Help with Speaker Purchase - **PLEASE**

[vdefrancjr]

Greetings all. Let me first say i am a bit new to all of this while still being (somewhat) up on things. My old system (go ahead and laugh) Sony receiver which just died after 11 years, Pioneer 3-way mains, and klh surrounds. HEY! this was my highschool/college budget system

Anywho ..... I have research my *** off and have narrowed it down. This is what i am looking to do:

Have a real 5.1 speaker package for movie's/TV. Music type is rock, country and dance. For the receiver (based on my research and needs) i will be getting the Yamaha RX-V2500. I am not looking for low-end or ultra-high-end gear, more middle range. I know for the mains i would like floor-standing models as they have a better sound and freq coverage.

Speakers i am considering are as follows: (budget $1000~$2000). From what i have learned a Mid-range speaker package runs about $1k~1.5k. However if there was a package that got upto $2k i would consider spending that. This list is ordered (in what i **think**) is quality/cost.

Paradigms
Canton
Def tech (model BP7006 - build in subs in each) $1899
Infinity (tied for quality/price)
Polk (tied for quality/price)
Athenas

I have listened to all of the above execpt the Paradigms & Cantons. Sorry i don't have model numbers on me at time of this writting, but will include them once i get back home. The issue I have with Listening to them is each store has different accoustics and different amps powering them. Besides that - i just don't remember the sound from one speaker-package to another - after a day of store hopping. I know i loved Klipsch, but ruled them out after hearing them - the highs where just to sharp and the mids/bass were just not there (for me!). Would love something that i can hear all the different sounds, clarity, yet have punch. Did i mention i need bass too? Looking at 10 or 12 in sub with at least 300watt.

You help, pro's con's (on the above), or perhaps a brand i may have over-looked would be of great help.

Thank You

 

[MacManNM]

Your receiver choice is outstanding. I love mine.

As far as speakers, take a look into the BIC Venturi line of speakers. They sound great, and are a real steal. The only bad thing about them is that it's hard to get a demo. I bought my center without hearing it, and I wasnt in the least bit disapointed. Depending on your needs you can put together a really great BIC system for about $600. Then go and grab one of those killer SVS subs. The other thing is they come with a 7 year parts and labor guarantee. I dont think anyone else does that.

By the way you can listen to them in the store and not get too much info acoustic memory isn't very long, (about a min or two), and room acoustics differ so much. That Yam has a ton of control, so you will be able to taylor the sound to your pref.

John

 

[jaxvon]

You might also look into Axiom, B&W, and PSB. For subs, the usual suspects: Hsu, Outlaw, SVS, Adire (spelling?).

 

[zumbo]

Soundcity has a crazy deal on PSB. It looks to be the best speaker deal at the moment.

 

[vdefrancjr]

Hmmm, the PSB image4T looks alot like the Infinity Primus 360's i looked at. I have heard the 360's and liked what i heard. Since i cannot find anyone locale who carries the PSB, can someone tell me how the 2 compare?

I liked the Infinity's not only for the dual drivers, but also it's mid driver.

As a follow-up, as stated above the Infinity's are the 360's, the polk's are the monitor 70's. The Canton's are the LE-109 (mains) as-40sc (sub) Le-101 (rear) and Le-105cm (center).

As a follow-up to the sub, it appears that the SVS are well-thought-of here. Better than the Klipsch rw12 or the Infinity sw12?

 

[Takeereasy]

