Wow, this speaker stuff is hard. So far I've made a few of the easy decisions for my home theater:
- Samsung D8000 51" Plasma.
- Samsung Blu Ray (it was basically a free-be with the TV and it plays 3D). I'll probably buy an Oppo at a future date.
- Denon 2112 Receiver. I picked the reciever mostly based on it's features.
I am planning a 7.1 system that will be used for both movies and music (figure about 50:50). But I want to make sure it has kick butt performance for movie soundtracks. I've already run the surround and rear wires behind the walls and the TV arrives on Sunday. So nothing to do now except get some speakers...
I am new to this market and I am amazed by how expensive and confusing buying speakers can be. Also, I didn't help myself by letting my wife know a few of the things I am considering...I think she was thinking a few hundred dollars for speakers...
My room is an odd shape. It's 28' long on the longest side. Most of the room is 12' wide, but there is a punchout where the stairs are that increases the 12" dimension to more like 18' for about 6 feet.
Here is the layout of the room:
{---------28 feet ------------}
{------------------------------}
{ TV--------------------Rears}
{ Front------couch-----------}
{---------{----------}
________{----------}
________{----------}
One of the surround speakers will be where the room widens. The rears will be 28' from the TV.
I want to buy a 7.1 system right out of the gate with a center and subwoofer. One of my concerns is getting a kicking subwoofer that will shake the room. I also want to make sure that the soundfield is complete (meaning you can't locate any one speaker).
Ultimately, this is driving me to spend more on speakers than I'm comfortable with. Money really isn't an option (I can afford it), but it's just a little shocking how much a system like this can cost.
So where to I begin? A system around $3K all in is about right, but if I can find something in the low $2K's I would be more comfortable.
I am consider the Aperion sytems (either the 5T's or either of the Verus systems) based solely on their reviews. Although I did speak with them on the phone and I was pleasantly surprised by their customer service. The 30 day return policy is nice, but the truth is that if I buy them I won't return them. The Verus Grand is more than I think I'll spend.
I am also considering a Paradigm system with 9 towers, mini monitors, c290 and an upgraded subwoofer. There is only a limited discount on this system, and I question if my local dealer isn't being aggressive enough.
I read a review today for the Wharfedale Diamond 10s. I made a quick call to the dealer and got an agressive price. I can't listen to them in advance, and I'm unclear on the return policy. Also, I have some concerns about the brand's presence in the US.
The Epik subwoofer is interesting.
I plan to make a visit to a local dealer and see what they have that I can listen to, although I'm not sure that I would be able to really hear the differences.
This speaker stuff is hard.
I'm open to any input on the decision process or recommendations for my situation.
Thanks,
Mike