Got a new reciever, suddenly realize I need new speakers. P.S. I'm an idiot.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Guys, thanks so much for your input so far. I'm going to come back and ask some more detailed questions about your recommendations but I'm just running out to get stuff ready for New Years tonight.

One thing I did want to mention is that given the Samsung HTIB set I have right now, even the least good sounding of the lot you've recommended is going to sound far better than what I'm used to. Because of that, I'm happy staying in the 'entry level' category for now and when I get a bigger place with a bit more flexibility I will be happy to upgrade piece by piece as some of you have suggested (and then I'll be back with more questions!). However, given that I am suddenly with receiver and without speakers, my main concern is getting a whole set for cheap just for a degree of normalcy since I don't foresee myself being able to add bits piece by piece in the near future due to my priorities.

One last question, I'm actually curious about those tower speakers with built-in subwoofers. My initial reaction is that they must be TERRIBLE, but I've actually seen some decent reviews. What are your thoughts of these types of things (I know they offer them at BestBuy and Future Shop)? If they weren't terrible, I wouldn't actually mind getting something like that and adding a subwoofer later if they're cost effective and of good value.

The best you could get is the Jamo set at BB at $500 right now this is a steal.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...9e7e4c26eaen02
BTW the sub is not a powered subwoofer and does not act like a sub in the Jamo speakers. Def Tech is known for doing this actually.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Guys, thanks so much for your input so far. I'm going to come back and ask some more detailed questions about your recommendations but I'm just running out to get stuff ready for New Years tonight.

One thing I did want to mention is that given the Samsung HTIB set I have right now, even the least good sounding of the lot you've recommended is going to sound far better than what I'm used to. Because of that, I'm happy staying in the 'entry level' category for now and when I get a bigger place with a bit more flexibility I will be happy to upgrade piece by piece as some of you have suggested (and then I'll be back with more questions!). However, given that I am suddenly with receiver and without speakers, my main concern is getting a whole set for cheap just for a degree of normalcy since I don't foresee myself being able to add bits piece by piece in the near future due to my priorities.

One last question, I'm actually curious about those tower speakers with built-in subwoofers. My initial reaction is that they must be TERRIBLE, but I've actually seen some decent reviews. What are your thoughts of these types of things (I know they offer them at BestBuy and Future Shop)? If they weren't terrible, I wouldn't actually mind getting something like that and adding a subwoofer later if they're cost effective and of good value.

even tho right now you think anything will be better then what you have.... think longer term, and we will all tell you that because if you dont, you will be doing this again in a year or two. trust us we have all done it, get the best 2 speakers you can for your budget. then slowly add as you go, you will be much happier in the long run doing it this way.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

even tho right now you think anything will be better then what you have.... think longer term, and we will all tell you that because if you dont, you will be doing this again in a year or two. trust us we have all done it, get the best 2 speakers you can for your budget. then slowly add as you go, you will be much happier in the long run doing it this way.

The problem is in my case it just wont stop I have some great speakers and want better speakers, how does that really work?

You had good speaker and changed to great speakers and you got even better speakers, When does that end? Oh I should have aimed strait for the Wind Design i guess.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by Almadacr

Ok if you want a kick ass speakers and made in Canada this is one of the best options price wise . There top of the line received great reviews and all this set its delivered at your door for $374.99 and later you can had a subwoofer .

BTW they have a lifetime warranty .


Fluance Speakers

Thanks, those look great spec wise, but I have to say I'm not a fan of the colour. Can you tell I'm new at this when I'm concerned about the colour? Haha.

They're in the running!

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Then 2 pairs of this for $300 Energy CB-10 available at FS, maybe you could get another pair and use a bookshelf for the center, the Polk Audio you linked to are really small Satellite speakers but they could work well for you.

Well, the area I'm in isn't too huge, if I could fit satellite speakers that were good quality, I would prefer those regarding space, but if it's really a vast canyon in sound quality, I don't mind making room for towers if I have to!

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

He may not be hardcore, but he'll be clamoring for better sound before you know it. We've all been there....

I am in awe of the setups and the knowledge you guys have, but I do have to say I'm not much of an audiophile (yet) despite my music background.

