[cpa5oh]

On a budget...can I get your thoughts on whether it would be better to get two nicer/more expensive bookshelves versus going a little bit cheaper to be able to get bookshelves and center?


I could probably spend about $1,000. I'd like to say that I could get 2 nicer bookshelves now and then add the center channel at a later date, but know that I may not get that for a while and there seems to be a chance that a newer model center might come out that might not be a good match for the bookshelves.


My avr is a Denon 888 if that matters.

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

I've lived without a center before and it's definitely a good option if it will let you put more money towards your mains... but at a $1k budget, there are some great options for 3 speakers that would be in-line with the electronics driving them.


I guess the question that might decide 2 vs. 3 speakers would be what % of your listening is 2ch music, and what % is home-theater oriented (dvd/bluray/tv/gaming). Along with that, how often is there more than one person listening? The second question ties to the fact that 2 speakers can produce an extremely convincing phantom center for the primary listening position, but less so for listeners outside of the primary position.


Is your $1k for 2 or 3 speakers AND a sub (i.e. the .1 in your thread title)? If so, AND your listening is more home-theater oriented, maybe Swans 2.1 BC mains, C3 BC center, and a SVS PB10-NSD... this combo would be about $90 outside of your budget but would be the basis of an intense home theater with a strong front sound stage and lots of impact (barring you have a very large room). There are tons of other options and you should definitely listen to what's available locally (if nothing else to find what your tastes are, to which we can recommend similar ID brands), but this shows what you can do with around $1k.


If your more geared towards 2ch music listening, a good option would be the same PB10-NSD paired with Swans D2.1SE bookshelf speakers for around $1030.


If you're $1k doesn't include a subwoofer, you might also want to consider the D2.1SE bookshelf speakers now along with the matching center which will be released in the coming months.

 

[cpa5oh]

I do have a subwoofer...Klipsch Sub 10. I got it for $229 on sale at Best Buy, which made it seem like a deal I couldn't pass up.


Room is average sized...abut 13x13 with 9 foot ceilings.


I listen to about 1/2 movies, 1/2 music.


Most of the time it is just me and my fiance on the couch watching/listening.


It's hard for me to describe my tastes. My guess is that any really good speaker will be satisfying to me...I like to hear dialogue clearly in movies, like to be able to have clarity when lots of stuff is going on in a movie, and like mid-bass to have a clear thump.


Right now I have 2 Yamaha NS-333 bookshelves and a Yamaha NS-444 center. Paid about $350 for all three. Doesn't sound bad to me...I just want to see what a little more of a higher end setup would sound like and have something nicer than a sort of cheapo system. (I did just order 2 Energy C-100 bookshelves through the woot! 79.99 deal...not exactly sure why I bought them, just figured it was a really good deal because I've seen them go for alot more and people seem to like them...has nothing to do with this thread.)


I was looking at those swans...they are only $599 and from the write-up it sounds like they'll fit in nicely with what I'm looking for. Not sure whether I'd notice the 85db sensitivity, though.

 

[rick240]

Does your space dictate bookshelves, or is that what you figure your budget is?


Edit: I would return the Klipsch sub and add the $230 to your $1,000; spend $430 on the SVS PB-10NSD and have $800 left for speakers.


If you can go tower, then I would go to Vanns and get the Kef iQ7 in walnut and the iQ6 centre.

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

They are lower sensitivity and do like some power. Does your 888 have pre-outs so you could add more amplification on down the line? Also, your description of liking a lot of detail might push you towards something a little different... maybe Klipsch Reference bookshelfs at the extreme end (i.e. bright), or maybe Axiom or HSU HB-1 MK2 bookshelfs in the detailed without being harsh category. Again, this is all subjective... one mans detailed is another man's harsh.

 

[cpa5oh]

I guess my space doesn't really dictate bookshelves...bookshelves on a stand are about the same size as some of these towers with 6.5" woofers in them, anyhow. I kind of ignored the tower option because of the fact that I replaced towers that had 12" woofers, and they WERE too big for the space.


But then that expands question to whether decent floor standers are better (sound quality) than better (more expensive) bookshelves.

 

[rick240]

bumped for you, see my edit 3 posts up, I think it would give you amazing value


PS. I haven't heard the iQ7s or iQ6, I have iQ1s and an iQ2 and wish I could upgrade

 

[Stephen Hopkins]

Usually, price being equal, bookshelfs will outperform towers, especially with a sub in the equation. The exception would be if you prefer doing 2ch music listening with the main speakers full-range. If you do decide to go with towers, Swans 6.1 BCs are an extreme value, but fall more into the neutral category than extremely detailed.