My New $1000 speakers (thats where you come in)

[ZeroAtlas]

I just got a new job. I need to celebrate, so I thought I would buy a descent (i.e. not over the top) sound system.

For the most part, I have everything considered except for the speakers. I dont want to spend over a thousand bucks for the pair so I made a list of the ones some people have been saying are great values.

Aperion Audio - Intimus 5T (love the piano black look, great US company, A+ customer service)

Polk - RTi A7 (wood not vynl finish, reputable company, aesthetically my favorite )

Axiom- m60 (heard that they could be very revealing and my setup isnt great so im weary)

Paradigm monitor 7 (maybe monitor 9)

TSC (the speak company)- TST3 (theyre super inexpensive but can they be contenders at this price point?)

As for music, I mostly listen to Folk, Folk rock (i.e. Bob Dylan, Coner Oberst, Simon Joyner), and an occasional Ray Vaughn and a classical Rachmaninoff piece. Not a Base Head so bottoms are not extremely important. I like natural sound more than anything else.

Connected is the Pro-Ject genie 2 turntable, YAMAHA RX-V665 receiver, and a pre-amp that I need to upgrade (cheap 100 dollar pre-amp)

I have a medium sized living room. Dimensions are not applicable because i will be moving soon so versatility of sonics is appreciated. It will be setup in a medium sized room though.

Any input you Sound Wiz's can give me would be great.
Cheers from San Diego.

[Matt34]

I just got a new job. I need to celebrate, so I thought I would buy a descent (i.e. not over the top) sound system.

For the most part, I have everything considered except for the speakers. I dont want to spend over a thousand bucks for the pair so I made a list of the ones some people have been saying are great values.

Aperion Audio - Intimus 5T (love the piano black look, great US company, A+ customer service)

Polk - RTi A7 (wood not vynl finish, reputable company, aesthetically my favorite )

Axiom- m60 (heard that they could be very revealing and my setup isnt great so im weary)

Paradigm monitor 7 (maybe monitor 9)

TSC (the speak company)- TST3 (theyre super inexpensive but can they be contenders at this price point?)

As for music, I mostly listen to Folk, Folk rock (i.e. Bob Dylan, Coner Oberst, Simon Joyner), and an occasional Ray Vaughn and a classical Rachmaninoff piece. Not a Base Head so bottoms are not extremely important. I like natural sound more than anything else.

Connected is the Pro-Ject genie 2 turntable, YAMAHA RX-V665 receiver, and a pre-amp that I need to upgrade (cheap 100 dollar pre-amp)

I have a medium sized living room. Dimensions are not applicable because i will be moving soon so versatility of sonics is appreciated. It will be setup in a medium sized room though.

Any input you Sound Wiz's can give me would be great.
Cheers from San Diego.

I think you maybe better served finding a bookshelf for the under 1K price bracket. The floorstanders I usually recommend start at around 1500. If I wasn't on my mobile I'd link some decent bookselves. Look at B&W, ascend acoustics, Era, and usher.

[ack_bak]

I have read many great things about these speaker:
http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html

I would definitely put them on your list if this is mostly for music and you are just looking for a pair.

[lsiberian]

I just got a new job. I need to celebrate, so I thought I would buy a descent (i.e. not over the top) sound system.

For the most part, I have everything considered except for the speakers. I dont want to spend over a thousand bucks for the pair so I made a list of the ones some people have been saying are great values.

Aperion Audio - Intimus 5T (love the piano black look, great US company, A+ customer service)

Polk - RTi A7 (wood not vynl finish, reputable company, aesthetically my favorite )

Axiom- m60 (heard that they could be very revealing and my setup isnt great so im weary)

Paradigm monitor 7 (maybe monitor 9)

TSC (the speak company)- TST3 (theyre super inexpensive but can they be contenders at this price point?)

