Piecing together a sound system

pmsmith2032

I'm hoping someone can help me with an inexpensive sound system for our basement. Below is a picture of the layout of the basement.

Here is what I am looking to accomplish:

- Create a home theater area to watch movies and TV.

- Be able to play music stored on Galaxy S3 phones and/or ipod throughout basement (including workshop area). Also play Pandora.

- Be able to run two additional zones this Spring to backyard (top of diagram). One of the zones will be on the back deck right above TV. The other area will be approximately 50' from house (raised deck surrounding part of above ground pool).

Here is what I currently have:

Panasonic 50" plasma tv (on a wood entertainment center)
Denon AVR-1613 (only has one zone) hooked up to TV
Polk Audio TSi CS10 Center channel speaker
Pair of Polk Audio TSi100 Bookshelf speakers
Four LG speakers from a JVC SP THM505 box surround system. They say they are 140W speakers (I believe they are 4 ohms)
Four speakers that came with a JVC SP THM505 box surround system. They say they are 140W speakers. (I believe they are 4 ohms)

From what I understand, I will need to buy a speaker switch to create various zones (I am looking to buy this one http://www.monoprice.com/Product?seq...at=2&p_id=8230). Running speaker wire anywhere in the basement isn't an issue as we have a drop ceiling (unfinished in workshop).

Suggestions on how to accomplish this CHEAPLY are greatly appreciated. We are in no way music experts so "average" sound is probably fine. I'm just looking for something basic now that maybe we can upgrade in the future. Thanks!

Attached Images

Basement Layout.jpg (54.7 KB, 4 views)

pmsmith2032

Just to add a bit more...I am thinking of buying these ceiling speakers: http://www.menards.com/main/electric...837-c-6300.htm and these in-wall speakers: http://www.menards.com/main/electric...839-c-6300.htm.

I know they are cheap, but they actually get good reviews on Amazon. Also, by buying them at Menards I can return them easily if they don't sound good or are defective.

BIslander

It looks like the Denon 1613 doesn't support 4 ohm speakers. So, you shouldn't plan on using the spares you have from old sound systems.

pmsmith2032

I figured that was the case. Is there any sort of converter to go down to 4ohms? Also what should I look for in a cheap used subwoofer on ebay/Craigslist?

BIslander

It's not a matter of a converter. 4 ohm speakers need more power, sort of like pedaling a bike in a lower gear.

pmsmith2032

Thanks. What is your opinion on the Monotone switch and Pyle speakers?

BIslander

I'm not familiar with either.

jkkyler

Not a big fan of pyle speakers - could make a few recommendations/suggestions but a realistic budget would help out a lot. "Cheap " is relative

leevitalone

I must kick in here AVOID Pyle products at any cost! It's really inferior produced stuff, you will be extremely unhappy with. I liken it to the "White van" crap being sold out there.

leevitalone

check out this site, quality stuff at reasonable cost:
www.accsesories4less.com

pmsmith2032

Thanks everyone. After doing more research, my plans have changed so I'm going to start a new thread.

Ression11

Thank you for sharing