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Speaker Recommendations Please

1756 Views 57 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  cgmrtr
I have the opportunity to get a Denon avrs950h receiver and I would like opinions on what center channel and L/R front bookshelf speakers to get. Exceptionally clear dialogue is important to us. I would like to keep the combined cost of the 3 speakers under $1000. Wife does not want us to have tower speakers. We listen to tv programs and movies. We don’t listen to music in that room. I figure I can use my Klipsch speakers for the rears that are hanging from the ceiling. The room is 20’ x 18’ with 12’ high ceiling.
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I have the opportunity to get a Denon avrs950h receiver and I would like opinions on what center channel and L/R front bookshelf speakers to get. Exceptionally clear dialogue is important to us. I would like to keep the combined cost of the 3 speakers under $1000. Wife does not want us to have tower speakers. We listen to tv programs and movies. We don’t listen to music in that room. I figure I can use my Klipsch speakers for the rears that are hanging from the ceiling. The room is 20’ x 18’ with 12’ high ceiling.
Polk LSiM 703 L/R + 704C would be something to look into. They are on killer sales in a lot of places, and you could probably get all three for under $1K right now.

Edit: The only hitch off the top of my head for the LSiMs is that despite being bookshelf speakers, they are quite sizable - take note of the dimensions so that you don't get any surprises if you decide to go with them.
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How are the speakers being placed? On bookshelves? On stands? Attached to wall? Pics would be helpful.

Requirements? Size? Aesthetics?

Have you done any listening sessions? If not, that may be the best next step, to see what speakers you like and dislike. What is it about your current speakers that needs improvement? Do your needs include a subwoofer? How far away do you sit? How loud do you typically listen?
Polk LSiM 703 L/R + 704C would be something to look into. They are on killer sales in a lot of places, and you could probably get all three for under $1K right now.

Edit: The only hitch off the top of my head for the LSiMs is that despite being bookshelf speakers, they are quite sizable - take note of the dimensions so that you don't get any surprises if you decide to go with them.
I looked up those dimensions on the lsim703 and yes, they are rather sizeable. Would like to go smaller if possible. But if I can hear them and they knock my socks off, I'd get them.
How are the speakers being placed? On bookshelves? On stands? Attached to wall? Pics would be helpful.

Requirements? Size? Aesthetics?

Have you done any listening sessions? If not, that may be the best next step, to see what speakers you like and dislike. What is it about your current speakers that needs improvement? Do your needs include a subwoofer? How far away do you sit? How loud do you typically listen?
Right now we have Klipsch RP250C center channel, Klipsch left/right front R-14M and a couple of smaller Klipsch hanging from the ceiling behind us. The left and right fronts are on Pangea stands. Yamaha rxv479 receiver.

Requirements? Exceptionally clear dialogue, as mentioned in op, because we don't use the room for music. Mostly tv/streaming and movies.
Size? The Polk LSiM 703 would be at the VERY upper limit.
Aesthetics? I have never seen any speakers that made me barf as far as looks go.
I have the opportunity to get a Denon avrs950h receiver and I would like opinions on what center channel and L/R front bookshelf speakers to get. Exceptionally clear dialogue is important to us. I would like to keep the combined cost of the 3 speakers under $1000. Wife does not want us to have tower speakers. We listen to tv programs and movies. We don’t listen to music in that room. I figure I can use my Klipsch speakers for the rears that are hanging from the ceiling. The room is 20’ x 18’ with 12’ high ceiling.
I'm guessing aesthetics are important. For strictly TV & movies, Klipsch RP-160's with RP-450C. Klipsch are very efficient will provide clear dialogue.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_714RP160ME/Klipsch-Reference-Premiere-RP-160M-Ebony.html
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_714RP450CE/Klipsch-Reference-Premiere-RP-450C-Ebony.html?cc=07
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Also, see the Chane "A" series for clear dialog and non-fatiguing highs. A2.4 x 3 or A2.4 + A1.5 x 2, would be a good choice.
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The BICAmerica DV62CLR center and DV62si bookshelves have great vocal clarity, and will come in around half your budget target for all 3

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I have the opportunity to get a Denon avrs950h receiver and I would like opinions on what center channel and L/R front bookshelf speakers to get. Exceptionally clear dialogue is important to us. I would like to keep the combined cost of the 3 speakers under $1000. Wife does not want us to have tower speakers. We listen to tv programs and movies. We don’t listen to music in that room. I figure I can use my Klipsch speakers for the rears that are hanging from the ceiling. The room is 20’ x 18’ with 12’ high ceiling.
$1K budget would actually get you a sub as well as 3 quality front speakers.

