Noob needs help

[Clownfish]

Hi folks, I'm new to this fourm. I like to listen to music. I used to listen to music... I'd like to listen to music again...
I have a few hurdles (spouse issues) to overcome, first.

I had some stereo stuff, sitting in the basement, an older Kenwood reciever, JBL lx55 floor speakers, and a large JBL subwoofer, 10 or 12"? with a 200w amp. and a Kenwood or Yammy CD player. I liked it.

When we bought a new house, and the spouse talked me into a >ok, don't barf here< a Bose 3-2-1 Lifestyle System, so we could get rid of "the stack" and all of those large, ugly components. I could listen to music, we could watch movies, and have "surround sound" without all the messy junk. Yeah, right.

We bought a 50" Panasonic plasma TV, top of the line, put all of the connections behind the wall, above the fire place. It looks nice, and clean.

I found when I played my CD's over the Bose, I didn't enjoy it at all. Any music I listened to just lacked... something. Besides, no volume or bass? The TV sounded better! I have been reading the fourms here, and at least now I know why the Bose blows.

I'd like to listen to my iPhone over the stereo, and perhaps a CD player. I think my JBL's went into the trash behind my back, but I still have the sub, and some smaller infinity speakers. I have no plans right now to do any type of surround sound, because all of the wiring for the tv is in plaster, behind the wall, plus, we have that awsome system by Bose, that the spouse loves... >ok, you can barf now<

I've been thinking about a Yammy Rx-v661. If I went with just 2 speakers, that would work well with my sub, and old reciever, until I can upgrade? Can you give some suggestions that I should go listen to, and might work well for a simple music based system? Do the ipod docks into stereo recievers help with the quality of music? and do they work with the iPhone?

I plan on going one piece at at time. If I really need new speakers, I'd like to spend $300 to $1000.00. Do those wireless setups sound any good? For an average person, like me? I'm no audiophile, just an regular consumer who likes to listen to music, but doesn't want to waste money, like we did on the Blows.

Thanks in advance for any help provived.


.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi folks, I'm new to this fourm. I like to listen to music. I used to listen to music... I'd like to listen to music again...
I have a few hurdles (spouse issues) to overcome, first.

I had some stereo stuff, sitting in the basement, an older Kenwood reciever, JBL lx55 floor speakers, and a large JBL subwoofer, 10 or 12"? with a 200w amp. and a Kenwood or Yammy CD player. I liked it.

When we bought a new house, and the spouse talked me into a >ok, don't barf here< a Bose 3-2-1 Lifestyle System, so we could get rid of "the stack" and all of those large, ugly components. I could listen to music, we could watch movies, and have "surround sound" without all the messy junk. Yeah, right.

We bought a 50" Panasonic plasma TV, top of the line, put all of the connections behind the wall, above the fire place. It looks nice, and clean.

I found when I played my CD's over the Bose, I didn't enjoy it at all. Any music I listened to just lacked... something. Besides, no volume or bass? The TV sounded better! I have been reading the fourms here, and at least now I know why the Bose blows.

I'd like to listen to my iPhone over the stereo, and perhaps a CD player. I think my JBL's went into the trash behind my back, but I still have the sub, and some smaller infinity speakers. I have no plans right now to do any type of surround sound, because all of the wiring for the tv is in plaster, behind the wall, plus, we have that awsome system by Bose, that the spouse loves... >ok, you can barf now<

I've been thinking about a Yammy Rx-v661. If I went with just 2 speakers, that would work well with my sub, and old reciever, until I can upgrade? Can you give some suggestions that I should go listen to, and might work well for a simple music based system? Do the ipod docks into stereo recievers help with the quality of music? and do they work with the iPhone?

I plan on going one piece at at time. If I really need new speakers, I'd like to spend $300 to $1000.00. Do those wireless setups sound any good? For an average person, like me? I'm no audiophile, just an regular consumer who likes to listen to music, but doesn't want to waste money, like we did on the Blows.

