My New $1000 speakers (thats where you come in)

[ZeroAtlas]

I just got a new job. I need to celebrate, so I thought I would buy a descent (i.e. not over the top) sound system.

For the most part, I have everything considered except for the speakers. I dont want to spend over a thousand bucks for the pair so I made a list of the ones some people have been saying are great values.

Aperion Audio - Intimus 5T (love the piano black look, great US company, A+ customer service)

Polk - RTi A7 (wood not vynl finish, reputable company, aesthetically my favorite )

Axiom- m60 (heard that they could be very revealing and my setup isnt great so im weary)

Paradigm monitor 7 (maybe monitor 9)

TSC (the speak company)- TST3 (theyre super inexpensive but can they be contenders at this price point?)

As for music, I mostly listen to Folk, Folk rock (i.e. Bob Dylan, Coner Oberst, Simon Joyner), and an occasional Ray Vaughn and a classical Rachmaninoff piece. Not a Base Head so bottoms are not extremely important. I like natural sound more than anything else.

Connected is the Pro-Ject genie 2 turntable, YAMAHA RX-V665 receiver, and a pre-amp that I need to upgrade (cheap 100 dollar pre-amp)

I have a medium sized living room. Dimensions are not applicable because i will be moving soon so versatility of sonics is appreciated. It will be setup in a medium sized room though.

Any input you Sound Wiz's can give me would be great.
Cheers from San Diego.

 

[Matt34]

I just got a new job. I need to celebrate, so I thought I would buy a descent (i.e. not over the top) sound system.

For the most part, I have everything considered except for the speakers. I dont want to spend over a thousand bucks for the pair so I made a list of the ones some people have been saying are great values.

Aperion Audio - Intimus 5T (love the piano black look, great US company, A+ customer service)

Polk - RTi A7 (wood not vynl finish, reputable company, aesthetically my favorite )

Axiom- m60 (heard that they could be very revealing and my setup isnt great so im weary)

Paradigm monitor 7 (maybe monitor 9)

TSC (the speak company)- TST3 (theyre super inexpensive but can they be contenders at this price point?)

As for music, I mostly listen to Folk, Folk rock (i.e. Bob Dylan, Coner Oberst, Simon Joyner), and an occasional Ray Vaughn and a classical Rachmaninoff piece. Not a Base Head so bottoms are not extremely important. I like natural sound more than anything else.

Connected is the Pro-Ject genie 2 turntable, YAMAHA RX-V665 receiver, and a pre-amp that I need to upgrade (cheap 100 dollar pre-amp)

I have a medium sized living room. Dimensions are not applicable because i will be moving soon so versatility of sonics is appreciated. It will be setup in a medium sized room though.

Any input you Sound Wiz's can give me would be great.
Cheers from San Diego.

I think you maybe better served finding a bookshelf for the under 1K price bracket. The floorstanders I usually recommend start at around 1500. If I wasn't on my mobile I'd link some decent bookselves. Look at B&W, ascend acoustics, Era, and usher.

 

[ack_bak]

I have read many great things about these speaker:
http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html

I would definitely put them on your list if this is mostly for music and you are just looking for a pair.

 

[lsiberian]

I just got a new job. I need to celebrate, so I thought I would buy a descent (i.e. not over the top) sound system.

For the most part, I have everything considered except for the speakers. I dont want to spend over a thousand bucks for the pair so I made a list of the ones some people have been saying are great values.

Aperion Audio - Intimus 5T (love the piano black look, great US company, A+ customer service)

Polk - RTi A7 (wood not vynl finish, reputable company, aesthetically my favorite )

Axiom- m60 (heard that they could be very revealing and my setup isnt great so im weary)

Paradigm monitor 7 (maybe monitor 9)

TSC (the speak company)- TST3 (theyre super inexpensive but can they be contenders at this price point?)

As for music, I mostly listen to Folk, Folk rock (i.e. Bob Dylan, Coner Oberst, Simon Joyner), and an occasional Ray Vaughn and a classical Rachmaninoff piece. Not a Base Head so bottoms are not extremely important. I like natural sound more than anything else.

Connected is the Pro-Ject genie 2 turntable, YAMAHA RX-V665 receiver, and a pre-amp that I need to upgrade (cheap 100 dollar pre-amp)

I have a medium sized living room. Dimensions are not applicable because i will be moving soon so versatility of sonics is appreciated. It will be setup in a medium sized room though.

Any input you Sound Wiz's can give me would be great.
Cheers from San Diego.

