Finishing the basement, looking for surround system.

[RWoods]

Hello Folks, Im far from an audio expert so I figured I would run my scenario by you guys. I will have a two TV setup in my basement, a 40' Samsung LED in the bar, a 65" Samsung LED in the living area. The two TV's will be about 55 feet apart from one another.

For the bar TV Im just going to keep it simple and add a soundbar, currently looking at this one. Its basically only going to be used for watching sports.
Samsung HWF450
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/2-1-chan...dbar&cp=1&lp=1

But for the living area, i want to get the traditional 5:1 surround HTIB set up. Currently Im looking at these two.....
Yamaha YHT-599UBL
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/575w-5-1...9ubl&cp=1&lp=1

Denon DHT1513BA
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/5-1-ch-h...000&cp=1&lp=12

For me I'm currently leaning towards the Yamaha because of the Airplay bit. I know much of the answer depends on my personal preferences. Im not looking to shake the neighbors windows, just a solid system that falls between $400-$600.

Are one of these systems more superior than the other that Im not noticing? (Again, im far from a audio geek) Or is there something better out there for the same price that maybe I havent come across?

Thanks for your time guys/gals. Happy holidays!

[Krelldog1977]

Originally Posted by RWoods

Hello Folks, Im far from an audio expert so I figured I would run my scenario by you guys. I will have a two TV setup in my basement, a 40' Samsung LED in the bar, a 65" Samsung LED in the living area. The two TV's will be about 55 feet apart from one another.

For the bar TV Im just going to keep it simple and add a soundbar, currently looking at this one. Its basically only going to be used for watching sports.
Samsung HWF450
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/2-1-chan...dbar&cp=1&lp=1

But for the living area, i want to get the traditional 5:1 surround HTIB set up. Currently Im looking at these two.....
Yamaha YHT-599UBL
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/575w-5-1...9ubl&cp=1&lp=1

Denon DHT1513BA
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/5-1-ch-h...000&cp=1&lp=12

For me I'm currently leaning towards the Yamaha because of the Airplay bit. I know much of the answer depends on my personal preferences. Im not looking to shake the neighbors windows, just a solid system that falls between $400-$600.

Are one of these systems more superior than the other that Im not noticing? (Again, im far from a audio geek) Or is there something better out there for the same price that maybe I havent come across?

Thanks for your time guys/gals. Happy holidays!

Hello friend, it seems that your basement is quite large...with a 55ft space between the two TV's. Here's my honest advice,

For the bar TV, I would probably just get a soundbar like you plan to.

BUT for your home theater plans, a HTIB system will let you down, especially if your listening room is large...( which it is )

If you are serious about sound quality and into the hobby...please consider a different option such as a 2.1 system, rather than a HTIB setup. Your basement is way to big for a small, low powered, cheap system....

You should get back to us with a revised budget and build your system over time, we can certainly aid in finding you the best bang for your buck regarding towers and perhaps a sub.

I have experience with the HTIB deal....they work great in small rooms like a college dorm, or a bedroom,....so for your needs, you should consider different options....as there are many routes to take

Happy Holidays!

[RWoods]

Thanks for the response. Ironically I kind of changed my mind this past weekend about the HTiB setup and was considering building one piece by piece as you suggested.

I was eyeing up this receiver to start.
Pioneer VSX-1123-K
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/1155w-7-...0002&cp=1&lp=6

Correct me if im wrong, but with two HDMI outs, I can run both TV's off the same receiver right?

If this were the route I would go, Im trying to figure out how my speaker layout would be. I'd like to put one speaker in the ceiling at the bar, and do the 5.1 at the other end. This question might make me sound like a complete moron (I really dont know what all receivers are capable of), but could the bar speaker have something different playing through it (Sporting event/music) while the other end of the basement has a movie playing through those speakers?

[Krelldog1977]

Originally Posted by RWoods

Thanks for the response. Ironically I kind of changed my mind this past weekend about the HTiB setup and was considering building one piece by piece as you suggested.

I was eyeing up this receiver to start.
Pioneer VSX-1123-K
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/1155w-7-...0002&cp=1&lp=6

Correct me if im wrong, but with two HDMI outs, I can run both TV's off the same receiver right?

If this were the route I would go, Im trying to figure out how my speaker layout would be. I'd like to put one speaker in the ceiling at the bar, and do the 5.1 at the other end. This question might make me sound like a complete moron (I really dont know what all receivers are capable of), but could the bar speaker have something different playing through it (Sporting event/music) while the other end of the basement has a movie playing through those speakers?

I am pleased that you are considering building your rig one step at a time

If you can post some pics of the basement , it would give me a deeper insight on how to advise going forward.

Personally, I would go with nothing for the bar TV ( regarding enhanced audio ) - Just a cable box. At least for the near future. Let's concentrate on your main TV setup....

