A boy, a budget and his girl

[emrliquidlife]

So, I'm a guy who will be moving in with his gfriend/soon to be fiance. Our budget for a new pair of main speakers is $1,250. I may be able to kick in a little more, but I can't spend much more.

I want to establish our audio system as a part of our living space. She and I both enjoy good sound with an emphasis on stereo listening over Home Theater.

Current Speakers are
Front Polk S10s circa 93
Center Polk CS275

I am thinking that I'd like to purchase two main speakers and move the Polks to rear fill for HT. However, I am going to have a tough time getting any cabinets that are bigger than the S10s which measure 30"x12"x10"

I'm a bit out of the loop as to the current good brands.

So, I'm asking for any input on what you guys recommend I give a listen to.

Thanks,

Ed

[MatthewB.]

I don't think it will matter much, because whatever we recommend (no matter how great it is) will be nixxed by the GF soon to be fiance. Your life will soon be filled with "compromises" and what I mean by "compromises" is whatever your GF decides is best for you.

So enjoy them Bose speakers, doilies on the tables and remembering what it last felt like to have a pair without asking permission to look at them stored in the glass case hidden in the back of the closet. :eek: ;)

Seriously if you have Polks already, stick with that brand for timbre matching.



Wait, is that "Taps" I hear playing somewhere off in the distance.

[lsiberian]

I don't think it will matter much, because whatever we recommend (no matter how great it is) will be nixxed by the GF soon to be fiance. Your life will soon be filled with "compromises" and what I mean by "compromises" is whatever your GF decides is best for you.

So enjoy them Bose speakers, doilies on the tables and remembering what it last felt like to have a pair without asking permission to look at them stored in the glass case hidden in the back of the closet. :eek: ;)

Seriously if you have Polks already, stick with that brand for timbre matching.

Wow that's no the way my relationship works. We actually talk about things and come to an agreement.

She doesn't nix anything I choose.

[MatthewB.]

I was justing busting your chops. :D Seriously look for Polks that have tweeters and mid range drivers that closely match your current Polks that you have. BTW your a lucky man having a GF who enjoys great sound as much as you do......she have a "sister" :cool:

[jinjuku]

I was justing busting your chops. :D Seriously look for Polks that have tweeters and mid range drivers that closely match your current Polks that you have. BTW your a lucky man having a GF who enjoys great sound as much as you do......she have a "sister" :cool:

I doubt if the 2008/2009 Polks will timber match those of '93. What are your listening preferences?

How much music vs HT(home theater). What kind of music?

What are the room dimensions (L X W X H). Newegg.com is running some crazy blow out deals if you want to stick with Polk.

[emrliquidlife]

Well, let me clear some things up. This isn't my first rodeo. I was married for 10 years. She and I are soul mates....did I just type that? Fawk. The night we shared our music libraries was a a-ha moment. When I put a new stereo in my car, she was a fantastic set of second ears.

Our other common hobby is cooking. We enjoy cooking together and of course eating together. Its nice to have smooth sound in the background.

I wish I knew room dims, but we are still shopping for a home.

I saw the newegg specials for the Polk M20, M50, but ehhh, I wonder if those are going to sound okay. I can demo them at a local shop I'm sure.

I did see the av123 cabinets and wow did they look great.

Musical taste is mostly classic rock, some classical, opera, world music. When working out industrial/hard rock. I would say music listening is 70% and HT is 30% of the use

Thanks for taking a look.

Ed

[MatthewB.]

jinjuku, yeah that's going to be the biggest obstacle is that he won't get exact matching drivers, but I figure since he can buy new mains (and hopefully a new center that can be matched and put his polks in the rear (where they will not get used as much) once calibrated the timbre should be very minimal. One of the things I like about "THX sound" in some receievers is that it timbre matches mismatchd speakers to some degree so the sound isn't as cockeyed as one would think. But the main concern I would hold to is getting matching mid range and driver sizes so that timbre can be a liitle more matched. But I also recommended that he stick with Polk brand so that he can also get one small step closer to matching his speakers, rather than say having klispch up front and Polks in rear. There is always Audiogon or ebay to find matching speakers also. I bought a pair of AR Phantoms that hadn't been produced in almost 8 years), a year ago yet over the course of a year, now have a complete set of AR phantoms in a 7.1 setup.

[m_vanmeter]

I'm going to base this recommendation on your statement that the two of you like "stereo listening" for your music ( I will assume you are not into multi-channel audio at this point ).