Thanks in advance for any help provived.


.

Oh dear, where to start?

Do you you have a bonus room or basement were you can get away from your wife?

If not tell your wife this is what she has to have.

Then the negotiation can begin.

You say you like music, what are your tastes? I think you may well have a better ear than you give yourself credit for, so don't low ball yourself.

If you have to use the current room, pictures would be very helpful.

 

[Clownfish]

Oh dear, where to start?

Do you you have a bonus room or basement were you can get away from your wife?

.

Oh dear, where to start?

I AM the wife. LOL. Are women allowed on this site? It does seem like a mostly male oriented hobby.


No, the basement is no option, and our home is an open floor, with the tv, kitchen, hall all as one large room.

The fireplace and the large tv over the fireplace are the main focal points, with all of the tv wires placed in while doing a remodel.

On the left of the tv, are my saltwater reef tanks. The right, I just bought a bookcase (for my stereo!) and it holds our Blows 3-2-1. The sofa sits in the middle. I can try to get some pictures.

I like to listen to Kid Rock, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, STP, The Who, Aerosmith, David Bowie, Gary Jules, Enigma.
No opera, or orchestra, and only country if it's live or Garth Brooks. I like stuff that rocks.

I knew the Bose was lacking, I just didn't know what, besides volume and bass. Pretty silly when it's beat out by TV speakers sound, huh?

 

[TLS Guy]

Oh dear, where to start?

I AM the wife. LOL. Are women allowed on this site? It does seem like a mostly male oriented hobby.


No, the basement is no option, and our home is an open floor, with the tv, kitchen, hall all as one large room.

The fireplace and the large tv over the fireplace are the main focal points, with all of the tv wires placed in while doing a remodel.

On the left of the tv, are my saltwater reef tanks. The right, I just bought a bookcase (for my stereo!) and it holds our Blows 3-2-1. The sofa sits in the middle. I can try to get some pictures.

I like to listen to Kid Rock, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, STP, The Who, Aerosmith, David Bowie, Gary Jules, Enigma.
No opera, or orchestra, and only country if it's live or Garth Brooks. I like stuff that rocks.

I knew the Bose was lacking, I just didn't know what, besides volume and bass. Pretty silly when it's beat out by TV speakers sound, huh?

Got it! No place to escape your husband!

Yes, we do have some women on the forums, as you can tell not enough.

We have a surgeon called Cutter who is moderately active. And we do hear from Looserwife, and there are a few others. Anyhow welcome to the forums.

The Bose presents a real problem, as it is not really compatible with anything else. The sub is not even a proper sub, and would not fit in with anything else.

You have a large space, and you certainly won't fill that with bookshelf speakers. Your music choices demand something that can generate decent spl. especially in the upper bass. Your budget, is very marginal for the task at hand.

I think I would feel inclined to purchase something like this. It is close to your budget range.

For now I would get out the old Kenwood receiver, hook up a CD player, and run the audio out from the TV to an aux input. You can also hook up your iphone with the right cable. It will be mini phone jack to RCA, I think.

If your Kenwood has pre outs you can use you sub.

I think that is how I would start.

As time goes by you could add an AVR receiver and use a phantom center channel. Do you have wiring for a center speaker?

Just one comment. You have done it now, but TVs over a fireplace are not to be recommended. Do not use your fireplace if you are watching TV. The TV will not cool properly, and you are very likely to get premature failure. The other problem is that the TV gets too high for viewing comfort. One of the commonest mistakes of AV is to get the screen to high.

You say you don't want, or can't use surrounds, so that is not an issue.

What do you have driving the TV now, and what wiring did you put in place there?

This is a difficult situation. Really the Bose needs to go. Hopefully, like most women you can get your own way with your husband. By the way, give him a direct order to not throw out any audio gear without a consultation.

 

[Clownfish]

WOW. The husband came around!

