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Topic: Speaker recommendation 5.0 (Read 4290 times) previous topic - next topic
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Speaker recommendation 5.0

Hi there.

First off: Yes, I've used the search function. Lots of recommendations, but nothing that would really suit me.

I'm looking for a speaker set in Germany. Driving around the whole country to pick them up is not possible however, so I need a shop that delivers.

I want to enjoy normal Surround sound (5.1). However, every .1 set I listened to had terrible low frequencies. So I'd really prefer if the set doesn't depend on a woofer for LFE (5.0). So I need 4 Satellites that deliver can deliver low frequencies and a Center box.
- They will be connected to my receiver, which in turn is connected to my PC (Audigy 2 ZS). So I need a passive set.
- I listen to music, play video games and watch movies on my machine. They will be set up right next to my display.
- Width mustn't exceed 22cm. At least for the rear ones, the front ones can be up to 25cm in width.
- My pain threshold is 200 € for the complete set.

I've been looking for a while but couldn't find much. There's a ridiculously cheap set on ebay, but it doesn't strike me as being of high-quality, what with the low price and the power being advertised in PMPO.

What would you recommend?

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #1 –
Nobody? Looks like I have no choice but to lower my expectations. I can't find anything reasonable in that price range.

How does a proper 5.1 set sound regarding bass seperation? I only have experience with cheap ones where you immediately know that the bass is coming from a different location. It seems that I really need to go with 5.1 instead of 5.0 in this case.

I was thinking about the Teufel Concept F. Only problem is that I can't connect digital sources to this system without an extra decoder.. There's a lot of good reviews of this system. What do you guys think?

I also found this from JBL. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #2 –
The reason you have not heard .1 work correctly is that the only way a single subwoofer can integrate with multiple speakers is if it reproducing only very low frequencies, say under 40-50Hz maximum, using a steep crossover rate(minimum 4th order). Even then, you need to deal with room response errors causing huge dips/peaks in response to get good bass quality.

If you are trying to use regular sized 2 way speaker with say a 5" or even standard 6" midwoofer, then crossing them at 40-50Hz is going to strain most such speaker systems(there are a very rare few with extraordinary midwoofers that are more like mini-subwoofers than regular midwoofers that can deal with lower xover points without strain at moderate SPL).

If you want to succesfully use standard 2 way bookshelf speakers to get a seamless crossing to the subwoofers,  you need to use at least 2 subwoofers, one placed within a few feet of each main left and right channel. On top of this, you need to use an external flexible active crossover system(such as Behringer DCX2496) and outboard amp for the mains(since almost no receiver is going to allow it's pre amp output to go to external processing then be fed back into the internal amps). It is perhaps not so well known that receivers do not offer sufficient crossover adjustment(s) to allow ideal/seamless integration with the subwoofers in most cases(it is a low probability that the relatively inflexible internal crossover system of a receiver will achieve perfect integration with your particular speaker combination, placement and acoustics). Of course, your receiver will have to provide pre-amp outputs if you are to use my suggested method as outlined above.

If you set up a set as I recommend, using the powerful external active crossover and 2 subwoofers located as suggested, then one option for an excellent low cost speaker is the Behringer B2030P monitor. Use one for every channel(L, R, C and Surrounds). It is very low priced and it's measured performance is outstanding; better overall by objective measure(not subjective speculation) as compared to anything I know of for even 5x it's price(USA price comparison). It is not perfect, and it does have an air breach where the tweeter mounts to the front baffle; but this is easily fixed with some mastic sealant putty. Also, it is possible that the woofer motor shield may rattle under some conditions (this is actually an alarmingly common problem with many brands/models of speakers - the metal can shield is usually only attached with crimping metal on metal - leaving some small degree of play. Easily fixed by applying some liquid super glue to the seam between the joint; the super thin glue will penetrate deeply into the gap and then solidify, removing the possibility of this vibration/rattle.

There is also the Behringer B2030A, which is the powered version. I have not measured this version, there for I can not personally recommend it, but it is most likely very similar to the passive version with the exception of the built in amps, of course. Using the powered version, you could get by without buying external amplification and directly connect the balanced XLR outputs of the DCX active crossover to the balanced inputs on the active speaker.

Where I would normally offer other options, there are none that are comparable in measured performance anywhere near the price of these I must warn you.

