Speakers for HK AVR 254

[ajoheb]

Hi,
I am new to this forum. I have gone through some posts to get an idea of speakers.
I need suggestions to choose a surround speaker system for my HK AVR254. I am looking for bookshelfs as the fronts.

I have visted Systems Design in Redondo Beach and I have liked the Paradigm Mini monitors for fronts.

I am also considering Infinity Primus 162.

Also, any suggestions for Bose AM 10 series IV?
My budget is < $1000 and I do Music:Movies 50:50.
Thanks.

 

[rnatalli]

Stay away from Bose...

Choosing speakers is a very subjective process. Only your ears will know what you like so get out and audition as many as possible. Don't forget ID brands like Axiom, Aperion, Av123, SVS, Ascend, and Orb. If you liked the Paradigms, I'd check out Axiom and Aperion for comparison.

Here are a few good systems priced around $999:

SVS-
http://svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

Av123 (Just add a sub)-
http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,293/category_id,51/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

Ascend-
HTM-200SE 5.0 Package at $508 shipped with the package and holiday deal. Add an HSU STF-2 or VTF-1 subwoofer, and you're good.

Aperion-
http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-4B-Harmony-SD,116,35,265.aspx

Orb-
http://www.orbaudio.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=50

 

[ajoheb]

Thanks a lot for your time and suggestion.

Do axiom and ascend have retail oulets? I could only find them online.

I have listened to Polk TSI200, Infinity HTIB and JBLs in local Frys, but could not find any other brand there.

 

[no. 5]

Do axiom and ascend have retail oulets? I could only find them online.

No retail outlets; they are only available online. But they do have generous return policies.

 

[allargon]

No love for Emotiva (A few people on the AH staff love them.)

http://emotiva.com/erm1.shtm

RBH and EMP have well reviewed floorstanders. I'm not sure how well their bookshelves are rated.

 

[the grunt]

Do axiom and ascend have retail oulets? I could only find them online.

In the “Hearing Things” subforum of the Axiom forums there is a list of people who are willing to demo their speakers so if you haven’t checked already take a look there for some one in your area. Not sure if Ascend has anything similar but I’m pretty sure the AV123 mentioned above by rnatalli also has an audition list but not sure about any of the others.

 

[rnatalli]

Aperion pays shipping both ways so nothing to lose really by giving them a try.

 

[tonay]

I have SVS SBS/SCS's hooked up to both my HK's (240 and 445) and I'm very happy. I prefer the SVS to the lower end Paradigm's and Focals (which were my favorite in the stores). If you're talking the Studio Paradigm's - then there's a difference.

 

[fredk]

I prefer the SVS to the lower end Paradigm's

I think there are a number of manufacturers you can go to that will deliver more value than the lower end Paradigm lines.

From Axiom: M22 + vp100 center + QS4 surrounds less 5% HT dicscount = $1095 shipped. Buy from the Outlet store (B-stock) and knock off another 10%. At the moment that also gets you a %100 gift certificate that you could apply towards a sub, cabling, stands for the bookselves...

This system would be a cut above the lower line Paradigm stuff.

Edit: Oh yeah, as Grunt mentioned, check out the Hearing Things forum to see if there is someone local to you where you can audition an Axiom system.

 

[the grunt]

From Axiom: M22 + vp100 center + QS4 surrounds less 5% HT dicscount = $1095 shipped. Buy from the Outlet store (B-stock) and knock off another 10%. At the moment that also gets you a %100 gift certificate that you could apply towards a sub, cabling, stands for the bookselves...

I think you meant a $100.00 gift certificate? Otherwise excellent suggestions.

Dean

 

[nova]

Hi,
Also, any suggestions for Bose AM 10 series IV?
My budget is < $1000 and I do Music:Movies 50:50.
Thanks.

I'm not sure what you are asking about,....
Are you looking for two surrounds for ~$1000?
Or two mains for ~$1000
Five speakers for ~$1000 or
Five speakers and a sub for ~$1000?

 

[ajoheb]

I'm not sure what you are asking about,....
Are you looking for two surrounds for ~$1000?
Or two mains for ~$1000
Five speakers for ~$1000 or
Five speakers and a sub for ~$1000?

I am looking for Five speakers and a sub for ~$1000

After seeing so many options and hearing some I think i have to stretch my budget

 

[rnatalli]

I am looking for Five speakers and a sub for ~$1000

After seeing so many options and hearing some I think i have to stretch my budget

My suggestions were all 5.1 systems at around $999

 

[ajoheb]

My suggestions were all 5.1 systems at around $999

I sincerely thankful to you for that. I am presently considering them only