're trying to achieve..... I'm going to officially recommend the soundbar.... I'd say you'll be less than $700 out-the-door too.... which leaves money for other things.

It'll give you the simple, clean look you're going for too.....

Although I can't give a soundbar a clear cut recommendation - if he does go with one - I would pick the Polk Audio (because of its psychoacoustic SDA technology) or the Def Tech soundbar - which incorparates some phase canceling tech itself. Although neither can give you a real surround experience - they can play with your head a bit....albeit in one spot only (the sweet spot).