Towers for $2000 or less?

[mdrew]

I need to buy a new set of towers for my two channel system and want to make sure I haven’t missed anything in my price range. Which is, under $2000.

I have several Axiom speakers now (M80’s, M22’s, M3’s, QS8’s) and love them all, pretty much. Until recently the M80’s have been my two channel speakers but they are getting a new home in the dedicated HT room. I’ve also got an EP 500 and an EP 600 for the HT and I use an Outlaw LFM1 for the two channel system. I’m using a Rotel 1070/1080 for the two channel system as well.

I suppose your wondering why I don’t just buy another set of M80’s if I already like them so much. Well, I just might. I’m waiting to see what their new wood veneer finish is going to look like, as that is a must this time. Whatever I buy needs to be real wood, no vinyl.

While I absolutely love the detail the M80’s have, it can be a double edged sword at times. I listen to a lock of rock and unfortunately but true, many rock CD’s aren’t recorded very well. Axiom speakers reproduce the defects very well, and they can be downright painful to listen to at times. The mid range bass is just as impressive. I can feel kick drums in my spine. Low end bass is there, but I would mind some more.

By now I bet you audiophiles are shaking your head thinking I’m smoking crack…….I want detail, but forgiving detail, I want tight hard hitting bass, but I want more low end bass. I do realize that these are somewhat contradictory, but hell, maybe there is a perfect speaker out there for me. Can’t hurt to ask right?

I’ve listened to Paradigm studio 100, vrs III’s and liked them, but actually prefer the M80’s mid range. I’ve heard 703’s, and thought they sounded pretty good too, but they didn’t rock my world. I’ve heard Boston Acoustics, and was not impressed at all. I absolutely hated any flat panel speaker I’ve heard, including Maggie’s.

I’m looking real hard at Rocket 850’s and 760’s now and I’ve also taken a peak at Swans, but know absolutely nothing about them.

I should mention that I like my music loud at times. The M80’s do that effortlessly being a highly efficient 4 ohm speaker.

I’m in Alaska and there aren’t that many high end audio shops for me to just plop my but down in front of several different brands and compare. The Paradigms and BW are the only brands available, besides Polk and Infinity _ and they do nothing for me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you………..mike

 

[Xsound]

You may want to take a look ath the Wharfedale Pcific Evo 40 @ $1499. It's a little under your budget, but a good speaker. If you are looking for something that offers a slightly different sound from the Axioms.

Here is a review to check out...

http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorloudspeakers/1105wharfedale/

May be of some help.

Enjoy
X

 

[Loner]

Here's a few articles on the Onix line, something I'm seriously considering. I'm thinking about the Ref 3's, 760's and 850's - in that order. In the one article re the Ref 3's, the reviewer uses quite a few superlatives.

If you do end up wanting the 850's, wait until their new crossover is released. The 760's already have it.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/onix-reference-3-speakers-11-2004.html

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_3/onix-rocket-rs850-speakers-8-2005.htm

http://hometheatertalk.com/httalk/viewtopic.php?t=17775

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_10_3/onix-rocket-speakers-8-2003.html

 

[Snarl]

Polk RTi12's ?

 

[zumbo]

Something to audition. Around $1600.00 retail:

http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/2Celit2.html

Another brand I like:
http://www.hometheaterbythesea.com/Monitor-Audio-Silver-S10-Towers-pair-P8800C1033.aspx

 

[mdrew]

Thanks for the suggestions. Keep them coming.

I would love to have a set of the Ref 3’s, but they are simply too far out of my price range. Sure makes me try to come up with more cash to buy them though. I’d have to skimp on my projector to afford them though, and I don’t want to do that. The 850’s might just be the ticket, or possibly the new 760’s. I’m waiting to hear what Craigsub has to say about the 760’s.

I’ve also heard many good things about the Monitors and will have to put them on my short list. I’ve heard the Polk’s, but they just didn’t call to me.

Those Wharfedales also look like a dandy speaker.