I printed up that article about Bose marketing, highlighted all of the important parts, and left it on his laptop to read before I left for work. I knew he wouldn't bother to read the whole thing, but he read enough of it...

Get this... he appoligized! He said he was being stubborn, because he didn't want to admit he was duped by Bose! He would give me the go-ahead to purchase one piece at a time, and get something decent! He would sell the Bose on E-bay, and put some of that money to a full system!

He said I could get a reciever, full set of speakers, and a blue ray player! Gosh, where to start now? Oh, and he wanted a new gun for whatever... shoes, gun, what's the difference when negotiating with the spouse?

The TV sits above the fireplace, but it's a gas fireplace, with black granite all around. We don't use it that much, and it doesn't generate heat up the wall to the TV. We checked on this, before we installed it. It does sit kinda high, at 4 to 4.5 feet off the floor, but it can be viewed from anywhere in the living area.

Do those wireless speakers sound any good? I'm going to strat checking around my area to find a place I can listen to some of this equipment. I'm guessing Best Buy or Circut City isn't a good place to shop? What about used stuff? Is there a reputable place to buy used equipment?


*BTW, that first picture you posted was awsome. I think it was just a tad out of my budget. Even the leather chairs looked like they cost about in the 2k range....

 

[calnbs]

So you say that you have no plans for surround sound? So are you looking for 2 or 3 speakers for Fronts? What about subwoofer? And most importantly what is your current budget for receiver, speakers, and subwoofer?

 

[TLS Guy]

WOW. The husband came around!

I printed up that article about Bose marketing, highlighted all of the important parts, and left it on his laptop to read before I left for work. I knew he wouldn't bother to read the whole thing, but he read enough of it...

Get this... he appoligized! He said he was being stubborn, because he didn't want to admit he was duped by Bose! He would give me the go-ahead to purchase one piece at a time, and get something decent! He would sell the Bose on E-bay, and put some of that money to a full system!

He said I could get a reciever, full set of speakers, and a blue ray player! Gosh, where to start now? Oh, and he wanted a new gun for whatever... shoes, gun, what's the difference when negotiating with the spouse?

The TV sits above the fireplace, but it's a gas fireplace, with black granite all around. We don't use it that much, and it doesn't generate heat up the wall to the TV. We checked on this, before we installed it. It does sit kinda high, at 4 to 4.5 feet off the floor, but it can be viewed from anywhere in the living area.

Do those wireless speakers sound any good? I'm going to strat checking around my area to find a place I can listen to some of this equipment. I'm guessing Best Buy or Circut City isn't a good place to shop? What about used stuff? Is there a reputable place to buy used equipment?


*BTW, that first picture you posted was awsome. I think it was just a tad out of my budget. Even the leather chairs looked like they cost about in the 2k range....

Congratulations! Well done! I bet you are worth it and your husband knows which side his bread is buttered.

The first thing we need is a budget.

I'm glad your fireplace does not make a much heat. When I saw you location was Michigan, I was worried. My two fireplaces here in Minnesota would fry any flat panel TV!

I'm not impressed by any speakers stocked at Circuit City or Best Buy.

Really the speakers make or break a system, so they have to be chosen carefully. As far as radio speakers are concerned, KEF probably make the only ones that are any good.

However even at that, I think I would only use them for surrounds.

Since you want Blue Ray, I would purchase a receiver with HDMI 1.3, that can decode the Dolby True HD loss less format.

What speakers are available for audition in your area?

I hope some other members will chime in. I listen to none of the music on your list. Also I have been a committed DIY enthusiast since I was a child. I do not purchase speakers but design and build them. So that is why the picture I sent you is through and out the other side. I have a particular interest in aperiodic transmission line speakers. Here is a link to the complete album of my set up. I'm somewhat reluctant to make speaker recommendations.

I do however listen to speakers, at every opportunity. You have to be careful.

