Need help from the audio gods!

[dmo]

I'm in the beginning stages of building our home theater and want some advice from you guys. I've tried dividing up the budget in somewhat equal portions as for me video/audio/aesthetics are all equally important. I only have a budget of $2,000 for speakers AND a receiver. Since my budget is so limited I am thinking of simply going 2.1 for now and eventually upgrading my system to a 7.2 setup. My thinking is that quality is better than quantity and I'd rather have really good stereo than crappy surround.

I'm thinking of getting the following:
2 - PRO-10 Monitors
1 - CraigSUB(CS) 18.1
Pioneer Elite VSX-32

My room dimensions are 19'8"D x 13' W with 9' ceilings. Acoustic treatment will consist of 7 DIY panels. Use will consist of 50% Movies, 25% Gaming, 25% Sports.

What do you guys think? Please feel free to criticize my proposed setup and/or logic. I really want to have the best audio experience I can get for 2K.

I'm attaching the room layout in case it helps.

Thanks is advance,

[craigsub]

That would make for a fantastic system ... Depending on the price for the Pioneer Elite receiver, perhaps you could look at the VSX-1120K and add a 3rd PRO-10 for center channel use.

The 1120 can be had for around $500.

[fitzwaddle]

In addition to Craig's recommendation of the CHT center channel and 1120K, I'd add a couple Hsu HIW-1 in-walls for surround, cheap and I believe they'd match pretty well.

1120K - 500
3x PRO-10 - 960
2x HIW-1 - 299

(full disclosure: I have CHT speakers and the 1120K)

[dmo]

Thanks for the recommendation craigsub! I had not considered the VSX-1120K but from what I just read briefly it basically shares the same electronic components as the VSX-32 so it's already looking as a good option.

I know you may be a little biased since it is your product but I'll ask anyway...what about adding 3 cheap speakers to complete the 5.1 and then replacing them once I can afford the additional PRO-10s? I'd like your thoughts as to whether that would be a complete waste of money or not.

Appreciate your feedback.

[dmo]

Hey fitzwaddle, I appreciate the input. I noticed you neglected to add the sub in your recommendation. In your opinion, would I be better served going with 3 PRO-10 and 2 HIW-1 than a 3.1 setup?

[fitzwaddle]

I must confess that I'm not up to speed on all the current sub offerings out there, other than what I've read from others' impressions - lots of options (CHT, SVS, Elemental Designs, Rythmic, seem to be mentioned a lot), but I haven't had first hand experience with many of them. I've experienced the Hsu subs, and liked them.

For HT, most of the sound comes from the center channel, so its critical to invest there - don't go cheap on the center. For surrounds, they really are just there to support the front stage L/C/R, and for effects, so less critical, but still needed IMHO. I got a great deal on the CHTs all around (7), so I went with that - before I found that deal, I was strongly considering those Hsu HIW-1 in-walls for surround (x4) - I demoed them at Hsu's office, since they are local, and liked them a lot. They also match up well with their bookshelves (same design), so those would be another option for your LCR if your budget needs trimming.

[dmo]

hmm now I'm confused

Now with the announcement of the WAF-3s I'm confused on what to get. I was starting to lean toward a 3.1 system as Craig recommended. With the first batch of WAF-3s out at $60 a pop what about a 7.2 system?

Both setups are very different I realize but what would give me the best overall sound experience?

First Option:
Seven (7) WAF-3s and Two CS-10.2 subs

Second Option:
3 Pro-10s and a CraigSUB(CS) 18.1

[craigsub]

DMO - The WAF-3's are great little speakers, but not a PRO-10. I would go with the better fronts now. In the future, you can always get more speakers for the back.

[tesseract]

Dmo, welcome to the forum. :salute:

You have a really nice room based on what I see. Craig is correct, do the better fronts in that size of room, especially with your plans to grow in the future. The WAF-3's are a (the) great alternative to a HTIB. But you are looking to exceed that performance in a room such as yours, a serious reference level HT experience. Correct?

