Totally confused about speakers

[sahihai]

Hi All,
Help needed!!! I have a receiver lying around for more than a month now, but havent been able to finalize speakers.
I think I was pretty confident when I started looking at speakers a month ago - I was going to buy package speakers (polk RM6800, Infinity TSS750 etc) from "popular" chain store, but then started looking into Boston Acoustics, Camridge Soundworks etc, then found HSU website and from there went on to find SVS, Axiom and then just today visited the "good buy" store and looked at the Klipsch speakers (they look and sound great...i think) and I am back to where I started.
I looked through forums, consumerreports, professional reviews and needless to say, this is a high relative field, with different places recommending different families of speakers.
So I just want to see if someone can show me the guiding (I know that its me whose gotta walk the path)
I bought a HK AVR 240 (it has 50 watts high current amplification per channel) This is an entry level receiver and since this is going to be my first HT, I wanted to start with basics. But for speakers, I want to make an investment for a long time...good speakers within a budget of $1000 (I know this is not much) including Sub. I am looking for a 5.1 setup primarily for movies, but will definitely will listen to music too.
I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestion that you guys can provide on what I should go with. I have a medium size room 15x15. I have been very interested in the SVS subs, but I am totally lost on the cylinder versus box subs that they have. I am not aware if there are better or competitive subs out there (for the same price...about $500) For the surround speakers I have no clue whatsoever. On this website, I read the professional recommendation which listed the Axiom VP100 (Center) and Axiom M2i for surrounds. But again, without having listened to anything comparable, I am not sure. Plus all this probably will cost me around $1400...which if I am really confident about the choices, I may stretch myself.
Please, please help me with this confusion.:confused:

-dAre2dreAm

[Takeereasy]

If you really liked those klipsch here's a suggewstion for you: http://www.ubid.com/BIC_Home_Theater_System_Acoustech_Complete_5.1/a601675312-rsearchone.html

The sub is supposed to be pretty good, and the reviews of this system by members on the site that own it are very favourable. The sub was designed by HSU (that's a good thing) and the package is supposedly very close to Klipsch sound wise. Like you said speaker taste is relative, but if you want 5.1 on a budget that sounds close to klipsch then this might fit the bill.

Good luck with the hunt, I know it takes time to do it right, but the investment is an important one.

[Stainless_Steel]

I feel your pain! I'm also just getting into this and it gets confusing and frustrating real quick.

[j_garcia]

The best way to not get confused is to go out and listen to a bunch of speakers and get an idea of what it is that you like in a speaker (bring your own music, use the same music for all speakers). Once you have done that, then you can ask for comparisons to what you've heard vs internet direct brands so that you'll have a rough idea of what they sound like. Find something you like up front so you don't have to upgrade sooner rather than later.

[mulester7]

The best way to not get confused is to go out and listen to a bunch of speakers and get an idea of what it is that you like in a speaker (bring your own music, use the same music for all speakers). Once you have done that, then you can ask for comparisons to what you've heard vs internet direct brands so that you'll have a rough idea of what they sound like. Find something you like up front so you don't have to upgrade sooner rather than later......Golden Words Of Wisdom Well Stated....we ALL hear differently....just because Clint and Gene can hear a gnat fart at 50 yards doesn't mean we all can.......

[sahihai]

Thank you guys. Here are some of the speakers that I short listed based on my most current research. The floor standing speakers from Klipsch that I liked are almost double the price of floor standing speakers listed below, so I dropped them.

20-39 PCi ($600) OR NEw PB12-NSD ($600)
Front L&R: Axiom M50 ($740 pair) or Polk Monitor 60 ($650 pair)
Center: VP100 ($250)
Surround: Axiom QS4 ($420 pair) or Klipsch S3 ($450 pair)

I think I just doubled my budget here. But I dont see how I can go for anything less. One thing I can do is instead of the Floor Standing speakers which cost more than $600, I can go for the Axiom M3 ($320 a pair) and I can go with the PB10-NSD ($429) if I compromise on the deep end. This combined saves me $500. Any suggestions on that configuration? What do you guys think?

[billy p]

I would try to stay within the same speaker group! This gives you a better match in appearance and sound. I'd also go with bookshelfs for the front and rear with a big a$$ 12" sub:D . Later they can all be moved to the back and rear surround for 7.1 when you add the floors ;) .

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

The biggest bang-for-your-buck in a budget (or any) 5.1 system is the subwoofer. 99% of all subwoofers in the world are bloaty pieces of crap that should be burned on the nearest bonfire, this includes the Sub from every HTiB I've ever heard.

$600 really gets you in the door with a great 12" sub (SVS, HSU, Outlaw, Velodyne). Its money well spent.

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

I think I just doubled my budget here. But I dont see how I can go for anything less.

If the room isn't very large, you could just buy the complete $1000 5.1 package from SVS. It'll sound better than your local movie theater for sure*






*Offer not valid if you live near Graumann's Chinese Theater.

[billnchristy]

I cant imagine starting out with awesome gear, I am just now getting into 1k+ speakers and I have had a home theatre for almost 10 years.

If you want huge bang for the buck 5 X-LS speakers and a HSU or outlaw sub would run about 1200 bucks.

If you have something to trade in, the deal going on at AV123 for the rockets is very good. I traded in some primus and got a set of rocket 760s for $999 and center for $450.

That being said about the primus, I only had the primus center and was pretty happy with it (until I got bigfoot), so if you can find some and I hear they are being blown out in some places, they would provide huge bang for the buck.

[3db]

Thank you guys. Here are some of the speakers that I short listed based on my most current research. The floor standing speakers from Klipsch that I liked are almost double the price of floor standing speakers listed below, so I dropped them.

