5.1 Home Theatre Question - Yamaha YSP 3000

[Luxury_Tax]

Hey everybody,

Just wanted to ask a question regarding 5.1 home theatre systems. Is anyone currently using one of Yamaha's Sound projector speakers (YSP)? This is the single speaker (well technically it's not a single speaker, but a bunch of smaller ones) that is supposed to replicate 5.1 surround sound by bouncing signals off your walls. I just recently moved into a condo, and my current set up (which was in the basement of my family home) is just too big, and too much sound for my condo. My current 5.1 set up consists of 2 PSB image tower speakers (T45), two PSB image book shelf speakers (B15), a PSB image centre cjhannel speaker (C40), and a 10" PSB sub (SubSeries 5i), combined with a Yamaha receiver (RXV 1700). This is a kick ass system that I love, but again, I just can't find a way to incorporate all those speakers into the living room of my condo. It just doesn't flow. I am looking to downgrade, and want something clean and simple. I will likely look to try and sell off my current system to recoup some cash to buy something newer, but smaller. I was looking at the YSP 3000. Now, I don't expect this to sound like my current set up. I would only be kidding myself. I just want a decent sounding home theatre system. I would likely look to mate the YSP 3000 with a subwoofer, just to fill in any missing bass. Any feedback?

[KPao]

I personally don't own one but I was told they do a pretty good job. They're pretty much meant for people in your situation (condos/bachelor apartments with little space). As long as you have calibrated properly it should work fine. Ideally you would want a square room where the sound can bounce off of appropriately. If the sound has a place to bounce off of the surround sound effect should work well. This is just what I've been told.

And there's no such thing as too much sound lol. Screw the neighbours. Alternatively you could find something slimmer. I personally just bought the Milennia 200 - fronts, Milennia 20 - centre from Paradigm. They don't take up nearly as much space and are slim so it doesn't crowd the room.

[eguiyab]

another alternative for the small size is the Bose Acoustimas Series.
I've heard a few of these and they aren't bad. I know there are a number of configurations they come in, so i cant really speak to which one is best.
But this would might give you a better sound stage than the YSP3000 as they are still satellite speakers, although smaller.
I have heard the YSP, but its not a fair comparison as i've only heard it in open showrooms.
BTW, PM me about those PSB's I might be interested....

[Auroraboy]

I have an earlier YSP-800 because I cannot properly fit in a traditional 5.1 separate speakers system.

I am also using a sub, to supplement the low end.

The experience is not as good as a true 5.1 system, but does a great job for most movies and TV. It is better at higher sound volumes, and the YSP's can crank out a lot of sound.

For my purposes, I am very pleased.

[philipfreire]

I heard one. As great of a job they do for what they are, they will never sound or be as great of a sound system than a 5.1, 7.1, 7.2, etc.

[Malcolm991]

I cant see the YSP doing that great of a job! I would down size your speakers and probably save yourself some money aswell.

[Luxury_Tax]

Thanks for the feedback thus far guys. I am rethinking my strategy right now. The other reason I was looking at the YSP 3000 is because it would eliminate any wiring that I would need to deal with going to my rear speakers. I found a solution to this. It is a semi wireless system from a manufacturer called Rocketfish that essentially allows you to eliminate wires running directly from your reciever to your rear speakers. I definitely still need to downsize my main tower speakers though. If I do this, I think I can make everything else work.

[KPao]

Hmmm interesting ... never heard of it. I heard 'wireless' systems don't have very good sound quality though.

[Chuckie]

I can tell you from personal experience that the rocketfish wireless kit will make the rears sound a little "thin". I'd get it though if thats your only option between the soundbar and having something proper.

I am a large proponent of quality.

If you're thinking of downgrading the towers, what are you going to get? bookshelves?

Unless you've somewhere to put them, you're porbably going to have to put them on speaker stands. It would probably be very similar in size to a tower. It might work better for blending into the decor though.

If you do decide to go with the soundbar, you can use your psb sub. It will give you more umph than the shitty yamaha sub thats suppose to be paired with it.

-Chuckie

Edit: I'll tell you what. I'll trade you your PSB fronts and Center for my Klipsch RF-10's towers (smaller towers) and Klipsch RC-52 center channel. =p