recommendation for stereo satellite/sub set??

[pbarach]

Can anyone recommend a good stereo satellite/subwoofer set for under $1000? NOT BOSE, please... The satellites need to be relatively small. This is for listening to classical and jazz at moderate to low volumes. Can you direct me to some good units to audition?

 

[Sheep]

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/5.1SpeakerSystemShootout1.php

Any of these would perform well.

The Velodyne system is very cheap as it has been discontinued.

Also check out Orb Audio.

SheepStar

 

[pbarach]

don't know about velodyne

The Velodyne system, as you note, has been discontinued; the Velodyne website has 6 systems left, selling for $249. However, the reviews aren't all that enthusiastic, noting dynamic range compression or lack of mid-bass. Since I need only stereo and not a surround system, I think I might do better with spending the available bucks on a pair of satellites and sub, rather than buying 2 more sats and a center-channel that I don't need for this system. Any other suggestions?
I've looked at M&K B1500's and 1600's online, but haven't heard them yet. Has anyone? I'm very happy with their subwoofer that is part of my home theater system.

 

[Wid]

I would suggest a pair of Axiom M3s mated up with a Hsu VTF 2 . IMO this would make for a very nice sounding small system.

 

[jaxvon]

Can anyone recommend a good stereo satellite/subwoofer set for under $1000? NOT BOSE, please... The satellites need to be relatively small. This is for listening to classical and jazz at moderate to low volumes. Can you direct me to some good units to audition?

Define "Relatively Small". If you can go for a bookshelf speaker, you can pick up an excellent pair of bookshelves and subwoofer that will give you some very good sound. But before I make recommendations, how big can you go?

 

[Sheep]

The Velodyne system, as you note, has been discontinued; the Velodyne website has 6 systems left, selling for $249. However, the reviews aren't all that enthusiastic, noting dynamic range compression or lack of mid-bass. Since I need only stereo and not a surround system, I think I might do better with spending the available bucks on a pair of satellites and sub, rather than buying 2 more sats and a center-channel that I don't need for this system. Any other suggestions?
I've looked at M&K B1500's and 1600's online, but haven't heard them yet. Has anyone? I'm very happy with their subwoofer that is part of my home theater system.

I was just throwing it out there.

Did you look at orb audio? They got a favorable review here, and you can buy a 2.1 system from them. They also come in very attractive finishes.

If its just 2.1 you want, I think something from Acsend Acoustics would do very well also.

For $618 plus $28 for shipping (US prices), you can get a pair of CBM-170's and an HSU STF-1, which is a very capable subwoofer (ask Jaxvon).

CBM-170:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

STF-1:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/subs/stf1.html

Would be hard pressed to beat this setup IMO.

SheepStar

 

[markw]

They don't have to be married to each other.

Today's powered subs have smart enough crossovers that allow them to be mated with virtually any speaker on the market, regardless of the manufacturer.

I suggest you allocate a certain dollar amount towards a subwoofer, say $400 - $500 and look for a pair of bookshelves in the remainder of the price range.

You can fudge with that figure as needed. Then buy your sub from SVS or HSU.

 

[jaxvon]

I have to agree with Sheep. That system would have such clean sound. Ascends have a very neutral character (from what I've read) and I can speak from experience that the STF-1 subwoofer subjectively sounds very tight. The freqency response is very flat which means that placement is fairly easy. With correct placement, you can get usable response down to 25Hz in your room (unless it's huge).

 

[papostol]

NHT. Old reliable and can usuakky be found at a good discount. SB3s or SB2s.

Can't be beat for the price.