I am totally behind Zumbo on the PSB idea. He's right about sound city having a killer deal on right now, but try to find a local dealer to comparison shop or at least listen to them before you buy if possible. Here is the PSB system I would buy from them if I had $2000 to spend. (yes, I know thats the max of your budget, but it may be worth it) First off go with the Image 6Ts as opposed to the 4Ts. The 4 t's are very nice little speakers that would get eaten alive by the 6Ts. I've heard them both, and in my opinion they are not in the same league. Sure the 4Ts are nice and detailed, and pretty punchy for little guys, but the 6T's are just plain better. For your rears go with 2Bs, I use these for fronts and rears both in my system. They are fantastic little bookshelves. Ok, not so little, but still great, and at this price pretty darn untouchable. If you have the space go with the 9C center. It is pretty darn big though, and weighs about 30 lbs if memory serves. I have the 8C and it weighs about 22 lbs even though it is smaller. For subs I would suggest, based on this site solely the SVS PB-12, or the HSU VTF-3. I have seen the VTF-3 in action and would not hesitate to suggest it. It's pretty big, but that PB-12 is a monster! I saw a picture of it on this site and it looks like it is getting ready to eat a sunfire cube subwoofer. It really does stand about 2/3 as tall as the tower speakers it is next to. If you went with my speaker suggestions and the SVS sub your total would be $1,997.00 Including shipping. If you went the HSU route it would come to $2082 including shipping. I think that this system represents the best value you are going to get new for $2000.00.

I really like Paradigm speakers as well as Athenas, I've always wanted to hear Def-techs but haven't had a chance. I don't think you can put together an HT system from Paradigm that would include floorstanders and one of the subs I suggest below for under $2000.00, but I may be wrong, so look around for yousrelf. Athenas are a really good low cost speaker, and you could put together a set of floor standers and bookshelfs and a center for well under your budget. I would go this route before the Infinity and Polk options. I think that both Polk and Infinty do put out products better than Athenas models, but not for anywhere near your price point. I'm not a big infinity fan, especially their Primus line. I think Infinity makes some nice stuff, just not untill you get past their Primus and Beta lines, and then it is way over-priced. Even more so up here in Canada. The 4Ts are much better speakers construction and component wise than the Infinitys are. If you have to choose between these Polk and Infinity models, I think the Polks would be the way to go.

Alternatively to cut down on the system cost here is another good PSB system. A pair of 5Ts, a pair of 2B's, And an 8C. Those along with either the SVS PB-12, or Hsu STF-3 will run you $1648.00 including all your shipping.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[vdefrancjr]

Takeereasy, thank you so very much for such a detailed post. One question though, in looking at the svs sub, am i correct to assume it can only be purchased direct through svs's website? I have never seen them anywhere else (or heard of them) till i found this wonderful board?

Of course there are TONS of brand names i have not heard of, but in looking at soundcity i also like the Monitor AudioBronze B4's. Any thoughts on this veruses the PSB Image 6T's?

Going to see if i can find local places to listen to both!

 

[zumbo]

I agree with Takeereasy 100%. The 6T's for sure. And, if you needed a smaller center, you could go with the Alpha C, or Image 8C.

The Monitor Audio speakers are fantastic. But, they are a retail sale only. No net dealers that I know of. You could check for local dealers.

OOPS! I was looking at the 5T's

 

[Takeereasy]

I'm pretty sure that you can only order The SVS subs direct from them, but check with them directly. They have a customer service department that will get back to you almost immediatly, or you can even call them. Their webpage is svsubwoofers.com, you can get the contact info there. Same deal with HSU. Their webpage is hsuresearch.com. Check out both sites for reviews and stats for the subs, and to look at models I didn't mention. There are people on this board who are fanatical about which is better, but everyone seems to agree that they are great subs. I've only heard the HSU, and if the SVS is close to it in performance (I'm certain it is) then you will not be dissapointed either way. Seriously though, these subs are frigging huge. They don't take up the same small space as a sub you're going to see at Best Buy or Circut City. Think 2 or 3 times bigger in every dimension, and a minimum of 75 lbs, unpacked, and even more shipped. Make sure you have the room.

