Orb Speakers?

[bc8]

Hi,

We are upgrading our audio & visual systems. I have spent the last 20 years listening to music on a cheap stereo system that came with cheap floor speakers. It is definately time to upgrade and want the best audio I can get with my money.

I have around $1000 to spend on audio. In that price range I think my best bet is a receiver, 2 speakers & subwoofer. I want something that I can add additional speakers onto later. In my search I came across Orb speakers. These look like they could meet my needs. Has anyone had any experience with these? I did see a review on this website but it was a few years old. The speakers & subwoofer are priced between $550 & 700. Is there other brands I should seriously be considering in this price range. If I go with these then I will have around $300 left for a receiver. Recommendations? Thanks!

 

[rnatalli]

Orbs are excellent speakers especially where you need something small, but they can't put out the sound of a good bookshelf. You can put together a pretty good 2.1 system for $1k. Is there a reason why you're looking for small speakers?

 

[bc8]

I am looking for smaller speakers primarily for aesthetics. It is not a large room -- 16 x 13. I am not opposed to larger speakers though if they offer a better sound for the price.

 

[rnatalli]

Orbs are your best bet if you're looking for really small. But if you're open to bookshelves, there are many to consider. Try and get out and audition as many as you can as it's a very subjective process and only your ears will know what sounds best to you. My favorite B&M brands are Monitor Audio, Mordaunt-Short, PSB, and RBH. ID brands are Axiom, Av123, Aperion, and Ascend.

 

[jcPanny]

HT options

If asthetics are an important factor, consider on-wall or in-wall speakers. The Orbs will perform much better than bose, but they are still a small, satelite type speaker. The RBH/EMP on-walls are $100 each and Axiom also makes an onwall speaker.

AV123 makes the $200 X-sub which would be a good option for a small room. Otherwise check out some of the PE Dayton sub kits in a similar price range. The entry level SVS sub is about $400.

For around $400 you can get the Yamaha RX-V663 and similar receivers that include plenty of power and the latest HDMI features.

 

[bc8]

Thanks all for the all the new ideas to consider. Is there any disadvantage to buying different brand of subwoofer and speakers -- for instance a AV123 subwoofer with axiom speakers?

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Thanks all for the all the new ideas to consider. Is there any disadvantage to buying different brand of subwoofer and speakers -- for instance a AV123 subwoofer with axiom speakers?

No, You can mix and match subs with anything. I think a Yamaha V663 receiver, an x-sub, and good bookshelves would fit your budget nicely. All my favorite brands are already mentioned. But I do like these, had a pair and loved them, but upgraded:

Aperion Audio Intimus 632-LR Bookshelf Speaker - $269.00 each Only in Piano Black now, but what a finish!

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/NEW-IN-BOX-Intimus-632-LR-Bookshelf-Speaker,17,65,32.aspx

Yamaha V663 Receiver brand new - $359.00

http://shipdog.com/product.asp?i=YAMRXV663&ref=froogle

AV123 X-Sub - $219.00

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,41/category_id,9/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

The X-Sub is backordered...Maybe someone has a better selection in mind. Also, if this is a music only system, scratch the Yamaha V663, and get a 2 channel reciever anywhere and save more for speakers and sub . But be careful, cheap two channel receivers MAY NOT have an RCA jack for a sub, in which case you'll run miles of speaker wire using the subs internal cross-over. Be careful here.

Another idea...Hmm Buy the Yamaha V663, and work your way into a nice home theater If you stick around this website your gonna spend money, trust me. I upgraded from a 400 buck sub to a 1000 buck sub, to a 1700 buck sub. Its a sickness we all have

 

[void_33]

dont forget to check bestbuy for pricing errors! it happens more often then u think..

 

[bc8]

made a decision (I think)

Thanks for the advice. I have decided on the Yamaha V663 receiver and Axiom M22 V2 speakers. I am going to hold off on the sub for now.

 

[rnatalli]

Thanks for the advice. I have decided on the Yamaha V663 receiver and Axiom M22 V2 speakers. I am going to hold off on the sub for now.

Great choice!

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Thanks for the advice. I have decided on the Yamaha V663 receiver and Axiom M22 V2 speakers. I am going to hold off on the sub for now.

You'll be amazed at the sound compared to your current system. Nice choices by the way. Remember, you can add any brand of sub later, I suggest SVS or Hsu Research over stuff from Best Buy. Check these out:

Hsu research

SV Sound (SVS)

I've owned the top of the line sub from each, and they are very musical.

Other Internet Direct subs are Elemental Designs, Epik, AV123, Axiom, and Aperion Audio. Check these out: Aperion Bravus Sealed Subs I auditioned the 12" Dual and it sounded awesome. Very small too.

Enjoy your new gear!

 

[jcPanny]

Axiom speakers

Enjoy the new speakers. Check out the Axiom b-stock page for a small discount off of the retail price. Axiom puts nice vinyl on their speakers but they don't compare asthetically to the real wood veneer from AV123 or Aperion.

 

[Soundman]

dont forget to check bestbuy for pricing errors! it happens more often then u think..

No offense, but I think the OP is looking for quality audio. Why on earth would he be looking at BB for that?!