Speaker System for less than 2K

[litmu]

Hi all, new to forum here, so please guide.

I am considering after some brief research:

EmpTek (Towers: E55Ti = $795, Surround: E55Wi = $499, Center: $450, Sub: ES1010i = $599)

The system above is within my range, however I am thinking the Tower Loudspeakers are quite weak and since music is my top priority than home theater.

Could you please provide some better alternatives than the one I have above?

b/w: I use Emotiva XP-5 amp (200W x 5) and use old Magenpan12's. I do like open clear sound like Martin Logan's, but I'll happily settle with more conventional speakers with some nice bass as well.

 

[litmu]

Versus Grand Tower?

I dont know much about sound, but it seems to me the Versus Grand Tower are rated at 300W vs E55Ti's at 200W, which makes me think the Versus Grand are a no brainer better sounding and at almost same price as E55Ti, they are indeed a better value ?

 

[sholling]

I have never heard the E55Ti but they have a good reputation (Review, 1K Tower Shootout). What I see as the major weakness is the subwoofer. I'd measure the room and then contact Rythmik, Hsu Research, and SVSound for better solutions.

If looks aren't a huge issue you might also consider Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE (Review) or even their beautiful Sierra-1 (Review). Since I've never heard the E55Ti I have no idea how they compare, and no idea how any of these will compare with your current speakers.

The Versus Grand Tower has a great reputation but (sold as each, not as pairs) are more than twice the price of the E55Ti.

 

[litmu]

The Versus Grand Tower has a great reputation but (sold as each, not as pairs) are more than twice the price of the E55Ti.

Ooops, you are right.

While 2k (E55Ti's) is my preferred price point for the whole system, but I could dole out 3.5K for the Verus if its cost justified. So I'd revise my thoughts/question to: <b>that does it add value (is the difference worth noticing to an average listener) that one doles out twice as much to buy a Verus grand tower system.</b>

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

with music top priority you might want to consider a great 2.1 system:
One of these speakers:
philharmonicaudio.com
philharmonicaudio.com


And add Rythmic or Epic sub later one

 

[GranteedEV]

I second the Philharmonic 2s

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I also recommend the Philharmonic speakers.

Alternatively you could get the KEF Q900 L/R, Q200 C, Q100 Surrounds for under $2K.

Add a Rythmik FV12 subwoofer for $500.

Accurate sound all around.

 

[gene]

I dont know much about sound, but it seems to me the Versus Grand Tower are rated at 300W vs E55Ti's at 200W, which makes me think the Versus Grand are a no brainer better sounding and at almost same price as E55Ti, they are indeed a better value ?

Don't pay too much attention to loudspeaker power ratings. They can be very misleading.

Recommended reading:
Loudspeakers & Power Ratings: What's the Deal Part I? &mdash; Reviews and News from Audioholics

Loudspeakers & Power Ratings: What's the Deal Part II? &mdash; Reviews and News from Audioholics

Loudspeakers & Power Ratings Part III: The Test Results &mdash; Reviews and News from Audioholics

The EMP E55ti's b/c of their multi driver system and high tuning of the bass drivers can play at exceedingly loud levels without damage or distortion. In the $1k shootout I found these speakers could play louder and cleaner than all of the other speakers in the comparison. Their only major downside is that they lack deep bass. That is part of the reason why they can play so loudly. They purposely limited bass extension and tuned the box higher for more power handling. You really need to pair them with a good sub or two to get a full range of sound.

 

[GranteedEV]

Don't pay too much attention to loudspeaker power ratings. They can be very misleading.

Recommended reading:
Loudspeakers & Power Ratings: What's the Deal Part I? &mdash; Reviews and News from Audioholics

Loudspeakers & Power Ratings: What's the Deal Part II? &mdash; Reviews and News from Audioholics

Loudspeakers & Power Ratings Part III: The Test Results &mdash; Reviews and News from Audioholics

The EMP E55ti's b/c of their multi driver system and high tuning of the bass drivers can play at exceedingly loud levels without damage or distortion. In the $1k shootout I found these speakers could play louder and cleaner than all of the other speakers in the comparison. Their only major downside is that they lack deep bass. That is part of the reason why they can play so loudly. They purposely limited bass extension and tuned the box higher for more power handling. You really need to pair them with a good sub or two to get a full range of sound.