 

[Xsound]

The Evos are Wharfedale's middle line. They have a higher end line, the Opus. They are a seriously good looking and excellent sounding speaker. Not much publicity on them on this side of the ocean. They start at $2400, so I didn't mention them; but if you decide to stretch the budget, they would be an excellent option as well.

 

[mdrew]

Those are some damn good looking speakers. Do they sound as good as they look? Is there an on-line dealer?

 

[3db]

Do you have PSB up there?

I need to buy a new set of towers for my two channel system and want to make sure I haven’t missed anything in my price range. Which is, under $2000.

I have several Axiom speakers now (M80’s, M22’s, M3’s, QS8’s) and love them all, pretty much. Until recently the M80’s have been my two channel speakers but they are getting a new home in the dedicated HT room. I’ve also got an EP 500 and an EP 600 for the HT and I use an Outlaw LFM1 for the two channel system. I’m using a Rotel 1070/1080 for the two channel system as well.

I suppose your wondering why I don’t just buy another set of M80’s if I already like them so much. Well, I just might. I’m waiting to see what their new wood veneer finish is going to look like, as that is a must this time. Whatever I buy needs to be real wood, no vinyl.

While I absolutely love the detail the M80’s have, it can be a double edged sword at times. I listen to a lock of rock and unfortunately but true, many rock CD’s aren’t recorded very well. Axiom speakers reproduce the defects very well, and they can be downright painful to listen to at times. The mid range bass is just as impressive. I can feel kick drums in my spine. Low end bass is there, but I would mind some more.

By now I bet you audiophiles are shaking your head thinking I’m smoking crack…….I want detail, but forgiving detail, I want tight hard hitting bass, but I want more low end bass. I do realize that these are somewhat contradictory, but hell, maybe there is a perfect speaker out there for me. Can’t hurt to ask right?

I’ve listened to Paradigm studio 100, vrs III’s and liked them, but actually prefer the M80’s mid range. I’ve heard 703’s, and thought they sounded pretty good too, but they didn’t rock my world. I’ve heard Boston Acoustics, and was not impressed at all. I absolutely hated any flat panel speaker I’ve heard, including Maggie’s.

I’m looking real hard at Rocket 850’s and 760’s now and I’ve also taken a peak at Swans, but know absolutely nothing about them.

I should mention that I like my music loud at times. The M80’s do that effortlessly being a highly efficient 4 ohm speaker.

I’m in Alaska and there aren’t that many high end audio shops for me to just plop my but down in front of several different brands and compare. The Paradigms and BW are the only brands available, besides Polk and Infinity _ and they do nothing for me.

Any suggestions?

Thank you………..mike

If you have a strong amp/receiver with lots of guts, I'd suggest looking at PSB Silveri. They are much better than Axiom M80s in every respect, tighter deeper bass, smoother mids and smooth accurate highs. IMO, they are better speaker still then the B&W 805s.

 

[steelhrd]

Boston Acoustics

Boston acoustics vr-m80 get my vote a detailed speaker with great range and versatile use


http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?category_id=2&product_id=189

 

[Xsound]

Here is a link to the Wharfedale Opus.

http://www.wharfedale.co.uk/model.php?model_id=2&finish=5

Here is a link to an authorized dealer for Wharfedale, Boston Acoustics, Monitor Audio, and Triad...

http://www.mcsoundlightandvideo.com/

Hope this is kosher to post. I am not an employee, just know that these guys are dedicated to customer service and doing a good job.

Enjoy
X

 

[zumbo]

http://www.yawaonline.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=YO&Product_Code=WHA_OPUS1&Category_Code=WHA

 

[Xsound]

snatch that up....

http://www.yawaonline.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=YO&Category_Code=SP

That has to be a mis-print. I don't care how good mc sound light and video is at customer service, if they will sell new opus 1's at $1499, somebody ought to snatch them up before they correct the mistake. Personally I prefer the Opus 2, but where else can you get a $1k discount on a pair of $2499 speakers. That is a speaker that has detail, without harshness.

