Advice on budget 3.0/3.1/5.1 system

[w149658]

I want to build up a budget 5.1/3.1/3.0 system with the budget of $1500. I own a pair of jbl 305p, but no AVR.

Whether i should go passive or active ? Actice speakders usually need balanced input. Only hi-end AV proceesors deliver balanced outputs. they are far beyond budget.

i would like to use the system in a 5.4m(length) *2.3m(width) * 2.5m room. but i was told the room is too narrow for good sound. if this is true I would use the system in the drawing room or bedroom. I sit about 2 to 3.5 meters from the TV. Even though most of time I watch moive home alone I prefer to make room for more than one listener.

I enjoy music as well as movies and prefer exciting vocie. maybe that means i need louder listening?

Which speakers and AV processor should i buy? Can you please give me some advice?

 

[Power Pop 23]

Hi,

Your JBL 305p speakers can be driven with the unbalanced, single-ended outputs of an AVR - with the appropriate cabling.

To leave more $ for a 5.1 configuration, consider looking for a gently-used AVR from Denon that is compatible with a $20 paid app called Audessey MultEQ Editor. The app allows for more control over the sound in your space and is recommended by Amir. 5-channel AVR's from Denon are NOT compatible with the app.

Audyssey Room EQ Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audyssey Room Equalization. Audyssey is standard technology in a number of Audio/Video Receivers such as the Denon AVR-X3600H I recently reviewed. The standard version in the AVR is mostly all or nothing so I downloaded the Marantz/Denon...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JBL is updating the 305P MK 2 to a new MK 3 - there may be good deals to be had on the MK 2 line.

 

[kyuu]

You don't need a processor with XLR connections. You can do RCA to XLR without issue. These will do nicely.

And as I'm writing this, I've been ninja'd! But yes I agree, just get a lower-end AVR; the quality of the amplification of course doesn't matter. Fill out your system with more JBL 305 Mk2.

 

[Chrispy]

I have some JBL 305s but wouldn't build a multich system around them particularly. An avr with preouts sucks up your budget right away.

 

[kyuu]

That is true; even used it can be difficult to find an AVR with pre-outs that supports any features you need (HDMI version) at price that won't blow up your budget. Though if you're okay with bypassing the AVR for video and just backfeeding the audio with ARC the situation is a little better. Denon AVR X4000, for example.

 

[w149658]

I have some JBL 305s but wouldn't build a multich system around them particularly. An avr with preouts sucks up your budget right away.

what about a sound card like Motu MK5 ? Someone says I can use macbook and MK5 to decode. MK5 is about $700. 305p does not deliver enough SPL in 3.5 meters. What about two Kali LP8 and one IN 8 as LCR?

 

[w149658]

That is true; even used it can be difficult to find an AVR with pre-outs that supports any features you need (HDMI version) at price that won't blow up your budget. Though if you're okay with bypassing the AVR for video and just backfeeding the audio with ARC the situation is a little better. Denon AVR X4000, for example.

what about a sound card like Motu MK5 ? Someone says I can use macbook and MK5 to decode. MK5 is about $700. JBL 305p does not deliver enough SPL in 3.5 meters. What about two Kali LP8 and one IN 8 as LCR? Should i increase my budget and get a used processor like Anthem AVM 70?

 

[w149658]

Hi,

Your JBL 305p speakers can be driven with the unbalanced, single-ended outputs of an AVR - with the appropriate cabling.

To leave more $ for a 5.1 configuration, consider looking for a gently-used AVR from Denon that is compatible with a $20 paid app called Audessey MultEQ Editor. The app allows for more control over the sound in your space and is recommended by Amir. 5-channel AVR's from Denon are NOT compatible with the app.

Audyssey Room EQ Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Audyssey Room Equalization. Audyssey is standard technology in a number of Audio/Video Receivers such as the Denon AVR-X3600H I recently reviewed. The standard version in the AVR is mostly all or nothing so I downloaded the Marantz/Denon...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JBL is updating the 305P MK 2 to a new MK 3 - there may be good deals to be had on the MK 2 line.

thanks~
what about a sound card like Motu MK5 ? Someone says I can use macbook and MK5 to decode. MK5 is about $700. JBL 305p does not deliver enough SPL in 3.5 meters. What about two Kali LP8 and one IN 8 as LCR? Should i increase my budget and get a used processor like Anthem AVM 70?

 

[w149658]

I have some JBL 305s but wouldn't build a multich system around them particularly. An avr with preouts sucks up your budget right away.

should i give up the 305s and go for passive system? start with LCR and a AVR ? any passive speaker or AVR to recommed within the budget?

 

[Power Pop 23]

thanks~
what about a sound card like Motu MK5 ? Someone says I can use macbook and MK5 to decode. MK5 is about $700. JBL 305p does not deliver enough SPL in 3.5 meters. What about two Kali LP8 and one IN 8 as LCR? Should i increase my budget and get a used processor like Anthem AVM 70?

