[VIMSTL]

What would be the best speakers (LCRS) that would play best with my Velodyne FSR18 for both home theater and music. My family room is approximately 15X35 feet with 9' ceiling. I currently have the Marantz MA500 120W monoblocks (5). I do occassionally like to listen to music at concert levels.

V

 

[Nick Satullo]

I've got the FSR-18 (which I love) and it matches exceedingly well with the Aerial Acoustics array (10ts, CC3, SR3s). While I don't doubt the claims of those that have more than one sub, this one seems plenty for me.


I'll bet that the Velodyne would match well with quite a few speakers, however. But here's at least one vote for Aerials.

 

[VIMSTL]

Anybody have any other opinions? There is another opportunity where I could pick up the complete Atlantic Technolgy 450THX. But from what I understand I should not use my Velodyne FSR18 with those speakers and just use AT's sub because it will match better. Do yo think this is a better solution? I do like my FSR18 and do like it loud.

 

[Greg_R]

Your Velodyne should integrate well with most speakers, just as long as you've got the crossover set correctly. Have you been out to audition speakers? I'd pick the speakers that sound best to you and then add the Velodyne sub. A reputable dealer will allow you to take the speakers home for an audition with your subwoofer. Without a ballpark budget, we're unable to give specific suggestions. Aerial is nice, but $$$ for most people.


Greg

 

[VIMSTL]

Quote:

Originally posted by Greg_R: Your Velodyne should integrate well with most speakers, just as long as you've got the crossover set correctly. Have you been out to audition speakers? I'd pick the speakers that sound best to you and then add the Velodyne sub. A reputable dealer will allow you to take the speakers home for an audition with your subwoofer. Without a ballpark budget, we're unable to give specific suggestions. Aerial is nice, but $$$ for most people. Greg

I have everything going through my preamp and the crossover is automatically set for 100 Hz. The Atlantic Technology speaker set is a demo I could get for $3700.

 

[ChuckTraywick]

If you are serious about how speakers sound I would not buy them becuase of a "special".


You'll be living with these for some time.


We have Aerial and really like them. You might also want to demo B&W. They are also an excellent company with a loyal following. B&W has more entry level speakers.


The Aerials are arguably the best speakers for CENTER and surrounds.

 

[aerialman]

I agree, and Im not a fan of THX speakers, nor Atlantic, for music playback. I also very much enjoy my aerial 10ts, but you need a powerful amp for them.


-Jerry

 

[VIMSTL]

Thanks for your replies! The aerials sure sound like they would sound great for movies and music and integrate well with my Velodyne FSR18. What can I expect to pay for them? This may be the clincher as I assume they are well beyond my budget. Right now I have Infinity SM150's in the front that I have had for about 15 years. So I am sure anything will be an improvement or am I wrong aain there?

 

[Steve Bruzonsky]

Buy your speakers without regard to your subwoofer. What sounds best to you and is within your price range???


Yes, I do luv my four Aerial 10Ts and CC3 center speaker (soon to be new CC5 center speaker). But I appreciate these are likely out of your price range.


I have heard Atlantic Technology and I can only say that I have never cared for them, despite what the reviews may say.


I suggest that you tell us your budget, I assume, for all five front left and right and center and both surround speakers. Then maybe members can make some suggestions to fit that budget.

 

[VIMSTL]

I would like not to exceed 5K (not including sub). If this won't get me much I would certainly consider used or demo speakers.

 

[aerialman]

check out http://www.aerialacoustics.com/ they have a pricelist for new msrp. the 10ts are around 7k and the cc3 is like 1.2k. their model 7bs are supposed to be very nice also.


you can check www.audiogon.com for used or demo items but be careful since you might not get dealer support, etc. If you do go with the aerials, I suggest you get amps that can handle them better- eg, IMHO you need more power into 8ohms, I wouldnt look at anything less than 200wpc into 8.


- Jerry


[This message has been edited by aerialman (edited June 16, 2000).]

