Advice on two different systems (decision time)

[grubby]

I need some advice on how you think this systems might blend. After much deliberation I think I have narrowed my Audio system down to two. Our home theater room is approximately 3000 cu. ft. The system will be used for approximately 50% H.T. and 50% Music

System #1
Mains Rocket RS 850's
Center Rocket RSC 200
Rears Axiom QS8v2's
Sub AV123 MFW-15

System #2
Mains Salk Song Towers
Center Salk Song Center
Rears Axiom QS8v2's
Sub AV123 MFW-15

Thanks

 

[gus6464]

Even though I haven't heard either of those speakers I would go for the Salk just on reputation alone.

 

[rlj676]

Those are two excellent choices I think.

Those were narrowed down on my short list, and I went with 850's and the bigfoot.

The towers read to be comparable from my research, but the bigfoot is great, and you hear little about the Salk center.

Also, I liked the rockets looks, and the deals right now are pretty good.

However, waiting till the end of April is unpleasant at best for delivery.

As for those Axiom surrounds blending, it seems few people have major issues with this type of setup sounding "off". I will most likely be using SVS SBS-01 surrounds with my Rockets for a while as well as it doesn't seem crucial to match them.

 

[silversurfer]

With the Axiom surrounds, I think it is important to plan how you want to handle bass management, and then to make sure the receiver you purchase is up to the task.

The QS8's have a -3db point of 95hz. So with a standard 80hz crossover, there will be a hole in your bass response for the surrounds. Some may not think that is a big deal, but I do. For a good response, you have to cross them above 100hz, maybe 120hz.

You are going to want a receiver that can have different crossover points for the mains and surrounds.

 

[grubby]

With the Axiom surrounds, I think it is important to plan how you want to handle bass management, and then to make sure the receiver you purchase is up to the task.

The QS8's have a -3db point of 95hz. So with a standard 80hz crossover, there will be a hole in your bass response for the surrounds. Some may not think that is a big deal, but I do. For a good response, you have to cross them above 100hz, maybe 120hz.

You are going to want a receiver that can have different crossover points for the mains and surrounds.

I am really trying not to divulge my ignorance, but I have already purchased the receiver. It is the Yamaha RX-V3800. I will have to check if it has these capabilites. So let me get this right. The QS8's will very poor response under 95 hz? What I don't understand is if you use a cross over point of 100 or 120 won't that hole still be there? I'm confused, sorry.

 

[silversurfer]

I am really trying not to divulge my ignorance, but I have already purchased the receiver. It is the Yamaha RX-V3800. I will have to check if it has these capabilites. So let me get this right. The QS8's will very poor response under 95 hz? What I don't understand is if you use a cross over point of 100 or 120 won't that hole still be there? I'm confused, sorry.

The QS8's trail off in response below 95hz, so it you crossover at 100hz or above, that portion of the signal gets sent to subwoofer. So you won't have a hole.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

Great choices.
Try to demo both and see which you prefer. AV123 is risk free on their bookshelf speakers. I have had good experience with AV123 customer support and their Refrence line and recommend them.

I would also try for a salk bookshelf speaker for the surrounds, if available.

 

[trnqk7]

Those are two excellent choices I think.

Those were narrowed down on my short list, and I went with 850's and the bigfoot.

The towers read to be comparable from my research, but the bigfoot is great, and you hear little about the Salk center.

I looked at the Salk SongTowers as well-never demoed them, so no call on that. However, I think the reason you don't hear much about the center is that I do not believe, to my knowledge, that it has been available for a very long time. That, coupled with the small number of people that have actually taken the plunge on these, from what I can tell, well respected by those who know about them, speakers means there is not much news about them.

It would be great to see Audioholics do a review on a Salk setup though, I think it would help several people out since more and more seem to be asking about these speakers.

 

[rlj676]

I looked at the Salk SongTowers as well-never demoed them, so no call on that. However, I think the reason you don't hear much about the center is that I do not believe, to my knowledge, that it has been available for a very long time. That, coupled with the small number of people that have actually taken the plunge on these, from what I can tell, well respected by those who know about them, speakers means there is not much news about them.

It would be great to see Audioholics do a review on a Salk setup though, I think it would help several people out since more and more seem to be asking about these speakers.

They definitely seem to garner the praises of all who has heard them. I'm sure the center is very good, but just haven't heard any feedback at all really. I think both systems the OP posted would be great based on my research.

 

[Soundman]

1 vote for the Rocket system! Not sure about having the the QS8's integrated with them though. I had some QS8's, and let me just say that they sound alot different then the Rocket sound. If you are doing any muti-channel listening, you definitely don't want the QS8's. That quad-pole design just won't do well. Go direct radiating in that case.