May I get a 2.1 sound system recommendation?

[bismarzk_zero]

Hey everyone,

 

I'm looking for a sound system to compliment a 55" LG TV I've just bought. My main use will be gaming on the PS4, PC, and WiiU. My space is very limited as I live in a rental basement suite. Also, I can't blast my speakers loudly. 5.1 systems are not possible for me as wiring would get very messy.

 

I'm looking for a 2.1 system that can provide excellent sound quality (a subwoofer is important to me as I really love bass). If possible I'd like to keep the budget low, but I'd like to have some very high quality sound, so I'm willing to stretch my budget to CAD$1000.

 

Initially I purchased a Bose Soundtouch 300, but I returned it because it didn't feel like it was worth the $1000 pricetag. Bose's subwoofer costs another $1000, totalling $2000 for a basic 3.1 soundbar+subwoofer system. The soundbar alone honestly didn't sound THAT much better than my in-built LG B6 tv speakers. I know that would make me seem like I don't know what I'm talking about, because I know most in-built TV speakers are terrible, but honestly it was only slightly better and was definitely not worth $1000.

 

Thank you for any recommendations for a 2.1 speaker setup you could give me!

[Shiv78]

At $1000 you could easily get a great 5.1 system! RIP

I got this one for $250 a year ago, the bass is literally INSANE, maybe just use the surround speakers up front with the TV? won't get the surround effect but moar spkrz (IK you said CAD but I cant be bothered to find them on canadian Amazon)

http://www.harmankardon.com/home-theater-systems/HKTS+20.html?dwvar_HKTS 20_color=Black#start=1

[SSL]

To start off, what options do you have to route audio out of your TV? If you are using a BD player, then you'll probably want to go for a receiver with HDMI pass-thru. Otherwise you can use analog RCA output and a simple 2.1 receiver. Either option will give you remote volume control and bass management. Onkyo or Yamaha are some good choices here, among others.

 

Next, I'd say something like a SVS PB-1000. Really good subwoofer for the money, it will deliver decent volume and very deep extension. 20Hz in room, no problem.

 

For speakers, that depends on how much room you have for them and where you would be able to put them.

[bismarzk_zero]

Thanks for the quick replies!

 

My TV has an option for HDMI ARC or Optical. I personally prefer Optical as it gives less setup headaches.

 

I've attached a picture of my setup (It shows the Bose Soundbar before I returned it). I don't really have much space to the left or right of my TV (I could shift the shelf right but would prefer not to do that). I was hoping for something minimalist although I am considering the option of having bookshelf speaks sitting on stands to the left and right of the TV.

 

I threw 5.1 out as an option because I feel it would be troublesome to keep all 5 speakers on the same level, and a center speaker would probably block the middle bottom of the TV if I put it there.

[Shiv78]

23 minutes ago, bismarzk_zero said:

I threw 5.1 out as an option because I feel it would be troublesome to keep all 5 speakers on the same level, and a center speaker would probably block the middle bottom of the TV if I put it there.

 

Clear out some boxes and move the PS4, put the center where the PS4 is right now

[bismarzk_zero]

3 hours ago, Shiv78 said:

Clear out some boxes and move the PS4, put the center where the PS4 is right now

Oh I may be misinformed because I thought that all the speakers need to be at the same height level. Maybe it's just OCD on my part

[Shiv78]

16 hours ago, bismarzk_zero said:

Oh I may be misinformed because I thought that all the speakers need to be at the same height level. Maybe it's just OCD on my part

Not really, a few feet or so won't do much. Ear level is optimal but not a requirement, just tilt the speaker upwards a bit for better projection

[SSL]

On 4/5/2017 at 8:50 PM, bismarzk_zero said:

Oh I may be misinformed because I thought that all the speakers need to be at the same height level. Maybe it's just OCD on my part

 

The speakers need to be time aligned. The good news is that a receiver can do this for you.

 

However - given the narrow listening position you do not strictly speaking need a center channel. The purpose of a center is to anchor the stereo image to the middle of the screen over a wide horizontal area so that every seat in the house gets properly localized dialog. But with a single, centered listening position, the phantom center from the stereo mains is all you need.

 

Given the limited space in your setup, it might be best to go with something like the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1. The speakers should be small enough to fit on the cabinet with the TV and the sub can probably tuck down in the corner to the right. You would not really be able to utilize better speakers and sub to their full potential without more room to work with; a sidewall that close and a kitchen on the opposite side is a recipe for acoustic problems. That may be at least in part why the soundbar didn't bring much improvement.

 

HT in a box systems like the ProMedia are meant to work around space and budget constraints like this, so I think you'll be happy with them considering the price paid.