20-39 PCi ($600) OR NEw PB12-NSD ($600)
Front L&R: Axiom M50 ($740 pair) or Polk Monitor 60 ($650 pair)
Center: VP100 ($250)
Surround: Axiom QS4 ($420 pair) or Klipsch S3 ($450 pair)

I think I just doubled my budget here. But I dont see how I can go for anything less. One thing I can do is instead of the Floor Standing speakers which cost more than $600, I can go for the Axiom M3 ($320 a pair) and I can go with the PB10-NSD ($429) if I compromise on the deep end. This combined saves me $500. Any suggestions on that configuration? What do you guys think?

My ears are very treble sensitive and I found the Axioms, although very revealing to be a lil harsh on the high end to my ears. I went with a PSB speaker system consisting off

Image T45s for $1000 Cdn with 15% taxes in
Image B1 surrounds and Image 8C center (now they are Image B15 and C40 respectively) for $800 Cdn with 15% taxes in
Subsonic 5 for $500 Cdn with 15% taxes in . At the time, teh Canadian dollar was hovering aound 72cents to your american dollar.

I seriously suggest you audition them if you can.

[sahihai]

Thanks for all your insights. Here is how the final configuration looks now...

NEW PB12-NSD ($600)
Front L&R: Axiom M3 ($320 pair)
Center: VP100 ($250)
Surround: Axiom QS4 ($420 pair)

For the surround speakers, I feel that $420 is probably high considering the range I am looking at spending. Any suggestions there? I have finalized this list based on the general feeling that it is better to buy matching speakers.

[sahihai]

Guys any comments on the above configuration? I am matching all of them with axioms. My only question is whether the QS4 are an overkill and instead if I should buy a pair of M3 for rear L&R.

Finally, what do you guys think about SBS01 versus the axiom speakers for surround? I am definitely getting the Sub from SVS, but not sure about the surround speakers.

[billy p]

I'd go with the m2's or m3's for front and back. The q speakers (IMO) are more for rear surround in 6.1 or 7.1. As far as subs either svs or hsu are the best bang for the buck.

[sahihai]

OK guys. I ve taken the plunge. I ordered the New PB12-NSD yesterday, after 2 gruelling months, the first step is taken.
Now onto the sub cable and then the surrounds and then cables again...patience, patience, patience.

[Nick250]

OK guys. I ve taken the plunge. I ordered the New PB12-NSD yesterday, after 2 gruelling months, the first step is taken.
Now onto the sub cable and then the surrounds and then cables again...patience, patience, patience.

I am straddling the PB12/SB12 fence, so I will be very interested in your report after you get it. What kind of time frame did they give you for delivery?

Nick

PS: Any decent shielded sub cable will work fine. I use Radio Shack.

[sahihai]

Thanks for the cable advise Nick. I shall check those out. I am also looking at BJC. I need to order a 24 ft cable to test the sub at different placements, so just making sure that the length makes no difference in case I need to move the sub near to the receiver and end up rolling the long cable.

Looks like shipping should happen early week after next. So we are looking at about couple of weeks from today till I get my hands on this baby (or monster...I hope :-)

Definitely eager to power it up and will send out my "subjective" ;) review immediately.

[kar_23]

someone get this troll out of here......

[majorloser]

someone get this troll out of here......

Good idea! I think I will.

Say goodbye kar_23, or should I say rak_32.

[einsteinjb]

You're going to love that SVS sub. I'd love to hear the PB-12 NSD, it should sound amazing since the new NSD woofers are supposed to be about (or almost) on par with the old Plus woofers. I'm still in love with my PB10-ISD. :)

For cables check ************.com for their Dayton brand before you spend a lot of money. I've bought several of their cables and they're very high quality for the money. Of course there's an ages-old debate about whether expensive cables make a difference and everyone's got their opinion on the matter, but my experience is that there is NO need to spend a lot on them. (And even if expensive cables did make a difference, they wouldn't at the level of gear you're buying, which is good but not world class!)

Enjoy!

[jcPanny]

Sahihai,
Great sub, you should consider the Axiom M22's for mains so that they can keep up. Order from the Outlet page for an extra discount.
Also disagree, on the QS4 and QS8 speakers. They are designed for the surround channels. However, some people prefer direct radiators for the surround backs (7.1) vs. a dipole or bipole type speaker like the QS series.

[sahihai]

JCPanny, thanks for the suggestion on mains. Also, you mentioned that your disagree on the QS4 or QS8. Any reason why? I am going in for a 5.1 setup.

BTW, got a date..the sub gets delivered on 25th Sept. Hats off to the guys at SVS! Erik/Ron have been very helpful all the way.

[jcPanny]

JCPanny, thanks for the suggestion on mains. Also, you mentioned that your disagree on the QS4 or QS8. Any reason why? I am going in for a 5.1 setup.


The QS4/8s are designed for the surround channels and can be easily mounted on the side wall. Dolby, DTS, Audioholics, and others recommend a dipole or bipole type speaker for the surrounds in HT to provide a disperse surround field. It allows several listening positions to get the same surround effect. Also, the QS8 has received several good reviews.

There are a couple minor drawbacks to the unique QS design. With the woofer on top, you don't want it too close to the ceiling. Also, do to the woofer on the bottom, you have to buy the expensive axiom stands if you cant wall mount them. The additional drivers also make them more expensive, but you get what you pay for.

With axiom's great trial policy, comparing the QS speaker to a bookshelf is not out of the question.

[stevenassco]

personally I would stick to 1 manufacture

have you looked at a Paradigm setup? You can get a great matched setup from 1K-2K - depending if you want a floorstanding or monitor style fronts. The Espirit setup is right around $1500 I think with the Phantom being a bit more. :D