SVS or AV123?

[Soundman]

OK I've had to adjust my budget a bit. I put some money into a good amp, figured i'll need it long term. So, here's the situation, both the av123 X series speakers, and the SVS scs speaker packages fall in the same price range. This is a HT setup. So, here's the question: Who would you go for? I like the great HT reviews of the SVS's, but I also like the real wood av123 speakers. Both seem to have great reviews, I've posted something similar before, but decided to post this one because I realize that getting x-series towers could be just as economical as bookshelves (no stands to purchase), so that's an option. Not sure if quality would suffer though. Anyway, cast your vote here: If you were looking for a nice budget system for HT use, which way would you go? I haven't seen anything in this price range that looks as good as these. Please correct me if I'm wrong. All opinions are welcome.

[j_garcia]

Sound wise, I actually like the X-series better than the SBS-01s. I think 3 SCS-01s up front might change that though; but if you are interested in the towers, the choice seems clear. For strictly HT though, I'd probably lean towards SVS simply for the sub, unless you intend to upgrade the sub that comes with the X_packages to something larger from them or someone else.

[ParadigmDawg]

I am neutral on the choice. HT is just not that difficult to do; I would say go for the one that has the best center and best sub.

[Soundman]

I am neutral on the choice. HT is just not that difficult to do; I would say go for the one that has the best center and best sub.

I'm not sure who has the best center, but i think it is clear that an SVS sub is the way to go. Either way, I'll get an SVS sub, prob. go with one of their plus subs, but not sure about speakers. I still havent decided about bookshelves or towers, but its nice to know its an option with the X series. Their speakers do look prettier too.

[ParadigmDawg]

Well then I am going to change my answer.

I would go with the AV123s and the SVS sub.

I'm not sure who has the best center, but i think it is clear that an SVS sub is the way to go. Either way, I'll get an SVS sub, prob. go with one of their plus subs, but not sure about speakers. I still havent decided about bookshelves or towers, but its nice to know its an option with the X series. Their speakers do look prettier too.

[j_garcia]

How big is your room?

[Soundman]

How big is your room?

my room is about 16x16 with a vaulted ceiling that is about 12ft 8in at the highest point. It also opens up into the kitchen. The kitchen ai about the same size room, slightly larger. However, the ceiliing is not as high in the kitchen. All other rooms can be closed off.

[ParadigmDawg]

Holy cow; that's going to require quite a sub!

[j_garcia]

Yep. A decent sub at the very least. I'd look at the SVS package and step up to the PB-12 rather than the PB-10. I've heard the PB-12 in a room about that size and it did fairly well. I had the PB-10 in a room that was 19x20 high vaulted ceiling and open to the kitchen and it did quite well but I wanted a bit more.

[zumbo]

I don't see an actual budget, but you may want to look at Aperion for your speakers. There are members here who really seem to like them. I know they look good, and the specs are decent as well.

http://www.aperionaudio.com/home.aspx

For a sub, I would spend a little more for the HSU 12".

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

Another idea I haven't heard much about lately:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast2.html

There is the Athena Audition option as well. Available all over the net.
http://www.athenaspeakers.com/v2/productlines.php?ident=Audition+Series+2

[mazersteven]

In my humble opinion. This is what I would do if I was looking for an HT system between $1000-$1500.

2- x-mtm Tower
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=105.1

3- x-cs Center/Main/Surround
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

1- Rocket UFW-10 Subwoofer
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=1.1

or -----------------------------------------------------

5- x-cs Center/Main/Surround
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=91.1

1- SB12-Plus
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

or -----------------------------------------------------

System 33-3000
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340mhts.html

This system would come to $1145 plus shipping with this offer.

This is a e-mail I received from Ascend this morning.

We have a limited quantity of fully recertified CMT-340 SE pairs that we are now offering for sale at only $458 per pair. These speakers, what we are now calling "340 Recerts" for short, have been fully refurbished using brand new woofers and tweeters.

The majority of these units are trade-ins from customers that have upgraded; others are units that we have marked as B-stock due to a very minor scratch or nick. We have fully cleaned and touched up the cabinets where appropriate, installed new woofers and tweeters, and each unit has passed our industry-leading production line performance assurances.

