Need an Opinion....or two. 3.1

[YogiBizz]

So I recently decided to go with a 3.1 set up for my apartment. I'd like to work up to a 5.2 or 7.2 but that's a ways down the road. Since I'm new to the forums and the hifi community, you all have more experience in this field. Ive narrowed down to a few choice and i'm looking at a budget around $1000. I'm in an area where there isnt a lot of place to sample, mainly just best buy. So I figured I'd bounce these ideas off you guys an see what you think. Thanks!

• SVS (Sale)

1. Prime- L/C/R - $600 w/ Sub-SVS PB/SB1000 $500: Total -$1100
2. Ultra-L/R- $1000

• Asend SE

1. SE 170's L/R w/ 340 center - $$675 with Shipping
2. SE 340's L/C/R - $840 with shipping

• Elac

1. Unifi UB5- L/R w/ UC5 - $850

• B&W

1. 686's L/R -$550 w/ HTM 61 Center - $500: Total -$1000
2. 685 L/R - $700

• Paradigm

1. Monitor 7s L/C/R - $1000

I know a few of these come shy of my total budget. The one's that do, I plan on adding a sub either the Rythmik LV12 or SVS SB/PB1000 at a later time. My distance from L/C/R is 10ft. Room dimension are 14'x12' and im using a Denon AVR-s920w.

If you have any questions, let me know and i look forward to hearing your advice.

 

[Bucknekked]

So I figured I'd bounce these ideas off you guys an see what you think. Thanks!

• SVS (Sale)

• Ascend SE

• B&W

Good thing opinions are free, I'm sure you will receive a few. I don't see a poor choice on your list, all of them seem to be excellent picks for your budget and situation. I might shorten the list to 3 (we love lists with 3 things on them) and order it as Ascend, SVS, and B&W.

If you can find a place to listen to them, you will be miles ahead in making a decision. If you can't and must make a blind choice, I think all the vendors on your list have satisfied many folks on the AH. Once you choose, install them and listen, please give us some photos and an update on how it sounds.

 

[YogiBizz]

Good thing opinions are free, I'm sure you will receive a few. I don't see a poor choice on your list, all of them seem to be excellent picks for your budget and situation. I might shorten the list to 3 (we love lists with 3 things on them) and order it as Ascend, SVS, and B&W.

If you can find a place to listen to them, you will be miles ahead in making a decision. If you can't and must make a blind choice, I think all the vendors on your list have satisfied many folks on the AH. Once you choose, install them and listen, please give us some photos and an update on how it sounds.

I will for sure. My biggest problem has been sample listening. I know a lot of manufactures offer trials, which is good. I know this question is strictly opinion based but though some opinions might help narrow down some choices.

 

[XEagleDriver]

YogiBizz,
All good choices and since you intend to include/add a sub I recommend focusing more on mid-range and especially tweeter performance, and focus a lot less on low-end capability.

I find for well designed speakers like the ones on your list (i.e. solid cabinet, crossover, etc.), the type of tweeter makes the largest difference in speaker performance (assuming the sub of course).
Over the years, the speakers I have really liked all had similar tweeter technologies and the ones I didn't like as much had other technologies. For me the preference in order is:
Ribbon or RAAL (not on your list),
Soft dome or Fabric (Ascend or Elac),
and lastly by a large margin,
Metallic domes (SVS, B&W, Paradigm).
- Others would reverse the above order based on their listening experience/habits/music type.

The best method is an in-home comparison, particularly between Ascend and SVS since these companies support this well and have different tweeter technologies.
- Such a comparison would provide a lot of insight into what you like best.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

P.S. Apologize for not answering on your other thread, was travelling the past few days.

 

[YogiBizz]

YogiBizz,
All good choices and since you intend to include/add a sub I recommend focusing more on mid-range and especially tweeter performance, and focus a lot less on low-end capability.

I find for well designed speakers like the ones on your list (i.e. solid cabinet, crossover, etc.), the type of tweeter makes the largest difference in speaker performance (assuming the sub of course).
Over the years, the speakers I have really liked all had similar tweeter technologies and the ones I didn't like as much had other technologies. For me the preference in order is:
Ribbon or RAAL (not on your list),
Soft dome or Fabric (Ascend or Elac),
and lastly by a large margin,
Metallic domes (SVS, B&W, Paradigm).
- Others would reverse the above order based on their listening experience/habits/music type.

The best method is an in-home comparison, particularly between Ascend and SVS since these companies support this well and have different tweeter technologies.
- Such a comparison would provide a lot of insight into what you like best.

Cheers,
XEagleDriver

P.S. Apologize for not answering on your other thread, was travelling the past few days.

No worries my friend. Your advice was helpful.

 

[j_garcia]

Of your choices, Ultras or Ascend 340s would be my picks. The Ascends are extremely neutral and go well with pretty much any type of sound, so they are an easy recommendation. The Ultras I have not heard, but do not doubt they'll do the trick too.

Elac Unifis did not get a glowing review by a member here, so I might not go with those without hearing them yourself.

As a former owner of many different Paradigms, I wouldn't go with the Monitors. Studios or above. These are not neutral, I'd call them borderline bright.

