HT for $4000. SVS Ultra bookshelf system? Other brands?

[Couch Potato]

Hello,

Background (skip this paragraph if you want to get straight to my questions):
10-15 years ago I set up a 5.1 system in my old house. I walked into BB (not with Magnolia) and bought Bose because they convinced me that they were the best. I just bought another house and decided to upgrade. I started researching Amazon and found Definitive Technology and Energy speakers to be highly rated for under $1200. Then I found this site and I’m completely blown away by all the available speaker brands are out there, and especially learning that Bose is garbage. Lol. I’ve decided to increase my budget to $4000. I didn’t want to post right away because I wanted to research first. A month goes by and now, I’m just overwhelmed. I want the best bang for the buck but don’t have the time or opportunity to audition most of these speakers. I have to rely on reviews and all of you audophiles. I most likely won’t buy another set of speakers for 15+ years.

My family room is 19x15’ and 9.5’ high. Hardwood floors and the back completely opens to the nook/kitchen. The back left (when facing the screen) has an opening leading to the living room. I favor a satellite/bookshelf + sub system since I will use these speakers 90% for HT and I love action and bass. But I want the speakers to be good enough to play music too. Right now, I’m thinking about getting 4 SVS Ultra bookshelves, the center and the PB12-NSD sub. My budget is approx $4000 for speakers. Please give me your thoughts. I’m sure there are other systems out there (maybe better) for the price that I'm not familiar with. Perhaps some of you have compared or know people that have compared SVS to other satellite/bookshelf systems. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[theJman]

In that price range there are numerous very good options, so you'll more than likely get a litany of suggestions. A few that spring immediately to mind are...

• Swan D1.1se and D1.1seC
• Ascend Sierra-1 and Sierra-1 Center
• KEF Q Series or R Series
• Martin Logan Motion's

Along with SVS, who make excellent subs, a few others to consider...

• Rythmik F15HP or FV15HP
• HSU ULS-15 or VTF-15H

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think bookshelves plus 2 - 4 subs is the way to go.

As far as brands, I think SVS is probably just as good as any of the other good brands. Just make sure you get 2 - 4 subs.

 

[Couch Potato]

@theJman - thanks for the suggestions. Those are some of the new brands that I've learned of since joining this site. Thanks for especially for mentioning the models... that helps narrow it down a little.
@AcuDefTechGuy - thanks! That makes me feel better if I can't make up my mind and just have to settle for something.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

@theJman - thanks for the suggestions. Those are some of the new brands that I've learned of since joining this site. Thanks for especially for mentioning the models... that helps narrow it down a little.
@AcuDefTechGuy - thanks! That makes me feel better if I can't make up my mind and just have to settle for something.

After you own a few dozen pairs of speakers, a few great subs, and 20 years later, you will realize that it comes down to personal preference and Room/Sub EQ (like Audyssey XT32/Sub EQ).

There are just so many great speakers and subs. If you pick a system based on recommendations by fellow Audioholics, chances are you will be pleased.

You are heading in the right direction IMO: Monitors + subs.

 

[Couch Potato]

After you own a few dozen pairs of speakers, a few great subs, and 20 years later, you will realize that it comes down to personal preference and Room/Sub EQ (like Audyssey XT32/Sub EQ).

There are just so many great speakers and subs. If you pick a system based on recommendations by fellow Audioholics, chances are you will be pleased.

You are heading in the right direction IMO: Monitors + subs.

Thanks. Yes, I've read several of your posts while searching throughout these forums. I know you like subs and monitors. I think I read somewhere that you even suggested putting the monitors on the subs to get a better floor standing unit. hehe.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks. Yes, I've read several of your posts while searching throughout these forums. I know you like subs and monitors. I think I read somewhere that you even suggested putting the monitors on the subs to get a better floor standing unit. hehe.

It's like building a HTPC. You get the best parts and build a PC exactly the way you want (monitors atop subs) instead of buying a pre-built PC (towers).

Is it more onerous? Sure. But if you do it right, with the help of Audyssey XT32 + Dynamic EQ, it could also be more rewarding.

 

[GranteedEV]

It's like building a HTPC. You get the best parts and build a PC exactly the way you want (monitors atop subs) instead of buying a pre-built PC (towers).

It's closer to adding a video card to a prebuilt PC. ;P

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It's closer to adding a video card to a prebuilt PC. ;P

Integrating 5 monitors with 4 subs takes a lot more effort than inserting a graphics card into the motherboard and installing the driver.

 

[Couch Potato]

Hmmm ... since theJman brought up the Ascend Sierra 1, I started researching more. Now I'm wondering : SVS Ultra bookshelf & center VS Ascend Sierra-1 Bookshelf & center VS Aperion Verus Grand Bookshelf & center. The last two have been making bookshelf speakers longer, but the reviews on the SVS are outstanding! Any thoughts on those brands ... anyone?? Thanks...

 

[Couch Potato]

Here's another thought ... since I need a 5.1 setup, why not get SVS fronts and center and then a pair of Aperion or Ascends for the backs? Can i do that or will it mess up the surround sound? yeah ... I know, a newb question. Thanks!

 

[GranteedEV]

My advice is to spend less on surrounds on more on fronts and subwoofers.

With your budget of 4K I would consider

2X Rythmik FV15 = $2250
3X Soundfield Monitor 2 = $2400
2X KEF Q100 = $400

Inevitably I overshot your budget by around 25%

 

[GranteedEV]

Integrating 5 monitors with 4 subs takes a lot more effort than inserting a graphics card into the motherboard and installing the driver.

