Advice on bookshelf speakers

[$ithr32]

At the moment, I am looking at starting out my home theater with a pair of book shelf speakers and a sub. I'm a bit torn between which products to choose.

I've heard the Def Tech Studio 450s and I though they sound fantastic, especially considering I can get them for a good deal. The 450s alone without the sub was incredible so I probably would use these alone. They packed a bit more punch than the Paradigm bookshelves I've heard at similar price.

I'm a bit torn though because I hear so many good things about the book shelves from Ascend, Axiom, and AV123, and sub from Hsu and SVS. What would you guys recommend? Do you think the Def Tech Studio 350 or 450s would be the way to go or is it worth the effort to try the internet direct companies?

Any comparisons would be appreciated!

 

[Jack Hammer]

I'm not familiar with those specific models from DefTech. I can tell you Definitive Technoligies make some nice speakers. It is important for you to understand that no matter what speakers anyone recommends for or against that in the long run the right speaker for you is the one that you most like the sound of.

I would say to listen to as many different speakers as you can to help you decide which to purchase. Also remember, they may sound different in your home compared to the store due to room accoustics and equipment used. So find out if you can return them if you don't like them. If the Def Tech's sound the best to you and you are happy with the price, then they may be the right speakers for you. Only you can decide.

 

[billnchristy]

Where are you $?

If you make an account over at av123 you will probably find someone in your area or closeby that has some X-LS.

Give this a shot, even though it is subjective read all the reviews you can. I decided when I bought my X-LS that if these reviewers that spend their days with equipment costing 10x more than the X-LS sang their praises so loudly that I should at least try them.

Never looked back.

Now own 11 of their speakers.

 

[silversurfer]

What is your budget and what have you heard that you liked?

Those should be some of the first questions any one of us should as you before we recommend anything.

 

[$ithr32]

I've heard:

1) Definitive StudioCinema 450 - These were monsters! Awesome clarity and lots of low end grunt, even without the sub. Very detailed, during demo of Elektra during forest fight scene, the ninja starts throne into the trees produced a very sharp sound and your could hear the leaves failing from the trees nicely. Retail for $600/pair but I can get for $333/pair.

2) Paradigm Monitor 3 - Very nice with music, listened to Sade Live DVD. The music was awesome, played a little more musical compared to the Def Techs but the Def Techs packed a bit more punch for movies. Very nice pair of speakers though.

3) Boston VR1 - My dad picked these up for a good deal. Not bookshelves but in comparison, the Def Techs packed just as much punch but were alot cleaner. Though I love the Boston sound.

4) M&K Monitors - not impressed as far as stand alone bookshelves go. Great with the matching center, but I'm looking to piece together starting with book shelves since I'm in an apartment. Once out in a few months, I will buy some rear speakers. Until then, need a dynamic set of book shelf.

My budget is aroung $300-400/pair for speakers. My birthday is coming up soon so that helps too

 

[AVRat]

Those Def Techs are great little speakers. At that price they are a steal. The question becomes, will you be able to complete your HT setup with Def Tech speakers? You don't want to mix them up with other brands of speakers. A full setup with the 450s would be awesome.

 

[ChrisJam]

Retail for $600/pair but I can get for $333/pair.

If you don't mind my asking, how are you getting this great price? There's a Def Tech dealer near me, and I'd love to know the magic words.

 

[$ithr32]

If you don't mind my asking, how are you getting this great price? There's a Def Tech dealer near me, and I'd love to know the magic words.

Just 2 magic words:

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT

I work at an electronics store where we carry Def Tech

 

[corey]

Which ever speakers you get, make sure you like the center that goes with them.

 

[ChrisJam]

Just 2 magic words:

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT

I work at an electronics store where we carry Def Tech

Thanks, $ithr32, but those words are in a language I can't speak.


Best of luck with your system!

Chris