Music System setup for around $1000

I listened to Bose 901 setup the other day and was very impressed. But like many others here, I think Bose are way over priced for the quality you get out of them. Can I get the same quality in a different package and price? I am looking for something around $1000 for the entire setup (speakers, receiver and player). I am looking for tiny/small speakers. The set up is primarily for listening to music but might play a movie once in a while (Blu Ray capability is not a must but HDMI input will be nice). It will be setup in a 16' x 16' room. I am planning on mounting the speakers on the walls. I have outlets setup in the walls for upto 8 speakers (4 corners and 4 centers). Hope I am not asking for too much. Would really appreciate the help.

Ok, I'll post in speakers but thanks for the recommendations, appreciate it very much. Both the receiver and the speakers have rave reviews. Any recommendations for the player? Also, any idea how well Energy Take Classic 5.1 and Energy RC-Micro 5.1 compare with Klipsch Quintet IIIs?

I guess I'll go to one of the stores that specializes in home theater systems and check out some speakers for myself. Just did a quick search and JVC XV-BP1 has great reviews too. Many Thanks.

I did get a couple of useful responses in Speakers since, I did some research of my own as well. Of course yours is one of the best options I have so far

BTW, will you recommend me getting a Onkyo TX-SR607 instead of 507, that way I have an option of adding more speakers and potentially a sub to the setup later on.

Thanks.

Do you have any opinion about RC Minis and Aperion 4Bs. Any idea how they compare?

RC Mini>>

Aperion 4B>>

Really appreciate mentioning about these brands. They seem to have some serious following. I did some research and found HTM-200 from Ascend very interesting. Its size is about the largest I was going to consider. But it seems like they are more suitable for sorround duty than as mains. I was not able to find much information on their performance as mains. The CBM-170 has great reviews but they seem too big for my requirements. Ascend's pricing is very attractive as they give discounts as you add more speakers to the package. Their Finish options are pretty good too. They even give an unfinished cabinet so you could finish it to your needs.

My biggest issue now is to find stores that specialize in home theater systems to check out some speakers in person. There is a Best Buy near by but other than that I couldn't find any other place. I live in Atlanta, GA. Any recommendations?

Thanks RTROSE. Really appreciate all the valuable info.

Congrants on your new home theater setup. Looks really nice. Thanks for your recommendation. I changed course after more reading and some recommendations though, I am thinking of going for a 2.0 setup with a pair of high end speakers instead of a 7.1 setup. I narrowed down to two models, Swan D2.1 SE and Ascend Sierra 1. Both have phenominal reviews and I am torn between the two. Any advice on the kind of electronics (amps, preamps, receivers, players) I need to drive these speakers from the perspective of music listening?

Haha, I am glad you noticed


Of course, thanks to you and AVS for breaking my budget . Kidding of course, I am only thankful.

BTW, I have placed an order for a pair of Swan D 2.1 SE, I checked on Sierra 1 too but they are out of stock for the next 3 weeks but I need something sooner.

I didnt get any reply in a few days on electronics in my post in Speakers so I created this new thread...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...6#post18158116

Thanks for the recommendations.


I am going to setup a 2.0 system for now but would like to have the possibly to add more speakers later on. It will be mainly used to listen to music, so to start with a 2.0 system with a pair of nicer speakers makes a lot of sense from this perspective.

Alright guys, here is what I ended up purchasing...

Oppo BDP 80
Pioneer VSX 9040 TXH
Swan D2.1 SE for R & L
Energy Take 5.0 for Sorround and Center

I still need to get a sub. I am thinking of HSU STF 1.

As you can see I had to change my budget, as in doubling it.

The system is worth every penny and much more...

I am really glad you guys approve. Since I am in the middle of a big move, I haven't been able to check out the system in any significant way. It might take a couple of months before I could do that. To the extent I was able to play with it I am quite happy.

BTW, I have placed an order for an HSU STF 2 sub. At $20 more than the STF 1, I thought it was a no brainer. Although the lows from the Swans are impressive, I was wrong thinking I could do without a dedicated sub.

Yes, a better center would be a good idea down the road. Probably Swan D1.1 center would fit well with D2.1 mains. And perhaps a Stereo Amp to power the mains. But I'll see if I need one for my 16 x 16 x 10 room.