Not that long ago I posted my 2010 upgrade plans for our apartment home theater, outlining the hopes of changing out to a full 1080p HD projector, a better universal remote (done!), and the pie in the sky hopes of ridding of HDMI cables. Unplggd reader and audio specialist, Ragan chimed in, noting specifically my audio selection was too much of a compromise in performance. He accepted the challenge of putting together a respectable home theater setup on a budget (actually one of three), catering to small space dwellers and has followed up with an informative and detailed selection of expert choices below.
Not long ago, I accepted the challenge of assembling a respectable home theater rig on a budget. No problem, the market is full of affordable systems from reputable companies, so I decided to take it one step further. In the spirit of Apartment Therapy & Unplggd, the system picks have to include the crucial yet often forgotten element of style. If given the right consideration, home electronics (even the inexpensive ones) can complement and even enhance a room's decor. This post will be the first of three system recommendations that embody performance, value, and design in home entertainment. If you're a urban dweller looking for a starter system this first setup is for you.
- Sony PS3 Slim - $299
- Audioengine A5 Bamboo - $449
- Glow Audio Sub One - $348
- Red Eye Remote Control - $188
- 32" LCD TV - $829
Pick a Size, any Size...
We recommend a 32" LCD flat panel for most small spaces, but choosing a 37",40",42" or larger is up to you. With models and prices changing at a rapid pace, a quality 32" set should range anywhere between $450 - $1000. The Samsung LN32B650 32" LCD ($829 reduced price) offers excellent performance and a touch of vibrant color with its piano black frame. It's good looking even when turned off.
Jack of all Trades
Even if you're not interested in playing video games, you should still consider Sony's Playstation 3 ($299) as the best overall value for DVD/Blu-Ray playback. Besides the obvious benefits of high definition video, the newer and slimmer PS3 can download, store, and access music, pictures, games, videos, and movies on its large build-in hard drive. You also get Wi-Fi compatibility, The Playstation Network, web browsing, access to your Netflix movie steaming account, a bluetooth enabled controller, and much more. For only $299 it stands alone. However, if you despise or fear anything having to do with video games, check out the LG BD390 Network Blu-Ray Player. ($299)
Awesome Sound, Marvelous Looks, Eco-Friendly, and Panda-Safe 
The way I see it, every audio system should look and sound good. If your speakers are going to be prominently displayed in your living room a pair of Audioengine A5 ($449 pair) Powered Bookshelf Speakers should do the trick. The compact size makes them unobtrusive yet the sound can easily fill a small to medium sized room. No fake wood veneer, just gorgeous looking carbonized bamboo. The facade is a departure from the conventional loudspeaker and the rounded edges give it a soft touch. No separate amplifier needed, the Audioengine is self powered and connect easily with a PS3, iPod, computer, subwoofer and other electronic devices. (If you're not a fan of bamboo, Audioengine offers the same powered speakers in high-gloss black and white for $349) Place them on a shelf or separate stands, either way they deliver the movie/music experience. I'm so impressed with the A5's performance and looks that I've come over look two capabilities that some folks may find necessary. The A5 has only one selectable audio input and does not possess an IR volume remote. (Its does have a front volume knob) If you desire a remote for volume control and two audio inputs for movies and TV programing, check out similarly sized Kanto iPair 5 ($359 pair) in high-gloss black, white, and other colors.
There's Something Missing....
Regardless of a room's size, some people just gotta have more oomph. While the Audioengine does a great job with bass response, hearing lower into the audible range of your favorite music and movies is a must, so you have the option of hooking up a subwoofer. Forget about the King Kong sized subs that rattle your windows, (and your neighbors) we're talking a small decor friendly sub that adds to the music rather than taking it over. Behold the Glow Audio Sub One. ($348) Its small footprint, stunning bamboo side panels, and articulate bass are perfect for any urban system. If you're in the "subs should be heard, not seen" camp, consider the Soundmatters SUBstage 100. ($379) Place the sub under or behind your furniture with 4.5 inches of clearance and you've got subsonic stealth action.
Does Stereo Home Theater = Oxymoron?
