Home Theater: Center Channel and Bookshelf Speakers (1 Viewer)

[Ministry of Pain]

I have an old receiver but it works fine. I don't want to purchase a new receiver but if I were something in the 300-500 range would be more than enough for my current needs. 

Instead I'm going to start with a new center channel and then a pair of bookshelf to go with it. I will worry about a possible set of rear speakers later, for the time being we are not going 5.1. I have one currently, they are Polk and have served their purpose well. I would like something besides Polk as these are about 13-14 years old. They are entry level and the center channel in place now is weak. Maybe 2.5-3 inch cone vs I see 4-6.5 pretty standard on most of the ones I am looking at. 

One I like is made by Klipsch and it's called the RP 250 and it seems light years better than what I have. I'm not going for super loud. I want some power but more interested in quality. I'm open to suggestions. I'm not looking to spend 1,000 dollars on one but I also am not trying to buy the cheapest either. 

The receiver I have is made by Panasonic and it doesn't integrate with the internet or stream or anything. You can do those things but it simply requires other devices plugged in. Obviously I can plug a laptop into it directly. I will eventually upgrade the receiver but not right now. 

Bookshelf set to match the center channel? I figure same manufacturer for both?

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[Andy Dufresne]

I'm not certain what you're asking but if this is primarily for movie watching...

Start with a good center speaker. Most movie dialog/sounds come from there. 

Match the side speakers to the center. As the sound pans from side to side, you want it to maintain the same sound as our travels from speaker to speaker.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

In my somewhat uninformed opinion, 15 year old speakers can still hold their own in modern media setups, but an old receiver is not going to have the tools you need for streaming, modern inputs, multiple zones, current video specs and the like.

 

[Hawks64]

In my somewhat uninformed opinion, 15 year old speakers can still hold their own in modern media setups, but an old receiver is not going to have the tools you need for streaming, modern inputs, multiple zones, current video specs and the like.

The quality of said speakers is important though. The Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers are a great value, and while I haven't listened to the Monoprice Monolith speakers the design is great, the pleated tweeters are amazing (have the same style in my Goldenears), no harshness in any of the high ranges at all.

I am actually strongly considering buying the Monoprice Monolith amp, crazy bargain if Sound & Vision is to be believed.

 

[jon_mx]

The quality of said speakers is important though. The Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers are a great value, and while I haven't listened to the Monoprice Monolith speakers the design is great, the pleated tweeters are amazing (have the same style in my Goldenears), no harshness in any of the high ranges at all.

I am actually strongly considering buying the Monoprice Monolith amp, crazy bargain if Sound & Vision is to be believed.

The Andrew Jones are absolutely unbeatable at their price point.  Will be under $200 for a pair of bookshelves and a center.  I bought a Marantz NR1607 reciever, which run closer to $600 plus unless you are OK with a refurbished one which can be had for under $500.  I find the sound of the Marantz a bit clearer and more accurate than comparable models of Denon or Yamaha.   That Marantz is for a 7.2 setup with all the latest formats and there are slightly cheaper ones in the same line for a 5.1 setup.

 

[Hawks64]

The Andrew Jones are absolutely unbeatable at their price point.  Will be under $200 for a pair of bookshelves and a center.  I bought a Marantz NR1607, which run closer to $600 plus unless you are OK with a refurbished one which can be had for under $500.  I find the sound of the Marantz a bit clearer and more accurate than comparable models of Denon or Yamaha.   That Marantz is for a 7.2 setup with all the latest formats and there are slightly cheaper ones in the same line.

I'd still like to listen to those Monoliths. The pleated tweeters are something else, I don't think I'd buy speakers without those again. You can get as loud as you want without any harshness. Really amazingly open sound.

 

[jon_mx]

I'd still like to listen to those Monoliths. The pleated tweeters are something else, I don't think I'd buy speakers without those again. You can get as loud as you want without any harshness. Really amazingly open sound.

They look awesome and very reasonably priced.  But the Monoliths are a step up in the price point over the Marantz and Pioneer.  I would be interested in hearing them too, but I just bought my setup. 

 

[Ministry of Pain]

What if I don't love the Pioneer brand?

I figured the wealthy affluent that light up the countryside in here would have a lot to say. 

Klipsch a good brand? Anyone ever own them?

 

[jerry jones]

Have you listened to definitive technology? A very open sounding speaker system, not cheap but great sound for a medium buck.

much better than the klipsch in my opinion. 

Or spend a bit and get an all matching B&W surround system. Great for movies and if you still like to listen to music 

 

[jerry jones]

What if I don't love the Pioneer brand?

I figured the wealthy affluent that light up the countryside in here would have a lot to say. 

Klipsch a good brand? Anyone ever own them?

The Pioneer Elite receivers are excellent. High power, clean sound, can really drive your speakers. Really a good value for your dollar

 

[FatMax]

I'm not certain what you're asking but if this is primarily for movie watching...

Start with a good center speaker. Most movie dialog/sounds come from there. 

Match the side speakers to the center. As the sound pans from side to side, you want it to maintain the same sound as our travels from speaker to speaker.

Yeah, what this guy said.  Don't mix and match your center and surrounds.  It's a sure fire way to get a really .... awkward ... sounding system.

 

[FatMax]

I'd still like to listen to those Monoliths. The pleated tweeters are something else, I don't think I'd buy speakers without those again. You can get as loud as you want without any harshness. Really amazingly open sound.

Agree here.  I've been running Martin Logan Motion (pleated tweeter) series for the last decade, and they've been great. I haven't looked in awhile, but they used to be a little spendy.  I'm sure there are deals to be found though.

 

[zed2283]

I bought a set of Mirage AVS speakers over 13 years ago and they still kick ###.  Don't know if Mirage still makes great products but you might check them out.