New to buying speakers, suggestions on 7.1 channel set up

[pupuplader]

I recently decided that I would finally buy some nice speakers, reciever, HDTV, and a dvd player.

Right now I have a 10yr old philips cd player, which no longer plays cd's. So looking to get some speakers for a surround sound theater set up.

I have decided to get a Yamaha RX-661 to power my speakers, which I dont think will have a problem.

I was looking at the Axiom Audio Epic Grand, nice easy all package deal for 1000 bucks. Should I consider not getting the package deal and piece the speakers from different manufactures together?

My budget is 1000-1300, anyone know of any better setups than the Epic Grand in the price range please let me know?

Thanks

 

[pepi28]

Why dont you try Polk Audio? Much better speaks in my opinion than Axiom.

 

[Matt34]

I recently decided that I would finally buy some nice speakers, reciever, HDTV, and a dvd player.

Right now I have a 10yr old philips cd player, which no longer plays cd's. So looking to get some speakers for a surround sound theater set up.

I have decided to get a Yamaha RX-661 to power my speakers, which I dont think will have a problem.

I was looking at the Axiom Audio Epic Grand, nice easy all package deal for 1000 bucks. Should I consider not getting the package deal and piece the speakers from different manufactures together?

My budget is 1000-1300, anyone know of any better setups than the Epic Grand in the price range please let me know?


Thanks

It's best to at least get the front three speakers(Left,Center,Right) from the same manufacture so that the timbre matches across your front sound stage. Most of the ID companies have deals if you do buy a complete 5-1/7.1 package.

Axiom, HSU, SVS, AV123 and Ascend all have package deals in your price range.

 

[majorloser]

If I may make a suggestion:

Grab a few CD's and DVD's that you know REALLY well and enjoy. Something dynamic like an action movie and some music with female vocals. Bring these with you and go out and audition some different brands of speakers!

Don't be afraid to tell the sales-holes to buzz off leave you alone. Ignore most everything they tell you anyway (even the price). Don't be afraid to sit on the floor in front of the speakers, put your head right at the level of the drivers. Now listen to all of the material you brought. If the sale-hole won't let you listen to your stuff, go somewhere else! If you get a chance, ask around to see if somebody in your area has some of the internet speakers you're talking about to audition. Send an e-mail to the companies. Heck, some companies will let you try them for 30 days (granted, you have to ship them back).

Once you have a couple brands you like, read up on them. Read reviews, study buying guides like this one:

http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/how-to-shop/loudspeakers-buying-guide

It's your ears!
What sounds good to me may not sound good to you.