speakers

[krazy]

<font color='#000000'>Looking for advice for a new set of towers/bookshels. Looking to get new set of speakers for around 800 or so. Any recommedations? The room is quite large and open. The speakers will be powered by a harman kardon avr 325. Was looking at about 4 brands. psb 7t with active subs, axiom m60, paradigm monitors or possible the monitor audio line. Maybe there is better out there....any help would be great</font>

 

[zumbo]

<font color='#000000'>Paradigm would be, IMO, the best choice in the $800 or so range. Of course, if you double that amount, Monitor Audio, B&amp;W, and my favorite, MB Quart. These three just have that powerful, full, clean sound to them. It is the sound that I prefer.</font>

 

[markfh]

<font color='#000000'>I listened to a lot of speakers including all the ones you reference here. &nbsp;I decided to try the Axioms and let me tell you they are exactly what I wanted.

I enjoy the sound much better than most and got more speaker for less money.

Just MHO

Mark</font>

 

[zumbo]

<font color='#000000'>That seems to be the word. I have not had a chance to hear them, but from most people here, seems like a great choice!</font>

 

[austinbirdman]

<font color='#000000'>I love my Axioms too. No knock on the other brands mentioned, I just like what I got (M60s) immensely.

I have also heard and thoroughly enjoyed the Monitor Silver-S series. While dealers sometimes have these highly priced, there are places where I've seen them listed at very reasonable prices. Up until very recently, in fact, this site listed Silver S-8s at a very reasonable mail order price. Now they have a notice saying to call about pricing and availability -- might be worth checking out:

Abolute Audio Video

I know nothing about them, mind you, so it's buyer beware. Same goes for this outfit:

Kief's Audio

Their pricing info on Monitor speakers, including the big kahuna Silver S-10, is kind of unbelievable.

I'd try hearing the S-10s (comp to Axiom M80s) and S-8s (comp to Axiom M60s) if you have a chance, and then also some Paradigm Reference. Then, unless you're blown away by a deal on something you like, get the Axioms -- you can't go wrong with their 30-day guarantee, and a really cool dealer (many exist) might even let you A/B the Axioms in their showroom.

Or just buy the Axioms on price-performance and rest easy my friend.

Birdman</font>

 

[zumbo]

<font color='#000000'>I heard the Monitor Gold towers next to B&amp;W 803's. Almost bought the silver, but they did not have any in stock. So without hearing them, I left empty handed. I believe my Quarts sound better than the Monitor Gold &amp; almost as good as the 803's. But when you figure that I got these for the price of the bronze &amp; 603's, well it's a whole new ballgame!</font>

 

[bombadil67]

<font color='#000000'>Might as well audition the well regarded Ascend Acoustics CBM-170's, $328/pr. &nbsp;Keep what you like, send back the rest.

Caution on the MA's. &nbsp;Although I haven't heard the newer &quot;S&quot; series, the first generation had some shortcomings. &nbsp;I have the Silver 5i's and they are a bit bright and sound restrained at times. &nbsp;I've heard that MA has addressed these problems, and it would definitely be worth a listen. &nbsp;Just don't buy them &quot;sight unheard.&quot; &nbsp;I did, based on the infamous &quot;Home Theater&quot; review (i.e. just buy them!) &nbsp;

I can't comment on the Ascend's yet, but mine will be delivered tomorrow . . .according to UPS.</font>

 

[Rip Van Woofer]

<font color='#000000'>Don't neglect PSB either. Another good Canadian outfit like Paradigm that makes fine speakers in just about every price range (must be something in the water up there...or maybe the Molson's eh?).</font>

 

[shaishav]

<font color='#000000'>you may want to look at cadence aritas with stands.... they sound awesome</font>