Help me spend my money :)!

[Celiac]

I have budget around 5k thats including the AV Receiver.

I am ready to take the plunge into HT my main use for the system would be Movies and Video Games. From Aperion a looking at the Intimus5T complete 5.1 setup for around 3K does anybody have any listening time with Aperion speakers? I would like to know the pros and cons (if any). From Paradigm the Studio 100's which I auditioned last year. I need help in deciding on how I should spend my coin.. Spend 1500 per speaker for the Paradigms and only getting two fronts and build up the system as funds let me. or getting a complete setup with the Aperion. If anybody has any other suggestion to systems I am open . I am a total noobie in HT...

 

[KEW]

I suspect you'll get plenty of good suggestions more specific to your question, but while you are waiting, you might want to read some of these suggestions if you haven't already seen them:
http://www.audioholics.com/buying-guides/system-buying-guides/

 

[AVRat]

How large is your room, dimensions? Did you not buy the Denon 4308 last year?

 

[Celiac]

Thank You KEW for the link. I will take a look at that.

 

[Celiac]

How large is your room, dimensions? Did you not buy the Denon 4308 last year?

Let me get that i will post when i get home tonight with the dimensions. I did not purchase the Denon :\ something always came up when I had the cash... I am now looking more towards the new Onkyo's coming out. TX-NR5007 i think is model.. I have this cash set aside just for my HT purchase haha.. but it is quickly burning holes in my pocket..... i guess I should have had the dimensions of the room first before posting sorry!

 

[Celiac]

Room Dimensions

I live in an apartment.. 18' X 15' is the living room.

 

[Solid-State]

I have no affiliation with these guys but A/V brother, if your looking to get the best gear for the coin bar none, one word, Emotiva.

If I had 5k to play with I'd get the following items for an amazing rig!

UMC-1 pre/processor
XPA-5 amplifier
2 ERT-8.3 tower speakers
1 ERT-6.3 center speaker
2 ERD-1 rear surround speakers

For a sub I'd get the Rythmic Audio F15

These are all internet direct companies thus the huge savings...

This list should come in around 5k or slightly above and be absolutely amazing. The UMC-1 and XPA-5 will blow the doors off of an integrated AVR no problem in every metric including ANY of the Denon or Onkyo pieces. You could also upgrade to a XPA-2 down the road to really drive the ERT-8.3 towers.

You could spend slightly less on an AVR and some midrange speakers but man... for the slight increase in cost you'd end up with a system that IMHO would rival a 25k+ system. NO KIDDING!

Solid-State

 

[oppman99]

I have budget around 5k thats including the AV Receiver.

I am ready to take the plunge into HT my main use for the system would be Movies and Video Games. From Aperion a looking at the Intimus5T complete 5.1 setup for around 3K does anybody have any listening time with Aperion speakers? I would like to know the pros and cons (if any). From Paradigm the Studio 100's which I auditioned last year. I need help in deciding on how I should spend my coin.. Spend 1500 per speaker for the Paradigms and only getting two fronts and build up the system as funds let me. or getting a complete setup with the Aperion. If anybody has any other suggestion to systems I am open . I am a total noobie in HT...

I haven't heard any Aperion speakers so I can't comment on those. I personally like Paradigms (Studio and Signature lines) but they are a bit pricey unless you buy used. If you have a small to medium sized room and pair them with a good sub and matching center, the 20's can be very good for HT.

I haven't heard the Emotivas, but the user reviews have been glowing so far. The impression that I get from the reviews is that the 8.3s fall just shy of the Paradigm Studio 100's in terms of sound quality but for quite a bit less money.

Your idea about getting higher quality fronts and building your system up really depends on personality. Some people want everything at once and can't wait. If I was starting from scratch, I think I would go the route of building the best system I could a little at a time. It sucks taking the financial hit when you upgrade, not to mention the hassle of selling what you already have and I think you would save money in the long run by going a piece or two at a time. Others may have had different experiences though.