As for music, I mostly listen to Folk, Folk rock (i.e. Bob Dylan, Coner Oberst, Simon Joyner), and an occasional Ray Vaughn and a classical Rachmaninoff piece. Not a Base Head so bottoms are not extremely important. I like natural sound more than anything else.

Connected is the Pro-Ject genie 2 turntable, YAMAHA RX-V665 receiver, and a pre-amp that I need to upgrade (cheap 100 dollar pre-amp)

I have a medium sized living room. Dimensions are not applicable because i will be moving soon so versatility of sonics is appreciated. It will be setup in a medium sized room though.

Any input you Sound Wiz's can give me would be great.
Cheers from San Diego.

(General Finance)
Start an emergency fund immediately and get it to 1000 dollars. Pay of your debts. And then start saving 10 percent of your income at least.

(Audio/Video Budgeting)
After you get your budget and financial situation settled. Take your sweet time.

[ZeroAtlas]

I think you maybe better served finding a bookshelf for the under 1K price bracket. The floorstanders I usually recommend start at around 1500. If I wasn't on my mobile I'd link some decent bookshelves. Look at B&W, ascend acoustics, Era, and usher.

thanks Matt I will definitely look into that. The reason I would like floorstanding speakers is because I want to possibly incorporate them with a 5.1 system in the future. I cant say I would be pleased to have bookshelves on stands next to my television. It will be 90% music listening but They will be placed in the middle of my living room.

[ZeroAtlas]

(General Finance)
Start an emergency fund immediately and get it to 1000 dollars. Pay of your debts. And then start saving 10 percent of your income at least.

(Audio/Video Budgeting)
After you get your budget and financial situation settled. Take your sweet time.

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

[ack_bak]

If you are really wanting a floorstanding speaker you should consider these as well:
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1676/66334/emp-ef30t-tower-speakers--pair-

They are clones of the RBH Sound TK-5CT speakers. I have spent considerable time with those RBH speakers and they sound wonderful for music.

[lsiberian]

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

I just got out of college a year ago and I can tell you some things I suggest.

1. Don't get an unsecured credit card(certainly not more than one). Do get a secured one for credit building.

2. Invest. Right now the market is cheap and this is the time to buy. If it goes down more keep buying. Or even better get a pro to help you set everything up.

3. Also when you start buying stuff for real. Set aside the cost of the warranty in a seperate bank account. By doing this you will build your own insurance for things.

4. Try to buy a house ASAP. The market is very good for home buying. You will need to establish credit for this. Credit requires extreme discipline.

I suggest you spend this evenign setting up a budget.

http://www.daveramsey.com/the_truth_about/budgeting_3457.html.cfm

check out the site above for advice. This guy knows his stuff.

[griffinconst]

I've heard the Paradigms and the Axioms and like them both.
I would go for the 9's if you go Paradigm but it's just for the added bass. Sounds like you wouldn't need that so the 7's may work for you.
I think there are 7 v4 nib ( new in box ) on ebay or audiogon for a good price. I don't know the seller.
That being said, it's best to choose a few cd's and go listen to everything you can at your price. Then you can make the best decision for your ear.
Auditioning is half the fun anyway.:D

[lsiberian]

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

FYI if you do it right you can get the really cool stuff. Instead of buying something why not set aside income for 6 months. And start your speaker hunting journey. Go listen to everything you can. Also see some orchestras, musicals, concerts, and other music events. Get an idea of what good sound is. Then when you are educated and informed make your purchase wisely. If you need to save more or bargain hunt do it! There are 4 speakers I bargain shopped for. I still own them and will not sell them. I love those speakers. More than anything else I've heard for surrounds. I also got them 1/4th retail of craigslist and accessories4less. yeah 800 dollars of speaker for around 220

Audio shopping is like car shopping for your ears. Also I suggest going to a carmax and test driving as many cars as you can. Do this before you ever have to buy a car. That way you know exactly the car you want when the time comes.

