READY for an new HT -All you NINJAS plse advise

[winners76]

Hi all, I am ready for a new HT alongside my new flat screen that i am ready to buy. I own Energy speakers that I am going to move to another room.

I am surfing the net for reviews as well but here is what I am looking for:
* I am a music listener 1st then a movie watcher
*I am a fan of deep bass, and crisp treble _ listen to likes of Pink Floyd and sort.

Budgeting myself for 600-700$ per floor standing speaker + 500$ for sub+1 center + 2 surrounds a total of 2200$ tops. Will go overboard if the floor speakers are outstanding.

Where do I listen to Paradigm, KEF, B&W, Infinity, Focal? I am in Los Angeles.

I have a Yamaha RX-V665 receiver right now that will drive the sound.

thank you all.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

5.2:
Ascend Acoustics Audiophile Loudspeakers and Subwoofers for Home Theater and Music - Ascend Acoustics, renowned speakers,subs,audio
CMT-340 SE mains
CMT-340 SE center
CBM-170 SE pair
and a Pair Rythmic FV12 subs
Rythmik FV12 - vented HT sub

or for pure 2.1:
Philharmonic Audio 1 and a Outlaw LFM-EX1 sub
philharmonicaudio.com
https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfmEX.html

You should listed to Focal and KEF, but while both would high quality system - you wound not get the same value vs quality as configs I suggested

 

[winners76]

Received one response, I am disappointed. Anyone help please.

 

[zieglj01]

Received one response, I am disappointed. Anyone help please.

Can not tell you where to go - however, here are a list of dealers.
Map it out, go and listen.
audio video dealers in los angelos - Google Search

http://www.laaudiovideo.com/

http://www.weinhartdesign.com/weinhart_design_new_line_audio_products_magico_clearaudio_finest_top_rated_audio_gear_products_in_the_world.html

And there may be a Sound Factor store, in Pasadena
http://www.soundfactor.com/

 

[avnetguy]

I own Energy speakers that I am going to move to another room.

So which Energy speakers do you own and what did you like/dislike about them?

Steve

 

[CadenceSound]

For sub duty, consider our CSX MKII 15"
very versatile sub, I use it in a 2.1 setup at home and couldn't be happier.

For speakers, id recommend giving KEF a listen. The Q series is tough to beat in my ears..but you would have to demo and find out for yourself

 

[Seth=L]

I'm not a ninja, however I think all those brands have a very good reputation and all could be said to sound the way you described. How they sound to you is going to be where the differences will lie. I'd look elsewhere for a subwoofer and perhaps allocate more of the budget toward it versus the surrounds which don't need to timbre match the front three speakers as much.

Popular Internet direct brands include SVS, HSU, Elemental Designs, Rythmik, and probably others I forgot. An other retail sub brand to consider would be Velodyne.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Received one response, I am disappointed. Anyone help please.

I am a ninja.
I give OP not one, but TWO very solid recommendations and then I my recommendations gets discarded and OP is "disappointed"

 

[Seth=L]

Hey, I have surpassed ninja status, I'M AN OVERLORD, FEAR ME!!!!!

But seriously, BoredSysAdmin has very good advise and he is far more knowledgeable than even some Overlords,....*cough*....myself. I've not been active on hear like I used to be so I'm not in touch with all the current speakers that are bargain trend setters. I'm also pretty certain he knows more about what makes a good speaker good than I do as well.

 

[winners76]

To SIR Boredsysadmin,
Was not my intention....
I truly value your opinion, I have written down all the info you gave me in the first post. I am trying to find an acoustic room here in LA where I can lend my ears to Ascend.

For avnetguy, I have the RC Micro 5.1 as well as HAD the CF-30. Yes, I own cubes(had space restrictions) however I was never disappointed with the CF-30. Having said that those Energy's flattened out on music considerably when the volume was raised making them sound like a radio on steroids.
I prefer a higher level of sound impact(crisp trebles) when the volume is up to say about -5 to +1db. Now, I have the room to expand and so here we are.

I want to know if KEF will fall in my budget, I hear they can put a whole in your pocket pretty quick. How about the KEF subs? People do rave about the Velodyne subs but again not sure if $500 will cut it.

 

[zieglj01]

Ascend is in San Clemente
Contact Ascend Acoustics

I would look at Rythmik, HSU, Epik, Outlaw for subs. - then budget for speakers, even if you
just get the front 3 - then save for the rest. From your list, I like Focal and KEF.

