Speakers for this room: What do I need?

[leowiz]

So I finally decided to be more serious about what I need and am posting the room where I want my speakers setup. Basically looking for a decently priced (~$500 a pair of front speakers and an appropriately price sub) just for music (will be aiming for a 5.1 setup at a later time).

Do you think I would be able to buy decent speakers (preferably floor standing tower speakers) for this room for around $500 a pair? I want something that would sound crisp and clear instead of loud. There is a little more clutter and furnitures that what you can see, but not much different.

Thanks all.

 

[sholling]

I'm going to take a wild guess that we're looking at an apartment or condo. For that you want something that won't tick off neighbors too much. Just based on reputation I'd look at the EMP E5Ti mini towers for $500 (red or black) delivered from the Audioholics Store. Later you can add the matched center if you like. Or perhaps a pair of Infinity Primus P362 for $400 delivered from the Audioholics Store. Again you can add the center later. I've heard the P362s and they are decent for the money.

Other options:

• I just ordered a pair of little Usher S-520 speakers for my master bedroom. I haven't heard them yet but their reputation is so stellar that I bought them sight unseen. They're small and not meant to be flogged super loud and they do need a subwoofer but they might be perfect for that room. $400/pr shipped from the Audioholics Store.
• I also considered the Axiom M22 (now up to version 3) which has the same limitations but also has a great reputation. $470/pr from Axiom.
• Behringer B2030P studio monitors. They're really homely but sound really good for $131/pr shipped from B&H Photo. They do benefit from DIY modifications and do need a sub to back them. I have them in my home office.
• Or you could choose a bookshelf that doesn't need a subwoofer right away. Ascend's Sierra-1 can be found used for $400-500.

I'd go with a front firing seal front ported sub (to minimize angry neighbors) and put it on a SubDude (~$50). To really fill that room with bass I'd probably probably go with an SVSound PB12 NSD but you'll likely be evicted soon unless you keep it down. An eD A3-250 might be a good choice but I'd check with eD to make sure it's enough sub.

 

[its phillip]

I've not heard all that many speakers, but I'm very happy with my Energy RC-10s. They aren't towers like you asked for, but you can get some decent enough stands for cheap. Vanns usually sells them for ~$350 a pair, but they're $330 right now. I don't know of anywhere that sells them for less - msrp is $600.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-2-way-Reference-bookshelf-speaker/dp/B001BYEWEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1277428937&sr=8-1

I don't know what to recommend for a subwoofer.

 

[leowiz]

Do any of these speakers compare to the Polk 70 speakers that were on sale for $150 a piece recently ?

 

[lsiberian]

I think Behringer 2031p's with a couple of stands would be tough to beat.

 

[leowiz]

I think Behringer 2031p's with a couple of stands would be tough to beat.

Can these be later used as the rear speakers ? I am actually ready to spend around $400-$500 for the front speakers if I can find something nice that is more warm/less bright sounding.

 

[lsiberian]

Can these be later used as the rear speakers ? I am actually ready to spend around $400-$500 for the front speakers if I can find something nice that is more warm/less bright sounding.

Don't get infinities then. They have great highs IMO. FYI any speaker can be used in any spot, but most folks prefer small speakers(like the KEF2001.2's for surrounds since they aren't vital in a system. You won't find much better than the 2030p's if you plan to use a sub or the 2031p's if you don't sound wise on your budget. I'd say the Primus speakers will be the most accurate in your room though.

 

[sholling]

Do any of these speakers compare to the Polk 70 speakers that were on sale for $150 a piece recently ?

I suspect that every speaker listed so far will flat blow away the Polk Monitor 70s as long as they have the help of a sub to carry the lows.

 

[sholling]

Can these be later used as the rear speakers ? I am actually ready to spend around $400-$500 for the front speakers if I can find something nice that is more warm/less bright sounding.

I'd use Infinity Primus P152s for the surrounds. As far as bright vs warm I think you'll be fine with Infinity but they are really common and you should get out and listen to a pair. On the other hand I suspect that you might not be happy with Klipsch.