I am unqualified to comment on the Motu MK5.


I think using all passive speakers and and AVR give you the SPL's you require.

Are you buying in the USA or another market ?

EDIT - what source(s) do you want to amplify in your new system ?

 

[Power Pop 23]

FYI,

Denon USA is currently selling 'refurbished' AVR-S760H AVR's for $399

AVRS760H - 8K AV Receiver Powered by HEOS™ | Denon

Denon AVR-S760H Certified Refurbished - Premium sound, renewed value. Trusted performance, exceptional savings. Grab yours now.

www.denon.com

The Denon AVR-S760H is compatible with the approx. $20, paid Audyssey MultEQ Editor App.

Denon USA offers free returns up to 30 days and a 1-year warranty.

 

[Chrispy]

what about a sound card like Motu MK5 ? Someone says I can use macbook and MK5 to decode. MK5 is about $700. 305p does not deliver enough SPL in 3.5 meters. What about two Kali LP8 and one IN 8 as LCR?

Not familiar with soundcard options (or macbook for that matter). A glance at the mk5 seems to be a 2ch unit so not sure how that would work with multich. I have read about the Kalis but I've never seen one, that could be a nice option....they show a max spl spec of 117dB vs the JBL's 108 (and no idea if spec'd the same, Kali doesn't specify and JBL says C-weighted). Fwiw I run my JBLs with rca to xlr cables, indeed a multich processor or avr with xlr will be pricey. I think overall your budget is low and haven't even considered a sub yet.

ps saw a mk5 box rather than soundcard, got a link to the soundcard?

 

[w149658]

I am unqualified to comment on the Motu MK5.


I think using all passive speakers and and AVR give you the SPL's you require.

Are you buying in the USA or another market ?

EDIT - what source(s) do you want to amplify in your new system ?

i usually play movies or music on tv box or from laptop. if i go passive system. i should buy at least LCR and AVR. and the AVR without preout will be ok. what speakers and avr do u recommend?
it's really a dillema. if i insist on active system i can save 2 speakers but have to buy expensive AVR with preout. If i turn to passive system i need 2 more speakers. which way should i go？
i am in China where official refurbished audio equipments are rare.

 

[Chrispy]

Don't know what your choices in avr or speakers are in China, got some examples?

 

[Power Pop 23]

I am unfamiliar with the pricing and availability in China.

To stay within your budget, consider sourcing a recent, Denon 7-channel AVR plus a subwoofer and Front L/R speakers for a 2.1 system, then add a center channel speaker and surround speakers later - as your budget allows.

I believe KEF loudspeakers are available in China. Consider the KEF Q1 Meta for your Front L/R speakers. Later a 'single' KEF Q1 Meta can be purchased and deployed horizontally as a center channel speaker.

 

[fritobugger]

should i give up the 305s and go for passive system? start with LCR and a AVR ? any passive speaker or AVR to recommed within the budget?

I would say yes, save the 305 for a desk system if your plan is to build up to a nice 5.1 system over time.

The $1500 budget is really only enough for a good 3.0 setup immediately or a mediocre 3.1 system immediately.

The above linked Denon S760 would be a good choice.

Then you would need to look for good LCR speakers. Possible choices at the refurbished Kef Q3 meta with a refurbished Q1 meta as center or a refurbished Q6 meta center (if you can find one instock).

There are other choices in the local second hand market. Check hifishark for what is in your area.

If you choose to go 3.1 then look at the RSL Speedwoofer 10e.

 

[fritobugger]

Don't know what your choices in avr or speakers are in China, got some examples?

If you are in China then disregard my post above. When I lived in Shanghai, I enjoyed to hifi shops but that was more than a decade ago. Best of luck.

 

[w149658]

I am unqualified to comment on the Motu MK5.


I think using all passive speakers and and AVR give you the SPL's you require.

Are you buying in the USA or another market ?

EDIT - what source(s) do you want to amplify in your new system ?

The Denon AVR-S760H has no pre outs. Are u sure it's ok with active speakers?

 

[fritobugger]

Don't know what your choices in avr or speakers are in China, got some examples?

If you are in China then disregard my post above. When I lived in Shanghai, I enjoyed to hifi shops but that was more than a decade ago. Best of luck.

The Denon AVR-S760H has no pre outs. Are u sure it's ok with active speakers?

This would be with passive speakers. The 305P are not going to be great for beyond nearfield and the cost to set them up as part of a surround system would far exceed the benefit of keeping them. Any AVR with pre-outs already exceeds your budget unless you find an X4300H second hand for cheap.

 

[w149658]

Don't know what your choices in avr or speakers are in China, got some examples?

Most international audio brands are available here, like JBL, Dali, Kef, Kali, Paradigm, Bowers & Wilkins , Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Anthem etc