 

[jephdood]

Not sure if this is kosher or not.. and if not, mods please delete.. but if interested I have a mint set of Monitor Audio Silver Series (RS8's, RSLCR, RS1's) in rosenut.. and a Marantz SR8002 receiver.. both available.

I was going to list them in the classifieds, but I don't have enough posts. PLENTY of posts and seller ratings elsewhere, however.

Again, if peddling my wares here isn't cool.. my apologies. But he ASKED to spend his money...

As for a sub, how much sub can you do in your apartment? For mid-priced, mid-sized.. I've always liked Hsu. Epik has some nice offerings as well. The Sentinel, in particular, is a smaller size but outputs pretty large.

 

[the grunt]

I have budget around 5k thats including the AV Receiver.

I am ready to take the plunge into HT my main use for the system would be Movies and Video Games. From Aperion a looking at the Intimus5T complete 5.1 setup for around 3K does anybody have any listening time with Aperion speakers? I would like to know the pros and cons (if any). From Paradigm the Studio 100's which I auditioned last year. I need help in deciding on how I should spend my coin.. Spend 1500 per speaker for the Paradigms and only getting two fronts and build up the system as funds let me. or getting a complete setup with the Aperion. If anybody has any other suggestion to systems I am open . I am a total noobie in HT...

Some good points made already. I just moved out of an apartment and could never come close to using my sub the way I wanted. Even had to keep the tower mains turned down at night. I ended up using a Buttkicker to make up for the low end, worked great but I’d rather use my sub now that I’m in a house. Some type of tactile transducer might be an option if you’re going to be in the apartment for a while and can’t get away with playing your sub as loud as you’d like.

Since with Aperion shipping both ways is included in the price trying them out would only cost you a little time. But if you already know you like the Paradigms I would be inclined to suggest you stick with them rather than buy something you can’t listen to unless your willing to return them.

You might consider getting a 5.1 paradigm system with bookshelf mains for now. You can them upgrade to tower mains when you have the cash and move the former bookshelf mains to surround back duties for a 7.1 system. This way you could have a full 5.1 system from the start and add the towers later. Just a thought.

As for which to buy all I can say is that if you’ve found the speakers you like and don’t feel like doing more shopping around then just get them.

You could also check the used market.

Cheers,
Dean

 

[the grunt]

I have no affiliation with these guys but A/V brother, if your looking to get the best gear for the coin bar none, one word, Emotiva.

If I had 5k to play with I'd get the following items for an amazing rig!

UMC-1 pre/processor
XPA-5 amplifier
2 ERT-8.3 tower speakers
1 ERT-6.3 center speaker
2 ERD-1 rear surround speakers

For a sub I'd get the Rythmic Audio F15

These are all internet direct companies thus the huge savings...

This list should come in around 5k or slightly above and be absolutely amazing. The UMC-1 and XPA-5 will blow the doors off of an integrated AVR no problem in every metric including ANY of the Denon or Onkyo pieces. You could also upgrade to a XPA-2 down the road to really drive the ERT-8.3 towers.

You could spend slightly less on an AVR and some midrange speakers but man... for the slight increase in cost you'd end up with a system that IMHO would rival a 25k+ system. NO KIDDING!

Solid-State

So how long have you listened to your Emotivas? Seems a few days ago you started a thread to ask about them:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=617033#post617033

I'm hopping to hear owners of the new Emotiva ERT-8.3 to voice opinions on these rather new loudspeakers. Also I'm curious how it performs in concert with the ERT-6.3 as a center. Currently I have M80s and VP150 and am unhappy with the sound and want to upgrade.

Solid-State

 

[Solid-State]

Excuse me? What are you trying to prove with your lack of reading comprehension?

I've heard the smaller bookshelf not the tower or the 6.3 model ok pal and I don't own any personally. If you would only read you would have realized that.