Some blemish discounts for KEF are here > www.ac4l.com
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/search/kef/results/3.html

Focal
http://www.musicdirect.com/search.aspx?searchterm=focal

 

[avnetguy]

For avnetguy, I have the RC Micro 5.1 as well as HAD the CF-30. Yes, I own cubes(had space restrictions) however I was never disappointed with the CF-30. Having said that those Energy's flattened out on music considerably when the volume was raised making them sound like a radio on steroids. I prefer a higher level of sound impact(crisp trebles) when the volume is up to say about -5 to +1db. Now, I have the room to expand and so here we are.

I would not doubt the micro's would leave you wanting and good to hear you liked the CF-30 as it leads to my first suggestion. Take a look at the RC-70 for your towers as these are a significant step up above the CF-## line. I'm using these as my mains right now and they play plenty loud without losing any detail. There are a few reviews around to read and maybe look at the RC-LCR for the center.

The Kef's are nice sounding, a friend has the Q series as his HT setup, so definitely give those a listen if you get the chance.

Steve

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

How about the KEF subs? People do rave about the Velodyne subs but again not sure if $500 will cut it.

Internet direct manufacturers offer a bit more bang for back than b&m brands like Velodyne or KEF, thou the later can make some amazing subs, which unfortunately cost arm and a leg

$500 for a sub you'd better better off with subs I mentioned above

 

[shadyJ]

Take a look at Hsu subwoofers, they are located in Anaheim, that is like only a half hour away from LA I believe. They have a demo room, but you will want to call a day ahead to schedule an appointment. That is well worth it. Rythmiks are great subs as well, as are Outlaw Audio subs. The problem is you are short-changing the subs in your budget, I would allocate a bit more for the subs, I would get a 750 to 1k sub. You overall sound would much much improved with a sub capable of pressurizing your room.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Go to speakers website, look for dealers within your zip code.

Easiest is local audition.

But also consider buying online from places that offer a 30-day return, especially free returns.

30 day free shipping & returns would be Amazon (direct, not 3rd parties), NHT, Aperion.

30 day NOT free shipping & returns would be Salk & Ascend.

I like KEF, Revel, NHT, RBH, DefTech, Rythmik.

I bought some Philharmonic 3 speakers, but haven't gotten them yet, but have heard nothing except awesome customers reviews.

For subs, I recommend Rythmik FV12 for $500, which is the only Direct Servo sub for $500.

One example of speakers would be NHT Absolute Zero system. The Absolute towers are $500 each, Absolute center is $300, and Absolute bookshelf (surround) is $200 each. Or you could get the SuperZero for $100 each for surrounds. You can buy from NHT directly and get the 30-day free in-home trial.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

No doubt in my mind that best bang for your money would be Philharmonic. Most of the money you are paying are actually going into the speakers, not markups or hype.

However, the downside is extremely limited availability of audition.

But if you stick with giant names like KEF & Revel, you usually can't go wrong either.

The b-stock KEF Q speakers from accessories4less is also a great option, but I don't think you can return them just because you don't like the sound.

 

[caper26]

What about speakers from Vann's ? Energy Veritas 6.3 in Rosenut gloss perhaps ??

 

[winners76]

OK all,
Ruled out Paradigm(didnt impress me with build quality, need something that lasts for my son.......

I am down to KEFQ700 and PSB T6 towers. Please lend me an opinion.
Factors that drove me here:
1. I am more music and less HT however having said that I do WANT good HT as well.
2. Price compare they are running almost identical.
3. Spoke to some guys who think highly of KEF but don't think PSB to be ruled out either.
4. EAR test on both remaining.

Looking at HSU and Velodyne subs - got to pick one...heart says HSU, mind asking Velodyne!
I will take the experts opinions here and take the plunge.

 

[zieglj01]

OK all,

I am down to KEFQ700 and PSB T6 towers. Please lend me an opinion.
Factors that drove me here:
1. I am more music and less HT however having said that I do WANT good HT as well.
2. Price compare they are running almost identical.
3. Spoke to some guys who think highly of KEF but don't think PSB to be ruled out either.
4. EAR test on both remaining.

Looking at HSU and Velodyne subs - got to pick one...heart says HSU, mind asking Velodyne!
I will take the experts opinions here and take the plunge.

I favor the KEF Q series over the PSB Image series, and PSB is still nice.
Also, you get more for your money with HSU. Good Luck