I guarantee you, these units are as good as new, and if not, they are still backed by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee. The only stipulation is that we are using unshielded tweeters in these models. The woofers are fully shielded but because the tweeters are not, we recommend at least 2 feet of clearance from a CRT style monitor. The lack of shielding on these tweeters has absolutely no affect on performance. I assure you, these are our award-warning CMT-340 SE through and through...

The 340 Recerts are available right now and these are fully eligible for our standard package price discounting.

Order here http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=AD&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=9CM34SBM2R&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1

Just add subwoofer.

[abboudc]

Both.

I'd go with:
1 X-CS
4 X-LS
SVS 25-31PCi or PB-10 if your budget doesn't allow the 25-31

[autoboy]

my room is about 16x16 with a vaulted ceiling that is about 12ft 8in at the highest point. It also opens up into the kitchen. The kitchen ai about the same size room, slightly larger. However, the ceiliing is not as high in the kitchen. All other rooms can be closed off.

I have the exact same room. My room is cut off by a 10x7 open doorway though that might make my room appear smaller than yours to the sub. My SVS PB12-NSD is enough sub for my room. I'm not an audio expert but I'm really wondering how much more boom can you get?

[Derrleak]

Hey I was in your EXACT same situation and just now getting out of it. I ended up settling with the x-series speakers even though they are quite large. My room is about the same minus the ceiling. I am considering getting the MTM's due to the bass and the fact they reach the listeners ear better...I hear you just have to prepared for there size. I didn't get an x-sub though...SVS obviously dominates there so I got a PB-10 with a Onkyo 605, a x-cs center speaker (big also) and still waiting to get into my place to make measurments to see if the MTM's would be a bit to large...i'll probably get them anyways =P Hope that helps considering I've been going through this fight with myself for 3 weeks after MUCH research...Let me know what you end up doing :)

[Soundman]

Hey I was in your EXACT same situation and just now getting out of it. I ended up settling with the x-series speakers even though they are quite large. My room is about the same minus the ceiling. I am considering getting the MTM's due to the bass and the fact they reach the listeners ear better...I hear you just have to prepared for there size. I didn't get an x-sub though...SVS obviously dominates there so I got a PB-10 with a Onkyo 605, a x-cs center speaker (big also) and still waiting to get into my place to make measurments to see if the MTM's would be a bit to large...i'll probably get them anyways =P Hope that helps considering I've been going through this fight with myself for 3 weeks after MUCH research...Let me know what you end up doing :)

reach ear better? with proper stands, wouldn't any speaker in the x-series work? i was actually starting to consider getting 3 x-cs's across the front and x-ls's for rears. When you say settle, what do you mean? content with the settup? i know there are better speakers out there, but for the price this seems pretty good from everything i've heard and read. thanks for the input.

[avaserfi]

reach ear better? with proper stands, wouldn't any speaker in the x-series work? i was actually starting to consider getting 3 x-cs's across the front and x-ls's for rears. When you say settle, what do you mean? content with the settup? i know there are better speakers out there, but for the price this seems pretty good from everything i've heard and read. thanks for the input.

With proper stands and tweeters appropriately placed (ear level) it shouldn't matter. Getting 3 x-cs's for the fronts and then using x-ls's for the rears is a great idea, I would suggest placing all the x-cs's vertically if at all possible as it should give you better sound quality.

If these speakers max out your budget or even stretch it a little I would think you would be more than content with them :).

[Soundman]

With proper stands and tweeters appropriately placed (ear level) it shouldn't matter. Getting 3 x-cs's for the fronts and then using x-ls's for the rears is a great idea, I would suggest placing all the x-cs's vertically if at all possible as it should give you better sound quality.

If these speakers max out your budget or even stretch it a little I would think you would be more than content with them :).

thanks for the input. Question though. How does placing the center channel vertically giving me better sound quality? I will obviously be placing the LR channels vertically, but placing the center channel vertically may present more of a challenge.

