Dangerous and almost pointless question...

[Doxastic]

...but, which Home Media speaker setup should I buy?

I know, I know... It all depends on my budget and what sound I like. I'm looking to spend less than 2k, and for a frame of reference I LOVE the B&W CM8 series. If I had the money for that, no doubt it would be in my livingroom.

But I don't have the money for the two loudspeakers alone, nevermind an entire 5.1 system. So here I am. I have a list of speakers I'm looking at, if anyone could review them for me I would appreciate it greatly. I have spent some time listening to DefTech's Mythos series, Klipsch XF and RVX series, and B&W 6 and CM series. But that's it.

So, here's the list:

EMP Impression E55Ti 5.1 system for about $1400

SVS 5.0 with one of their subs for between $1760-1960:

HSU... but I'm not sure which "Enthusiast" or "Hybrid" would be best for between $1150-1550:

Paradigm... not sure which one but I've read reviews that go on about how great they sound with music

Klipsch WF-35 5.0 system with Velodyne Impact Mini sub (already have the sub) $1230:

Axiom Epic Grand Master 175 for $1784:

Aperion Audio Intimus 4T or 4T-CB Hybrid series for $1570-1900:

Magnepan MMG's for about $1400 without sub (not sure what to do about the "rears" so I just put another pair of MMG's into the price):


Right now I have a Denon receiver and Velodyne Mini Impact sub with Klipsch RVX 54's, Klipsch XB10's and a DefTech Mythos center. I know it's an odd bunch but I didn't pay much for it, that's why I got it. It all sounds great for movies and video games. But the different tuned speakers is really, really annoying when listening to music. So, it's time to get something that's all the same speakers (expect maybe the sub).

What I'm looking for is a set of Home MEDIA Speakers. I don't just watch movies so I don't want Home THEATER Speakers. DefTech, Mirage and even Klipsch seem to tune their speakers very specifically for movies. And I know some people like DefTech for music but I don't. They're too crisp in the highs, almost tinny. And the mid-range is mushy. Those are good qualities for movies since most of a movie is speaking (which you want to be crisp) and thinking in the lower end of frequencies. And it probably sounds great for certain types of music, but not my taste.

I want something that's great for music, movies, video games, youtube, hulu, ESPN.... everything. And my taste in music is quite varied:

from...
Crooked Fingers "New Drink for an Old Drunk"

to...
Fear Factory "Final Exit"

I'd post the links but I can't cuz I'm new....

(watch out, the last song get's loud out of nowhere)



So, that's the question. I have a list of speakers I would love to hear, but can't. So I am hoping there are people who have had the chance to listen to these and who can let me know what they're like.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Doxastic]

I guess I should throw in a PSB setup too, since I have seen their stuff pop up recently as well.....

Image T5's, B5's and C5 with my current Velodyne Sub

 

[jostenmeat]

Nice list going. With Paradigm, which I've never once heard, I'd try to start at the Studio line personally, even if you have to build over time. I didn't look into that particular Aperion, but make sure that the cabinets/drivers will be capable of midbass, and check the sensitivity to make sure it's not absurdly low.

The most important thing, however, is to listen to as much as you can.

There's a reason why all of these brands are alive and well.

Maggies are for the 2ch aficionado. Sure you can base a 5.1 system around it, but you better love your 2ch for sure if you want to take this route. For HT purposes, be prepared to spend on beefy amplification, for sure.

I am sorry that I do not have more to offer, though I shouldn't, as I am unfamiliar with all or nearly all of your choices.

 

[zieglj01]

A good blend for general listening.
http://www.nhthifi.com/Home-Theater-Absolute-5-1T-System?sc=12&category=3830
Or
http://www.nhthifi.com/Home-Theater-Classic-Two-System?sc=12&category=3830

 

[digicidal]

I've been in almost exactly the same situation as you - with a few significant differences - and wanting to achieve essentially the same thing (i.e. all of my media located in one room as opposed to two or three). If you've heard Maggies before then I assume you already know their sound - I find it intoxicating to say the least.

The biggest problem with the maggies is going to be amplification. Your Denon is way better than my Pioneer (even though it is the top of the line for the brand in the non-Elite branded line at least). However I would seriously doubt that you will be able to 'milk' them adequately in a stereo pair (let alone 5 of them). You'd probably be better off getting just one pair and a center, if you can find the place to put it and skipping rears altogether - although using 2 more MMGs would definitely give you a full surround experience.

