Best looking 5.0 systems under $2000?

[autoboy]

So what is your opinion about the best looking systems out there the common man can afford?

Here is my list:

Def Tech Mythos
Mirage OnniSat V2
Canton CD Series
Kef iQ
Polk RTi
And my favorite but won't come in under the budget, the Paradigm Signature S1 on its custom stands.

Thats pretty much all I know since I am an audio newb. I'm not a fan of a square box on a stand. What else is out there that not only stimulates our ears, but also our eyes?

[ParadigmDawg]

AV123 Rockets are some of the best looking speakers I have seen.So what is your opinion about the best looking systems out there the common man can afford?

Here is my list:

Def Tech Mythos
Mirage OnniSat V2
Canton CD Series
Kef iQ
Polk RTi
And my favorite but won't come in under the budget, the Paradigm Signature S1 on its custom stands.

Thats pretty much all I know since I am an audio newb. I'm not a fan of a square box on a stand. What else is out there that not only stimulates our ears, but also our eyes?

[Joe Schmoe]

You say 5.0. Does this mean you don't want to use a sub? The Mirage Omnisats definitely require a sub, and the Mythos speakers with serious bass are beyond your budget.

[deedubb]

Not to sound like an ***, but I'd take sound over looks any day. Anyway, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If looks are that important to you, buy what you think looks best, not what someone else thinks.

[Warpdrv]

I think what he meant is that sounds are important, but WAF factor applies... which is maybe why he brought up the Sig S1. I agree 100%, that in my book, looks are part of the whole picture here, as well as sound... which is why I bought the Sig S4's, and C3 in the rare Rosewood. (.v1 obviously)

I bought mine used off audiogon so I could save money, and ended up getting an unopened box at a fantastic deal...

I supplemented my front 3 with a set of Studio ADP-590 for surround, as they blend flawlessly and look just as good in my opinion.

[autoboy]

You say 5.0. Does this mean you don't want to use a sub? The Mirage Omnisats definitely require a sub, and the Mythos speakers with serious bass are beyond your budget.

I didn't include a sub in this because you don't have to match the sub to the speakers. I was trying to keep this a speaker system only thread. I have a SVS PB-12 NSD tucked in the corner where you cannot see it, and I am totally happy with it, though if I splurged and got the Signature S1s, I would feel like the sub was holding them back. Also, I kinda wanted to keep this general, and not about me specifically.


Not to sound like an ***, but I'd take sound over looks any day. Anyway, as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If looks are that important to you, buy what you think looks best, not what someone else thinks.

There are so many great systems out there that I thought it would be nice if everyone put down what they liked the best. I'm not here to judge.

I don't think i included any bad sounding systems in my list. I have demoed all the systems except for the canton system, and I think they all sound very good. None of them is a Bose system. I take great pride in the appearance of my house. I enjoy making it a comfortable, eye catching place to spend time. Sound and looks are equally important to me. Will I make a compromise of sound quality for looks? Sure I will and that is why I am looking to replace my plain black Axiom m60 system with something a little bit sleeker. Is this WAF? No. She would prefer I don't spend more $. But we are not married yet so it's my money and I'll do whatever I like with it. Besides, I have a place for those great M60s and all I would need to sell are the VP100 and QS8s.

[InTheIndustry]

Here are some systems that we've recommended for our clients that have turned out to WOW.

I really like the way that the Phase Tech Arte' speakers look. They Sound very very good as well and are capable of very high, clear volume levels. A very pretty speaker if you like the look. Very pretty next to a 42" plasma.

http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=Arte&ar=1

Match these with some in-ceilings for rears and a decent sub. This works well: http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=FL-8 for something entry level and it looks nice.

You should be able to pull this together for around $2Kish.

Something else for something more conventional the Energy RC-10 as your front L/R with the RC-LCR for C.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=269 & http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=270

- Match those with energy in-ceiling or the RC-R and you'll have an incredible value.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=332 & http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=271

I like this Energy RC line a lot. Their fit and finish are beautiful, particularly in the Rosewood color. More than one deserves @ $550 for the pair of mains.

- For even less $ (and easier to wall mount around a plasma) are the RC-Mini and matching center from Energy.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=315
http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=316

Less money than the full blooded RC line, but the same quality components, engineering priciples, and finish. This speaker is really under rated in my opinion. In the average medium sized family room these are great. They even come in gloss black. Very very pretty piece from Energy.

