(Part 2) Top products from r/Zeos

> I think I would like them wall mounted but in the back 2 top corners of the room. That way they are minimal and out of the way. Is that possible? Is one way "better" than another?

Ideally, they are placed like this, with the tweeters of the speaker being 2ft-3ft above the listener. If you want to wall mount near the top corners of the rear wall, that's fine, just not ideal.

> I'll get a center channel. I hear it's better for dialogue?

90% of the time, the difference 2.0 vs 3.0 is inaudible if just 1-2 seats in front of the tv, if you have 4+ seating, then the people at the edge will hear a difference. Also, sometimes you get a movie or tv show that was mixed poorly, so the ability to alter the dialogue level is helpful. So I'll put together a L/C/R option.

Receiver: Denon X1300 normally $600 with usually going down to $500, but it just recently (last week) went down to $400. It features Audyssey's MultEQ XT and is also the lowest priced Denon model that will get Dolby Vision and HLG support. HLG is a royalty free HDR format and is very likely what the tv industry and cable companies will use.

Fronts: two options:

• Option #1: SVS Prime bookshelf + center for $850 (don't pay the extra $150 for the other color). Take note the price for bookshelves is for 1 speaker, so your order should be for 2 of them and 1 center.
  
  
• Option #2: HTD Level Three bookshelves + center for $565-$626 shipped. These are front ported, so they don't need to be >1ft away from a wall like the SVS. Also, I feel these will be better for home theater while the SVS is better for music, the flared ribbon tweeter of the HTD will spread the sound out more, where a soft dome like the SVS is very directional, so it won't be as good for a decent sized seating area.
  
  Subwoofer: will depend on which fronts you get.
  
  
• If Option #1: SVS PB-1000 for $500, if you want specs, here's the product page.
  
  
• If Option #2:
  
  • SVS PB-2000 for $800
    
  • Rythmik 15" servo for $1000, while it'll go over $2000 total if you get this, this is a monstrosity and is well worth it. Here is Zeos' review, if you have speakers (car, headphones, etc.) that have good bass, watch this part.
    
    Surrounds:
    
    
• Option A: Sound Appeal 6.5 for $70, also get the mounting bracket shown/labeled in the photos, it's like $15.
  
  
• Option B: Kanto Ben for $90-$100, they use a specific screw size and their mounting bracket is $20.
  
  Speaker Wire: Good speaker wire (<18 gauge and oxygen free) is cheap, here is 100ft.
  
  Banana plugs: While not needed, it makes things easier to connect the speaker wire to the speakers and receiver. I don't think the surrounds will be able to fit them when against the wall, so that is 8 pairs (5 pairs on receiver and 3 pairs for front speakers). For <$13, get two orders of these. If you don't know how they connect, like this.
  
  Subwoofer connection: You need an RCA cable, ideally one specified as a "subwoofer cable" as it is better shielded. Just search on Amazon and choose between the AmazonBasics and the MediaBridge ones and the length you want.

Hey Zeos! Not sure if this is quite the right thread for this, but thanks to you for the past several months I have been the proud owner of a Fluance SX-6 and Dayton SUB-1200 home entertainment audio system. I think it sounds great, and the SUB-1200 appears to be on a huge sale right now, so I was looking to get the same setup for my vinyl collection upstairs. As I was looking on amazon to find the sx-6, I came across this set of speakers which includes a center channel for not much more money whatsoever. Do you have any experience with that set? I certainly have the room in this vinyl collection room for a center channel, but I don't want to sacrifice the great quality of the SX-6s for a little more value.

Yeah, so gross-looking, especially compared to the SA50/60. Ruled out the SA50 because it only has one input; the SA60 though has a 3.5 input on the front. Don't want to buy entirely on looks, but at the same time, that Monoprice thing is an eyesore.

The game-changer for me though was discovering that, using the RCA out from my TV, I could just set the volume of the amp to 30% (tested with the Leipai currently being used in my office) and control the level the TV is outputting to the amp. So remote no longer necessary, as long as I'm running RCA into the amp.

The 4 inputs on the Q5 are nice, but 3 are digital (USB, opitcal and coax), so I wouldn't be able to have the TV hooked up and a separate input for my wife's mp3 player. Maybe I'll just go SA60 and call it a day-- that Q5 looked like a lot of fun in your review though, it would be cool to throw an old laptop into my setup and use the Q5 as a DAC, just for fun.

Just bought some BS-22s for my sister (they were $60/pair for like 20 minutes last weekend on Amazon) so she can have a 2-channel setup with her TV in her small apartment. Was going to get her a Leipai to drive them, but her TV has optical out only (weird, no?), so now I'm looking for something comparably priced with a remote is this my winner?

