My extremely budgeted living room setup - Blu-ray Forum

Derekstanggt · 06-12-2014, 03:32 PM

Hi, I've been lurking for quite some time but decided it was time to post my build. Since I started checking out others' setups, I've been both extremely impressed, but also a bit discouraged with all the amazing home theaters I've seen on this site. While I admire everyone's setups for their unique approaches and stout equipment, I feel that this hobby is better suited to those more financially stout. Of course, it's all relative, and my meager build may seem superfluous to many, but this is one reason I decided to post my setup; because I feel like a decent home "theater" system can be attained for a (relatively) low cost that would suit most laymen. I'm not by any stretch an audiophile, and have other hobbies to spend time and money on, but my wife and I also enjoy watching movies, and choose to limit our "going to the movies" due to ever increasing prices and crowds. I've uploaded my pics in the gallery, but have listed equipment below. I'll also include the prices to show just how budget-minded my setup is. Please be generous with your tips and criticism as I'm always looking for suggestions, just know I won't be able to go out and drop $500 any time soon.

Sorry for some of the poor quality of the pictures, I'll re-take them with my camera (not phone) and post the better ones soon.

Display: Samsung LN55C630 55" LCD 1080 ($1200 4 years ago) > now Vizio 65” 4K SmartCast M-65

AVR: Yamaha HTR 3063 ($150.00 3 yrs ago) > now Denon AVR-E300

Fronts: JBL ES80 ($260 Fry's sale)

Center: JBL ES25 ($150 factory refurb)

Surround: Sony SS-B1000 ($50 online 3 yrs ago)

Sub: Sony 10" SAW2500 ($98 3 yrs ago) > now JBL 12" ES250PBK ($200)

Sources: Sony BDP-S3100 Blu-ray Disc Player, Buffalo 2TB external HD ($80), PLEX Server (300+ Blu ray movies), Netflix, Hulu, Mohu Leaf Ultimate antenna ($60), PS 2 (?), N64 (?)

Misc: Harmony 700 remote ($60), LED bias lighting ($25), Monoprice 16AWG ($15), GP banana plugs ($10) and tilting wall mount ($35)

Plus misc items here and there, I'd guess around $100

Total system build to date still ~$2,592.00

Travis · 06-12-2014, 03:35 PM

Your setup is nice and clean! Looks great!

Johnny Vinyl · 06-12-2014, 03:47 PM

Welcome to the HT Gallery threads Derekstanggt!

Your setup looks fine and as long as it brings you and your wife joy, then you've attained your goal. Maybe you'll upgrade over time (most people usually do as they get more into it), but if not.....that is 100% fine too.

HAMP · 06-12-2014, 04:22 PM

Welcome to the forum, and it’s about time you joined… All that lurking was creeping us out!!! Just kiddin.

Also, I don’t mind being the first to give a suggestion. You should move your center channel to the very edge on your stand to where the audio isn’t bouncing off the stand it is sitting on.

DangeRuss · 06-12-2014, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis

Your setup is nice and clean! Looks great!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Vinyl

Welcome to the HT Gallery threads Derekstanggt!

Your setup looks fine and as long as it brings you and your wife joy, then you've attained your goal. Maybe you'll upgrade over time (most people usually do as they get more into it), but if not.....that is 100% fine too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAMP

Welcome to the forum, and it’s about time you joined… All that lurking was creeping us out!!! Just kiddin.

Also, I don’t mind being the first to give a suggestion. You should move your center channel to the very edge on your stand to where the audio isn’t bouncing off the stand it is sitting on.

I just want to echo the previous statements and welcome you to the Gallery Threads .......

May your stay here be as enjoyable to you as it has been for me

BTW: You've put together a great system and I'd be proud to have it in my home

Derekstanggt · 06-12-2014, 05:03 PM

Thanks for all the comments! I've found this to be an extremely informative site thus far, and hope to be around for a while, no more lurking!

Hamp, thanks for the suggestion, exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. I'll move the center forward tonight when I get home. I'm still tinkering with sub and surround speaker placement anyway. I'll get up pics of the surrounds and room asap.

hometheatergeek · 06-12-2014, 07:40 PM

Hello and welcome to the gallery thread Dereck. That's a fine budget system you have put together. Believe it or not we all started out that way and got so caught up into the hobby we just kept upgrading. In fact now that you have joined you might want to think about hiding your wallet and putting your credit cards in the freezer.

Billy13 · 06-12-2014, 08:12 PM

Welcome to the threads.

I really like your system. And I'm sure it sounds great, just as it looks.

Another thing I like to see, is the name of your thread.....I too am a budget friendly sort of guy.

There's a bunch of great guys here, and they're always willing to help out with any questions you may encounter....

Enjoy your stay!