[avaserfi]

thanks for the input. Question though. How does placing the center channel vertically giving me better sound quality? I will obviously be placing the LR channels vertically, but placing the center channel vertically may present more of a challenge.

This is an article explaining the situation and shows that you are on the right track using the same speaker as the fronts and center but the next step is all vertical placement :):

http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/vertical-vs-horizontal-speaker-designs

I have actually had a chance to meet the author of this article and talk to him about it. It was a very interesting conversation and I learned a lot :). I was lucky enough to have met his neighbor on avrant and got introduced to Chris as well.

[ParadigmDawg]

You should really consider putting in a ceiling. Not only will it make your system sound better but it will also keep you warm and dry:rolleyes:

Hey I was in your EXACT same situation and just now getting out of it. I ended up settling with the x-series speakers even though they are quite large. My room is about the same minus the ceiling.

[ParadigmDawg]

You could do it like this. This is how I did mine which I thought was a temp solution but now I actually like it and may leave it.

thanks for the input. Question though. How does placing the center channel vertically giving me better sound quality? I will obviously be placing the LR channels vertically, but placing the center channel vertically may present more of a challenge.

[jcPanny]

The build quality of my higher end AV123 speakers as excelent and based on reviews, the x-series should work great for HT and music. I would only go with the SVS bookshelf speakers if your budget was limited to $800 (5.1 package in white or silver) or if the savings allowed you to upgrade to a larger 12" sub. I am also a very happy owner of an SVS SB12-Plus sub and recommend both companies.

Also FYI, AV123 is comming out with a couple great subs that would work well for your room including the MFW-15 for $600 (15" ported sub). It would match (asthetically) the X-series speakers and might be worth the wait.

[j_garcia]

One thing to note about the SVS speakers, if you don't mind silver or white, those two colors are both quite a bit less than the black.

AV123 is going to come out with a larger X-series sub also.

[Soundman]

The build quality of my higher end AV123 speakers as excelent and based on reviews, the x-series should work great for HT and music. I would only go with the SVS bookshelf speakers if your budget was limited to $800 (5.1 package in white or silver) or if the savings allowed you to upgrade to a larger 12" sub. I am also a very happy owner of an SVS SB12-Plus sub and recommend both companies.

Also FYI, AV123 is comming out with a couple great subs that would work well for your room including the MFW-15 for $600 (15" ported sub). It would match (asthetically) the X-series speakers and might be worth the wait.

I was trying to stay within $800 for the speakers to allow for a nice sub. I'll prob spend as much on the sub as the rest of the speakers, about $1500 total was my goal. So, if I can get some speakers for $800, I'll put the rest into the sub, or I'll just wait and get a sub later.

[mazersteven]

:rolleyes:

[rumonkey2]

...AV123 Xls
This is "temporary" as I'm deciding on new TV. But set-up will remain close to the same. Depending on TV I get, I will have either a similar "tall stand" (for RP LCD)built & continue to use current speaker stands or "lowboy" rack(for wall mount flat panel) w/ speakers on top. While speaker current speaker height is not "ideal" - not at seated ear level - it works for me. Perfect height when I recline slightly. And there is not that much detail loss when seated upright. (Tweets are right at 28")
I also like to think that at this height, I may be getting an "absorption" advantage having them fire right into my Berklines...?? (Sorry, that's topic for another thread)
I can tell you, there is a huge difference(++) going three identical, across the front at least, and having them all vertical and on the same plane....

[Soundman]

...AV123 Xls
This is "temporary" as I'm deciding on new TV. But set-up will remain close to the same. Depending on TV I get, I will have either a similar "tall stand" (for RP LCD)built & continue to use current speaker stands or "lowboy" rack(for wall mount flat panel) w/ speakers on top. While speaker current speaker height is not "ideal" - not at seated ear level - it works for me. Perfect height when I recline slightly. And there is not that much detail loss when seated upright. (Tweets are right at 28")
I also like to think that at this height, I may be getting an "absorption" advantage having them fire right into my Berklines...?? (Sorry, that's topic for another thread)
I can tell you, there is a huge difference(++) going three identical, across the front at least, and having them all vertical and on the same plane....

