PSB T45, Mirage Omni 250, Athena AS-F2.2, BA VR2, Energy RC-30 to choose from?

[skchang]

After reading many posts online and some research, here is the final list of speakers that I am interested in buying (as my main front) but I can't decide which one. Any opinions/suggestions are highly appreciated. TIA.

1. PSB T45 (roughly around $499 + S/H)
2. Mirage Omni 250 (around $440 including S/H from Vanns)
3. Athena AS-F2.2 (around $400 including S/H from AudioAdvisor)
4. Energy RC-30 (factory refurbished, around $400 including S/H from AudioAdvisor)
5. Boston Acoustics VR-2 (around $435 from Circuit City)

Other speakers in mind but over my budget are:

6. Paradigm Monitor 7
7. Axiom M60
8. AV123 Rocket RS450

My current setup:
- AVR: Kenwood VRS-7100
- Sub: DAYTON SUB-120

The system will be mainly used (as 2.1) in my family room for now, which is about 12 x 13, but I would like to be able to use them in the future when I convert my living + dining area into one great room, which is about 18 x 25 in size. And my usage of the system will probably be 75% movies + 25% music, but when I listen to music, I listen to classical (instrumental + opera), pop, and some new age.

My question will be:
- Does the VRS-7100 big enough to drive any of these speakers?
- Can VRS-7100 bi-amp any of these speakers? How? Or do I need to get another single channel power amp for the sub or two-channel power amp for the front?
- And later when I am available to get a center, does it need to match with the front I got?

My plan is to upgrade the main front first, if I choose any one from the first 5 on my list, then I will be able to get a center at the same time, too. If I choose one from any of the last 3, then I will have to wait to get the center later. I will only upgrade the sub when I move the system to the great room in the future (4, 5 yr later). Thanks.

 

[billy p]

From you first list of 5, I've listened to 1,3 & 4. I'd take the energy's in a heartbeat. As far as your second list I have less input. The energy RC's 30's list for $1000.00 and I've seen them as low as $700.00 so if Audio Advisor still has them at $400.00 a pair, just get them(or the decision becomes a little harder ). I am not sure on the spec's of your receiver and the Dayton sub is powered, so your receiver should be fine running a 2.1 set up. Lastly, the center channel should always timbre match the mains and use the same driver configuration, as well.

 

[skchang]

Thanks so much for your input. Unfortunately, I was too late to make up my mind, the refurb Energy RC-30 are all gone from Audio Advisor. I guess I will either wait or pick another set of speakers, then.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 X-series

The AV123 X-mtm and X-sls floorstanders are also in your budget. The matching center channel X-cs is also reasonably priced.

 

[westcott]

I am a fan of the National Research Council designs which include the PSB's, Energy, and Mirage speakers and billy seems to be on the same page with me.

I do not think you could go wrong with any of the above and I think they are a cut above the rest of the speakers you listed at the same price point.

As far as power, I think you will be just fine with most mid range and higher receivers to start off with. You can always upgrade to separate amp later if you feel the need. I am kind of leaning toward the new Onkyo's for their HDMI 1.3a support and lossless HD audio features. If you are investing hundreds of dollars, you might as well get something that is going to carry you to the next level of audio.

http://www.gspr.com/onkyo/txsr605.html

I think you are on the right track by upgrading the front three channels and building from there. I would not be too concerned about power right now.

 

[markw]

Energy, Mirage and Athena (and Sound Dynamics) were all made by API in Canada.

That is, until Klipsch bought API recently.

 

[westcott]

That is, until Klipsch bought API recently.

Klipsch will not make any signifcant changes to the newly acquired product line. The acquistion also does not include PSB.

"API also offers Klipsch access to its R&D facilities (and those of Canada's National Research Council), a not-inconsiderable benefit for the technology-driven loudspeaker company. Klipsch's acquisition press release alludes to that, saying, "Klipsch, Jamo, and API brand teams will work in a cooperative fashion to develop global technology platforms and product strategies that leverage investments in R&D, insuring the Klipsch group of brands stay on the cutting edge of product, technology, and brand development." .......quote from Stereophile.

You do not stay in the speaker business for 60+ years by making unwise business decisions and acquiring access to the NRC is only going to add to Klipsch's R&D solutions.

 

[billy p]

There has been some major changes at Energy. John Tchilinguirian head engineer and innovator of the Veritas line, has left along with some others. Klipsch has already done some changes and IMO for the better. The Energy RC's and C's are now available in BM stores like future shop(here in Canada), whereas before only hifi shops sold them. By going this route and reaching the masses here and eventually in the U.S. market, Klipsch will contiue to grow and maintain its high profile.

PS: I hope they don't incorporate those horns in the Energy line!! JJ

 

[westcott]

There has been some major changes at Energy. John Tchilinguirian head engineer and innovator of the Veritas line, has left along with some others. Klipsch has already done some changes and IMO for the better. The Energy RC's and C's are now available in BM stores like future shop(here in Canada), whereas before only hifi shops sold them. By going this route and reaching the masses here and eventually in the U.S. market, Klipsch will contiue to grow and maintain its high profile.

PS: I hope they don't incorporate those horns in the Energy line!! JJ

Klipsch has exploded in the last decade and are selling speakers as fast as they can mfg them. I may be mistaken, but Ian Paisley, API's VP of Engineering and world-renowned acoustic researcher is still on board so the sound of the API line should have a good base line with his input.