Solid-State

PS Dean I'm surprised your not chirping the Axiom Axiom line and are open to Aperion noting the 30 day return. I just waiting for the Axiom push on the 30 day point. Your Paradigms 5.1 suggestions are rather vague considering they have many lines of "5.1 speakers"

 

[Solid-State]

Celiac if your CC can handle it I suggest you order sets from Emotiva, Aperion, Ascend Acoustics and yes Axiom. Avoid AV123 at this time as they are having financial problems I believe. Time it so you can have all three in house at the same time as I believe all three have thirty days return. I honestly believe the Vance Dickason Emotiva MTMWW design will win. As for an AVR or separates if you haven't realized you've lucked out and just walked into one of the best moments to buy separates in the history of this hobby man your not doing your research. I'd avoid the store stuff like Paradigm only because you won't get a deal on the speaker unless you buy the AVR or pre/pro from the house of purchase. This would mean missing out on the UMC-1/XPA-5 knockout! The UMC-1 XPA-5 Emotiva combo is a NO BRAINER! Don't listen to the Marantz guy guy you've lucked out and an HONEST A/V guy with experience selling/installing this stuff is talking here... I have nothing to gain from this. Wait a month and follow my advice Celiac!

Solid-State

 

[Celiac]

Thanks to everyone who has posted great info . to The Grunt You mentioned "You might consider getting a 5.1 paradigm system with bookshelf mains for now." Are there any sound quality differences with Bookshelf speakers and towers?... For some reason when i thnk of "bookshelf" speakers I think of the Cubed speakers... Sorry for the silly question...


Thanks.

Tim

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Speaking from years of experience (both mine & others), I can tell you right now to not even think about bookshelf speakers for your main 3 speakers.

Not that there is anything wrong with using 5 or 7 identical bookshelf speakers. They actually make perfect sense.

But in this hobby, you will develop "UPGRADITIS". You will keep on wanting something MORE & BIGGER.

So just go with something MORE & BIGGER right off the bat and just build up your system as you go along. Like you mentioned, you might go with a 2.0 system now. Save some money and go to 3.0, then 5.1, etc.

The most important thing about the speakers you buy is the RETURN policy.

If you don't like how they sound in your OWN room, can you return them for free?

 

[Celiac]

Speaking from years of experience (both mine & others), I can tell you right now to not even think about bookshelf speakers for your main 3 speakers.

Not that there is anything wrong with using 5 or 7 identical bookshelf speakers. They actually make perfect sense.

But in this hobby, you will develop "UPGRADITIS". You will keep on wanting something MORE & BIGGER.

So just go with something MORE & BIGGER right off the bat and just build up your system as you go along. Like you mentioned, you might go with a 2.0 system now. Save some money and go to 3.0, then 5.1, etc.

The most important thing about the speakers you buy is the RETURN policy.

If you don't like how they sound in your OWN room, can you return them for free?

AcuDefTechGuy It is like me and cars always out for more power and to go the faster . I thnk starting off bigger and bader is a way to go, I always want the best for what I can get in my price range. if I want it bad enough I'll get it lol... I am really exciited to get this ball rolling and start ordering my gear, I am currently using my crummy in T.V. Speakers and cannot hear jack when watching movies and playing games... I would like to be able to hear all the details of whatever I am doing, watching movies, music, games.. I know i am missing out, I never realized that sound plays a major major role. I've alwasy thought oh my TV speakers are the best I can hear everything... not so much! lol... All I can say is that I am ready. sorry for lengthy post.. I am just giddy like a school girl ahaha....

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

AcuDefTechGuy It is like me and cars always out for more power and to go the faster . I thnk starting off bigger and bader is a way to go, I always want the best for what I can get in my price range. if I want it bad enough I'll get it lol... I am really exciited to get this ball rolling and start ordering my gear, I am currently using my crummy in T.V. Speakers and cannot hear jack when watching movies and playing games... I would like to be able to hear all the details of whatever I am doing, watching movies, music, games.. I know i am missing out, I never realized that sound plays a major major role. I've alwasy thought oh my TV speakers are the best I can hear everything... not so much! lol... All I can say is that I am ready. sorry for lengthy post.. I am just giddy like a school girl ahaha....