The issue with them is that not only are they 4ohm speakers (and 3ohm for the center) - but they are not very sensitive so unless you give them lots of power they won't be nearly as 'impressive' as cones will likely sound in the same space (however, IMO they will sound much, much more 'accurate'). The one nice thing - or can be - is that the load they provide is a purely resistive one - so you don't have to worry about them having a dip into the 2ohm range that some 4ohm-rated cone speakers have.

If you're open to upgrading amplification down the road and listening at conservative levels now - I'd say they can't be beat (for the price) in the SQ area.

One other speaker you have undoubtedly not considered (because of the price) but I think you should take a listen to if you have a BestBuy nearby is the Pioneer SP series. I think that is the route I'm going for the present time - although I'm still in the "waffling" stage. I really liked them and for the price they are an absolute STEAL! I'm still fully planning on getting a pair of the Magnepan 1.7s to put in a 'music room' as some point in time - so I've opted to reduce my current budget and make some compromises in the name of saving for the construction of my casita/mancave - which is where the 1.7s will find a home.

You can setup a full 5 channel system with the Pioneers for less than $500 - yep that's right (since you have a sub already). In fact, if you have the room you can do what I'm planning - and get 4 of the towers and the center - and still be under the $500! If you got 4 of the bookshelves (although they're too big to call that - more like "standmounts") then you could do it for ~$350. I will put more into a pair of good subs (~$600-$700ea.) but even then the whole system would be just around $2K.

I personally do not care for their appearance at all - but for the price I don't have nearly as much problem as I would if they were $500/ea. I know it seems unbelieveable but go take a listen and see what you think. They will probably be setup like crap (it's BB after all) but since you can always return them, you could just pick up a pair - or even the whole set - and audition them in your home for 29 days - and then take them back if you're dissatisfied with them.

I think you might be as surprised as I was! At their prices, I decided to just go with 4 towers for fronts and rears because it would cost me more to buy stands for the BS than it would to just drop towers in the same spots. If nothing else (assuming that I don't want to have a 5.1 system at all once I have a 'Maggie Room') they're at a price I can easily just make a couple of friends happy that are currently using PC speakers and an iPod as their 'hifi' and not feel bad at all. But I really do recommend hearing them - I thought they sounded better than the B&W's I listened there - at least in most areas. They really are a pretty accurate and reasonably flat (FR-wise) sounding speaker and they are definitely better sounding than anything I've auditioned lately for less than $500/ea. Not saying they're the solution to your problems, or even that YOU will think they sound as good as I did - but it's worth a free listen in any case.

And zieglj01 has another good suggestion - one that I've also considered recently. I've heard nothing but good things about the NHTs - unfortunately I also have heard nothing ON THEM (musically speaking) so I can't comment on them as a comparison.

 

[GranteedEV]

I like the SVS and EMP options

 

[zieglj01]

And zieglj01 has another good suggestion - one that I've also considered recently. I've heard nothing but good things about the NHTs - unfortunately I also have heard nothing ON THEM (musically speaking) so I can't comment on them as a comparison.

I am a fan of both NHT and Pioneer - They are both good at their
levels. However, the Pioneer is a solid winner based on their price,
and a well balanced speaker. The NHT will present a good sound-
stage and has a better midrange. However, for the budget minded,
the Pioneer's are hard to over look. I do not reccomend a Pioneer
subwoofer.
digicidal - The Pioneer 31 series speakers, will be the ones that are
closer in quality to the NHT.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Home+Theater+Speakers

 

[digicidal]

I do not reccomend a Pioneer
subwoofer.
digicidal - The Pioneer 31 series speakers, will be the ones that are
closer in quality to the NHT.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/Speakers/Home+Theater+Speakers

Thanks. I didn't even consider the Pioneer sub for a second - it's the only one I've seen that actually looks (and specs) a little worse than a Polk sub I have - and before you start... it was FREE and wireless so better than nothing at all. No matter what I got for speakers I will go much higher end on the subs and about the lowest-cost consideration being a Dayton Titanic or adding another Velodyne Impact - the other similarity to the OP.

I don't want to derail his thread however, but if those 31 series are similar in capacity to the NHTs then those are probably an even better recommendation for him than the SP line is. The only thing I notice is that they are pretty low sensitivity speakers - so if referrence levels are desired they would need a really good AVR driving them. The SP line isn't much better, but at those levels every 2-3db can be significant. Especially in comparison to the Klipsch WF-35's or the HSU's he mentioned both of which would be much, much louder given the output of his AVR.

 

[zieglj01]

The Pioneers need good quality clean power - If you really like to
listen above moderate levels on average, then better to look some
where else - they are not for large rooms.

