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Opinions before purchasing

I've done a bunch of research on this sub and others and am starting to solidify my first real stereo system. I've used a 60 inch TV and very basic soundbar for years now and I'm moving to a 120" X3000i projector and real sound system. Room setup is 12x12, closed basement room. Going to mainly utilize the projector for movies/shows with some gaming thrown in there off a PC.

 

I've already purchased the Denon S760H since it seems to be able to do most things that I'll need and has some nice features and everyone loves it.

 

Currently debating between bookshelves/sub and towers/no sub, specifically between Airmotiv B1+ and a Speedwoofer sub or Airmotiv T1+ towers without sub. I've been happy with the soun bar for years and I tend to not like loud sub noises anywyas (spent enough time in Iraq and Afghanistan around loud noises), so I feel like I may not miss it? Room is also relatively small so a lot of power isn't needed. Either way I would go with the Airmotiv C1+ for center channel as well. Will probably stay at a 3.0 or 3.1 system for now and upgrade later.

 

Curious on everyone's thoughts here about the bookshelf/sub, towers/no sub decision and choices of equipment as well. Trying to stay around the 1000-1500 total budget range. Thanks for the help!

redonkawa

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
10,009 posts
 

IME subs are instrumental to truly good home theater.  Get a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs for $1150 — they’re relatively small, will get you down to 20Hz, and come with software that will make them easy to integrate and tune for your personal tastes.  Best of luck. 

soix
10,009 posts
 

Don’t listen to the anti-sub club.  The room size matters not — it’s all in how you set up the sub.  A good sub makes all the difference in any room.  Once you’ve got it dialed in you won’t want to listen without it. 

soix
10,009 posts
 

In a room that size definitely go with monitors and a sub as it’ll be much easier to manage the bass and you’ll get bass down to a true 20Hz that you won’t get with floorstanders.  


I've been happy with the soun bar for years and I tend to not like loud sub noises anywyas

You’re in a whole different world with a good 3.1 setup versus a sound bar — not even close.  If you’re equating subs with loud you haven’t heard a properly integrated subwoofer.  Ideally you don’t hear a sub at all, but you can certainly feel it.  What many people don’t know is that subs not only greatly improve bass but also have enormous effects on improving overall soundstage, imaging, and detail.  IME the two most important speakers for maximum HT enjoyment/involvement are the center speaker and the sub(s).  Get those right and you’re all but assured a great HT experience if they’re set up properly.


As for speakers the Emotivas look fine, but I’d recommend taking a look at SVS.  They do nothing but speakers and offer a 45-day completely risk-free trial including shipping both ways, which is rare and really nice.  And their speakers and subs get excellent reviews and offer great value as they sell direct.  I’d recommend their Prime monitors and center speaker (which is outstanding BTW) and their SB1000 Pro sub that, very importantly, has its own integration software that will make it much easier to achieve excellent and well-balanced sound in your challenging room (square rooms are awful for sound, particularly with bass issues).  Plus, their customer service is absolutely top notch, which is nice to have especially if you’re new at this as the devil is in the details in achieving the best possible sound out of your expensive equipment.  Ok, that’s all I got.  Hope this helps, and best of luck in building a great HT system.

https://www.svsound.com/

 

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