I never really cared for my current setup (it was tossed in with a TV I bought), so in reality you can consider this thread my actual first step into entry level audio. Perhaps down the road I will get into it hardcore (I even hope to), but at the moment my cash, priorities and space are preventing me from doing so. As I said in an earlier post, it was already a surprise that I have to get these speakers, so I'm just trying to hammer out a complete set as quickly and cheaply as possible but without wasting my money, haha.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

The best you could get is the Jamo set at BB at $500 right now this is a steal.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/...9e7e4c26eaen02
BTW the sub is not a powered subwoofer and does not act like a sub in the Jamo speakers. Def Tech is known for doing this actually.

Oh, I see. I thought it functioned as a sub. Truth be told, I saw that earlier and thought it was nice, but given the great sets you guys have been recommending for much cheaper, it's lost a bit of it's charm.

Do you know of any cheaper sets that have a bit of built-in low-end like that set but for cheaper or comparable to some of the other systems mentioned in this thread?

Originally Posted by callas01

even tho right now you think anything will be better then what you have.... think longer term, and we will all tell you that because if you dont, you will be doing this again in a year or two. trust us we have all done it, get the best 2 speakers you can for your budget. then slowly add as you go, you will be much happier in the long run doing it this way.

Actually, I am thinking long-term which is why I don't mind 'rushing' into it with such a small amount of money. Quite frankly, if in a year or two I decide to fully upgrade I won't mind if I had only spent around $300 on this set of speakers (and mind even less when I'm sure I could resell them). We're not the richest in this household and entertainment is normally pretty low on the priority list (unfortunately), so if I can refer back to my last post, consider this my entry-level askings, since the HTIB was kinda thrust upon me when I bought my first HD TV.

Great suggestions from everyone so far.

I'm going to start compiling a list of my favourites, but please everyone suggest more around those price points if you can. I would prefer a full 5.1 system, but another poster said I could get away without a subwoofer for a while, so maybe just 5.0 would be good too.

Thanks so much so far everyone, your knowledge on speakers is truly astonishing so far!

[darkpoet25]

Since you have an apartment(same as me), bookshelf speakers should be just fine. Later if you get a house, you can always use the front pair as side surrounds or back surrounds in a 7.1 system, provided your HK AVR will allow for that. Honestly the only thing I will say to you, is that after you have decided on some speakers, go and listen to them in person. Auditioning will give you a better sense or idea of how they will sound to you and your ears, and if they give any listener fatigue. Speaker buying can be a rather daunting task, I spent a little over six months, reasearching and listening before I bought the Ascend's I currently own. Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide to do.

[Brandon_Storm]

Happy new years everyone. Thanks again for helping.

There's a handful that have been mentioned that I'm interested in.

What say you on this lot? I've ordered them by how interested I am in them.

1) These Polk Audio TL1600's are at the top because I can price-match at BestBuy for even cheaper (about $273), and it comes with a sub while also having smaller speakers which are quite space efficient.

2) Next on the list are these Energy PS500B speakers. Perusing the net I see quite a few recommendations for this brand, and with the free shipping and simple return policy if I don't like them, they get second place. However they are the most expensive (barely) at about $300.

3) And in very close third place, these Fluance AVHTB which look real pretty and are seemingly very well priced. Like number 2, no subwoofer is included, but I may be able to suffer through it and pick one up later. From what I understand, the bottom end of the speakers may be enough to comfortably tide me over. I may also be able to price-match these at BestBuy for a few bucks off (about $268).

I'm hoping to get this all out of the way today, but I'm still open to suggestions! So please, suggest away. Keep in mind that I am entry-level and on a pretty tight budget since these came as a surprise!

Thanks for everyone's help so far, and please comment on my three choices here and let me know if I'm missing something or misdirected in any way!

P.S. My last question for these lot are, knowing the hot water I got in with compatibility issues that lead me here, are these all alright for a Harman/Kardon AVR700?

[blu-ray-neil]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Happy new years everyone. Thanks again for helping.

There's a handful that have been mentioned that I'm interested in.

What say you on this lot? I've ordered them by how interested I am in them.

