Meaningful upgrade from SVS Prime tower

K

KurantAK

Audioholic Intern
Had my SVS Prime towers and surrounds going on 5 years now. In 5 years the room as come a long way - from Denon to Anthem AVM70, from AV power to separate amps, (XPA-9 and I recently bought a used Parasound A31+) and from PB1000's to 18" GSG BTS subs powered by Crown amps. Room is 19x25, dedicated room. Currently using Focal in ceiling. (These were already in the room when we bought the house)

Only thing that hasn't changed, is the base layer. I've enjoyed these speakers very much but am interested in trying something new. SVS was my first dive in, and ultimately ended up hooked. I';d like to do something new that isn't crazy in price,. I'd like to do the front stage first, for under $4000. Not sure if that price range allows for an "upgrade" that is meaningful, but with all the options available, hopefully I can find something.

I've heard the following:

Polk R700. L400 Center. (My #1 consideration at this point.)
Arendal 1723 Monitors.
Ascend Audio Sierra Pair and Horizon center. (I have heard these in a room, and really enjoyed them. #2 option for me.)
Also considered trying to find a set of used DIYSG 1099's for the front stage.
KEF Q950 (available locally. Have demo'd in a theater room, enjoyed them.)

SVS options are also available locally. Although, I don't think I'd go that route. But can get pretty much anything SVS here and demo lots of it.

Shipping is also a big concern as it's expensive to get stuff here, Crutchfield ships here for free.

Any input would be great.
 
H

head_unit

Junior Audioholic
SVS options are also available locally. Although, I don't think I'd go that route.
You seem pretty happy after 5 years, so why NOT these?
https://www.svsound.com/products/ultra-evolution-tower
Speakers vary SO much, if you're pretty happy, those are the next step. Now there are a lot of options at that price; I'd be interested to try Monitor Audio*...
wait, what the heck center and surrounds are you running now? You have 3 towers up front? The Focal in-ceiling are Atmos heights?
...this sale may be over but JBL HDI is another interesting stuff
https://www.avsforum.com/threads/jbl-hdi-series-on-sale.3305674/

*their previous Silver 300s are the only non-horn speaker I've ever heard that could really crank hard rock and heavy metal cleanly (excepting some crazy expensive ginormous things)
 
S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
Had my SVS Prime towers and surrounds going on 5 years now. In 5 years the room as come a long way - from Denon to Anthem AVM70, from AV power to separate amps, (XPA-9 and I recently bought a used Parasound A31+) and from PB1000's to 18" GSG BTS subs powered by Crown amps. Room is 19x25, dedicated room. Currently using Focal in ceiling. (These were already in the room when we bought the house)

Only thing that hasn't changed, is the base layer. I've enjoyed these speakers very much but am interested in trying something new. SVS was my first dive in, and ultimately ended up hooked. I';d like to do something new that isn't crazy in price,. I'd like to do the front stage first, for under $4000. Not sure if that price range allows for an "upgrade" that is meaningful, but with all the options available, hopefully I can find something.

I've heard the following:

Polk R700. L400 Center. (My #1 consideration at this point.)
Arendal 1723 Monitors.
Ascend Audio Sierra Pair and Horizon center. (I have heard these in a room, and really enjoyed them. #2 option for me.)
Also considered trying to find a set of used DIYSG 1099's for the front stage.
KEF Q950 (available locally. Have demo'd in a theater room, enjoyed them.)

SVS options are also available locally. Although, I don't think I'd go that route. But can get pretty much anything SVS here and demo lots of it.

Shipping is also a big concern as it's expensive to get stuff here, Crutchfield ships here for free.

Any input would be great.
The Polk option is solid, very good speaker set. The Arendals are similarly excellent, although read the Audioholics review on optimal placement and positioning. They will have a very wide dynamic range. I haven't heard the Ascend speakers, but they look very good. DIYSG 1099s, no way I would go with those unless they toned down the high end. Those were very bright speakers on the occassions I have heard them. Definitely not my cup of tea. SVS's new Ultra Evolution speakers are good, but the pair I heard were on the warm side. That doesn't bother me, but it might not be for everyone.
 
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