Definitive Technology, Polk Monitor or Athena - should I?

[02VWJTI]

Hi,
I've been browsing this forum for awhile now trying to decide on speakers. You guys are very knowledgeable. I have typed in the image verification thing countless times performing searches.

I've looked at so many but mainly SVS, Athena, Polk Monitor, Def Tech and PSB. My brother works at Best Buy so I think I have my selection narrowed down. I obviously don't want to spend too much.

I already have an Onkyo TX-SR600 but could get the Pioneer Elite VSX-90TXV at a decent price. Worth it?

Now, I really could use your inputs..please

Option 1 (cheaper, and only slightly using discount):
Polk Monitor 60, L/R
Polk Monitor 50, Rear
Polk Monitor CS1, Center
Klipsch Reference 10" Sub

Option 2 :
Def Tech BP7006BLA, L/R
Def Tech SM350BLA, Rear (They don't seem to have anything to match fronts?)
Def Tech CLR2002BLA, Center (Does this even match the fronts?)
No Sub, for now.. Unless the built in sub is that good.

Option 3 :

Athena LS-500, L/R
Athena LS-300, Rear
Athena LSC-100, Center
Klipsch Reference 10" Sub

Any input would be appreciated. I am so torn and have no idea how to move foward.

Thank you.

 

[jamie2112]

How much is your budget? We all need to know in order to answer you correctly. Have you listened to any of the choices you listed?

 

[GlocksRock]

I've owned the Polk R series with a CS1 and a CS2 center, it sounded very good. I then upgraded to all Def Tech speakers, and haven't looked back. The CLR 2002 has 5 1/4 mid/woofers and the BP7006 have 4 1/2 mid/woofers, but it would still sound fine, and for the surround backs, the studio monitors would be ok, but the BP1.2x or the BP2x would be a better match. I can't comment on the Athena speakers as I've never heard them. As for the subs in the def tech towers, they are ok, but you would still want a dedicated sub as they are good, but not good enough to replace a real sub.

 

[02VWJTI]

All three of my options are within my price range. And the Def Techs only because of my brother's discount.

I haven't heard the Athenas (and won't be able to). I've heard Def Techs and Polks and I liked them both. Def Tech probably more. It's dumb how you can't remove the grills on them.

 

[GlocksRock]

Def Tech's don't have grilles, they have socks.... with the exception of the smaller BP1.2 and BP2x, and the Mythos line. But you can remove the socks, you just have to untie them and slide them off, but you have to unscrew the bottom part of the speaker and remove the definitive logo if you want to take it all the way off.

 

[renegade87]

Option 2 :
Def Tech BP7006BLA, L/R
Def Tech SM350BLA, Rear (They don't seem to have anything to match fronts?)
Def Tech CLR2002BLA, Center (Does this even match the fronts?)
No Sub, for now.. Unless the built in sub is that good.

I have the Def Tech 7006's, 2002, and the BP2X's in my Den (10' x 12'). Admittedly, this is a pretty small room. Especially when you consider there's also a 50" Sony SXRD in there too.

At any rate, you have to take your specific space into consideration. Size, shape, floors, furnishings, etc. all effect output. But, you all know this already.

I personally am impressed with the bass output of the integrated subs in the BP7006's (I said impressed, not overwhelmed). I think they're a good value and a good fit for my space. Especially as I found an open box deal and saved 30%.

Would I prefer a Def Tech Trinity SW? You bet! But that wouldn't fit in my space. I auditioned the 7002's, 7004's and 7006's several times before taking the plunge.
I was and am still very happy with my speakers. The 7006's put out impressive bass through the 8" subs. Take U571 or War of the Worlds down to BB and have a listen for yourself. I was surprized. You might be too.

You have a completely different space and may have a completely different opinion with this setup in your space. But unfortunately, you really won't be able to tell until you get them (whatever you choose) in your space.

The BP2X's are even more impressive (IMO). But again listen for yourself.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Option 2 :
Def Tech BP7006BLA, L/R
Def Tech SM350BLA, Rear (They don't seem to have anything to match fronts?)
Def Tech CLR2002BLA, Center (Does this even match the fronts?)
No Sub, for now.. Unless the built in sub is that good.

I recommend a pair of BP10Bs (1" tweeters & 6.5" midrange/woofers) + 3 StudioMonitor 450s (1" tweeter & 6.5" midrange/woofer) + a Subwoofer (Epik, SVS, HSU, AV123, or DefTech). The SM450s are usually sold in pairs, but Magnolia can special order just a single speaker.

 

[Midcow2]

I like Def Tech and agree with what AcuDefTechGuy says ...

I recommend a pair of BP10Bs (1" tweeters & 6.5" midrange/woofers) + 3 StudioMonitor 450s (1" tweeter & 6.5" midrange/woofer) + a Subwoofer (Epik, SVS, HSU, AV123, or DefTech). The SM450s are usually sold in pairs, but Magnolia can special order just a single speaker.

Defintive Technology produces very nice sound, audition them an see!.

The recommendation that AcuDefTechGuy is recommending matches the size of the midrange speakers 6.5" so that you have the best match in timbre. The 6.5" size produces an excellent speaker sound. It is very important for the fronts and center speaker to match to provide a "seamles' sound.

The rears and subwoofer do not have to match. The top two picks in my opinion are either the SVS or the HSU . That is unless you want to go all the way and pick a JL Audio Fathom f113 subwoofer (at only $3,400)

Being realistic the SVS PB12-plus is excellent at $699 or less expensive SVS PB10-NSD. $429 HSU VTF-1 $399.

