Need recommendation for replacing Bose Acoustimass 10 system

[Doogy]

Hello, I am very new to home audio and looking for recommendations. A little background information (I will try to keep it short), I wanted just a decent low budget 5.1 system so I bought a yamaha rx-v675 receiver and the Energy 5.1 take classic set. I was happy with this setup at first but my ear slowly started becoming sensitive and I started noticing a lot of shortcomings. Two days ago, I was at a local mall here in Cincinnati and just wandered into the bose store (I know, bad) and went into their home theatre room with an Acoustimass 10 set up, the samples of music they played sounded very clear etc.. so I bought the set for $1000. Today, I tested the system with some very pitchy classical music and I am very disappointed. So, I have two questions, am I expecting too much out of my entry level receiver? And, what recommendations can you make for replacing these bose speakers with about a $1000 budget? Thank you for your time, I look forward to your suggestions.

-Nick

 

[onlyme]

This set looks pretty much like a steal at this point.

http://emptek.com/cinema5_h.php

 

[Doogy]

This set looks pretty much like a steal at this point.

That does seem like a good deal, do you have any experience with that brand? Do you think that system would out perform the Energy system? Thanks for your reply.

 

[onlyme]

No personal experience, but the EMPtek stuff is simply RBH sound in an internet direct form, so you know the quality is there. If you're unfamiliar with RBH, just search the main page here, and you'll find lots of good info.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

That does seem like a good deal, do you have any experience with that brand? Do you think that system would out perform the Energy system? Thanks for your reply.

Very smart move to return Bose. You are very correctly noticed that samples they play in store are very selected. What you don't know is these samples are EXTREMELY modified and then played on none-bose system would sound terrible.

I have heard hi-end EmpTek system which included their current top-of-the-line tower speakers, matching center and surrounds.
Bath then dual 10" sub was still available. The system sounded really nice, sort of laid back sound.

This said I would not recommend Cinema5 system for you due to requirement of classical music. You need something with a bit finesse.
Since you already have decent AVR and you have Take5 speakers which you could use for surrounds - I highly recommend to focus your budget of $1000 towards new LCR and new Sub.

Believe or not bulk of the money should go toward great sub - it doesn't have to monster, just very accurate for both music and movies (in this order)
With that said my recommendation is:
http://www.wavecrestaudio.com/products/hvl-1-two-way-loudspeaker-pair - get 3 of these speakers
and this sub:
http://reaction-audio.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/s-15-500w-sealed-subwoofer

Alternatively another great speakers are modified Pioneer BS22 by Dennis Murphy at http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html
Pair of bookshelves and matching center will set you back about same as Wave Crest

Both great choices.
If you want smaller sized sub i recommend this one:
http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials/sb-2000-outlet_7 - slightly blemished visually, but same legendary 5y SVS warranty.

 

[Thunder240]

Another option to consider is Ascend CMT-340SE's across the front and use your Take 5's for surrounds. I own the CMTs and have been very pleased. 3 of them will run you 768 plus 60 for shipping, and at that price point I haven't heard any speaker that is more musical. I realize that doesn't leave much room in your budget for a sub, however.


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[Thunder240]

As BSA suggests, SVS subs are great. However, another excellent sub option that will save you 140 over the 10in SVS (ie 359 vs 499) is the Hsu Research STF-2. And if they have a B stock available, you might save another 50-100.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html


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[AcuDefTechGuy]

Oh gosh, pretty much anything is better than Bose - EMP, Infinity, Pioneer, NHT, Ascend, etc.