Okay... narrowing down my choices for front mains

[bluezman32]

First off... thanks to for everyone pointing me in the right direction in learning about current speaker technology. As I said in an earlier thread, its been 8+ years since I have even looked at loudspeakers.

I think I have narrowed down my interest and would like to get some comments from folks that own the following brands and models. I plan to then try and find some folks local that will allow me to sample them.

Keep in mind I enjoy tight, accurate sound, but not too harsh. For instance, I did sample some Klipsch's and found them to be very accurate but slightly harsh.

Also, for budget reasons, I may have to forgo a sub for a little while until more money finds it's way to my bank account. That being said, bass response will play into my decision.

So here we go:

PSB T45 or T55

Axiom M50 v2 or M60 v2

AV123 ELT525T or Rocket RS450

My price range is around $700 (pair) new or used depending on the speaker. I have also ranked this list in order of my current perceptions about the speakers on paper.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

 

[mazersteven]

The AV123, and Axiom speakers have return policies. You should order them and audition for yourself. Or register on the AV123, and Axiom forums to find someone close to you that will offer an audition.


TRY ANYTHING FROM AV123 FOR
30 DAYS IN YOUR OWN HOME.

So, you want to check out our gear, but fear commitment? We have a solution or you. Buy our stuff, take it home for thirty days, and if you don’t like it, we will give you your money back! We will even pay for your return shipping!

----------------------------------------

At Axiom, we believe that the only true way to audition loudspeakers is in your own home, with your own system - not in a soundproofed, controlled showroom. Your time, your tunes, your room - the best way to find your perfect fit.

That is why we will send you our products for 30 days with a money-back guarantee. We are so sure that you will love our products, that we can make this offer:

If Axiom loudspeakers do not surpass your highest expectations, send them back to us within 30 days and we will give you a refund. No questions asked.

 

[mazersteven]

AV123
http://av123.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=139

Axiom
http://www.axiomaudio.com/guarantee.html

 

[mazersteven]

Keep in mind I enjoy tight, accurate sound, but not too harsh.
My price range is around $700 (pair) new

Might as well throw these into the mix.

Ascend Acoustics
CMT-340 SE MINI-TOWER MONITOR
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

 

[calnbs]

Last year, AV123 threw an INCREDIBLE sale on the Rockets for their X-mas sale roughly around the Fall season. I wonder what MLS got up his sleeves this year. Just don't know if you can wait that long.
Before you commit to AV123, make sure you know when they will be shipping. Lately, they have been back ordered and fallen behind.

Those are great choices. Have you had a chance to these Swans Diva 6.1? I think it's hard to go wrong with these at $850 and free shipping.

http://www.ozhometheater.com/ozht_prodcat_htspeakers_floorstanding_6.1bc.htm

 

[mazersteven]

Have you had a chance to these Swans Diva 6.1? I think it's hard to go wrong with these at $850 and free shipping.

http://www.ozhometheater.com/ozht_prodcat_htspeakers_floorstanding_6.1bc.htm

Now that is a Great Deal

The Audio Insider still has them listed for $1,159.00 pr
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php/loudspeakers/original-swan-diva/p/swan-diva-6-1/cPath/21_30/products_id/48

And Steve from OZ is a good guy to work with.

 

[3db]

First off... thanks to for everyone pointing me in the right direction in learning about current speaker technology. As I said in an earlier thread, its been 8+ years since I have even looked at loudspeakers.

I think I have narrowed down my interest and would like to get some comments from folks that own the following brands and models. I plan to then try and find some folks local that will allow me to sample them.

Keep in mind I enjoy tight, accurate sound, but not too harsh. For instance, I did sample some Klipsch's and found them to be very accurate but slightly harsh.

Also, for budget reasons, I may have to forgo a sub for a little while until more money finds it's way to my bank account. That being said, bass response will play into my decision.

So here we go:

PSB T45 or T55

Axiom M50 v2 or M60 v2

AV123 ELT525T or Rocket RS450

My price range is around $700 (pair) new or used depending on the speaker. I have also ranked this list in order of my current perceptions about the speakers on paper.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

You know my take on the PSBs. I'm interested to see which one you'll like better betweeen the T45s and T55s as there is only a 2 to 3 Hz different in bass response as far as specs go. I wonder if those specs translates into real world audable differences.

 

[zeuiax]

Not to hijack thread.....but has anyone listened to Diva by Swans 4.1 Floorstanding Loudspeaker ??

 

[bluezman32]

LOL

How come my "narrowing" list keeps getting longer!! Thankfully I have finally talked my wife into some floorstanders, now she keeps saying... "would you just order some already.. what difference does it make!"

In the immortal words of Norm from "Cheers":

"Women... can't live with'em... can't live with'em... pass the beer nuts."

Seriously... you guys aren't making this process any easier. There are just so many good speakers out there. Trying to get the sound that best relates to your style at your price point does take a lot of research and time.

Now I am off to investigate some of the new potentials!

 

[3db]

LOL

How come my "narrowing" list keeps getting longer!! Thankfully I have finally talked my wife into some floorstanders, now she keeps saying... "would you just order some already.. what difference does it make!"

In the immortal words of Norm from "Cheers":

"Women... can't live with'em... can't live with'em... pass the beer nuts."

Seriously... you guys aren't making this process any easier. There are just so many good speakers out there. Trying to get the sound that best relates to your style at your price point does take a lot of research and time.

