So, I think that I have narrowed down to three options...
1) Usher S-525's for the fronts and the surrounds and S-520 for the center (~$1,180 total)
2) Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE's for the fronts and the center and CBM-170SE for the surrounds (~$1,068 total)
3) Energy C200's (~$950)
Would someone please help me decide which one of these would work best in an entertainment center? My room size is about 13x22 and I will be using this for both movies, music, normal television. In terms of overall performance, which one is the best out of these three? I'll probably be getting a SVS or HSU sub with this package.
My wife has approved the aesthetics of these three speakers as well
If you feel that I would be making a wrong decision with either of these speakers, please let me know. Thanks.
WHOAH there! Wait a sec. I thought your budget was $500 per PAIR. The pairs you listed are twice that. You listed the Energy C200 which are only $300 per pair retail (you've got them down at $950). I see a center is listed with some of these? Maybe the sub is factored in?
Rather than guess, I'll stick to the $500ish per pair guideline. If I go a little over, I'm figuring in you being able to catch a little bit of a deal. Also, in a bedroom, with a good bookshelf I’m not sure you'd really need a sub. Depending on your listening habits and room size a sub could end up being underutilized or unpleasant. If you could do $1Kish including a sub you might want to consider putting that $ into a really special bookshelf that can play lower. Just a thought.
$500ish....
Canton GLE 402/403 (MSRP $500pair/$600pair)
I cannot say enough about the fit and finish of Canton speakers. Incredibly well built (if not overbuilt) and gorgeous to look at. The sound out of the GLE (their entry level line) is fabulous. The GLE 402 has a 6" woofer and the $100 more expensive 403 has a 7" and can play lower while remaining quite clean. The pictures on Canton's website don't do their speakers justice. They're not an incredibly well known brand. I consider them Main Land Europe's B&W, but (my opinion) better.
http://www.canton.de/en-produktdetail-gleserie-gle403.htm
Energy RC-10/Mini (MSRP $550pair/$400pair)
Another high quality piece. I really like the Energy RC line and it's really the only thing we "cherry pick" from the brand. Like Canton above, the RC's fit and finish is fabulous. The RC 10 performs very well for it's price point and is one of my favorite speakers we carry. If music's important, but surround sound a potential goal, I usually steer our clients towards this Energy line over Canton (which is really a music centric line). They both have good things about them and it's really a matter of taste.
A few reasons I listed the Mini for you to consider:
1. It comes in gloss piano black finish which would look great next to your plasma.
2. Build quality & drivers are identical to the larger RC speakers
3. We do this speaker all the time for small/medium sized family room theatres and music systems as well as bedrooms. If you're really intent on adding the sub then I would go with the MINI, hands down! Blended well with a good sub the 4" driver in the Mini will perform great. Filling in the midrange, the Mini's 4" woofer is a very quick driver that won't "bloat" because it won't have to carry the bottom. That's what the sub is for.
http://www.energy-speakers.com/v2/products/product-page.php?id=269
Two more....
PSB Image B25 (MSRP $480pair)
The PSB Image line is another good option. Lower in cost than the other two, but along the same lines of fit and finish. This is a laid back speaker that blends into rooms well. It's a very well designed piece.
Klipsch RB-61 (MSRP $448pair)
Not the most graceful thing ever designed, but the Klipsch Reference line offers a unique sound. Some people have an extreme dislike towards the horn sound, finding it "fatiguing" to their ears. I'm not in that camp. Do I find the horn sound different? Yes, of course, and depending on your listening habits I think a Horn can offer some advantages. In your budget, I would give these a try if not for any other reason than to eliminate them, or love them enough to buy. Auditioning tip: Listen to Horns for an extended amount of time. Part of the reason people buy Horns is because of the immediate "clarity" they provide in a short demo. As mentioned above, some people find them harsh and become sensitive to this over time to the point of discomfort. I liken it to watching a TV in the dark without turning down the brightness. Again, I like the sound for some things, but not for others. Do NOT confuse their general speaker lines with the THX Ultra2 speakers. The Ultra2 system is an EXCELENT setup for a dedicated system, but it was designed with different acoustical properties (for movies) than the Klipsch bookshelf & tower speaker lines.
All of the speakers I listed present their sound in stark contrast to one another. This is just a starting point, so don't be shy about getting out there & listening!
