Looking for advice on a baasement TV/sound system setup

Killjoy said:
IME, the TV isn't even 1/2 of the total setup cost.
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This right here. Realistically, the TV will probably be one of the "cheaper" components in the entire system, assuming the whole setup is done right. For a home theater to work, it has to remain faithful to what a movie theater does, provide an immersive audible and visual experience. The majority of people out there buy the biggest, baddest TV they can, then skimp really hard on the audio, as if it's an afterthought. I see all too often a $1,500+ TV set with a $200 HTIB (home theater in a box) providing sound duties. These HTIB setups do not by any means provide an immersive experience. They almost always consist of tiny speakers that would be better suited to a much smaller environment, such as a desktop PC. You need something that movies air, that punches you in the chest and makes your couch rumble during those heavy action scenes. The only thing a HTIB has on it's side is convenience, but carefully selecting your receiver/processor, amps, and speakers will make for a much, much better experience. It doesn't have to break the bank either. There are lots of good manufacturers that make nice lower cost speakers. Companies like Polk, Infinity, Klipsch, Wharfedale, Boston Acoustics, JBL, Elac, and Pioneer, all offer decent speakers for very good prices.
 
Well, I'm almost ready for the tv\sound system part of the basement. Anyone have anything decent for sale. Looking for a 2.1 system or comparable for entertaining downstairs. ...
 
I wanted to revive an old thread as opposed to making another...

I ended up going with a 60' Vizio TV in my basement. Its been down there for a couple years and is great. I'm in the planning stage for surround sound. So far I am between a few things

LG has a nice 5.1 or 7.1 Bluetooth soundbar system with rear speakers. Its about $500

OR

I will do the AV receiver and wire in speakers. Without blowing a ton of cash, what are your thoughts on this:
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR373-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B06XVGCBZ4

Are there any better options for the money?

Also, looking for recommendations on speaker choice as well.
 
I have some Monoprice in-wall speakers (5.1) with a powered 12" sub in my basement with an Onkyo receiver and I'm really happy with the way it sounds.
 
If you are only thinking of going for a 5.1 surround (that is what I run and it sounds fine) then you could probably get something used for less. Having the built in HDMI and Bluetooth will probably end up costing you more though. I have never listened to Onkyo but they seem pretty adequate from what I have read. Spend a few bucks on decent speakers and a subwoofer - usually the nicer Klipsch stuff sounds good and you don't need a ton of power to get it loud. Subwoofers work nice in home theater setups too. Rel just came out with a home theater line that is actually pretty reasonable.

But generally the answer to a question like this is "How much money you got?"

-Geoff
 
I am in a similar situation, in my old house I had a sony 5.1 surround system that I like for tv but not as much for music. Now my new living room is bigger and I am considering just putting the sony in the garage and going with a new one for the house.
 
I would do the dedicated receiver and 5.1 or 7.1 setup over a soundbar w/ surround speakers.

Best Buy usually has great deals on equipment around Black Friday. For the past 2-3 years they have sold their Klipsch speakers for half off, except for the center channel speaker (thats how they get you lol).

I waited and bought my entire Klipsch setup (minus subs) for about $8xx out the door. Thats two R-28F dual 8" floor speakers, two R-15M bookshelfs and 1 R-25C center channel.

The subs are half off too. I have two of their older Reference 12" subs and they fucking rock; I feel like im in a club when I crank the volume.
 
With regard to the receiver selection, I think it comes down to budget and how long you expect the receiver to remain useful. HDMI switching is a must IMO, but you need to be careful on the details -- is it only 1080p switching or 4k, and if only 1080p, how long before you may upgrade your TV to 4k making this receiver useless? HDMI/HDCP versions, # of inputs, 3D pass through support, do you need analog to HDMI conversion in the receiver, etc. Keep in mind most flat screen TVs only last, what, 4 years or so, before either breaking beyond repair or the owner wanting bigger/better. So in 2 years, do you see yourself replacing that TV with a 4K or 1080p? (I think most would say 4k.) That receiver is also fairly basic, which is fine (esp for a basement), but it's not going to be able to the more sophisticated automation things... like triggering an external amp to turn on/off as the TV/receiver is. Or Apple AirPlay. Or, or, or... Probably not a big deal. Surround sound codecs get updated annually, so I would check support vs. your need... but that's probably OK too given the price point. I personally prefer Denon or Pioneer over Onkyo, but it's fine and competitive with the other two's model at the same price points. Onkyo receivers generally run very hot, so you'll need to ensure adequate ventilation if you plan to put it in any type of rack or cabinet.

No simple answer on speakers. You need to audition several to gain an appreciation for the sound you like. You also need to factor in the environment -- e.g. if you're looking to do a modern/clean wall mount of the L/C/R front speakers along side the TV, then certain brands are good for that, and others aren't. The visual qualities of the speakers also come to play then too. Budget factors heavily since I would go with cheaper mains if it meant affording a good sub, but really, better would be to have a solid 5.1. But you can also spend a couple grand on a single sub alone. In my living room HT setup, I have a single 18" driver ($1000) in a nice furniture grade wood cabinet that looks like an end table ($1000) being driven by a QSC external 1.5KW amp ($1000). And some people look at my sub setup and mock it for being minuscule, and others as way overboard - so it's all relative.
 
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93 saturn sl2 said:
Old receivers like those really are only useful for a garage. In this day and age, you want HDMI switching, like said above.
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Yea, but what I am saying is, for $50, he can decide what is important. Those Yamaha speakers will probably sound fine as the surround speakers for a long time, too, even if the receiver ends up on the scrap pile. And I think it is a way better option for the money (OP asked for cheaper options). The alternative is to spend $500 on a bunch of new parts. If it was me, I would spend 10 times less. Just throwing out an option.

The big difference is you have to manually align the sound input to the video input. I don't think it is that big of a deal. On my main TV in the living room, I only put the surround on when watching a movie or a good show. I don't watch the news or HGTV on surround. So setting it up manually isn't that big of a deal. But everyone has to make that call for themselves.

-Geoff
 
So.... I made the jump for the upstairs and I'm pretty impressed this far.

I bought a Klipsch RSB-11 sound bar and tried it in the basement before the install upstairs. The basement absolutely needs more than a sound bar. The sound is not rich and it's not balanced in the basement. Upstairs in the living room it is kick ass.

I did continue looking at receivers...still on the fence about brand but I know what I want for features. I will most likely be going with Klipsch speakers for the whole setup. Just waiting on black Friday/cyber Monday.
 
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