I'm looking for a 2-way non-used pair of bookshelves to start a 7.2 system.

I plan on starting with a 2.0 setup and expanding from there. I really want the best regardless of price as long as it is either ID or available from an authorized internet dealer (needs to be shipped). A sealed design would give me the most placement options but is not critical. Size is not an issue (the bigger the better). I am completely overwhelmed by the choices available.

Also, not a fan of wood-grain vinyl (wood veneer or black vinyl better) but if the quality/value is better then so be it. Any other advice or suggestions would be fantastic!

Here are some models that I am looking at:

SVSound SBS-01 $209/pr (sealed)
Hsu HB-1 MK2 $298/pr
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE $348/pr
Polk Audio RTi A3 $449.95/pr
NHT Classic Two $498/pr (sealed)
Aperion Audio Intimus 6B $690/pr
Boston Acoustics RS 260 $799.98/pr (sealed)
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 $848/pr
Outlaw Audio BLS $999/pr
Boston Acoustics VS 260 $1399.98/pr

Am I missing anything???

I'm looking for a 2-way non-used pair of bookshelves to start a 7.2 system.


Am I missing anything???

Axiom M22's

Am I missing anything???
Emotiva 6.2s? (http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=45)

Or 6.3s? (http://emotiva.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=46)

Both are sealed.

Thanks for both the suggestions.

Can anyone tell me if the prices are in line with performance? Maybe there is a value champ?

Has anyone compared any of the above?

Just narrowing down the list would be major accomplishment for someone as ocd as myself!

No champs here. You have to listen for yourself. What I like doesn't matter since it is you that will be listening. Try to find someone local with the speakers you are thinking about for a demo.

Klipsch is a seller on ebay and they are selling refurbished RSX-5's for crazy cheap on ebay (got mine for about $160 for the pair shipped!)

No champs here. You have to listen for yourself. What I like doesn't matter since it is you that will be listening. Try to find someone local with the speakers you are thinking about for a demo.

I agree, that would be ideal. I will definitely take advantage of some of the 30-day at-home trials and/or liberal return policies.

I am completely surprised by the loudspeaker industry in general. Who knew that "for x amount of money, consider brand y or z speakers," doesn't really exist like in other electronics!

I have a feeling that my research has only just begun. :rolleyes:

PSB b-15 and the b-25.

a must listen.

Tough question by the OP here, given the wide budgetary range. There are lots more choices, any or which he may perceive as best bang for buck. It would be good to get more details about entire system goals and some kind of top end spending limit.

How much sub woofage is needed/required for your HT space?

What electronics must you buy?

Usher S-520. :)

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Salk. Sounds like they may be exactly what you're looking for. Salk speakers are custom built with your choice of wood veneer & color. Plus, they are very well respected in regards to sound quality. Check out Nuances, "My Journey to Find the Perfect Speaker" thread. He goes into great detail on his process to find THE perfect speaker. Of course, there is no "perfect" speaker - just a lot of speaker choices that one might find to be perfect for them.

The problem with asking us, your friends, neighbors, co-worker, etc. what the best speaker is, is that we all hear things differently and what any of us might like you very well may not. Part of the problem with your list of speakers is that some of them sound very different from one another. Some you may like and some you may have troubles listening to for long periods of time. The only way you will know what you like is to listen to some and decide for yourself.

In my experience, I was very amazed at how different one brand can sound compared to another. To me, Energy and Paradigm speakers sound as if someone put a blanket over them. Polk are very edgy, on the verge of harsh. Klipsch hurt my ears after 10-15 minutes. Vienna Acoustics just seem flat. Martin Logans are amazing until you stand up or move out of the sweet spot. But I find B&W's to be very good for my ears. That's just me, your impressions may be just the opposite.

I know I haven't really addressed most of the speakers on your list, but my point is only your ears know what would be the best speaker for you. You might as well ask us to pick your favorite color.