 

[ChunkyDark]

In the deals section of this forum are these:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66437
Haven't heard them, but looks like they'd match your stand

I recently got the aperion 6b (bookshelf) on sale for $500. They sound really great, but the down side is they are so detailed it makes me realize Flock of seagulls might not have been the greatest singers ever.
They also have these open box towers:
http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/OPEN-BOX-Intimus-4T-Tower-Speaker,177,19,437.aspx


Couple of the earlier posters suggested EMP, infinity 362, and axiom m2 all of which are solid choices. The good news is that all 3 of them are strong performers so you really can't go wrong.

 

[leowiz]

In the deals section of this forum are these:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66437
Haven't heard them, but looks like they'd match your stand

Lol .. So you noticed that my TV is standing on a cooler Well the picture was taken a month after I moved into an empty condo and as you can see, I had my priorities

 

[ChunkyDark]

Lol .. So you noticed that my TV is standing on a cooler Well the picture was taken a month after I moved into an empty condo and as you can see, I had my priorities

The TV stand/cooler...real men of genius!

 

[sholling]

I mentioned earlier that I had Usher S-520 speakers on the way. Well they got here today and now that I've spent a few hours with them I can wholeheartedly recommend them. As I said before they're small and not meant to be flogged super loud and low, but should be plenty loud enough in a room that size if crossed over to a subwoofer. They do need a subwoofer to handle the lows below 60-80hz if you plan to crank them but they might just be perfect for that room.

BTW I have the Behringer 2030Ps as well and they aren't in the same league. Of course you can buy three pair of Behringers for the price of a pair of S-520s.

 

[leowiz]

Don't get infinities then. They have great highs IMO. FYI any speaker can be used in any spot, but most folks prefer small speakers(like the KEF2001.2's for surrounds since they aren't vital in a system. You won't find much better than the 2030p's if you plan to use a sub or the 2031p's if you don't sound wise on your budget. I'd say the Primus speakers will be the most accurate in your room though.

So you say that Infinities are bright sounding but you still suggest I should go with them?

EMP's Impression E5Ti and the E5Ci center: Would that be on the warmer or brighter side?

How about the Jamo: c-407: Decent price. Are these considered warm of bright ?

Thanks all.

 

[sholling]

EMP's Impression E5Ti and the E5Ci center: Would that be on the warmer or brighter side?

You'll find a review of the E5Ti on the main site and a shootout that includes its big brother under $1000 speakers.

 

[leowiz]

Sholling: Just curious if you work for the Audioholics store.

Also, audioholics seems to be the only site selling these speakers so should I take the reviews here with a pinch of salt?

 

[its phillip]

You could buy direct from the manufacturer if you're that paranoid:
http://www.emptek.com/products.php

 

[leowiz]

Not paranoid. Just curious so thought will ask.

 

[sholling]

Sholling: Just curious if you work for the Audioholics store.

Also, audioholics seems to be the only site selling these speakers so should I take the reviews here with a pinch of salt?

Not only do I not work there I don't even know anybody there. I've talked to them on the phone a total of 3 times between researching and ordering.

Almost nobody else sells EMP speakers because they are normally sold factory direct. I don't have a clue what arrangement was made to allow the Audioholics Store to carry them.

I will say this as someone who usually have ZERO trust in magazine reviews. Way too many publishers base reviews on the manufacturer's advertising budget. Over the years I've grown to have a degree of trust in this site's pro reviews. I bought $4500 worth of speakers for my family room site unseen based on a combination of those Audioholics Pro Reviews and member recommendations, the same with my $1300 sub in the family room. And now the speakers in my bedroom. However in each case I googled reviews from everywhere. I can't tell you who to trust especially since speakers are so very-very subjective. You'll need to decide that for yourself and I suggest continuing your research until you feel comfortable with whatever you choose.

It's just a shame you don't live near me or I'd be able to hook you up with my old BA speakers cheap.