Speaker choices...what to audition?

[kktk]

I was going to setup a new system....and I have read many reviews here on brands and model numbers.

Here's my basic setup. Its a 20X17 room(fairly square) with wood flooring.
The TV will go on the wall, but I prefer floor standing speakers.
I mainly want this system for clarity in music listening first, movie/theatre use comes second.

I wanted to get a 5.1 setup going.
I haven't picked my receiver yet, going to start with speakers first.

Budget
Mains---up to $2500 for the pair.
Center--up to $1000.
Rears--up to $1200 for the pair.
Subs--up to $1000.

Size
I don't care if the speakers are a little big..not necessarily looking for the smallest size speaker.

If all this can come in a matching series...that would be great.
I thought something in these would be nice....

Paradigm
Mirage
NHT
B&W
Klipsch

What say?

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=863653&highlight=kktk

 

[BabelFish]

moved to other thread

 

[flippo]

For the mains check out Mirage OMD series.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Just copy Babel or Warp's system and you will be blown away. If you want to save a little money copy mine and you will still be blown away...lol...

You just have to go audition all the speakers you can find and see what sounds best to you. Pick out your favorite mains, pick the center that matches, either get a lower model of the same speaker for surrounds or feel free to go cheaper on these and get the biggest, badDest sub from SVS or HSU.

Here are my favorite picks for mains

Paradigm studio series
Warefedale Evo series
PSB Image series
KEF IQ series
Monitor Audio RS series
Ascend CMT-340
AV123 Rockets
Aperion Intimus 633

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I thought something in these would be nice....

Paradigm
Mirage
NHT
B&W
Klipsch

What say?

All of those are definitely worth a listen

As far as the Klipsch line goes with your stated budget, the matching RF63 series would be right up your alley.
http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/rf-63-home-theater-system.aspx

The only thing I'd change is I'd substitute the subwoofer with a SVS. If you want towers all the way around, RF52's make excellent surrounds.(they do well as fronts too)

happy shopping


PS.... save part of your budget for acoustic room treatments!! No home theater is complete without addressing room treatment & acoustics!!

 

[kktk]

Anyone care about the Focal chorus 800?
Or something on the low end in the Martin Logan line?

How do those brands compare to ones talked about earlier in this thread?

 

[mazersteven]

Anyone care about the Focal chorus 800?
Or something on the low end in the Martin Logan line?

How do those brands compare to ones talked about earlier in this thread?

All the brands you've mentioned are really good. But it's all a presonal choice which ones you end up with in your house. That is why you need to take your time and audition. Have fun with it.

 

[j_garcia]

With your budget, I'd seriously be looking at www.josephaudio.com personally.

 

[no. 5]

With that budget, you could look at the KEF XQ series too..... and Sonusfaber.

And mazersteven gave some good advice.

 

[kktk]

hmmmm ok....the number that I have to go check out is increasing.

As I posted elsewhere too.....besides the sonic preference that people have and the difference in music that people listen to...what I was trying to get advice was on reliability, supportability, quality etc of these manufacturers.

I understand that they are all good brands and that everyone has a different listening pleasure....but if you have had a bad experience with a brand then that helps to narrow down some of the choices.

 

[gus6464]

I listened to some Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand and Bach Grand at bb Magnolia and they had very good musical clarity. The Mozart Grands were a bit clearer than the Bachs so they might be your cup of tea. You could also check out some Matin Logan Clarities as well.