Hey everyone. Thanks for all the insight on here. I am in the process of finish a basement home theater/entertainment room and need some input on speakers. For some background, I have KEF3005 with a Marantz SR6003 in my 13x21 living room. They are fine for that. I want higher level for my basement.
For reference, I have Mirage 7si and LF-150 sub and Marantz SR7200 in storage. I simply loved the sound of the Mirage (bought in 1992) for music. However, I never paired them with a good center or surrounds so they lacked in HT. Then again, they may not be a good choice for HT.
Where I need help....
1. The basement is kind of large. The theater section is only 13x24 but the game area is the same size and there are no walls separating. I don't want to close it off either. So effectively I have a 26x24 area. I am thinking this may require larger speakers and maybe two subs
2. I do want great sounding speakers for music and HT. I am not opposed to one set dedicated to music and the other to HT. However, if I can keep it to one set, all the better.
3. I will upgrade my receiver as well to something newer (another discussion).
4. In the old days I would visit numerous stores with my reference CD's and listen away. I believe my finalist last time were the Mirage and Magnopan (or something like it). I realize many will offer free 30/60/90 day returns. I just want to limit how many I try.
4. Budget. I am flexible and would much prefer if someone says "Hey, you can do just as good for less". However, if I need to increase a bit here or there to hit a great sweet spot, let me know
- I can spend 3-4k on music fronts (If I do indeed need separate speakers for this).
- If I buy the above music fronts and then need dedicated HT fronts I would put about $800 aside for a pair
- Sub(s). If only one is needed, I will spend about 1k. If I need 2, maybe around 1.5k for both.
- Center and surrounds. I guess the center is more dictated by the fronts. Anyway, let's say $1200 total for these 3.
Thanks again for your thoughts. If you all can narrow down some that I can try it would be appreciated. I mention the Mirage 7si's only because I loved the smooth/rich sound they had. I am not opposed to keeping them but after 23 years I figure I could treat myself if need be. I did manage to connect the Mirage, sub and amp last night and play some music. I didn't spend much time positioning them and I realize i need some DeOXIT to clean some connections. The trial did make me realize how sound can get lost in that huge space.
Z
For reference, I have Mirage 7si and LF-150 sub and Marantz SR7200 in storage. I simply loved the sound of the Mirage (bought in 1992) for music. However, I never paired them with a good center or surrounds so they lacked in HT. Then again, they may not be a good choice for HT.
Where I need help....
1. The basement is kind of large. The theater section is only 13x24 but the game area is the same size and there are no walls separating. I don't want to close it off either. So effectively I have a 26x24 area. I am thinking this may require larger speakers and maybe two subs
2. I do want great sounding speakers for music and HT. I am not opposed to one set dedicated to music and the other to HT. However, if I can keep it to one set, all the better.
3. I will upgrade my receiver as well to something newer (another discussion).
4. In the old days I would visit numerous stores with my reference CD's and listen away. I believe my finalist last time were the Mirage and Magnopan (or something like it). I realize many will offer free 30/60/90 day returns. I just want to limit how many I try.
4. Budget. I am flexible and would much prefer if someone says "Hey, you can do just as good for less". However, if I need to increase a bit here or there to hit a great sweet spot, let me know
- I can spend 3-4k on music fronts (If I do indeed need separate speakers for this).
- If I buy the above music fronts and then need dedicated HT fronts I would put about $800 aside for a pair
- Sub(s). If only one is needed, I will spend about 1k. If I need 2, maybe around 1.5k for both.
- Center and surrounds. I guess the center is more dictated by the fronts. Anyway, let's say $1200 total for these 3.
Thanks again for your thoughts. If you all can narrow down some that I can try it would be appreciated. I mention the Mirage 7si's only because I loved the smooth/rich sound they had. I am not opposed to keeping them but after 23 years I figure I could treat myself if need be. I did manage to connect the Mirage, sub and amp last night and play some music. I didn't spend much time positioning them and I realize i need some DeOXIT to clean some connections. The trial did make me realize how sound can get lost in that huge space.
Z