Help on new speakers

[whubbard]

Hi,

I'm trying to upgrade my 7.1 channel speakers. This is for a system that i just audio, and the speakers will be run of a Onkyo 805, or Harmon Kardon 745 (haven't choosen yet). What are the best audio speakers I can get for $1,000-$1,500.

Also, would it be that much a a difference if I spent $2,000 on the whole set, I would just have to do it over time. And I'm not sure if I want that.


Thanks

 

[rnatalli]

There are no "best" speakers in any price range. A good rule of thumb is to spend 50-60% of your budget on speakers as they're the most important part of your system. Start by auditioning the usual suspects and choose what sounds best to your ear. Have you auditioned any already and if so, what and how did they sound to you?

 

[Davemcc]

What are you upgrading from? I notice that you are also looking for a sub, so are bookshelf speakers OK?

Here's my suggestion. Increase the sub budget from your $300 point and look into an Hsu or SVS sub. The extra is well spent here, IMO.

Then upgrade your front speakers and use your existing speakers as surrounds. Depending on your current equipment and listening/viewing habits, you could upgrade just the L/R mains if your priority is music, or the front three speakers to balance the soundstage for movies. The surrounds just aren't that important in the big scheme of things to sacrifice the quality of the other speakers for them, again IMO.

I haven't heard very many inexpensive speakers that I like, but I am quite taken by Emotiva's upcoming speaker line if you can wait until closer to Christmas for delivery. They are a really nice speaker and an outstanding value. You can get three for left, center and right channels for $900, add an appropriate sub, use the existing surrounds and you're golden.

There are many other fine choices for speakers out there I'm sure, but many/most of them I haven't heard so I will leave it to others to suggest their favorites.

 

[whubbard]

Yes bookshelf I what I'm looking for, floor speakers will not work with my setup. $900 for the the front sounds pretty good. I'm thinking about the VTF-2 MK 3 Subwoofer as well. I'll then use my onkyo fronts (which are actually pretty desent) as the side surround, and keep the back surround the same.

Just wondering....have you heard the new emotiva line? (I'm assuming you mean the Emotiva ERD-1 and Emotiva ERM-1 comming out in january?) becuase they would be perfect considering I don't think I'm going to be buying anything till then.

 

[Davemcc]

I have heard the Emotiva speakers and I was very impressed. They sound (to me) very realistic, very natural but they will drive hard when asked and still sound just as good. I heard no signs of distress when they were asked to play very loud. They also seem very solidly constructed and have nice little touches like the magnetic grill attachment.

 

[gcmarshall]

is there a "sticky" regarding questions from members asking for help choosing speakers? if not, there should be, imho. it seems like this questions is asked/answered weekly, if not more frequently.

here is my opinion on choosing speakers, in no particular order:

1) only YOU and YOUR ears can determine what you will be happy with and what you like the sound of; do not assume that just b/c someone else likes a particular speaker that you are going to like it too;

2) i personally only buy speakers locally, where I can audition and/or return them; get to a big city, if one is close enough to drive to, and spend a day auditioning them with music you know well;

3) buying speakers online, even with a generous trial/return policy, may be fine for some; for me it's not; that being said, i live in a big city, with lots of choices. others may not have those choices and online may be a realistic option.

4) arguably, speakers are the most important part of your decision process; however, all of the parts of your system ultimately have some impact on the final product (ie, how good it sounds). try to find a good balance when spending your money, but certainly speakers should receive much of, if not most of, the attention.

5) and, my golden rule, if you are having trouble making ends meet financially, if you do not have health insurance, if you do not have enough cash in your bank account for this purchase, etc., etc., do not buy any speakers at all. tend to more important things such as a roof over your head, health insurance, etc. before buying "luxuries".

 

[whubbard]

is there a "sticky" regarding questions from members asking for help choosing speakers? if not, there should be, imho. it seems like this questions is asked/answered weekly, if not more frequently.

here is my opinion on choosing speakers, in no particular order:

1) only YOU and YOUR ears can determine what you will be happy with and what you like the sound of; do not assume that just b/c someone else likes a particular speaker that you are going to like it too;

2) i personally only buy speakers locally, where I can audition and/or return them; get to a big city, if one is close enough to drive to, and spend a day auditioning them with music you know well;

3) buying speakers online, even with a generous trial/return policy, may be fine for some; for me it's not; that being said, i live in a big city, with lots of choices. others may not have those choices and online may be a realistic option.

4) arguably, speakers are the most important part of your decision process; however, all of the parts of your system ultimately have some impact on the final product (ie, how good it sounds). try to find a good balance when spending your money, but certainly speakers should receive much of, if not most of, the attention.

5) and, my golden rule, if you are having trouble making ends meet financially, if you do not have health insurance, if you do not have enough cash in your bank account for this purchase, etc., etc., do not buy any speakers at all. tend to more important things such as a roof over your head, health insurance, etc. before buying "luxuries".

1) I agree, but at this level I want good quality, and realistic sound...which is how these are described.

2) I live in New York, so I have a lot of choices for stores, but I'm not their that much anymore, spending about 90% of my time in middle of nowhere mass. But if I get the chance I will try and here them

3) I love ordering online (no problem yet)

4) Agreed

5) Don't worry, I've got all the basics covered.

So any other suggestions for $1000 for 2 fronts and a center?

 

[jostenmeat]

A lot of choices.

Too bad Saturday Audio is almost all sold out of their Monitor Audio Silver series.

How about PSB T-45 towers for $499 from them

Center channel, "blemished", matching larger PSB C60 from DMC electronics for $299.

Extra $200 towards whatever else you like. Anyways, good products for $800 total. I think these speakers are very good for HT. I might lean towards MA for music.

I've seen and formerly owned blemished PSBs. I honestly didn't see any blemish with any of the set of four I previously owned. However, the dealer will tell you if he can spot it or not. Just ask.

 

[whubbard]

well I can't really have towers with my setup (unfortunietly)

what about building speakers? will I get more bang for the buck?

 

[jostenmeat]

well I can't really have towers with my setup (unfortunietly)

Well, I wish you had stated that originally. Saves time for both me and you.

what about building speakers? will I get more bang for the buck?

Surely! Assuming you have a clue, which I would not.