Narrow this down, please!

[tully18]

We haven't had good stereo equipment for years, and all we want is a good receiver and pair of speakers. Listening (living) room is very irregular (14 x 20) with a 90 degree sloped ceiling going from 9' up to 16'. Worse yet, the room is also open to a 15 x 15 dining area.
My first question is do I have to go with floorstanding speakers for this much cubic footage, or could I get away with bookshelves (and add a sub at a later date)? I don't have many dealers in my small town, so I've narrowed choices down to trying Aperion Intimus 633-T Towers or Ascend Acoustic Sierra-1 bookshelves. Any advice on which to try first, and pros and cons of each for the space?
I am also looking into two channel receivers. For these speaker choices, would anyone care to advise on the NAD C720BEE or the Outlaw RR2150? We like to listen to music only moderately loud when alone, and at pretty low (conversational) levels when socializing.
I'd would love some help starting this adventure, with a budget between $1000 and $1500. THANKS!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You are around 5600 cubic feet and that's pretty rough. A big and powerful sub will be in order at some point. Out of the two speakers you listed I would pick the Ascend Acoustic Sierra-1. This is one of the best, affordable books on the market right now. Either of the amps would be fine as would just a basic ol' Yamaha AVR for 300-400 bucks.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...Aperion Intimus 633-T Towers or Ascend Acoustic Sierra-1 bookshelves. Any advice on which to try first, and pros and cons of each...

With bookshelf speakers, you will need speaker stands. My 42" black speaker stands cost me $125/pr, although there are cheaper speaker stands for $50/pr.

Most tower speakers will give you a little more upper bass (40 Hz - 80 Hz) than most bookshelf speakers. But like Greg says, you will need a subwoofer if you want lower bass from 20 Hz - 40 Hz, especially if you have a large room.

Some bookshelf speakers may give you better high frequency and midrange due to less cabinet resonance/vibrations. But a lot of high quality build towers will also give you excellent highs and mids.

Some prefer the aesthetics of a tall elegant tower, and some prefer the looks of a bookshelf on a nice looking pedastal or stand.

Aperion, Ascend Acoustics, and AV123 all make good quality speakers.

Personally, I will vote for towers.

 

[mazersteven]

For 2 channel music (here we go, someone will beat me up for this one) I recommend these.

Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

For $300 total over your budget they have subs included, and sound incredible. Look for reviews, and do some research on the forums, and you decide.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Why dont you post the picture of them by your fireplace...AGAIN

For 2 channel music (here we go, someone will beat me up for this one) I recommend these.

Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

For $300 total over your budget they have subs included, and sound incredible. Look for reviews, and do some research on the forums, and you decide.

 

[3db]

For 2 channel music (here we go, someone will beat me up for this one) I recommend these.

Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

For $300 total over your budget they have subs included, and sound incredible. Look for reviews, and do some research on the forums, and you decide.

SLAP!!!

There. Feel better now?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

For 2 channel music (here we go, someone will beat me up for this one) I recommend these.

Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

For $300 total over your budget they have subs included, and sound incredible. Look for reviews, and do some research on the forums, and you decide.

Those are great looking speakers. I'm sure they sound great too. And...what's that? Oh, yeah, the specs also look great. Yeah, it would be perfect if they were just $1,500/pr. Great looking speakers.

 

[tully18]

Thanks for that straightforward response. I really do want to try those Sierras. so I'm gonna. My next house will have a golden ratio listening room with a standard ceiling!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

We all have to live within the constraints of real life. My house is also an open floor plan and the area where my HT is set up is right around 8,000 cubic feet with all hard surfaces. I have done about the best I can do with what I am working with but it sucks knowing that I could put this same system in a dedicated room and it would sound twice as good.

How far will the LP be from the speakers? I feel you will have enough headroom but the bass will be another story.

Thanks for that straightforward response. I really do want to try those Sierras. so I'm gonna. My next house will have a golden ratio listening room with a standard ceiling!

 

[Soundman]

For 2 channel music (here we go, someone will beat me up for this one) I recommend these.

Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

For $300 total over your budget they have subs included, and sound incredible. Look for reviews, and do some research on the forums, and you decide.

I won't beat you up, Mazer. Those speakers are sweet!

 

[mazersteven]

I won't beat you up, Mazer. Those speakers are sweet!

Some people just don't understand.

 

[MUDSHARK]

The Sierra would be an excellent choice (what an objective statement). I cannot think of any tower at that price that is superior to the Sierra. In fact the only other speaker as a similar price that come to mind is the Mackie 824. That might be a good alternative to consider since the Mackie's are self powered and would only require a good pre-amp. Nad makes some excellent reasonabley priced pre-amps that would keep you on budget. Check out audio liquidaters or Spirit sound if this alternative has appeal to you.

As for Mr. Steven and his Minni's

 

[mazersteven]

Mudshark,

Are you trying to take over my picture posting?

If your going to do that, do it right.

This is a Dead Horse.

 

[mazersteven]

Or maybe ad some animation to your images.

 

[MUDSHARK]

Time to raise the white flag

 

[MUDSHARK]

SLAP!!!

There. Feel better now?

Slapping Mazer will not do. Only flaming will suffice.