Need Advice on "Entry-to-Audiophile" Grade Floorstanders for 2-Channel System

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks; I didn't even know Emotiva made speakers!

How should these towers compare with the likes of the PSBs, Polks, Infinitys, JBLS, Klipschs, etc. of the world?

Best course of action with many of ID brands is to order them and listen them yourself in YOUR room (last part is crucial) - most offer 30 days in home trials..
I know Ascend, Emotiva, EMT-Tek and Aperion do - The B&M brands - Focal, KEF, and many other you need to find local dealers.... (Aperion even backs for shipping both ways, probably limited to conus)

P.S: I have heard Wharfardale Diamonds a while ago and I like their sound a lot, especially for their price. If you live in Eurozone these do worth consideration

 

[HorizonRidge]

Let me ask this, as well:

What are your thoughts on the Definitive Technology towers with the built-in subs in them? I was thinking this would save the hassle of needing to add a sub down the line for the two channel rig; although, my plan was to eventually upgrade the PSW350 in the HT to an SVS or HSU and move the 350 to the two channel room...

Also -- I know with the explosion in popularity of home theater and multichannel applications, stereo and two channel has kind of gone the way of the do do bird in terms of mass consumption, and that speaker manufacturers have responded to this by making timbre matched lines of towers, bookshelves, in walls and center channels...but is there a certain company still renowned for or making a dedicated music-oriented speaker that really doesn't necessarily have any roots in home theater?

 

[j_garcia]

Let me ask this, as well:

What are your thoughts on the Definitive Technology towers with the built-in subs in them? I was thinking this would save the hassle of needing to add a sub down the line for the two channel rig; although, my plan was to eventually upgrade the PSW350 in the HT to an SVS or HSU and move the 350 to the two channel room...

There are much better choices for sub That will likely end up being its own thread. In a HT situation, I'd say separate sub, but for 2ch, the DTs with their built in subs should be fine.

Also -- I know with the explosion in popularity of home theater and multichannel applications, stereo and two channel has kind of gone the way of the do do bird in terms of mass consumption, and that speaker manufacturers have responded to this by making timbre matched lines of towers, bookshelves, in walls and center channels...but is there a certain company still renowned for or making a dedicated music-oriented speaker that really doesn't necessarily have any roots in home theater?

I tend to recommend speakers that I like for music. HT is a secondary function for me, as I mainly listen to 2ch music. Pretty much all of my recommendations are based on auditioning with music as well.

I've heard the Wharfedale Diamond 9s and was pretty happy with their sound too.

 

[HorizonRidge]

There are much better choices for sub That will likely end up being its own thread. In a HT situation, I'd say separate sub, but for 2ch, the DTs with their built in subs should be fine.

J,

I don't really follow you here in certain aspects -- are you saying there are much better choices for subs than SVS and HSU? And with regard to the Definitive Technologys, do you have any experience with these, or know anyone who does, in terms of how their powered towers perform? Will they kick out enough bass not to warrant a separate sub?

Side note: I would definitely always have an independent sub for HT.

I tend to recommend speakers that I like for music. HT is a secondary function for me, as I mainly listen to 2ch music. Pretty much all of my recommendations are based on auditioning with music as well.

I've heard the Wharfedale Diamond 9s and was pretty happy with their sound too.

Thanks. All these speaker brands can get beyond overwhelming; it's not like shopping for a TV, where you're like "well, okay, I can choose from Sony, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and perhaps a handful of other brands..." With speakers, the possibilities are beyond infinite it seems, up and down the price ranges...

 

[zieglj01]

Also -- I know with the explosion in popularity of home theater and multichannel applications, stereo and two channel has kind of gone the way of the do do bird in terms of mass consumption, and that speaker manufacturers have responded to this by making timbre matched lines of towers, bookshelves, in walls and center channels.

I am music first and HT second - even if the speaker can be used for
Home Theater - I am not too concerned if a speaker line has a center
and surrounds. Anything in my home has to handle music, and when
I go out to audition speakers, they need to be able to handle music.

