7.1 setup - KEF Q series or JBL L series

[ananth.gutta]

I am planning a 7.1 setup. This is my first HT setup. I need suggestions/recommendations on the two systems below

This setup
JBL L890 (fronts)
JBL L830 (sides R/L)
JBL L820 (rear R/L)
JBL LC2 (center)
JBL ES250PW (subwoofer)

VS

This setup
KEF Q700 (fronts)
KEF Q100 (sides R/L)
KEF Q800ds (rear R/L)
KEF Q600c (center)
KEF Q400b (subwoofer)

My AVR is Pioneer VSX 1121-K. Room size is approx 30" x 15"
I have auditioned JBL combination and not the KEF. Not sure if these are even comparable. I don't have anything close by where KEF is available for auditioning. I am willing to travel to audition one if the recommendations are strong. I could not find anything on the internet that compares these two.


Thanks

[GranteedEV]

Don't bother with JBL L series.


Look at JBL LSR series.

[fuzz092888]

I've heard the kef towers and I liked how they sounded. The JBL's I haven't heard, but Grant knows what he's talking about.

Are you definitely set on these two brands?

The place that I went where I was able to audition the kefs also carried totems and I actually liked the totems more than the keys.

[zieglj01]

With the JBL, I would aim higher. From your list, I favor KEF.

[ananth.gutta]

These were my choices from what was available to me to audition and reading online forrums combined. And are in the price range/budget. I am just getting started on finding good speakers. I listen to music and movies 50-50. I am open for suggestions and definetly can benefit from others experience and knowledge....thanks for taking time and helping me out..

Thanks

[fuzz092888]

Well I guess my next question would be, what is your price range?

Are you dead set on getting everything at once, or are you open to starting with a smaller system 2, 2.1 or 3.1 system and building up?

I'm just starting out as well and I know some of the guys on here have suggested I not rush into any purchases and that starting out with a couple speakers now and building up is a good way to go. I've taken their advice and I'm doing a 5.1 system, but the only speakers I'm paying any real money for are the philharmonic 3s. My rear surrounds I got for free, they're old but they still sound great and my center and subwoofer I got used for cheap. Now I'll slowly be able to replace pieces as I go.

That being said, theres nothing wrong with wanting to get the whole setup right away, it just leaves you with a bit less flexibility when looking at speakers.

Just some general thoughts from someone who seems to be in a similar position, also the guys on here are great and always willing to help. Listening to them has really helped me a lot.

[ananth.gutta]

Price Range is $2500-3000 for the speakers. 7.1 ... lesser for 5.1

You have made good points. I like what you are recommending. I would be okay to start with 5.1 and grow from there. I currently do not have any gear and have a bose 3.2.1 that I use in my study.

[ratm]

Are you limited by walking in the store to buy or can you do ID?

[fuzz092888]

Price Range is $2500-3000 for the speakers. 7.1 ... lesser for 5.1

You have made good points. I like what you are recommending. I would be okay to start with 5.1 and grow from there. I currently do not have any gear and have a bose 3.2.1 that I use in my study.

I'm a little confused, you say your price range is $2500-3000 for speakers, but according to my calculations if you bought all of the kef's on your list you would be over budget. I may be wrong, but just from some quick googling the Q700s retail for about $1400 a pair. Add the rest of the proposed system and you would be way over budget.

Personally I'm trying to go for quality even if it means I have to live with some pieces that aren't all that great for awhile. The Philharmonics are going to be about $3700 when all is said and done, but they are probably going to be a part of whatever setup I have for a long time so I'm ok with that. And over the next few years I'll be able to swap out a center one year, the sub, the next year, and so on.

From the speakers you're looking at it seems like you want pretty good quality speakers, so either you're getting a great deal, your budget is off a bit, or you're looking at doing what I'm doing.

Again, I may be misinterpreting something, but from what I see so far something is amiss

[zieglj01]

If you buy from Vann's and go 5.0 from them >
The Q700, Q200, Q100 - will be around the $2400 to $2500 mark.

Look at this sub over the KEF
Then get the FV12 sub from Rythmik.
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV12.html

Then you will have a nice system for around $3000.