That said, the "timbre matching" requirements for the home theater part of your listening is minimal, as the surround channels are mainly positional audio and the surround channel tracts carry very little real audio information compared to the front 3 channels. In this setup, moving your existing Polks to the sides (typical for 5.1 Dobly digital) would work fine if your room supports the layout, or used in a secondary system elsewhere.

For new fronts that could be used for stereo listening when not included in the HT surround setup for movies, there is a really nice sale of PSB "T" series towers at this dealer. Finish is limited to maple at these prices, but they may work for you.

The T65 or T55 towers should work very nicely in your setup, and you might consider purchasing the matching center channel speaker while they have them. You would still be within your budget. A quick google search for PSB reviews will show them to be highly respected and well liked by "music listeners".

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/image_maple_sale.htm

[jinjuku]

The Image series are just that: They image quite well.

I put the T45's and the the Image C60 center channel in for a buddy's HT. The center channel is a wonder to behold. You will want a sub if you go with the T45's. I would be willing tho bet the T65's could do without for music only.

That is till you pick up a Kodo or Rusted Root CD (or Rush's live album, Exit Stage Left (?) ):D

[scott911]

congrats on finding a soul mate dude...

You may want to think about a center that matches the new mains though... You may notice the timber difference as the sound stage moves back and forth across the front of your screen.

[ParadigmDawg]

My wife and I also talk things out. I tell her what I want, she says "NO", I then buy it and try to hide it or make it look like something I already had.....Wow that's no the way my relationship works. We actually talk about things and come to an agreement.

She doesn't nix anything I choose.

[lsiberian]

My wife and I also talk things out. I tell her what I want, she says "NO", I then buy it and try to hide it or make it look like something I already had.....

lmao. I bet she does the same to you.

[ParadigmDawg]

Oh no, she is much smarter than me and has me trained well.

Example: She called at lunch and said "can I have 500 bucks", I said "yes", end of story.

I have tried saying no but then I caught her snooping around my HT gear looking for something new so she could yell at me. I have learned that lesson.lmao. I bet she does the same to you.

[MatthewB.]

Pdawg, I'm in the same boat, I buy something, hide it in the garage and then when she's gone at her families for more than 3 hours, I'll sneak it in, hook it up and calibrate it. Then when she aks, "Is that new" I just say no and say it's been there for years. She doesnt know enough about HT to disprove that it wasn't there. I have managed to sneak in three stereo amps this way.

It's always better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission. :D

[ParadigmDawg]

I need to start smearing some dirt and dust on my new stuff before I bring it in. Never even thought about that until now.Pdawg, I'm in the same boat, I buy something, hide it in the garage and then when she's gone at her families for more than 3 hours, I'll sneak it in, hook it up and calibrate it. Then when she aks, "Is that new" I just say no and say it's been there for years. She doesnt know enough about HT to disprove that it wasn't there. I have managed to sneak in three stereo amps this way.

It's always better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission. :D

[MatthewB.]

Ah my young padawanDawg, hence why you keep it in the garage for a few days to collect dust, then if not enough dust, have an old duster lying around and just shake it out over the new gear (make sure you don't make a rookie mistake and cover the vent holes first before shaking) giving it that older dusty look to match the other gear. :cool: ;)

[calnbs]

I did see the av123 cabinets and wow did they look great.

Musical taste is mostly classic rock, some classical, opera, world music. When working out industrial/hard rock. I would say music listening is 70% and HT is 30% of the use

Thanks for taking a look.

Ed

LOL...That was the first thing that pop out of my head when I first took a look at AV123 Rockets. LOVE at first sight. With that said, they do sound good for music and movies IMO.

The draw back with them is they are out of stock and hard to come by. There is a wait time and times, they will miss their expected date. And currently they are going through some other issues as well. Knowing that, if you wish to still look into these speakers, you can contact customer service to see if anyone lives near you and willing to let you demo them to see if it fits your taste. 2ndly, I wouldn't PRE-PAY for them. I would rather have them put me on a waiting list until they are ready to be ship to my home.

Here are some other speaker brand that you can look into:

Swan Diva 6.1 at ozhometheater.com
Aperion Audio
Salk (a little above your budget but have rave reviews)
Monitor Audio
Polk Lsi

[emrliquidlife]

LOL...That was the first thing that pop out of my head when I first took a look at AV123 Rockets. LOVE at first sight. With that said, they do sound good for music and movies IMO.

