$1000 decision

[bhudson]

Hi,

I have about $1000 (CDN) to spend on speakers. My question is this, am I better off to go for a bookshelf and subwoofer combo or buy a three-way floorstanding speaker? Given this is going to be a one shot deal for the forseeable future I want maximum versatility. I listen to music about 70% of the time. Most of that time the music is a fairly low volumes. However, saturday mornings I like give them a little juice. I really enjoy having friends around for movies too but that is of secondary importance.

I am using a new Yamaha HTR 5760 reciever.

My choices have been narrowed to a pair of Axiom M22ti ($530) matched with an Axiom EP175 (10in.) sub ($640).

The alternate choice is a pair of Axiom M50ti or the slightly larger M60ti at $840 and $1090 respectively. I could save the $200 and take my wife out for dinner as a thank you for letting me spend our mortgage money!

Please share your thoughts about the sub/bookshelf combo versus floorstanding.

Thanks.

 

[warpdrive]

For music use, I believe that a good pair of floorstanders will give you the best overall musical experience.

For movies alone, a sub is a MUST and since you are usually crossing over at 80Hz, floorstanders are a bit of overkill.

As far as brand of speakers, I'm NOT a fan of Axiom after hearing them personally, and for sure you should hear them locally before you buy. I thought you got a lot of speaker PHYSICALLY, but their presentation and tonal quality seemed lacking to me. If you want to take the risk, just be aware that you will have to bear the return costs if you don't like 'em.

I believe you can do better by looking at the popular brands like Energy (should be able to get a pair of C-5 http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=24# floorstanders for less than $600 after negotiation ($750 CAD MSRP) or all the way to the C-7's ($800 after negotiation, $1000 MSRP). If you're still itching for bass after these, then add a sub later, matching a sub is independent of which brand of mains you have, so you can add an Energy, Mirage, PSB, Paradigm, SVS, Hsu or whatever to fill in your low end.

I own Energy speakers myself, and am very happy with them after auditioning a large varieity of speakers. I did take the time to carefully compare them and made the right decision for me.....I do suggest you try them out at a local store for you AND compare them to others with music YOU are used to hearing (bring some favorite CD's). A lot of people will automatically assume that Axiom is best value because of Internet direct marketing, but just looking at the specs for M50ti, the C-5 or C-7 still seems like a better value (heavier cabinet, deeper bass) after typical negotiated prices.

I also like the Boston Acoustics VR series floorstanders, very nice for the money. Others that sounded pretty good were the PSB Image series.

Also factor in the cost of stands. A good set of stands (solid metal construction) go for at least $100 if you get bookshelf speakers.

 

[bhudson]

Hey,

Thanks for the advice. It is well taken. But I am not quite clear on one thing. Are you recommending spending the money on bigger floor standing speakers and picking up a sub at a later date? Do you think the C5 would do the job during movies for about a year or so before I can come up with another $500-$600 for a decent sub?

 

[zipper]

You would be well served if you bought the M22's & sub. You would have an excellent sound for stereo + a good start to your HT. The Axiom 60's don't sound that great with an average powered receiver. I was driving mine with a Yamaha 3300 when I 1st got them & it wasn't until I added amps that they truly sounded nice..........needed more power to bring out the low end even though they are considered efficient by rating. The Energy's are OK but again you don't know how they'll sound with your receiver. Getting the M22/sub combo ensures that you'll have all the bass you want for music or movies.........and if you have any old pair of speakers laying around you can use them for surrounds &..........voila!, you have your basic HT & you can build from there.

Just an idea...................& have fun while you search.