1) These Polk Audio TL1600's are at the top because I can price-match at BestBuy for even cheaper (about $273), and it comes with a sub while also having smaller speakers which are quite space efficient.

2) Next on the list are these Energy PS500B speakers. Perusing the net I see quite a few recommendations for this brand, and with the free shipping and simple return policy if I don't like them, they get second place. However they are the most expensive (barely) at about $300.

3) And in very close third place, these Fluance AVHTB which look real pretty and are seemingly very well priced. Like number 2, no subwoofer is included, but I may be able to suffer through it and pick one up later. From what I understand, the bottom end of the speakers may be enough to comfortably tide me over. I may also be able to price-match these at BestBuy for a few bucks off (about $268).

I'm hoping to get this all out of the way today, but I'm still open to suggestions! So please, suggest away. Keep in mind that I am entry-level and on a pretty tight budget since these came as a surprise!

Thanks for everyone's help so far, and please comment on my three choices here and let me know if I'm missing something or misdirected in any way!

P.S. My last question for these lot are, knowing the hot water I got in with compatibility issues that lead me here, are these all alright for a Harman/Kardon AVR700?

According to the specs on the provided link, your receiver is 75 watts per channel. I found out the hard way that Klipsch (even their small speakers) need 90 watts and their center speaker requires 100 watts to prevent the possibility of receiver protective shutdown from sudden increases in sound. I know your looking at smaller speakers in the $300 price range which on the surface should not require more than 75 watts, but who knows. What I am trying to suggest, before you make your decision, you may want to find out how many watts per channel is needed to efficiently drive the speakers being compared. Good luck in your search and enjoy your new system.

By the why, darkpoet25's suggestion regarding listening to them in person is probably one of the best if not the best suggestion so far in this thread.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by blu-ray-neil

According to the specs on the provided link, your receiver is 75 watts per channel. I found out the hard way that Klipsch (even their small speakers) need 90 watts and their center speaker requires 100 watts to prevent the possibility of receiver protective shutdown from sudden increases in sound. I know your looking at smaller speakers in the $300 price range which on the surface should not require more than 75 watts, but who knows. What I am trying to suggest, before you make your decision, you may want to find out how many watts per channel is needed to efficiently drive the speakers being compared. Good luck in your search and enjoy your new system.

By the why, darkpoet25's suggestion regarding listening to them in person is probably one of the best if not the best suggestion so far in this thread.

Thank you!

See, this is the stuff I may never have noticed. Or rather, I never would've thought would be a big deal. I always considered it as a "can be powered by UP TO xxxwats" when it came to speakers so a 75watt receiver would be able to power a 100watt speaker just fine, just not up to it's full potential. I guess that shows why I'm asking for help so desperately!

Unfortunately, I did go to some local shops to listen to speakers, but I guess because of the Christmas rush there was next to nothing on the floor (and certainly not the ones I was looking for). If it wasn't for the time constraints of the sales, I definitely wouldn't risk it.

[Brandon_Storm]

Well? Who would like to help me out and chime in on the best of this lot for my H/K AVR700?

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Happy new years everyone. Thanks again for helping.

There's a handful that have been mentioned that I'm interested in.

What say you on this lot? I've ordered them by how interested I am in them.

1) These Polk Audio TL1600's are at the top because I can price-match at BestBuy for even cheaper (about $273), and it comes with a sub while also having smaller speakers which are quite space efficient.

2) Next on the list are these Energy PS500B speakers. Perusing the net I see quite a few recommendations for this brand, and with the free shipping and simple return policy if I don't like them, they get second place. However they are the most expensive (barely) at about $300.

3) And in very close third place, these Fluance AVHTB which look real pretty and are seemingly very well priced. Like number 2, no subwoofer is included, but I may be able to suffer through it and pick one up later. From what I understand, the bottom end of the speakers may be enough to comfortably tide me over. I may also be able to price-match these at BestBuy for a few bucks off (about $268).

I'm hoping to get this all out of the way today, but I'm still open to suggestions! So please, suggest away. Keep in mind that I am entry-level and on a pretty tight budget since these came as a surprise!