Quick update. Speakers are all set, and they sound pretty good. I'm not an expert, and have nothing to compare them to, but I'd say that I got a good deal for $120. Dialogue in movies is nice and crisp, and the mids are quite nice too. I'm very pleased with my first foray into home theater.

Most definitely not returning them!

Thanks again for your help. I'm now looking for a decent sub and a center.

What are your thoughts on the Panasonics Pioneers?

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-C22-Designed-Channel-Speaker/dp/B008NCD2EI/

and for the sub
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SW-8MK2-Designed-100-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B008NCD2PC/

Edit: Pioneer, not Panasonic

I have been putting together a 5.1 system, and was wondering if you would be able to take a look at it! Maybe something you would recommend other than what is here. This set up is a little more than I wanted to spend, but from what I have read about each piece, it seems to be worth it. Any advice is appreciated!


Denon S500BT


BIC America F12


Micca MB42X Center


Micca MB42X BookShelf


Fluance AVBP2 Surround


A few questions I have:

• Are the Fluance dedicated rear speakers worth the extra 50 bucks over 4 of the Micca bookshelf speakers?
  
  
• Is the Micca center speaker a recommended speaker? I didn't see it listed in the OP, but I found it while searching through amazon, and figured that matching the front two speakers was a good idea.
  
  
• I was also looking into the Denon E300, but I don't see any advantages over the S500BT - any advice?
  
  
• What other things will I need to complete this system? Some speaker cable for sure, do I need a sub cord or any banana plugs? It doesn't look the S500 uses plugs, but I figured I would ask.

Thank you Zeos for the RBH R5BIR video review (btw, link missing on this page currently). In that video you mentioned setting the crossover in your receiver but what about those that don't have this capability?

I have an Emotiva PT-100 stereo preamp. I don't believe the PT-100 has that capability (unless I'm mistaken). Is there an alternate solution for this? Perhaps something like the Behringer Super-X Pro Cx2310 or one of the Rolls crossovers (SX21 or SX45)? But for lower end equipment is this even worth it? Perhaps a cheaper solution is available? Or, by "just deal with it" should I conclude that bass management is simply not a thing for stereo-only systems?

Anyway, thanks for the video. If you have any video or material that covers setting the crossover point in your receiver (primarily covering what you do in situations where your electronics doesn't support it) I'd definitely be interested to see it.

Hi Zeos,

Thanks for putting this guide together. I just moved into my new home and have used this exclusively to put together my living room sound system. Here's what I've decided on and am close to pulling the trigger:

• Denon AVR-S500BT receiver
  
• (4) Micca MB42X Bookshelf Speakers
  
• Micca MB42X-C Center Channel Speaker
  
• Dayton Audio SUB-1000 10-Inch 100 Watt Powered Subwoofer
  
  From the looks of it, those above components should get me a nice sounding living room without going overboard. Now to my question, I notice that the Micca MB42's don't have any mounting holes in the back. I was looking into buying some speaker stands and saw the Atlantics were pretty popular on Amazon, would those be OK for the Micca's? Or do you have any experience with speaker stands? Thanks in advance.

Hey Zeo, could you go over my first set-up and see if everything would work together? Here's what I got so far:

Behringer UAC202 DAC

Sherwood RX-4109 105 Watt Stereo Receiver - Any opinion on this? It seems really good for the price but seems like a gamble from what I read.

Pioneer BS22 - I've heard the BS22s are very power hungry which is why I decided the above receiver would be a good match for it.

From my understanding it would go something like this:

Laptop <--DAC <--RCA--> Sherwood Receiver --> BS22

Is that correct? And would I benefit significantly from purchasing a subwoofer?

I'm still rocking a 60 gig, gen 2 ipod from back in the day. It holds a charge for a solid 30 min. Just don't forgot to plug it before the battery dies, as it will get stuck in a boot loop on reboot. If that happens, no worries, it'll eventually turn on again for reasons unknown to me.

Here are some pics with a quarter for scale:

Back (60gb) -
Front -
Side

But now the true INSANITY of the setup. I rock that ancient artifact with these babies. Standard issue, free at seminar, google IEMs. The replaced my exclusive American Red Cross earbuds. This abominable marriage, accompanied with the most excellent 50gigs of 96kbps mp3s, is my running setup. Sometimes it gets weird.

But seriously now, I think these giveaways are cool. I have pretty decent mid level headphone setup for my nice, quiet, critical listening times. I've been looking to venture out of the headphones into stereo setups a little bit, so it's cool that those monitors are the giveaway for this contest!

As far as next months giveaway, I think an amp like this would be pretty cool. Also, I don't know how anyone else would feel about this, but have you thought about giving away software at all? Maybe a few copies of dBpoweramp would be cool. Shipping would obviously be easy, too.