If you're perplexed by the very notion of passing off a 2.1 stereo configuration as a home theater, let me explain. All too often, I see folks trying to force a surround sound system into a space that wasn't designed for one. As cool as it is to have 5,6, or even 7 speakers surrounding you during your favorite film, some room configurations aren't meant for an abundance of speakers, and quite frankly a poorly installed theater system can ruin the look of any room. Running/ hiding wires, wall mounts, speaker stands, and optimal speaker placement can be hard to implement in urban spaces. I realize this scenario doesn't apply to everyone, so keep a look out for our next theater posting that will recommend a 5.1 surround setup.
At this point, some of you may ask "why not recommend a surround bar? While companies like Yamaha have created unique one box solutions that simulate surround sound by use of time delays and room reflections, the overall fidelity generally doesn't compare to conventional bookshelf speakers. If you're someone who enjoys movies but loves music, your favorite tunes deserve monitor speakers. However, If you're a movie fanatic and you absolutely gotta have the surround sensation, and then the sound bar is your ticket.
Control This, Control That, Just Make it Work!
If this is your first system and looking to save a few bucks, the addition of an universal remote is not a necessity but a luxury. However, If you're reaching for a remote, it's sure nice to have one vs several on the coffee table. While remotes from Harmony and Universal Remote Control have the potential of more flexibility and permanent control, those who consider the iPhone to be the center of the digital universe might consider the RedEye ($188) from Thinkflood. It turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a customizable touch screen remote and will control practically anything with a Inferred sensor. Since the PS3 is bluetooth operated, check out the PS3IRX1 ($20). A small USB plugin gives you simple I.R. commands for use with your universal remote.
Finishing Up
All that's needed now is a quality HDMI cable, subwoofer cable (WireWorld Luna $37 1m) and a surge/conditioning strip to protect your investment. If you account for all recommended product, the entire system will run $2255.00. If you already own some system products, or have equivalent electronics/accessories, the cost goes down even more. Either way, it's an affordable option and I hope this gives your eye and ears something to enjoy.
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Interesting article but there are a few points i would add.
1st - Universal remote. get the Logitech Harmony One all others pale in comaprison and you can pick them up for less than $200 i've seen them available at $150
2nd - The PS3 is fantastic especially now netflix is on bored but save money on the 'big' hardrive version and replace the harddrive with a 500GB or 1TB (its just a lapttop harddrive)
3rd - Don't believe the hype on expensive cables.
4th - check out Fluance speakers www.fluance.com incredible value for money. .hint...they also have an ebay page where you can pick them up even cheaper
5th - $348 for a sub..really?! i mean i'm sure it looks pretty and all but for just 4 extra inches bigger in size you can get a Polk 10inch sub for $100.
ok rant over, peace
Nice post and I like having a resident audiophile at Unpluggd.
The Audioengine A5 speakers are interesting. I like the built in Apple Airport express functionality. It's a great feature, but, as a result, the speakers must be hooked together with the left speaker being connected via wire to the right.
I'm not a fan of that, but, I understand Audioengine's need to build them that way to support the Apple Airport. These speakers are not going to be right next to each other and you will need to run a wire from the source to the left speaker and then left speaker to the right speaker. It's just a goofy wiring hiding job. This issue would be compounded if you wanted to grow this system to a 5.1 system in the future and use these as the left and right channel.
I rock the M-Audio BX5a monitors on my computer they are priced competitively to the offerings above, but, are completely black instead of 'panda' or bamboo colored. They have a blue LED on them. These speakers will rock your space.
Consider the color of the LED when purchasing these types of speakers. It kills the ambiance when you have a rainbow of LED lights lit up everywhere.
In re: to the universal remotes, I consider this a must have item. The concept of integrating an Ipod as your remote is novel, but, I prefer the Logitech Harmony series. The idea of a universal remote is all about reducing complexity. If you can't get it configured perfectly, my fear with the recommended options above, it is useless. The Harmony configuration is amazing. Plug into your computer, decide what you want it to do, tell it your devices and it just works INTUITIVELY. I had a receiver that was not on their device list and they integrated it in within 48 hours. That is the kind of customer service that makes the remote just so good. I consider it the best tech investment I have made on my home in years.
