5.1 system build up in progress, advice humbly requested

[nball]

I'm seeking advice on a new HT/music system for my nascent addiction. Now that I've got a TV I need a fairly compact surround system that meets the needs of my family. WAF and a toddler, whee!

I'm planning to mount the L+R on the walls, with the center on a credenza beneath the TV. Rears will also be wall mounted. Planning to use Omni Mounts (not flush mounted, but extended from wall somewhat to alleviate boominess) unless anyone can propose something better.

I will provide a schematic of the room in my next post. Placement is a bit of an issue, still working through that.

First off: the sub.
I am pretty well set on the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX Subwoofer as it has great reviews and is hopefully impervious to toddlers with pointy pens and groping hands. My previous sub was a B&W 10" that was more than adequate (albeit with 603's), although not for curious little ones. This next one should be able to keep up with things for the next few years I think.

Next, speakers!
Thus this post! I am seeking a balanced system that can handle HD movie dialog as well as a hugely varied mix of music, some HD as well. These speakers will be replaced with something more epic in a few years, just looking for an enjoyable mid-term solution. Playback will be HDMI from PS3 to a decent AVR, leading to either Emotiva or Outlaw amp. The new amp may include a jump to a new set of speakers - so sexy! (I've opened another thread under the dedicated section to handle this bit.)

My short list
Any suggestions very welcome!

• SVS SCS-02(M) 5.0 system with SSS-02 surrounds - sealed enclosures, should be better for wall mounting. Also dipole rears.
• Ascend Accoustics CMT-340(LCR)/HTM-200 5.0 system - porting may be an issue.

The problem
I don't have the time to audition speakers. When I have in the past, the speakers are rarely in my price range. In a few more years I can go full blown audiophile, but in the meantime I am seeking a functional solution that the wife will appreciate and the kid(s) won't ruin.

Lots of ifs, ands, and buts in this one, I know. Can you recommend anything to aid my search? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. I respect your opinions and I've had a lot of success relying on forum members (not this one but others) experiences to guide my decisions.

Regardless I will post what I learn and hopefully someone will find it useful. Thanks everyone.

 

[cantonguy]

I see both the SVS and Ascends recommended all the time over on the AVS forum. I think that you would be very happy with either.

 

[cantonguy]

I forgot you were going to hang them on the wall. I think I would go SVS in that case. I have personally not heard either, but I see these recommended A LOT, especially the SVS's.

 

[shadyJ]

Between those I would definitely go for the Ascend speakers, as long as you can give their ports a little bit of space. My question is are you sure you want to try to mount the CMT340 front left and rights? Those suckers are 26 lbs each with a higher center of gravity, so you really need to make sure your mounts can accommodate that weight. Most mounts aren't rated for that much weight. Also some mounts claiming to be rated for that weight can not really support it (I have experience in this). I really don't think you would lose much by going from the CMT340s to the CBM170's for the front left and right if you have trouble finding a mount that can hold 26 lbs. One mount I recommend is the Pinpoint AM40 side-clamping mounts, they are pretty good. Another speaker I can recommend in that league is the Hsu HB-1 and HC-1 speakers, those speakers hit pretty hard for their price and size. By the way, the LFM-1 EX is a terrific sub, I just got a pair of those recently and have been very pleased with them, I think you will love it.

 

[nball]

I was thinking the same re: ports and distance. I need to get the speakers up and out of the kid-zone so I am stuck with wall mounting. I've considered super heavy stands (lead filled) but they're expensive and WAF kinda ruins that idea.

I know someone in Chicago who owned Ascends in the past and he raved about them. Given his taste in music/movies I cannot triangulate his opinion very well.

Hsu speakers are compelling but I am not a huge fan of uber bright horn tweets, and they've got an even larger port. Not sure this makes a big difference given they'll be 4" from the wall, but I would think it does.

Damn, this is hard. Thank you for your advice so far. This is very helpful!

Between those I would definitely go for the Ascend speakers, as long as you can give their ports a little bit of space. My question is are you sure you want to try to mount the CMT340 front left and rights? Those suckers are 26 lbs each with a higher center of gravity, so you really need to make sure your mounts can accommodate that weight. Most mounts aren't rated for that much weight. Also some mounts claiming to be rated for that weight can not really support it (I have experience in this). I really don't think you would lose much by going from the CMT340s to the CBM170's for the front left and right if you have trouble finding a mount that can hold 26 lbs. One mount I recommend is the Pinpoint AM40 side-clamping mounts, they are pretty good. Another speaker I can recommend in that league is the Hsu HB-1 and HC-1 speakers, those speakers hit pretty hard for their price and size. By the way, the LFM-1 EX is a terrific sub, I just got a pair of those recently and have been very pleased with them, I think you will love it.

 

[jcl]

If you're going to mount them on the walls why not look at on wall designs? Emptek is having a sale on their models. Definitive Technology Mythos, Paradigm Cinema or Millenia to name a few to look at. I've read good things about the B & W FPM(?) line but I think they are pricey.

Another possibility is a speaker with an attached metal grill. When my daughter was a toddler I went with Boston Acoustics that had a metal grill and they offered plenty of protection. There has been some buzz on the AVS forum about the pioneer speakers designed by Andrew Jones and these have that same feature. Not sure of the WAF of them though...

HTH

 

[zieglj01]

Go to nhthifi.com or onecall.com and look at the NHT Classic Two
speakers and Classic Two center. They are sealed, and can be wall
mounted. They sound good and look good also. For the more budget
minded - The Absolute Zero will be good also.

 

[RMRM]

You could look at Aperion Audio there 4B is sealed.

 

[nball]

If you're going to mount them on the walls why not look at on wall designs? Emptek is having a sale on their models.

I just ordered an LCR set of Emptek EW30's to audition, will post a review once I have a decent receiver or separates to drive 'em. That said, any recommendations? I need to keep the cost below $1k so I can afford a sub. The Emotiva UMC-1 + XPA-5 combo for $1300 is very compelling …*oops, wrong section!