I really, really like Monitor Audio. You can not order their stuff online through any authorized dealer I know of. Some guys on this site might know, but I don't. If you look at the ad on sound city you'll see that they are retail sales only. My local dealer sells both Paradigm and Monitor Audio, and occasionally PSB. I've heard all 3, but never all at once. The Bronze B4 would be a contendor for the 5T to be fair to it, i don't think it would stand up to well to the 6T. These are supposed to be very differntly priced speakers. THe PSB 6T is on sale because it has been replaced by the T65. Originally the 6T was a $1000.00 pair of speakers, the Bronze B4 is a $700 speaker with one less driver. The 6T is a 3way speaker. One big thing to note here is your personal taste. You may think that the monitors sound better than the PSBs. That is very possible, both are great brands. The Monitors look better than the PSBs in my opinion. I think that the tweeters on all Monitor products are downright sexy, and to put the grills on them is a shame. But if you take a monitor B4, and put it in front of a 6T, Close your eyes and listen to them, I'd take the PSB, same deal for the PSB 5T over the B4 in fact. You on the other hand could be standing right next to me and be blown away by the Monitor Audios. Does that make you wrong? Well as much as I tend to believe that anyone who disagrees with me is wrong in all circumstances, always, regardless of how right they are, no, you'd be right too. As long as you buy quality speakers that sound good to you then you are doing the right thing. I would stay away from the entry level Infinitys and Polks, but keep all you options open. I am always so jealous of guys going out and buying a system. Just do the following and you'll be OK- Audition-as much as you can and when possible directly compare speakers you are considering, Comparison Shop- You can save a bundle this way, dont be shy to tell a dealer you've got someone who will beat his price, these guys do have a healthy profit margin to play with, Demo the speakers will sound different when you get them home, some dealers will let you demo for a week, especially if you are buying a whole system, Enjoy-what you're buying should provide years of fun, don't second guess purchases, you'll drive yourself nuts.

Have fun with it all.

 

[zumbo]

Actually, the 6T's are 2&1/2 way. But, there are three active drivers.

OOPS! I was looking at the 5T's. That is the model I would choose.

 

[Takeereasy]

touche, one of the 6.5" drives is a dedicated mid though, the other two are crossed to handle bass. These speakers really do rock. All that keeps me from buying them is space, money, and a girlfriend who seems to be getting tired of me getting lost in the electronics section of wherever we go.

I would also love to buy some monitor audio bronze B2s. I've heard them with a nad stereo amp and CD player and I was pretty floored. Oh well one day. I also am interested in these MB Quartz you were talking about, but no one local carries them.... Maybe my next trip out to Toronto I'll look into it some more. Thanks for the correction about the 6Ts though.

 

[zumbo]

You may find this helpul. Don't know if any are home audio dealers.
Look here.

 

[Takeereasy]

Thanks for the post. It's worse than I thought , the closest guy is about 1.5 hrs away from me. The good news is my company has a guy that contracts us every three months or so in that city. I'll tag along the next time we go out and give these guys a listen.

 

[vdefrancjr]

Found both PSB and Monitor Audio dealers local and will be going (hopefully today) for listing. I have to admit the T6's seem to really stand out from what i have read, though your right that the Monitor Audio's are nicer to look at. PSB's new line looks better than just the all-black T6's.

I really am having a difficult time with this whole thing. Part of me wants to spend the money and the other part doesn't. I mean $2k is a LOT of money (for me) to spend on speakers. But taken care of these should last and be enjoyed by many (for many many years). Part of me was thinking about the infinity's or bose or some main-stream speaker system for around $1000 or even going with the Athenans for even less. I am wondering if I am going to notice a differece seeing that i LOVE music and sound, yet couldn't tell you anything about music, sound, etc. It really is a challenge and a learning experience. All-be-it good, part of me wants to get a cheaper pair of mains, center, and surrounds and get a great sub. But the more i think about it - the more confused it get!

For the price, the T6's may be the way to go - from a price point (I'll know from a sound point once i hear them). The other thing that is hard for me is my current speakers (Pioneer's with that great paper cone) have 12in drivers. I turn up the volume and the house rocks. You don't get that in these new types of speakers. Granted that is what a great sub is for and of course i know from what listening i have done, the audio clarity is non-exsistant in my current pair as well.

Is it fair to say that the SVS would blow away a klipsch RW12?? I have heard the Klipsch and they really rock. I have a hard time with the SVS because i cannot hear it, but the reviews seem to be highly regarded and from there site, i see i have a 45-day period where i can return them for a full refund. The warrenty seems to be one of the best as well.

 

[zumbo]

After you audition, PLEASE, PLEASE come back and infrom of your personal opinion. All will appreciate.