I auditioned three sets last Friday in the Twin Cities. A set of $7000per pair speakers, were worse than a potable CD player in my view. A $14,000 per pair set from Switzerland were also well wide of the mark. Only the B & W 802s also $14,000 per pair acquitted themselves with distinction. So price is no guarantee of a satisfactory listening experience.

So you will need a receiver, BD player, left and right main speakers, a center channel speaker, and a sub. You need to decide whether you want surround speakers, 5.1 or surrounds and rears, 7.1.

To do the job properly in the space you describe, will require significant care and thought.

When we know your budget, we can tell you if it is adequate, and make suggestions.

By the way there is nothing wrong with starting with left and right speakers and a sub. Two good speakers will best seven poor ones any day.

Second hand gear would be problematic because of obsolescence. Places to look are eBay obviously, and Audiogon.

However used speakers can be a good deal, but are often mucked about. Also unless an owner is in financial straights, I find people hang on to good speakers, and dump poor ones.

 

[Clownfish]

The first thing we need is a budget.



Really the speakers make or break a system, so they have to be chosen carefully. .

Since you want Blue Ray, I would purchase a receiver with HDMI 1.3, that can decode the Dolby True HD loss less format.

What speakers are available for audition in your area?



I do however listen to speakers, at every opportunity. You have to be careful.

I a receiver, BD player, left and right main speakers, a center channel speaker, and a sub. You need to decide whether you want surround speakers, 5.1 or surrounds and rears, 7.1.

To do the job properly in the space you describe, will require significant care and thought.

When we know your budget, we can tell you if it is adequate, and make suggestions.

By the way there is nothing wrong with starting with left and right speakers and a sub. Two good speakers will best seven poor ones any day.

Second hand gear would be problematic because of obsolescence. Places to look are eBay obviously, and Audiogon.

However used speakers can be a good deal, but are often mucked about. Also unless an owner is in financial straights, I find people hang on to good speakers, and dump poor ones.

Thanks for your advice. I'm working on a budget... and exactly what I want the system to do...

I appreciate your opinion on speakers. I'm going to take a serious look at the KEF. A newbie often forgets price doesn't always mean better product, just more money.

I think I want to focus on a reciever and just 2 good speakers to start with. I have a large sub in the basement. It's somewhat obsolete, it's a JBL dps-12 with a 350w amp. It's really big, so the spouse isn't too keen on this, but I have it, and it's bought and paid for. I guess if he soesn't like it, he can buy me another? Perhaps a Hsu or something?

I'm going to check out a few places in my area that carry nicer equipment. I've been into one of the shops before, years ago, and the sales staff were snobs. I'll try again, I just don't like being treated like lost dog who accidently wandered into the Taj Majhl.

I asked the prices on a few items (it wan't on the equipment) and the snob told me if I had to ask, I couldn't afford it, and I didn't belong in the store. So I left... Perhaps I just ran into one bad apple?

Are items cheaper on-line? If I know what I want, can I buy it cheaper from a well known e-electronics store, or is the pricing pretty standard?

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for your advice. I'm working on a budget... and exactly what I want the system to do...

I appreciate your opinion on speakers. I'm going to take a serious look at the KEF. A newbie often forgets price doesn't always mean better product, just more money.

I think I want to focus on a reciever and just 2 good speakers to start with. I have a large sub in the basement. It's somewhat obsolete, it's a JBL dps-12 with a 350w amp. It's really big, so the spouse isn't too keen on this, but I have it, and it's bought and paid for. I guess if he soesn't like it, he can buy me another? Perhaps a Hsu or something?

I'm going to check out a few places in my area that carry nicer equipment. I've been into one of the shops before, years ago, and the sales staff were snobs. I'll try again, I just don't like being treated like lost dog who accidently wandered into the Taj Majhl.

I asked the prices on a few items (it wan't on the equipment) and the snob told me if I had to ask, I couldn't afford it, and I didn't belong in the store. So I left... Perhaps I just ran into one bad apple?

Are items cheaper on-line? If I know what I want, can I buy it cheaper from a well known e-electronics store, or is the pricing pretty standard?

It is small wonder so many Hi-Fi dealers go out of business, your experience is far too common!

If you are prepared to take a chance on line, I would recommend these. They are a really good deal right now.

You will save a lot of money shopping on line.

You will likely save a lot of money buying on line.

 

[Clownfish]

Thanks for the info, and speaker suggestion. I did look into those, and they would appear to me (!) to be the lowest model of a very high end brand. I've never heard of them, but being new, I guess I wouldn't. That was near the price range I had in mind, though. They would appear to be a good place for me to start, and perhaps a wise choice.

This week, I'm going to go out and listen to some better equipment. I'll ask if they carry that brand, or something simmular.

Does the reciever I buy make any difference on how the speakers will sound? If both brands, say Yammy and Marantz, both with HDHT, play with the same speakers, side by side, does it change the type of sound, if both are the same watts per channel, and most things being the same or simmular?

...And thanks!

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks for the info, and speaker suggestion. I did look into those, and they would appear to me (!) to be the lowest model of a very high end brand. I've never heard of them, but being new, I guess I wouldn't. That was near the price range I had in mind, though. They would appear to be a good place for me to start, and perhaps a wise choice.

This week, I'm going to go out and listen to some better equipment. I'll ask if they carry that brand, or something simmular.

Does the reciever I buy make any difference on how the speakers will sound? If both brands, say Yammy and Marantz, both with HDHT, play with the same speakers, side by side, does it change the type of sound, if both are the same watts per channel, and most things being the same or simmular?

...And thanks!

My only advice is that you are by necessity going to be purchasing speakers that have an impedance drop below 400 Hz, this is because of the size of your space. Just choose a receiver, that has the features you want and is THX certified. THX certification is important, as this certifies the speaker will handle four ohm loads.

It is not fair to ask a salesman if he has something similar. How would he know? If you find a set of speakers you really like in your price range, buy them, but make sure you can return them if you don't like them in your space. Most Internet dealers have return policies. I do think you will find what I picked for you hard to beat at the price. Mordant Short, was one of those companies, founded by members of a BBC research team, that did ground braking research form the late sixties to early eighties, at the BBC.

That group gave British speaker manufacturers an edge they have not yet lost.

 

[Clownfish]

My only advice is that you are by necessity going to be purchasing speakers that have an impedance drop below 400 Hz, this is because of the size of your space.

I don't understand this... and where in the speaker specs do I find this information? I do not understand what it means, or what the number is telling me about the speaker... My room measures 22' w X 30' d.

(sigh) I'm sure this is something most people know, and I feel foolish asking.

 

[TLS Guy]

I don't understand this... and where in the speaker specs do I find this information? I do not understand what it means, or what the number is telling me about the speaker... My room measures 22' w X 30' d.

(sigh) I'm sure this is something most people know, and I feel foolish asking.

You are not alone, don't worry. This is an important topic but one that is still understood poorly by most members.

You have a pretty big space there and it is open and porous, so I'm sure I'm heading you to the right type of speakers.

I did a post a while ago on this issue.

Now the speakers I'm steering you to have above average sensitivity, which will help you fill that space.

THX certified receivers have to be able to handle loads that drop to four ohms without self destructing.

There are two THX grades, THX ultra for larger rooms and THX select for smaller rooms. With a room 22 X 30, if you can afford it you should seriously consider getting a THX ultra certified receiver. If you can't spring to that settle for a THX select, that has preouts. This allows you to access the receivers preamp. You could then add a THX ultra certified power amp later.

The specs for THX select and Ultra preamp stages are the same. So that would be a way you could upgrade a THX select receiver to an Ultra later, without buying a new receiver.

You can find THX certified receivers here, on the THX site.

