need help with bose replacement

[Vracer111]

For Baroque/Classical/Romantic music the Polk Audio RTi series does a great job - way better than the unclear BOSE 301/201's. Polk Audio RTi series works equally well with movies/video games. For a Polk RTi 5.1 setup (with RTi A5 fronts & DSW PRO 500 subwoofer) you'd be looking at about $2,400.

 

[romantic]

For Baroque/Classical/Romantic music the Polk Audio RTi series does a great job - way better than the unclear BOSE 301/201's. Polk Audio RTi series works equally well with movies/video games. For a Polk RTi 5.1 setup (with RTi A5 fronts & DSW PRO 500 subwoofer) you'd be looking at about $2,400.

so you are suggesting 2.1 vs 5.1 or 3.1? those music, movies and games (once a while) are what i need this system for. will this really be ok with movies?

 

[John Bailey]

I've been on a long time search for a system that is priced close to what you are looking for that is mainly for music, for me, and some movies, for the my wife. I've been disappointed with the 5.1 set ups when played for music. What I've found is a good 2.1.1 (2 mains, center and subwoofer) with the center turned off is as good as it gets for classical and it does a very good job for movies. I don't have a lot of expertise in the technical aspects, so there are those that will be able to tell you how to go about setting up a 5.1 system that will sound great for music also if that's the direction you choose.

All that being said, this is what I've found to be a good set-up. I like Monitor Audio for classical music. The Monitor Audio line has a good signature for the classics. They provide good imaging for a reasonable price. I would go with their standmount RS1 Silver for about $650, the Monitor Audio center for about $350 and a REL T3 for about $600. The T3 is the best sub I've found for music without spending too much because I'm looking for bass reinforcement as opposed to moving the earth. Others on the forum will have some good advice for subwoofers. You may decide your needs are different and I think you may be able to do better for less money. I know this is a bit over your stated budget of $1,000, but you did mention that's not carved in stone. I've chosen to go with the Bronze series at $300 for the mains, $200 for the center. So far I just have the mains, not the whole system, and am very pleased with the music set up. I think the Silvers are a better choice if you can afford it.

I would also add that I've found either a NAD, Rotel or Arcam AVR to be better for music. Their background is in stereo and it would appear to me that the music is their main function. You won't get as many bells and whistles with their AVR's, but the music will come out exceptionally good.

Enjoy the search.

John

 

[just listening]

Romantic:
First, sorry to hear you had bad luck with used gear. It's a great way to get terrific bang for the buck. But, it's your money and I perfectly understand not wanting to get burned again.

Since you enjoy classical music and said you wouldn't mind hearing our ideas no matter the price, here are some:

ACI Emerald XL 3.1 $1200 for the fronts, center, sub is extra. www.audioc.com
I heard these not too long ago and they are absolutely amazing. I couldn't agree more with the reviews in TONE and AffordableAudio. They do need some juice and an Arcam unit would work well.

Totem Acoustic Mites 3.1 $1200 for the fronts and center, sub is extra
Totem Acoustic Rainmakers 3.1 $1650 for the fronts and center, sub is extra
A neighbor has the Rainmaker setup, and the soundstage is stunning and he ordered a 3rd Rainmaker for the center, no special charge.
If your room is on the smaller side, you may want to step down to the Mites. The same guy has a pair in his office, and for a mini-monitor they have some true bass response.

Paradigm Studio 10 3.1 $??? sub is extra
This is a new model, based upon the S1 mini-monitors. You'd definitely need a sub, but with Paradigm's 91db efficiency, you wouldn't need a powerful HT receiver.

Happy hunting

 

[bandphan]

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/bg-z-1/ Is an excellent speaker for classical music, and 499 a pair will not break the bank. BG Corp also makes a brand called acculine, not as fine cabniet work and the crossover is different but also very nice for a value line.The Acculines are currently being reworked and will not be avialable for about a month. The planar/ribbon tweeter in the speakers is an excellent performer. Another to consider are the Ushers http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/usher-audio-s-520-bookshelf-speaker-review, and

 

[romantic]

I've been on a long time search for a system that is priced close to what you are looking for that is mainly for music, for me, and some movies, for the my wife. I've been disappointed with the 5.1 set ups when played for music. What I've found is a good 2.1.1 (2 mains, center and subwoofer) with the center turned off is as good as it gets for classical and it does a very good job for movies. I don't have a lot of expertise in the technical aspects, so there are those that will be able to tell you how to go about setting up a 5.1 system that will sound great for music also if that's the direction you choose.

