thinking it's time for an LCR upgrade

[NINaudio]

So I thought where better to get ideas than from you all!

While I'm generally happy with my Boston's, they are getting a bit on the older side, and I'd like a bit more mid bass punch than they seem to offer. I'm not in any rush to upgrade them, but I'm curious to know what's out there that you'd recommend. My requirements and budget are:

1) 3-way preferred (required for center)
2) at least 6 1/2" cones for the bass section on the towers
3) would like to keep it around $2000 or less for all three
4) prefer standard sideways center channel as opposed to using a bookshelf model
5) Tower speakers for L and R channels
6) Matte finishes preferred

I know there have been some good sales on Infinity towers recently, but I'm not sure if they'd be an upgrade over my current Bostons or just a sidestep. Hard to really know as I can't find any frequency response graphs for the Bostons due to their age.

Edited to add 5 and 6.

 

[Russdawg1]

Emotiva T2’s + C2 Center.

I’m not sure if they are still being sold retail so check through Craigslist and Classifieds section for them.

 

[KenM10759]

KEF Q650c center speaker is a real sweet one because of its Uni-Q coincident driver. No chance of lobing issues, and got the 6-1/2" LF driver in a non-ported (acoustic bass resonator) cabinet. Mate it with a pair of Q350 's, and pair all with a good sub. Incredibly good.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq600cbla/kef-q600c-6.5-3-way-center-channel-speaker-black/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq350blk/kef-q350-6.5-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

 

[zieglj01]

Polk LSiM 704
https://www.adorama.com/us 1161769.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw29vsBRAuEiwA9s-0B2U_VJonZaB0IFNqWPq0HpzFS_pt5-NvVuy1LNY61tq3vJpycMPUWhoCF9QQAvD_BwE

Polk LSiM 705 -- 7" x 5" woofers -- sold each
https://www.adorama.com/pklsim705b.html

Specs are here for the towers
https://www.polkaudio.com/products/lsim705

 

[NINaudio]

I was actually looking at the KEF's, I should have mentioned that I'm looking for towers, not bookshelfs.

 

[KenM10759]

Between me and my son we've got quite a collection of KEF with the Uni-Q driver.

The Q750 would be the tower with the matching 6-1/2" driver. Lucky me, I have a KEF Elite dealer that urges me to take speakers home to try them.

While not an exact match, the previous version Q700 is quite good (my son runs the Q500's) and pretty cheap.

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq700blka/kef-q700-6.5-3-way-floorstanding-speaker-black-each/1.html

 

[NINaudio]

I was looking at the specs on the KEF center channels and it seems like they have one active bass woofer, and the other is a passive radiator for it? It seems like that would lead to weird horizontal dispersion patterns for anything in that range, no?

 

[KenM10759]

No. Not at all.

 

[ryanosaur]

Though it may push a little higher... I really dug the Monitor Audio Silver series. 500 over the 300, but both rocked hard and handled anything I gave them.

And though I personally had issues, I will always give credit where its due, the KEF Q 750 or 950... listened to the 950. Impressive. My ears were sensitive to the Mids/highs, or some interaction with the room... but before the fatigue set in for me, I was impressed!

 

[Audiosaur]

Polk LSiM 704
https://www.adorama.com/us 1161769.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw29vsBRAuEiwA9s-0B2U_VJonZaB0IFNqWPq0HpzFS_pt5-NvVuy1LNY61tq3vJpycMPUWhoCF9QQAvD_BwE

Polk LSiM 705 -- 7" x 5" woofers -- sold each
https://www.adorama.com/pklsim705b.html

Specs are here for the towers
https://www.polkaudio.com/products/lsim705

+1 for the Polks while on sale

 

[KEW]

One thing I would consider at this point, is waiting and keeping an eye out for Black Friday sales.
It wouldn't surprise me if A4L doesn't have something like the Focal Aria 926's, KEF R700's, or Canton Vento 876's (with matching center) discounted into your price range. (Note that pricing on Focal towers are for a pair while the KEF and Canton are for each).
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/spkfloor/speakers/floor-standing-speakers/1.html?brand_f[]=CANTON&brand_f[]=KEF&brand_f[]=FOCAL
Same is a possibility for the Monitor Audio (not at A4L).
I suspect the price on the Polk won't drop much, if any, that is already a deep discount!

 

[NINaudio]

One thing I would consider at this point, is waiting and keeping an eye out for Black Friday sales.
It wouldn't surprise me if A4L doesn't have something like the Focal Aria 926's, KEF R700's, or Canton Vento 876's (with matching center) discounted into your price range. (Note that pricing on Focal towers are for a pair while the KEF and Canton are for each).
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/spkfloor/speakers/floor-standing-speakers/1.html?brand_f[]=CANTON&brand_f[]=KEF&brand_f[]=FOCAL
Same is a possibility for the Monitor Audio (not at A4L).
I suspect the price on the Polk won't drop much, if any, that is already a deep discount!

Those Focal Arias are beautiful for sure, but the respective center channel is a 2-way design of which I'm a bit leery.

I found a nearby shop that carries Focal, KEF, and Paradigm, so I think a trip out there will be in order to give some of these speakers a listen. A little further away is ABT electronics where I can go listen to some Polk, SVS, and Klipsch speakers as well.

 

[NINaudio]

Now if only I could listen to those new Monoprice Monolith towers somewhere! lol

 

[KEW]

Those Focal Arias are beautiful for sure, but the respective center channel is a 2-way design of which I'm a bit leery.

I found a nearby shop that carries Focal, KEF, and Paradigm, so I think a trip out there will be in order to give some of these speakers a listen. A little further away is ABT electronics where I can go listen to some Polk, SVS, and Klipsch speakers as well.

Sounds like a good plan. Exposure to as many speakers in your price bracket as possible is a good thing and hopefully come late November, you'll be ready to jump on a killer deal should one come through, or you might fall in love with the Polks! I have read plenty of good things about them
If the Klipsch's do the trick for you, you should generally be able to get about 30% discount on them!

 

[shadyJ]

I was looking at the specs on the KEF center channels and it seems like they have one active bass woofer, and the other is a passive radiator for it? It seems like that would lead to weird horizontal dispersion patterns for anything in that range, no?

It certainly wouldn't be any weirder than normal MTMs.

 

[KenM10759]

Those Focal Arias are beautiful for sure, but the respective center channel is a 2-way design of which I'm a bit leery.

I found a nearby shop that carries Focal, KEF, and Paradigm, so I think a trip out there will be in order to give some of these speakers a listen. A little further away is ABT electronics where I can go listen to some Polk, SVS, and Klipsch speakers as well.

Seeing and hearing them in-person is great, and a REALLY good shop will let you take home a pair to try in your own room with your own setup.

BTW, look for the newer KEF Q series in the just-released "walnut" finish. What a striking contrast. They sound quite good too.

 

[Pogre]

Love my SVS Ultra towers...

 

[KEW]

Love my SVS Ultra towers...

He also wants the matching center (specified not bookshelf) for $2000.
Do you know what bstock ultra towers run? I still don't think he can get there for $2000! Dedicated centers are pricey!

 

[Pogre]

He also wants the matching center (specified not bookshelf) for $2000.
Do you know what bstock ultra towers run? I still don't think he can get there for $2000! Dedicated centers are pricey!

Oof. Yup, the center bumps that up over budget. Outlet pricing can get close, but there's nothing in there right at the moment.

 

[snakeeyes]

Certainly if willing to pay $2000, someone here will convince you to go a little higher? Some enablers here. LOL