$1500 to spend..help me decide...

[bkmerrill]

i have a 900W sony 7100 surround sound system, and im looking to improve the speakers so that i can play loud music and upgrade the impact of the HT system...i think the best option is going to be to buy new front speakers (floorstanders and a center channel)

ive looked at the following...what do yall think? any other suggestions are welcome!

AV123: RS760 and RSC200 center
Axiom: m60 and vp150 center
Swan: Diva 6.1's and C3 center
Klipsch: Reference 82's and RC-52or62 center
OTHERS??????

what do yall think? any advice?

 

[j_garcia]

At least one other might incluide www.ascendacoustics.com though they don't offer a true tower.

Most of the receivers in the all-in-one packages will not be capable of powering most of the speakers you are considering adequately. Sony in particular tends to highly exaggerate their power ratings.
*edit - I just looked up that package and I'd say the speakers you are shooting for are all well outside the capabilities of that receiver.

 

[bkmerrill]

well then maybe ill bump my budget up to 2000 and include a receiver, but as for the best option for the speakers what do yall think...

 

[j_garcia]

Me personally, I'd probably go with the Rockets (AV123). The "Bigfoot" center is one of the better center speakers I've heard. I have not heard the Swans though.

 

[Soundman]

Another vote for AV123! The center channel is amazing. I've also heard the Axiom M60's. Personally, I like the Rocket sound better. Keep in mind that Axiom and the av123 Rocket line sound completely different. I haven't heard the Swans but have heard great things about them.

 

[bkmerrill]

What were the main differences you noticed between the axioms and av123s?! I would use them for ht as well as for rap country and rock music...what would be the advantages and disadvantages of each based on what you've heard

 

[m_vanmeter]

you may want to consider the following towers and their matching center channel speakers

BIC Acoustech HT-88 towers
http://www.bicamerica.com/showpage.php?brand=1&type=1&spkrID=82

Elemental Designs (eD) AT-6T6 towers
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_42&products_id=96

 

[bkmerrill]

the ED 6t6 towers look pretty impressive, what have yall heard about them? how would they compare to AV123's rockets or the swan diva 6.1's?