Opinions on my 2.1 upgrade idea

[Rob_63]

I currently have an HK-3490 receiver, JBL L880 loudspeakers and a BIC PL-200 Sub. We are doing some remodeling so I have decided to break out a Marantz surround receiver I have packed away for about the last year and use it with the JBL's and the PL-200 in a HT setup. (I also have a matching center for the JBL fronts)

So I am considering some Martin Logan ESL Purity speakers to replace the JBL's in my Den, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882981015

Measurements of my den is 17 X 17 X 10 high (2890).

I am not particularly fond of the PL-200 for music, it seems just a tad muddy and just not crisp enough for me, however it does satisfy me as far as a HT sub.

First of all, will the ML's be a noticeable improvement over the JBL's?

Secondly, I am trying to choose a sub, so far I have been looking at the Energy S10.3 (229 shipped right now) and the ESW-M8 (299 shipped), or possibly two of each, or a Velodyne DEQ-12R, or a Definitive Tech Supercube II, either of those is around 650.

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks!

Rob

 

[GranteedEV]

I am not particularly fond of the PL-200 for music, it seems just a tad muddy and just not crisp enough for me, however it does satisfy me as far as a HT sub.

First of all, will the ML's be a noticeable improvement over the JBL's?

Secondly, I am trying to choose a sub, so far I have been looking at the Energy S10.3 (229 shipped right now) and the ESW-M8 (299 shipped), or possibly two of each, or a Velodyne DEQ-12R, or a Definitive Tech Supercube II, either of those is around 650.

I would get two of these: http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV12.html
or these: http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/legend.html

Fact is if you want a good sub, you need to be willing to bust out and you need to accept the immediate advantages of multiples - two or three or four.

As for the martin logans, I find it tough to comment not having heard the JBLs. What is your price range for a pair of stereo mains?

 

[DD66000]

You say you don't like the sub for music, but as you are going to continue to use the L880s and center, i assume you like them just fine,
I've auditioned ML speakers a few years ago and I did not think that could match my JBL PT800s.
I rather doubt you will find ML to your liking if you really like the Studio L series. You could forgo the sub in the den if you bought a true full range speaker like a pair of L890s, especially in that small room.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

PL-200 is not very musical sub, Epic Legend or even better Empire is the way to to

 

[zieglj01]

I would look at the subs in post #2 - And I would look at Philharmonic
http://philharmonicaudio.com/philharmonic1.html

http://philharmonicaudio.com/reviews.html

 

[STRONGBADF1]

I would upgrade the sub and see if just that change makes you happy with your system. Muddy an/or boomy bass will destroy mid-range clarity. I have heard an Epik empire and it performs very well. It was in a system with Paradigm Sig8's and sounded wonderful. I've thought about getting two myself.

 

[Rob_63]

Thanks to all of you for replying, it has given me a lot to think about.

Rather than go with the ML's that are discontinued I am going to wait and use the JBL's for a while, and go with a better sub.

zieglj01 your recommendation for the Philharmonic speakers really got me thinking, I am not familiar at all with these kinds of speakers and have decided to wait before replacing my mains, maybe take a trip to place where I can hear them. (we only have one higher end audio store in my area and he has klipsch and B&W)

GranteedEV I have decided to go with either an Epik or a Rythmik, however since my receiver only has one mono sub out per set I will go with one 15", either the empire or the Rythmik F15HP Direct Servo subwoofer.

Does the Rythmiks performance justify the extra $350 ?

 

[GranteedEV]

zieglj01 your recommendation for the Philharmonic speakers really got me thinking, I am not familiar at all with these kinds of speakers and have decided to wait before replacing my mains, maybe take a trip to place where I can hear them. (we only have one higher end audio store in my area and he has klipsch and B&W)

Klipsch and B&W IMO wouldn't even come close to what the Philharmonics offer.

GranteedEV I have decided to go with either an Epik or a Rythmik, however since my receiver only has one mono sub out per set I will go with one 15", either the empire or the Rythmik F15HP Direct Servo subwoofer.

If the goal is sound quality you need more than one subwoofer, because they will load the room much more uniformly for a significantly flatter frequency response .

Your receiver has only one sub output but it's not an issue. All you need is a $5 Y-splitter, and to play around with the phase dial on the back of the rythmik when setting it up.

http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/two-subs

Does the Rythmiks performance justify the extra $350 ?

Only if you get two. I think the F15 is a great choice. The Empire will have more output, but the rythmik will go deeper in extension.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

zieglj01 your recommendation for the Philharmonic speakers really got me thinking, I am not familiar at all with these kinds of speakers and have decided to wait before replacing my mains, maybe take a trip to place where I can hear them.

Philharmonic speakers are very similar to Salk Sound model - Denis Murthy designer of Philharmonic worked closely with Jim Salk..

Plus Denis is is active AH member - PM him if you have questions - But one thing I assure you - PA is very new brand and probably your option to listed to them would very limited

If you're main use is music and your room is not huge - I think empire would more than sufficient job