speaker recom w/denon 3805

[gopokes]

I would really welcome your opinions on speakers that would compliment the Denon 3805. I'm looking for two floorstanding mains, a center and a couple of ceiling mounted surrounds. Config. of living room, and WAF, prohibit floor standing or wall mounted surrounds. Keeping the sub. Here in Okla. City we're limited to the models carried in Ultimate Electronics, Best Buy, Circuit City and a coupld of independents that carry B&W and Paradigm. System to be used 70% music (classic/progressive rock, jazz, country) / 30% movies. Looking to spend from $1,600 - 2,200 for the pair of mains, $400 - 600 for center and $400 - 600 for surrounds.

Listened to the B&W 704s and HTM7 center today, but not with the Denon. The sound was great and I really do prefer a wood finish, but the main drawback was the huge size of the center. If I was single it wouldn't be a problem but since it must sit on top of the entertainment center it's not going to pass the WAF. Asthetically, the wife and I really liked the KEF Q series but UE only handles up to the Q7 and Q9c and again, wasn't set up to audition with the Denon. The budget allows a jump to the KEF Q11 and Q10c, but UE doesn't even carry that model. I called an online dealer (downtownaudio) and was quoted around $1,250 for the Q11s but have no experience with buying speakers online. The guy on the phone also suggested the Monitor Audio Silver series. Should I be hesitant buying from this or any other online dealer? I've seen posts about some unsatisfied online purchase customers and scams, but surely there are some reputable outfits out there. Any suggestions for in this area would be appreciated. Haven't had a chance to check out the Paradigms across town, but called the local dealer and supposedly has a full selection available.

Would anyone advise not matching the Denon with any of the brands above? I don't see much mention about KEF Q series or Monitor Audio on this or any other forums. What other brands/models should I consider in my price range and preferably in a nice wood finish?

Thank so much.

Gopokes

 

[Rob Babcock]

There's like a thousand posts here about running Monitor Audio's with Denon! Do a little looking around. I think I've got 30-40 posts on that myself.

I'll save you some time. The short form: MA + Denon=

JMOHO.

You might want to check here, too.

 

[Leprkon]

I'm also from OKC, and wouldn;t buy from UE just from the way they treat people. I honestly think they have people checking your watch to see what brand it is when you walk in. They're obviously not not watching the parking lot, since I drive a new T-bird and I still get ignored. If they treat people that way on purchasing, imagine how they'd treat you on a return.

Your stereo budget is a little higher than mine, so I'd recommend you take a good look at the high end Axiom line here..

http://www.axiomaudio.com/epic80.html

I've only read good things about them. You can have the wife pick from 4 finish colors and impress the friends (well the ones who know audio) with the 95 dB noise sensitivity.

I have made some small purchases from Axiom (mostly cables and such), but they were very good about keeping me informed on the shipping status and they send a return FedEx label should you not be happy with your purchase. A point for them that you would be interested in is the small size of the center (a slim 7 1/2 inches high) but with a number of smaller (4 1/2 inch) mid-range drivers rather than two large ones. The system seems to fall easily within your budget.

Good luck.


They're on my wish list.

 

[Redbone]

Dynaudio Contour series...... Boston Acoustics VR3, Mirage & Def Tech Bipolar.