Looking for 2.1 setup

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Monkeypillow

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I'm in the market for a good 2.1 speaker setup, with the flexibility to be expanded to 5.1 later on. I don't really know what to choose, so I'm asking for opinions.

For fronts:
The AV123 ELT525M Mini Monitors look like a possible choice.
I've seen the Usher 520s recommended here many times.

For a sub:
Bic Acoustech H-100

For a receiver:
I have no idea.

This could be upgraded later on, but I'm looking for a solid foundation to build on.

Thanks for the help.
 
the Panasonic XR-57(best sound imo), Yamaha 363, Pioneer 518? is a good choice for a receiver. everything else you have is fine too.
 
oh and the av123 speakers are great for everything too. tossup b/w them and the 520s. can't go wrong either way.
 
Alright, I'll keep an eye out for used ELT525Ms.

Spaceman, you've recommended me a Dayton subwoofer from PartsExpress, would that be as good as the BIC, or is the BIC worth the extra cost?

I'll keep the receiver recommendations in mind. If I could find one used, I'd really like a Rotel, just because I like how they look.
 
Rotel is great but $$! for one of their surround receivers. I mean, spending $600 at least for a used one seems a bit out of you budget?

Anyway, the Dayton and bic are really close in a small room. The 10" dayton will be fine in a small room. The 12" for a larger room. I always say get as big a sub as possible though. I love the BIC V-1520.

What is your budget and how much is the Rotel you are looking at? If you can spend more and like good looking gear, then av123 is a very good start. They also sell D3non for fair prices. You could just call them up and do it all in one go. Make SURE that everything that you order from them is in stock and shipping asap though. They have a bit of trouble keeping up with demand.
 
I tried the 12" Dayton before buying a BIC H-100. No contest. The BIC smoked the Dayton. I love how deep, yet clear, the BIC's bass sounds/feels. If you can afford the extra $$, the BIC is well worth it.
 
Mr. Wolf said:
I tried the 12" Dayton before buying a BIC H-100. No contest. The BIC smoked the Dayton. I love how deep, yet clear, the BIC's bass sounds/feels. If you can afford the extra $$, the BIC is well worth it.
Click to expand...

Yeah. It goes Dayton entry level, BIC, AV123 for subs as you go up the ladder in price. SVS and some others for above $1000.

Dayton also has much more expensive subs but I have not heard them. That BIC V-1520 is a 15" for $250. Pretty much the deal atm.
 
spaceman said:
Rotel is great but $$! for one of their surround receivers. I mean, spending $600 at least for a used one seems a bit out of you budget?

Anyway, the Dayton and bic are really close in a small room. The 10" dayton will be fine in a small room. The 12" for a larger room. I always say get as big a sub as possible though. I love the BIC V-1520.

What is your budget and how much is the Rotel you are looking at? If you can spend more and like good looking gear, then av123 is a very good start. They also sell D3non for fair prices. You could just call them up and do it all in one go. Make SURE that everything that you order from them is in stock and shipping asap though. They have a bit of trouble keeping up with demand.
Click to expand...

Yeah, Rotel's out of my budget, I just really like their case designs. I really should be concerned more with sound, though. And as always, I can upgrade later.

spaceman said:
Yeah. It goes Dayton entry level, BIC, AV123 for subs as you go up the ladder in price. SVS and some others for above $1000.

Dayton also has much more expensive subs but I have not heard them. That BIC V-1520 is a 15" for $250. Pretty much the deal atm.
Click to expand...

I'll give the V-1520 a look. My bedroom is ~195 square feet, so it may be overkill.

I just want to buy good equipment the first time around so I'm not itching to upgrade immediately.
 
It looks as though Rotel receivers do not have a headphone output. That's something I'll need, so I guess Rotel won't work.
 
The Panasonic XR-57 is the best bang for the buck receiver. In terms of sound quality and durability, there are no questions beyond VERY picky people, comparing it to a much more expensive receiver or dac, saying that the female vocals are a bit tilted.

