Small Room Small Space

[sacrifice]

I need some recommendations on a set of speakers. I live in a fairly small apartment and don't have room for large speakers. I need a set of satellites and an 8 or 10 inch woofer. I already have a decent receiver. I bought a receiver that was recommended by this site for the 1000 bare bones system a few years ago(Pioneer). I am looking to spend about 1000 dollars on 5.1 set of speakers. I have been doing some research and have read good things about orb audio but haven't had an opportunity to hear them as there are no dealers around. I also know a lot of the time Mirage and Polk have deals at stores were you buy the 5 satellites and they throw in the sub. Any recommendations? My living room is abut 12 x 12 with a 20 foot ceiling (have a loft overlooking the living room).

Thanks!

 

[cl35m]

Polk may give away their subs because they have the worst reputation for making subs in the world. I personally wouldn't buy any of their current speakers either which have become low-fi low quality made in china disasters.

Check out Energy, KEF, etc.

 

[CraigV]

First, always audition before buying. The Mirage speakers create a large sound field, but some people feel it is too dispersed - only you would know if the effect is too much.
Another question would be, are aesthetics more important than sound? Sorry to ask, but some people take décor into account as much or more than sound quality.
KEF makes a nice system consisting of small speakers & a sub. What’s nice about their speakers is the tweeter is mounted concentrically in the middle of the mid driver. This creates a large “sweet spot” and relays the sound information very well. Check accessories4less.com for deals.
The best place to audition will always be in home, with your equipment (assuming you can return/exchange the speakers if you don’t like them.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFKHT3005SLV/KEF/KEF-KHT3005-5.1-Home-Theater-Speaker-Package-in-Silver-/1.html

 

[jostenmeat]

An idea would be three identical bookshelves across the front. For example, Ascend 170 SE x3 is about $525. (Or, if you perused the classifieds here, you'd have seen a couple of pairs for much less recently). Use the rest of the budget on a good entry sub, like SVS PB10 or a B stock PB 12.

Pick up some super cheapos at a garage sale for the rears. Or wait to save some more, and pick up Ascend HTM200se.

Or, to save some more, and get it all now, 5x studio monitors, like Behringer 2030p or KRK ST6s.

 

[lsiberian]

I need some recommendations on a set of speakers. I live in a fairly small apartment and don't have room for large speakers. I need a set of satellites and an 8 or 10 inch woofer. I already have a decent receiver. I bought a receiver that was recommended by this site for the 1000 bare bones system a few years ago(Pioneer). I am looking to spend about 1000 dollars on 5.1 set of speakers. I have been doing some research and have read good things about orb audio but haven't had an opportunity to hear them as there are no dealers around. I also know a lot of the time Mirage and Polk have deals at stores were you buy the 5 satellites and they throw in the sub. Any recommendations? My living room is abut 12 x 12 with a 20 foot ceiling (have a loft overlooking the living room).

Thanks!

In my opinion the Best Satellite sub systems are KEF.

With the 3000 being the best sounding(if you can afford it. ) Cnet reviewed them and rated them the best speaker in their class based on all the factors and they aren't alone in their assessment.

And the 2000 being a decent step down. The reality is neither will be as good as a larger bookshelf like an iQ1, but for what they are I don't think you can beat them. They have the best looks and take up the least space. Even the sub is aesthetic. However if you are willing to have a big sub you could pair the set of satellites with a nice sub for a reasonable price.

They make great surrounds. So a pair of KEF eggs paired with 2 iQ1s and one iQ2 would be a great compact setup with decent punch. Especially if paired with an SVS sub.

 

[lsiberian]

First, always audition before buying. The Mirage speakers create a large sound field, but some people feel it is too dispersed - only you would know if the effect is too much.
Another question would be, are aesthetics more important than sound? Sorry to ask, but some people take décor into account as much or more than sound quality.
KEF makes a nice system consisting of small speakers & a sub. What’s nice about their speakers is the tweeter is mounted concentrically in the middle of the mid driver. This creates a large “sweet spot” and relays the sound information very well. Check accessories4less.com for deals.
The best place to audition will always be in home, with your equipment (assuming you can return/exchange the speakers if you don’t like them.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFKHT3005SLV/KEF/KEF-KHT3005-5.1-Home-Theater-Speaker-Package-in-Silver-/1.html

That's a slick deal on the 3000 series. I suggest you jump on it.