HELLP Front 3 speakers under $1000

[ScottWChicago]

I am finally going to upgrade my old stereo system. Wife approved since I moved her back to Tampa.... We froze our *ss off for 2 1/2 years in Chicago.

I will be getting the New Denon AVR 590 once it comes out.

The system will be 70/30 movies

Also will have the PS3 hooked up. My son's
TV is 42" Panny 720P purchased last year. Fantastic Plasma!
Sorry to say I am replacing my old Bose from 15years ago. I bought the hype

From what I have read the front 3 should match. Thinking Bookshelf

Maybe next year will buy a sub.

I also want them to look ok, prefer cherry or dark wood finish. Would prefer to spend less than $1K, but if it makes sense I will.

Room is 10W X 30L with ceramic tile on floor.

Also any good web sites for new TV stands that hold center channel?

Any recommendations would be greatly appriciated.

I have listened to PSB and Paridigm Bookshelf and liked the sound. Any thing else? or would I get better sound buying two speakers in this price range and wait for the center.

 

[ack_bak]

Wow. You have a big room and will need some more efficient speakers to fill that room and that Denon receiver is only rated at 75 watts per channel. I would look into these:
Ascend 340 SE
HSU HB1-MKII

I would also listen to some Klipsch bookshelves as well. I am a fan of the SVS SCS-01 speakers as well as the NHT Classic 3's but I am afraid they are not efficient enough for that room.

With ceramic flooring you should also consider some area rugs if you don't have any already for the sake of room acoustics

I will also reluctantly (checkout the av123 thread on this forum before you buy) recommend these:
http://www.av123.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=294&category_id=51&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

You will get a 5.0 setup (you will still want a dedicated sub down the road) and it meets your wood criteria and fits your budget.

 

[lsiberian]

I am finally going to upgrade my old stereo system. Wife approved since I moved her back to Tampa.... We froze our *ss off for 2 1/2 years in Chicago.

I will be getting the New Denon AVR 590 once it comes out.

The system will be 70/30 movies

Also will have the PS3 hooked up. My son's
TV is 42" Panny 720P purchased last year. Fantastic Plasma!
Sorry to say I am replacing my old Bose from 15years ago. I bought the hype

From what I have read the front 3 should match. Thinking Bookshelf

Maybe next year will buy a sub.

I also want them to look ok, prefer cherry or dark wood finish. Would prefer to spend less than $1K, but if it makes sense I will.

Room is 10W X 30L with ceramic tile on floor.

Also any good web sites for new TV stands that hold center channel?

Any recommendations would be greatly appriciated.

I have listened to PSB and Paridigm Bookshelf and liked the sound. Any thing else? or would I get better sound buying two speakers in this price range and wait for the center.

There are many thread on this sort of thing. I suggest you read a few of them. I wouldn't want you to miss something.

On that budget I would like a pair of KEF iQ5s and an iQ6.

For bookshelves I will suggest you take a strong look at the Behringer 2030p. You can use one for the center. Mount it above the tv on a stand something.

Of course you have more funds. So do take a look at SVS, Infinity Beta's, amongst others. again look at other posts.

 

[j_garcia]

I wouldn't put Klipsch in a room with tile floor. That is asking for bleeding ears. The Ascends are on the brighter side, but would probably do the trick well and sound great at the same time.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

If you like the Paradigm sound I'd go with the Ascends 340's also but if you want a wood finish??? Maybe used off Audiogon.com For under $1000.

 

[Matt34]

Maybe just a pair of ascend serrias for now and add a sub later. They now offer wood finishes and dig pretty low for a bookshelf speaker.

 

[just listening]

Tile floor and Klipsch's are definitely a potential horror story. The Ascend Sierra 1's are a good choice, probably better than the 340's which two people I know own and believe that a wider room benefits them. If they are in stock I'd grab a pair of AV123 Rocket RS450's and the matching center. The Vifa tweeter is very smooth and won't force you out of the room. Down the road you can buy the Ninja x-over upgrades and have a true killer system for very few $$.

 

[TjMV3]

We're going to need a bigger amp.

Take a look at the Emotiva Amps, like the Emotiva XPA-5 Five Channel amp

http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm


And for speakers, you may want to consider three Jamo C607 floorstanders. Or a pair of Jamo C607 floorstanders and a pair of Jamo C603 bookself speakers (you'll have an extra speaker) and use one as your Center Channel.

http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-C607-Standing-Speaker-Single/dp/B00120ZM1O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1244078590&sr=1-1


http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-C603-Range-Compact-Speakers/dp/B00120Y3MS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1244078590&sr=1-4

No matter what, you'll need more power.

Take a look on audiogon.com for a HT Receiver for a great price, use the Receiver as strictly a pre amp/processor by using the Pre Outs and let the Emotiva handle the power.

You'll have system that cranks big time, is great with music and will come in close to your budget.

 

[fredk]

would I get better sound buying two speakers in this price range and wait for the center.

Thats something you will have to decide for yourself. Listen to some towers in the 1k range and see how they compare to bookshelves in the $600 range.

