For speakers, if you are replacing the 3 front, that's around $2,200 for the mains and $1,300 for the center. It's going to come down to personal preference. Klipsch may be efficient due to the horns, but not my personal favorite. If you prefer Klipsch, just say so and we can look at options. In that price range I would look at Polk, KEF and JBL to start. Maybe Martin Logan and Paradigm as well.
- Polk has the excellent Audio Reserve R700 reviewed by Audioholics here. Well reviewed on many sites and very good value for the money. $1,100 per speaker on Crutchfield (handy for comparing prices). R400 center is $650, so below your budget. You need to move up to the Legend series to get a 3-way center but the L400 is $1,800.
- The JBL HDI-3800 has been reviewed by Audioholics here and I have auditioned the smaller HDI-3600 and really liked it. Normally $2,090 per speaker for the 3600 but JBL often come on sale at big discounts. For example, the gloss black is $2,090 but the satin grey oak is currently $999 per speaker on Crutchfield. That is a real bargain. They have a couple of open box models available as well.
The trick then is to find the matching center. The gloss black HDI-4500 is expensive, but the satin walnut model is only $999 right now. Might take some patience or more searching to find 3 matching speakers on sale.
- KEF is often recommended for home theater as they do really well with dialogue due to their concentric mid/tweeter. R series is probably outside of your budget but the Q11 Meta is $1,100 per speaker. The Q6 Meta center is $800 but you could also consider stepping the center up to the R2 Meta for $1,400. That would be a good front 3.
- For Martin Logan, the Motion F2 or F20 would be in your price range but I would audution those first if you can.
- Paradigm Premier 800F is an older model but was often recommended in that price range ($1,200 per speaker). It's still a good speaker but overshadowed by newer offerings. The 500C is a proper 3-way at $850 but the 600C is too big for your space.
- If you want a truly neutral speaker with little colouration, I'll throw in the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, which is a large bookshelf speaker. I've heard these first hand and they're great. They perform well above their price point. They make an excellent center speaker as well. You could use the HT Center, or some people get 3 of the Monitors and rotate the tweeter 90° on one and lay it flat to use as a center.
The designer, Dennis Murphy, often frequents these forums and is very knowledgable. Built and sold in batches so it's recommened to pre-order. They are beautifully finished as well but you won't find a demo pair in a store, they are internet direct. Some owners, though, have been willing to audition if they are in your area. You could ask on AVS forum.
See if there are any stores in your area where you can demo these. Personal preference plays a big part unless you feel you can rely on measurements and reviews. If there are any other brands that you have access to, feel free to ask about them.