So, the setup in the pic is 3 x-ls's? I'm thinking of doing something similar now, but with 3 x-cs's. However, to do it, i'd have to mount my screen higher up on the wall, since I'm using a projector and screen for my setup. This may place the screen above eye level. The x-cs's are a pretty tall bookshelf if placed vertically. I also, looked at some Ascend 340 SE's as main's with 170's as rears. Nice setup. A little more than the X-series, but looks to be a step up from the x-series as well. Too bad the Ascend's aren't offered in any other finishes, unless you opt for one of their custom paint jobs, which is kinda pricy....if going that route, it kinda defeats the point of "more speaker for your money" mentality that the ID companies are going for.

[jcPanny]

The 3 X-cs across the front would be a great budget setup will look great. At about double the cost, the Ascends should sound better.

Only disadvantage to the X-cs is that there is not a stand designed for stands so you might have to use a couple screws to secure them to a stand. The floorstanding X-mtm version obviously resolves this issue.

Also note, some center channel stands are pretty low and angle the speaker up to allow placement below the screen for front projection.

[Soundman]

The 3 X-cs across the front would be a great budget setup will look great. At about double the cost, the Ascends should sound better.

Only disadvantage to the X-cs is that there is not a stand designed for stands so you might have to use a couple screws to secure them to a stand. The floorstanding X-mtm version obviously resolves this issue.

Also note, some center channel stands are pretty low and angle the speaker up to allow placement below the screen for front projection.

Yes, the X-mtm is an option, but prob wont be an exact match. I hear it's tuned a little lower.Also, the dimensions are a tad deeper, so it would take up a little more space. I'm told I can get some Blue-tac to mount the x-scs's and then fill the mu 30 stands with sand and it should be plenty stable. Hope that works. The escends have a package deal, so they aren't that much more once you factor in shipping charges for both companies, but yes they are more.

[Derrleak]

Well I ended up not getting the MTM's...I got into my place and they would be WAY to big for my current setup so I had to cancel the order. I ended up going with SLS's as my front mains, x-cs for center, and x-ls as my surrounds on the stands suggested by av123. Good luck with those x-cs...those things are pretty damn massive themselves, I'd almost be scared to try and put those things on stands haha. I would def try to get them to stay stable before I ever put screws into the cabnet, unless there already there...

[Soundman]

Well I ended up not getting the MTM's...I got into my place and they would be WAY to big for my current setup so I had to cancel the order. I ended up going with SLS's as my front mains, x-cs for center, and x-ls as my surrounds on the stands suggested by av123. Good luck with those x-cs...those things are pretty damn massive themselves, I'd almost be scared to try and put those things on stands haha. I would def try to get them to stay stable before I ever put screws into the cabnet, unless there already there...

Well, it doesn't look like I'm going to get the xcs's. Too big! Plus, I did a little more research and the Ascend 340 SE's are a much better speaker, especially for HT. Based on current reviews, they are suppose to have good dynamic qualities that's good for HT. I also looked at aperion b/c of free shippig both ways, as well as the nice finishes. It looks like the 533-t would do well with complex music, like classical, but won't have the same dynamic shift and won't play as loud as the Ascends (the 340 SE's are a very efficient speaker). They aren't as pretty as the others, but I'm looking for performance over looks. Right now they are also having a deal where you can get 100 off a pair by going with the b-stock so that is an option. Any opinions on this? Right now I'm leaning on going with 340's as fronts and 170's in the rear. I'll have to up the budget a tad, but I think it's worth it. Anyone heard them? Please let me know. Thanks all.

[dorokusai]

The Usher Audio S520 would be a pretty nice choice sonically and it's colorful to boot :)

Mark
Polk Audio CS

[Soundman]

The Usher Audio S520 would be a pretty nice choice sonically and it's colorful to boot :)

Mark
Polk Audio CS

the Usher's do look nice, nice finish too! But they won't play as loud. They did get an excellent review though. colorful you say? this is a good thing? :confused:

[mazersteven]

the Usher's do look nice, nice finish too! But they won't play as loud. They did get an excellent review though. colorful you say? this is a good thing? :confused:

I filled a 35x30 room with 2 Usher S-520's playing 2-channel music, and they did an excellent job. Volume was no problem.