Swan and Hivi are great but hard to find. If you can get that M50w setup for $200 it is probably worth it.

Your alternative at $200 is a set of these Teac's and an SA50. I have just gotten those speakers recently and haven't finished the review yet. They are an AMAZING set at that price. Better than the micca's.

Wiring isn't hard. Here is how it goes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEimPBW37IA

I got the [Audiosource AMP-100] (http://amzn.to/19s6LzN) to drive four of these Monoprice [6-1/2 Inches In-Wall / In-Ceiling Speakers] (http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=7607). I've got them wired in parallel hooked to channel A for 4 ohm and even at max volume, they're at a comfortable background music level. When I hook them to my receiver, they behave as I'd expect and are much much louder.

I need to test it driving one pair of speakers at 8 ohm each instead of parallel, but I only expect that to be twice as loud. I should also test wiring both pairs to A and B to see how that does, but wiring is simpler w/ the speakers wired series or parallel at the wall.

Could I connect A and B on the amp in parallel and run it to the pairs of speakers that are also wired in parallel? It seems like this is what A+B mode would be because the device says it'll support 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers, but requires 8 ohm when you use A+B mode.

Or is the Audiosource AMP-100 expecting a stronger signal than my [AVR-3313CI] (http://usa.denon.com/us/product/HomeTheater/AVReceiversHT/AVR3313CI) is putting out?

Hey Zeos, thanks for the post, as always.

I'm looking for desktop 2.0 setup, and already have the Fiio E10.

Would SMSL SA-50 and Fluance SX6 (now available in UK, yay!) work with it (and together)?


Btw sorry for not using your affiliate links. I would, if you managed to include them somewhere here, if it's worth your time :)

Also, I assume I should use the 3.5mm to 2RCA with the E10?

Thanks

Hey Zeos. Thanks for making this awesome subreddit. If I hadn't stumbled on to here I might have gone with a HTiB.
So now that you've inspired me to get surround sound how does this set up look to you.

The room is aprox. 18ft long and 15ft wide. I also use a projector.

Receiver: Denon AVR E300

Subwoofer: Bic America F12

Bookshelfs: Fluance SX6-BK

Center & rear: Fluance SX Series Center Channel & Surround Sound Speakers - http://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Series-Channel-Surround-Speakers/dp/B009ZTGZOC/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=1GXRGZXZ1TEV7RDXKSGD

Will this setup work in a room of my size?

Is there anything I should switch out? (my budget is: the cheaper the better)

Is there a set up guide you could refer me to?

Are the center and rears I linked to sufficient?


It may be worth noting that I've only used the tv speakers/projector speaker. Never legit audio equipment.
Also I have no music needs, this is only for tv/movies & video games.
Thanks for your help man, I would be lost without these guides!

I am looking to setup my first home theater system want to start out with 2.0 then eventually expand to a 5.1 setup. Just want to get some inputs. Thank you for the help.

receiver is this a decent receiver or should I spend a bit more for a receiver?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017AECEJI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00



Speakers (having a hard time deciding between these 3)
very slightly leaning towers pioneer just cause I would want to get tower version and move bookshelf ones to the back. How does these 3 compare. I mainly will use it for movies and some music.

energy RC10
https://shop2.frys.com/product/7777388?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NCD2LG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008NCD2LG&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Fluance SX6-BK

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IEDL8EM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

Thanks so much for this review, Zeos. Very very happy for the heads up about these quirrrrrrks.

Would love to see you check this one out: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0073WTG6M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1KQRE5VTGP4IB&coliid=I14W5IFQGWGKMV

Sound quality is probably not there....but if the remote works better than SMSL then it could be a contender for the soundbar killer (the price is right at least).

I'm suspecting that those who would hear a difference in SQ between the two would be going for the refurb Denon on A4L anyway (size be damned!) I haven't heard Lepai though.

Awesome!! Thanks man.

In your video review of the SX6's you mention that they don't have a matching center, but in your write up you link these.

Just wanted to double check that the center and surround would match with the bookshelves. Thanks again Zeos!!

Following your guidance, and in accordance to my budget, I came across the following AVR and Speakers. I was wondering your quick thoughts on them? I have been using my tv to accept all the HDMI inputs from my DVR, Xbox One, PS3, etc, but I also have a decade old HTiB that just doesn't cut shit anymore. Thanks!

