Two channel speakers for den

[Gern Blanston]

My wife has graciously allowed me to purchase a pair of speakers for my new 60" HDTV that's in our den. They have to be decor friendly, i.e., not objectionable looking to her. I tried the Magnepan floorstanders, but she hated them instantly. I thought that they sounded good, but they were WAY too directional: the sweet spot was very small. I'd really like something that has good off axis performance.

I'm currently trying the Mirage Omnisat V2 FS. My wife is ok with their looks, and I think that they sound respectable. However, they seem pretty directional as well, even though I've read reviews (including on Audioholics) that indicate that there's not a bad seat in the house with these speakers.

My other possible alternatives are the Def Tech BP7006, Axiom M80ti, the new Emotiva ERM, RBH TK-5CT (may be way too big), or one of the less expensive Def Tech Mythos speakers like the Mythos Five. My budget is from $1K - 2K, but I'd like to keep it closer to the bottom end and upgrade my receiver.

If anyone has any experience with these speakers or recommendations for alternatives, I'd greatly appreciate your views.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

It astonishes me to see any Mirage speaker described as directional. They are hardly perfect speakers, but lack of directionality is their primary asset. I wonder if you have a room issue that needs dealing with before any speakers will sound good.

 

[bandphan]

whats the theme of the room? country, modern, deco, ect..

 

[gliz]

If I do a 2 channell I want some of those old school cerwin-vegas!! My have not been the best but there were huge when I was a kid! High spl great foghat speaker

 

[jcPanny]

2 channel speakers

If the system will also be used for 2 channel music, check out the Onix Strat Mini's from AV123. They are not small but they have pretty sleak lines and real wood veneer. They also include powerered woofers in each speaker.
http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=34&category_id=18&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

If this system is just for TV, then you would probably be happy with a nice pair of bookshelf speakers and possibly a small sub for movies.

 

[fredk]

I thing Joe might have it right. I would work on placement to see if you can increase the soundstage before getting in any other speakers.

Can you get us your room layout and current speaker positioning.

Fred

 

[Joe Schmoe]

If the system will also be used for 2 channel music, check out the Onix Strat Mini's from AV123. They are not small but they have pretty sleak lines and real wood veneer. They also include powerered woofers in each speaker.
http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=34&category_id=18&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

If this system is just for TV, then you would probably be happy with a nice pair of bookshelf speakers and possibly a small sub for movies.

How did they come up with the name "Mini" for speakers 47" high and 18" wide? This is a bit like nicknaming the biggest guy on the football team "Tiny".

 

[Gern Blanston]

My room almost certainly has issues: there may not be any speakers that will do what I want, and my wife won't agree to room treatments. Let me add that my wife thinks that the TV's internal speakers are good enough: sound quality does not impress her.

The room is a den and an "open concept" kitchen and breakfast area: it's not huge, but the ceiling is kind of high. I sit about 12 feet from a 60" HDTV. To the right is an exterior wall, to the left it opens toward the living room and foyer (I know that this doesn't help without a left wall to bounce off of). Behind my listening position is the kitchen. I sit to the left of the TV, almost in line with the left speaker. I put the right speaker about a foot ahead of the TV with it pointed toward me in order to balance the sound and keep from predominantly hearing the left speaker.

I do plan on using these a lot for music as well as movies. I'd rather have floorstanders since my wife doesn't like the idea of speaker stands for bookshelf speakers, but I might convince her otherwise if the need arises, and it looks ok to her. I'll have to live with my decision for quite a while.

I'll get the dimensions and try to post some pics.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Midcow2]

just my thoughts -Definitive Technology

My room almost certainly has issues: there may not be any speakers that will do what I want, and my wife won't agree to room treatments. Let me add that my wife thinks that the TV's internal speakers are good enough: sound quality does not impress her.

The room is a den and an "open concept" kitchen and breakfast area: it's not huge, but the ceiling is kind of high. I sit about 12 feet from a 60" HDTV. To the right is an exterior wall, to the left it opens toward the living room and foyer (I know that this doesn't help without a left wall to bounce off of). Behind my listening position is the kitchen. I sit to the left of the TV, almost in line with the left speaker. I put the right speaker about a foot ahead of the TV with it pointed toward me in order to balance the sound and keep from predominantly hearing the left speaker.

I do plan on using these a lot for music as well as movies. I'd rather have floorstanders since my wife doesn't like the idea of speaker stands for bookshelf speakers, but I might convince her otherwise if the need arises, and it looks ok to her. I'll have to live with my decision for quite a while.

I'll get the dimensions and try to post some pics.

Thanks for the info.

Try the Def Techs betwenn 7000 series and Mytos either BP6B ($399 eacjh) or BP8Bs ($499 each) and a ProCenter 2000 ($349)

 

[bandphan]

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/source.html
definetly eye catching, the model up is self powered with an ice amp, if you current receiver has pre outs

 

[crazyd1415]

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/source.html
definetly eye catching, the model up is self powered with an ice amp, if you current receiver has pre outs

I think it was the purity and not the source that had the self powered amp. but they have them at best buy magnolia's.

 

[bandphan]

I think it was the purity and not the source that had the self powered amp. but they have them at best buy magnolia's.

thats what i was saying the next model up is fully active, self powered.

 

[jcPanny]

How did they come up with the name "Mini" for speakers 47" high and 18" wide? This is a bit like nicknaming the biggest guy on the football team "Tiny".

You haven't seen the LS-9's. These line arrays are over 6 1/2 feet high and have 12 woofers and 9 tweets per speaker.