Since you are looking at 70% movies, I would lean towards bookshelves and spending a little more on that sub down the road.

In a way, it depends on the bookshelf. Something I would try is comparing a set of $1k towers to $600 bookshelves with a sub. When I was shopping for a system I compared the Axiom M60 tower to their M22 bookshelf + sub. They were almost identical and the M22 + sub had the definite advantage on the bottom end.

Also, given the movie focus, consider going with a phantom center for now and picking up the sub first. You might just get more bang for your buck that way, at least in the short term.

Add Axiom to your list. The M22 and a good sub would sound awesome.

 

[ScottWChicago]

Thanks guys for the advice

Do the majority of the people use an amp. I am not up to speed on amps, but it sounds like to use the full potential of a speaker you need power. I will search for info on them.

Is there a best value receiver that would blow away the new cheapest Denon.

I will search the site for some speaker reviews. I have seen a lot of the reviews and understand I will need to hear it for myself! Can't wait to move into the new house. 14 days and counting........

Is there any web sites you would recommend / trust for speaker reviews other than audioholics. I like looking at ecoustics.com for reviews, but it seems like nobody ever says a speaker is bad. I guess that keeps the advertising dollars coming in.

 

[ScottWChicago]

I have seen the bad thread for av123. sounds like somrthing is not right with them. This economy is taking a big toll on business.

 

[ScottWChicago]

I have heard the klipsch. They are unique. Not sure I could listen to them all the time

 

[TjMV3]

Do the majority of the people use an amp. I am not up to speed on amps, but it sounds like to use the full potential of a speaker you need power. I will search for info on them.

Is there a best value receiver that would blow away the new cheapest Denon.

What software sources will you be using? DVD-video? Blue-Ray? Both?



In a room of that size, you're going to need more power. The room will swallow that Denon Receiver right up. You can find a used receiver on audiogon.com, that will do the signal processing well and pay less than you'd pay for the new Denon. And you could focus the rest of the money on the amp and speakers.

There also some good deals on subs.

Here's an excellent deal on an Outlaw Audio pre amp processor.....

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1248154527&/Outlaw-audio-950-surround-7.1-

It's strictly a pre amp/processor.....no amplifier power section.

 

[CraigV]

There are many thread on this sort of thing. I suggest you read a few of them. I wouldn't want you to miss something.

On that budget I would like a pair of KEF iQ5s and an iQ6.

For bookshelves I will suggest you take a strong look at the Behringer 2030p. You can use one for the center. Mount it above the tv on a stand something.

Of course you have more funds. So do take a look at SVS, Infinity Beta's, amongst others. again look at other posts.

Beat me to it - good advice

 

[lsiberian]

Do the majority of the people use an amp. I am not up to speed on amps, but it sounds like to use the full potential of a speaker you need power. I will search for info on them.

Is there a best value receiver that would blow away the new cheapest Denon.

I will search the site for some speaker reviews. I have seen a lot of the reviews and understand I will need to hear it for myself! Can't wait to move into the new house. 14 days and counting........

Is there any web sites you would recommend / trust for speaker reviews other than audioholics. I like looking at ecoustics.com for reviews, but it seems like nobody ever says a speaker is bad. I guess that keeps the advertising dollars coming in.

It really depends on the sensitivity of your speakers and the room. But you probably don't need an external amp unless you listen at insane volumes. It takes twice the power to make a significant difference. So The idea that a 100 watt per channel amp is a huge step up from yours in power is a bit misguided. The 590 delivers 75 watts according to spec. This is probably an ideal rating, but still I don't see a need for an external amp for simply power reasons in most rooms with most speakers.

We are talking 100+ db can be delivered from that receiver. Which is far higher than most people's listening level. Also I don't suggest an home Amps. The XLR inputs are not really useable. If you want external power look at pro Amps.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMP2500S

You can use Behringer's, but be wary of fan noise. I usually keep an eye on craigslist for Krell, Crown, Behringer, Yamaha, QSC or Alessis amps. Studios sell them off for low prices usually. Emotiva makes nice home amps with good looks. But present problems if you plan to use some devices.


I suggest you stick to a receiver if you're wanting to keep it simple.

Onkyo, HK, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha amongst other make nice receivers.

 

[ScottWChicago]

What software sources will you be using? DVD-video? Blue-Ray? Both?



In a room of that size, you're going to need more power. The room will swallow that Denon Receiver right up. You can find a used receiver on audiogon.com, that will do the signal processing well and pay less than you'd pay for the new Denon. And you could focus the rest of the money on the amp and speakers.

There also some good deals on subs.

Here's an excellent deal on an Outlaw Audio pre amp processor.....

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1248154527&/Outlaw-audio-950-surround-7.1-

It's strictly a pre amp/processor.....no amplifier power section.

Source will be Directv HD and we watch movies through the PS3 - The DVR is the greatest invention. Not sure why I waited so long and once you see hd you can't go back.

My family room will be split in half for the dimensions l supplied. Sorry half is a TV room and the other will be a small desk area.

 

[ScottWChicago]

Thanks Craig. I did read your two part article. Nice job!