Decisions are driving me nuts

[gus6464]

So my wife said that I could increase our speaker budget from $1000 to something around $1800-2000 if I got better speakers for her music. So I decided to go to the different stores and check out different speakers. I went into Best Buy Magnolia today and talked to a really cool sales guy. He wasnt really pushing any specific speakers down my throat and let me test them out with my own dvds and music cds. I tried out a different combination of speakers and I really liked the sound of the following setup:

Definitive Technology Pro Center 1000 $199
Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 350 $450 for the pair
Definitive Technology BP-2X Surrounds $450 for the pair
Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 $499
Speakers were being powered by a Denon AVR-1707

Thing I dont know is if these are actually good speakers for the money. How would this setup compare to the Axiom Epic Grandmaster set consisting of M22v2 bookshelves, QS4v2 surrounds, VP100v2 center, and either the HSU VTF2 MK3 or SVS PB10-NSD sub?

This weekend my friend is taking me to some local home theater stores in my area but I dont know if I am on the right track as far as speaker selection goes.

 

[mazersteven]

May I recommend these over the Definitives

Usher Audio s-520's

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-525-center-channel

Add one of these subs.

AV123 Rocket

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=1.1

SVS

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

Martin Logan

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/dynamo.html

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/abyss.html

PSB SubSeries 6i

http://www.psbspeakers.com/product.php?pId=25&sId=5

 

[billy p]

My 2 cents! There a wide range of speakers and IMO I've grouped them into 3 types. First there's bright or foward with lots of details good for H/T and IMO not as good, for music. Then, there's the laid back or neutral sounding, better for music but not IMO for H/T. Lastly there's the one's in between which will do both well. You must go audition many different speakers(bring cds or dvds which your familiar with) and determine which sound is for you. This should be fun and there is no rush? Your a DAMN lucky man, my wife would reduce my budget or tell me, I don't need new speakers.

 

[EJD]

You're on the right track - just keep listening and find brands that you like. Take your time and make sure that whatever you buy, you will be able to return if they don't sound as good once you get them home.

Defintives seem to have pretty strong opinions one way or the other - really love or don't care for at all. Now that you have a baseline with something that sounds good to you, try some others.

I have had good luck with NHT and Kef speakers over the years and still have them. Paradigm is another brand that I like. And I am really itching to try some of the Onix series of speakers from av123. Something like the x-mtms for fronts = $450, x-ls for rears = $220, and an x-cs for the center = $140. Toss in an SVS or HSU sub, and even with shipping you will be well under your $2k budget.

The only drawback to the Onix speakers is that the mtm's will be expensive to ship back if you don't like them, and they are backordered on them right now. However, all indications are that they are a great package.

Another thing to consider is that the majority of sound comes out of your mains and center. If a new set of surrounds is pushing you over your budget, don't be afraid to pick up a used pair for now and upgrade them down the line. Buying used gear is a good way to get into things you otherwise wouldn't be able to afford. The return policy is generally non existent with them though.

 

[gus6464]

The main problem I have is finding stores that carry the mid to high end speakers in my area. The other places I have in my city are Home Theater Store, Tweeter, and maybe one more mom and pop type place. I wish I could hear Axioms and SVS speakers but from what i've read you can only buy them online.

 

[highfihoney]

So my wife said that I could increase our speaker budget from $1000 to something around $1800-2000 if I got better speakers for her music.

Its simple,let your wife pick the speakers & be happy.

 

[jaxvon]

The main problem I have is finding stores that carry the mid to high end speakers in my area. The other places I have in my city are Home Theater Store, Tweeter, and maybe one more mom and pop type place. I wish I could hear Axioms and SVS speakers but from what i've read you can only buy them online.

All of the online-only brands have a huge user base. I don't know about SVS, but I know that Axiom has a network of users that would be glad to have you over for a listen to their system. Check out the link below to find someone with an Axiom system:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=76567&an=0&page=0#Post76567

On that note, I would personally recommend against Axiom. I have listened to their M50ti speakers and found them to be mediocre. To me, they do not represent a high value. I would like to reinforce the current suggestion, that you should audition and find a speaker that pleases you.

Another brand to throw into the mix is Ascend. They make some fairly high quality monitor style speakers.

 

[Pheaton]

Hi,
As others have stated, auditioning is the most important factor when deciding on speakers. Having just done this I would recommend checking out Monitor Audio. My wife and I really liked them. I know that it can get a little frustrating with all of the choices out there, but just remember that you are going out and listening to good music on, hopefully good speakers, so have a good time with it.

Pheaton