Another thing to examine here, since you have such a wonderful space, think about moving your seating off the back wall a bit, and leave room for the front stage (L/C/R) to breathe as well.

If you can, consider bringing your listening position 3-5 ft. off the back wall, then plant your L/C/R's about 3-5 feet off the front wall.

Experiment with final placement within these boundaries. This will give you plenty of room to dial in and lock the speakers/room for best results!

[sbdman]

Now with the announcement of the WAF-3s I'm confused on what to get. I was starting to lean toward a 3.1 system as Craig recommended. With the first batch of WAF-3s out at $60 a pop what about a 7.2 system?

Both setups are very different I realize but what would give me the best overall sound experience?

First Option:
Seven (7) WAF-3s and Two CS-10.2 subs

Second Option:
3 Pro-10s and a CraigSUB(CS) 18.1

If it were my choice, I'd go with your second option without a doubt. The Pro-10s will give you a very nice sound stage, and the 18.1 I believe will give you a better bottom end performance without sacrificing tightness.

My disclaimer - don't have the Pro-10s, but with the posts on this and another forum (especially MKtheater's experience with them), they are nothing short of amazing, both in imaging and efficiency (they put out a lot of sound without a lot of power needed).

The 1120 should be just right for this setup, the only thing you might miss is the VSX's 2 year waranty, otherwise, near identical performance.

[craigsub]

DMO ... We have nine PRO-10 "B" stock available for $250 each.

Products like this will typically be on the forum, and not the website.

I saw them Tuesday, and they look good. A couple of minor scuffs on them, which can actually be touched up easily.

Let's round the CS-18.1 series 2 to $750. Now you would be looking at $1500 for the front stage and subwoofer. :)

[Matman1970]

DMO ... We have nine PRO-10 "B" stock available for $250 each.

Products like this will typically be on the forum, and not the website.

I saw them Tuesday, and they look good. A couple of minor scuffs on them, which can actually be touched up easily.

Let's round the CS-18.1 series 2 to $750. Now you would be looking at $1500 for the front stage and subwoofer. :)

I would jump on this deal with great abandon if I were you.:)

[dmo]

Nice Craigsub! I'm sold on the 3.1 based on your offer so count me in. How do I purchase the sub at that price with the 3 Pro-10 "B"s? I'm assuming you can PM me or have access to my email. Let me know how to move forward.

Thanks!

[dmo]

Dmo, welcome to the forum. :salute:

You have a really nice room based on what I see. Craig is correct, do the better fronts in that size of room, especially with your plans to grow in the future. The WAF-3's are a (the) great alternative to a HTIB. But you are looking to exceed that performance in a room such as yours, a serious reference level HT experience. Correct?

Another thing to examine here, since you have such a wonderful space, think about moving your seating off the back wall a bit, and leave room for the front stage (L/C/R) to breathe as well.

If you can, consider bringing your listening position 3-5 ft. off the back wall, then plant your L/C/R's about 3-5 feet off the front wall.

Experiment with final placement within these boundaries. This will give you plenty of room to dial in and lock the speakers/room for best results!

Thanks for the tips tesseract. I've been hearing a lot of advice on moving the seating off the wall and also going down to 3 seats due to the width of my room. How would you go about placing the LCRs 3-5 feet of the front wall? Are you thinking they'd go on mounts or on the floor? I'd definitely be open to that as long as the aesthetics of the room are not too compromised.

[craigsub]

Nice Craigsub! I'm sold on the 3.1 based on your offer so count me in. How do I purchase the sub at that price with the 3 Pro-10 "B"s? I'm assuming you can PM me or have access to my email. Let me know how to move forward.

Thanks!

Call 877-893-2551 and tell the guys I sent ya, and for them to look at this thread if they have not seen it already. :biglaugh: