speaker setup and WAF

[dbrown1971]

I am setting up HT in the basement of our new house--room is carpeted, wood paneling, dropped ceiling--14x16. I'm more concerned about music performance than movies, as I won't be adding a TV until a year or so down the road. I'm looking at the Pioneer vsx-815, or if I can afford it, the Yamaha rxv-657.

My question is about speakers. My budget for speakers is about $1000, and I want to do MCH audio. I plan on spending a lot of time listening while my wife is home, so I don't want overpowering bass, which absolutely drives her INSANE. I'm thinking towers are going to be too big, but I'm nervous about going with bookshelves and a sub (a sub might lead to divorce). I'm thinking a 3-way speaker like the Axiom M22 would be the best compromise for my fronts, giving me decent bass response, but nothing that's going to send my wife stomping downstairs to yell at me.

Aside from some soundproofing solutions (which I'm looking into), what should I be looking at? Bookshelf? towers? Center channel? Rears? Dig a bunker 20 feet under our home? Help!

 

[Tomorrow]

I'm certain that there are a gaggle of Ax owners here that will tell you of the wonders of the M22. Your budget would allow for some decent speakers (Axiom or otherwise), providing you hold down the price of the rears/surrounds...which I would suggest given your preference for music. However, if you're going to do HT, as you hinted, you will really want a sub for good movie immersion. (Some wives even get to like bass, eh Craigsub?! )

Just curious as to your preference in music. Some speakers excel at different kinds of music. You'll get some good suggestions here, and welcome to the forum.

 

[The Dukester]

Dig the bunker and crank up the bass.
I have an older house with insulation between the floors. Even at modrate levels with my sub you can feel and hear the beat upstairs. One advantage to living alone...I can vibrate the rafters. Sweet!

 

[dbrown1971]

speakers

Thanks for the response. I'll mostly be listening to rock with some jazz as well. I'm really interested more in music performance than anything else. Although that could change down the road.

 

[jaxvon]

I think that if you can't invest in a sub right now, you might want to opt for floorstanders in the front and bookshelves in the rear. In your price range, I think the Phase Tech Teatro speakers would be an excellent choice. You can find them cheap from OneCall:

http://onecall.com/LandingPage.aspx?lpID=51

I listened to Phase Tech's flagships and I really, REALLY liked what I heard. Granted, these less expensive models aren't that good, but a lot of their engineering trickles down the line. If you have a local dealer, take a listen and see what you think.

Edit: While it wouldn't do much for multi-channel music, if you ever want to get into movies, a tactile transducer will help you achieve couch rumbling bass without rumbling the entire house. Still, to get the most out of Multi-Channel music, it's best to use a subwoofer or have towers with strong bass response to the low 30s. In your budget, a subwoofer is much more economical. I'd recommend a Hsu STF-1. It doesn't have earth-shaking deep bass, but it plays plenty loud and is very "tight".

 

[rikmeister]

i would look at quads since WAF is in the need. also look at

www.audiogon.com for some demo or used can save 50% that way. i would get good fronts and worry about the rears later. remember you only get what you pay for. and if you are unhappy selling speakers down the road will cost you. so get what you want up front then add on. and make sure you listen to what you buy. Rockets could be a good investment for you too or swans.