Thanks for everyone's help so far, and please comment on my three choices here and let me know if I'm missing something or misdirected in any way!

P.S. My last question for these lot are, knowing the hot water I got in with compatibility issues that lead me here, are these all alright for a Harman/Kardon AVR700?

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Happy new years everyone. Thanks again for helping.

There's a handful that have been mentioned that I'm interested in.

What say you on this lot? I've ordered them by how interested I am in them.

1) These Polk Audio TL1600's are at the top because I can price-match at BestBuy for even cheaper (about $273), and it comes with a sub while also having smaller speakers which are quite space efficient.

2) Next on the list are these Energy PS500B speakers. Perusing the net I see quite a few recommendations for this brand, and with the free shipping and simple return policy if I don't like them, they get second place. However they are the most expensive (barely) at about $300.

3) And in very close third place, these Fluance AVHTB which look real pretty and are seemingly very well priced. Like number 2, no subwoofer is included, but I may be able to suffer through it and pick one up later. From what I understand, the bottom end of the speakers may be enough to comfortably tide me over. I may also be able to price-match these at BestBuy for a few bucks off (about $268).

I'm hoping to get this all out of the way today, but I'm still open to suggestions! So please, suggest away. Keep in mind that I am entry-level and on a pretty tight budget since these came as a surprise!

Thanks for everyone's help so far, and please comment on my three choices here and let me know if I'm missing something or misdirected in any way!

P.S. My last question for these lot are, knowing the hot water I got in with compatibility issues that lead me here, are these all alright for a Harman/Kardon AVR700?

Ok I will put my 2 cents in. If you can get a price match on the Fluance speakers and a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, you should go with those. The drivers are larger than the Polk and Energy, offering a better dynamic range and will be under your $300 budget. The Polk comes with a sub because the 2 1/2" drivers aren't capable of producing a lower frequency range, unlike the Energy and Fluance speakers. Keep in mind that while your H/K AVR700 can produce 75 watts per channel, that is with only 2 channels driven. On an AVR, the more channels driven the lower the output wattage will be, so something in the 40-60 watt range will be more likely, not too sure of the actual wattage though. Just trying to help out in any way I can. For more about adjusting them, try reading some of BigDaddy's sticky threads. Frank is very knowledgeable and can help you further than I can.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by darkpoet25

Ok I will put my 2 cents in. If you can get a price match on the Fluance speakers and a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, you should go with those. The drivers are larger than the Polk and Energy, offering a better dynamic range and will be under your $300 budget. The Polk comes with a sub because the 2 1/2" drivers aren't capable of producing a lower frequency range, unlike the Energy and Fluance speakers. Keep in mind that while your H/K AVR700 can produce 75 watts per channel, that is with only 2 channels driven. On an AVR, the more channels driven the lower the output wattage will be, so something in the 40-60 watt range will be more likely, not too sure of the actual wattage though. Just trying to help out in any way I can. For more about adjusting them, try reading some of BigDaddy's sticky threads. Frank is very knowledgeable and can help you further than I can.

I've tried to research his threads before I even posted this one, but I'm far too ignorant to wrap my mind around it in the little time I have.

So, and I never really thought to ask this, but is the H/K receiver I got actually better than the Samsung one I already have? Here's some specs on the Samsung.

In how little knowledge I have, I just assumed the H/K would be better since this Samsung is so awful.

And, provided it is, are any of these speakers even a good match for the H/K? It seems like you're telling me that no matter what set I get, it will be overkill.

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

I've tried to research his threads before I even posted this one, but I'm far too ignorant to wrap my mind around it in the little time I have.

So, and I never really thought to ask this, but is the H/K receiver I got actually better than the Samsung one I already have? Here's some specs on the Samsung.

In how little knowledge I have, I just assumed the H/K would be better since this Samsung is so awful.

And, provided it is, are any of these speakers even a good match for the H/K? It seems like you're telling me that no matter what set I get, it will be overkill.