[ZeroAtlas]

If you are really wanting a floorstanding speaker you should consider these as well:

They are clones of the RBH Sound TK-5CT speakers. I have spent considerable time with those RBH speakers and they sound wonderful for music.

thanks for the info I am really digging those too. And since audioholics is backing up EMP Im sure they are amazing at that price point. Definitely will be considered. On the upside I noticed the orginal RBH TK-5CT speakers were still out there for the same price. now if they only made them in black. My decor is uber minimalist and i like to stick to 2 colors black and white. Do You know the build quality of these speakers and how thick the enclosure is?
Very interesting.
grrr Decisions Decisions!!!

[ZeroAtlas]

FYI if you do it right you can get the really cool stuff. Instead of buying something why not set aside income for 6 months. And start your speaker hunting journey. Go listen to everything you can. Also see some orchestras, musicals, concerts, and other music events. Get an idea of what good sound is. Then when you are educated and informed make your purchase wisely. If you need to save more or bargain hunt do it! There are 4 speakers I bargain shopped for. I still own them and will not sell them. I love those speakers. More than anything else I've heard for surrounds. I also got them 1/4th retail of craigslist and accessories4less. yeah 800 dollars of speaker for around 220

Audio shopping is like car shopping for your ears. Also I suggest going to a carmax and test driving as many cars as you can. Do this before you ever have to buy a car. That way you know exactly the car you want when the time comes.

Dude audio advice and life advice, you are awesome.
I knew there was good people on the internet. Just didnt know I had to look for them in audio forums.
does buying from craigslist or ebay allow you any sort of warranty? i know some speaker companies offer 10 years just not sure if they allow transfer of ownership.

[griffinconst]

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

Just a warning for a new guy....don't say the word conservative in front of Isiberian.:D:D:D

Isiberian, if you see this, is the first letter in your name an I or L?

[Matt34]

There are some pretty good deals on Audiogon if you don't mind buying used.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245192101

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1244923770

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245526442&/Psb-Speakers-Stratus-Gold-i

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245429663&/B-W-801

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245174438&/Quad-22L2-Floorstanders

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245080647&/Paradigm-Studio-60-v.4's-in-Cherry-

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245074492&/Kef-Reference-Series-model--2

[Pheaton]

Hi,
Just a quick recommendation; please go listen to some speakers. Find some local dealers of the ones you have already posted or are interested in, and go listen to how they sound. Take along your own CD's, pick songs that you have listened to 1000 times. Try to take a variety of recordings; one that you think is a quality recording, one that you think is not a quality recording, some folk, some classical. This will allow you to experience the speakers with a variety of your music. As someone else stated before, take your time with this, have fun with it, since you are rewarding yourself.

There are many knowledgeable people here, and I think listening to their recommendations is a good place to start, but everyone's ears are different. Let your ears be the final judge.

Step 2, after you have narrowed down your list and if there is a dealer that you feel comfortable dealing with, ask if you can take a pair of speakers home to listen to in the room that these will go in. Room acoustics will have an effect.

If you are more interested with the Internet Direct companies, try to find ones that will pay for shipping both ways. Then you can try them in your home at no cost.

Okay, this did not turn out to be a quick recommendation, ;)

Have fun.

Pheaton

[ZeroAtlas]

thanks for all of the recommendations. i will definitely take my time with this (a first!). It is a good idea to listen to the speakers and I'll make sure to look for a local reputable shop in San Diego. I didn't consider buying used but i don't see why not. I'm sure most people take care of their speakers better than anything else.
you guys have been awesome and I look forward to joining this enthusiastic community.
cheers.

[tbergman]

Another idea if you're looking at ID is to check and see if they have people offering to demo their speakers in your area. I know Axiom does for sure.

[xrodney]

thanks Matt I will definitely look into that. The reason I would like floorstanding speakers is because I want to possibly incorporate them with a 5.1 system in the future. I cant say I would be pleased to have bookshelves on stands next to my television. It will be 90% music listening but They will be placed in the middle of my living room.
Better quality Bookshelf will probably sound better then cheaper floorstands.
Also what is preventing you from buying bookshelfs now and use them later as back surround speakers in your 5.1 system ?

