Help with Speaker Selection

[gutray]

Hi all,

I stumbled across the site while searching for speaker recommendations for a 7.1 setup.

Currently I have a Pioneer VSX-1017TXV Reciever so I'm looking at 120 wats per channel. I am using Audiophile (yeah I know white van specials, but they dont sound half bad) towers fro the fronts, and then a Kenwood 5.1 system for my sides, rear, center, and sub.

I am looking to spend $2000-$3000 upgrading my speakers to something that will work great for hi def movies and gaming and last me until I can afford a much higher end system. Any one got some ideas of what could work given the reciever and my budget?

Thanks in advance.

 

[adwilk]

Welcome to the forum...

When spending that kind of coin, why wouldn't you at least get out and listen to something for at least a point of reference.. you're likely to get 487 different answers here. That said... There are several internet direct options that could be suggested.

I would easily suggest an SVS MTS setup here

I also like This setup

Those are both 5.1 but you could add speakers or whatever

 

[jamie2112]

I am a firm believer in www.audiogon.com for used but as new speaker buying myself. There is just no need for me to buy new anymore after some of the deals I and people I know have gotten off audiogon...for that amount there are endless choices really. Best of luck to you.

 

[forkbeard]

Here's one of the 487

If I were starting from scratch, looking in that price range, and wanted a one-stop shop, I'd be tempted by

http://http://www.axiomaudio.com/epic60_500.html

 

[fredk]

That last option is tempting isn't it?

Start by listening to some speakers in and one step above your price range to get some idea of what you like. See if you have a couple of specialty shops in your area that carry multiple brands.

Do a search here on auditioning to get an idea of how to go about the process.

Then come back here with some names to look at other alternatives that might be similar to what you liked.

 

[griffinconst]

This is all good advice. I was where you were 8 months ago. Didn't quite have your budget but the same rules apply.
Take a handful of cd's that you know very well and go audition many speakers in your price range. Make sure the shop uses a mid level receiver with similar power to yours. Better amps and such will make speakers sound better than they will with your setup.
After I started this proccess I found it very enjoyable. The drawback is, the sales guy always plays you something above your budget that sound great and then you just can't settle for the cheaper stuff.
I always wanted the guys to name a few names intead of what I just told you, so....LIsten to everything you can but I might suggest- Paradigm, B&W, PSB, Quad, Wharfedale, and Focal. That should give you a bit to chew on.
There's lots of good "online only" brands as well.
Keep us informed and good luck.

 

[fast1]

do you have any systems you have in mind? i think saving your money for the system you want would be better then getting an intermediate one at the moment

 

[CraigV]

If I may be so bold:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54874&highlight=speaker+shopping

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54883&highlight=approach