The only effort it takes is hitting "Auto-setup"

 

[ImcLoud]

Ascend Sierra 1's and a ULS15 dual drive would be nice... or even the vtf15 dual drive would be a really good system... But in your price range ascend and HSU would be great choices...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Here's another thought ... since I need a 5.1 setup, why not get SVS fronts and center and then a pair of Aperion or Ascends for the backs? Can i do that or will it mess up the surround sound? yeah ... I know, a newb question. Thanks!

Personally I would just stick to one brand for all five speakers - like get 5 identical monitors.

For example, you could get 3 pairs of Revel M12 monitors for $550/Pr (MSRP $700/Pr) = $1,650/6 speakers. You could keep one as backup or do 6.1 system.

M12 Bookshelf Speaker | Revel

Then spend the $2350 on multiple subs from Rythmik, HSU, PSA, SVS, ect.

 

[Couch Potato]

Thanks for the input. One of the sales people at Magnolia said I shouldn't spend too much on the surrounds because they just provide "accents". I didn't take him too seriously since he never heard of SVS or Aperion. hehe. I like that suggestion, as I've heard the front three are the most important. In fact, he also told me the center was the most important in a HT setup.

I've heard good things about Rythmik and KEF here. Soundfield is new to me. I just searched it up but couldn't find enough reviews for me, so I'm a little reluctant. Thanks for the suggestions.

My advice is to spend less on surrounds on more on fronts and subwoofers.

With your budget of 4K I would consider

2X Rythmik FV15 = $2250
3X Soundfield Monitor 2 = $2400
2X KEF Q100 = $400

Inevitably I overshot your budget by around 25%

 

[Couch Potato]

Thanks ImcLoud. I'll look into HSU, and figure out what a ULS115 dual drive is. hehe.

Ascend Sierra 1's and a ULS15 dual drive would be nice... or even the vtf15 dual drive would be a really good system... But in your price range ascend and HSU would be great choices...

 

[Couch Potato]

Hmmm ... Revel... another brand to research. hehe. Second post here that suggested at least 2 subs. Really? I guess I forgot to mention the wife factor. I can hide one sub, but might have a tougher time hiding the second one. How about one better sub instead of two? Like getting a $1400 sub instead of two $700 subs. After reading these posts, I was leaning that way, and thinking of spending less on the rear speakers to get a better sub. The guy at Magnolia just said to get two small rears. I think he suggested B&W M-1s... they were the smallest B&W monitors at that store.

Personally I would just stick to one brand for all five speakers - like get 5 identical monitors.

For example, you could get 3 pairs of Revel M12 monitors for $550/Pr (MSRP $700/Pr) = $1,650/6 speakers. You could keep one as backup or do 6.1 system.

M12 Bookshelf Speaker | Revel

Then spend the $2350 on multiple subs from Rythmik, HSU, PSA, SVS, ect.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Hmmm ... Revel... another brand to research. hehe. Second post here that suggested at least 2 subs. Really? I guess I forgot to mention the wife factor. I can hide one sub, but might have a tougher time hiding the second one. How about one better sub instead of two? Like getting a $1400 sub instead of two $700 subs. After reading these posts, I was leaning that way, and thinking of spending less on the rear speakers to get a better sub. The guy at Magnolia just said to get two small rears. I think he suggested B&W M-1s... they were the smallest B&W monitors at that store.

If that's the case, just get the NHT SuperZero on sale for $60 each (MSRP $120) and use as surround speakers.

SuperZero 2.0 | Bookshelf Speakers | Premium Audio Equipment

They are great speakers, even for front speakers.

Multiple subs is for smoothing the bass response in the room so that your listening positions have the best bass (punchy tight bass).

But, alas, if only ALLOWED one sub , then get one Rythmik FV15HP.

Well, perhaps you could get all NHT speakers. They have a 30-day in-home trial. I think NHT makes great accurate speakers. For example, their $219 Absolute Zero (on sale @ AVHiFi for $175 each delivered, but no free trial ) had a superlative listening window (200 Hz - 10kHz) frequency response of +/- 0.9 dB, which is the best I've seen. Superb FR is not everything, of course, but it doesn't hurt.

$175 x 5 = $875; or ($175 x 3 Absolute Zero) + ($60 x 2 SuperZero) = $645. A lot of money saved.

The NHT subs are also very good, but will not perform as well as higher price Rythmik, HSU, SVS, PSA, etc. The NHT 30-day free trial is great.

My first audiophile system was the NHT SuperZero + NHT SW2P sub (one 10" sub). I think it outperformed about 90% of the tower systems I auditioned.

You don't really need to spend a lot for great sound quality. I just spend a lot because I'm imprudent and irrational.

 

[GranteedEV]

Thanks for the input. One of the sales people at Magnolia said I shouldn't spend too much on the surrounds because they just provide "accents". I didn't take him too seriously since he never heard of SVS or Aperion. hehe. I like that suggestion, as I've heard the front three are the most important. In fact, he also told me the center was the most important in a HT setup.

I've heard good things about Rythmik and KEF here. Soundfield is new to me. I just searched it up but couldn't find enough reviews for me, so I'm a little reluctant. Thanks for the suggestions.

I don't think the center is important at all. I personally run 6.1 without a center. In the past i've even removed a centrr from a system altogrther. It's nice to have but stereo mains can give you 95% of the illusion of a center, without the sound altered by cluttered tv stands and below-ear placement. I do still want to roll in a center in my system, but not too much.

Soundfield makes good speakers. The monitor two is a newer design but you'll find more info on the NLA Monitor 1. Either way, AJ knows what he's doing when it comes to lifelike reproduction.

I would recommend two subs over one. You can convince your wife by pointing out the symmrtry, and the audible benefits are there:

Are Two Subwoofers Better than One? | Audioholics