[fredk]

I'm with lsiberian on the financial stuff. Establish a routine of discipline. The first thing I did when I picked up my first computer was to create a cash flow: money coming in and going out over time. It told me where I was and approximately where I was going.

I'm not stinking rich, but I have gone through some really crappy times without losing it all.


The floorstanders I usually recommend start at around 1500.
Put a wood veneer finish on those M60s and you have a $1500 speaker, so you are good to go on them. ;)

Price is not always the only indicator of quality, but as you move lower in the food chain you do need to choose more carefully.

Again, I am with Isibarian. Take your time and listen to lots of speakers. Listen to some stuff above your budget as well to give you an idea of the range of quality available and what you might like long term. In my case, I listened to the Monitor 7 and then Studio 20s 40s and 60s. This showed my that I would not be satisfied with the sq of the monitor 7 long term. From there I looked at other candidates from a sound quality perspective that would fit into my budget.

IMO the M60 is a step up from the Monitor 7 at a similar price. Closer to the Studio 60 in that it delivers a cleaner sound top to botom.

Good luck with your search.

[fredk]

Another idea if you're looking at ID is to check and see if they have people offering to demo their speakers in your area. I know Axiom does for sure.

Good idea. Axiom's Hearing Things (http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=9&page=1) forum

[lsiberian]

Just a warning for a new guy....don't say the word conservative in front of Isiberian.:D:D:D

Isiberian, if you see this, is the first letter in your name an I or L?

Yeah I might think your tightening up my speaker buget.:)


JK I don't disclose the letter that is used. It's part of what makes the name so unique. IOTW if I told you I'd have to have dealt with.:)

[lsiberian]

Dude audio advice and life advice, you are awesome.
I knew there was good people on the internet. Just didnt know I had to look for them in audio forums.
does buying from craigslist or ebay allow you any sort of warranty? i know some speaker companies offer 10 years just not sure if they allow transfer of ownership.

I've made a lot of mistakes and had to learn the hard way. I don't want you to have to learn the hard way. The difference between wealth and poverty at your income level is discipline and attitude. I also must urge you to find some charity to give 10 percent of your income too. Giving is one of the ways to increase wealth. It's weird, but it really works.

[John Bailey]

I've made a lot of mistakes and had to learn the hard way. I don't want you to have to learn the hard way. The difference between wealth and poverty at your income level is discipline and attitude. I also must urge you to find some charity to give 10 percent of your income too. Giving is one of the ways to increase wealth. It's weird, but it really works.

lsiberian may have graduated 1 year ago. I graduated 36 yrs. ago and I'm here to tell you he's right on the money. (pun intended) I went back to my teens and added up all the money I've made and if I would have saved just 10% I would have a few million in the bank now. Unfortunately, I didn't listen back then. I've plenty of friends who did and it works.

Spend $900 instead of $1,000 and you'll have some great speakers and be on your way to millions.

John

[just listening]

From what I've experienced this is what you'll get:

Paradigm Monitor 7 v6: The widest soundstage and biggest sound. A super efficient pair, a SET amp could make them sing. Downside is that the cabinets are vinyl, though the new shape is like the Polk RTi.

Polk RTiA9: I don't care for the sound, pleasant, but no depth. The previous RTi8's IMHO had more richness.

Aperion 5T: Best cabinet of the three, more British in sound, but require more amp to get them to sing than the others. If you already have a sub, I'd suggest the 4T, those little guys are dynamite.

AV123 RS450's: Terrific mini-tower, the Vifa tweeter is used to it's fullest capability. Just make sure to get the Big Foot stands and only buy if in-stock.

Axiom: I was very disappointed 4 years ago in an Axiom bookshelf. The fit and finish was a joke. I returned them and haven't looked back.