I realize you want to purchase on-line but are there any places near you where you could at least audition some brands? If you could do that and then let us know what type of sound you prefer we can then point you toward an ID brand with a similar sound signature. Another auditioning option would be to visit the respective ID website forums and ask if there is anyone near you that would let you hear their speakers.

Mostly, have fun and enjoy the journey!

What is your budget for speakers?

Tweak City Audio has WAF-1 for $229 + free shipping, and they have a 30-day in home trial with free return shipping if you don't like them. They are rosewood veneer and have gotten really good reviews by people here. Review along with other speakers here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=919069&page=223

WAF-1- http://tweakcityaudio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=21&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

Energy RC-10 in cherry for $300 + free shipping from vanns.com

I certainly am not an expert, but I have purchased an Ascend surround setup recently, 170's for the front l/r, 340 center and 200 surrounds. I previously had Cambridge Soundworks and B&W 6 series speakers, and I can honestly say these speakers sound great, wide soundstage and very clean sound and when you factor in the low cost, they move to incredible. I am sure they all sound good, but I don't think you would be disappointed with Ascends.

Again, what is your budget? $200? $20000?

If budget isn't an issue and you don't care about veneer, then I would recommend a pair of Seaton Sound Sparks. They are absolutely amazing speakers for their size.

lsr6328p - $2800

I am completely surprised by the loudspeaker industry in general. Who knew that "for x amount of money, consider brand y or z speakers," doesn't really exist like in other electronics!Yes it does, though not brand but a specific speaker (brand and model). There are dozens of threads that have a short list of speakers for a price point, all the "best $x00 speaker" threads

But, you didn't say what your "x amount of money" is.

Look for some of the the discussions that are here already, you'll get better info.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Just to throw out some more information:

My room is about 15'x20'. As far as budget goes, the most expensive pair of bookshelves that I've seen online at places like Vann's and OneCall is about $1000-$1400 (usually for something like Polk LSi's or BA VS 260's). Usually, prices are about half that (Energy, Klipsch, NHT, Infinity, JBL, DT, etc.) Anywhere in that range I could handle.

For subs, eventually I will be rockin' a duo, but I will get one at a time. Haven't even begun looking at those things (but I can't wait).

My overall plan is to build slow to get a serious system that I couldn't afford all at once.

Electronics: I'm looking at a Denon 2310 to use initially. It will then become a pre/pro for some Outlaw or Emotiva multichannel amp (or equivalent at that time.)

BTW, thanks again for all the advice. I am compiling a phonebook-worthy list at this point!

if size is not an issue.. why not towers?

if size is not an issue.. why not towers?

Well, I like the idea of a perfectly matched, identical 5- to 7-channel system (same speaker all around, even center). Also, good quality towers are a lot more expensive than the same quality monitor. Finally, with a couple subs I feel like I would be wasting money getting towers that would bass managed anyways.

Monitors could also be placed on furniture, stands, or walls.

Essentially, I just like the flexibility of good monitor (i.e., can be used as fronts/center/rear/surround). This is impossible with floorstanders.

Just my opinion obviously.

I will concede that for 2-channel stereo towers are tops.

Having a choice, I would never use the same speaker all the way around. I very much prefer a bipole/dipole for surrounds and use my system mainly for home theater/tv. Music I listen to in 2.1

Having a choice, I would never use the same speaker all the way around. I very much prefer a bipole/dipole for surrounds and use my system mainly for home theater/tv. Music I listen to in 2.1

Danielson99,

Are you saying you use the standard tower fronts, MTM center, and bipole/dipole with a sub? Or matching front stage with b/d surrounds?

I am curious as to how your system (or preferred system) is configured. Why do feel this way? For conversation's sake, I always thought that an identical speaker all around was ideal. Thoughts?

Danielson99,

Are you saying you use the standard tower fronts, MTM center, and bipole/dipole with a sub? Or matching front stage with b/d surrounds?

