Suggestions for a ~$1k 2 or 2.1 setup?

[Lex]

So I have about a thousand dollars I'm willing to part with. My use of the new system will be a mix of home theatre, video games, & audio playback. Note: I'm apartment-bound, but there are decent concrete ceilings & walls. The livingroom area of the apartment is about 14x18x10.

I was looking @ Axiom & Paradigm before I read the audioholics recommended home theatre. If I had to go with Axioms, I'm thinking either a pair of M22's & that AVS ULF-10 sub or a single pair of M60's. I'm sorta new to the game as well, Axiom's the only brand I've done a lot of research on, so I want to hear opinions.

Recommendations in this price range? Also: should I go with 2 bookshelves & a sub or 2 towers?

 

[abboudc]

Assuming the 1k's just speakers and sub:
Speakers:
MS914 ($369)

Sub:
SVS 20-39 PCi ($600)


Axioms, Paradigm, M&K, etc all make speakers within your budget range. SVS, Hsu, and AV123 subs are good for your budget as well.

 

[Lex]

The $1k is for the speakers alone. I'm looking at an entry-level 100-120w/ch receiver with hdmi pass-through for about $500

(no upscaling needed, getting an Oppo 981 dvd player for that)

 

[emorphien]

I recently went through this, and kept my focus primarily on bookshelf speakers because they're easier to deal with at this point in my life (graduate student). My focus was on only 2 channel music playback, I have a simple home theater in the living room.

There's a ton you should check out but I wound up with Totem Rainmakers. I also really liked Focal (check out the 806V and 807V, or the 706V, $800, $1000 and $600 respectively).
Others: Triangle Comete ES, Paradigm Studio 20 or whatever else they make (not a huge fan), B&W CM1 and 600 series (also not a huge fan), PSB is also very good. That's all I can come up with right now that I've had experience with. I would also recommend Axiom as an owner of a pair of their speakers. Of all the speakers I mentioned I really like Focal and that would be on my list for home theater use, but I don't think you'll get a floorstander from them for $1000. Axiom would probably be my pick for an affordable home theater, particularly if I wanted floorstanders for mains as they're not terribly expensive and I prefer a brighter speaker for home theater.

 

[Wid]

Take a look at the Hsu HB 1 and a Hsu VTF 3.3. That would make for a pretty nice set. I have not heard it but I have heard the Hsu Ventrioquist system and if that is any indication of the quality then I would expect good things.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 deals

AV123 is running a special with the Onix Ref 1's, SP3 Tube amp, and high end speaker cables for $1200. This would make a great audiophile 2 channel system. I have the Ref 1's and recommend them.

 

[Wid]

AV123 is running a special with the Onix Ref 1's, SP3 Tube amp, and high end speaker cables for $1200. This would make a great audiophile 2 channel system. I have the Ref 1's and recommend them.

Nice setup and great price

 

[abboudc]

AV123 is running a special with the Onix Ref 1's, SP3 Tube amp, and high end speaker cables for $1200. This would make a great audiophile 2 channel system. I have the Ref 1's and recommend them.

That is a nice setup and price!