With subs below 80hz, shouldn't the more sensitive klipsches have taken the edge (as thermal effects would presumably dominate over mechanical limitations)? Or did the tweeter/mid selections factor in as well?

 

[gene]

With subs below 80hz, shouldn't the more sensitive klipsches have taken the edge (as thermal effects would presumably dominate over mechanical limitations)? Or did the tweeter/mid selections factor in as well?

The mids is where the EMP's dominated all the other speakers. The Klipsch's had the most bass and were very loud but they didn't have the vocal clarity of the EMPs and their top end was quite aggressive which I didn't prefer personally.

 

[shadyJ]

As has been said, I would advise to go with another subwoofer than the EMP one. Take a look at the subs from Outlaw Audio, Hsu Research, SVS, Elemental Designs, Epik, or Rythmik. The nice thing about the E55Ti speakers is with all those woofers, you won't have to crossover the sub very high, maybe 60 or 70 hz. This is good because the lower you crossover your sub, the less localizable it becomes.

 

[gene]

As has been said, I would advise to go with another subwoofer than the EMP one. Take a look at the subs from Outlaw Audio, Hsu Research, SVS, Elemental Designs, Epik, or Rythmik. The nice thing about the E55Ti speakers is with all those woofers, you won't have to crossover the sub very high, maybe 60 or 70 hz. This is good because the lower you crossover your sub, the less localizable it becomes.

WE have a review of the new Outlaw sub posting in a few days. It's an awesome product and hard to beat at its price class for sure.

Bass below 80Hz is not localizable. If the user is using this system for home theater, they should only set the crossover below 80Hz on the main channels if the processor has a separate LFE xover else the LFE bass to the sub may get truncated otherwise.

 

[litmu]

WE have a review of the new Outlaw sub posting in a few days. It's an awesome product and hard to beat at its price class for sure.

Ok so now I am leaning towards the Verus Grand Tower Surround System, currently on promotion for 3.6k as a package (discount of $200). <b>Would you still recommend Outlaw sub?</b> considering I'd loose the 200 package discount. And are you referring to Outlaw model ECS-10 or LFM-1 EX ?

Specs of: Bravus IIa 10D Powered Subwoofer (Versus Grand Tower Package)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequency Response -3dB -- 27Hz - 180Hz, -6dB -- 25Hz - 200Hz
Impedance
Sensitivity
Recommended Power
Amplifier Power 500W RMS
Tweeter
Midrange
Woofer 10", High-excursion Aluminum Driver with Dual 10” Passive Radiators
Driver Configuration One Active & Two Passive
Enclosure Type Sealed and Internally Braced 1" HDF
Dimensions 15"H x 13.5" W x 13.5" D (with feet attached)
Weight 44 Lbs
Price Seperately: $699

Specs of: ECS-10 Powered Subwoofer (Outlaw Audio) seem nice though ...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Driver Type: Front Firing, 10" Long-throw Woofer
Ports: None-Sealed Design
Amplifier Power Rating: 1000W RMS; 2000W peak
Frequency Response:
23Hz-120Hz +/-3dB
Crossover:
Lowpass : 40Hz to 120Hz and Bypass
Highpass: 80Hz
Phase: 0 or 180 Degrees
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 13.23" x 12.375" x 13.875 "
Shipping Weight: 46 lbs
Price: $ dang, it says SOLD OUT???

The 2nd less Outlaw model is: LFM-1 EX/OAW3, which is considerably smaller, 375W RMS, Price is: $649

 

[gene]

Ok so now I am leaning towards the Verus Grand Tower Surround System, currently on promotion for 3.6k as a package (discount of $200). <b>Would you still recommend Outlaw sub?</b> considering I'd loose the 200 package discount. And are you referring to Outlaw model ECS-10 or LFM-1 EX ?