Of course, there is always used speakers. A great way to get more for your money. The only DIY company I'd go with is GR Research, run by Danny Richie. This guy is a guru in the industry, and you can get the entire kit with options. I've heard a pair of his bookshelves next to a pair of Madison's best and for my ears the GR's won easily.

Happy hunting

[ZeroAtlas]

I've made a lot of mistakes and had to learn the hard way. I don't want you to have to learn the hard way. The difference between wealth and poverty at your income level is discipline and attitude. I also must urge you to find some charity to give 10 percent of your income too. Giving is one of the ways to increase wealth. It's weird, but it really works.

definitely taking all this into consideration. My first job out of college is starting me off at 65K and I could see where much discipline is needed at this lower income. I have decided to hold off on buying the speakers and go to as many places in the area to listen to them. I'll make a budget and save a bit each month to correctly handle my money. You guys are awesome, definitely a lot of good ideas coming from this thread, if only more people would tell others about this next step in life, a lot of people would be hurting less right now. Cheers to all you audioholic/life trainers!

[thisonekidmongo]

My first job out of college is starting me off at 65K and I could see where much discipline is needed at this lower income.Uh, maybe we just come from different backgrounds, but where on earth does a starting salary of 65K for your first job out of college qualify as a "lower income"? :confused: I realize this is a forum devoted to a pretty expensive hobby, but I know people who would literally kill to make that much money, especially right out of college. Just sayin'.

[ParadigmDawg]

All this coming from a guy who lives in an apartment?????;)I just got out of college a year ago and I can tell you some things I suggest.

1. Don't get an unsecured credit card(certainly not more than one). Do get a secured one for credit building.

2. Invest. Right now the market is cheap and this is the time to buy. If it goes down more keep buying. Or even better get a pro to help you set everything up.

3. Also when you start buying stuff for real. Set aside the cost of the warranty in a seperate bank account. By doing this you will build your own insurance for things.

4. Try to buy a house ASAP. The market is very good for home buying. You will need to establish credit for this. Credit requires extreme discipline.

I suggest you spend this evenign setting up a budget.

http://www.daveramsey.com/the_truth_about/budgeting_3457.html.cfm

check out the site above for advice. This guy knows his stuff.

[Matt34]

Uh, maybe we just come from different backgrounds, but where on earth does a starting salary of 65K for your first job out of college qualify as a "lower income"? :confused: I realize this is a forum devoted to a pretty expensive hobby, but I know people who would literally kill to make that much money, especially right out of college. Just sayin'.

Depends on where you live too. 65K in NYC or San Fransico won't get you far but in rural Iowa you'd be a redneck millionaire.

[lsiberian]

All this coming from a guy who lives in an apartment?????;)

Well there is a reason I still live in the apartment. :(

If I had done this right we'd be moving into a house this summer and getting that super tax credit.

[thisonekidmongo]

Depends on where you live too. 65K in NYC or San Fransico won't get you far but in rural Iowa you'd be a redneck millionaire.Seeing as I work in midtown Manhattan, I guess you can consider me as not getting very far. ;)

Seriously, if anyone thinks 65K is low income, you should talk to any of my friends who are teachers or work in publishing.

[lsiberian]

Seeing as I work in midtown Manhattan, I guess you can consider me as not getting very far. ;)

Seriously, if anyone thinks 65K is low income, you should talk to any of my friends who are teachers or work in publishing.

My Fiancee is a teacher and makes more than me.:)

We are probably going to Manhattan for our honey moon though.
I can't wait to have great Pizza again. The closest we come is this Italian that lives in the area.

[ZeroAtlas]

Uh, maybe we just come from different backgrounds, but where on earth does a starting salary of 65K for your first job out of college qualify as a "lower income"? :confused: I realize this is a forum devoted to a pretty expensive hobby, but I know people who would literally kill to make that much money, especially right out of college. Just sayin'.

I live in san diego. thats not a lot of money. plus i'll probably give 1/4th- 1/3rd to uncle sam.
update: i listened to the polk rti7s. the sound stage was very nice but the mids were a little dull. cant wait to listen to more.

