Home theater decision

[raj_skumar]

Hello all, I am a new member. Find these forums really informative. I have been auditioning speakers for music/HT and have come up with options (all in the same price range):

KEF: iQ1 surrounds, iQ7s fronts, iQ2 or 6 (can't really decide)center and PSW 3500 sub

Klipsch RB-61 home theater: RS 42 surr, RB61 fronts, RC52C center and RW 10d sub

B&W 685 theater: 686 surr, 685 fronts, HTM62 center, ASW608 sub

The KEF iQ7s sound really good for music, but I have noticed that the dealer keeps pushing up the volume. B&Ws sound different in the sense that they are almost holding back something. Klipsch sounds good, but I would think about the Klipschs if I decide to rule out the B&Ws and KEFs. Any suggestions, friends? The KEFs had been paired with a NAD that outputs 100W per channel (out of my budget, with the wife actually!) and the guy suggested that a lower end NAD with 50W per channel should still drive the KEFs well. I am concerned. The B&Ws were running on Arcam (again out of budget), so I need an alernative to these 2. How would a mid priced Denon, Onkyo or Marantz pair with the B&W or KEF. The Klipsch guy says it will run on almost anything! Please advise! My room is about 12 x 20 feet. Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The KEF iQ7s sound really good for music, but I have noticed that the dealer keeps pushing up the volume.

B&Ws sound different in the sense that they are almost holding back something.

Klipsch sounds good, but I would think about the Klipschs if I decide to rule out the B&Ws and KEFs.

B&Ws sound like they are holding back something, huh?

It seems like you like the KEF the best.

If you are concerned about the power, I would get one of these Onkyo 875 (140wpc) for $710 before they run out of stock:

http://www.ecost.com/Detail/Receivers/Onkyo/TXSR875+REF/41704080.aspx

 

[fredk]

but I have noticed that the dealer keeps pushing up the volume.

Are you auditioning all these speakers at the same dealer? Is the dealer pushing up the volume of the kefs compared to the others you are listening to?

 

[jamie2112]

I have heard all 3 of these and my vote would be B&W over KEF and For sure over the Klipsh......IMO I like the B&W sound over most other speakers I have heard but thats just me...

 

[raj_skumar]

Thanks a lot for the advise guys! I live in Singapore and I need to buy all these through the authorised dealers, so I am not going to get any great deals! All three are sold by different dealers, so the same guy is not trying to sell one over the other. What would be the best AVR to pair with KEFs if I decide to go that way? Other than NAD, that is...
Thanks!

 

[jamie2112]

I would get the Yamaha VX-663 for around 450 or so you should be able to pick one up.

 

[3db]

Thanks a lot for the advise guys! I live in Singapore and I need to buy all these through the authorised dealers, so I am not going to get any great deals! All three are sold by different dealers, so the same guy is not trying to sell one over the other. What would be the best AVR to pair with KEFs if I decide to go that way? Other than NAD, that is...
Thanks!

If you have an SPL meter, I strongly suggest taking that with you and reauditioning all of your options again referencing the audition against a an arbitrary level of your choicr. Once chosen this level should be used against all systems. This way, you eliminate the loudest sounds best scenario.