Zeos I wasn't sure if this is the best thread to ask but I will ask anyway. I am going to be ordering a Denon x2000 to replace an old Onkyo R1 receiver. The only drawback of the Denon is the lack of a phono pre-amp. I have found this pre-amp http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-PP400-BEHRINGER-MICROPHONO/dp/B000H2BC4E/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8 not sure if you have tested this or any phono pre-amps and if so if you have any recommendations? If it means anything my turntable is my dads from I believe the 70's, a Pioneer PL-530.
Again thank you, you have been such a huge help

Two questions, im currently using audio techinca m40x's and was wondering if Shure 840's are worth the upgrade?

also im looking for something that will make my headphones louder while on a budget, my laptop seems to play them real low even at max volume, is this guy a good choice? what would you recommend in that price range that also must have a mic port

Thanks. Another question:

Do "subwoofer cables" such as this or this give extra benefit or is it just a gimmick? If they do, I guess I need to buy them in pairs right if I use them with Dayton subs from Amp?

Can you recommend a good set of 5.1 or 7.1 speakers to go with the 675?

Actually, since this post I was looking at these 2 receivers:

(1) http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-PTAE8000U-1080p-Projector-Model/dp/B009DNXS0Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411167692&sr=1-1&keywords=PT-AE8000

(2) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F144HYA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F144HYA&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Not sure if that affects the answer on the speakers...

What are your thoughts on the new series of Denon receivers for 2013? I was looking at a Denon 1613 for $329, but stumbled across the Denon E300 (which is, according to what I can find, the replacement unit for the 1613) for $399. For factory refurbs from A4L the price difference looks to be about $249 to $215

The main differences appear to be increased wattage per channel and a more updated suite of web functionality (smartphone remote apps, Spotify, etc). Despite this, neither unit has wireless internet connectivity out of the box. Whether it would end up costing an extra $70 or possibly $35, is the 'updated' variant worth the extra money in this case?

I got these make sure to check the dimensions of the speakers before you pick which one to get. These stands are rubber mounted to absorb alot of the vibration the speaker would send to a desk. They really do make a clear difference.

I have m-audio bx5, Fiio E10, RCA Female jack to 1/4" and Subwoofer Cable ...my speaker doesnt use speaker wire and some subwoofers doesnt have RCA out... how should i connect this to the sub..?

I currently dont have specific sub woofer in mind...but going to get in distant future.. (maybe Dayton Audio SUB-1000?)

Thanks.

I ordered the peachtree after quite a few articles I read said that you can connect an external dac to your iPhone if the dac is externally powered. I will give you an update on how it sounds!

I measured my ear vs tweeter height and it looks like i need to bring my speakers up about 8 or 9 inches. Do you have a recommendation for a short desk speaker stand? Here is one that keeps popping up when I search. Any thoughts?

Good stands?Click Here

Alright, I decided on

Projector: http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-HD25e-3D-Home-Theater-Projector/dp/B00E19RFFO

Screen: http://www.ebay.com/itm/92-Panoview-Graywolf-II-Home-Theater-Projector-Screen-/130375719111

Receiver: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZP72MU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004ZP72MU&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Central, Left, and Right Speaker: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NCD2EI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008NCD2EI&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Shelf: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NCD2LG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008NCD2LG&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Rear: http://www.fluance.com/product/Fluance_XLBP_Wide_Dispersion_Bipolar_Surround_Sound_Speakers.eng-111.html

Subwoofer: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015A8Y5M/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0015A8Y5M&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Does that all sound right for a 7.1?

SVS SB1000 a good match for Airmotiv 6s nearfield? Currently have an XDA-2 and I'd buy a Behringer for crossover. My rooms 11x13.

What do you think of the Harman Kardon Recievers?

What do you think about the Syba DAC in this gizmo? http://www.amazon.com/Syba-Stereo-Headphone-Amplifier-SD-DAC63057/dp/B009WN7QT4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Hmm yeah the remote is a dealbreaker. I guess I'll be making room for a receiver.

The AudioSource AMP-100 has no remote capabilities, correct? I'd really prefer something in this kind of formfactor but it seems those are never going to include a remote.

I may have to go with the Yamaha R-S201BL then..

edit: what do you think about the TEAC AH01? http://www.amazon.com/Teac-AH01-S-Stereo-Amplifier-Converter/dp/B00647G78M/ref=sr_1_30?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1416461758&sr=1-30&keywords=mini+stereo+receiver

If I grab the BIC America F12 will I need anything other than this to connect the F12 to my A2+'s?

The more I looked at them. Those speakers are surround speakers. The speakers below are the front ones for that make... So what do you think about those ones.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IEDL8EM/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1WPEQCN6WJKZG

FYI, on 6/11 I bought that Denon 1613 when the price was $285, Amazon shows that there are several in stock for $329, but they keep emailing me telling me that it's out of stock.

I got all my new Klipsch Reference speakers hooked up last night to my old Onkyo 5.1 receiver for the time being and now I think I'm gonna cancel my order for that Denon and pick up a 7.1 receiver instead.