Speaker selection Help (NEWBIE)

[jtrafidlo]

I purchased an AR home theater speaker package maybe 6 years ago. I just found out the audiovox had bought them out. I wanted to upgrade my center and front speakers, but would like to retain the sub and surrounds. I want to find speakers that will work well with the AR's, but will give me better sound. I believe the speakers I have are "THE EDGE" model. I'm happy with the sub and feel the surround are fine for now, but all 5 speakers are identical. I want to achieve better sound by upgrading the 3 speakers. Price is a factor as I would like to keep it under $1000. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[agarwalro]

A set of bookshelf speakers and matching center would be the way to go. Many internet direct brands present the best price to quality with many options in your price range. Look at,

AV123,
Axiom,
Aperion,
Hsu,
etc.

There is a recent bookshelf speaker review on the site. It can be found here, 2007 Bookshelf Speaker Face-off

 

[jtrafidlo]

Would I be missing much by not going with floorstanding speakers? I don't want to rely on the subwoofer as much for low end sound, can bookshelf speakers do that, or would this be another stepping stone where I'll want to go to floorstanding speakers in a few years?

 

[AVRat]

A Polk RTi8/CSi5/ combo – can be had right now for $700 offering excellent price/performance. But you better be quick. You should be able to find these in your area for auditioning.

Polk RTi8 L/R- $225 ea.

Polk CSi5 Center - $250

 

[agarwalro]

If you cross over your speakers at 60 - 80 Hz, irrespective of fullrange or bookshelf speakers, your sub will be producing the low end sounds. The only time you will need the full range capabilities is when you listen to stereo material in 2.0 mode, or if you don't have a sub alogether.

In my opinion as long as your speaker's low end -3dB point is lower than the cross over setting, you should be covered. So if your cross over is set at 80Hz (THX recommended setting, works for most speakers), get a speaker with low -3dB point of at least 60Hz. Many decent bookshelf speakers easily achieve this requirement.

Some may say that fullrange speakers crossed over with a sub will sound better than bookshelf speakers. This goes into the realm of subjective/ personal preference.

 

[hopjohn]

In my opinion this is, to date, the penultimate review written by Audioholics staffers. To me it reaffirmed what I've always felt to be true: Their is no best, only different. It also confirms that at $1800/pr for speakers you still haven't reached a minuscule difference in quality over less expensive models, ie a diminishing return.

Before anyone decides to start saving for the Dali's, understand they were $1000 dollars more than the next most expensive speakers. For that you could have gotten two pairs of any of the others, and six pair of the least expensive. Also consider there are plenty of other offerings at this same price point, so don't rush to judgment based on this review alone.

 

[jtrafidlo]

Is there a big difference between the CSi5 & CSi3. From what I have read there is not.

 

[zumbo]

Is there a big difference between the CSi5 & CSi3. From what I have read there is not.

1.25", cabinet size, price, and frequency response. The only thing that is the same is the tweeter.

 

[jtrafidlo]

1.25", cabinet size, price, and frequency response. The only thing that is the same is the tweeter.

I meant in terms of sound.

 

[avaserfi]

I meant in terms of sound.

Based on what I can tell the biggest difference in sound will come from the CSi5 ability to go lower than the CSi3 as previously mentioned. I doubt there will be a big difference between the frequency differences since most centers don't need to go that low...

My suggestion is go out and audition both then decide on which you like more.

 

[mazersteven]

Here is another $1000 L/C/R suggestion. I have not auditioned the Swans, but have been reading excellent reviews on them.

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_30&products_id=47

http://www.ozhometheater.com/ozht_prodcat_htspeakers_center_c3bc.htm

 

[zumbo]

I meant in terms of sound.

Oh! I would say the 5 is better matched to the 8's due to the driver size being the same. However, the 3 would work just fine.

 

[jtrafidlo]

Thanks for the help I'm gonna go with the CSi5 and RTi8's. Hopefully my Sony STR-DA2000ES will go well with them.

 

[zumbo]

Thanks for the help I'm gonna go with the CSi5 and RTi8's. Hopefully my Sony STR-DA2000ES will go well with them.

I looked-up your receiver. It should do a fine job. I think you will be extremely pleased. The quality of the rti 8 is far beyond the asking price. Heck, they were a good buy at the retail price.

Please stick around and let us know how it turns out.

 

[jtrafidlo]

I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[p38]

Book shelf speakers

B&W 602's great bass extension for a shelf speaker.