Buy It,
X

 

[Sheep]

Maybe something like this. Might be out of your price range.

http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=12

SheepStar

 

[zumbo]

That has to be a mis-print. I don't care how good mc sound light and video is at customer service, if they will sell new opus 1's at $1499, somebody ought to snatch them up before they correct the mistake. Personally I prefer the Opus 2, but where else can you get a $1k discount on a pair of $2499 speakers. That is a speaker that has detail, without harshness.

Buy It,
X

Yawa is known for good deals. I paid $899.00 a pair for my MB Quart 830's. Got two pair. Retail is $1699.00.

 

[mdrew]

Thanks for the links! I’ve got a call into them for shipping quotes. Although the Opus 1 looks like a heck of deal, I suspect that the Opus 2 would be more up my alley. If I bought the Opus 1, I’d just want the size up. The Opus 3 is simply too big.

I gave the Energy’s a hard look too. I think they are very similar to Axiom’s though. Craigsub did a blind review and had a hard time telling them apart, but if memory serves me right, he ended up preferring the Axioms.

When I last heard the Boston Acoustics, they were side by side some Paradigm studio 100’s. I preferred the 100’s hands down.

 

[Sheep]

Thanks for the links! I’ve got a call into them for shipping quotes. Although the Opus 1 looks like a heck of deal, I suspect that the Opus 2 would be more up my alley. If I bought the Opus 1, I’d just want the size up. The Opus 3 is simply too big.

I gave the Energy’s a hard look too. I think they are very similar to Axiom’s though. Craigsub did a blind review and had a hard time telling them apart, but if memory serves me right, he ended up preferring the Axioms.

When I last heard the Boston Acoustics, they were side by side some Paradigm studio 100’s. I preferred the 100’s hands down.

Those towers I link are the step down from the ones craig did the test with. They are not as neutral as the Axioms, but I love their sound. The ones Craig tested are 5500 a pair (CAD).

SheepStar

 

[dannv]

so ur lookining for deatailed highs without the harshness, and tight bass with all the power. These look interesting
http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/powertower/powertower.html
personnally i am getting a pair of 7001sc's

 

[Jack Dotson]

After owning many really good speakers through the years, these fit the bill for me better than any I've owned.

Very detailed, but never harsh with just a bit of a laid back mid. They are absolutely fantastic on rock because of their supurb dynamics, but they perform very well on all types of music. Great dispersion, huge soundstange, great dynamics, all the detail you could want.

I could go on and on, but I wont. All I can say Is I strongly suggest you give these a listen.

BTW, I had the M80's in my home for awhile and sent them back, just didn't do it for me. And, like you said, they need to have a real wood finish instead of the cheapo looking laminate. The ones they sent me actually had the laminate starting to peel away at the bottom of the speaker when I pulled them from the box new.

I have the 2.3i's in black piano finish, just beautiful to look at a listen to.

 

[craigsub]

Having spent over 6 months with each the Paradigm Studio 100 V.3's, the Axiom M80's (in the extra cost "piano gloss" finish) and the Energy 2.4i's - they are all terrific performers.

The standard Axiom vinyl, while understandable for cost controls, is a bit of a negative for the appearance, and can have a slight tendency to "roll up" at the seams (easily remedies with a spot of glue). Axiom is coming out with real wood finishes soon - and for a "honest" price to price comparison with both the Paradigms and Energies, it will be against the new "wood Axioms".

There is also the fact that the street price of the Paradigms and Energies is less than one would think.

The Energies are pretty easy to get 25% + off - Figure a street price of around $3200 and the Paradigms can be purchased for appx. $2000.

If the M80's add $300 for wood, suddenly they are $1570.

A funny thing about speaker finishes, too. The M80's ALWAYS scored higher when tested blind. We humans tend to LIKE a prettier look to our stuff. Even neandrathal men. This means, IMO, that the finish on a speaker DOES enhance its long term value to us.