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HT peakers for Marantz SR5200

Hi, I've just purchased a Marantz SR5200 for my small room home theatre (probably 10 x 12 feet). I'm seeking to increment above the built-in speakers in the Sony XBR. Will need 2 front, center, 2 rear, and a sub. Forget state-of-the-art, I'm simply seeking an engaging fun system that avoids classic problems of cheap home theatre - nasal sound and one-note boomy bass - and I hope to minimize the expense in the process. This is for movies, mainly, and perhaps music DVD's. The SR5200 is not a hugely powerful amp (5 x 90 on paper) but given the size of room, I am hopeful. What do you recommend? : - )
Thanks,
Art
artmaltman
gaudio_eek
312 posts
 
Art,
The Hsu Ventriloquist/STF2 recommended above has garnered many accolades.
You should also put the Rocket Tyke on your list. You can get B-stock system in excellent condition for $199. I have them and like them quite a lot. The integration with the compact but decent subwoofer is seamless.
Another good choice is the Mordaunt-Short Genie. This system should cost more than the Tyke and should be available through Marantz dealers.
Good luck.
artmaltman OP
769 posts
 
The Hsu and Rocket Tyke both look interesting at the price. Where are the Hsu accolades? Which would you recommend? The Genie looks great but at $1300 I'd be looking at larger speakers which tend to have more grace, no?
Art
newbie13
242 posts
 
Accolades here. I have the VT-12 these on loan from Hsu to take to an audio geek, consumer direct products, gathering in Austin. I was very skeptical but they really have impressed me. The shifting the mid-bass to the CC for the front really works. On LoTR FoTR they excelled at sound effects but how well they handled the dynamic score was surprising. For HT only I think you'll be quite pleased. If not they have a 30 in home trial period.

I may be able to report on the Tykes after next week. Not sure if they will be on hand.
f1stserve
25 posts
 
There are a bunch of "lifestyle" speakers out there (not a bad word now like it was when Bose was the only choice). Gallo, Energy, Canton (ac4l.com), Athena, Infinity and others give you good sound from small boxes...

John
artmaltman OP
769 posts
 
Do the lifestyle speakers have some inherent flaws? I've been assuming that they would be midrange deficint and kind of thin sounding, given that you have small drivers covering the mids and then switch to a sub. Also I've noticed that larger speakers tend to sound more graceful. But given a small room those lifestyle speakers are sure tempting!
Art
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