Need Advice on complete 7.1 Speaker system

[Rick1382]

I have purchased a Yamaha RX-V1600 AV receiver. Looking for complete 7.1 Surround sound speaker system (via package or individual components). Would like to keep it under $1500. Local audio shop suggested Paradigm Cinema 110's. Any other ideas?

 

[Matt34]

Here are a few recommended internet direct companies to look at.

http://www.axiomaudio.com ~I would replace their cheaper sub options with an HSU or AV123 unit. They have a high WAF with the variety of different finishes available.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast3.html
HSU new horn-loaded bookshelf offering with an amazing sub.

I know what you said about staying under $1500 but I think this is worth mentioning. AV123.com is having a moving sale and has their Rocket RS760 package on sale for $2099.00 SHIPPED(regular price of $2600)! Gorgeous speakers for an amazing price.....if you can swing it. This doesn't include a sub but they RS760's should keep you satisfied until you can get one.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=99.1

Of course there a million other options to go, best to read up and listen to whatever you can locally.

 

[Kai]

It depends on several factors Rick.
Are you planning on wall mounting the speakers? Do you want a small profile and/or a speaker enclosure that is less obtrusive?
If so you would probably prefer the Cinema Series. The 330 Series is a nice system for those needs and sounds pretty darn good.
They are not going to have the same sound compared to traditional box speakers and you should compare the varied speakers with your favorite music/movie dvd's before committing to a purchase. Also make sure of the return policy before buying. Speakers will sound differently at home because of the difference in room dimensions, acoustics, etc.

I am a big fan of Paradigm. My local shop manager recently told me his Paradigm rep described the Cinema line of speakers as designed and built with wall mounting/thin profile and aesthetics first, sound quality second.

Here are a couple of links that may provide helpful info.
http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/Cinema/Cinema_Specs.html#220_330
http://www.audioemporium.com/2007catalog.pdf

 

[zumbo]

Center: $223.99 shipped
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=25414

Bookshelf mains: $348.99 shipped
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=25412

Surround 4-5: $348.99 shipped
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=25412

Surround back 6-7: $248.99 shipped
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=25410

Total for all 7 channels shipped: $1170.96

SUB: $429.00 shipped
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2.html

$1599.96 total with sub shipped.

 

[Fastnbulbous]

So you don't have a subwoofer either? If you did, this would just make it.

Mordaunt-Short Avant 908 ($700), Avant 905i Center ($300), Avant 902 bookshelf for sides ($200), Avant 903i Bipole Maple ($230). Total = $1,500.

MS909 Subwoofer is $750.

Wharfedale Evo series are discontinued, but still available at (44% off), but would still total over $2,000. Would probably beat the hell out of anything else you'd get at that range though.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker system

Rick,
I would stay away from the Paradigm Cinema series. Paradigm makes some nice speakers (Studio Series), but they are not in that budget. The Mini monitors are worth an audition.

I 2nd the recomendation for the Rocket system. AV123 also has deals posted on their Refrence line which I have and recommend.
Other good ID companies include Axiom Audio and Ascend.

 

[mazersteven]

This is one of the best bang for the buck systems your going to find. Excellent for movies and does a good job with music.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

 

[3db]

have you considered PSB?

I have purchased a Yamaha RX-V1600 AV receiver. Looking for complete 7.1 Surround sound speaker system (via package or individual components). Would like to keep it under $1500. Local audio shop suggested Paradigm Cinema 110's. Any other ideas?

have you auditioned PSB's Image series?

I think it's possible for you to get pick up 3 pairs of Image B15s (they are front ported giving them more flexability in placement then rear ported designs, and Image C40 center and Outlaw sub. I uses the previous model, Image 1Bs as my mains while saving up for my towers. I snice moved them to surround duty. These speaker's imgaing cabailities are 2nd to none, the bass although not deep was fast and tight what was there, and the mids are lifelike. Treble is smooth and lures one into listening instead of that in your face sound. I love the PSB sound. It may not be your cup of tea but its worth a listen.

While auditioning, I suggest you bring both music and DVDs that you are familiar with, a note pad for writing down your impressions on each speaker you auditioned. Write down pro's and cons , what you liked, disliked, etc. That way, its easier to draw comparions; deal would be side by side comparison but that is seldom possible across many makes of speakers.


Let us know how you make out

 

[Tex-amp]

Ascend Acoustics mated with a Hsu Research or SVS sub.