There are a lot of speakers on your drafted lists, that are good for music.

 

[HorizonRidge]

There are a lot of speakers on your drafted lists, that are good for music.

But which ones?

Here's another thing that bothers me...the ideal product for my needs would probably be the Polk LSi series because it's kind of marketed by Polk as a "dedicated, audiophile/music-oriented" speaker not really associated with any of their multichannel family products...the problem is we can't afford even their cheapest tower in that range, and their sheer size is too overwhelming for our space. Then, of course, there is the notorious difficult-to-drive low impedance, which I don't think my stereo receiver can handle...

 

[slipperybidness]

J,

I don't really follow you here in certain aspects -- are you saying there are much better choices for subs than SVS and HSU? And with regard to the Definitive Technologys, do you have any experience with these, or know anyone who does, in terms of how their powered towers perform? Will they kick out enough bass not to warrant a separate sub?

Side note: I would definitely always have an independent sub for HT.



Thanks. All these speaker brands can get beyond overwhelming; it's not like shopping for a TV, where you're like "well, okay, I can choose from Sony, Mitsubishi, Panasonic and perhaps a handful of other brands..." With speakers, the possibilities are beyond infinite it seems, up and down the price ranges...

Most likely, the Def Techs will be fine for 2 ch music. For HT, you would prob want the outboard sub. I base this off my Goldenear Triton 2, very similar to Def Tech and have the built in subs. Maybe check out the Triton 3, but a little out of your budget.

 

[zieglj01]

But which ones?

Here's another thing that bothers me...the ideal product for my needs would probably be the Polk LSi series because it's kind of marketed by Polk as a "dedicated, audiophile/music-oriented" speaker not really associated with any of their multichannel family products...handle..

I do not pay a lot of attention to marketing - and I also agree that
Polk tends to have a midrange problem.

You need to remember that some people listen to multi-channel music,
and they need more than just a stereo pair.

Some good speakers in your budget >
KEF Q and IQ
Focal Chorus 700
PSB Image
NHT Absolute

My preference >
Monitor Audio Silver RX6

For tighter budgets >
Boston A
Cambridge Audio

I would take a hard look at the Wharfedale Evo2-40
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15535-wharfedale-evo2-40-tower-speakers-pr.aspx

As I stated earlier in the thread - Audition is the way to evaluate.

 

[HorizonRidge]

Most likely, the Def Techs will be fine for 2 ch music. For HT, you would prob want the outboard sub. I base this off my Goldenear Triton 2, very similar to Def Tech and have the built in subs. Maybe check out the Triton 3, but a little out of your budget.

As stated, I would always run an HT rig with an external powered sub.

 

[HorizonRidge]

I do not pay a lot of attention to marketing - and I also agree that
Polk tends to have a midrange problem.

Well, it's not that I'm really "paying attention to marketing" per se, but I just know that the speaker was not initally designed (the LSi series that is) with home theater in mind -- it was geared, initially, to appeal to the two channel more audiophile crowd...and still is in certain circles, and this is what appealed to me, mentally, as I am looking for a music-only-centric speaker...

You need to remember that some people listen to multi-channel music,
and they need more than just a stereo pair.

I understand that, and the point is noted; I just figured I would ask if there are any companies still kind of marketing to the strictly two-channel crowd.

Some good speakers in your budget >
KEF Q and IQ
Focal Chorus 700
PSB Image
NHT Absolute

My preference >
Monitor Audio Silver RX6

For tighter budgets >
Boston A
Cambridge Audio

Thank you; I will definitely consider all of these -- in your opinion, do all of these offer benefits, sonically, over the typical Polks/Infinitys/Klipschs etc. of the world?

As for the Cambridge and Boston suggestions -- I questioned these the moment I read about them in Crutchfield's catalog and on their site. I know Cambridge is renowned for their integrated amps and CD players and the like, but how are their speakers? Same with Boston; what's their sound like?

 

[Steve81]

Thank you; I will definitely consider all of these -- in your opinion, do all of these offer benefits, sonically, over the typical Polks/Infinitys/Klipschs etc. of the world?