Depends on your space but I think if you spent the remainder of your budget on a better sub, your results with the RC-Mini would be better at $2K then with the RC-10 because you could do a stronger Subwoofer presentation. Depends on the cubic footage of your room.

A beautiful system using those would be two pair of RC-Mini @ $400 per pair, One RC-Mini Center @ $250. and a Sunfire HRS-10 @ $800.

This system would retail @ $1850 - $1900 with center channel mount and would just be killer.

[autoboy]

There is a Phase Dart (http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=DFS-1.0-LR&dt65=1) that looks really interesting.

What about stands for those Mini Energy speakers? The look of the stands are just as important as the speaker itself.

[Davidt1]

There is a Phase Dart (http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=DFS-1.0-LR&dt65=1) that looks really interesting.

What about stands for those Mini Energy speakers? The look of the stands are just as important as the speaker itself.

That phase dart looks good. The specs are incredible. You don't even need a sub.

[ParadigmDawg]

That's funny...you are playing like the Sigs are your main speakers when we all know that the Studio 100's are and Studios are quite ugly:pI think what he meant is that sounds are important, but WAF factor applies... which is maybe why he brought up the Sig S1. I agree 100%, that in my book, looks are part of the whole picture here, as well as sound... which is why I bought the Sig S4's, and C3 in the rare Rosewood. (.v1 obviously)

I bought mine used off audiogon so I could save money, and ended up getting an unopened box at a fantastic deal...

I supplemented my front 3 with a set of Studio ADP-590 for surround, as they blend flawlessly and look just as good in my opinion.

[InTheIndustry]

There is a Phase Dart (http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=DFS-1.0-LR&dt65=1) that looks really interesting.

What about stands for those Mini Energy speakers? The look of the stands are just as important as the speaker itself.

Problem with the Phase Tech dARTS is that those systems start @ $10K and go up to $20K. They come with a 4000watt digital AMP and special, proprietary calibration software.

However, the speakers from the $10K system are available seperately and in comparison are very modest in cost. We have used the Phase Technology PC-0.5 bookshelf in several installations (larger rooms) and they are superb. I did not realize that you already had a sub and would not mindfloor standing speakers or stands. I will tweak my recommendations a bit. Here are the PC-0.5 and matching center. the 0.5 MSRP is $800 per pair and the matching center is $500. They are striking in gloss black or cherry.

http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=PC-0.5
http://www.phasetech.com/products.html?product_id=PC-33.5

Phase Tech does not make stands, so you'll have to pick out something that would fit your decore.

The Energy Mini stand is this: http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-pageacc.php?id=74 . I am not a fan of the speaker in this picture, but the mini goes on this stand as well. The Mini looks very sharp on the stand (available in black). Not top heavy or bulky. It's a class look.

I don't know what color would work in your room, what type of rears you'd like, or what kind of space you have for a center channel, but if you like Danish design, the new Jamo Concert series is light out gorgeous. I had stopped ordering Jamo for the past year because the brand had gotten really stale, but a rep let me try this new C803 and it struck me as an excellent speaker. So, I tried a two channel system for a client on a budget who wanted a more sculpted look and mated the C805 with a Marantz SR4021.

I really liked it. They look nice in black, but if you could do the Dark Apple color the speaker really pops! They have a black glass top that adds a beautiful accent to the Apple color. C805 MSRP is $1200 per pair with the matching center going for $500 and the rears $800 per pair. That's $500 over your budget, but you should be able to get a discount on the set. Also, keep in mind that if you do in-ceiling rears the price will drop as well. Another opton for the front would be the C803 book shelf @ $800 per pair.

Audioholics reviewed them here: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/jamo-c803-bookshelf-speaker-review

Here are the links on Jamo's site:
C805: http://jamo.com/Default.aspx?ID=5908&M=Shop&PID=17140&ProductID=17806

Center:
http://jamo.com/Default.aspx?ID=5908&M=Shop&PID=17140&ProductID=17854

Surrounds:
http://jamo.com/Default.aspx?ID=5908&M=Shop&PID=17140&ProductID=17854

C803:
http://jamo.com/Default.aspx?ID=5908&M=Shop&PID=17140&ProductID=17852

Again, very very attractive in the apple finish.

The Energy RC-30 Speaker with the RC-LCR I referenced in my earlier post would also be phenominal from a sound quality stand point. Better than the Jamo's in my opinion. But, the purpose of this thead is to blend form AND function. While built extremely well the Energy's are the traditional, "boxy" look where as the Jamo C80 line is more elegant. Again, your room may not need floor standers (most do not when paired with a strong sub), but I thought I would show you these options. I always figure that if floor standers can work in your decore and budget, why waste the space on a stand.

