Hi guys. This is my very first post, and it comes from a guy who needs sound advice from people who have experience with the speakers I will be discussing. Here goes...
First of all here is my list of components:
Amp/Recvr: Yamaha 5.1 which is about 2 years old; 100 watts per channel (not sure of the model and I cant check since I'm writing this from New York and I'm from CA)
Front spkrs: Definitive Tech BP-8
Center and surrounds: Onkyo speakers that came with my first HTIB 4 years ago
Subs: Martin Logan Dynamo 500 10" (I also still have the original Onkyo Sub that came with the HTIB...there's a reason why I stated this...)
I use my system in the following manner: 50% music (equal 2.1 and 5.1), 25% Movies, 25% Games
I listen to mostly pop jazz, R&B, movie soundtracks (Star Wars, etc) and some classical music
Here's my dilemma:
I just bought the Martin Logan Dynamo 500 2 weeks ago and I must say it's a HUGE improvement over the Onkyo Sub, but I feel like I spent more than my comfort level for a sub ($420 sale vs $500). However, browsing the internet these past few days to look for justification on my purchase, I happen to stumble upon reviews of the Andrew Jones speakers from Pioneer. I went to a local Best Buy to demo, but I felt underwhelmed with the low freq. I liked the mids especially for the vocals, which I listen to a lot. I understand I need to bring them home and listen to my Def Techs and the Pioneers side by side, but I also tend to believe the rave about these speakers even just with the underwhelming experience I had in Best Buy (I'm blaming it for the set up and perhaps the Recvr they used.)
My goal is to have quality sound closer to my friend's B&W setup, but without spending more than $100 on top of what I'll be getting for returning my ML Sub and selling the Def Techs. I can get the whole Pioneer speaker set for $550 plus tax, and in this scenario, I wouldn't have to shell out a dime =) I just want to get a better feel of "being there." from my system without spending my daughters' college fund, and that's why I keep on looking for excellent budget systems every now and then.
Anyway, here's what I'm thinking...
OPTION 1:
1. Return the ML Subwoofer
2. Sell the older Def Tech BP-8 (I'm thinking I'll probably get $150-$200 for the pair. In excellent condition by the way.) Here's a description of my BP-8 for those who are not familiar:
Definitive Technology Bipolar BP8B Each Home Audio Speaker - Newegg.com
3. Get the entire package of the Andrew Jones SSpeakers (SP-PK52FS) including the 8" subwoofer.
OPTION 2:
1. Return the ML Subwoofer
2. Keep the Def Techs and use for floorstanding surrounds
3. Get the Pioneer Fronts and Center in exchange for the ML Sub
4. Use the old Onkyo HTIB sub.
Questions:
1. Is my current setup with the Def Techs and ML Subs with mediocre Onkyo Center and surrounds better than the complete Andrew Jones Pioneer setup using the same receiver?
2. Since I'm basically sacrificing a excellent sub in the Martin Logan (especially for music) for a lesser Pioneer sub (Option 1) or even the Onkyo HTIB sub (if I go with Option 2), will there be a noticeable difference in the sound quality? I'm not really concerned about the loudness since I live in an apartment.
3. Will there be a big difference between the Def Tech BP-8 and the Pioneer SP-FS52 in terms of sound quality and warmth for the usage I described above?
4. Since the Def Tech BP-8 is 8 ohms and the Pioneer SP-fs52 is 6 ohms, is my receiver a better match for my BP-8? (I'm not sure if I can set the recvr at 6 ohms.)
I'd really appreciate some sound advice based on actual experiences and with explanations why you chose one over the other. Thanks in advance!!!