Here is more information about Lucas Labs and THX

You space is significantly larger then average. I'm surprised those Bose cubes even squeak in it, they must be stressed to the max.

If there is anything you don't understand, PM me.

I have given you a bit of reading to do, but it will help prevent costly mistakes.

One other piece of advice, see if you can work out a return deal with that vendor on the Mordant Shorts. If you can I would audition them as soon as you pick a receiver.

 

[Davemcc]

One of the speakers' ratings will be 8 Ohm, 6 Ohm or 4 Ohm which measures the impedance of the speaker. Without getting into the physics of the thing, these are nominal ratings by the manufacturer. They don't remain the same in actual use. They will vary according to the frequency of the sound being reproduced.

Four Ohm loads are harder to drive, need more current, than 8 Ohm loads. An 8 Ohm nominal speaker can vary in impedance down to a 4 Ohm load or below in the bass frequencies. This impedance dip may cause a speaker that looks easy to drive actually to be difficult to drive. In layman's terms, the suggestion here is to be sure that the amplifier you choose is suitable to drive the speaker that you choose. But choose the speakers first then select a suitable amplifier for that speaker.

 

[Clownfish]

Thanks, guys.
I've been busy reading all the info provided, and make sure I understand it...

I went to a store yesterday, and listened to a few sets of speakers in my price range. Since I haven't listened to anything good in a long, long, looooong time, I am going to just see what's out there, and get used to hearing better sound.

I listened to Martin Logan Preface, and liked these the best of the few I have heard, so far. I didn't care for the Canton's, the Monitor Audio RS6 were good, but not when paired against the Logans, IMO. He ran them through a Yammy reciever, in my price range, no amp, sub, or any extras.

They also had a set of JBL Studio L880 on consignment for $600.00 but they were in a different room, so it was hard to compare. The guy said if I was intrested in the JLB's he'd carry them into the other room for me. I was actually treated very nice by the staff and owner of the store.

I guess what I discovered was, if the speakers aren't side by side, it's really hard to decide if brand A is more to one's liking, than brand B.

I found a local dealer that carries the Mordaunt-Short's that were suggested. I'm headed there on Wed to give them a listen. I liked the ML's, but for the price, I wouldn't say they "blew my socks off" just yet. I just prefered them most to the few I listened to, that's all.

Thanks again for your help, and reading provided!

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks, guys.
I've been busy reading all the info provided, and make sure I understand it...

I went to a store yesterday, and listened to a few sets of speakers in my price range. Since I haven't listened to anything good in a long, long, looooong time, I am going to just see what's out there, and get used to hearing better sound.

I listened to Martin Logan Preface, and liked these the best of the few I have heard, so far. I didn't care for the Canton's, the Monitor Audio RS6 were good, but not when paired against the Logans, IMO. He ran them through a Yammy reciever, in my price range, no amp, sub, or any extras.

They also had a set of JBL Studio L880 on consignment for $600.00 but they were in a different room, so it was hard to compare. The guy said if I was intrested in the JLB's he'd carry them into the other room for me. I was actually treated very nice by the staff and owner of the store.

I guess what I discovered was, if the speakers aren't side by side, it's really hard to decide if brand A is more to one's liking, than brand B.

I found a local dealer that carries the Mordaunt-Short's that were suggested. I'm headed there on Wed to give them a listen. I liked the ML's, but for the price, I wouldn't say they "blew my socks off" just yet. I just prefered them most to the few I listened to, that's all.

Thanks again for your help, and reading provided!

You have expensive tastes! You will have to be careful, with the Martin Logans. They are hybrid electrostatics. I would be nervous about them filling your space. Electrostatics are highly sensitive to position and room effects, and also beam, giving them a narrow sweat spot.

I have to tell you, but at the price range you are looking at, you will be hard pressed to find a speaker that absolutely blows you away.