I am curious as to how your system (or preferred system) is configured. Why do feel this way? For conversation's sake, I always thought that an identical speaker all around was ideal. Thoughts?
He didn't state what is ideal - he stated his preference - which happens to be my preference - I have tower speakers with a matching center - a bookshelf model of the same line - and I use bipole/dipoles set to dipole for the surrounds. And 2 subs.

There seems to be a lot of disagreement over whether the dipole/bipoles or monopoles are better. I only know what I like. To each his own I guess.

FWIW...every mixing studio I have been in, large or small, uses monopole speakers for all channels.

IMO, dipoles/bipoles are best used in tricky rooms, but you can not get discrete directional sound from them, whereas with monopoles, engineers can get the dispersed sound when needed.

Axiom M22's needs to be on your list, great bookshelf speaker. Great detail and nice midrange although it does lack the bass, that you'll get from a tower, but if your going to have a 7.2 no need to have bass coming from a bookshelf. 30 day return policy all you pay is shipping back if you don't like them.

Danielson99,

Are you saying you use the standard tower fronts, MTM center, and bipole/dipole with a sub? Or matching front stage with b/d surrounds?

I am curious as to how your system (or preferred system) is configured. Why do feel this way? For conversation's sake, I always thought that an identical speaker all around was ideal. Thoughts?

I have towers/matching center, bipole/dipole set to dipole for side surrounds and bookshelf for rear surrounds. I just prefer the way a bi/dipole works. It splits up the direction of the sound and also fires the tweeters on each surface at slightly different times. This effect is something a monopole can't do and it's very noticable in movies with great surround effects such as animated movies like Ice Age etc.
If you listen to the same movies with all monopoles you won't get the same effect. Whether you like it better or not is personal preference but there's no doubt there's a difference.

I use 5 NHT classic 3's and the matching center along with an SVS ultra sub. I am happy with the sound in my room. When the sound track has surround effects it works well.
I think personal preference along with placement and room design will effect how your speakers sound in your room. I have never listened to dipoles in my room so I can not comment.
There appears to be many good speakers to choose from.
Good Luck

The bipole/dipole speaker is interesting. I know that there are some of these speakers can go mono/bi/di-pole.

This may be a stupid idea and please let me know if it is, but has anyone ever gone all around with these speakers?

You could walk around flipping switches based on content (what fun!). Has any manufacturer ever marketed such a system? Should I start a speaker company that does?

Think about it...you could get the best of all worlds: perfectly matched, unlimited placement options (stands, wall, bookshelf), would either be sealed or front ported, could be used for movies/music with equal aplomb. This is interesting to me for some reason. An obvious downside would be bass but that is what subs are for.

Hmmm...

I am no acoustic engineer but what design compromises would one encounter as compared to a standard 2- or 3-way bookshelf?

Take a look at the new PSB Image speakers. The B4 ($300), B5($400) and B6($500) are all on my list to audition.
The Monitor Audio BR2's may also be worth a look($450 I think).

Take a look at the new PSB Image speakers. The B4 ($300), B5($400) and B6($500) are all on my list to audition.
The Monitor Audio BR2's may also be worth a look($450 I think).Ditto. Also, the Revel M22 and M12.

Check out the Energy c-200 at AudioAdvisor. Good price right now.

Electronics: I'm looking at a Denon 2310 to use initially. It will then become a pre/pro for some Outlaw or Emotiva multichannel amp (or equivalent at that time.)

The Denon 2310 does not have pre-outs (except for a sub), so no-go on the external amps...just though you might want to know so you can start looking at higher Denons or the other brands of receivers out there.

I know there is only a 1 next to my name, but I've been reading for months while my house is being built, waiting...

Regardless of Price, really? Check out the Harbeth line - Stereophile & others have reviews. Available via internets via audiogon or ebay - maybe others.

I was blown away by them but alas too expensive for me.

Ron

Hello....I have Definitive Technology PM900's....they are awesome all-rounders.

Music, movies.........they can really take it.

Built in sub's........they are kinda' largish bookshelf speakers though.

P.S. I would listen VERY closely to what Kal suggests listening to..