Seeking advice on floorstanding fronts vs. sub

[Centmo]

Hi, this is my first post here and I am seeking some advice for my home audio system.

Here is what I have so far:

Celestion AVP305 set comprises of:
1 X Centre: AVC301 (2 X 4" + 1 X 0.75", 80W, 60Hz - 22kHz)
4 X Satellite: AVS301 (1 X 4" + 1 X 0.75", 80W, 90Hz - 22kHz)

http://www.celestion.com/products/soundstyle/soundstylespecs.html

Yamaha Receiver (HTR5940B): 6.1 receiver, 90W/chan.

http://yamahalive.neuropia.com/av/////////////Receivers/HTR5940B.jsp

So far I have spent CAN$530 on the above. Now, I am missing one piece:

Option 1: A sub-woofer. On my budget, the Dayton SUB-100 to complete a 5.1 system (it is highly regarded as a good budget sub). Would cost ~CAN$250 all-in after ordering from the US:

http://www.************.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-633&scqty=1

Option 2: I was thinking a pair of full range floorstanding fronts and use the Celestions to complete a 6.0 system (no sub) with an extra speaker leftover.

Since I live in a townhouse with people living on either side, I don't really want the rumble of 20-40Hz. Also with option 2, I think it would sound better for listening to music and still sound good for movies (provided the fronts have ~8" drivers for ample bass down to ~40Hz).

I would want a pair that is on par with the quality of the rest of the system and woudn't want to spend more than $500 on them (total ~$1000 system), but preferably less.

The AS-F2.2 Athena Floor Speakers looked pretty good to me:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10062093&catid=

In order of most of my listening, it would be TV (turn off surround), then movies (use 5.1/6.0 surround), and then music.

Which do you think is my better option (1 or 2) and do you have any recommendations on front floorstanders for me (preferrably available in Canada)?

Thanks!

 

[jonnythan]

Don't mix brands of speaker across your front soundstage. If you get Athena main speakers, you want the matching Athena center channel.

I'd buy the sub.

 

[Sheep]

Don't mix brands of speaker across your front soundstage. If you get Athena main speakers, you want the matching Athena center channel.

I'd buy the sub.

I agree. The Athenas will walk all over the Celestions in terms of SPL. You'd be better off with a matching sound stage and a separate sub. You can always run your sub quieter.

SheepStar

 

[Ryan8886]

I agree. The Athenas will walk all over the Celestions in terms of SPL. You'd be better off with a matching sound stage and a separate sub. You can always run your sub quieter.

SheepStar

I agree...again ! Don't mix and match your front stage. Here's a link to one of Athena's authorized retailers...I've heard they won't honor the warranty unless you buy that way.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASF2.2

Lucky for you, the price dropped recently...I paid $100 more for mine in November! They are an excellent speaker and have nooooo problem pushing good SPL! Your Yamaha should drive them just fine. Only complaint I have is that on rare occasions, the AS C-1.2 can get a little overpowered by the mains, requiring a quick trim adjustment to even things out....and again..it's rare. Overall, I love them! They did sound a little bright/forward to me when I first got them in, but my ears have adjusted to their sound now. They handle 2-channel music listening very well. Excellent for HT use as well...without or without a sub. Highly recommended speakers for the money!