[antilaugh]

Hey everyone,


I've been reading posts on this forum for a while now, and I have serious respect for some of you guys and your opinions. You're performing a valuable service to consumers everywhere. Anyway, asskissing aside, I'll be buying my first ever 5.1 system and flat-panel soon (most likely the new panasonic or pio 1140). I really haven't the foggiest idea what to buy. I haven't bought a stereo of any kind since my dual-cassette "Jambox" in 1988. Oh, the Whitesnake that was heard on that piece of equipment... but I digress.


To the point -- I want you guys to pick my new sound system. You're in my shoes, and you've got about $1000 to spend on speakers before your wife begins to ride your ass. What's the best system for the buck? I watch a tone of movies and tv, and occasionally music. I'd say it's about 80%/20%. My living room is about 12' x 18', with a high ceiling. I'm going to let you guys vote on this. After a week or so, I'll tally the votes and buy whatever you guys decide! (totally not joking.) My problem is I don't really even know where to go to listen to speakers and receivers, other than the big box stores. So that's why I'm letting you guys pick 'em.


One more thing to consider: My wife is kind of picky about aesthetics -- she doesn't want anything ugly, specifically no weird bulbous-shaped speakers. Her tastes run pretty simple, like maybe those SVS surround speakers that I saw online (how are those by the way?) I also thought the HSU satellites looked alright. But those are just the ones I've seen, don't let it influence your vote too much. You guys can do this, I have faith in you. Please vote on my new surround sound system!

 

[hdmi4ever]

You can go to the manufacturer's web sites to search for dealers where you can listen.


Is the $1000 for the speakers alone or do you also expect to include a receiver/amplifier in that?

 

[antilaugh]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hdmi4ever /forum/post/0


You can go to the manufacturer's web sites to search for dealers where you can listen.


Is the $1000 for the speakers alone or do you also expect to include a receiver/amplifier in that?

No, that does not include a receiver. If you have suggestions on that, I'll listen to them as well. Though I'm thinking of getting the Onkyo 605 next week.

 

[ericgl]

The SVS would be a good choice and if you can live with silver or white you can get the PB-12 sub and still be at budget. Another popular option would be the X-Series from AV123.

 

[tdogroeder]

I also recommend AV123 X-Series. They make awesome sounding & looking speakers for the money. Great bang for buck speakers.
http://www.**********/products_catego...akers&brand=55

 

[antilaugh]

Thanks a ton, guys. I do actually prefer white, since that's probably what the wife will prefer. I think it blends in with the walls of our white room a little better. And it's on special. Hot damn.


A funny account of my off-putting experience with the owner of a speaker store:


ME: I'm looking for a 5.1 system for my new house.

HIM: How much are you looking to spend?

ME: Less than a thousand dollars.

HIM: Well, I'll tell you... you're going to get absolute garbage for that amount.

ME: I'm really not picky. I think what's garbage to you might be fine with me. What about the SVS surround system?

HIM: Pure junk.


Ha! If he could only see what I've been using.

 

[11427]

Hmmm,... how about 5 RBH 661-SE/R's in your choice of 30 or so veneers? And an SVS PB-12 Plus/2 sub.


Ah,... never mind, I didn't see your budget.


Maybe the SVS SCS-01(M) package or,......

 

[jostenmeat]

Among the brands I've heard at around that price level, I'd go PSB Image 8c for $190, some blemished B15s for $260 for the pair. I bought blemished B25s for the surrounds only and I don't see any marks. They come in maple as well I believe, which is a very light and pleasant color. Not quite white, but still pretty light. I'd second the SVS PB-12NSD w/o ever hearing it @$500. Sorry, that just leaves you $50 for the surrounds. I think craigsub's list would only help this sub recommendation. Now, among speakers that I have not heard, I would say on a blind purchase, the Paradigm stuff. With the countless hours of forum reading, Id say this brand gets top marks at this price point. Others that also get plenty of praise are Ascend and BIC at this price point.

 

[Schadenfreude]

You'd be amazed what would happen to SQ if you took the speaker budget to $1600, or better yet $2000....if you're willing to spend for the Pioneer Elite (@ $2800?), I would suggest you take the audio a bit more seriously.

If that's a hard and fast budget though, and you are looking for "cute, little, and white" then listen to the PM800's from Definative Technology and add any adequate $400 sub.

 

[Paul Scarpelli]

You're getting better recommendations from the locals here than you'd get from me, because I don't know that price range. The reason I'm posting is to let you know how much I enjoyed the OP's original post. You have a great way of conveying the real world and how funny it is.


And one more comment. Do any of you realize what "schadenfreude" means in German?? Clue: He'll learn of the tragic choice you ultimately make for speakers, and it will bring him amusement...

(I love the term "schadenfreude." There's no word for it in English...)


Seriously, best of luck in your decision.