Need front speakers to convert 5.1 to 7.1... any suggestions!

[mtbound10]

System:

RX-V863
EMP 5.1 speaker system (eca-4/44/E-10 sub)
Panasonic BDP 30 somethin or other
Panasonic 50" plasma 1080p

Currently running EMP compact speakers all around for two fronts, L+R surrounds and a center channel. I would like to take the two fronts and use them as rear surrounds and replace them with a better pair of front speakers. Looking for some suggestions and what to look for in a good speaker...

I can't seem to shake this newbie vibe!!!

 

[allargon]

No work required for this...

The EMP EF50T's or the RBH TK-5CT's (if you can find them) would fit in as mains just fine.

http://store.audioholics.com/product/1678/18/emp-ef50t-floorstanding-speakers--pair-

By better fronts, are you looking for more detail in the midrange or what?

 

[mtbound10]

Do you think EMP is the way to go... I have been following threads on here and have not heard the best opinions... I personally do not have an "issue" with the compact emp's that I have but I am looking for a speaker that has a full sound to them and can take clarity to a new level... I am not one for an enormous thumping base sound but when I am listening to Chris Smither wale on his guitar I want to feel his foot stomping and be able to tell which string his finger is picking on the guitar!!! (maybe a bit of an exageration but...)

The only other issue is I cant listen to the emp's anywhere... Maybe the RBH's but they will probably be tough to find. I do not want to order speakers without listening to them again. I bought the EMP's based on design, maker and bang for the buck, not to mention a decent review on here.

 

[lsiberian]

Do you think EMP is the way to go... I have been following threads on here and have not heard the best opinions... I personally do not have an "issue" with the compact emp's that I have but I am looking for a speaker that has a full sound to them and can take clarity to a new level... I am not one for an enormous thumping base sound but when I am listening to Chris Smither wale on his guitar I want to feel his foot stomping and be able to tell which string his finger is picking on the guitar!!! (maybe a bit of an exageration but...)

The only other issue is I cant listen to the emp's anywhere... Maybe the RBH's but they will probably be tough to find. I do not want to order speakers without listening to them again. I bought the EMP's based on design, maker and bang for the buck, not to mention a decent review on here.

I don't. I think you would better off upgrading your front sound stage with something else.

Are you using a TV? is it mounted on a wall or on entertainment center

Would you be willing to mount a vertical speaker above or below the tv?

What is your budget?

When you answer these questions we can better point to your solution.

I think 870 for those towers is overkill and way too much.

The 7.1 package is less than that after all.

 

[mtbound10]

Isib~ I am glad to hear that you agree... it might suggest that I am actually catching on to this stuff

Now I am finally starting to get my speakers and sub and such dialed in... I THINK! Things are sounding better, the sub is more responsive, things are looking up. Next step is figuring out how to use an SPL???

As for your questions: This system is 85% home theater and 15 percent music. Dont get me wrong at any given time I am all about listening to some great music on a fantastic system. The TV is mounted on a cabinet about 34 inches tall that houses my reciever, dvd and cable box. Not to mention the fact that my center channel sits on top in front of the tv and my two fronts sit one on each side of the reciever. I know, not optimal position but it is a small room and I do not have much option with the 50" plasma being kitty cornered. As for hanging a speaker above the tv, my only concern would be the height... I would not mind hanging the new rear speakers up on the wall behind my couch somewhere but...

As for budget... lets put it this way, I was looking online and noticed that my current eca-4's are selling for about 400 dollars a pair!!! That frightens me... but I am not afraid to spend some money for music to my ears!!!

I dont want to jump the gun either... Like I said, I think I am getting things pretty close to dialed in, but I could be wrong and getting pee poor performance out of a cadillac system cause I dont know how to drive yet!

This is getting frustrating!

 

[lsiberian]

Isib~ I am glad to hear that you agree... it might suggest that I am actually catching on to this stuff

Now I am finally starting to get my speakers and sub and such dialed in... I THINK! Things are sounding better, the sub is more responsive, things are looking up. Next step is figuring out how to use an SPL???

As for your questions: This system is 85% home theater and 15 percent music. Dont get me wrong at any given time I am all about listening to some great music on a fantastic system. The TV is mounted on a cabinet about 34 inches tall that houses my reciever, dvd and cable box. Not to mention the fact that my center channel sits on top in front of the tv and my two fronts sit one on each side of the reciever. I know, not optimal position but it is a small room and I do not have much option with the 50" plasma being kitty cornered. As for hanging a speaker above the tv, my only concern would be the height... I would not mind hanging the new rear speakers up on the wall behind my couch somewhere but...

As for budget... lets put it this way, I was looking online and noticed that my current eca-4's are selling for about 400 dollars a pair!!! That frightens me... but I am not afraid to spend some money for music to my ears!!!

I dont want to jump the gun either... Like I said, I think I am getting things pretty close to dialed in, but I could be wrong and getting pee poor performance out of a cadillac system cause I dont know how to drive yet!

This is getting frustrating!

EMPs or not satellites make poor fronts. In most cases.

 

[mtbound10]

Isiberian...

Could you suggest a few brands and or models to look at. I am not sure what I should be looking at... sure I could listen to anything cheap or downright expensive and they might both sound good... but I want good sound and good quality.

I know I don't want tower speakers but besides that my mind is open...