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Sad but true – budget HT 10 years in making


While I realize you generally get the home theater you pay for, I also subscribe to the notion there are occasional outliers on this exponential curve of diminishing returns – and occasionally the right combination of equipment (used and new) punches well above its weight.

It was with this premise that I purchased a Yamaha RX-V659 receiver about six years ago - my decision based largely on this excellent review:

http://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/yamaha-rx-v659

I’ve moved into a house where I can now set up my first proper home theater – in a raised basement with 7’4” ceilings, wood floors, brick rear, and sheetrock front and side walls. This room will only be used for watching HDTV and movies (mostly streamed with very infrequent Blue-ray). The 20’ by 15’room is wired for 6.1 sound, with in-ceiling or ceiling-mounted surround and rear speakers, and front or rear sub.

The speakers I currently own (but are not married to) include B&W DM CCS2 (specifications: http://bwgroupsupport.com/downloads/specsheets/bw/CC6%20S2%20InfoSheet.pdf) center and DM 601S2 surrounds (specifications: http://bwgroupsupport.com/downloads/specsheets/bw/DM601%20S2%20InfoSheet.pdf). These would be mounted up front in/on stereo cabinet and stands (yet to be purchased).

I am now looking for L/R surrounds, a rear speaker (all three to be mounted in or on the ceiling) and a floor subwoofer. I’m ready to buy used and would like to keep overall expenses between $900 and $1,500 - but could go up to $1,900 if I sold the B&W’s.

Since I can’t afford to be ignorant, I’m asking for help to make some very smart speaker decisions!!

Truly,


Sam
samah
samah OP
7 posts
 
I'd like to spend no more than $400 or $600 on the sub. I'm not looking to rattle the house - just fill out the cinematic experience.

Curious, do you recommend the S2 over the S3 as well, or are you just recommending the DM601 S2 to match the ones I own?
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Sam, the Hsu Research VTF-2 MK4 looks like a good choice in your price range, and yes, the DM601 S2 would be the best for the rear to achieve a perfect match to the front. The S3 would be a better choice than the original 601, however it is still different from the S2.
samah OP
7 posts
 
Tls49,

What do you think about Hsu's VTF-1 MK2, might it also mate well with the B&W 601 S2's?

Also, separate question, have you actually heard the HB-1 MK2 or have you just heard good things about these monitors? I'm interested because I'd rather take your advice on a speaker you have actually heard play. Also, did you ever hear the B&W 601 S3's with the RX-V659?

Thanks so much for your help!

- Sam
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Sam, I think the VTF-2 MK4 would be better for your size room, and it does have much better low bass output. I'm sure either one can mate with your 601's.

No, I have not heard the HB-1 MK2, but suggested them because of the excellent reviews.

After looking back at the years when the 659 was current, it was probably the 601 S3 we sold at that time, although I do have experience with all of the 601's. As I said, the most difference is between the original and the S2. Again, for a perfect match get S2's to match yours, however, S3's would probably work fine, but definitely stay away from the original.
samah OP
7 posts
 

You are right.

The HSU series has received excellent reviews. As soon as I started researching the VTF-2 MK4, I became sold on the whole package. I'm now strongly considering:

1 x VTF-2 MK4, sub
1 x HC-1 Mk2, center
2 x HB-1 Mk2, front L/R
3 x HIW-1), in-ceiling surround and rear

In fact, I've listed the B&W for sale.

Thanks for your great advice!

- Sam
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