(General Finance)
Start an emergency fund immediately and get it to 1000 dollars. Pay of your debts. And then start saving 10 percent of your income at least.

(Audio/Video Budgeting)
After you get your budget and financial situation settled. Take your sweet time.

 

[ZeroAtlas]

I think you maybe better served finding a bookshelf for the under 1K price bracket. The floorstanders I usually recommend start at around 1500. If I wasn't on my mobile I'd link some decent bookshelves. Look at B&W, ascend acoustics, Era, and usher.

thanks Matt I will definitely look into that. The reason I would like floorstanding speakers is because I want to possibly incorporate them with a 5.1 system in the future. I cant say I would be pleased to have bookshelves on stands next to my television. It will be 90% music listening but They will be placed in the middle of my living room.

 

[ZeroAtlas]

(General Finance)
Start an emergency fund immediately and get it to 1000 dollars. Pay of your debts. And then start saving 10 percent of your income at least.

(Audio/Video Budgeting)
After you get your budget and financial situation settled. Take your sweet time.

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

 

[ack_bak]

If you are really wanting a floorstanding speaker you should consider these as well:
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1676/66334/emp-ef30t-tower-speakers--pair-

They are clones of the RBH Sound TK-5CT speakers. I have spent considerable time with those RBH speakers and they sound wonderful for music.

 

[lsiberian]

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

I just got out of college a year ago and I can tell you some things I suggest.

1. Don't get an unsecured credit card(certainly not more than one). Do get a secured one for credit building.

2. Invest. Right now the market is cheap and this is the time to buy. If it goes down more keep buying. Or even better get a pro to help you set everything up.

3. Also when you start buying stuff for real. Set aside the cost of the warranty in a seperate bank account. By doing this you will build your own insurance for things.

4. Try to buy a house ASAP. The market is very good for home buying. You will need to establish credit for this. Credit requires extreme discipline.

I suggest you spend this evenign setting up a budget.

http://www.daveramsey.com/the_truth_about/budgeting_3457.html.cfm

check out the site above for advice. This guy knows his stuff.

 

[griffinconst]

I've heard the Paradigms and the Axioms and like them both.
I would go for the 9's if you go Paradigm but it's just for the added bass. Sounds like you wouldn't need that so the 7's may work for you.
I think there are 7 v4 nib ( new in box ) on ebay or audiogon for a good price. I don't know the seller.
That being said, it's best to choose a few cd's and go listen to everything you can at your price. Then you can make the best decision for your ear.
Auditioning is half the fun anyway.

 

[lsiberian]

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

FYI if you do it right you can get the really cool stuff. Instead of buying something why not set aside income for 6 months. And start your speaker hunting journey. Go listen to everything you can. Also see some orchestras, musicals, concerts, and other music events. Get an idea of what good sound is. Then when you are educated and informed make your purchase wisely. If you need to save more or bargain hunt do it! There are 4 speakers I bargain shopped for. I still own them and will not sell them. I love those speakers. More than anything else I've heard for surrounds. I also got them 1/4th retail of craigslist and accessories4less. yeah 800 dollars of speaker for around 220

Audio shopping is like car shopping for your ears. Also I suggest going to a carmax and test driving as many cars as you can. Do this before you ever have to buy a car. That way you know exactly the car you want when the time comes.

 

[ZeroAtlas]

If you are really wanting a floorstanding speaker you should consider these as well:

They are clones of the RBH Sound TK-5CT speakers. I have spent considerable time with those RBH speakers and they sound wonderful for music.

thanks for the info I am really digging those too. And since audioholics is backing up EMP Im sure they are amazing at that price point. Definitely will be considered. On the upside I noticed the orginal RBH TK-5CT speakers were still out there for the same price. now if they only made them in black. My decor is uber minimalist and i like to stick to 2 colors black and white. Do You know the build quality of these speakers and how thick the enclosure is?
Very interesting.
grrr Decisions Decisions!!!

 

[ZeroAtlas]

FYI if you do it right you can get the really cool stuff. Instead of buying something why not set aside income for 6 months. And start your speaker hunting journey. Go listen to everything you can. Also see some orchestras, musicals, concerts, and other music events. Get an idea of what good sound is. Then when you are educated and informed make your purchase wisely. If you need to save more or bargain hunt do it! There are 4 speakers I bargain shopped for. I still own them and will not sell them. I love those speakers. More than anything else I've heard for surrounds. I also got them 1/4th retail of craigslist and accessories4less. yeah 800 dollars of speaker for around 220

Audio shopping is like car shopping for your ears. Also I suggest going to a carmax and test driving as many cars as you can. Do this before you ever have to buy a car. That way you know exactly the car you want when the time comes.