In fact they sounded so good. That out of the speakers I had that day.

AV123 Strata Mini's
AV123 Rocket RS250 MKII
Polk Audio LSi9's
Athena AS-F1.2
HSU HB-1

The Ushers are the speakers that impress everyone the most.

[mazersteven]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/mazersteven/Berry.jpg

[Soundman]

I filled a 35x30 room with 2 Usher S-520's playing 2-channel music, and they did an excellent job. Volume was no problem.

In fact they sounded so good. That out of the speakers I had that day.

AV123 Strata Mini's
AV123 Rocket RS250 MKII
Polk Audio LSi9's
Athena AS-F1.2
HSU HB-1

The Ushers are the speakers that impress everyone the most.

Have you heard the ascends? I looked at the 340SE's, as well as the 170's for rears. How would they stack up? I know they aren't as pretty, but that's what makes me curious about this speaker. (Less money put into asthetics, but more into performance, theoretically) Let me know your thoughts if you've heard them.

[mazersteven]

Have you heard the ascends? I looked at the 340SE's, as well as the 170's for rears. How would they stack up? I know they aren't as pretty, but that's what makes me curious about this speaker. (Less money put into asthetics, but more into performance, theoretically) Let me know your thoughts if you've heard them.


The 340's are great. Incredible detail from these speakers at this price range.

I would like to do a side by side comparison with the Ushers, and 340's. And I wish I had more time to spend with the Ushers and my LSi9's.

Did you call Ascend and take advantage of that deal I first posted for you?

[Soundman]

The 340's are great. Incredible detail from these speakers at this price range.

I would like to do a side by side comparison with the Ushers, and 340's. And I wish I had more time to spend with the Ushers and my LSi9's.

Did you call Ascend and take advantage of that deal I first posted for you?

I haven't called yet. That deal is still going on though. The only downer is that the recerts are not magnetically shielded. Still, $100 off per pair is still a good deal. I'm kinda torn between the Aperion 533-t system, ascend 340se system, and i still have the ushers in the back of my mind. i had a dealer call me back about auditioning those. However, it looks like the others may have a little more "umph!" for HT use. The ushers are a little disadvantaged b/c of their smaller size. I like the Ascends (look to be a pretty sensitive speaker), but also like the Aperions and ushers, due to their nicer finish options. What to do?

[Soundman]

I haven't called yet. That deal is still going on though. The only downer is that the recerts are not magnetically shielded. Still, $100 off per pair is still a good deal. I'm kinda torn between the Aperion 533-t system, ascend 340se system, and i still have the ushers in the back of my mind. i had a dealer call me back about auditioning those. However, it looks like the others may have a little more "umph!" for HT use. The ushers are a little disadvantaged b/c of their smaller size. I like the Ascends (look to be a pretty sensitive speaker), but also like the Aperions and ushers, due to their nicer finish options. What to do?

Hey Mazer, or anyone else.....Have you compared these speakers? Anyone know how that stack up?:confused:

[mazersteven]

Hey Mazer, or anyone else.....Have you compared these speakers? Anyone know how that stack up?:confused:

Just purchase the Ascends already. Stop goofing around. :D

[Soundman]

Just purchase the Ascends already. Stop goofing around. :D

:eek: du what!!!! it's just so hard without hearing any of them, and having to pay shipping if I don't like them and have to return them, except maybe the Aperions. so, i guess you like the Ascends the best. I hear they have a very neutral sound. Some call them base shy b/c they don't have that mid-range hump like some other speakers do. But they are more accurate then some others. But some like that particular sound, even if it is slightly colored.

[mazersteven]

:eek: du what!!!! it's just so hard without hearing any of them, and having to pay shipping if I don't like them and have to return them, except maybe the Aperions. so, i guess you like the Ascends the best. I hear they have a very neutral sound. Some call them base shy b/c they don't have that mid-range hump like some other speakers do. But they are more accurate then some others. But some like that particular sound, even if it is slightly colored.