Get back to us with a new budget for the main system and a few pics of the room. The best route to take would be to build a 5.1 channel system utilizing bookshelf sized speakers all around. Then add a mid sized subwoofer to take care of the low frequencies. ( don't worry about your neighbors complaining - they will not hear your system unless you buy a monster sub. )

Let me search for some good options on the speakers....for a good set it will run you over $1500...plus the receiver. I will find you a super deal.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[Krelldog1977]

I've looked around for some nice bookshelf speakers to get you on a steady path to high performance gear.

http://www.svsound.com/speakers/ultr...f#.UsMK-U13t9A

Check out the guys online at the above location. They have some really sweet ultra monitors that will beat your expectations...and offer an incredible "' bang for your buck" experience. They are not cheap...costing 499 each. But if you go with a pair of these, and a good receiver, you are done....for the time being.
When it's time to build on your system, no problem....you can buy the matching center channel for around 600 and that would be a HUGE increase in the overall soundstage, and would be timbre matched to the left and right ultra monitors. No need for a subwoofer yet, that's the icing on the cake...

So here's our total cost for this plan:

Ultra bookshelf (monitor) pair: $1000
Ultra center speaker: 600
A/V Receiver ( TBD ) : 750

total cost for this system: $2350


And like I said, the center is optional until you desire. The rear speakers will be a future conversation as will the subwoofer.

I could spec you out a nice looking pair of entry level Polk speakers for around 200 bucks.....but the smile on your face would diminish as soon as you hear them. Although Polk makes some nice stuff...the majority of their gear is low-priced and of average fidelity.

The choice is yours brotha! ....Now it's time to begin partying for a happy and healthy 2014 !

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by RWoods

This question might make me sound like a complete moron (I really dont know what all receivers are capable of), but could the bar speaker have something different playing through it (Sporting event/music) while the other end of the basement has a movie playing through those speakers?

Not sure if this receiver is capable of this(would require reading the manual). You might want to consider an hdmi matrix switcher from monoprice.

Keep in mind that if your two tvs are 55 feet apart, then you are most likely going to have a long hdmi run for at least one of your displays. That might require a powered hdmi cable.

[RWoods]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

I've looked around for some nice bookshelf speakers to get you on a steady path to high performance gear.

http://www.svsound.com/speakers/ultr...f#.UsMK-U13t9A

Check out the guys online at the above location. They have some really sweet ultra monitors that will beat your expectations...and offer an incredible "' bang for your buck" experience. They are not cheap...costing 499 each. But if you go with a pair of these, and a good receiver, you are done....for the time being.
When it's time to build on your system, no problem....you can buy the matching center channel for around 600 and that would be a HUGE increase in the overall soundstage, and would be timbre matched to the left and right ultra monitors. No need for a subwoofer yet, that's the icing on the cake...

So here's our total cost for this plan:

Ultra bookshelf (monitor) pair: $1000
Ultra center speaker: 600
A/V Receiver ( TBD ) : 750

total cost for this system: $2350


And like I said, the center is optional until you desire. The rear speakers will be a future conversation as will the subwoofer.

I could spec you out a nice looking pair of entry level Polk speakers for around 200 bucks.....but the smile on your face would diminish as soon as you hear them. Although Polk makes some nice stuff...the majority of their gear is low-priced and of average fidelity.

The choice is yours brotha! ....Now it's time to begin partying for a happy and healthy 2014 !

Nice! Unfortunately that's going to be quite a bit more than I was planning on. I was trying to keep the audio somewhere around 1k to $1250 total. So the entry polk you reference, may sound perfectly fine to me.

For reference, when we built our home I got a 6.1 system for my living room. It's a Denon HTiB setup that was about $400-$500 total and have been perfectly happy with it. For the basement I was looking to go a little nicer without getting to out of control $ wise.

Thanks for your time, Happy New year to you too!

[RWoods]

Originally Posted by kpkelley

Not sure if this receiver is capable of this(would require reading the manual). You might want to consider an hdmi matrix switcher from monoprice.

Keep in mind that if your two tvs are 55 feet apart, then you are most likely going to have a long hdmi run for at least one of your displays. That might require a powered hdmi cable.

Ha, thats also changed too since my original post. I think Im going to return that 65" Samsung and get a projector. Your point still stands though, only they'll be about 10-15 feet closer.

Thanks!

[Krelldog1977]

Originally Posted by RWoods

Nice! Unfortunately that's going to be quite a bit more than I was planning on. I was trying to keep the audio somewhere around 1k to $1250 total. So the entry polk you reference, may sound perfectly fine to me.

For reference, when we built our home I got a 6.1 system for my living room. It's a Denon HTiB setup that was about $400-$500 total and have been perfectly happy with it. For the basement I was looking to go a little nicer without getting to out of control $ wise.

Thanks for your time, Happy New year to you too!

No problem my friend, enjoy the Celebration.

I picked out a pair of the polks you'll be interested in buying- have a blast!

http://www.polkaudio.com/products/rtia3

[Race Bannon]

I did a home theater in my finished basement project, and used affordable in-wall speakers from this website. They sound good! Spend your money on equipment and subwoofer, and start with in wall speakers to save money. These guys know how to get the quality components in there without spending for the name.

http://www.inwallstore.com/In_wall_s...FRdinAodIFpVpw

[onyxbfly]

If you like Polk speakers and the Polk store you should take a look at the Official Polk Direct Refurb Store. You can get a nice 3 channel set up for upfront and build the rest of the system over time.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RTi12-BLACK-...item35cfafa5c4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CSi5-BLACK-R...item35cf487587

For the amount of space that you are working with you will be well served with the speakers mentioned above.