Just make sure you do enough researching and auditioning to prevent buyer's remorse.

Speakers VARY greatly from one another. And just because some speakers sound good at the store does not mean they will automatically sound good in your home. The return policy is extremely important.

Another thing to keep in mind is to not pay anything at full retail value.

For example, I bought all my speakers at 30% of MSRP brand new from an AUTHORIZED dealer.

I bought my Denon receiver at 30% off MSRP brand new from an authorized dealer.

Like you said, if there is a will, there is a way.

So how did you like the sound of the Paradigm S100 compared to other speakers out there?

 

[Celiac]

Just make sure you do enough researching and auditioning to prevent buyer's remorse.

Speakers VARY greatly from one another. And just because some speakers sound good at the store does not mean they will automatically sound good in your home. The return policy is extremely important.

Another thing to keep in mind is to not pay anything at full retail value.

For example, I bought all my speakers at 30% of MSRP brand new from an AUTHORIZED dealer.

I bought my Denon receiver at 30% off MSRP brand new from an authorized dealer.

Like you said, if there is a will, there is a way.

So how did you like the sound of the Paradigm S100 compared to other speakers out there?

They sound amazing! I've never heard anything like them before. I cannot remember the others I auditioned, I can tell you they did not sound as clear as the 100's. Listening to an Audio CD it sounded like I was right in the recording studio with them on the 100's. The album I was listening to was from Snow Patrol.. Hearing the little details like the symbol tap from the drummer which never noticed before... I think i can squeeze out a few more dollars. and go for a 3.0 setup Mains and Center if I am correct?... AcuDefTechGuy if it is okay can I send you a PM got some questions for you

 

[Celiac]

Just got off the phone with the Paradigm dealer 3k for the pair of 100's is that about right or am I getting jammed?. I have also been reading in other posts about some people getting some sort of discount.. I wonder if I am able to lol.. guess I can ask the dealer.

 

[the grunt]

Hey Tim, I’m not sure AcuDefTechGuy got the point of my post about bookshelf speakers. The whole idea in buying them was to upgrade to the towers you really want when you get the extra money while in the meantime you would have a full 5.1 system made to match the towers your planning to upgrade to with the former bookshelf mains becoming your rear 7.1 speakers.

To answer your question about bookshelf vs tower speakers I find that when paired with a good subwoofer there is little difference between bookshelf +sub and tower + sub when comparing speakers from the same line. The biggest differences I notice is that when sitting farther away (around 3 meters or more) bookshelf + sub sound a little thin in the mid to upper bass as compared to towers + sub. However, in some room (size and shape) bookshelf speakers can be easier to place for the best imaging. Also for the same money you can buy better sounding bookshelf speakers than towers. Unfortunately in your case that would also drive up the price of the matching towers you would eventually buy. The greatest danger in choosing bookshelf over tower mains is that you will wonder what you’re missing and get upgradities as was said above. However, since upgrading was the whole point of this idea upgraditis becomes a moot point.

AcuDefTechGuy brings up a good point about return policy since even though you like the sound of the speakers in the store no telling exactly how the will sound when you get them home. Some places will let you take speakers home to demo. Another thing to look for is a shop that lets you “trade up.” I have a local shop here in Phoenix that will let you trade up speakers and equipment for full retail within one year and reduced amounts after that. Might be another way to move up to towers from bookshelf mains if you go that route.

My suggestion would be to base your purchases on intended use. If you plan mostly on 2.0 stereo listening then start with the towers and grow your system from there. If you plan on mostly 5.1 music, movies and video games then go with the 5.1 bookshelf based system and upgrade to tower mains when funds are available. Many people actually stay with bookshelf + sub and never upgrade because depending on room and use it will give them 95+% of what towers + sub will give them. Clearly all appropriate disclaimers like YMMV apply.

Cheers,
Dean