Billy13 · 06-12-2014, 10:58 PM

Hey Derek, here's the link to where I got the info to use converters on my rigs.

BigAl87 · 06-12-2014, 11:07 PM

Very nice setup Derek and welcome to the HT gallery thread, very clean and well presented room

.

FreddieFerric · 06-13-2014, 12:20 AM

Nice looking setup. Clean and neat.

Welcome to the forum.

arc trooper · 06-13-2014, 02:25 AM

where did you get your chest? ive been after something like that for mine

XTOPHER34 · 06-13-2014, 02:55 AM

Very nice setup

Derekstanggt · 06-13-2014, 03:38 AM

New pics are up! Better quality and more comprehensive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arc trooper

where did you get your chest? ive been after something like that for mine

We got it at Furniture Row. I'm all about function over form, my wife is all about form over function. I thought that was a perfect compromise.

Derekstanggt · 06-13-2014, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy13

Hey Derek, here's the link to where I got the info to use converters on my rigs.

Thanks so much, Billy! I've got some reading to do.

DangeRuss · 06-13-2014, 08:50 AM

Good Morning Derek .........

I really like the additional photos you've posted ......... That's a great space you have to work with

Derekstanggt · 06-13-2014, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DangeRuss

Good Morning Derek .........

I really like the additional photos you've posted ......... That's a great space you have to work with

Good morning Russ.

Thanks, I really like the recessed wall of the living room. Still lots of options for upgrades in the future. I'd like to perhaps add a pull down projector screen down the line, or maybe built-in shelves that could serve as a media rack of sorts. It must be budget friendly though, of course

rpatt · 06-13-2014, 02:05 PM

Nice & clean. That's a great deal on the JBL's.

CtrlCtrlFast · 06-13-2014, 10:55 PM

I like you use of the Sony sub and bookshelfs. I am a fan of Sony audio equipment. I also like the ambient light and wires being under the carpet.

Aerodude73 · 06-14-2014, 04:16 AM

Great pics, didn't see the other ones but these are fantastic. Beautiful HT Room, nicely designed, Clean setup.

On your remote: "Harmony 650. Occasionally glitchy and it eats batteries" - Have you tried Rechargeable batteries? One of the Best decisions I've made.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derekstanggt

New pics are up! Better quality and more comprehensive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derekstanggt

Good morning Russ.

Thanks, I really like the recessed wall of the living room. Still lots of options for upgrades in the future. I'd like to perhaps add a pull down projector screen down the line, or maybe built-in shelves that could serve as a media rack of sorts. It must be budget friendly though, of course

Yea, that room would be perfect for a pull-down when you can.

What's in your future plans to upgrade/change anything? Your Sub, larger TV, better __________ ?

06-12-2014, 03:32 PM	#1
Derekstanggt Member Member since:Jun 2014 Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:47	My extremely budgeted living room setup Hi, I've been lurking for quite some time but decided it was time to post my build. Since I started checking out others' setups, I've been both extremely impressed, but also a bit discouraged with all the amazing home theaters I've seen on this site. While I admire everyone's setups for their unique approaches and stout equipment, I feel that this hobby is better suited to those more financially stout. Of course, it's all relative, and my meager build may seem superfluous to many, but this is one reason I decided to post my setup; because I feel like a decent home "theater" system can be attained for a (relatively) low cost that would suit most laymen. I'm not by any stretch an audiophile, and have other hobbies to spend time and money on, but my wife and I also enjoy watching movies, and choose to limit our "going to the movies" due to ever increasing prices and crowds. I've uploaded my pics in the gallery, but have listed equipment below. I'll also include the prices to show just how budget-minded my setup is. Please be generous with your tips and criticism as I'm always looking for suggestions, just know I won't be able to go out and drop $500 any time soon. Sorry for some of the poor quality of the pictures, I'll re-take them with my camera (not phone) and post the better ones soon. Display: Samsung LN55C630 55" LCD 1080 ($1200 4 years ago) > now Vizio 65” 4K SmartCast M-65 AVR: Yamaha HTR 3063 ($150.00 3 yrs ago) > now Denon AVR-E300 Fronts: JBL ES80 ($260 Fry's sale) Center: JBL ES25 ($150 factory refurb) Surround: Sony SS-B1000 ($50 online 3 yrs ago) Sub: Sony 10" SAW2500 ($98 3 yrs ago) > now JBL 12" ES250PBK ($200) Sources: Sony BDP-S3100 Blu-ray Disc Player, Buffalo 2TB external HD ($80), PLEX Server (300+ Blu ray movies), Netflix, Hulu, Mohu Leaf Ultimate antenna ($60), PS 2 (?), N64 (?) Misc: Harmony 700 remote ($60), LED bias lighting ($25), Monoprice 16AWG ($15), GP banana plugs ($10) and tilting wall mount ($35) Plus misc items here and there, I'd guess around $100 Total system build to date still ~$2,592.00 Last edited by Derekstanggt; 03-28-2017 at 09:02 PM.

