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Almost pulling trigger on Deftech Studio Monitor 65, anything else to consider?

post #1 of 11
2/16/13 at 5:37pm
Thread Starter 
I'm building my living room HT system (75% movies, 25% music) from scratch since recently moving into our new home. I need to buy the front three speakers, I have a brand new Emotiva XPA-3 (200 watts per channel) to power them. Room is easily 5,000 cu ft and the back opens fully to the adjacent kitchen and dining room (open layout). I have tall curved ceilings so room dynamics are tough to say the least. I'm almost sold on Defenitive Technology SM65's for the all three front speakers - I have to have bookshelves as they will be going into a built-in entertainment center. I really like the MTM configuration as I think the dispersion will be superior and will help fill the room vs. a traditional 5.5" or 6.5" bookshelf speaker. Are there any other recommendations for the price before I pull the trigger ($450 x 3, $1,350 total)?

Thanks!
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post #2 of 11
2/16/13 at 6:58pm
Another option...the def tech speaker that the sm65 is replacing, the sm450! I was able to pick up a pair for 185 dollars this summer from New Egg...
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post #3 of 11
2/17/13 at 3:50am
It's a good trigger to pull , go for it.
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post #4 of 11
2/17/13 at 9:11am
Thread Starter 
Would the Ascend CMT-340 be a good comparison? Which would be the better choice?
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post #5 of 11
2/17/13 at 9:17am
Can't go wrong with the 340's one of the best bang for the bucks out there...
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post #6 of 11
2/17/13 at 9:47am
Thread Starter 
Well three CMT-340's would total $866 vs $1,350 for the SM-65's, wondering if there is a big sound quality difference between the two. I could put the extra cash towards a better sub (was already planning a HSU VTF-15H).
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post #7 of 11
2/17/13 at 10:28am
I haven't heard the SM65, but I own the SM450...and I have listened to the Ascend CMt340 a lot. The CMT340 is the better speaker of those two, not even close, IMHO!
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post #8 of 11
2/17/13 at 10:45am
Thread Starter 
The Ascend 340's would let me go with a Rythmik FV15HP, the SM-65's would limit me to an HSU VTF-15H (price-wise)... Which combo would you guys choose?
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post #9 of 11
2/17/13 at 2:07pm
Both are superb setups. And you're on a good track picking 3 identical speakers LCR across the front - excellent front stage and imaging for HT listening ; )

Have you considered your space?

In your original post you say "I have to have bookshelves as they will be going into a built-in entertainment center.". Are the speakers sitting on a shelf or being placed "in" a shelf? The 65's have a bass baffle on top so putting them "in" a shelf that's not open on the top could be problematic. I believe the 340's are rear ported so you might want to check how much distance is needed in the back (I don't know if they come with port bungs ...)

Also your HT space is medium/large. I know the 340's play loudly quite well. I don't know about the 65's so you should check that out (I've heard them and think they have an excellent sound, I just didn't test them at a higher volume.)
Edited by sdg4vfx - 2/17/13 at 2:14pm
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post #10 of 11
2/17/13 at 3:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for your reply sdg4vfx, the speakers will sit on a solid cabinet base with adjustable shelves above that can be spaced for clearance. I have decent depths where I don't think a rear port would be an issue.

Would you pick the 340's with the FV15HP or the 65's with the VTF-15H?
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post #11 of 11
2/17/13 at 4:51pm
Since your focus is HT (vs music), in the interest of best bang for the buck, I would check the Sub forums re which sub to get. That's a fair difference in price.

Re the speakers, since placement/space isn't a deciding factor, if it was me I would make sure I purchased them someplace with a 30 day return policy so that I could return them if I was dissatisfied. The 65's are sold through Amazon - if you have the Prime membership you get 30 day return w/ free shipping. Ascend has a 30 day return policy also but you have to pay return shipping. Logical move would be to start with the 65's.

To be honest, the best advice I ever got was to audition speakers in home - the two big variables are your room/space and subjective preference ; )
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AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › Almost pulling trigger on Deftech Studio Monitor 65, anything else to consider?