Chane A2.4 center + A1.5 L/R would run you $568 shipped.
https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/index.php?route=module/productbundles/listing

Ascend 340SE center + 170SE L/R about $626 shipped.
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/purchase/advisor.mv#bottom

Leaves you with $430 to get a decent small sub like the RSL Speedwoofer 10S, or a little more to get a Hsu VTF-2 since your space sounds not-small.
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Right now we have Klipsch RP250C center channel, Klipsch left/right front R-14M and a couple of smaller Klipsch hanging from the ceiling behind us. The left and right fronts are on Pangea stands. Yamaha rxv479 receiver.

Requirements? Exceptionally clear dialogue, as mentioned in op, because we don't use the room for music. Mostly tv/streaming and movies.
Size? The Polk LSiM 703 would be at the VERY upper limit.
Aesthetics? I have never seen any speakers that made me barf as far as looks go.
Does your center speaker sound good to you now? It is the RP series so has tamed high frequencies. I'd try two RP160's as pase22 mentioned and see how they sound with your RP250C center. Then if that doesn't give you what you want go for the higher end Klipsch center RP-450C.
Also, see the Chane "A" series for clear dialog and non-fatiguing highs. A2.4 x 3 or A2.4 + A1.5 x 2, would be a good choice.
I would have to hear them - particularly since I've never heard of the brand. One reviewer said they were terrible until after the "break in" period. Unfortunately the only brick and mortar store around that I know of is Best Buy and they don't carry Chane. Crutchfield doesn't even carry them and they have a lot of brands.
The BICAmerica DV62CLR center and DV62si bookshelves have great vocal clarity, and will come in around half your budget target for all 3

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I have heard of a lot of brands but unfortunately I haven't heard of "Chane", "Ascend" or "BICAmerica". I would have to hear them - particularly since I've never heard of those brands. I'm not saying they aren't good just because I haven't heard of them. But I would prefer sticking to a brand that I have heard of or can at least get from a major retailer - online or brick and mortar. Unfortunately the only brick and mortar store around that I know of is Best Buy and they don't carry Chane. Crutchfield doesn't even carry them and they have a lot of brands.
$1K budget would actually get you a sub as well as 3 quality front speakers.

Chane A2.4 center + A1.5 L/R would run you $568 shipped.
https://www.chanemusiccinema.com/index.php?route=module/productbundles/listing

Ascend 340SE center + 170SE L/R about $626 shipped.
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/purchase/advisor.mv#bottom

Leaves you with $430 to get a decent small sub like the RSL Speedwoofer 10S, or a little more to get a Hsu VTF-2 since your space sounds not-small.
I have heard of a lot of brands but unfortunately I haven't heard of "Chane", "Ascend" or "BICAmerica". I would have to hear them - particularly since I've never heard of those brands. I'm not saying they aren't good just because I haven't heard of them. But I would prefer sticking to a brand that I have heard of or can at least get from a major retailer - online or brick and mortar. Unfortunately the only brick and mortar store around that I know of is Best Buy and they don't carry Chane. Crutchfield doesn't even carry them and they have a lot of brands.
I would have to hear them - particularly since I've never heard of the brand. One reviewer said they were terrible until after the "break in" period. Unfortunately the only brick and mortar store around that I know of is Best Buy and they don't carry Chane. Crutchfield doesn't even carry them and they have a lot of brands.
Chane is internet sales only brand. You won't find them in any store. They do seem to need a break-in period, which some folks jump on as some sort of eighth deadly sin, but it's minor. Just run 'em in while you're at work for a few days.

Chane owners are very dedicated (as most owners are) to the brand, but not much in the way of professional reviews to be had. Maybe look at the Chane thread here on the site for comments/hands-on reviews.

RSL and Ascend are other brands with excellent reps that use the same on-line sales scenario. Plenty of feedback on these brands in this forum. If you are more comfortable with big-store speaker brands, then by all means stick to those brands. However, online purveyors eliminate the middleman and are perceived to deliver more speaker per $.
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I have heard of a lot of brands but unfortunately I haven't heard of "Chane", "Ascend" or "BICAmerica". I would have to hear them - particularly since I've never heard of those brands. I'm not saying they aren't good just because I haven't heard of them. But I would prefer sticking to a brand that I have heard of or can at least get from a major retailer - online or brick and mortar. Unfortunately the only brick and mortar store around that I know of is Best Buy and they don't carry Chane. Crutchfield doesn't even carry them and they have a lot of brands.
Must be a youngster. BIC America has been around since the early 70's. BIC was making speakers before Crutchfield was ever even an idea.

