Floor standing speakers for HT

[Msujohn]

I'm looking to buy some floor standing speakers. It will be used 90% for TV/Movies/Sports and 10% music. The room is very wide open 18 x 28 (also has vaulted ceilings - 22 feet). My target is roughly $1,000 for the pair.

Right now I am considering the following:


- KEF Q700
- Kef Q900
- PSB X2T
- Klipsch RP - 280F
- SVS Prime Towers

What would you recommend for my use?

 

[lovinthehd]

Speaker choice is subjective, so pick the ones you like the best. Maybe add JBL 580 to the list, they've been on sale recently for $390 each....

 

[Msujohn]

I agree they are subjective. Unfortunately, I can't find any decent speakers close to listen to. Best option for me was Magnolia and they only have def tech, b&w, and Martin logans. Not a fan of them.

 

[lovinthehd]

I agree they are subjective. Unfortunately, I can't find any decent speakers close to listen to. Best option for me was Magnolia and they only have def tech, b&w, and Martin logans. Not a fan of them.

Me too, rely on the internet for shopping myself as I'd need to drive several hours to anywhere with more choices than our basic BB 45 minutes away (not even Magnolia). I'd stick with the internet direct brands that offer in-home trials like SVS (with free round trip shipping) or some of the others that offer 30-45 day return periods (but you pay some or all shipping) like Ascend or Hsu (and others). I've been very happy with Ascend products and never felt like returning any. I took a chance on the JBL 590s then also bought some 530s and a 520 to go with them, like them quite a bit.

ps might even try Amazon...

 

[zieglj01]

From your list PSB or Klipsch RP

I would take a hard look at The JBL Studio 290 -- on sale for $399 each
http://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+290.html?dwvar_STUDIO 290_color=Black#start=1

 

[Msujohn]

From your list PSB or Klipsch RP

I would take a hard look at The JBL Studio 290 -- on sale for $399 each
http://www.jbl.com/loudspeakers/STUDIO+290.html?dwvar_STUDIO 290_color=Black#start=1

I've always been reluctant of JBL's. I rememember them as a kid as these massive bass machines. But, maybe I need to reconsider. I'll look into locations where I can listen to them.

 

[Msujohn]

Me too, rely on the internet for shopping myself as I'd need to drive several hours to anywhere with more choices than our basic BB 45 minutes away (not even Magnolia). I'd stick with the internet direct brands that offer in-home trials like SVS (with free round trip shipping) or some of the others that offer 30-45 day return periods (but you pay some or all shipping) like Ascend or Hsu (and others). I've been very happy with Ascend products and never felt like returning any. I took a chance on the JBL 590s then also bought some 530s and a 520 to go with them, like them quite a bit.

ps might even try Amazon...

Do you have ascends or jbl's now? Do u use them more for music or tv/movies?

 

[shadyJ]

KEFs are sure to be good. I have heard nice things about the Klipsch RP stuff. JBL studio is certain to be good, as would PSB. I would also throw some Fluance Signature tower speakers into the mix, very good performance from that speakers, and it will leave you a bit of leftover money since they are $700 shipped.

 

[zieglj01]

I've always been reluctant of JBL's. I rememember them as a kid as these massive bass machines. But, maybe I need to reconsider. I'll look into locations where I can listen to them.

You should find these a pleasant surprise

 

[lovinthehd]

Do you have ascends or jbl's now? Do u use them more for music or tv/movies?

I have Ascend Sierra-1s with NrT tweeters as well as 170SEs, 200SEs. I have JBL 590s and 530s and a 520. I use them for both, if a speaker is good for audio it really doesn't matter if it's music or movies IMO. I also have several other brands. I wouldn't judge JBL on the vague recollection you pose (which JBL model were they?), they have a wide variety under the brand.

 

[yepimonfire]

For movies klipsch will afford you the most dynamic range headroom, and your room is huge. They sound good with music as well. When/if you decide to add more speakers, I would pair it with an RP 450c for the center, and (depending on the distance from the surrounds to the mlp) a pair of RP 160m's, or the older reference II series RB-81, which can be found cheap on eBay.

While I have not personally heard the JBLs, I would not hesitate to buy anything from Harman, they are a reputable company, and put a lot of research and testing into their designs, aiming for the flatest response and widest dispersion pattern possible. The 580 and 590 are both horn loaded, and should offer similar dynamic range headroom as the klipsch.

Sent from my 5065N using Tapatalk

 

[lovinthehd]

The JBL 580s are now on sale for $259 each on Amazon

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I vote for the JBL 290.

 

[Msujohn]

At this point, I have narrowed it down to either the Klipsch RP 280 or the PSB X2T. I haven't even looked at the JBL's yet, I will look at the 580 and 290 series.

The most important factor for me will be the center channel. With the room being very large and wide open, I need to make sure the center channel has the ability to perform.

 

[Roen]

At this point, I have narrowed it down to either the Klipsch RP 280 or the PSB X2T. I haven't even looked at the JBL's yet, I will look at the 580 and 290 series.

The most important factor for me will be the center channel. With the room being very large and wide open, I need to make sure the center channel has the ability to perform.

Can you fit a third tower as a center?

 

[lovinthehd]

That would be a consideration for the Studio 5 series JBL speakers, the center is not all that large and availability/price can be an issue...

 

[Msujohn]

Can you fit a third tower as a center?

That's not really an option.

 

[Msujohn]

At this point, I have narrowed it down to either the Klipsch RP 280 or the PSB X2T. I haven't even looked at the JBL's yet, I will look at the 580 and 290 series.

The most important factor for me will be the center channel. With the room being very large and wide open, I need to make sure the center channel has the ability to perform.

I found a place that had a PSB x1t, SVs Prime, and klipsch rp 250 f. The PSB was way better for listening to music (deeper and more neutral) but I thought the Klipsch was better for HT (better highs and filled the room a little more) Didn't like the SVS at all. The PSB is also more expensive. I'm assuming that the X2T and RP 280 would have similar but better sound compared to the ones I listened to. I want able to compare the center channel at all.

 

[Roen]

That's not really an option.

Unfortunate, but for most people, furniture and aesthetics get in the way of a more cohesive sound.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Msujohn]

Unfortunate, but for most people, furniture and aesthetics get in the way of a more cohesive sound.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Maybe, I will have to rethink if this is possible. Need to get approval from the wife. But, do a lot of people use towers as centers and just turn them on the side? I would think that the tweeter location would be off a little? If I was to do this, I would get PSB X2T towers and a PSB X1T Tower (as the center). Thoughts on this set up? If I did this I would have to put my 55 inch TV on top of the X1T.