All that being said, this is what I've found to be a good set-up. I like Monitor Audio for classical music. The Monitor Audio line has a good signature for the classics. They provide good imaging for a reasonable price. I would go with their standmount RS1 Silver for about $650, the Monitor Audio center for about $350 and a REL T3 for about $600. The T3 is the best sub I've found for music without spending too much because I'm looking for bass reinforcement as opposed to moving the earth. Others on the forum will have some good advice for subwoofers. You may decide your needs are different and I think you may be able to do better for less money. I know this is a bit over your stated budget of $1,000, but you did mention that's not carved in stone. I've chosen to go with the Bronze series at $300 for the mains, $200 for the center. So far I just have the mains, not the whole system, and am very pleased with the music set up. I think the Silvers are a better choice if you can afford it.

I would also add that I've found either a NAD, Rotel or Arcam AVR to be better for music. Their background is in stereo and it would appear to me that the music is their main function. You won't get as many bells and whistles with their AVR's, but the music will come out exceptionally good.

Enjoy the search.

John

Thx John, i will definitely do research on your 2.1.1 system. it seems to me that with the budget i have (without going way over it) , i wouldn't be able to get 5.1 system that works great for classical music and movies. Right now, i think having an upgradable 3.1 system that works great for both and get good surround speakers whenever i hv more money might be the bet for me.

Romantic:
First, sorry to hear you had bad luck with used gear. It's a great way to get terrific bang for the buck. But, it's your money and I perfectly understand not wanting to get burned again.

Since you enjoy classical music and said you wouldn't mind hearing our ideas no matter the price, here are some:

ACI Emerald XL 3.1 $1200 for the fronts, center, sub is extra. www.audioc.com
I heard these not too long ago and they are absolutely amazing. I couldn't agree more with the reviews in TONE and AffordableAudio. They do need some juice and an Arcam unit would work well.

Totem Acoustic Mites 3.1 $1200 for the fronts and center, sub is extra
Totem Acoustic Rainmakers 3.1 $1650 for the fronts and center, sub is extra
A neighbor has the Rainmaker setup, and the soundstage is stunning and he ordered a 3rd Rainmaker for the center, no special charge.
If your room is on the smaller side, you may want to step down to the Mites. The same guy has a pair in his office, and for a mini-monitor they have some true bass response.

Paradigm Studio 10 3.1 $??? sub is extra
This is a new model, based upon the S1 mini-monitors. You'd definitely need a sub, but with Paradigm's 91db efficiency, you wouldn't need a powerful HT receiver.

Happy hunting

thx for you suggestion i will research on those as well

 

[Vracer111]

so you are suggesting 2.1 vs 5.1 or 3.1? those music, movies and games (once a while) are what i need this system for. will this really be ok with movies?

I listen to music in 3.1, and movies in 5.1.

3.1 would be my suggestion for music. A properly matched center channel does add something to the soundscape and imaging in music; 2.1 just seems to have less soundscape and imaging, at least that is how it is with my system setup.

3.1 works well for what you see on screen in movies, but of course it doesn't give you the total surround image of what is going on off screen like 5.1 does. 5.1 is truely what you want for movies.

 

[romantic]

I listen to music in 3.1, and movies in 5.1.

3.1 would be my suggestion for music. A properly matched center channel does add something to the soundscape and imaging in music; 2.1 just seems to have less soundscape and imaging, at least that is how it is with my system setup.

3.1 works well for what you see on screen in movies, but of course it doesn't give you the total surround image of what is going on off screen like 5.1 does. 5.1 is truely what you want for movies.

so 5.1 is necessary for movies, but should i go with just 3.1 for now to keep the price in range and get surround later or should i get sth cheaper to be able to get 5.1?

 

[lsiberian]

If you like the Paradigm sound, try studio 20 for fronts with a sub; very potent. You will need stands with those, or shelves built in your house.
Sorry you bought Bose but it's nothing that can't be corrected.

Screw stands. Use subs for stands.

 

[lsiberian]

so 5.1 is necessary for movies, but should i go with just 3.1 for now to keep the price in range and get surround later or should i get sth cheaper to be able to get 5.1?