Great post, but I need a bit more hand-holding: recently bought a Panasonic plasma and would like to set up better sound and take advantage of its PC input and ethernet port. We have a decent receiver and 2 bookshelf speakers (not connected yet to tv obviously) -- they're old but do the job very well and I would like to add 2 rear speakers. We have an aiport express but no blu ray or PS3. Can you please talk me through as to next steps? Must I get a subwoofer? I don't want to irritate the neighbors with too much vibration. How do I set up Wi-Fi connection? Novice questions, I know, but help will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.
ps. I would also like to integrate ipod/iphone in the mix. Thanks again.
depending on your receiver you can out put your tv sound from the tv through the receiver . Do you have cable? if so then it goes straight from cable box to receiver.
I don;t have cable; i put the coaxial (for standard local TV, nbc, abc etc) into the back of the tv. I then have an optical cable running to my receiver for the sound. if you don;t have an optical you can probably use and rca cable (the red and white ones). Both of these work if sound is going from cable box too.
You can buy a simple Iphone stand that has a standard serial (headphone style) end that will plug into the aux part of your receiver.
If you want good sound from the TV you should buy a center channel speaker ($100) which is where all the TV dialog comes out of (the side speakers are for music and effects). Same goes for a sub, and it won't annoy the neighbors if your just watching tv or movies. If you turn the music up to 11 it may get a bit loud
Presumably you have a wireless router..? IF so just plug the tv Ethernet into the router...this is for netflix and you tube right..?
No idea about the airport express i don't own any apple products
Thank you; this is very helpful. Do you have any recommendations for the center speaker and 2 rear (wireless) speakers (or are rear speakers not as crucial as the center speaker?) I have digital cable and the airport express is my wireless router. Thanks again.
Just a quick question on the bookshelf speakers. I have an extra pair of M-Audio bookshelfs that sound good enough for me. I'd love to use them in much the same way that you used the Audioengines in this post. Volume knob control is not so much of a hassle...
For the life of me, though, I haven't been able to connect to HDTV/BluRay. I feel like I'm missing a cord, maybe. Any thoughts on how you connected the Audioengines?
Thanks!
would a audio in splitter work with the audioengine 5s...I have been planning a similar setup for a while, but this idea just crossed my mind.
We also opted for a 2.1 system.
At the center is a Rotel RX-1052 stereo receiver, which in addition to being a notch above most mass brands in sound quality, and having multi-room capability, also has great industrial design. It's hooked up to some B&W 685 speakers. If you haven't listened to B&W's, try them...the sound is warm and natural, and you'll notice things you didn't hear before.
We use a Samsung BluRay player for DVDs, CDs, and BluRay discs.
Our TV is a Panasonic 46" G10 series plasma...don't believe the marketing hype about LCD! While both are good, Plasma seems to cost less (at this point) and has deeper blacks, and more natural color.
@chaal
I have the fluance center channel ($70) but its quite big for a small place. Wharfedale, polk and yamaha also do good ones for around the $100 mark. IF oyu have digital cable you should be able to out put the sound from the box to the reciever. IF the reciever has and HDMI cable input and then an HDMI output to the tv you can run the whole thign with only one wire. For rear speakers these are really not that important as they only produce background noise and the ocasional bulet or doorbell. I have Wharfedale Wh-2 which i think were $60 for a pair! Wireless ones are more expensive. Buy a decent 2.1 and then see what moeny you have left over. TimLA is really right a nice pair of front towers like B&Ws will really change how you listen to music and movies is quite amazing.
@myoming you will need something to power the speakers and thus need an amp...unless they are computer speakers and then i don't know about that.
BTW, the B&W's aren't towers, they're bookshelf (but you can also get them as towers.) They image the sound so well across the front of the room that some people ask, "Where are the speakers?"
Hello all, sorry I'm late to the party, let's address some issues and questions that have been brought up.
An Airport Express can easily be used in conjunction with the Audioengine. For $99, it's a great way to stream your iTunes library directly to your theater system. I didn't mention it because you could use the PS3 for music storage and playback considering it's large and expandable hard-drive. If you looking to hook up your iPod, simply use the supplied mini-cable and plug in to the top of the powered Audioengine speaker. You can also use a docking station and utilized the Audioengine's USB power port as well. (As a side note, the Airport Express can not used as a wireless solution for surround sound, it's only for music)
If you want the Audioengine to multi task, you can use an inexpensive analog switcher to help accommodate several audio sources. (TV, cable box, Wii, etc) As for hook-up, all you need is standard red and white RCA cables
If you're looking to expand from 2.1 into 5.1(or beyond) you could potentially use the Audioengine as powered surround speakers, but this system was recommended specifically for those folks you can't expand into the surround domain. Don't get me wrong, a movie experience is always better in surround, but for those who are unable to accommodate surrounds, take pride in a quality stereo rig, it will provide lots of cinema enjoyment. My next HT post will highlight a 5.1 system and discuss ways to expand from stereo, including how to use an Audioengine W1 & A5 speakers for a wireless surround solution.
