Cube/Satellite speakers HELP!

[Stoner19]

So, the wife is asking if we can get a new surround system because my Sony floor-standing speakers are big an make our place "ugly." She definitely wants something small; Cube-type speakers similar to the Bose cubes. I have always thought that Bose were decent speakers until I started doing research on finding the right system. I am now starting to stray away from Bose because of the reviews, my only problem is that the design of the Bose cubes is exactly what we are looking for, and no one really suggests something better. Can someone suggest something similar in style to the Bose systems that delivers the sound quality I expect out of my $1200? I recently stumbled upon Orb Audio and thought those looked nice, but I am a little skeptical about something I cannot actually go to a store and listen to. Thanks!!

[EDIT] having an option for wireless rear speakers if definitely a plus too [EDIT]

 

[jcPanny]

Sattelite speakers

The orb speakers would definatley perform better than Bose and they come with a real subwoofer. You might also check out the EMP satelite speakers that got a good review on this site. A Yamaha YSP sound bar and onwall speakers are another option. Both are designed to match/accent a flat pannel display.

If you are pretty handy with tools, in-wall and in-ceiling speakers might be a good option. The grills can be painted to match the walls and maximize asthetics.

 

[Hdude]

Here's the link for EMP spakers. They should still be on 50% off sale.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/emp-eca-4

 

[Stoner19]

My only problem with buying something online is that I don't have the chance to actually hear the speakers and compare them to what I have and the Bose in-store setup. I was hoping for an all-in-one speaker package including the sub, but it looks like EMP does not make subs? Has anyone actually heard of the Orb Audio and actually compared them to Bose? I'm really torn on what to get. The only reason I am leaning towards the Bose is because I can actually hear them at a store and buy the extended warranty from Best Buy.

 

[pzaur]

The only reason I am leaning towards the Bose is because I can actually hear them at a store and buy the extended warranty from Best Buy.

Why would you buy the extended warranty from Best Buy? You pay for 5 years and only get 4. The warranty won't be used until the product you purchased has gone past it's factory warranty and the Best Buy warranty starts from day one. Total waste of money. If you're afraid of the product crapping out in a short time why would you buy it?

If you must buy Bose, buy it used. Go find it on craigslist or just buy the speakers on craigslist. They're all over the place with a wide range of pricing.

Depending on the size of your room will greatly affect how they sound. The system in question is probably only useful in a 10x10x10 room. It'll never fill anything louder with decent sound. Remember, Bose always touts their product as having superior sound to the "factory TV speakers" in their commercials (very careful marketing scam). Your current system, whatever it is, will probably blow the Blose away.

Go get some decent bookshelf speakers that are smaller and a real sub to go with them. It'll cost you less and you'll gain superior quality of build and response.

I've heard the Bose systems and have never liked hearing vocals coming from their "bass module". Notice that they specifically did not call it a subwoofer because it is not one. The imaging on the speakers is poor because they're designed not to image properly. Be careful of what you ask for.

Overpriced equipment with poor delivery.

This is a quick comparison of less expensive systems with the Blose. Their should be no frequency response gaps from the satellite speakers to the bass module/subwoofer. (Yes, it's a little dated. But, probably still very valid)

-pat

 

[rnatalli]

This thread just screams Orbs. I think it's $8 to ship the orbs themselves so nothing to lose really. The sub will likely cost a bit more, but it's a real sub instead of that Acoustimass Bass Module crap. An Orb system will run circles around any Bose system you listen to and will cost you less to boot.

 

[TLS Guy]

So, the wife is asking if we can get a new surround system because my Sony floor-standing speakers are big an make our place "ugly." She definitely wants something small; Cube-type speakers similar to the Bose cubes. I have always thought that Bose were decent speakers until I started doing research on finding the right system. I am now starting to stray away from Bose because of the reviews, my only problem is that the design of the Bose cubes is exactly what we are looking for, and no one really suggests something better. Can someone suggest something similar in style to the Bose systems that delivers the sound quality I expect out of my $1200? I recently stumbled upon Orb Audio and thought those looked nice, but I am a little skeptical about something I cannot actually go to a store and listen to. Thanks!!

