$2k budget - bookshelf mains and center

[ccotenj]

first off, i understand that i need to listen for myself to decide what my ears like best... i'm just looking for some suggestions... i currently have b&w matrix 802s3's and htm center, and i need to downsize...

i would prefer to go to bookshelf speakers on stands... easier to move around, and more suited to the room size that they will be in...

budget is approximately $2000. in all likelihood, they will be driven by a nad t955 amplifier (downsizing my amplifier farm too). i listen to music with a sub, so i'm not overly concerned about low end extension. usage will be approximately 50/50 music/ht...

i'm not averse to purchasing from internet only manufacturers, as long as they have some type of "satisfaction guarantee".

for the time being, i plan on keeping the s601s3's i'm using as surrounds in place...

waf needs are minimal. after all, she's put up with the matrix's.

suggestions? comments? wise remarks?

 

[Johnd]

The Paradigm Studio 20's and cc590 can be had for easily under 2K. Give 'em a listen. (I've got the 100's and 570...love 'em).

 

[mazersteven]

Maybe stay with B&W and look at the Cm series.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=816

 

[mazersteven]

For music I'd like to have a pair of these.

http://www.salksound.com/HT1.html

 

[Tomorrow]

Maybe stay with B&W and look at the Cm series.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=816

Mazer is wise. The CM series should do well with your surrounds. These (IMHO only) are the best value in B&W speakers. Impressive performance for the buck.

 

[jcPanny]

Ascend Sierras

Check out the recent review on the new Ascend Sierra 1's:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/ascend-acoustics-sierra-1

The center is the same size as the bookshelf speakers but turned on its side.

 

[silversurfer]

For music I'd like to have a pair of these.

http://www.salksound.com/HT1.html

Mazer, have you heard these? Can you give a brief description or comparison?

 

[silversurfer]

Check out the recent review on the new Ascend Sierra 1's:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/ascend-acoustics-sierra-1

The center is the same size as the bookshelf speakers but turned on its side.

I think the tweeter is turned as well. Some will say if you can use the "vertical" oriented center in your situation, it would be the better way to go.

 

[ccotenj]

Maybe stay with B&W and look at the Cm series.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=816

hmmmm... that could be the ticket... i DO like the b&w sound signature...

those veracity speakers are downright purty though...

 

[ccotenj]

Check out the recent review on the new Ascend Sierra 1's:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/ascend-acoustics-sierra-1

The center is the same size as the bookshelf speakers but turned on its side.

yea, these were definitely on the "consideration list" based strictly on that review... judging by the review, they are amazing for the price...

 

[Davemcc]

The Era Design 5 should be on your list of speakers to audition. I think you would be pleasantly surprised at the sound and the price.

 

[ccotenj]

ok, so far we have...

b&w cm1...
sierra-1...
paradigm 20...
era 5....

the good news is that the place where i'll go first is a dealer for 3 of them... and the sierra appears to be only available online...

 

[mazersteven]

ok, so far we have...

b&w cm1...
sierra-1...
paradigm 20...
era 5....

the good news is that the place where i'll go first is a dealer for 3 of them... and the sierra appears to be only available online...

Here if your looking for more.

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/v-series/v-601

http://www.tyleracoustics.com/freedom.html

http://www.dynaudio.com/eng/systems/lines/audience/audience42.php

Chorus 807 V
http://www.focal.tm.fr/accueil_en.htm

 

[gus6464]

Mazer is wise. The CM series should do well with your surrounds. These (IMHO only) are the best value in B&W speakers. Impressive performance for the buck.

This is so true as I find all B&W except for the 800 series way too bright of speakers. The CM series are just completely different than the rest of their models.

Maybe Paradigm Studio 40's for fronts? Those are my absolute favorite in the whole Studio line.

 

[mike c]

why not check the usual suspects?

b&w's rivals ...

Monitor Audio
(check out the RS and GS line)
KEF

 

[ccotenj]

fwiw, i ordered the sierra-1's... worst possible case is that it costs me 60 bucks to send them back...

 

[mazersteven]

fwiw, i ordered the sierra-1's... worst possible case is that it costs me 60 bucks to send them back...

Congratulations.

I think you would be one of the first to send them back. I haven't heard them myself, but from what I read they are outstanding.

 

[ccotenj]

yea, i'm not anticipating them going back... i ordered a pair of the htm-200's for surrounds as well...

pics will be posted once they get here... and again once the stands arrive...

 

[mazersteven]

yea, i'm not anticipating them going back... i ordered a pair of the htm-200's for surrounds as well...

pics will be posted once they get here... and again once the stands arrive...

Stick around. 22 posts in 2 1/2 years.

 

[ccotenj]

lol... yea... long time between drinks at the trough...

i'm really looking forward to hearing these... since my whole system is in a state of flux right now (everything i had has been sold, other than one amp), they'll be hooked up to an ancient onkyo at first, but that will be good enough to get a feel for them...