The draw back with them is they are out of stock and hard to come by. There is a wait time and times, they will miss their expected date. And currently they are going through some other issues as well. Knowing that, if you wish to still look into these speakers, you can contact customer service to see if anyone lives near you and willing to let you demo them to see if it fits your taste. 2ndly, I wouldn't PRE-PAY for them. I would rather have them put me on a waiting list until they are ready to be ship to my home.

Here are some other speaker brand that you can look into:

Swan Diva 6.1 at ozhometheater.com
Aperion Audio
Salk (a little above your budget but have rave reviews)
Monitor Audio
Polk Lsi

You guys are hilarious! I don't know....While we haven't really lived together, I don't envision us having issues. I do control the finances. I let her know the economy is in a slump. She has cut way back on the Jimmy Choos and other luxury items. I have cut back on car toys etc.

Heck, we watch our porn together. If we need something, we buy it, if it is expensive, we talk about it, arrange the outlay and buy.

But back to the show.

So, I have a number of new companies to review and get info on. I thank you guys for that.

Ohh the Rush fan! Still rocking the goodies over here. Though I don't have any live stuff.

Ed

[olddog]

Polk LSI9s should fit your bill nicely:D Excellent for music and HT and not a problem to find a good matching center on the auction sites. Unless your gonna have one of those 35x40 rooms:cool:

[3db]

My wife and I also talk things out. I tell her what I want, she says "NO", I then buy it and try to hide it or make it look like something I already had.....

*LMFAO*..Whistles innocently as I slowly nudge teh audio cabinet door shut to hide my Yamaha receiver. :p

[Mudcat]

You said you have three speakers two polk S10 towers that are at least 15 years old, and a polk CS275 (age unknown).

Is there anything wrong with the S10s?

If not, is your receiver a 5.1 or 7.1?

If nothing is wrong with the S10s, just buy two or four small speakers for surrounds (plus wall mounts or stands and cable).

I've got new speakers (relatively speaking - less than 5 years old); Mirage Omni 7s (front R&L), Mirage Omni Center.

I've got old speakers; dBx Soundfield Vs from the mid 80s.
I've got very old speakers; Criterion L8s from the early 70s.

All still work nicely, sound good (even at high SPL), do not appear to have any deterioration. So if it is just their age!

[lsiberian]

I need to start smearing some dirt and dust on my new stuff before I bring it in. Never even thought about that until now.

bad idea. Women know where every particle of dust is in the house. It's like a laser vision. Best bet is to say that you cleaned it when asked. In fact just clean the living room. That way she has a nice surprise and is distracted from the rack.

Another way is to build a small compartment in the attic and put your stuff up there while leaving the old stuff down stairs. Then when she finds that the current receiver doesn't seem to work. You can say it's broke and then bring down the new one.

[lsiberian]

You said you have three speakers two polk S10 towers that are at least 15 years old, and a polk CS275 (age unknown).

Is there anything wrong with the S10s?

If not, is your receiver a 5.1 or 7.1?

If nothing is wrong with the S10s, just buy two or four small speakers for surrounds (plus wall mounts or stands and cable).

I've got new speakers (relatively speaking - less than 5 years old); Mirage Omni 7s (front R&L), Mirage Omni Center.

I've got old speakers; dBx Soundfield Vs from the mid 80s.
I've got very old speakers; Criterion L8s from the early 70s.

All still work nicely, sound good (even at high SPL), do not appear to have any deterioration. So if it is just their age!

They would make a nice bedroom setup. Then he would have a reason to still buy new speakers.:D

[annunaki]

This is one of the reasons I went to DIY. I spin it that it is cheaper, and I can make the finished product look the way she wants. Compromise solved!

[Chopin_Guy]

I enjoyed reading through this thread and thought I would give some suggestions...First off you haven't mentioned what AVR you have---this might have some effect on what speakers you are going to be able to power. Next given the size constraint you mentioned initially you might want to consider a pair of nice montiors coupled with a subwoofer which will easily solve the problem and give you full-range reproduction.

Really, you have to go out and listen as we can suggest good options in the $1,200 price bracket but your ears have to be the end judge for the matter. If you like Polk the new RTiA series are supposed to be good (I enjoy my RTi's) and someone mentioned the LSi9 monitor but unless you have a very capable amp in your AVR or a seperate amp already---you won't get the most out of the LSi series as they are difficult to power.

