[Para1911tulsa]

Hello everyone. I currently have a Samsung soundbar and sub but I have been able to convince my wife to let me upgrade to a multi channel surround sound.

[JerryM]

Welcome to AudioCircle. 

[TrungT]

Welcome to AC 

[brooklyn]

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Para1911t   

[Guy 13]

A warm welcome to AudioCircle Mr. Para1911tulsa.

Guy 13

[Para1911tulsa]

Thank you for the greetings. I am really thinking about buying HSU Research for my first system. My father in law has the VT-12 and it sounds great. What is everyone's opinion on them?

[mresseguie]

Hello, Para1911Tulsa.

Welcome to AC.

What is your budget for your HT system? Breaking it down to parts will help us - X dollars for AV processor, Y Dollars for speakers, Z dollars for subwoofer.

Do you want a 5.1 or 5.2, or is having a 3.1 enough? (3.1 is front Left, Right and Center (LCR) plus sub)

When I got back into this audio hobby, it was because I thought I wanted a nice HT system. I bought a cheap Denon pre/pro (2113ci), a pair of PSB Synchrony Two speakers on sale, rear surrounds (PSB), and a PSB sub (12"). Well, it turned out I didn't consult my wife about those horrible surrounds  ; didn't know she would complain about the Synchrony speakers standing 2 feet from the front wall  , and didn't know that my system would sound like s#!t because our family room was designed in hell to sound like crap with EVERY sound system in existence. 

After six months of battling WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor), the horrible acoustics, inadequate AVR, and mismatched speakers, I realized my mistake. I sold my Synchrony Twos; handed the AVR and the sub down to my son (and bought him inexpensive used LCR speakers). The rear surrounds are languishing in my basement storage. I bought a nice AVA 3-channel amplifier, a Nuforce pre/pro, and three slightly mismatched speakers for LCR. Oh, and I have a really nice sounding Rythmik sub.

Nearly three years in it finally dawned on me that my wife and I don't watch TV anymore. We watch a DVD/BluRay movie once a month - maybe.  What I really enjoy is listening to two-channel audio - even just two-channel audio for the occasional movie if fine. I do not need all the bells and whistles of 5.1 HT. I'm quite happy with two standmount speakers supported by a good sub.

Geez. I didn't know I was going to write a novel. Enjoy yourself, but make sure you know what you want first.

I looked hard at Hsu Research a couple years ago. but I ended up getting other equipment. I don't have firsthand experience with Hsu gear, so I can't comment on it.

Enjoy!

Michael

The moral of this whole story is make darned sure of what you want before jumping in and spending $4000 on equipment.

[Para1911tulsa]

Thank you mresseguie, I'm only looking to spend 1k to 1.5k on my first system total. My problem is that I have a sectional couch that is against my wall so the surround speakers would need to be facing down from the ceiling. I listen to the tv on the loud side and even louder when watching movies. The sound bar is ok for adding to the tv but it doesn't give me the effect I am really looking for. My tv is a 65 inch Samsung 4K Curved. I use it for everything from gaming to my desktop monitor. I have been thinking about starting off with used speakers so that I get the best bang for my buck.

[Phil A]

Welcome to AC!

[mresseguie]

Thank you mresseguie, I'm only looking to spend 1k to 1.5k on my first system total. My problem is that I have a sectional couch that is against my wall so the surround speakers would need to be facing down from the ceiling. I listen to the tv on the loud side and even louder when watching movies. The sound bar is ok for adding to the tv but it doesn't give me the effect I am really looking for. My tv is a 65 inch Samsung 4K Curved. I use it for everything from gaming to my desktop monitor. I have been thinking about starting off with used speakers so that I get the best bang for my buck.

Well, $1500 max isn't much once you really get into it IMHO. Used is an excellent option.

Would you consider 2.1 first? It will get you started and you can get better quality components. Then, as budget and wife allow, you add surround speakers.

Have you checked GR Research kits? The XLS-Encores are a very good deal especially if you make the cabinets yourself. I'd recommend getting the upgraded crossover components. Used subs save you a ton of money. Down the road, get a second sub. Two subs make better LF than a single sub.

Definitely, take your time to research what is available; what you want/need, and what you can afford. If possible, first listen to the speakers in your home to make certain you will be happy with them.

[Para1911tulsa]

Thank you for the advice. I didn't realize how involved home audio can be. I looked at the pre made speakers at GR Research and they look really nice. My wife was trying to convince me that all we need is some RCA system she saw at Walmart for like 200 dollars. That's not going to happen! 

[dB Cooper]

My wife was trying to convince me that all we need is some RCA system she saw at Walmart for like 200 dollars. That's not going to happen! 

(He's one of us, guys....) 

Welcome to the sweet spot!

BTW, I think mresseguie's suggestion about your system configuration is a good one... Unless cost is no object, I'll take two good speakers over five mediocre ones any day, especially if music listening is a big part of the picture. And used lets you take advantage of somebody's upgraditis.