 

[ChuckTraywick]

Aerial also has, or is about to have a left and right version of the CC3 center. The CC3 is $1400 and a pair of surrounds is $2800.


In the past I purchased things based upon price and found that I was spending more money in the long run cause I was constantly upgrading.


Also, later this summer Aerial is coming out with a new center channel. You could probably pick up a used CC3 at a good price.


I'd also call Aerial and ask Mike Kelly for some dealers that he would recommend where you might be able to get some trade in speakers.


For example, I am getting a pair of model 7A's for the rears for $1200. I'd want to make sure it was a good dealer that stood behind their stuff and throughly checked out trade in's.


Chuck

 

[aerialman]

I agree. Ive found Id buy the one level down due to price and then finding out Id rather get the better item- this doesnt describe everyone's personality- but if it is you, you save money in the long run by getting what it is you really wanted (within reason of course- I mean we all would love faroudja 5000 + vidikron vision one!)


Im wondering about using cc3s as side speakers- it makes sense to me since sides are kind of a center location- btwn front and rear. I will ask Mike Kelly one day when I speak with him.


- Jerry

 

[VIMSTL]

Thanks for all your replys. I've checked out the links and the aerial website and am very interested in listening to them. If anybody has some aerials that they might want to sell let me know. I'm in the SF Bay Area.

Right now I have the Marantz MA500 (125W) monoblocks. Would these be adequate power?

 

[aerialman]

not familiar with the marantz amps but what Id do in your situation if you get aerials or similar speakers is see how the marantz do, as opposed to spending more up front. my gut feeling is that they will do ok but I really think these speakers need more power.


- Jerry

 

[Greg_R]

For a full surround setup (new) for under $5k, I'd look at Paradigm Reference (20s or 40s), PSB, B&W, NHT, Atlantic Tech, and Monitor Audio. You might be able to squeze Joseph Audio in at that price point (excellent speakers). Used Aerial speakers would certainly be nice, but I'm not sure if you'd be able to get the entire setup in for under $5k (depends on what you get).


Greg

 

[ChuckTraywick]

Well, like Jerry says it's your money.


BTW, Mike Kelly told me they have a version of the CC3 that will work as front left and front right coming out.


I'd call Mike Kelly tell him where I am at and what I want to spend and see if you can put togther a deal with some trade in's.


You're likely not to see any 10'T's on trade or CC3 or SR3's. But with the new center coming out you could get that unit when other users trade up.


You could also just solve one problem at a time like maybe getting a pair of 7B's for music and later on doing the cenetr etc.


Aerials will sound good on the Marantz monoblocks, but I think Jerry is right, they sound even better with bigger amps.


One of the nice things about this hobby is you can do stuff one piece at a time.


Chuck

 

[Deniz Mutlu]

VIMSTL,


Check out the Revel Performa F30s. They retail at $3500 for a pair and sound exceptionally good for this pricepoint. They will match up quite well with your Velo because the F30s extend quite low. I'm sure the center doesn't exceed $1000 so your budget it met and that's without any dealer discount.


Imagine the PSB Stratus Goldi's on steroids. I believe you will be impressed. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

[VIMSTL]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I found a dealer that has the aerials so am going to take a listen today. He also has the Model 8 speakers (demo) that he may sell reasonably along with the center and surrounds (all demo). What would be a reasonable ballpark price I should pay for such a set? How do the Model 8's stack up? Will my 120W monoblocks do the job?


Last, but not least, when I want to crank up the volume, and I mean crank it up, will these hang with my Infinity SM150's? Thanks everyone!

 

[Nick Satullo]

If you can get the Model 8s, with a CC3 center channel, for the 5k budget, go for it. Quite frankly, I'd worry about surrounds later, and just get something very modest to tide you by. While I've got the Aerial surrounds, I'm personally of the belief that we still haven't seen the kind of software that justifies spending lots on surrounds.


Also, why not contact Healthnut, on this board, who may be able to help on a group purchase. He'll explain.