help to choose 5.1 speakers or explain the difference ($4000 budget)

[Dmitry]

Hello everyone, I have a problem that most inexperience buyers of speaker facing, how to choose the best set of speakers to fit ones budget.

I always loved good quality sound (using headphones), but never own speakers that worth more than 500$, and for the first time in my live I have a budget of about $4000 USD to spend just on speakers(not including av or amp), this is for leaving room size 16'x27'x9, mainly for purpose of leasing to music and occasional movie sessions.

I leave in a small town in Canada and I can't get proper testing of favourite speakers, however I can order them online, so I have to heavily rely on people suggestions and reviews.

After week or research and many hours of reading I learned a lot, specifically: many more ways to characterize and differentiate speakers, which actually broader the choice.

The main problem I am having is the fact that most reviewed and rated speakers are from US "small companies"( i use word small to describe the fact that it is not sold in Canadian retail stores) for example Aperion Audio etc, my concern is warranty as if anything happen i would have to spend hundreds of dollars on shipping costs.

So I prefer to purchase Canadian brand speakers, but there usually have 1 -2 reviews for each speaker which makes it not very reliable in my opinion.
Some well known Canadian brands are:
Axiom Audio
Paradigm
Bryston

I will be open to any other good suggestions on brand and combinations.

My focus is on heart of good surround system, front speakers.
I am not a volume maniak, I dont listen to music too loud, means that I would be well satisfied with good quality bookshelf speakers as my front with combination of good sub.

The problem with that is cost of many bookshelf speakers being over $1000, often reaching or exceeding price of tower speaker of my choice.

so discussions like
Axiom Audio m80 towers ($1500 pair) vs
Bryston Mini T Bookshelf about ($2200 pair) vs
bryston A2 towers about ($2100 pair)vs
bryston Mini A Bookshelf for only $1000 pair)
blows my mind and made me delay my purches for quite awhile now.
Specks of the listed speakers are very similar on paper (except watts) but price difference is huge, small speakers more expensive than towers, should i get cheaper tower or more expensive bookshvels since I need subwoofer any way.

I have no space constrains, i need 5.1 system in budget of $4000 USD(does not include av or amp),
Any help would be much appreciated, as i know there are people who have gone through the same choices!

as I said I prefer Canadian company but would choose any other company if the value for dollar much greater.

Thanks for reading and sorry for grammar mistakes, english is not my first language.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

I think Paradigm is well liked from those names you list. I believe SVS also sells to Canada? Can you go to some local place to liste those speakers you list?

 

[prk504]

I think you should consider the Aperion verus grand speakers


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[Dmitry]

I think Paradigm is well liked from those names you list. I believe SVS also sells to Canada? Can you go to some local place to liste those speakers you list?

Unfortunately I have bestbuy which has pioneers speakers set up and i have another local shop that have very limited choice for testing.
SVS best speakers (ultra) rated as 4 star for value in many reviews.
And i am really looking for 5 star !

I think you should consider the Aperion verus grand speakers


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I considered this option:
x2 Verus II towers black $2318
x1 Verus II center black $649
x1 Intimus 5B bookshelves $449
x1 Bravus 12D sub black $899
$4315 grand total+ shipping (300-400$), goes over my budget , unless somebody tell me that this is so much better than $4000 speaker , i will pass

Also I just realized that my room 25x25x9, because before I didnt include kitchen size (it is open concept room), from my understanding I cant use bookshelves speakers as it will be not enough for such room.

 

[prk504]

These are really good speakers which offer free shipping both ways for an in home trial. Worth checking out.


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[Dmitry]

These are really good speakers which offer free shipping both ways for an in home trial. Worth checking out.


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As I mentioned before, unfortunatly I am in Canada, and they dont ship to Canada for free I asked them already.

For now my main candidates are Axiom 5.1 surround system based on M80 v4 towers:
M80 v4
VP180 center peace
M22 surround speaker
EP800 for Sub

Please criticize this choice so I have better understanding.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

For speakers room size is not that big problem when you have sub. You need just more powerful sub to fill whole space.

 

[shadyJ]

As I mentioned before, unfortunatly I am in Canada, and they dont ship to Canada for free I asked them already.

For now my main candidates are Axiom 5.1 surround system based on M80 v4 towers:
M80 v4
VP180 center peace
M22 surround speaker
EP800 for Sub

Please criticize this choice so I have better understanding.

That center speaker is a design nightmare. Do whatever you can to get something better.

 

[Dmitry]

Ok will consider different center no problem, however I am really focused on quality of the sound over speaker's design.

 

[shadyJ]

Lol, the quality of the sound stems DIRECTLY from the speakers design, it is its chief determinant. What I am saying is that the Axoim center promises poor sound quality due to its design.

 

[Dr. Bob]

Paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm

 

[Dmitry]

I made up my mind, but for some reason I can't post my conclusion and choice here, it says considered us spam!!! Seriously

 

[Dmitry]

Paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm paradigm

There are multiple threads comparing paradigm Monitors 11 vs axiom M80.
Everybody says axiom over perform Paradigm by much, some even say they should not be compared in the same category! So I passed on idea of getting Paradigm speakers

 

[Dr. Bob]

With your budget you could get the Signature series bookshelf speakers - they have a pure beryllium tweeter that's just amazing - IMO, of course. I haven't heard the Axioms, so I can't compare. If you've already made your choice it's all moot anyway.

I do think the "best" speaker is a very personal thing - I listened to the KEF LS50s after reading rave reviews (Stereophile gave them their highest rating - usually reserved for speakers costing $5000 and up). I went back two more times just to be sure - I just didn't like them. I think the Paradigms are the best speakers I've ever heard - in my admittedly limited experience.

 

[Grey Goose]

This doesn't appear to be as much a quality discussion as it is a value/performance discussion. I have never heard any of these speakers or worked with either company. However, since you've set the parameters for your decision then it becomes a value vs cost conversation.

In my opinion I would go with the Aperion Audio system for two big reasons:
1) They have a generous risk free 60 day return policy.
2) They have a 5.1 bundle that fits under your budget at $3795.

The only down side is their sub $4000 system are the Versus and not the Versus IIs. The sub is also their 10" sub and not their 12" sub. If you call them I'm sure they will work with you and your budget.

The Axiom system looks good but it will cost you $1488 over budget and an additional $225 to return the system if it doesn't work out. You also only have a 30 day return policy where Aperion has a 60 day return policy. If you have the extra cash then you may be able to get your five star performance out of the Aperion system using better gear and focusing on your room acoustics. Not to say the Aperion don't offer 5 star performance.

Also ask each manufacture if their warranties cover shipping. Aperion boasts a 10 year warranty but where can you get them serviced and how much will it cost you should figure into your decision.

I hope this helps a little bit.

 

[agarwalro]

The problem with that is cost of many bookshelf speakers being over $1000, often reaching or exceeding price of tower speaker of my choice.

I would expect a bookshelf speaker will have better drivers, crossover components, etc. if costing as much as a tower speaker.

Look at Ascend Acoustics, Salk Sound and Philharmonic Audio for best bang for buck. Shipping will be a hassle though.

Looking on Amazon.CA I found these,

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B003M3LGV4/
http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B004LACSJQ/

 

[Don G.]

For $4,000 you could buy 5 KEF LS50's and have one of the best sounding 5.1 systems on the planet assuming you can add a sub later. Those are some really nice speakers that get great reviews everywhere.

 

[prk504]

What do you think the difference is in the Salk song and the philharmonic slims is?


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