This is a question which will haunt mankind for years to come.

Surround speakers can be cheap.

In answer to floorstanders. I"m not a fan. I think your better off with bookshelves and subs. Classical music requires a very capable musical sub. Now I could go nuts and overwhelm you with a DIY idea, but I'll spare you.

 

[griffinconst]

Screw stands. Use subs for stands.

That works!


I'd say spend your money on 3.1. You can start 5.1 with bad surrounds and when you're ready you can step up your rears or move your fronts to the rear and buy some new towers. Oh YEAH.

 

[Vracer111]

so 5.1 is necessary for movies, but should i go with just 3.1 for now to keep the price in range and get surround later or should i get sth cheaper to be able to get 5.1?

Like griffinconst said, I would definately go with quality speakers and start off with 3.1 if that is what your budget dictates. Add the rears later when budget allows. I switched my fronts to the rear when upgrading the fronts, and more recently purchase dedicated rears that better match to the upgraded fronts.

3.1 and 5.1 are two different sound experiences; 3.1 works very well, but you are not getting the complete experience 5.1 delivers.

 

[romantic]

This is a question which will haunt mankind for years to come.

Surround speakers can be cheap.

In answer to floorstanders. I"m not a fan. I think your better off with bookshelves and subs. Classical music requires a very capable musical sub. Now I could go nuts and overwhelm you with a DIY idea, but I'll spare you.

After doing a lot of research, im starting to agree with the idea for bookshelves in order to keep the budget reasonable and to fit in my small room.

if i go with the bookshelf, i will definitely need stands to make it look good in my room since she said she doesn't care what type of speakers i put, just make it look good!!!

about making my own, i think i will have to pass. i dont have any experience or knowledge about that at all. So, if i need to get a sub that works for both for classical and movies, what would you recommend?

 

[griffinconst]

You really should have stands w/bookshelf speakers. Setting them on the subs is your bargan basement option and assumes you have two subwoofers. Stands will also get the tweeter up to ear level (when sitting), where it should be.
The other guys can give you better ideas on good subs than I can. I am interested in advice on that as well. Does one choose a different sub for classical listening as opposed to ground shaking for movies, or is it all in the adjustments?

 

[lsiberian]

You really should have stands w/bookshelf speakers. Setting them on the subs is your bargan basement option and assumes you have two subwoofers. Stands will also get the tweeter up to ear level (when sitting), where it should be.
The other guys can give you better ideas on good subs than I can. I am interested in advice on that as well. Does one choose a different sub for classical listening as opposed to ground shaking for movies, or is it all in the adjustments?

depends on your sub's height

Just get a pair of Sanus. or make your own stands.

For classical music I suggest you look for a very good sealed sub.

For home theater you want a deep ported design.

You see there is a conflict.

My answer is 2 sealed subs used as MBMs with on ported design

JL Audio 8 drivers are use for my MBMs and a single Axis 12" will be used for the deep ported design.

In your case I would grab a pair of TSCs and then when funds permit get an Ultra.

But for you I'm betting you will need to find a sub with a good balance between the two. Don't sacrifice quality bookshelves though. Most sound is still above subwoofer ranges.

 

[romantic]

depends on your sub's height

Just get a pair of Sanus. or make your own stands.

For classical music I suggest you look for a very good sealed sub.

For home theater you want a deep ported design.

You see there is a conflict.

My answer is 2 sealed subs used as MBMs with on ported design

JL Audio 8 drivers are use for my MBMs and a single Axis 12" will be used for the deep ported design.

In your case I would grab a pair of TSCs and then when funds permit get an Ultra.

But for you I'm betting you will need to find a sub with a good balance between the two. Don't sacrifice quality bookshelves though. Most sound is still above subwoofer ranges.

i'm really a newbie so i dont really know what the different is between sealed and deep ported. also, i hv no idea how to connect more than one sub to my receiever.

btw, what do you mean by sealed sub with on ported design ? could you give me an example? and i'm not sure if i get this right. According to my needs, having 2 sealed sub and a deep ported would be the best, but with my circumstances, you recommend using one sub which provides good balance of sealed and deep ported instead and get more later?

i wont sacrifice my bookshelf for sure so i will definitely get at least a sub. i wanna make this system sound as good as i can

 

[romantic]

Finally have time to demo some speakers this weekend.