 

[Takeereasy]

I know what you mean. I start tearing up every time I have to open the pocket book. $2000.00 is a lot of money for most people, myself included. I had to build my system piece by piece because I couldn't afford the one big outlay of cash. Also I started out buying all wrong. I bought a nice little HTIB from JBL for $600, becuase heck, it sounded almost as good as that BOSE system right next to it that was $1200. Sure everybody knew that BOSE was the best, just ask the salesman and he'll tell ya, but for $600 what could beat it. Turns out alot can, and how I wish I had that money back. I think you're doing the right thing making an investment that can last, like you said, many, many, many years. Look at the resale value of infinity and JBL. You are lucky to get 60% of what you paid a year later. Now look at the resale for the brands you are going to audition. Usually about 75% years later. There is a reason for that.

One think to make note of regarding high quality subs. I don't have one myself so this is very obvious to me when I hear other's subs. If you are used to a cheaper sub, and you turn on one of the subs in question you will feel like you are missing something, that something is distortion.

You get used to it quickly, trust me. There is nothing wrong with the klipsch sub you mentioned. The SVS has better stats, and is bigger, and is the better of the subs based on reviews and reputations, but I havn't heard either. It seems based on reviews I read that alot of Klipsch purchasers were upgrading, to either HSU or SVS, Man those two sub companies get around. While you are out at the dealers see what subs they have to offer. Paradigm and PSB make some real kick but subs too. I have heard these subs so I feel safe suggesting them.

Have fun auditioning speakers today, but please don't decide on a brand of speakers or a sub because I or anyone else suggests them. I'm a self confessed PSB pimp, I push these things on everyone meaning well. These speakers are showing up in friends HTs and I even picked them out along with an HSU sub for my girlfriend's dad, he loves them by the way. I am glad if I helped at all though, and make sure to post back with your decision.

 

[zumbo]

I was looking at the 5T's. That is the 2 & 1/2 way. My bad.

Anyway, that is the model I would buy.

 

[vdefrancjr]

Ok folks listened to the the Polk RTi series today along with the PSB Image T45,55, & 65's. Also found a new brand (Jamo).

Reivew of the PSB Image series. I honestly was not all that impressed. They didn't have the T6's (older modle that i was hoping to listen to). The Image T55 was ok, i thought that the mids where missed and the highs where not all that clear Compaired to the Jamo). Stepping up to the T65 solved that problem. Those speakers rocked, but where very large in size (not that it mattered to me) but sounded very nice. A bit out of my price range at $1099 per speaker. That is why i was hoping to find the T6's (last years model).

That said, the same dealer carried Jamo. I listened to E850's and the E 680's. The 680's had very good bass and mid's along with highs. Compared to the PSB i had to go with these. Surprisingly these puppies are only $249 per speaker compaired to about $449 for the PSB T55's (and also are very pleasing to look at. The 850's also sound great, but where $449/speaker.

After that i went to listen to the Polk RTi10's compared to the Infinity 360's. again (a 2nd time around) i released the RTi10's won hands down to the Infinity. They had clear, crisp hights and ok bass, I thought the Infinity had better bass. I find it hard to believe that at this price point i cannot seem to find both in one speaker. Thus far the Jamo comes the closest.

The dealer which had the PSB and Yamo (also worked for another company that carried the infinity and polk). He indicated that the E680's were in the same class as the Polk RTi series. I'd have to agree from what i can tell. Just wish i could listen to both side-by-side.

I think I will definatly go with the SVS sub. I read a post where someone said there marketing person did a great job, and i would have to agree. Reading their website, was much like reading a short story, i couldn't wait to get to the next line.

Tomorrow i go to listen to the Monitor Audio Bronze B4 and will post hwat i find.

 

[zumbo]

Cool. I feel the same way about Infinity & Polk. I like Polk upper mids & tweets. I like Infinity mid-bass. So, I would choose Polk because of the upper end.
Hate you didn't like the PSB's, I figured they were a killer deal.
I bet you will choose the Monitor audio. They are clean with a nice low end and better than most tweets. The midrange lacks a little clarity to me. I think it's the metal drivers.

 

[Tex-amp]

If you're not afraid of the consumer direct sales model check out Ascend Acoustics.