Specs of: Bravus IIa 10D Powered Subwoofer (Versus Grand Tower Package)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frequency Response -3dB -- 27Hz - 180Hz, -6dB -- 25Hz - 200Hz
Impedance
Sensitivity
Recommended Power
Amplifier Power 500W RMS
Tweeter
Midrange
Woofer 10", High-excursion Aluminum Driver with Dual 10” Passive Radiators
Driver Configuration One Active & Two Passive
Enclosure Type Sealed and Internally Braced 1" HDF
Dimensions 15"H x 13.5" W x 13.5" D (with feet attached)
Weight 44 Lbs
Price Seperately: $699

Specs of: ECS-10 Powered Subwoofer (Outlaw Audio) seem nice though ...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Driver Type: Front Firing, 10" Long-throw Woofer
Ports: None-Sealed Design
Amplifier Power Rating: 1000W RMS; 2000W peak
Frequency Response:
23Hz-120Hz +/-3dB
Crossover:
Lowpass : 40Hz to 120Hz and Bypass
Highpass: 80Hz
Phase: 0 or 180 Degrees
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 13.23" x 12.375" x 13.875 "
Shipping Weight: 46 lbs
Price: $ dang, it says SOLD OUT???

The 2nd less Outlaw model is: LFM-1 EX/OAW3, which is considerably smaller, 375W RMS, Price is: $649

LFM-1EX is the Outlaw sub we reviewed. It has significant more output and extension than the Aperion Sub but its also a bigger box too.

 

[shadyJ]

WE have a review of the new Outlaw sub posting in a few days. It's an awesome product and hard to beat at its price class for sure.

Bass below 80Hz is not localizable. If the user is using this system for home theater, they should only set the crossover below 80Hz on the main channels if the processor has a separate LFE xover else the LFE bass to the sub may get truncated otherwise.

New Outlaw sub? A couple posts down you say its the LFM-1 EX, but that has been out for awhile. Is there a new version of it? It'll be interesting to see a review of it either way. One thing I'd like to see tested is how much of a difference it would make in the measurements to test it with the unit on its side and the driver and ports firing forward, as opposed to its intended down-firing orientation. I know in-room at listening position that wouldn't make much of a difference, but I wonder what effect that would have on 1 or 2 meter mic measurements.

Litmu, the Outlaw ECS-10 is discontinued I believe. There are other subs like it though, so it doesn't really leave an unfillable void.

 

[timoteo]

Dr.HSU designed the Outlaw sub that is being discussed. So if that sub is being considered but out of stock then by all means go to the HSU Research site & look at comparable options. Their VTF series is among some of the best performance per $ i know of.

Ive said it before...."'I love mine!"

 

[litmu]

Thankyou ALL for great ideas I learnt here. I was excited to be buying the Aperion Grand Tower system, but I didn't like that they make you loose the package discount of $200 if buying any other sub than their own. Fine they have a right to do so, but it takes fun out of your purchase. So I decided to go with:

Outlaw LFM-1 EX sub
Emptek E55Ti Towers
E56Ci Center
E55WI Surrounds

Do you have any suggestion for speaker wires or I dont know if I need plugs?

 

[its phillip]

get speaker wire from monoprice. 14awg will be fine, unless you have excessively long runs. I like the in wall stuff because it's nicer looking and only a couple dollars more. banana plugs are not a requirement but they definitely look nicer and make things easier if you move gear around.

 

[litmu]

I do have existing 12 gage wire, though I was thinking this time I should get 10awg, maybe they'll enhance sound for current hungry magnepans. Though I dont see 10 gage on monoprice site, any other places for it?

 

[GranteedEV]

I do have existing 12 gage wire, though I was thinking this time I should get 10awg, maybe they'll enhance sound for current hungry magnepans. Though I dont see 10 gage on monoprice site, any other places for it?

12 awg wire can carry 2400w of power for extended periods of time.

The magnepan MG1.6 is 86db/2.83v/m sensitive and according to this:

Doesn't appear particularily current hungry. It's almost a flat 4 ohm load.

Given this, it would take an amp capable of 400w into 4 ohms to drive them to 100db peaks in the average room. That's a sixth of what 12awg is rated to carry. The XPA-5 is probably delivering power in a similar range into 2 channels.