Just to take a step back for a moment, I'll buck the trend and answer this by saying it depends on what you want to hear. As I said before, my Klipsch system gives me exactly what I'm looking for. So does my "anti-Klipsch" system. It depends on what you place value on when listening to music. To some people a pair of Klipschorns or Jubilees is the end all be all of home sound reproduction. Others might rather have a pair of Paradigm Studio 100s. Both are fantastic speakers, but have completely different strengths. Point of it all: you've got to listen. A lot.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Over on AVS, you would get something like "speakers with 90dB sensitivity is not good enough for movies - you need at least 96dB sensitivity and SPL of 117dB or more".

I think it's laughable since most people have a room size no larger than 15' x 17' x 10'.

So, I'm sure I missed this, but is the budget from $400 to $4,000?

 

[zieglj01]

Thank you; I will definitely consider all of these -- in your opinion, do all of these offer benefits, sonically, over the typical Polks/Infinitys/Klipschs etc. of the world?

As for the Cambridge and Boston suggestions -- I questioned these the moment I read about them in Crutchfield's catalog and on their site. I know Cambridge is renowned for their integrated amps and CD players and the like, but how are their speakers? Same with Boston; what's their sound like?

The speakers that I reccomended, are the ones that I favor and prefer
over Polk, Infinity and Klipsch for music.

Cambridge and Mordaunt Short are owned by the same company, and
are designed and engineered by their engineers.
http://www.audiopartnership.com/product-development.php
http://www.audiopartnership.com/index.php

Boston speakers tend to sound somewhat robust, with-out the boom
and the sizzle and somewhat colored midrange. What I Desire to hear
from Polk, I do hear from the Boston sound.

 

[ahblaza]

Over on AVS, you would get something like "speakers with 90dB sensitivity is not good enough for movies - you need at least 96dB sensitivity and SPL of 117dB or more".

I think it's laughable since most people have a room size no larger than 15' x 17' x 10'.

So, I'm sure I missed this, but is the budget from $400 to $4,000?

AGTG, what took you so long to chime in

 

[j_garcia]

J,

I don't really follow you here in certain aspects -- are you saying there are much better choices for subs than SVS and HSU? And with regard to the Definitive Technologys, do you have any experience with these, or know anyone who does, in terms of how their powered towers perform? Will they kick out enough bass not to warrant a separate sub?

Side note: I would definitely always have an independent sub for HT.

Just meant there are a lot of choices that are an improvement on the Polk sub

 

[HorizonRidge]

Just meant there are a lot of choices that are an improvement on the Polk sub

Oh, yes, yes....I'm well aware of that, believe me!

 

[HorizonRidge]

Just for the record and to clarify, the budget is certainly not $4000 per pair, or per speaker; I was merely making these classifications to break down what's out there and narrow down from there. I don't know exactly what the budget is precisely to the dollar amount, but I suppose I'll know it when a pair and price hit me...

 

[markw]

A lot of great speakers in that range would benefit from more amp than your receiver can provide. Magnaplanars come to mind, and a pair 1.7's will leave you with about 2 grand to get an amp that could drive them.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

AGTG, what took you so long to chime in

I was waiting for a budget.

Kind of hard to recommend without one. But oh well.

I think the best deal is to call Onecall or Vanns and see if they would sell a pair of KEF Q900 (msrp $1800) for about $1200/pr, which they have done in the past.

It's all about compromises. So the lower the price, the more compromises. The Q900 has been reviewed & measured very favorably by both Home Theater Magazine and Stereophile.

 

[3db]

Hello, Fellow 'Holics.