You mentioned Av123 I believe which is a good company as well. With your price range you may also want to consider Swan, Paradigm, SVS, Klipsch, and there are plenty of others but those would be a good start. Would you consider having a sub and are you looking to buy all front three channels and move the old speakers to the rear for 5.1???

[emrliquidlife]

You said you have three speakers two polk S10 towers that are at least 15 years old, and a polk CS275 (age unknown).

Is there anything wrong with the S10s?

If not, is your receiver a 5.1 or 7.1?

If nothing is wrong with the S10s, just buy two or four small speakers for surrounds (plus wall mounts or stands and cable).

I've got new speakers (relatively speaking - less than 5 years old); Mirage Omni 7s (front R&L), Mirage Omni Center.

I've got old speakers; dBx Soundfield Vs from the mid 80s.
I've got very old speakers; Criterion L8s from the early 70s.

All still work nicely, sound good (even at high SPL), do not appear to have any deterioration. So if it is just their age!

The S10s work great. I took good care of them. I could stay with them up front and buy some rears, but I was hoping to step up to a nicer speaker for stereo listening.

My receiver is a 5.1. It is a Pioneer DSX-412. While it is okay, I have an older VSX-901 circa 93. That unit sounded way better, but doesn't have optical inputs. I do plan on upgrading my receive in the long run.

The CS275 I bought approx 2001.

I really wanted to go with a nicer set of mains and keep the center channel and move the s10s to rear fill.

I don't envision going to 7.1. When I watch movies and TV I'm really not so focused on the sound. I don't have blue-ray etc. I generally buy the movies from the cable company to watch. I don't have a lot of faith in time warners sound quality with the HD receiver I have.

Ed

[emrliquidlife]

I enjoyed reading through this thread and thought I would give some suggestions...First off you haven't mentioned what AVR you have---this might have some effect on what speakers you are going to be able to power. Next given the size constraint you mentioned initially you might want to consider a pair of nice montiors coupled with a subwoofer which will easily solve the problem and give you full-range reproduction.

Really, you have to go out and listen as we can suggest good options in the $1,200 price bracket but your ears have to be the end judge for the matter. If you like Polk the new RTiA series are supposed to be good (I enjoy my RTi's) and someone mentioned the LSi9 monitor but unless you have a very capable amp in your AVR or a seperate amp already---you won't get the most out of the LSi series as they are difficult to power.

You mentioned Av123 I believe which is a good company as well. With your price range you may also want to consider Swan, Paradigm, SVS, Klipsch, and there are plenty of others but those would be a good start. Would you consider having a sub and are you looking to buy all front three channels and move the old speakers to the rear for 5.1???


I really liked the AV123 speakers, but when googling I found quite a few instances where the company was slow to ship speakers.

I may buy a sub down the road...but ehhh. I'm not an enthusiast of bass heavy sound.

Ed

[Chopin_Guy]

AV123 does have supply issues as you can commonly find stock dates on their website as is the issue with several of the Rocket series at the moment I believe. As for your ideas of putting all the money into the mains---I like this idea in terms of the long run, but know you will very likely have timbre issues in the front end if you have a critical ear.

If you can wiggle a little on your previous size constraint then getting a nice set of towers would be your best bet without wanting to integrate a sub with a pair of monitors (BTW, properly integrated sub is not 'bass heavy' and when it comes to watching movies you are missing an entire element of the theater experience not to mention the dedicated bass channel...).

I would look at the SVS M-series 'mid-tower' as they have been well regarded and are the smaller end of the tower category. There are other possibilities of course but these will give you alot of performance for your money...

[emrliquidlife]

Oops, just made the mistake of listening to the Morel OCTAVE 5.2.

God almighty. What a wonderful, wonderful speaker. In such a small space.

Cool thing was the significant other was there and had the same reactions. The bad news...I'm totally blowing the budget, and I wouldn't have a sub, and the rears...Lets not get started.

For those that have heard this speaker...is there a right priced equivalent?

Ed

[Shock]

She and I are soul mates....did I just type that? Fawk.

Gay


I'n all honesty though, If you want to go with something that's going to be some sort of "show piece" then it has to look good. The AV123 speakers do look, and from what I've heard sound very good. You might also want to consider something from HiVi, which make some of the best looking speakers period.

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/loudspeakers/original-swan-diva/p/swan-diva-6-1/cPath/21_30/products_id/48

For example.