06-12-2014, 11:07 PM	#10
BigAl87 Contributor Top contributor Member since:Apr 2009 Location:Corner Totem Rd. and Sugden Ave., Arcam Shire Home Theater Gallery:135 Blu-ray collection:359	Very nice setup Derek and welcome to the HT gallery thread, very clean and well presented room . Last edited by BigAl87; 06-13-2014 at 12:41 AM.

06-12-2014, 03:35 PM	#2
Travis Blu-ray King Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Recliner Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:126 Blu-ray collection:2055 DVD collection:241 iTunes collection:40 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:14	Your setup is nice and clean! Looks great!

06-12-2014, 03:47 PM	#3
Johnny Vinyl Moderator Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:At the crossroad of Analogue Dr & 2CH Ave Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:205 DVD collection:7 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:8	Welcome to the HT Gallery threads Derekstanggt! Your setup looks fine and as long as it brings you and your wife joy, then you've attained your goal. Maybe you'll upgrade over time (most people usually do as they get more into it), but if not.....that is 100% fine too.

06-12-2014, 04:22 PM	#4
HAMP Banned Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:13 Blu-ray collection:272 Trading Score:1	Welcome to the forum, and it’s about time you joined… All that lurking was creeping us out!!! Just kiddin. Also, I don’t mind being the first to give a suggestion. You should move your center channel to the very edge on your stand to where the audio isn’t bouncing off the stand it is sitting on.

06-12-2014, 05:03 PM	#6
Derekstanggt Member Member since:Jun 2014 Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:47	Thanks for all the comments! I've found this to be an extremely informative site thus far, and hope to be around for a while, no more lurking! Hamp, thanks for the suggestion, exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. I'll move the center forward tonight when I get home. I'm still tinkering with sub and surround speaker placement anyway. I'll get up pics of the surrounds and room asap.

06-12-2014, 07:40 PM	#7
hometheatergeek Blu-ray Grand Duke Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Near Atlanta GA Home Theater Gallery:48 4K collection:39 Blu-ray collection:290 DVD collection:40 Trading Score:2	Hello and welcome to the gallery thread Dereck. That's a fine budget system you have put together. Believe it or not we all started out that way and got so caught up into the hobby we just kept upgrading. In fact now that you have joined you might want to think about hiding your wallet and putting your credit cards in the freezer.

06-12-2014, 08:12 PM	#8
Billy13 Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Mar 2013 Location:Somewhere Between Heaven ↑ & Hell ↓ ...... Home Theater Gallery:436 Blu-ray collection:115 DVD collection:63	Welcome to the threads. I really like your system. And I'm sure it sounds great, just as it looks. Another thing I like to see, is the name of your thread.....I too am a budget friendly sort of guy. There's a bunch of great guys here, and they're always willing to help out with any questions you may encounter.... Enjoy your stay!

06-12-2014, 10:58 PM	#9
Billy13 Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Mar 2013 Location:Somewhere Between Heaven ↑ & Hell ↓ ...... Home Theater Gallery:436 Blu-ray collection:115 DVD collection:63	Hey Derek, here's the link to where I got the info to use converters on my rigs.

06-13-2014, 12:20 AM	#11
FreddieFerric Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Mar 2008 Location:NOLA Home Theater Gallery:146 4K collection:14 Blu-ray collection:238 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:1	Nice looking setup. Clean and neat. Welcome to the forum.

06-13-2014, 02:25 AM	#12
arc trooper Expert Member Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Eau Claire WI Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:159 Blu-ray reviews: 1	where did you get your chest? ive been after something like that for mine

06-13-2014, 02:55 AM	#13
XTOPHER34 Member Member since:May 2011 Location:ORD Blu-ray collection:45 DVD collection:1 Trading Score:3	Very nice setup

06-13-2014, 08:50 AM	#16
DangeRuss Blu-ray Grand Duke Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Oct 2009 Location:The "Boogie Down" Home Theater Gallery:230 Blu-ray collection:470 DVD collection:354 Blu-ray reviews: 74	Good Morning Derek ......... I really like the additional photos you've posted ......... That's a great space you have to work with

06-13-2014, 02:05 PM	#18
rpatt Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 Home Theater Gallery:69 Blu-ray reviews: 3	Nice & clean. That's a great deal on the JBL's.

06-13-2014, 10:55 PM	#19
CtrlCtrlFast Special Member Top contributor Member since:Feb 2014 Location:Michigan Home Theater Gallery:66 4K collection:295 Blu-ray collection:867 DVD collection:303 Digital collection:1	I like you use of the Sony sub and bookshelfs. I am a fan of Sony audio equipment. I also like the ambient light and wires being under the carpet.

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