 

[zieglj01]

I guess I should throw in a PSB setup too, since I have seen their stuff pop up recently as well.....

Image T5's, B5's and C5 with my current Velodyne Sub

PSB is also good.
With Paradigm - go above the Monitor series.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I LOVE the B&W CM8 series. If I had the money for that, no doubt it would be in my livingroom.

But I don't have the money for the two loudspeakers alone, nevermind an entire 5.1 system.

I say don't compromise. This is a long-term life investment - something you can enjoy for a long, long time.

I think you should save up and just get 2 front speakers for now. Then add the pieces as you save up.

I mean if after you have auditioned many speakers and those B&W speakers still sound the best to you, then save up for them. In the mean time, keep on auditioning as many speakers as you can.

Everything is relative.

 

[sholling]

I say don't compromise. This is a long-term life investment - something you can enjoy for a long, long time.

I think you should save up and just get 2 front speakers for now. Then add the pieces as you save up.

I mean if after you have auditioned many speakers and those B&W speakers still sound the best to you, then save up for them. In the mean time, keep on auditioning as many speakers as you can.

Everything is relative.

All around great advice. It's always best to get the best mains that you can afford and then go back and add the center and surrounds later. It's also great advice to listen to more speakers. You may came back to the B&W or you may fall in love with something else. This is a long term investment and not something you want to regret later.

 

[rushwj]

have you considered the B&W 600 series? a very good sounding speaker and very well reviewed, but a tad less expensive than the CMs.

 

[Davemcc]

I say don't compromise. This is a long-term life investment - something you can enjoy for a long, long time.

I agree with this. Along with the B&W, I would also suggest looking at the Dynaudio and Focal.JMLabs offerings in your price range.

 

[Doxastic]

Hey guys,

Firstly, I'd like to thank all of you for your responses. I wasn't sure I'd get anything considering the question. As has been noted, so much of speaker preference is relative to the listener. And I would fly myself to any US city if I knew of a place I could listen to all these speaker side by side. Dropping a couple hundred buck to know which I like best, easily worth it. But I can't do that. So I'm hoping to stand on your shoulders, and use your ears for this one.

It seems the general advice is to just get the B&W's. But the B&W's are just too expensive. I can't afford them. Not at least without a couple more raises. The 600 series are nice. But I actually feel like they're not as precise or well rounded. I wasn't that impressed with them. I considered getting the CM8's and a center from the 600 series until I can afford the CM center. But still, that's a lot of money. I also considered getting the CM rears, then getting a T-1, and just using them in my bedroom with an Archos pad until I could afford the rest. But just the rears are $1,000 alone..... so, too much.

I like the suggestion on the Maggies, I am actually interested in upgrading my amp. Getting 4 Maggies would only be $1200, so there's still room in my budget to upgrade my amp as well.

And I'll definitely go back to BB and check out those Pioneers. I didn't even consider them.

So thanks again. I might just have to drop the money and hope I get what I like. However, it would be very unfortunate if I don't guess right.

 

[Doxastic]

Ok, so. I have a few more to ad after reading through the forum and considering suggestions:

Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 or CMT-340 with my Velodyne for between $1,000-$1,500

Cerwin-Vega CMX-26, CMX series surround speakers and velodyne for $1,800

Cerwin-Vega XLS series (XLS-28, XLS-12, XLS-215) with Velodyne for $1,250-$1,550

NHT Absolute Zero 5.0 for $1,265 (could even afford to upgrade the rears, center or get a SVS sub)

RBH MC-6CT with other RBH stuff..... towers are $1,000 so hoping it would all come together under $2k

And have decided on the Paradigm Monitor 9's


So, anyone have these or heard these and can offer a review?

I'm leaning toward the NHT's or Cerwin-Vega's cuz they seem very "music oriented". And many of the reviews I've read have satisfied music enthusiasts quite well.

 

[sholling]

I own both Sierra-1s and CMT-340SE and both are good speakers. They are both excellent speakers - especially if you buy b-stock. The 340s are easier to drive. The Sierra-1 plays deeper and with the NrT upgrade is a fantastic speaker. You'll find a review of the standard Sierra-1 on the main audioholics site.

 

[Doxastic]

I agree with this. Along with the B&W, I would also suggest looking at the Dynaudio and Focal.JMLabs offerings in your price range.

Couldn't find much on the Dynaudio site. But I did find a retailer nearby, so I'll check 'em out.

Focal's cheapest lineup (Chorus 714) would be about $2,100 without a sub. So, they'd have to blow these others away to stay in the running.