If you want something really quirky, look into Mirage. Be warned of potential placement issues with that line. They are nice, but not a personal favorite.

[InTheIndustry]

That phase dart looks good. The specs are incredible. You don't even need a sub.

DavidT1

Unfortunately I believe the specs listed are for the entire system which includes at least 1 sub depending on the size room it's going into.

It would be amazing indeed to get 20hz from a speaker with a single 6 1/2" driver! But, that is not the case here.

[Clint DeBoer]

When I read the best "looks" my mind went to Rockets as well...

[Seth=L]

That phase dart looks good. The specs are incredible. You don't even need a sub.
You are being sarcastic right? Their specifications can not be correct.

[InTheIndustry]

You are being sarcastic right? Their specifications can not be correct.

Seth

Their specs are correct, but they're listing the system spec. Not the individual speaker's specification.

[Warpdrv]

That's funny...you are playing like the Sigs are your main speakers when we all know that the Studio 100's are and Studios are quite ugly:p


Well I never meant to suggest that my 100's are pretty, but they sound great, and they are quite imposing.

I was very happy to add the Sigs to my product list, as I have always thought they were one of the most elegant looking speakers to my eyes....

Had I the money at the time, I would have bought the Sigs the first go around.
I don't think the Sigs are a huge upgrade in SQ, but are definitely an extravagant looking product in my eyes...

[Seth=L]

Seth

Their specs are correct, but they're listing the system spec. Not the individual speaker's specification.
I went back to the site, I now see they do have specs for them. Pardon my ignorance on this matter.:D

Edit: I checked again, they are morons apparently. Every speaker they sell has the "system frequency response" thing for the FR. I am not saying their speakers suck, just that they should try harder to provide accurate and reliable specifications for their speakers, meaning individual frequency responses measured and done with +/-3dB.

[rded]

So what is your opinion about the best looking systems out there the common man can afford?

Here is my list:

Def Tech Mythos
Mirage OnniSat V2
Canton CD Series
Kef iQ
Polk RTi
And my favorite but won't come in under the budget, the Paradigm Signature S1 on its custom stands.

Thats pretty much all I know since I am an audio newb. I'm not a fan of a square box on a stand. What else is out there that not only stimulates our ears, but also our eyes?

I would assume you are going to get monitors as your budget will not
permit towers. I would say the def techs and the Kefs are your best bets. Mirage speakers are not really good for music IMHO as they output diffuse sound but they look ok not great. I cant say much for polks but the Paradigm sigs are way above your budget you might not even be able to get a pair for 2k:D

[dronezero]

I may be biased because I own them, but I think the era speakers look very good if you get good stands for them (the towers are outside the budget).

[Thaedium]

Man I'm bummed. Greg called my Studio's ugly. (sniffle).


Well okay, they aren't the most beautiful speaker out there, but my pillars of black deliver some loud noises that affect my eyeballs into thinking I am seeing beauty :P

[InTheIndustry]

I went back to the site, I now see they do have specs for them. Pardon my ignorance on this matter.:D

Edit: I checked again, they are morons apparently. Every speaker they sell has the "system frequency response" thing for the FR. I am not saying their speakers suck, just that they should try harder to provide accurate and reliable specifications for their speakers, meaning individual frequency responses measured and done with +/-3dB.

You're correct. They do all say system frequesncy response. It should just say "Frequency Response" for the individual speakers and "System Frequency Response" for the dARTS systems.

The reason the dARTS systems don't show individual specs is because each speaker performs differently depending on the room. The speakers in dARTS don't have internal cross overs. That's all done digitally in the amp.

[autoboy]

I could do towers. My room is 14x16 and I have Axiom M60s in there right now. I don't listen to much music, and you are going to kill me for this, but I mostly listen to internet radio when I'm hanging out in the kitchen cooking dinner or something. Other than that, my music listening is pretty limited. I NEVER sit down and listen to music on my own. I'll sit and play a concert in HD once in awhile, and watch American Idol, but all my music I listen to critically is from the TV.

I watch a good amount of TV and movies. This is the most important factor for me and is why I think some of the higher end speakers are a little much for my usage. I have no problem throwing money around, but I feel like you can get a good system for around $2000 so why spend more? It should suit me just fine. I don't have a super high income, but I made great money in the boom markets of 2000 and I really don't dip into it much.