i first listened to paradigm studio 20 and 60. they both sound really nice. 60 has better range, then i moved to KEF XQ 20 and 30. i like the sound better than paradigm plus it's on sell now $1599 for XQ20, $2299 for XQ30 and the matched center XQ50 is $1099.

i also tried Polk RTi A3 and A7 but i dont like the sound.

now that they have only one pair brand new left in stock, what do you guys think? should i go with KEF XQ? would iQ produces the same kind of sound? if yes, then i will be able to save a lot of money. it's really way over my budget, but if nothing stands up to it, i think i will have to get it.

btw, i'm in vancouver canada so it's quite difficult for me to find a local store nearby i can go demoing for Monitor audio and it's quite difficult for me to ship those heavy speakers back to the internet direct like Axiom, tsc, etc so i haven't tried it yet.

i really like the sound KEF produces for the classical piano i brought there, but didn't have time to listen to movies with the fronts and the center yet. they have only XQ there so i'm not sure if it's the sound of this model or KEF itself.

 

[lsiberian]

Finally have time to demo some speakers this weekend.

i first listened to paradigm studio 20 and 60. they both sound really nice. 60 has better range, then i moved to KEF XQ 20 and 30. i like the sound better than paradigm plus it's on sell now $1599 for XQ20, $2299 for XQ30 and the matched center XQ50 is $1099.

i also tried Polk RTi A3 and A7 but i dont like the sound.

now that they have only one pair brand new left in stock, what do you guys think? should i go with KEF XQ? would iQ produces the same kind of sound? if yes, then i will be able to save a lot of money. it's really way over my budget, but if nothing stands up to it, i think i will have to get it.

btw, i'm in vancouver canada so it's quite difficult for me to find a local store nearby i can go demoing for Monitor audio and it's quite difficult for me to ship those heavy speakers back to the internet direct like Axiom, tsc, etc so i haven't tried it yet.

i really like the sound KEF produces for the classical piano i brought there, but didn't have time to listen to movies with the fronts and the center yet. they have only XQ there so i'm not sure if it's the sound of this model or KEF itself.

If you like one KEF speaker chances are you will like most of them. If you can afford the XQs then by all means.

But if you are on a budget the iQ5s would be a great pair for the front. Use iQ8s for the 2 surrounds and the iQ6 for the middle(if you need it). Try phantoming the center first. If you like it then you can save yourself some cash.

I wouldn't even mess with a center in most cases.

That would be a slick system. If you liked the KEFs I don't see you not liking them. KEFs will need a sub.

 

[romantic]

If you like one KEF speaker chances are you will like most of them. If you can afford the XQs then by all means.

But if you are on a budget the iQ5s would be a great pair for the front. Use iQ8s for the 2 surrounds and the iQ6 for the middle(if you need it). Try phantoming the center first. If you like it then you can save yourself some cash.

I wouldn't even mess with a center in most cases.

That would be a slick system. If you liked the KEFs I don't see you not liking them. KEFs will need a sub.

i will definitely go find iQs for audition.

Based on your sub recommendations, i came up with these 2 setup;

1. Tower fronts, center and one deep ported sub. listen to music with the sub turned off and on for movies since deep ported is not good for music.

2. Bookshelve fronts, center, one sealed and one deep ported sub. listen to music with the sealed on and ported off and opposite for movies.

i'm not sure if i'm right with this tho. i came up with this idea becuz sealed is good for music and ported is good for movies plus i also have the limited budget. i wish i could get 2 sealed sub and a deep ported for the ideal system.

Please let me know what you think

btw, would you please also recommend good sealed sub for classical music?

 

[romantic]

i went to audit more speakers today. Here they are:

PSB Imagine both Towers and Bookshelves, they sound really amazing and i mean it. in my pov, i like it more than paradigm studio series, but still not as clear and rich as KEF.

Focal Chorus (not sure the model) it's the towers with the price about $2700. i like the PSB Imagine better.

Wharfdale Diamond 9.1, i would say at the price of $450 a pair and the great sound it produces you just can't go wrong with it. though i like KEF better when it comes to the brightness of the sound.

btw, i got a chance to try PSB Imagine Bookshelves with MartinLogan Dynamo sub, and i was so impressed becuz the sound blends in with speakers seemlessly. it was like i listen to towers plus i could turn the sub vol down to make it sound better. i haven't heard this sub before but i will look into it. any suggestion on it?