If you can stretch your budget a lil further. This is a nice receiver that will run laps around any HTIB....http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardo...item461594be5f


I know I came in $100 over budget but I think its a pretty great starting point.

[Krelldog1977]

Originally Posted by Race Bannon

I did a home theater in my finished basement project, and used affordable in-wall speakers from this website. They sound good! Spend your money on equipment and subwoofer, and start with in wall speakers to save money. These guys know how to get the quality components in there without spending for the name.

http://www.inwallstore.com/In_wall_s...FRdinAodIFpVpw

Happy New Year!

I strongly disagree on your suggestions.

PLEASE Trust myself and Onyx's advice- go for the polks.

Save his money for equipment and Subwoofer?? That's poor advice, I'm sorry.

In ceiling speakers are for the desperate and better suited for an elevator. Using a sub with this would sound AWFUL. pure junk.

Go with the best polks you can afford, and build from there. And if you go with large polk towers there's no need for a subwoofer...a huge savings there,...unless you want the windows rattling a bit.

Cheers to all

[RWoods]

Whats your guys opinion of BIC America speakers?

http://www.bicamerica.com/

Are they quality?

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by RWoods

Whats your guys opinion of BIC America speakers?

http://www.bicamerica.com/

Are they quality?

They make good budget speakers. But I honestly think your best bet is to listen to different speaker brands in person. If you have a Best Buy, Fry's, etc near you try and listen to as many brands as possible. I can make suggestions all day, but it's your ears that will tell what type of sound you prefer.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by darkpoet25

They make good budget speakers. But I honestly think your best bet is to listen to different speaker brands in person. If you have a Best Buy, Fry's, etc near you try and listen to as many brands as possible. I can make suggestions all day, but it's your ears that will tell what type of sound you prefer.

I agree with this. Sound is relative. Whats good to me may not be good to you and vice verse.

A lot of the internet direct vendors will do free home auditions. The only caveat if you do not like them is you often have to pay to have them shipped back.

Keep in mind something that may sound good in the store may not sound good in your home, your listening environment, your room acoustics etc

I heard a few of the BIC subs. I was pleasantly surprised. They give a decent bang for their buck. I would only hope that their line of speakers would sound good as well.

BIC are known for their subwoofers. They have a strong history behind them.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by Krelldog1977

Happy New Year!

I strongly disagree on your suggestions.

PLEASE Trust myself and Onyx's advice- go for the polks.

Save his money for equipment and Subwoofer?? That's poor advice, I'm sorry.

In ceiling speakers are for the desperate and better suited for an elevator. Using a sub with this would sound AWFUL. pure junk.

Go with the best polks you can afford, and build from there. And if you go with large polk towers there's no need for a subwoofer...a huge savings there,...unless you want the windows rattling a bit.

Cheers to all

I concur. Whenever you settle you get less than what you settled for. I can not emphasize enough with going with a strong 2 or 3 channel system and building up as time allows.

With a 2 channel you can dial them in and create a phantom center. Rome was not built in a day only burned down in one. Do not burn your budget on something you may regret.

In ceiling speakers are good for surrounds. Think elevator music, just louder. Not for main listening. Adding a sub to the equation will only make you wish you had regular speakers.

[RWoods]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

I concur. Whenever you settle you get less than what you settled for. I can not emphasize enough with going with a strong 2 or 3 channel system and building up as time allows.

With a 2 channel you can dial them in and create a phantom center. Rome was not built in a day only burned down in one. Do not burn your budget on something you may regret.

In ceiling speakers are good for surrounds. Think elevator music, just louder. Not for main listening. Adding a sub to the equation will only make you wish you had regular speakers.

I think thats what im going to do. I'll run the needed wires for 5.1 before the drywall goes up, but probably only going to start with the fronts and receiver.

[onyxbfly]

Originally Posted by RWoods

I think thats what im going to do. I'll run the needed wires for 5.1 before the drywall goes up, but probably only going to start with the fronts and receiver.

Sounds like a plan. There is nothing wrong with starting out slow, and building a long the way!!!

[RWoods]

Originally Posted by onyxbfly

Sounds like a plan. There is nothing wrong with starting out slow, and building a long the way!!!

Yeah. Now I just got to find out what projector and screen I want.

My wife likes the idea of the motorized roll up/down screen model. I like the idea of a framed one sitting on the wall at all times.

Decisions decisions.

[Tok]

Originally Posted by RWoods

Yeah. Now I just got to find out what projector and screen I want.

My wife likes the idea of the motorized roll up/down screen model. I like the idea of a framed one sitting on the wall at all times.

Decisions decisions.

If you go with a motorized screen, I strongly recommend a tab-tensioned screen. Non-tensioned screens have a tendency to develop waves over time.

I previously had Optoma 92-in GreyWolf screen many years ago. I had waves with in a year. I upgraded to an Elite Cinetension II 100-in several years ago. I can't stress enough to avoid non-tensioned screens.