However, the fact that you like the frequency balance of the MLs is encouraging, as it tells me you are looking for a smooth mid band frequency response. The Mordant Shorts, are the ones most likely to satisfy what you are looking for in that regard, and have the sensitivity to fill your large space at that price range.

A room as big and porous as yours, is going to make it tough at your price range.

 

[Clownfish]

Hi again. I went to a local place to listen to the 'Shorts Mezzo 6, but the guy didn't carry those.

He had a small pair of 'Shorts, in a bookshelf, Avarti (?) I think. Anyhoo, mostly what he carried was Vandersteen, in my price range. I thought they sounded nice, but not ready to drop the $ just yet.

He also carried lots of very high end stuff, Cambrige, McIntosh, tube amps, and high end turntables, the like I've never even seen before. The owner was a nice guy, again, I was treated well. He also suggested I pay attention to the reciever or amp purchase, since I like to listen to music at higher volumes!

Your suggestion may be on target, I'm just a little sheeepish to spend sight unseen, and un-heard just yet. I'm going to keep calling in my area to see if I can locate a dealer who stocks the Mordaunt Shorts in a size and price I'd be purchasing.

I also wanted to thank you for your time and help. I really appreciate it! I didn't realize so many decisions need to be made up front, before a purchase...

Might there be any sort of price drop in most equipment after the holidays? Does it pay to wait a month or so? I noticed some dealers in speakers only deal on-line? You get free shipping AND return shipping... after 30 days. It seems like a great deal, is it?

 

[TLS Guy]

Hi again. I went to a local place to listen to the 'Shorts Mezzo 6, but the guy didn't carry those.

He had a small pair of 'Shorts, in a bookshelf, Avarti (?) I think. Anyhoo, mostly what he carried was Vandersteen, in my price range. I thought they sounded nice, but not ready to drop the $ just yet.

He also carried lots of very high end stuff, Cambrige, McIntosh, tube amps, and high end turntables, the like I've never even seen before. The owner was a nice guy, again, I was treated well. He also suggested I pay attention to the reciever or amp purchase, since I like to listen to music at higher volumes!

Your suggestion may be on target, I'm just a little sheeepish to spend sight unseen, and un-heard just yet. I'm going to keep calling in my area to see if I can locate a dealer who stocks the Mordaunt Shorts in a size and price I'd be purchasing.

I also wanted to thank you for your time and help. I really appreciate it! I didn't realize so many decisions need to be made up front, before a purchase...

Might there be any sort of price drop in most equipment after the holidays? Does it pay to wait a month or so? I noticed some dealers in speakers only deal on-line? You get free shipping AND return shipping... after 30 days. It seems like a great deal, is it?

Actually buying on line with right of return, is one of the best and safest ways to audition a speaker. I think the deal I found you on the MS speakers is pretty much a floor.

In all honesty, with that large space, and the fact you like it loud, ideally you should be throwing a lot more money at the problem. However, I think what I picked will satisfy you. If you can't get the clean volume you want with those speakers being driven from a THX certified receiver, then you are going to need to up your budget a lot.

 

[Nemo128]

we have that awsome system by Bose, that the spouse loves...

After reading through this whole thread, I say your solution was a lot simpler from the beginning...

THROW YOUR HUSBAND THE BEATING OF A LIFETIME.

As for my own experiences, I'm engaged to an architect and she's all about aesthetics... until I auditioned a full Def Tech system for her. Now she sees where my taste comes from.

I say, the sonic experience should override all that aesthetic junk (for the most part). Show him the good stuff and it all goes out the window. If not, revert to aforementioned solution...

THROW YOUR HUSBAND THE BEATING OF A LIFETIME.

 

[Nemo128]

In all honesty, with that large space, and the fact you like it loud, ideally you should be throwing a lot more money at the problem. However, I think what I picked will satisfy you. If you can't get the clean volume you want with those speakers being driven from a THX certified receiver, then you are going to need to up your budget a lot.

I couldn't agree more. In speakers, dollars make the difference for the discerning listener.