Now I am off to investigate some of the new potentials!

Did I tell you that I'm a huge blues fans and teh T45s are just stellar with bues?

 

[fredk]

Hey Bluezman. I agree with Mazer. Lots of good speakers out there, but you need to listen to them, preferably in your own home.

Its time to crank up the tunes.

 

[cheapskete OCer]

This probably isnt going to help but there are also aperion speakers and they ship to and back for free during the 30 day trial period

http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/NEW-Intimus-5T-Tower-Speaker,107,28,248.aspx

But i would like to once again refer you to axiom (its funny because im waiting for av123 rockets right now) but they are bright like you want but not harsh like klipsch , you keep mentioning klipsch and i found these axioms like klipsch but better, now i listened to the M80s at a guys house i was over there with another guy from the axiom forum who owns the M60s we were there for 5 hours i kid you not, i think the guys wife was getting a little impatient

anyway the M80s had some serious bass IMO for 2 6.5 woofers and 2 5.25 mids it was shaking the couch I asked him atleast twice if he was sure the subs were off. I also asked the other guy that was there how his M60s compared and he said they sounded almost identical except for the fact that the M80s went a little lower but thats to be expected.

Just my 2 cents but I keep reading how quick they ship and how painless the return policy is there.

The rocket 850s have just as good of bass but i have not heard the 450s the other downfall to them is that they waiting on the rockets to arrive so they can ship them to the people like me who have already paid 50% and are waiting still the ETA was 8/1 now its 8/25 but they said this date is for sure

 

[mazersteven]

But i would like to once again refer you to axiom but they are bright like you want but not harsh like klipsch , you keep mentioning klipsch and i found these axioms like klipsch but better

There are a lot of posts around the forums that claim that the Axioms can become harsh (bright, fatiguing). All depends on the listener.

 

[speakerman39]

There are a lot of posts around the forums that claim that the Axioms can become harsh (bright, fatiguing). All depends on the listener.

I agree Maz that it all depends on the listener. I for one, did not find the Axioms bright at all. Instead, I found the Axioms to be EXTREMELY DETAILED. I must say, however, that the Axioms can be a bit forward sounding at times. Personally though, I kinda like that. Others may NOT. It basically comes down to what an individual prefers as we all look for certain things when speaker shopping. Good luck and I hope the OP makes a well informed decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[fredk]

There are a lot of posts around the forums that claim that the Axioms can become harsh (bright, fatiguing). All depends on the listener.

And/or the room. I know at least one person who put the M80s in a completely empty apartment room that would have been a reflection nightmare and then got all pissed because the 80s sounded harsh. He then did the same with a pair of Studios.

anyway the M80s had some serious bass IMO for 2 6.5 woofers and 2 5.25 mids it was shaking the couch I asked him atleast twice if he was sure the subs were off.

I have played with this (with music) on my M80s turning my sub on and off. Lots of times you can't tell the difference. You start to notice a difference when there is lots of synth or pipe organ in the music.

 

[bluezman32]

It certainly looks like I just need to hear some of these speakers. How do you go about finding local people that have any of these makes and models? I live in the Cincinnati area.

 

[fredk]

Yup. Beats listening to us babble on.

Post a request on the forum linked to below for Axiom.

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=9&page=1

 

[cheapskete OCer]

yep...and heres the av123 forum

http://av123forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9

I linked you to where i posted to audition, in the loudspeaker category. I thought it was a little weird at first(asking to audition speakers at someones house) but all the other guys on these forums have been or will be in the position your in right now and are really freaking cool about inviting you in their homes and letting you play your music and movies on their system, hell some of them even hand you the remote..LOL..

Oh yeah.. I unfortunately live in a small town in IA and thought there was no way i was going to find anybody, luckily im only 45min from the big whopping city of des moines

anyway Im going to stop being the overly informative guy with only a hundred some posts, I just feel your pain bro

your making the right moves

 

[bluezman32]

yep...and heres the av123 forum

http://av123forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=9

I linked you to where i posted to audition, in the loudspeaker category. I thought it was a little weird at first(asking to audition speakers at someones house) but all the other guys on these forums have been or will be in the position your in right now and are really freaking cool about inviting you in their homes and letting you play your music and movies on their system, hell some of them even hand you the remote..LOL..

Oh yeah.. I unfortunately live in a small town in IA and thought there was no way i was going to find anybody, luckily im only 45min from the big whopping city of des moines

anyway Im going to stop being the overly informative guy with only a hundred some posts, I just feel your pain bro

your making the right moves

Sweet! Thanks for the advice! I it may take me a few more weeks, but I am sure I will end up with something I can really enjoy!

 

[bluezman32]

Last year, AV123 threw an INCREDIBLE sale on the Rockets for their X-mas sale roughly around the Fall season. I wonder what MLS got up his sleeves this year. Just don't know if you can wait that long.
Before you commit to AV123, make sure you know when they will be shipping. Lately, they have been back ordered and fallen behind.

Those are great choices. Have you had a chance to these Swans Diva 6.1? I think it's hard to go wrong with these at $850 and free shipping.

http://www.ozhometheater.com/ozht_prodcat_htspeakers_floorstanding_6.1bc.htm

I am not finding much on the way of reviews on this speaker, but I am very intrigued by it. Anyone here ever audition the Diva's?