M-Audio is another good speaker option, very respected in the pro-audio industry. As for those annoying LED lights, a tiny piece of electrical tape goes a long way.....B&W speakers and Rotel electronics are nice step-up choice as well.
When you get down to it, Plasma technology does have richer blacks and if calibrated properly can out-perform LCDs, though not by much. However it's tough to make a buck in the plasma game, so many of world's best Plasma companies are no longer producing sets. (R.I.P. Pioneer) Plus, if you live in smaller space, plasma sets don't go below 42" which means you will be buying LCD or LED technology.
$348 is a fair price for sub with fantastic bass control and aesthetic appeal. The market is full of cheaper options but many products don't meet the performance, value, and style criteria that has been set for these system recommendations. When it comes to subs, they are a great addition to most home theaters. The .1 in 5.1 is for LFE (Low Frequency Effect) and without a sub, you'r missing out on a portion of the audible experience. Worried about the neighbors? Turn down the volume:)
One more thing, I want to set the record straight on surround sound in general. Many people think home theater is ONLY about loud explosions, bullets whizzing by your head, and T-Rexs marching through your living room. Yes, home theaters can do that quite well, and I for one love that sensory experience. What most people don't realize is that home theaters can show the subtle nuances of a movie scene that would be lost without surround sound. What an example? Watch the movie "Ray." In one scene, Ray Charles (played by Jamie Foxx) is in a restaurant with his future wife talking about how being blind sharpens his sense of hearing. He give an example of hearing a hummingbird hovering outside a window. At first the woman doesn't understand, then she closes her eyes and hears the light whisper of bird wings buzzing around her. She smiles and you will too. It's a beautiful scene and really allows you too connect with the characters. The surround flutter is momentary and soft but it draws us into the movie in a way that wouldn't be possible without surrounds. One reader on this post commented that rear speakers are only there to produce background noise. No, a dump-truck picking up trash at 7AM is annoying background noise, The surround effects are artistically mixed into a movie for the sole purpose of engaging the audience. Loud or soft, you have to respect the craft.
Ragan
This article was well written to begin with and the comments following it were insightful about other options, but Swampfox nailed it. Good job.
The only thing I have to add is that according to Audioengine is that the two audio inputs are both live so that they seem to work together. If that is the case then you should be able to hook up a stereo headphone y connection if you need a third input. It is not an elegant solution and it increases the possibility of feedback or other noise problems. An input switch and maybe one set of better connectors, even if just rca, would of been cheap add ons.
As for the question on whether or not you need a bass for such a system, I'll get mine next week and see if it's necessary.
-Funstraw
Thanks for the tip, you're absolutely right. Also, the A5 comes in Satin Black & High-Gloss White.
I'm getting the white with black, It's alot of whit but it's going in a black cabinet and I'll only see the front.
Just got the Audioengines 5 in Black and White. There was a used pair of bamboo on Ebay last week that I didn't win, the bidding went up to 270. Then I went to Bing, sorry I don't want to advertise but I have to give you the deal. they gave me a pair for $325 - 10% from the store that I bought them from then - 16 cash back from bing which I can deposit right away. Free shipping brings me down to $277 for a brand spanking new. Easy set up. Only tried them for a second. I'll warm them up and see how they are but initial impressions are happy happy.
You can have 5.1 in a small pace if you get the right gear, that can perform not only in small spaces but in larger ones despite its small size, Go with Klipsch's small speaker offerings and avoid bose.
Orb audio is good too.
Raymondleggs:
Considering the room, 5.1 can work in smaller spaces, the idea here was to show an example of a starter system that offers excellent performance on a budget. When you add in three more speakers, sub, cables, and A/V receiver, you getting into the next price tier of recommended systems.
I know the market has complete surround systems that go for around $350, but the audio quality will not measure up compared to systems like the one listed in the article.
Whatever happened to the other 2 articles?