5.1 system + subwoofer, $5K total shipped, what would you choose?

[munkeeespank]

Greetings Audioholics peoples:
It is Xmas time and Santa is coming through for me big time... I am looking for a matched 5.1 surround system plus subwoofer. There is no wife factor to worry about with respect to sizes. I will have 50/50 music and home theater. I have $5K total to play with. I have a 20 X 20 carpeted room that blends into an open kitchen with 11 ft arched ceiling. I have a new Yamaha RX-V2065 130 X 7. I am leaning towards internet direct as I live in Alaska and local options are limited.

Shortest list:
Aperion Intimus 6T-DB Hybrid XT, without sub-2700$
Elemental Designs A7S-450 Subwoofer-850$

Shorter list:
SVS PB-12 Plus-1139$
B & W 683 685/683/HTM61 (only reasonable local offering)--I forget price--roughly 2500$l

Elemental Designs A7-350-1200$-about 400$ more than other ED

I am a total newby and would appreciate any feedback on what you would choose for $5K total and why.

It is my sense, wrong or right, that you get more bang for your buck with internet direct.

It is also my sense that, and this has been suggested by conversations from some speaker reps, there is a pay-for-play aspect to the pro reviews, so I am more interested in audiophile opinions--not trying to step on any toes...

Also, would I be able to power the above without an extra amplifier?

Thanks in advance.

RC

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, RC! I have not heard any of the speakers that you mentioned, but I do have some comments.

I have never heard or read anything except praise for Aperion, both their products and the company. My friend has a 5.1 set that he bought about ten years ago, and he sure likes them. The excellent reviews from people (including members here) give me confidence and trust in their company, so I would have no hesitation in taking them up on their 30-day no-risk trial. The best place to audition speakers is in your own home, and Aperion lets you do that with no risk or financial commitment. You can't beat that.

B&W is also a good company with plenty of fans, and there are members here who have experience with their various lines of products. Hopefully some of them see this and chime in.

I own an SVS sub (the PC13-Ultra), and am very happy with it. No product is perfect, but the performance of this sub is spectacular, IMO. The company and their customer service have been top-notch from my perspective. In my years of reading about the company on the web, I've seen one negative review of a product...and many, many positive reviews. I believe that they are upfront and honest, and they'll let you know which sub that they'd recommend for your size of room. With your budget and your size of room, I'd lean towards an Ultra if it were me.

I don't have any personal experience with ED and can't give any good input.

I'll take a look at your receiver and the Aperions to see if I'd recommend an amp.

 

[fredk]

What would I recommend. Going out and listening to some speakers to see what you like and how they compare. You can be completely casual, or like some here, go completely prepared with your favourite music and thick notebook. Just listen to some different speakers.

From there, if you want more advice, you can post what you like and see what else people recommend. It will give people a reference point.

Aperion is a good company as is B&W. It really depends what you prefer.

 

[Adam]

Given the stated power of the Yamaha and the sensitivity ratings on the Aperions, I wouldn't think that you'd need an external amp unless you really crank it up. The Aperion center channel and surrounds have lower sensitivities, but I still think that the receiver will do fine.

The 6-Ohm nominal impedance of the Aperion front speakers and center channel shouldn't be a problem for your Yamaha. The rear speakers are 8-Ohms nominal and certainly won't be an issue.

 

[munkeeespank]

Thanks guys for the input so far. To clarify, I have listened to the B & W 6 series, Polk, and whatever other offerings at local stores, but the B & W were the only ones locally that caught my ear, although it was difficult "hearing" them in a cavernous showroom, and I know that the local folks are probably marking up the price 20%...above the regular or usual lower 48 markup. Maybe it is internet -led newby delusion, but I cant help but think I can get more bang for buck buying direct.

 

[Adam]

Always happy to help when we can!

...I cant help but think I can get more bang for buck buying direct.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Not all local dealers are overpriced, and not all internet buys are deals. For subwoofers, I'd agree with you from what I've read. For speakers, I'm not positive - I think that there's an article on this site about that, regarding internet-direct speakers not necessarily being the best bang for the buck (I can't entirely remember, though).

In a lot of cases (and yours in particular), the internet opens up a lot more options, though.

Buying used is also an excellent way to get a good deal, if you know what you want and have an idea of what to pay. You can buy used over the internet, too. I haven't done it, but people here sure have.