Need to buy small speakers - Which ones??

[thecoolguy11]

I am planning to buy a speaker package (including the subwoofer) and am looking at packages with small speakers (smaller than the bookshelfs). I've been reading that almost all speakers have an equal performance on HT sound. The differentiator is in the music output. I am a music enthusiast and enjoy good pure sound. I've heard (and read) in the past that small speakers don't make for a good music listening experience. Keeping my requirements in mind and having read a few reviewes, I've created the following shortlist
1. Polk Audio (RM6700 and PSW303 for $700 CDN)
2. Athena Micra 6 Speaker system ($700 CDN)
3. Infinity TSS-750 ($1000 CDN)
4. Energy Take 5 (Don't know the price)
5. Energy Take 5.2 (Don't know the price)
6. Paradigm Cinema 70 (Don't know the price)

Can anyone give me suggestions on which ones I should consider buying and if there are any other packages that I should consider? I am looking to spend upto $1000 CDN on speakers.

Thanks

 

[Rob Babcock]

I don't think I'd agree that all speakers are equal for HT. A common problem with cheaper/smaller sub-sat systems is that the small midwoofer in the satellites can't go low enough to properly blend with the upper range of the sub module.

Of the ones you list, I've heard the Energy & the Athenas. Both were okay for the price, although the Energy exhibits this "hole in the bass" a bit on music. For primarily HT, though, they're fine.

I've heard raves for the Hsu Ventriloquist rig, and it would be in your price range with Canadian exchange (what's the rate right now, like 70% or so?).

Be forewarned that asking what speaker is best is like asking someone what your favorite food should be. We can make suggestions, but ultimately you may like something else. Best bet would be to try to buy from a place with a liberal return policy.

 

[Unregistered]

Have a look at the Hsu Ventriloquist VT-12 set.

There is also a comparison in the Oct. issue of Sound and Vision I think.

 

[3db]

I would also include

PSB Alphas and a subzereo as shown below;

http://www.psbspeakers.com/s/newAlphaSeries.html
http://www.psbspeakers.com/s/Subwoofers2.html#SubZero-i

 

[outsider]

I have listened to the Paradigm Cinema 70s and they do have nice sound for music.
However, they are not capable of reproducing lower frequencies, so you'd want to get a good subwoofer.

 

[lslugger40]

Vt-12

When hooking up a sub to go along with the VT-12 does it need to be a Hsu sub? I have recently purchased a Velodyne sub and would like to use it with the Hsu VT-12.

 

[Illuminatti]

Also consider Ascend Acoustics' CBM 170 package with HSU VTF 2

 

[Rob Babcock]

When hooking up a sub to go along with the VT-12 does it need to be a Hsu sub? I have recently purchased a Velodyne sub and would like to use it with the Hsu VT-12.

You wouldn't strictly speaking need to use a Hsu sub. The speakers are designed with their own subs in mind, but if it has similar frequency respond you'd be fine.

 

[VS540]

You can try the Rocket Tykes from AV123....$399 U.S. http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/rockettyke.php

Plus now you can get a Xbox, Gamecube, or PS2 for free when you order...not too shabby.

 

[libor]

I vote for PSB ALPHA, named budged speaker of year every year.

 

[FLMike]

Take a look at these...

coolguy,
I've been looking at small speakers myself and someone referred me to this company, www.orbaudio.com . I posted a thread to see if anyone here had any experience with them and no replys. But since then, I have spoken with their tech-support, and they seem very, very knowledgeable and they are extremely helpful. I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with them discussing various aspects of what I am putting together and they seemed genuinely interested in seeing me get the most out of my room and receiver as possible--he even recommended some alternative subs to his that he thought might be a better fit for my room. I've researched on the web and seen several very complimentary threads and articles. Also, they offer a 30 day in home trial. I'm considering getting two single units to act as side surrouds and possibly their sub-10 (won;t be released until march...8 is only option now) in a 5.1 config.

Mike

 

[E. Daniel]

totem

TOTEM - Small, marvelous, may be on the upper end of your price limits. Did I say marvelous.