I was planning on getting Mythos 4 towers, a Mythos 3 center, and Mythos Gems for rears. That so far is what I am leaning towards. I checked out the Paradigms and loved them too, but they are pricey and silver. I was thinking black.

I've worried about the Mirage speakers in my room since one wall is partially open to the kitchen and lots of sound would head out in that direction, just to get lost, but their look is ok and they are supposed to be great with movies so I thought I would consider them.

I like the look of the Polk RTi A series, and actually I have a 2 pairs of RTi4s and a CSi3 (before they got the nice tapered cabinet) that I just picked up for $350 for the whole set. But they are really bright and I don't have a good set of stands for them. I thought I would give them to someone I know. The cherry didn't match my dark maple Ethan Allen TV stand either.

The Jamos look great. I'll see if there is somewhere in the Bay Area that I can audition them.

The Mini Energies on that stand look like just what i am looking for. They are a little small though. I would be worried they wouldn't be able to fill in the low end enough to match well with my sub. The SVS PB-12 NSD is not known to be the most musical sub in the world. I would prefer to keep the crossover at 80 and not 100 or 120. Energy claims 80hz +/-3db. Maybe they could work.

BTW, I have a Onkyo 875 powering everything. I'll take a picture when my GF gets home and I can find the charger for the camera.

[Warpdrv]

I may be biased because I own them, but I think the era speakers look very good if you get good stands for them (the towers are outside the budget).

Era is definitely a major contender... They have an engineer from Aerial Acoustics designing their drivers, and I'm sure much more...

And we all know what Aerial brings to the table...

To date, the Aerial 9's are on my very short list......

[armaraas]

I've been looking around the same budget, not as concerned with looks, but I've cut and pasted below speakers I'm looking to audition this spring. I might have to include Mythos One's as well, although BB doesn't have their Mythos labeled, and there's never anyone around when I go through....

KEF (Accessories4Less.com) ~$1700
Fronts- IQ9
Center- IQ6C
Rear- IQ1

These two I found some pricing online, but may not be reliable or accurate-
Energy (Audioexcellence-they are not an authorized dealer) ~$1950
Fronts- RC-50 (middle tower of the line, an authorized dealer online has RC-30's for about $600-700)
Center- RC-LCR
Rear- RC-10

Dali (Spearit Audio is no longering carrying them and has their remainder stock listed online)~$2050
Fronts- Ikon 5 (lowest level tower of the line, could go Ikon 2's for bookshelves)
Center- Vokal 2
Rear- Ikon 1

[Warpdrv]

good list, have patience, and be persistence...

sound like you have it well thought out so far...

[autoboy]

The Era's look really nice. Nobody really sells them except for a store in San Fransisco and Berkeley. That is a little far for me to go from San Jose. The design 4s are sporting a 83db sensitivity! Wow, good thing I have pretty good power.

[3db]

I levae the looks to the receiver and the other components with flashy light thingies. :p

Speakers I buy on sound alone. If they sound good then they are beautiful to look at. If they sound like crap but look prettyto someone else, they would look crappy to me. My PSB T45s look like a plain Jane but when I take off the grills and sit in teh sweet spot, I get moony eyed for them all over again.

I gues I'm not a good one to answer this post . ;)

[autoboy]

Speakers that look good do not have to sound like crap. I'll leave the crap to Bose. These speakers are going in my main room where I spend 50% of my time when I'm not sleeping. I want them to sound good, AND look good.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Speakers that look good do not have to sound like crap. I'll leave the crap to Bose. These speakers are going in my main room where I spend 50% of my time when I'm not sleeping. I want them to sound good, AND look good.

I agree. Speakers, receivers, amps, TVs, blu-ray, and everything else must also look good to me. Sound quality is the most important, but aesthetic is right up there in my book.

[3db]

Speakers that look good do not have to sound like crap. I'll leave the crap to Bose. These speakers are going in my main room where I spend 50% of my time when I'm not sleeping. I want them to sound good, AND look good.

I'm not saying that. I'm saying that speaker looks aren't important to me. Just the sound matters. If two speakers were equal in the sound department, one ugly, one pleasing, I'd take the pleasing one of course if prices were equal. However, if the ugly one had slightly better performance than the pleasing one, then I would take the ugly one.

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think the key issue is "good looking", and not "best looking".

As long as they look good and the sound is great, then I will be happy. They don't have to be the best looking or the sexiest looking.

But they cannot be UGLY and they cannot look cheap.