Setup for Music only

[SKINNER]

I'm setting up one of my extra bedrooms as an office/leisure room and am looking for opinions on speakers (2 or more??) and a sub. I'm not looking to break the bank so please make recommendations on a 'best bang for the buck' setup. Thanks!!

 

[jaxvon]

What is your total budget for this project?

 

[SKINNER]

I'd like to stay at 300 or less for the sub and 400 or less for speakers.

 

[tomd51]

May want to consider demo'ing a pair of Ascend CBM-170s (upgraded version of these out in the next two months if you can wait) along with either an HSU STF-1 (recent favorable review here on Audioholics) for a bit under your $700.00 budget or step up to the STF-2 for a bit over your budget. Ascend offers packages on their website for these configurations.

Another consideration would be the new SVS SBS-01 bookshelves with a PB10-ISD, bringing you to just under your budget. The PB10-ISD would be a significantly better sub than the two aforementioned HSUs, but is also a bit larger and may not be a good "fit" with this room config. For another approx. $200.00, you could opt for the 5.1 package from SVS, but this might be overkill for your listening purposes.

Yet another option for you could be the Ascend 170s with a DIY sub kit from Parts Express, lots of good feedback on these. Your room configuration doesn't sound as it would be too terribly sizable, but I think the "bang for the buck" with the above would be worthy of serious consideration.

I myself am considering an upgrade in my main HT to the new version of Ascend CMT-340s due to their 30 day satisfaction guarantee and the positive reviews in regards to musical performance. With the only negative impact of the return shipping cost, this is a relatively low-risk option, allow me to hear these in my environment and ample time to condsider whether these will be a worthwhile upgrade to my existing mains.

Good luck on your search and most of all, have fun with it! -TD

 

[jcPanny]

2.1 system.

You can pick up a pair of Axiom M22ti's on their outlet page for $400.
For the sub, I have heard some good things about the Cadence X-Sub in the <$300 price range.

 

[sts9fan]

I would look into B&G bookshelves

 

[j_garcia]

You could pick up some Athena AS-F2.2s for $400 at www.audiadvisor.com and then you might not even need a sub, or add a small one from Parts Express to support the bottom end for around $100.

I'll second the Ascend 170s. Tough to beat at the price.

 

[Tex-amp]

Another nod to the Ascends. Another idea is, the new 340SE will be right around $700 with stands and go down to the mid 40s before room gain.

 

[SKINNER]

May want to consider demo'ing a pair of Ascend CBM-170s (upgraded version of these out in the next two months if you can wait) along with either an HSU STF-1 (recent favorable review here on Audioholics) for a bit under your $700.00 budget or step up to the STF-2 for a bit over your budget. Ascend offers packages on their website for these configurations.

Another consideration would be the new SVS SBS-01 bookshelves with a PB10-ISD, bringing you to just under your budget. The PB10-ISD would be a significantly better sub than the two aforementioned HSUs, but is also a bit larger and may not be a good "fit" with this room config. For another approx. $200.00, you could opt for the 5.1 package from SVS, but this might be overkill for your listening purposes.

Yet another option for you could be the Ascend 170s with a DIY sub kit from Parts Express, lots of good feedback on these. Your room configuration doesn't sound as it would be too terribly sizable, but I think the "bang for the buck" with the above would be worthy of serious consideration.

I myself am considering an upgrade in my main HT to the new version of Ascend CMT-340s due to their 30 day satisfaction guarantee and the positive reviews in regards to musical performance. With the only negative impact of the return shipping cost, this is a relatively low-risk option, allow me to hear these in my environment and ample time to condsider whether these will be a worthwhile upgrade to my existing mains.

Good luck on your search and most of all, have fun with it! -TD

Wow, thanks for the great reply. It sounds like the Ascends are popular! I wish I could audition them somewhere.....On the same note, has anyone done a formal review on SVS's bookshelves? I'm curious to see how they'll sound when matched with an SVS sub.

 

[j_garcia]

A fairly basic, but favorable review: http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16580

 

[Tex-amp]

SVS speaker review- http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_4/svs-sbs-01-speaker-system-11-2005-part-1.html

Ask on the Ascend Forum if someone will let you come listen to theirs. http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/index.php

 

[j_garcia]

You can also try out a pair of Ascends with their 30day money back guarantee. I believe they only charge a restocking fee if you keep them longer than the 30day period, though I don't recall if you have to pay return shipping or not.

 

[Tex-amp]

Yes, you do have to pay return shipping with Ascend.

BTW- Ron Stimpson considers Ascend to be in a high price bracket and not SVS' competition. http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=1402

 

[j_garcia]

At $200/pr I wouldn't consider the 170s direct competition for the SBSs. That's about a 40% difference in price. Rumor is though, SVS are also working on a more upscale set of speakers...

 

[Gatorchong]

Some speakers I've come across that I think are amazing for the money are the Usher Audio S-520. I haven't come across anybody who owns these except for me so I'm trying to spread the word. I got my set for $400 which I think is exactly what they retail for and they are fantastic. I'm going to include a picture so you can see what they look like. Even set up as bad as they are in this picture they sound good. But when they are set up on stands, they're hard to beat for the money.

 

[Rutlanda]

Used! Audiogon

I would consider purchasing a used set of speakers. Search Audiogon...there are some great bargains on there but you have to be quick. I just picked up a pair of Thiel CS 1.2 for only $250! Luckily they were close to me, so I didn't have to pay shipping. These were about $1500 new. There are other pairs on there for about $400...they are hard to beat...especially with a sub. Good luck on your search...nothing beats a good two channel rig.