buying 5.1 speaker system w/out listening??

[stevecanyon]

I have settled on two possible 5.1 speaker systems to go with my Denon AVR-3805 AV Receiver, Pioneer Elite DV-59AVi DVD & Toshiba DLP HDTV Model 52HMX84 and I would greatly appreciate any feedback (pros & cons) you may have concerning these speaker systems.

Unfortunately, I am only able to purchase these speakers via a custom installer in the Seattle area, and I understand that I would not be able to return the speakers to the installer/manufacturer in the event I don't like the sound quality or lack thereof. Therefore, I hope someone will be able to provide me with any positive/negative comments, reviews, etc., in order to help me make an educated decision in regards to my purchase.

I use my entertainment system for 50% TV & 50% music via DVD/DTS/SACD/DVD-A/CD.

System #1 -
RBH Sound Limited Edition Signature Reference Versions
LCR - RBH 661SE/R’s – L & R mounted on speaker stands – C located below TV -
SR – 61SE/R’s – mounted on speaker stands -
*Sub – RBH 1010SEP

or

System #2
Modified Version of Atlantic Technology System 6200 Speaker System without PedWoofers
LR - 6200 LR’s
C – 8200C
SR – 4200e’s
*Sub – see below

*In addition, I am looking to purchase a 10 in. or 12 in. subwoofer, but I am not sure if I should go with the RBH Sub Model 1010SEP (powered) or a subwoofer from another manufacturer such as, Sunfire True Subwoofer EQ (11 in. cube), True Subwoofer EQ Signature (13 in. cube), SVS, Hsu, Axiom Audio EP500 or EP600.

My TV room (rectangle) is 20 ft L X 12 ft W X 7 ft H. My HDTV/AV setup is installed adjacent to on one of the 12 ft wide walls on one end of the room and my listening position is located on the opposite wall approx. 16 ft from the HDTV, LCR speakers and subwoofer. Due to room constraints, I must place the rear surrounds on speaker stands and locate the right rear approx. 4 ft. & left rear approx. 6 ft. from my listening position.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Nick250]

1. Fire your installer.

2. Pick your speakers by personal audition only. Audition as many as you can. What sounds good to me may sound horrible to you so you have to use YOUR ears to pick what speakers are best to you.

3. About the 3805. You should pick your receiver only after you have picked your speakers. You mate the receiver to the speakers, not the other way around.

IMHO, YMMV yadda yadda.

 

[stevecanyon]

Follow-up to buying a 5.1 speaker system

Thanks to all for the many informative emails in connection with my request for information concerning speaker systems from Atlantic Technology and RBH Sound.

As you all know, the quality of the sound of the speakers at the showroom is a lot different versus the sound we hear when the speakers are installed in our homes. Fortunately, after several emails/telecons and discussions with my installer and various vendors, I was able to locate/listen to an Atlantic Technology System 4200e (little brother of 6200 system) and my installer informs me that he has located a "loaner" pair of 661-SE/R's for me to take home.

It was difficult to locate/audition these speakers due to the manufacturers chose to not have these speakers laying around in-stock and they only begin the manufacturing process upon receipt of an order (at least, that's what I am told). Also, the local Hi-Fi shops in my area (Magnolia, Definitive Audio, etc.) do not carry these models, so you have to locate an installer via their website information, which is not always up-to-date. That is, I called several installers as a result of being listed on the speaker mfg.'s website and they informed me that they no longer carried that particular company's speaker line. That being said, one local Hi-Fi dealer actully allowed me take a subwoofer home to test over the weekend, which should be the standard method to use prior to the purchase of any speakers!

Thanks again!

 

[jcPanny]

RBH Sound Info.

One of the reviewers and moderators, Ray Adkins, is an installer and RBH Sound dealer. An in home demo is worth while even if you have to pay for return shipping on the loser. From the reviews I have read and their inclusion in all the high end AH systems, you won't be disappointed with the RBH signiture series.

However, I have read a few recommendations of the SVS, HSU, and Axiom high end subs over the RBH 1010 from Ray and others. But you can't stack your RBH mains on top of an SVS sub like you can with the RBH T2 system!