The H/K is a better receiver than the Samsung. The Fluance or Energy set should be fine with it. Sorry for any confusion on that. Since you listen at moderate levels, the H/K should drive the speakers without a problem. As long as don't listen to anything at near reference levels(0 on the receiver, which could actually damage your hearing from prolonged listening times) everything should be okay. In my apartment I listen to everything at -50 to -60db's, which is fine and doesn't annoy the neighbors. Just be sure that the positive and negative connections are in phase with eachother. In other words what ever you have as a positive speaker wire and a negative speaker wire on the speakers themsleves, be sure that they match the same inputs on the back of the receiver. An out of phase speaker can sound a little off or possibly distorted, which you don't want to have happen.

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by darkpoet25

The H/K is a better receiver than the Samsung. The Fluance or Energy set should be fine with it. Sorry for any confusion on that. Since you listen at moderate levels, the H/K should drive the speakers without a problem. As long as don't listen to anything at near reference levels(0 on the receiver, which could actually damage your hearing from prolonged listening times) everything should be okay. In my apartment I listen to everything at -50 to -60db's, which is fine and doesn't annoy the neighbors. Just be sure that the positive and negative connections are in phase with eachother. In other words what ever you have as a positive speaker wire and a negative speaker wire on the speakers themsleves, be sure that they match the same inputs on the back of the receiver. An out of phase speaker can sound a little off or possibly distorted, which you don't want to have happen.

Thanks so much, mate. I have added a poll to inspire some more people to chime in, but so far you've been the first and best help at this end stage of my purchase.

Receivers are pretty tricky, they're hard to read since quantifiable-y it would seem the Samsung is better (higher power ratings and whathaveyou), but I'm learning that doesn't necessarily mean anything!

I'm normally a very cautious buyer, so I'm a bit nervous (as I'm sure you can tell), and my ignorance on the topic only serves to exacerbate things.

The Dutchman in me begs to spend my money wisely which usually requires a lot of research, so I'm really thankful to you guys for helping me make these decisions quick while the speakers are still on sale.

Thanks again, and feel free to toss your vote in the poll!

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Thanks so much, mate. I have added a poll to inspire some more people to chime in, but so far you've been the first and best help at this end stage of my purchase.

Receivers are pretty tricky, they're hard to read since quantifiable-y it would seem the Samsung is better (higher power ratings and whathaveyou), but I'm learning that doesn't necessarily mean anything!

I'm normally a very cautious buyer, so I'm a bit nervous (as I'm sure you can tell), and my ignorance on the topic only serves to exacerbate things.

The Dutchman in me begs to spend my money wisely which usually requires a lot of research, so I'm really thankful to you guys for helping me make these decisions quick while the speakers are still on sale.

Thanks again, and feel free to toss your vote in the poll!

FYI I am with Dark Poet and what he said, the HK should drive any of the sets you kept in the race for your purchase, their is nothing that will actually prevent you to use any of those speakers with your receiver, you should be just fine.

Best of luck, i think either the Energy or the Fluance will be great. BTW it will be very hard to find speakers with built in sub for under 300$ but keep in mind that you should be quite surprised by the sound those Energy or Fluance will produce with your AVR700.

The $500 Jamo Set is defenately better built quality than the Energy set you get for $300 which is in reality a Jamo Speaker set.




Click on view all and you can compare the 2 sets
This one is the Energy / Jamo found at FS

http://www.jamo.com/speaker-types/ho.../?sku=S426HCS3


This one is the $500 Jamo set at BB. if you are lucky you might find some in store but I am affraid theyare sold out.

http://www.jamo.com/speaker-types/ho.../?sku=S606HCS3

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

FYI I am with Dark Poet and what he said, the HK should drive any of the sets you kept in the race for your purchase, their is nothing that will actually prevent you to use any of those speakers with your receiver, you should be just fine.

Best of luck, i think either the Energy or the Fluance will be great. BTW it will be very hard to find speakers with built in sub for under 300$ but keep in mind that you should be quite surprised by the sound those Energy or Fluance will produce with your AVR700.

The $500 Jamo Set is defenately better built quality than the Energy set you get for $300 which is in reality a Jamo Speaker set.




