Please Help Save My Sanity

[Rubens219]

I have been doing my best to go from “kinda know it” to “know it all” on home theater systems over the past few weeks, and I think I am currently on the verge of going postal. As some background, I am looking for a new system for my living room, the room is 22’x25’, has 9’ flat ceilings, thick carpeted floors, and grooved wood paneling (which is hideous but may help in sound dispersion/absorption). I would say over all a good room for a home theater though it is a little large. After discovering, to my surprise, that Bose systems are actually crap, I found two manufacturers that seemed well liked by those in the know, Aperion and Axiom. The Aperion system I am looking at is the Intimus 5T Hybrid HD (aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-5T-Hybrid-HD,122,71,279.aspx) , sorry I can't post links here. The Axiom system I am looking into is the epic 50-350 (axiomaudio.com/epic50_350.html) I would be substituting the Vp150V2 center (axiomaudio.com/vp150.html) for the Vp100V2, since I will be 12'-15' back from the TV. I can't decide which would be a better route, the Axioms come out a little cheaper but not much, I thought I would consult a group of people who know better than I, either way these are pricey systems, if anyone has a better recommendation (especially if that means cheaper!) please help a poor poor man save his sanity, and his wallet.

 

[trnqk7]

Either of those systems would be very good-however, take a look at the EMP systems in the Audioholics website Online Store. They are having a big sale on them right now and are at or under $1k right now for a 5.1 setup. They are basically RBH speakers, which is a very respectable brand and you would be very happy with them. I demoed the TK-5 series towers from RBH, which is basically the same tower from EMP (w/ 8" woofer) and they were quite a good speaker!

 

[Pyrrho]

I am sorry, but there is a reason why this site is called "audioholics". Most likely, you are beyond cure already.

But, for what to do, I recommend that you listen to more speakers and see if you like anything else better. Both of the brands you mention have people here who like them. You could just buy one, and be happy. But being in too deep already, you need to go audition more speakers, and speakers of every type you can find (horns, ribbons, etc.), to see what suits you best. All speakers have their flaws, and it is a question of which flaws you can live with. Take your time, and relax. If you rush your decision, or make it while feeling overly stressed, you are more likely to regret your decision than if you spend plenty of time auditioning speakers and thinking about what qualities are important to you.

 

[AVRat]

A few other speaker setups to consider:
PSB Image T55/C60/B15
AV123 Rocket RS 450/C200/250
Ascend Acoustics CMT340/340C/CBM170
Polk Audio RTi A5/CSi A6/A3

If you’d like more visceral, bombastic bass for your HT experience you’ll probably prefer one of these subs:
AV123 MFW-15
HSU VTF3-MK3
SVS PB12-NDS
Epik Knight

 

[itschris]

I agree with everyone above, at this point, you should listen to as many as you can. True, different setups in shops will yield an uneven playing field perhaps, but you can get a sense of the nuances of different speakers. You may find that some are very pleasing, while others not so much.

 

[Rubens219]

Thanks Everyone

Your input is much appreciated; unfortunately I cannot listen to the Axiom or Aperion speakers as they are not carried at local stores. However, they do carry Klipsh, Energy, Paradigm, and Boston's. I listened to all of these set ups and was most impressed by the Paradigm set, my local HT store just recently picked up the Paradigm line and so only had some towers for me to listen to, which sounded great, the sound was full and rich compared to the new art deco looking Boston's. I am heading back there later this week to check out the entire system once it is in stock. Don't have the models yet but will post them once I get the details, what is the consensus on the Paradigm line, they seem to run the gambit so with out the models it may be difficult to comment. Thank again for all the input!

 

[Midcow2]

Audition and pick what sounds good to you

I have been doing my best to go from “kinda know it” to “know it all” on home theater systems over the past few weeks, and I think I am currently on the verge of going postal. As some background, I am looking for a new system for my living room, the room is 22’x25’, has 9’ flat ceilings, thick carpeted floors, and grooved wood paneling (which is hideous but may help in sound dispersion/absorption). I would say over all a good room for a home theater though it is a little large. After discovering, to my surprise, that Bose systems are actually crap, I found two manufacturers that seemed well liked by those in the know, Aperion and Axiom. The Aperion system I am looking at is the Intimus 5T Hybrid HD (aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-5T-Hybrid-HD,122,71,279.aspx) , sorry I can't post links here. The Axiom system I am looking into is the epic 50-350 (axiomaudio.com/epic50_350.html) I would be substituting the Vp150V2 center (axiomaudio.com/vp150.html) for the Vp100V2, since I will be 12'-15' back from the TV. I can't decide which would be a better route, the Axioms come out a little cheaper but not much, I thought I would consult a group of people who know better than I, either way these are pricey systems, if anyone has a better recommendation (especially if that means cheaper!) please help a poor poor man save his sanity, and his wallet.

If the price is about equal, then pick the system you think sounds best. Also, when auditioning try to audtion the speakers in a room with about the same speaker distance you will be actaully listen in your own HT. It is best to match the center and front speakers. The sub and surroundscan be from a different vendor. I think your idea of getting a little larger center is a very good idea because of your larger room. Later on, some great subwoofer brands to consider are SVS and Hsu

 

[jcPanny]

Demo

Some of the ID copanies like Aperion and AV123 (bookshelf only) offer a risk free trial on their speakers. You might order a pair from the companies you are interested in for an in-home demo before you purchase the complete system. Also, the forums on the manufacturer site are a good way to connect with owners who will let you demo their system.

I also agree that the current EMP deals are a good option for a 5.1 system with floorstading mains. For something less obtrusive, the EMP on-wall speakers are also on sale for $99 each.