Def Tech also makes a very good subwoofer ProSub1000 $499.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Forget the Klipsch sub. Buy from the ones listed in the above post.

 

[Midcow2]

Opinions receiver and match for option 2

I already have an Onkyo TX-SR600 but could get the Pioneer Elite VSX-90TXV at a decent price. Worth it?

...Option 2 :
Def Tech BP7006BLA, L/R
Def Tech SM350BLA, Rear (They don't seem to have anything to match fronts?)
Def Tech CLR2002BLA, Center (Does this even match the fronts?)
No Sub, for now.. Unless the built in sub is that good.

Your Onkyo is a nice AVR. The Pioneer Elite VSX-90TXV can be found on the Internet for $500. If that is your price range their are other options.

The VSX-90TXV adds HDMI 1.3 support ( will pass and switch video and audio) over HDMI cable) Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD master. ups power a litle to 110w and goes from 6.1 to 7.1

Some other receivers to consider:

Marantz SR4002($420-$500) or Marantz SR5002 ($545-$749) my choice
Yamaha 663 ($500)
Onkyo 605 ($400) - Oknyo ($500-$700)
-----
With the BP7006 towers ( 4 1/2 " speakers) you need to match the the center speakers sizes. Use either a CLR2300 (best) or a ProCenter1000 (good)

I had the previous version BP2006s and they sounded awesome> ijust upgraded to BP7002sand the change was phenomenal. I ordered the matching center CLR3000 and it should arrive next week.

 

[Spartykjc5389]

Def Tech

Personally, I'd go with the Definitive's. I have matching Definitive speakers in the basement (7004 SuperTowers, CLR3000, BPX surrounds, and BPA in cieling speakers for the rear). Impressive setup. I love them, love every minute I turn them on. You could get by without a sub for the time being with those, which is an added bonus. We are going to get one soon, but with the built in subs, we're not in too much of a hurry...

All in all, I would recommend the DefTech's wholeheartedly.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Def Tech's don't have grilles, they have socks.... with the exception of the smaller BP1.2 and BP2x, and the Mythos line. But you can remove the socks, you just have to untie them and slide them off, but you have to unscrew the bottom part of the speaker and remove the definitive logo if you want to take it all the way off.

They are also not designed to be seen without the socks, and look much better with them on IMO.

 

[02VWJTI]

Thank you all very much for your feedback.

I'm pretty much set on the Def Techs. I'm hoping that I don't need a sub yet but we'll see once I finally have them set up.

I may check out AcuDefTechGuy's suggestion too.

So mixing 4.5" drivers (7006) with 5.25" drivers (center) is a bad idea? Maybe get the ProCenter1000 instead (4.5")
Or upgrade to 7004 towers

 

[GlocksRock]

Thank you all very much for your feedback.

I'm pretty much set on the Def Techs. I'm hoping that I don't need a sub yet but we'll see once I finally have them set up.

I may check out AcuDefTechGuy's suggestion too.

So mixing 4.5" drivers (7006) with 5.25" drivers (center) is a bad idea? Maybe get the ProCenter1000 instead (4.5")
Or upgrade to 7004 towers

It's not a bad idea, it will sound fine. I have 4.5" drivers in my surrounds and 5.25" drivers in all my other speakers in my bedroom setup and it sounds fine. Just like a friend of mine has 5.25" drivers in his center channel, and he has BP2006 towers with 4.5" drivers and it sounds fine.

 

[bandphan]

Thank you all very much for your feedback.

I'm pretty much set on the Def Techs. I'm hoping that I don't need a sub yet but we'll see once I finally have them set up.

Id say that your gonna want a sub for ht

 

[02VWJTI]

Do the Def Tech BiPolar towers require subwoofer inputs from the AVR?

If it requires a sub-in, how would I ever run two towers AND a subwoofer? Let alone just two towers? I know some receivers have two sub outs and that it's possible to get a splitter. Thoughts?

 

[bandphan]

Do the Def Tech BiPolar towers require subwoofer inputs from the AVR?

If it requires a sub-in, how would I ever run two towers AND a subwoofer? Let alone just two towers? I know some receivers have two sub outs and that it's possible to get a splitter. Thoughts?

you send the full range signal from the avr pre outs.

 

[GlocksRock]

Do the Def Tech BiPolar towers require subwoofer inputs from the AVR?

If it requires a sub-in, how would I ever run two towers AND a subwoofer? Let alone just two towers? I know some receivers have two sub outs and that it's possible to get a splitter. Thoughts?

They only require you to use the lfe inputs if you are going to use the subs for your .1 channel, otherwise you just set the receiver to large for the fronts and they will play full range. So if you don't have a sub, you can still leave the fronts set to large and use a Y splitter to run the sub channel to each tower's lfe input.

 

[02VWJTI]

Excellent. Would it be recommended to go 7006 towers with the ProSub 800/1000 or go with 7004 towers with NO sub? Can't seem to decide this.

 

[GlocksRock]

The built in subs are nice, but are never a replacement for a dedicated sub. I have no experience with the Prosubs, so I can't comment on them, but I would go with the 7006 towers, and save up for a good sub, or prefferably get the 7004 towers and save up for a good sub. You don't have to stick with def tech for subs, there are plenty of other companies that make great subs for reasonable prices. What is your sub budget? If anything, take your time and save up for a nice sub, you won't go wrong with getting a really good sub, there is nothing like feeling that 20 hz. and below bass shake your seat.