Reccomendations on surround sound/speaker (not too flash!)

[Fats25]

I have read this piece of the forum, and looks like I may be a bit out of my depth with what I am looking for, but will try anyway!

Currently I have the following:-

To replace
2 x Eltax 50 watt speakers
1 x Gale Subwoofer
1 x Gale Center speaker
1 x CD multiplayer
1 x Sony AV Amp (5.1 compatible only)

to keep
1 x PS3
1 x Sky HD box
1 x HD TV (only one HDMI Input - but I do have a splitter between Sky/PS3)


My idea is to get a wireless NAS storage device, and cut all my media to it - and get rid/store all of my media elsewhere. I will connect to it either through the PS3, or perhapes wireless to the amp from PC (if possible). Am looking to join the 21st century - but does not need to be too complex, and certainly not too costly. I will probably post more on the NAS device in the IT section.

For now I am looking to refresh the top list with something smaller, and sleaker.

Basically I do not have the room for the subwoofer behind the TV stand, the Mrs has said the TV needs to be flush to the wall for more space, and I understand everything has now moved to 7.1 technology anyway. Due to planning on getting the floor relaid over the summer, seems a perfect opportunity to get what I want, and manage the cables so they are no longer visible.

Am prepared to upgrade the amp if necessary, and can probably deal with this myself. It is more the speakers I am looking for recommendations on.

Can probably spend a maximum of £1000 including the Amp to give an idea of budget.

So I hand over to those in the know for a recommendation!

[VEX]

KEF and Onkyo for me at that budget.

If you have a little more, then Monitor Audio as a speaker pack.

V.

[Fats25]

Thanks for the reply - I think I may need to be a bit more specific re what I mean!

1) I see these little sets of speakers - I am sure they are good enough for watching TV - but come summer time when I want to listen to music in garden, will they be as good as what I have today?

2) Every subwoofer I see is huge! Are there any that are smaller? Do I need one? Can it sit by side of TV rather than behind it?

3) Are there smaller centre speakers as well?

I think I need to see the type of things available, and then determine the make, dependent on price.

[VEX]

Ok, here is a different idea.

When you buy your amp, make sure it has a second zone output.

Then you will be able to have music running outside, depending on the amp either with or without the speakers inside room.

V.

[rhinochopig]

http://www.anthonygallo.co.uk/clearance/

A set of these. Either these clearance items, or for a little more call Plotloss a call and get the Ti model.

The sound from them is very very impressive, and then when you factor in their size they really are astonishing little things.

[Fats25]

rhinochopig said:

http://www.anthonygallo.co.uk/clearance/

A set of these. Either these clearance items, or for a little more call Plotloss a call and get the Ti model.

The sound from them is very very impressive, and then when you factor in their size they really are astonishing little things.

They do look quite cool and about the size I was hoping for the speakers. However the subwoofer is still huge! Going back to my questions above re the subwoofer - is there any other option?

Also in this example would it be 2 x rears, 1 x centre, and 1 x left and 1 x right speaker included in the set? They all look the same!

[Bullett]

I have a set of these B&W MT25 around £1000 for the set.



The sub is under a small table in the right hand corner. Bass is not as directional as the other speakers so you can put it out of sight and it won't make a huge difference in a compromised space like a lounge.

[swiftpete]

If you want bass then you need a sub. The sub has to be big to do it's job. You can run without a sub, but I wouldn't recommend it with small lifestyle speakers like that. If you're prepared to run with floorstanders at the front then running without a sub is a bit more feasible. It's a compromise but if you really don't want a sub then you can do it. The subs you're pointing out aren't huge though. My twin subs are 7.5 feet high. They're on the large size. The ones you're on about aren't that big really.

[rhinochopig]

Fats25 said:

They do look quite cool and about the size I was hoping for the speakers. However the subwoofer is still huge! Going back to my questions above re the subwoofer - is there any other option?

Also in this example would it be 2 x rears, 1 x centre, and 1 x left and 1 x right speaker included in the set? They all look the same!

The subs aren't that big really, and unlike most at least are visually interesting. Ours is hidden alongside a chair out of the way.

The thing is, if you want decent bass you need a big speaker and enclosure really.

Yes as you describe re set-up. The speakers are all identical, which makes upgrading to 7.1 easier if you so wish. It's a shame you're in Kent or you could have come and have a listen to my set-up to see whether you like them.

You can also get a lovely stand for them.

[Fats25]

Thanks for the replies. Has give me some food for thought.

I had a little play with existing kit last night, and now understanding the sub is not "directional" I have moved the Sub to a location in corner of the room, allowing the TV to be pushed back against the wall. I cannot notice any difference in sound - and the Mrs is happier. Not so happy it has taken me 4 years to do this though!

I just need to figure out my NAS options for data, and how I am going to manage this, and then select myself an amp (will be nice to get HDMI output at last!) and then I can go ahead and get these small speakers.......

[Fats25]

Having spent the day sitting on the couch nursing a stinking hangover all day - I decided to do a bit more looking into what I require here. I have seen this speaker set -BOSE Acoustimass 10's or 15's - and it is perfect in looks for what I require. The sizing is perfect - and second hand is around £500ish.

I know from glancing at some AV forums today that Bose is not really recommended. Peoples opinions seem to be that Bose is advertised as being a BMW/Merc, and priced as a BMW/Merc, but is really a Kia/Daewoo and should be priced accordingly.

I am certainly not an audiophile, so the Korean car may be sufficient for my needs, but I don't really need to spend the money on the German car, if there are other options. So what other options with similar dimensions, and for comparison simlilar performance, for speakers are there on the market?

[the_ferret82]

i have recently upgrade my speakers from Yamaha to Celestion. i managed to get a very good deal i suggest checking out this site. http://www.hyperfi.co.uk/index.php

[Fats25]

I think I have made my mind up on the speakers.

Have found a brand new package of the Anthony Gallo Nucleus (5x speakers + 1 x subwoofer) for £700 which matches the refurb price earlier in the thread. With the flower pot stands (a pair) for £135. A bit more than I wanted to spend - but I cannot see anything better out there for my requirements (mainly decent sound, and tiny).

So now the question comes to the AV receiver. Am currently toying between these two:-

Onkyo TX-SR608
Denon AVR-1911

They both look "future proof" for me - i.e. they will both receive 3D signals. I suspect the Onkyo is slightly better (best price I have seen is £299) but the Denon looks better visually (best price I have seen is £269). What are the thoughts of the masses?

[Bullett]

I have a the Denon 1910 but was also considering whatever was the equivalent Onkyo model at the time.
Tried them both side by side with the same set of speakers and obviously preferred the Denon. Reasons, it sounded nicer overall If I recall I thought they both sounded good for movies but the Denon was better for music (it's a multi use system/room).

Either would have done the job for the budget. Your ears are the best decider if feature parity is ok.