You need to stop reading now because I can tell your totally getting to much information and you have no clue what to do now. The Ascends are NOT colored.

ORDER the ASCENDS!!!

IF not ORDER the USHERS!!!

PM me your credit card information I will do it if you can't. ORDER BOTH.

[Soundman]

You need to stop reading now because I can tell your totally getting to much information and you have no clue what to do now. The Ascends are NOT colored.

ORDER the ASCENDS!!!

IF not ORDER the USHERS!!!

PM me your credit card information I will do it if you can't. ORDER BOTH.

OK Mazer... I know....I know. You're right. I have been a little obsessive with my research. I'll prob pull the trigger on the Ascends, seems like their a good choice for that price range, haven't heard anything negative about the 340SE's. I'll probably contact David soon!!! Thanks again.

[ParadigmDawg]

The 340's are great; just get them. Who cares that they are ugly...

[Soundman]

The 340's are great; just get them. Who cares that they are ugly...

Are they really that ugly? I've heard some people say that they actually prefer the look. They don't stand out and blend into the decor better. I haven't seen them in person, so I really don't know myself. However, this is a living room setup, so I would prefer them to not be too unsightly considering everone who walks in my house will see them as soon as they come through the door. :eek:

[mazersteven]

Are they really that ugly? I've heard some people say that they actually prefer the look. They don't stand out and blend into the decor better. I haven't seen them in person, so I really don't know myself. However, this is a living room setup, so I would prefer them to not be too unsightly considering everone who walks in my house will see them as soon as they come through the door. :eek:


O Brother :(

They are not that ugly. In fact they are not ugly at all. They just don't have the nice wood finishes other speakers have.

Order the Sierra's

[zumbo]

Ugly speakers are expensive:

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1729&terid=2003&sc=hf

Look like a snail with a mohawk.

[ccotenj]

gee mazer, this makes my decision making process seem simple... :)

op... order the ascends... if you don't like them, they'll cost you 60 bucks or so to ship them back... big deal...

you are obsessing WAY too much over this decision... and making WAY too many assumptions that probably won't hold true when the speakers (if you ever buy some :p ) are in your room...

[Soundman]

Ugly speakers are expensive:

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1729&terid=2003&sc=hf

Look like a snail with a mohawk.

You're right!!! The Ascends look drop dead gorgeous compared to those!!:D

[Soundman]

O Brother :(

They are not that ugly. In fact they are not ugly at all. They just don't have the nice wood finishes other speakers have.

Order the Sierra's

Siera's?? I was going for the 340's. For HT use they'll be better for the price, from what I hear. They'll play louder anyway.

[mazersteven]

Siera's?? I was going for the 340's. For HT use they'll be better for the price, from what I hear. They'll play louder anyway.

For HT only I don't know if I would get the Sierra's. For music listening I without a doubt would get the Sierra's. So if your trying to save a few bucks get the 340's. If looks are important, get the Sierra's.

If you'll always wonder if you should have gotten the Sierra's over the 340's, get the Sierra's now. :D

[Guiria]

For HT only I don't know if I would get the Sierra's. For music listening I without a doubt would get the Sierra's. So if your trying to save a few bucks get the 340's. If looks are important, get the Sierra's.

If you'll always wonder if you should have gotten the Sierra's over the 340's, get the Sierra's now. :D

I can't believe you are still giving advice to Soundman :D

My advice would be similar to Mazersteven...make the purchase such that you won't look back. If that requires a couple pairs of speakers for auditioning then so be it.

[mazersteven]

I can't believe you are still giving advice to Soundman :D

My advice would be similar to Mazersteven...make the purchase such that you won't look back. If that requires a couple pairs of speakers for auditioning then so be it.

http://www.honededgebooks.com/home/self-help.jpg

[Soundman]

http://www.honededgebooks.com/home/self-help.jpg

Oh my....I can't believe you took it there. Point taken. Nice pic :D

[mazersteven]

Oh my....I can't believe you took it there. Point taken. Nice pic :D


LOL :D:D:D