Click on view all and you can compare the 2 sets
This one is the Energy / Jamo found at FS

http://www.jamo.com/speaker-types/ho.../?sku=S426HCS3


This one is the $500 Jamo set at BB. if you are lucky you might find some in store but I am affraid theyare sold out.

http://www.jamo.com/speaker-types/ho.../?sku=S606HCS3

You're right, I think I've become a bit more confident that just the low-end in these speakers will be equal to what I'm using right now with my tiny speakers and a sub. Or at least comparable enough that I don't have to worry about adding a sub right away. That's a weight off my mind. Although I think it's near that that Jamo set as a built-in sub, and perhaps I'm just being naive, but I think ultimately it would pale in comparison to an independent sub which I will no doubt add in the near future, so no real sense in spending the extra cash just to tide myself over for what may be a short amount of time.

Looks like the Energy or Fluance are going to take it. They look really nice, that's about all I can say about them, haha. Hopefully a few more people cast their votes in the poll. Not only because I appreciate the recommendations, but because I think polls are fun.

[pentatonic]

So Brandon, what did you go for after all?

[Brandon_Storm]

Originally Posted by pentatonic

So Brandon, what did you go for after all?

Well, my friend, my finger is actually hovering over the "Buy Now" button for the Jamo/Energy set.

Given the minimal price difference ($30), I do like the style of this set a bit more than the Fluance, and having researched extensively this morning, I'm finding the Jamo/Energy set is getting better reviews than the Fluance, or rather, less negative reviews.

But I do have a rather juvenile question (as if this thread wasn't rife with them already), would there be any difference aside from the name in getting the same speaker set branded as Jamo or Energy? Costco is selling the same set at the same price only branded with the original Jamo tag, and I'm curious if when they made the swap if they changed any parts, or one would be easier to get support for than the other.

FutureShop would be easier for me to return to since I live near one, but that's really only thinking short-term, and I worry that if I get the Energy set and I have an issue that I have to contact the manufacturer for I will be lead through any number of separate departments until I end up at Jamo customer service anyway.

What say you pentatonic?

[Almadacr]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Your right, I think I've become a bit more confident that just the low-end in these speakers will be equal to what I'm using right now with my tiny speakers and a sub. Or at least comparable enough that I don't have to worry about adding a sub right away. That's a weight off my mind. Although I think it's near that that Jamo set as a built-in sub, and perhaps I'm just being naive, but I think ultimately it would pale in comparison to an independent sub which I will no doubt add in the near future, so no real sense in spending the extra cash just to tide myself over for what may be a short amount of time.

Looks like the Energy or Fluance are going to take it. They look really nice, that's about all I can say about them, haha. Hopefully a few more people cast their votes in the poll. Not only because I appreciate the recommendations, but because I think polls are fun.

The good and this is what you should do ... Bestbuy are having Fluance in there stores any day , they already have the Jamo , so you should go to a BB store and give it a listen to what you are interested and decide what sounds best for you .

There's a trend going around from ppl saying these speakers sound go and you should go for it .... not . It can sound good to them , do they sound good to you ??? The most important is to audition has much speakers as you can and decided what sounds best withing your budget .

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by Brandon_Storm

Well, my friend, my finger is actually hovering over the "Buy Now" button for the Jamo/Energy set.

Given the minimal price difference ($30), I do like the style of this set a bit more than the Fluance, and having researched extensively this morning, I'm finding the Jamo/Energy set is getting better reviews than the Fluance, or rather, less negative reviews.

But I do have a rather juvenile question (as if this thread wasn't rife with them already), would there be any difference aside from the name in getting the same speaker set branded as Jamo or Energy? Costco is selling the same set at the same price only branded with the original Jamo tag, and I'm curious if when they made the swap if they changed any parts, or one would be easier to get support for than the other.

FutureShop would be easier for me to return to since I live near one, but that's really only thinking short-term, and I worry that if I get the Energy set and I have an issue that I have to contact the manufacturer for I will be lead through any number of separate departments until I end up at Jamo customer service anyway.

What say you pentatonic?

They are exactly the same just rebranded as Audiovox Just bought Klipsch group a few months back, Klipsch actually owned Energy and Jamo. This set probably still sell as Jamo in Europe, it's just marketing.