I am in the midst of searching for replacement speakers for my music-only two-channel setup (a separate rig from my 5.1 arrangement) which previously utilized a pair of old Polk R20 bookshelves on Sanus stands. I cannot wait to get rid of these things -- especially the rickety, leaning stands -- and replace them with a solid set of floorstanding towers (don't want bookshelves anymore)...but my criteria is a bit unique and "all over the place" in terms of what I'm looking for exactly; I'd like to move beyond the "mass market" garden variety brands (i.e. Polk/Infinity/JBL/Klipsch) if I can, and begin to explore more entry-level audiophile variants that are known for great music reproduction. I have nothing against those aforementioned brands -- at all -- in fact, I have Polk RTi12's running the front channel duties of my home theater and they're BEASTS; I would just like to get my feet wet, if I could, in the "semi-approaching-audiophile grade" arena of speakers...

Of course, the catch is the budget -- like everyone, I don't have bottomless funds, so when I say "entry-to-audiophile" I really mean it. An exact amount of what we can spend hasn't really been determined yet -- but the price tag can't be astronomical, nor can the speakers be that massive due to the space they're going in (flanking a Bell'O audio tower/rack); thus, they cannot be as large, or unfortunately even as expensive, as, say, Polk RTi A9 towers...

Here are a couple of things: First, the speakers are going to be driven by an Onkyo TX-8555 stereo receiver putting out 100 watts X 2 and I had been advised in the past that I should look into the Infinity Primus P363 towers based on their performance to price ratio, which presumably cannot be beat...in fact, I see these speakers get a ton of love on this site in particular. I'd be totally open to considering the Infinitys, regardless of the fact that they're not in that "entry-to-audiophile" range just because of all the wonderful comments owners give these things all over the internet...would any of you here concur that these are great towers regardless of their low price?

Further -- to simplify things, I have done some research and broke down some options into categories that may help in my search for some good tower speakers. Here is what I came up with, and I would like to get some feedback on these lists if I could:

ENTRY-LEVEL & "MASS MARKET" FLOORSTANDER OPTIONS:

Infinity Primus 253 (I think I can actually do better than these, though...)
Polk TSi300
Infinity Primus P363
Cambridge Audio S70
Polk TSi400
Boston Acoustics A 250
Klipsch Reference RF-42 II
Polk RTi A5
Polk TSi500
Klipsch Reference RF-52 II
Definitive Technology BP6B
Boston Acoustics A 360
Klipsch RF-62 II
Polk RTi A7 (these may be getting too large for our space)
Klipsch Reference RF-82 II
NHT Classic Absolute Tower
PSB Image T5
Definitive Technology BP-8020ST
Definitive Technology BP10B
JBL Studio 570
PSB Image T6
Polk RTi A9 (too large for our space if based on the RTi12, which is essentially the same speaker, and which we have in our HT room...)
Boston Acoustics RS 334
PSB Alpha T1
Definitive Technology BP-8040ST
JBL Studio 580
Definitive Technology BP-8060ST
JBL Studio 590
PSB Imagine T
PSB Synchrony Two
Definitive Technology BP-8080ST
Definitive Technology Mythos STS SuperTower
Polk LSi Series (probably way out of our budget at this point, and with a too-low impedance to drive...)
Klipsch Reference RF-7 II
PSB Imagine T2 Tower
THIEL SCS4T (out of budget, but just throwing it out there...)
PSB Synchrony One

Yeah...at this point the more "mass market" brands like above get way out of our budget beyond these models mentioned...

STEP UP "ENTRY-TO-AUDIOPHILE" FLOORSTANDER OPTIONS:

Paradigm Monitor 7
Energy Veritas 6.2
Aperion Intimus 5T
Wharfdale Evo or Diamond
Monitor Audio BX5
Dali Zensor 5
KEF Q Series
Canton GLE Series
T&A
B&W 684
Martin Logan
Focal 714V
Ascend Acoustics

What do y'all make of all those? Are these classifications logical -- and if so, which way would you direct me in terms of what would mate good with my Onkyo 8555? Finally, do any of those "bordering on audiophile" selections on my list make sense to mate up with a piece of electronics like the 8555 -- or should I definitely be looking in the class of the Primus 363s?

Thank you, in advance...

The PSBs you have listed as mass market Entry Level should me move up to ENTRY-TO-AUDIOPHILE . They are better then the Ascends, Martin Logan, Paradigms, and B&W 684 that you have listed. You should check them out.