I purchased a rear projection widescreen in September and have been researching receivers and 5.1 systems for the past 4 months. I now have analysis paralysis and need some input to narrow the speaker field. System will be used 30% music and 70% HT; room is a family room that is doubling as a HT; the room is large-18’ x 25’ with 14’ cathedral ceilings. TV is centered on the 25’ wall with viewing on the opposite wall. I don’t have a specific budget. I want to spend a little as possible to get a good system. I would love to get the entire 5.1 system (excluding receiver) for around $1,500.
After reading hundreds of threads in this and other forums, I know there is no “best†5.1 system but I believe there are 2-3 strong contenders given the above factors. My current thinking and some questions are as follows:
Cambridge Soundworks Newton MC 200: Sounded good to me in the store, price is right and I can get 35% off of list due to a connection ($850 total cost after discount). Problem is that I see very little discussion on CSW in the forums and not sure if their speakers are generally perceived to be inferior to my other choices. Also, if CSW is good stuff, I may need to upgrade to a better package.
Paradigm Monitor 9 Series: Liked the sound but I was not blown away. Price including 10†sub and 2 Titans for rears is $1,500. The fullness of front towers was much greater than front bookshelfs so Ive decided that I really need towers for the fronts especially considering the size of my room. Will this package be suitable for a room my size? Other considerations/issues?
Rocket package #6 (includes 550 towers) at cost of $1,500 without a sub. Have not heard the 5.1 system but it gets good reviews and I can return it if I do not like the sound so not a lot of risk as far as I’m concerned. My problem is that if I like the setup, I need to spend $400-$500 for a sub so my total cost is $2,000 which is pushing the limits with the wife. Also, I know HT speakers should have timber match with the fronts and preferably the rears but do I need to be concerned about matching timber to a particular sub?
I also considered Aperion but I hate the fact that they don’t have a solid center. I also see Ascend and Axiom testaments quite a bit so they could come into play but most interested in feedback related to the above choices and the questions noted on each.
The information on this forum is great. Thanks to all who educate those of us who are technically challenged.
Sul
After reading hundreds of threads in this and other forums, I know there is no “best†5.1 system but I believe there are 2-3 strong contenders given the above factors. My current thinking and some questions are as follows:
Cambridge Soundworks Newton MC 200: Sounded good to me in the store, price is right and I can get 35% off of list due to a connection ($850 total cost after discount). Problem is that I see very little discussion on CSW in the forums and not sure if their speakers are generally perceived to be inferior to my other choices. Also, if CSW is good stuff, I may need to upgrade to a better package.
Paradigm Monitor 9 Series: Liked the sound but I was not blown away. Price including 10†sub and 2 Titans for rears is $1,500. The fullness of front towers was much greater than front bookshelfs so Ive decided that I really need towers for the fronts especially considering the size of my room. Will this package be suitable for a room my size? Other considerations/issues?
Rocket package #6 (includes 550 towers) at cost of $1,500 without a sub. Have not heard the 5.1 system but it gets good reviews and I can return it if I do not like the sound so not a lot of risk as far as I’m concerned. My problem is that if I like the setup, I need to spend $400-$500 for a sub so my total cost is $2,000 which is pushing the limits with the wife. Also, I know HT speakers should have timber match with the fronts and preferably the rears but do I need to be concerned about matching timber to a particular sub?
I also considered Aperion but I hate the fact that they don’t have a solid center. I also see Ascend and Axiom testaments quite a bit so they could come into play but most interested in feedback related to the above choices and the questions noted on each.
The information on this forum is great. Thanks to all who educate those of us who are technically challenged.
Sul