Looking for a new 7.0 Setup and considering Aperion Audio?

[somesnapper]

Hi All - I'm looking to buy a new 7.0 (incl height channels) setup. I'd like to go with a good sized Center and surrounds, and "Larger" Towers for 2 chan music. I cant have a sub so that's out of the question. My space is only 20x15, but the viewing area is 12x15. 75% movies, 25% music.

While looking at Towers - At face value it looks like Aperion Audio Verus Grand Towers lead the pack in terms of overall value. The customer service/sound quality/build quality/appearance exceed or are on par with speakers that cost 50%-100% more. Professional reviewers are also raving!

List of speakers that I researched (Thanks to these forums):

Paradigm Studio 100 v5 Studio 100 - $3000
GoldenEar Triton Two $2500
Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Definitive Technology Mythos STS $3000
Bowers & Wilkins CM9 - $3000
Aperion Verus Grand Tower - $1800
Energy Veritas V 6.3 $3000
Martin Logan Motion 12 $1200
Dali Ikon 7 MK2 $2700
Totem Acoustic Forest $3000
Totem Acoustic Hawk $2300
Focal Chorus 836V $3000
Boston Acoustics VS336 $3400
JBL LSR6332 $3100
Nola Contender $3400
Dynaudio Excite X32 $3000
Dynaudio Focus 220 mk2 $3600
Triangle Genese Quartet $3100
PSB Synchrony Two $3500

Am I on the right or wrong track here? What other brands should I look at? Please tell me like it is. PM if its harsh. Thank you!

 

[mazersteven]

Paradigm Studio 100 v5 Studio 100 - $3000
GoldenEar Triton Two $2500
Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Definitive Technology Mythos STS $3000
Bowers & Wilkins CM9 - $3000
Aperion Verus Grand Tower - $1800
Energy Veritas V 6.3 $3000
Martin Logan Motion 12 $1200
Dali Ikon 7 MK2 $2700
Totem Acoustic Forest $3000
Totem Acoustic Hawk $2300
Focal Chorus 836V $3000
Boston Acoustics VS336 $3400
JBL LSR6332 $3100
Nola Contender $3400
Dynaudio Excite X32 $3000
Dynaudio Focus 220 mk2 $3600
Triangle Genese Quartet $3100
PSB Synchrony Two $3500

What other brands should I look at? Please tell me like it is.

Stop looking and "Start Listening" Take your time and audition as many as you can. Bring your own music, and take notes. Hard to audition internet direct speakers, but sometimes if you find a member that lives in your area or sometimes there are forum member GTG's you can attend.

 

[GranteedEV]

Paradigm Studio 100 v5 Studio 100 - $3000
GoldenEar Triton Two $2500
Definitive Technology Mythos STS $3000
Bowers & Wilkins CM9 - $3000
Aperion Verus Grand Tower - $1800
Martin Logan Motion 12 $1200
Dali Ikon 7 MK2 $2700
Totem Acoustic Forest $3000
Totem Acoustic Hawk $2300
Focal Chorus 836V $3000
Boston Acoustics VS336 $3400
Nola Contender $3400
Dynaudio Excite X32 $3000
Dynaudio Focus 220 mk2 $3600
Triangle Genese Quartet $3100

I would start by removing these from the list

 

[mazersteven]

I would start by removing these from the list

So you left these JBL LSR6332 on the list but took off the Paradigm Studio 100 v5

 

[slipperybidness]

Paradigm Studio 100 v5 Studio 100 - $3000
GoldenEar Triton Two $2500
Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Aperion Verus Grand Tower - $1800
Energy Veritas V 6.3 $3000
Martin Logan Motion 12 $1200
Focal Chorus 836V $3000

From your original list, I would be looking at these only, personally. If you want Def Tech, check out the bipolar supertowers (8080ST) and skip out on the mythos line (it is all form factor that sells those).

I would also add the Philharmonics and the EMP Teks to my short list.

 

[somesnapper]

I would start by removing these from the list

That leaves:

Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Bowers & Wilkins CM9 - $3000
Energy Veritas V 6.3 $3000
PSB Synchrony Two $3500

 

[Nuance AH]

I would also add the Philharmonics and the EMP Teks to my short list.

This is great advice.

That leaves:

Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Bowers & Wilkins CM9 - $3000
Energy Veritas V 6.3 $3000
PSB Synchrony Two $3500

I'd take those B&W's right off that list

So this would be my list:

Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Aperion Verus Grand Tower - $1800
Totem Acoustic Forest $3000
Totem Acoustic Hawk $2300
Focal Chorus 836V $3000
JBL LSR6332 $3100
Dynaudio Focus 220 mk2 $3600
PSB Synchrony Two $3500
EMP
Philharmonic 2

 

[GranteedEV]

That leaves:

Salk Sound SongTower $1900 (+$700 for ribbon tweeter)
Bowers & Wilkins CM9 - $3000
Energy Veritas V 6.3 $3000
PSB Synchrony Two $3500

You need to read that again. The CM9s are on the list

 

[GranteedEV]

So you left these JBL LSR6332 on the list but took off the Paradigm Studio 100 v5

Yes, I did. Why the eye roll?

 

[Nuance AH]

You need to read that again. The CM9s are on the list

Haha, indeed. Take them off fast!

 

[somesnapper]

This is great. Thank you guys. I will dig in deeper!

 

[cschang]

Add the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower.

 

[somesnapper]

Ah yes. Thank you.

Please also note that these will integrate with a home theater, so naturally I'm looking for companies that make a decent center as well (not only towers).

 

[cschang]

Ah yes. Thank you.

Please also note that these will integrate with a home theater, so naturally I'm looking for companies that make a decent center as well (not only towers).

The matching center for the Sierra Tower, called the Sierra Tower Center (nickname Horizon), is a monster...same driver compliment as in the Tower.

 

[somesnapper]

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=AD&Product_Code=SRTC1

The site has no information - Odd!?

 

[cschang]

Sierra Tower center: Ascend Direct

The site has no information - Odd!?

No actual product page for the center yet....'

Most of the info is in the forum...
Sierra Horizon (Sierra Tower Center) - Ascend Acoustics Community
The Tower Discussion Thread! - Ascend Acoustics Community

There is also information on AVS as well...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1290568

 

[Nuance AH]

Add the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower.

Doh - forgot about that. Definitely add that one, and the monster center channel to match.

 

[mazersteven]

I would also add the Polk Audio LSi25.

 

[ack_bak]

No sub.. I would really rethink that if you can based on your listening habits. That really changes things. What about using a sub as an end table?

Without subs, I would probably put the Goldenear and Deftechs towards the top of the list.

And add the JTR Super 8's.

JTR Speakers |  Triple 8HT

 

[somesnapper]

I plan on getting Sub's in the future, its just right now I live in an apartment with an adjacent neighbor in the living room. Old wood floors = Vibrations. So it means that a tower that goes down to 35-40hz should be sufficient for now. When I move, I will definitely get a sub.