B&W is always safe, but IMO, you'll do better with the Ascends or SVS.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

So I recently decided to go with a 3.1 set up for my apartment. I'd like to work up to a 5.2 or 7.2 but that's a ways down the road. Since I'm new to the forums and the hifi community, you all have more experience in this field. Ive narrowed down to a few choice and i'm looking at a budget around $1000.

1. SE 170's L/R w/ 340 center - $$675 with Shipping
2. SE 340's L/C/R - $840 with shipping

I think speakers from Ascend will represent one of best values. There is a "matching" SE170 center - but it's essentially same speaker.
CMT340SE will play a bit louder and a bit deeper, but if you gave your room measurements right, then assuming 10ft room height - you have 1680 cuft room which is on the small side. CMT170s should be fine.
This leaves room for sub like Rythmic LV12R and your total is a bit over 1k before shipping. If you call Ascend - you may get a bit better deal for 3.1 system.

 

[YogiBizz]

I think speakers from Ascend will represent one of best values. There is a "matching" SE170 center - but it's essentially same speaker.
CMT340SE will play a bit louder and a bit deeper, but if you gave your room measurements right, then assuming 10ft room height - you have 1680 cuft room which is on the small side. CMT170s should be fine.
This leaves room for sub like Rythmic LV12R and your total is a bit over 1k before shipping. If you call Ascend - you may get a bit better deal for 3.1 system.

The amount of praise the Ascends have received is phenomenal. I think Ill give them and the SVS's a shot, considering they allow a 30 day trial. Plus, it stays on the lower end of my budget which will allow for me to purchase a sub if the lower end doesnt satisfy my needs. Thanks for the input

 

[Pogre]

I'm an SVS fan myself. Of the 2 options you listed for them I'd say go for the Ultra package and add a center channel later down the road. You're for sure gonna get a lot of thumbs up on Ascend too. I've never heard their speakers, but a lot of folks here like them a lot.

I'm not a big fan of B&W speakers. They're not terrible speakers, but they're intentionally crossed over to not give a flat response. That's the B&W "sound" that they're known for. Some folks love it. Me, not so much. I owned a pair for almost 20 years and always felt like they weren't quite right. Solid and dependable with no distortion or anything, but yeah... I'm much happier with my SVS ultras.

 

[lovinthehd]

@YogiBizz Curious which combo of Ascend you'll try. In that size room I think the 170s would do fine, but I'd go 340s if you can swing it. I'd want all three across the front the same myself. I have several sets of Ascends but not the 340s but wish I had (I have various sets of Sierra1 NrT, 170SE and 200SE). Ascend is a nice outfit to deal with, too; Dina is great and David (owner/designer) will personally help out if needed and they have overall very good customer service.

 

[Cmoors34]

For what it's worth, I'm running Elac Uni Fi towers and center with an Outlaw 5000...and I absolutely love them.

When folks come over and complement the sound I eat it up!

I'm sure Ascends and SVS are killer, just throwing some love in the Elac camp.

 

[KEW]

• SVS (Sale)
• Ultra-L/R- $500 w/ Sub-SVS PB/SB1000 $500: Total -$1000

I couldn't find the sale you are referring to, but if you can get a pair of the Ultra Bookshelf speakers for $500, that is half price and makes for an easy decision! Get the Ultras! They are very good speakers for the $800 they usually cost as B Stock, but at $500 they are incredibly good speakers!

 

[Pogre]

I couldn't find the sale you are referring to, but if you can get a pair of the Ultra Bookshelf speakers for $500, that is half price and makes for an easy decision! Get the Ultras! They are very good speakers for the $800 they usually cost as B Stock, but at $500 they are incredibly good speakers!

Oh wow. If that's right, absolutely! I paid 800 for mine and I think they were well worth it. 500 for a pair is too good to pass up!

 

[YogiBizz]

@YogiBizz Curious which combo of Ascend you'll try. In that size room I think the 170s would do fine, but I'd go 340s if you can swing it. I'd want all three across the front the same myself. I have several sets of Ascends but not the 340s but wish I had (I have various sets of Sierra1 NrT, 170SE and 200SE). Ascend is a nice outfit to deal with, too; Dina is great and David (owner/designer) will personally help out if needed and they have overall very good customer service.

I know that the 170's would fill this small room. no doubt. Im leaning toward the 340's because I want soemthing that will last and that would be able to fill a larger room if need be. I only plan on living the apt. life for another year. What are your thoughts with scaling up to the Sierra's?

 

[YogiBizz]

I couldn't find the sale you are referring to, but if you can get a pair of the Ultra Bookshelf speakers for $500, that is half price and makes for an easy decision! Get the Ultras! They are very good speakers for the $800 they usually cost as B Stock, but at $500 they are incredibly good speakers!

That's my mistake KEW. I meant to put each. Doing so much research; lost track of the numbers. so would it be worth saving the extra couple hundred to grab the Ultra's? And how often do the hit the B-stock?

 

[KEW]

That's my mistake KEW. I meant to put each. Doing so much research; lost track of the numbers. so would it be worth saving the extra couple hundred to grab the Ultra's? And how often do the hit the B-stock?