[EDIT] having an option for wireless rear speakers if definitely a plus too [EDIT]

Keep your wife in line or look at KEF. KEF have the neatest best sounding wireless speakers for your application.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Mirage Nanosat system. Around $800 including sub. Tiny, beautiful, and sound that will blow Bose so far out of the water there will be nothing left but the splash.

 

[pzaur]

5.1 speaker systems (L/C/R/SL/SR and sub)
Orb Audio main site
Mirage Nanosat

Other options that are a little bigger in size:
Aperion 422 Harmony (free shipping both ways. 30 day in home trial on all products)
AV123 System Builder
Ascend Acoustics System Builder
SVSound SBS-01

I have not heard any of the above. I do own Aperion 533Ts (tower speakers) and I really love the way they sound.

-pat

 

[JKL1960]

I agree with pzaur, Bose don't image well. They sound like dynamically compressed audio.

In my living room I have a set of Paradigm Ct90 that are a 5.1 system with nice dipole surrounds and a reasonable 10" inch sub. I paid about $600 for the set.

The others mentioned here are likely just as good if not better. Just look for a set that are made by a company that makes speakers. Bose is a marketing company.

 

[no. 5]

I second KEF.

 

[roshi]

I second the Paradigm Cinema line. Also go and check out the Definitive Technology Pro Cinema line. They all start around 600$.

 

[Exit]

Stoner19

You never said what size room you are going to put the speakers in. You may not get good sound out of small speakers in a big room for example.

 

[rlj676]

The HSU Ventroliquist system is a pretty small set up as well, and you can get a "VERY REAL" sub as part of the package. It also puts more of the mids-lows in the center channel, reducing the strain on the smaller surrounds.

It's online only at http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vt-12.html

I just found it and recomended for my boss, and he's been very pleased. His wife as well demanded small, "pretty" speakers.

If you are going from Sony speakers to any of these suggestions + a good sub, I'm guessing you will be quite pleased with the result.

Have you mentioned what you are powering these with?

 

[3db]

Energy has a system which is well worth your investigation and scored well on this site.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/energy-take-classic-review/?searchterm=energy take

 

[flippo]

Mirage Nanoset

Another thumbs up for Mirage nanoset system which are on sale at vanns.com for 599$. They sound great and have a huge soundstage.

 

[Stoner19]

Have you mentioned what you are powering these with?

I have a Sony 6 Channel receiver (STR-DE598). As far as I know it is a decent receiver.

also, my living room has very high vaulted ceilings. It's a pretty open room, so I am a little worried about the sound quality of the smaller, satellite-type speakers.

 

[Rob from NJ]

I recently purchased a Definitive Tech. Procinema 1000 system and highly recommend it for home theater. The Promonitor 1000 speaker weighs 7 pounds and has a nice black polish finish to it. The 10" sub is also on the small side, however, does surprisingly well in my 18' x 24' basement. You can check out the system at your local Best Buy (Magnolia).

 

[Stoner19]

I recently purchased a Definitive Tech. Procinema 1000 system and highly recommend it for home theater. The Promonitor 1000 speaker weighs 7 pounds and has a nice black polish finish to it. The 10" sub is also on the small side, however, does surprisingly well in my 18' x 24' basement. You can check out the system at your local Best Buy (Magnolia).

I am actually on my way to Best Buy this evening to check out the Mirage speakers. I definitely like the look of the KEF KHT3005 but my only problem with KEF, EMP, Orb, Aperion, and such is that I have no way of listening to them before I buy them (except for the 30 day trial thing with some).

 

[Rob from NJ]

I also seriously considered the KEF KHT-3005. I compared the KEFs to the Def. Tech Procinema 1000 side by side at 6th Avenue and decided to go with the Def. Tech. speakers. Either way, you can't go wrong compared to Bose. I also have Bose Acoustimass in my family room. Early in my search process, I was considering the Mirage Nanosats, however, decided not to pursue, due to the shape of my basement. Nanosats are real good with reflective walls (peaks and valleys). I decided to pursue direct firing satellites. Anyway, good luck with your search.