With av123, the warranty is golden and you have 30 days to try them. They pay shipping BOTH ways if you decide to pass on them. Small bedroom? Ok, cool. Get the 10" BIC or something you like that is space sensitive that you can fit under the desk or under the bed.
 
Alright. It looks like the XR-57 would be a great choice. Any particular place you recommend buying from?

Would the V-1520 be overkill for ~195 square feet? I know volume affects it too, and I've got vaulted ceilings (about 10 or 11 feet).
 
The XR-57 are great, I only wish my speakers weren't so bright to begin with.

If you like a warm sound Pioneer Elite amps and mid-range Denons should be in your price range.
 
Yeah but if he gets the ushers or 525s there should be no issue with brightness.
 
I don't want to start another "Help with 2.1 Speakers, etc, etc" so I'll just ask here. Alright I was looking at headphones, but I don't think I want to use them all the time just to get surround sound; I mean I game a lot at night and use regular headphones and my ears hurt quite a bit after 2 hours. If headphones is the way to go over a 2.1 speaker and more comfortable then yeah I'll go that route! I need help though. I have no clue as to how to "make" a 2.1 set up. Like buying parts separately to make a solid system. My other option would be to get the Sony HTCT100's but those don't have any headphone jack inputs I could use (for regular headphones). So confused....I don't know what to do. I've heard mixed things about the Sony and I have had no experience with headphones or making a speaker set up. Help would be much appreciated!

Thanks, One2The3
 
It might be easiest if you just start another thread. We'll need to know your budget and so forth. Any reactions to threads you've read on the topic will help since we will get a head start.
 
spaceman said:
Yeah but if he gets the ushers or 525s there should be no issue with brightness.
Click to expand...

The Ushers look very promising, and the XR57 should drive them well enough, but I really, really like the wood finish of the 525s. Can anyone attest to the quality of the finish?

Realistically, I think I'd be very happy with either one.

Edit: I know that the XR57 has been specifically recommended, but spaceman has also mentioned the Pioneer 1018, which is gorgeous. Am I gaining anything other than looks with the 1018 over the XR57? Even if I'm not, I'm tempted to get it anyway simply because it looks so good.
 
Monkeypillow said:
The Ushers look very promising, and the XR57 should drive them well enough, but I really, really like the wood finish of the 525s. Can anyone attest to the quality of the finish?

Realistically, I think I'd be very happy with either one.

Edit: I know that the XR57 has been specifically recommended, but spaceman has also mentioned the Pioneer 1018, which is gorgeous. Am I gaining anything other than looks with the 1018 over the XR57? Even if I'm not, I'm tempted to get it anyway simply because it looks so good.
Click to expand...
I agree that the Pioneer 1018 looks nice and is probably a better overall unit than the XR57. Some of the perks I love about the XR57 are: low profile (4" vs. 7" high for 1018), dual digital amps, lighter weight (largely due to the amps); the XR57 weighs only about 14 lbs. vs. the 1018's 30 lbs. The 1018 costs over $200 more than the XR57, too.

I suggest buying the XR57 from Amazon. Try it for 30 days then return it if you're not happy. Amazon has the best return policy on the web
 
Mr. Wolf said:
I agree that the Pioneer 1018 looks nice and is probably a better overall unit than the XR57. Some of the perks I love about the XR57 are: low profile (4" vs. 7" high for 1018), dual digital amps, lighter weight (largely due to the amps); the XR57 weighs only about 14 lbs. vs. the 1018's 30 lbs. The 1018 costs over $200 more than the XR57, too.

I suggest buying the XR57 from Amazon. Try it for 30 days then return it if you're not happy. Amazon has the best return policy on the web
Click to expand...

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a digital amp? Apparently the XR57 has two of them. $200 dollars more really isn't an issue if I like it more and will get more use out of it. The extra HDMI inputs and TrueHD and DTS Master are big positives as well.

Anyone know of the headphone out quality of either unit?
 
Both have good headphone outs. Digital amps, well, that is a little complicated but it is basically new tech which runs cooler and is more efficient.

The 1018 is the deal if you can afford it though. I would take it over the XR-57 yes.
 
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