Normally there are a couple or more B-stock Ultra bookshelf speakers available. I don't have any idea how soon they will have more, but they have great customer support so give them a call and ask about it!
I think the Ultras are winners at $800/pair. Usually B-stock are returns which really have little to no damage. The B-stock towers are typically in worse condition because of the extra weight and shipping (especially if not packed exactly right by the customer returning them).
However, if you are paying full retail at $1000, I would say definitely spend another $150 and get the goodness of a Dennis Murphy designed speaker with a RAAL tweeter and a Scan Speak Revelator mid-woofer.
http://philharmonicaudio.com/New Philharmonitor.html
(actually, you can save $50 and get the sealed version for $1100 since you are using a sub!)
IMHO, this is the best price-performance sweet spot out there...from there you have to spend a lot more money to realize a little better! ($1448 with Ascend gets you the Sierra 2 with RAAL tweeter which is of the same caliber as the New Philharmonitor).

I would discourage you from getting the 340's just because I hate the idea of spending $300 much more and not getting better sound quality. At least talk with Ascend about how big of a room the 170's are good for.

Only you know what your budget will stand, but you might consider getting the 170's for your current room them later using them for surrounds when you upgrade (or using them in a smaller bedroom/office/den system).

IMHO, the Ultras are the least expensive speaker I would be okay with as my final speaker and the 340's would only be a "stepping stone" on the way there.

 

[lovinthehd]

I know that the 170's would fill this small room. no doubt. Im leaning toward the 340's because I want soemthing that will last and that would be able to fill a larger room if need be. I only plan on living the apt. life for another year. What are your thoughts with scaling up to the Sierra's?

I like my Sierra-1s very much; I bought them used and at the time the center had been upgraded to the NrT tweeter; later I added the NrTs to the L/R as well; no slouches either way by the way. If I were to buy Sierras now (and am now more into diy), I'd get Sierra-2s with the Raal tweeter (if not suck it up and get Horizons/Sierra Towers ). The 340s may be a bit better in a larger room, tho.

I was thinking more of the long term and possibility of larger rooms down the line with the 340s vs 170s, too.

Philmarmonic was brought up, too and getting the Affordable Accuracy speakers for your size room would be a great way to get good sound and save some money (I have BR-1 kit that speaker is based on, plus some crossovers for them I bought from Dennis for a diy version from scratch). If you can afford other Philharmonics, that's a definite option. Dennis doesn't have the in home trial programs like SVS or Ascend offers as far as I'm aware, though....

 

[j_garcia]

The 340s are worth it over the 170s even in a small room. What you gain is a bump in sensitivity that means more output for your watts. They do sound the same, but the gained sensitivity is worth it to me. I don't normally recommend the 170s unless it is a cost matter, plus the 340s are identical to the center (tweeter rotated is all). As a stepping stone, I'd say do 170s and then move to Sierras if that's the long term plan. So what I'd do is listen to the Ultras first and see if they're keepers for you.

There's almost no question I'd save/stretch and go with Sierras or Phils though

 

[YogiBizz]

I like my Sierra-1s very much; I bought them used and at the time the center had been upgraded to the NrT tweeter; later I added the NrTs to the L/R as well; no slouches either way by the way. If I were to buy Sierras now (and am now more into diy), I'd get Sierra-2s with the Raal tweeter (if not suck it up and get Horizons/Sierra Towers ). The 340s may be a bit better in a larger room, tho.

I was thinking more of the long term and possibility of larger rooms down the line with the 340s vs 170s, too.

Philmarmonic was brought up, too and getting the Affordable Accuracy speakers for your size room would be a great way to get good sound and save some money (I have BR-1 kit that speaker is based on, plus some crossovers for them I bought from Dennis for a diy version from scratch). If you can afford other Philharmonics, that's a definite option. Dennis doesn't have the in home trial programs like SVS or Ascend offers as far as I'm aware, though....

Is the RAAL Tweeter upgrade only available on the Sierra's?

 

[YogiBizz]

I like my Sierra-1s very much; I bought them used and at the time the center had been upgraded to the NrT tweeter; later I added the NrTs to the L/R as well; no slouches either way by the way. If I were to buy Sierras now (and am now more into diy), I'd get Sierra-2s with the Raal tweeter (if not suck it up and get Horizons/Sierra Towers ). The 340s may be a bit better in a larger room, tho.

I was thinking more of the long term and possibility of larger rooms down the line with the 340s vs 170s, too.

Philmarmonic was brought up, too and getting the Affordable Accuracy speakers for your size room would be a great way to get good sound and save some money (I have BR-1 kit that speaker is based on, plus some crossovers for them I bought from Dennis for a diy version from scratch). If you can afford other Philharmonics, that's a definite option. Dennis doesn't have the in home trial programs like SVS or Ascend offers as far as I'm aware, though....

So would I be able to run the 340's for now. and then later down the road, if i choose to get... lets say, the sierra 2's , could I move the 340s to the rear? or would the difference be so noticeable, it'd be irritating?