2ch to HT speaker help

[pistolpete]

Hello all, I am new to this forum but have been in this hobby for many years.
Here is my problem:
In a little over a year I will be moving from a condo to a house and will be upgrading my 2ch system to a HT system. I am stuck at what speakers to get. For some time I was set on Thiels, however, I need large fronts and their CS3.6 ($4k) have just been replaced with the CS3.7($10k ). Plus the rest of the speakers are not cheap. So, I have since decided to lower the budget and thought about Paradigm. I have always liked them but never owned them. I went and listened to the Studio 60v3s(the 100s were not in a good room) the other day and the mids were just ok but the highs were............well bad. Cymbals sounded like white noise to me. Could it have been the Rotel gear it was hooked up to?
Anyway, can you guys give me some ideas about what to listen to? I don't care for B&W and need large fronts. Would like the mains to stay around $3k. Sub will most likely be an SVS.
Current system:
Arcam CD 72
Parasound PLD-1100 preamp
Bryston 4B-SST amp
Dynaudio 42 speakers
Dayton Titanic III 10 sub (outstanding for music, best audio value I have seen, the 15" Titanic is not as good)
Thanks, Pete

 

[jaxvon]

For $3k, I would put the following on your audition list:

Axiom M80ti
Vandersteen 2CE Signatures
B&W 703 and 704
Dynaudio Focus and Contour lines
Onix Rocket 850 Signature
Onix Reference 3 (little over budget)
PhaseTech PC9.1
Sonus Faber (not sure which model)
Vienna Acoustics

And if you're the handy type, I strongly suggest that you consider DIY speakers. On your budget, you could make a pair of Linkwitz Orions which are some of the best speakers I've ever heard (and still come in under budget). The only caveat is that you'd need more amplification.

Check it out here:

http://linkwitzlab.com/orion_us.htm

And a picture gallery:

http://linkwitzlab.com/orion-photos.htm

Good luck with your search. By all means, don't just limit yourself to this list! There are many, many great speakers out there that you can afford. Listen, listen, and listen some more and find what you really love.

 

[pistolpete]

jaxvon, I must say those Linkwitz Orions look strange. Free air mids and lows? Never heard them, but would love to.
Thanks for the help.
I grew up in Toledo Ohio and have to say on thing to you ....GO BLUE!

 

[jaxvon]

If you check out Linkwitz's site, you can find people in your area that might be willing to let you audition the speakers at their houses. If you're anywhere near Detroit, there's a moderator here that built his own Orions (RipVanWoofer) and will let you come over for a listen (at least he did for me). The nice thing about the dipole design of the Orions is the way they aren't as dependent on having super good acoustics. They can work well in imperfect rooms.

 

[initech]

So this HT will also be for music, or are you gonna still have a dedicated 2 ch system for music? What didn't you like about the B&W's...too bright? I would try to find a Revel dealer and give a listen.

 

[pistolpete]

So this HT will also be for music, or are you gonna still have a dedicated 2 ch system for music? What didn't you like about the B&W's...too bright?

The HT system will be in the main TV room. Yes, it will play music also. Maybe even mostly music? I hope someday to have a dedicated music room, maybe tubes and audio physic speaker, but that is a long ways away.
B&W never seemed to have "it" when I have listened to them. It has been maybe a year since I have heard them, so I am not able to describe exactly how they sound to me.
Thanks, Pete

 

[nova]

I'll suggest RBH 1266SE, they are right at your price point. Detail, accuracy, soundstage, imaging,... they have it all in abundance and the build quality is outstanding. Only thing they do not have is; a lot of people who have heard them.
Well worth your time to seek out a pair for an audition.

 

[Tdekany]

I noticed someone suggested Vienna Acoustics speakers.

If you have a Best Buy with Magnolia HT close by, go visit it and SEE the (I think it's called) VANTAGE by Martin Logan. Around $3000 a pair, but not sure of the model, so ask for the price first.

Now I'd suggest that you don't listen to these speakers. They sound so real, that you no longer want to listen to box speakers.

But if you have the money and you do listen to these, I'll predict that you take them home that day.

PS: I am still a huge Vandersteen/Thiel fan.

 

[pistolpete]

Thanks for all the ideas guys. Looks like I have my work cut out for me. If I find anything interesting during my reviews, I will let you know.
Pete

 

[Bevan]

Dynaudio Focus 220's would likely be your best best IMHO.

b.

 

[vinyl]

Beyond the Box....

 

[pistolpete]

Dynaudio Focus 220's would likely be your best best IMHO.

b.

I had the Audience 72s and really liked them(sold because of the condo thing). I will definitely be looking at Dynaudio again, but I kinda want a change.