[GO-NAD!]

I won't argue with any of the previous bits of advice - it's all good. But I can make an educated comment on a couple of the speakers on your list. I auditioned a pair of Paradigm Monitor 9 V5s and a pair of PA RTiA7s in my rec room, side-by-side. The 9s are still there. Where I live, the Polks retailed for about 50% more than the 9s, but were on sale for a similar price. So, I compared them at home. As far as I'm concerned, that's the only way to conduct an accurate and fair comparison. The Polks are much more visually appealing, but for me, looks are at the bottom of the list of priorities when it comes to speaker shopping. I found the imaging and soundstaging to be superior in the 9s. Plus, they are far more sensitive and will not need much power to play music LOUDLY. Just my two cents...

[just listening]

Comparing a monitor to a floor stander isn't easy, as they a very different designs.

Paradigms have always been very efficient speakers. The Polk LSi series need quality power (don't confuse with quantity power) to make them sing. The problem when comparing is to get the volume the same for both speakers which means using a db meter. Then being very quick to properly adjust the volume to the proper level.

That being said, I'm not surprised you choose the Monitor 9's, though give the tweeter a good hundred hours to break in, and don't be surprised if you find the high frequencies to wear on you over long periods of listening.

Enjoy

[GO-NAD!]

Comparing a monitor to a floor stander isn't easy, as they a very different designs.

Paradigms have always been very efficient speakers. The Polk LSi series need quality power (don't confuse with quantity power) to make them sing. The problem when comparing is to get the volume the same for both speakers which means using a db meter. Then being very quick to properly adjust the volume to the proper level.

That being said, I'm not surprised you choose the Monitor 9's, though give the tweeter a good hundred hours to break in, and don't be surprised if you find the high frequencies to wear on you over long periods of listening.

Enjoy
I understand, quite well, the problem of comparing speakers of vastly different sensitivities and the tendency of people to favour speakers that sound louder. So, when my wife and I compared them, we took turns. One sat in the listening position, eyes shut, while the other switched speakers back and forth. To take the differing sensitivities into account, each time we switched speakers, we changed the volume. Sometimes the PAs were played loudly, the M9s softly and vice versa. So, with each change we had no way of identifying the speaker because of the changing volume. We did this many times, in order to take sensitivity out of the equation. We didn't tell each other which one we favoured after each listen and just made a note, so that we could keep track.

And, just to clarify, we were testing RTiA7's, not LSi's. As for "breaking in the tweeters for a hundred hours", (I apologise for my bluntness) I believe that to be a pile of hooey. I think many other members of this forum would agree with me...

[Rob Babcock]

This might sound extreme, but I'll never again buy a new speaker if I can find the same thing used (from a seller with good feedback). Let someone else take the hit on MSRP!:cool: I bought my Monitor Audio Gold Ref 60's in fantastic condition in Rose Mahogany for about 1/3 the new MSRP and about 1/2 what most authorized dealers sell them at.

Don't get me wrong- there are some risks. You can get ripped off, they can be damaged in shipping, etc. And if you blow a driver there's no warranty. But IME speakers are pretty reliable and last if you take care of them. If I need service it can be had but overall I've had good luck.

[ozmedia]

thanks for the info I am really digging those too. And since audioholics is backing up EMP Im sure they are amazing at that price point. Definitely will be considered. On the upside I noticed the orginal RBH TK-5CT speakers were still out there for the same price. now if they only made them in black. My decor is uber minimalist and i like to stick to 2 colors black and white. Do You know the build quality of these speakers and how thick the enclosure is?
Very interesting.
grrr Decisions Decisions!!!

RBH TK5CT's were available in black and rosewood finishes. I say "WERE" because they are discontinued now but some dealers have them kicking around still, a great product and incredible value for money.
They are SIMILAR to but not clones of the EMP's, they use different driver materials.
EMP is a more affordable/entry level version of RBH for the most part.