Need advice for center and surround speakers?

Question

I'm going to be purchasing the Yamaha RX-V661 soon (I believe it is rated at 100 watts per channel) which will be running 2 Infinity Primus 150 bookshelf speakers with a Sony sub set-up in my living room (approx. 15x25). I am looking for a decent center speaker, as well as a set of surround speakers to run off my new system that will complement the Yamaha's sound. I'm looking to set up a 5.1 system for right now, possibly upgrading to a 7.1 later. I have been looking into Energy/Athena speakers for the surrounding two rears, as well as an Athena center speaker. My budget is pretty low, probably under $300 for the center channel and two surround speakers because I am dropping close to $400 for the receiver. Has anyone had any exposure to the Energy/Athena line and what do you think of them? I believe they are manufactured by the Paradigm company. Thanks for the advice.

Answer 1

Energy, Athena and Mirage are from the same company that was bought out by Klipsch about 1 1/2 years ago. They have a very good reputation (Energy and Mirage more so than Athena). Paradigm is another company from Canada but other than some research in common is not affiliated with Energy. Energy is good and for that matter so is Paradigm.  Check out the C-50 pair and C-C50 from energy or the Cinema 70 speakers from paradigm.

Yamaha has replaced the RXV661 with the RXV663 which adds Dolby True HD and dts HD Master Audio processing (previously in the RXV1800 and higher) and is definitely worth it.

Answer 2

I'm going to have to agree with "Miguel35" in that you should make sure you get the "RX-V663" instead.  Definitely worth those new HD audio formats.

The perfect CENTER and REAR speakers for your set up would be 3 (three) more "Primus 150" bookshelf speakers.  Movie soundtracks are recorded on 5 or 6 identacle speakers.  That's how they should be played back at home.

Answer 3

Great questions!  First, let me say this - don't budget yourself by thinking you need to get everything all at once.  Go ahead and get the receiver and enjoy your front speakers (I like Infinity a lot!)  But be careful that you don't spend $300 because that's all you have now just to have center and surround speakers.  In a few months from now, your budget might grow and you can get something you might rather have.  The key is to get what you really want and my favorite part of home theater is you can add things one at a time and get a great system!  (I've been working at mine for about 10 years and love it, I have some nice stuff.  But I didn't go spend $20, 000 all at once, either.)

Now some people will tell you to stick with Infinity's for your surrounds and center as they will "match" tonally with your fronts.  But you might not be able to tell the difference as sound pans across your room.  I have heard Energy speakers and they are excellent for sure.  You won't be disappointed with them.  The final judge should always be your ears.  Everyone has a favorite brand and will recommend this and that, but go to a store and just listen.  Many stores will let you take them home, hook them up and try them out.  Your home is the best place to audition, naturally.

Back to building the system one at a time, get your center next, then your surrounds, then upgrade that sub.  I'd say in a few months, you'll have a great system that you'll be proud of and really enjoy.  Have fun with it!