Dude audio advice and life advice, you are awesome.
I knew there was good people on the internet. Just didnt know I had to look for them in audio forums.
does buying from craigslist or ebay allow you any sort of warranty? i know some speaker companies offer 10 years just not sure if they allow transfer of ownership.

 

[griffinconst]

Isiberian you're absolutely right about this. coming from making pocket change as a college student a few months ago to my current financial situation has left me in awe. I will definitely be imputing an emergency fund into my finances along with being fiscally conservative. But the dumb kid in me still wants to buy all the cool stuff Ive been wanting but was never able to afford.

Just a warning for a new guy....don't say the word conservative in front of Isiberian.

Isiberian, if you see this, is the first letter in your name an I or L?

 

[Matt34]

There are some pretty good deals on Audiogon if you don't mind buying used.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245192101

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1244923770

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245526442&/Psb-Speakers-Stratus-Gold-i

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245429663&/B-W-801

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245174438&/Quad-22L2-Floorstanders

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245080647&/Paradigm-Studio-60-v.4's-in-Cherry-

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1245074492&/Kef-Reference-Series-model--2

 

[Pheaton]

Hi,
Just a quick recommendation; please go listen to some speakers. Find some local dealers of the ones you have already posted or are interested in, and go listen to how they sound. Take along your own CD's, pick songs that you have listened to 1000 times. Try to take a variety of recordings; one that you think is a quality recording, one that you think is not a quality recording, some folk, some classical. This will allow you to experience the speakers with a variety of your music. As someone else stated before, take your time with this, have fun with it, since you are rewarding yourself.

There are many knowledgeable people here, and I think listening to their recommendations is a good place to start, but everyone's ears are different. Let your ears be the final judge.

Step 2, after you have narrowed down your list and if there is a dealer that you feel comfortable dealing with, ask if you can take a pair of speakers home to listen to in the room that these will go in. Room acoustics will have an effect.

If you are more interested with the Internet Direct companies, try to find ones that will pay for shipping both ways. Then you can try them in your home at no cost.

Okay, this did not turn out to be a quick recommendation,

Have fun.

Pheaton

 

[ZeroAtlas]

thanks for all of the recommendations. i will definitely take my time with this (a first!). It is a good idea to listen to the speakers and I'll make sure to look for a local reputable shop in San Diego. I didn't consider buying used but i don't see why not. I'm sure most people take care of their speakers better than anything else.
you guys have been awesome and I look forward to joining this enthusiastic community.
cheers.

 

[tbergman]

Another idea if you're looking at ID is to check and see if they have people offering to demo their speakers in your area. I know Axiom does for sure.

 

[xrodney]

thanks Matt I will definitely look into that. The reason I would like floorstanding speakers is because I want to possibly incorporate them with a 5.1 system in the future. I cant say I would be pleased to have bookshelves on stands next to my television. It will be 90% music listening but They will be placed in the middle of my living room.

Better quality Bookshelf will probably sound better then cheaper floorstands.
Also what is preventing you from buying bookshelfs now and use them later as back surround speakers in your 5.1 system ?

 

[fredk]

I'm with lsiberian on the financial stuff. Establish a routine of discipline. The first thing I did when I picked up my first computer was to create a cash flow: money coming in and going out over time. It told me where I was and approximately where I was going.

I'm not stinking rich, but I have gone through some really crappy times without losing it all.

The floorstanders I usually recommend start at around 1500.

Put a wood veneer finish on those M60s and you have a $1500 speaker, so you are good to go on them.

Price is not always the only indicator of quality, but as you move lower in the food chain you do need to choose more carefully.

Again, I am with Isibarian. Take your time and listen to lots of speakers. Listen to some stuff above your budget as well to give you an idea of the range of quality available and what you might like long term. In my case, I listened to the Monitor 7 and then Studio 20s 40s and 60s. This showed my that I would not be satisfied with the sq of the monitor 7 long term. From there I looked at other candidates from a sound quality perspective that would fit into my budget.

IMO the M60 is a step up from the Monitor 7 at a similar price. Closer to the Studio 60 in that it delivers a cleaner sound top to botom.

Good luck with your search.

 

[fredk]

Another idea if you're looking at ID is to check and see if they have people offering to demo their speakers in your area. I know Axiom does for sure.

Good idea. Axiom's Hearing Things forum