For a somewhat higher price, there is the Infinity Primus line of speakers. The Primus 152 and 162 should be the main contenders. These will NOT match the overall positive performance characteristics of the Behringers, but the Primus are the next in line for value vs. performance.

Since I do not know what subwoofers are available in Germany, I can not make any recommendations.

-Chris

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #3 –
I do not like Systems with subwoofers (and are from germany), too.
My system contains 2 fullrange standing speakers, a center and two bookshelf speakers for the rear. Infinity Beta 40, 20 and C250, but the beta series is out. The Primus series seems to be the cheaper alternative.
But your limited budget will make problems. But what about starting with a good pair of fullrange standing speakers and adding the center and rear speakers later?

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #4 –
Thanks for the answers so far.

The B2030P cost about 140€ per pair here.  I couldn't find any Primus 152/162, but a 150BE that sells for about the same price as the Behringers. That alone is too much, but I would also need a woofer and center box.

Another issue I just came up with is the fact that I don't have the space for the receiver. If the center box is going directly beneath or in front of the screen, I don't know where to put that thing. So it will probably boil down to a woofer with integrated amp...like the Teufel sets.

A friend of my father who is also an Audiophile may have some speakers to spare. I'll ask him. In the meantime, I'd love to hear some more opinions

Quote
But your limited budget will make problems. But what about starting with a good pair of fullrange standing speakers and adding the center and rear speakers later?

Mhh. I've been using stereo for so long, I want to try something new as soon as possible

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #5 –
Oh, I my add a comment to Teufel systems, too.
I guess regarding your bugdet Teufel is a good solution. But keep in mind that you will get a system with one subwoofer if you pay up to 200 Euro. I have a 2.1 system from Teufel for my PC and it has a quite good sound, if you place the subwoofer at a good position in your room (2.1 Version auf the Kompaq 30).

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #6 –
Mhh, the Kompaq 30 also doesn't look that bad actually. Looks like a Concept M that's missing the 5ch-amp, but that shouldn't matter as I still have my receiver.
I also discovered the Concept M, which does look more like it has some decent satellites, but costs 300€. Meh... 

Let's adjust my budget a bit. 300€ max. Maybe that allows for some better choices. Let me hear your opinions

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #7 –
If you want low-freqs in every speaker (no sub), then you will not get a decent system below 400 EUR, and possibly also not below 500 EUR. If your budget is tight AND you want a 5 channel system, then a seperate sub is the only way to cut down costs. I dont like subs either, but as i said, they're good at cutting down costs - which may bring a system with "acceptable" quality into the 300 EUR pricerange. Don't expect wonders though.

If you really want to go 5.0, not 5.1, then double your budget (400 EUR), or buy twice.

P.S.: The Teufels which someone else mentioned use a sub with a downfire system. If you have people living below your floor, you'll run into problems.
I am arrogant and I can afford it because I deliver.

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #8 –
I think your best bet is to get some cheapish passive monitors.

I like the KRK ST6 for the money.

IMO though, these still really need a sub for many types of music and particularly for movies.

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #9 –
Alright. I'm pretty sure now that if I want good bass I will need some big and expensive speakers. With reasonably sized/priced speakers, there seems to be no way around using a sub.
The satellites like they are used in the Teufel sets appear a bit too cheap for me (small and made of plastic). On top of that, they seem to have problems with their subs behaving strangely and they're out of stock anyway.
I will probably go with a middle-sized set of satellites like you guys suggested and add a woofer later. In the meantime I'll just have to deal with less groundshaking low frequencies, but meh. Seems to be the best solution for me.

Possible candidates:
Canton LE 130 - available without problems, 80€/piece
Behringer Truth B2030P - 70€/piece, but no shop seems to have them in stock
Primus 150BE (depends on whether they can be compared to the 152/162 that were suggested earlier) - 70€/piece, out of stock aswell
KRK ST6 - couldn't find a shop that carries them

The winner seems pretty clear, as it's the only option I have currently. Except  if a set pops up on Ebay (none currently). What do you think of the Canton? Other possible candidates?
 

Speaker recommendation 5.0

Reply #10 –
Quote from: haarp on
Canton LE 130 - available without problems, 80€/piece

I don't know much about that company or that speaker, but they certainly look nice.