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Chane is internet sales only brand. You won't find them in any store. They do seem to need a break-in period, which some folks jump on as some sort of eighth deadly sin, but it's minor. Just run 'em in while you're at work for a few days.

Chane owners are very dedicated (as most owners are) to the brand, but not much in the way of professional reviews to be had. Maybe look at the Chane thread here on the site for comments/hands-on reviews.

RSL and Ascend are other brands with excellent reps that use the same on-line sales scenario. Plenty of feedback on these brands in this forum. If you are more comfortable with big-store speaker brands, then by all means stick to those brands. However, online purveyors eliminate the middleman and are perceived to deliver more speaker per $.
Thanks RayGuy. I'll look into them further.
Must be a youngster. BIC America has been around since the early 70's. BIC was making speakers before Crutchfield was ever even an idea.

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I'm 71. And I remember having a Craig 8 track cartridge tape deck in my 1961 Chevy Impala convertible. BIC America...………. are they the same ones that make Bic pens?
I have heard of a lot of brands but unfortunately I haven't heard of "Chane", "Ascend" or "BICAmerica". I would have to hear them - particularly since I've never heard of those brands. I'm not saying they aren't good just because I haven't heard of them. But I would prefer sticking to a brand that I have heard of or can at least get from a major retailer - online or brick and mortar. Unfortunately the only brick and mortar store around that I know of is Best Buy and they don't carry Chane. Crutchfield doesn't even carry them and they have a lot of brands.
The ubiquity of a brand is usually a poor indicator of its actual quality, but more a reflection of the success of its marketing and distribution. You can find Budweiser in 99% of bars but anyone who knows beer knows it's mediocre at best.
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I'm 71. And I remember having a Craig 8 track cartridge tape deck in my 1961 Chevy Impala convertible. BIC America...………. are they the same ones that make Bic pens?
Are you located near any of these folks?

ACCESSORIES 4 LESS*** NEAR ORLANDO FLORIDA
APERION* NEAR PORTLAND OREGON
ASCEND** NEAR LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
CHANE TAMPA FLORIDA
CRUTCHFIELD*** CHARLOTTESVILLE VIRGINIA
DEEP SEA SOUND SUBS NEAR KNOXVILLE TENNESSEE
DIYSOUND GROUP CINCINNATI OHIO
EMOTIVA NEAR NASHVILLE TENNESSEE
HI FI HEAVEN*** GREEN BAY WISONSIN
HSU NEAR LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
HTD* NEAR DALLAS TEXAS
JTR NEAR MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN
MONOPRICE NEAR RIVERSIDE CALIFORNIA
MUSIC DIRECT*** CHICAGO ILLINOIS
NHT NEAR SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA
OHM BROOKLYN NEW YORK
PSA NEAR YOUNGSTOWN OHIO
RBH NEAR SALT LAKE CITY UTAH
RHYTHMIK SUBS NEAR AUSTIN TEXAS
RSL* NEAR LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
SALK AUDIO PONTIAC MICHIGAN
SATURDAY AUDIO--- CHICAGO ILLINOIS
SEATON SOUND NEAR CHICAGO ILLINOIS
SELAH AUDIO NEAR RALEIGH NORTH CAROLINA
SVS* YOUNGSTOWN OHIO
TEKTON NEAR PROVO UTAH
TYLER ACOUSTICS NEAR LOUISVILLE KENTUCKY
WORLDWIDE STEREO*** NEAR PHILADELPHIA PENNSYLVANIA

CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS
AXIOM NEAR TORONTO CANADA
FLUANCE NEAR TORONTO CANADA
FUNK AUDIO NEAR VANCOUVER CANADA
PARADIGM NEAR TORONTO CANADA
PSB NEAR TORONTO CANADA
TOTEM NEAR MONTREAL CANADA
* free return shipping
**Ascend also carries Rhythmik subwoofers on site
***retail outlet of many brands
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The ubiquity of a brand is usually a poor indicator of its actual quality, but more a reflection of the success of its marketing and distribution. You can find Budweiser in 99% of bars but anyone who knows beer knows it's mediocre at best.
I agree up to a certain point. I'm not a fan of Budweiser or beer for that matter. I prefer bourbon. However, just like speakers, no one holds a gun to their head and forces them to buy it. If enough people did not like something - whether it is a beer, speakers, bourbon, a car or whatever - word would eventually get out that it was crap and people would not buy it.
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