[Shark7]

I have 2 old vandersteen speakers that I am currently using as my l and r front speakers. I'd like to complete a surround setup (with a sub) for around $1,000, although I'd be interested to hear what I would gain if I spent $1,500, or even $2,000.


I really have no idea where to start looking. I've tried reading through numerous "which speakers should I get for x amount of money?" threads, but there are so many different speakers, and companies, that I really don't know where to start (and finding somewhere to listen to speakers isn't an option for me because there is nowhere close). It doesn't seem to be like projectors or even receivers where there are only five "best in class" options for each price range. It seems like there are many more than that.


So, I'm just looking for recommendations, and also some links, or just advice on places with good reviews, good comparisons between best in class speakers, and general good information.


Also, somewhere I can read about different terminology, like the speakers equivalent to lumens, contrast, brightness, color accuracy (so if there is a sound accuracy measurement for each speaker, as in how accurately they amplify the original source), etc etc, that would also be helpful in comparing different speakers.


As for what kind of sound I like, I like warm, clean sounds. I really dislike unclean highs, or highs that are too raspy. I can't stand raspy dialogue, or raspy high hats, or raspy drums in general, or just that typical speaker raspiness that makes things sound unnatural. If my HT was full with strangers, and I had my eyes closed, I would like not to be able to tell whether or not one of the strangers in my room was talking, or whether it was someone on tv (that is, with the optimal speakers, dialogue should sound as natural as if someone was talking in my room).


Important to note though, is that I also want to use the speakers for music.


If you're a music person, the type of sounds I prefer for instruments are.... I like warm gibson sound for electrical guitars. I like the Warwick bass sound, as well as the fender sound. So it's kind of that warm, punchy, yet clean sound.

 

[scottns]

I use to have a Vandersteen / PSB setup. Model 2 Towers for the mains with a 2w sub woofer (with the WX-2 Crossover). The surrounds were PSB Image S50 and the center was a PSB C60. I was very happy with this setup for movies and music.

 

[programmergeek]

I would use the vandersteen vsm for sourounds, some of the best souround speakers I have listened to, I use them with my 5a's. The important thing about sourounds and a HT system in general is that the speakers blend together and match. If you have vandersteen why not get the vsm they match perfect and are a great speaker. The center you almost have to use the vandersteen, you want the center to match your L&R if it where tonally different it would be like a off tune insterment in a orcastra and stick out like a sour thumb. There is nothing like having everything match and blend together that is what you want to achive.


Now for a sub you can do any sub since that is for effects and is not trying to play in the same range as the other speakers. There is a whole section on subs.


Ck out audiogon the small vandersteen center channel usally goes pretty cheap since people upgrade to the bigger one, vsm's might be a tad harder to get but they pop up and there are plenty of subs out there. If you are near NJ I have a vandersteen sub for sale along with a 12" velodyne and a 15" velodyne all on audiogon. But for a sub I need to know the room size HxWxD so we know how much air you are trying to move. If your room is not to big 1000 migh be doable but really close.

 

[Shark7]

Thank you both so much for your help!


1. My room's dimensions are about 8x14x21 (WxHxLength).


2. How much are these Vandersteen VSM speakers?


3. I also have a pair of "JAMO" speakers that were $500 each. I think they're a company from Holland or something. I'm not sure how good of speakers they are. But it might make sense to use them as side speakers instead of spending more money. I don't know. Would they really clash with the vandersteen front speakers like you said? ...


4 .... Because people talk about using separates from different companies to create a surround set up all the time. Is there something about the vandersteen's specifically that make them bad to use with other speakers?


5. Also, in addition to the regular setup, I think it would be very cool to have one in-ceiling speaker right above the viewer seats. One or two a few feet apart. Are there any good in-ceiling speakers for $300 - $600 each (that would mesh well with the vandersteen fronts)? Or if I were to get two, each one would have to be closer to $300. Are there any Triad In-ceiling speakers in that price range?


6. Back to the regular speakers. The other thing is I don't have room to put them on the floor currently (the sides and back speakers I mean). The vandersteen fronts are on the floor next to each side of the screen. But it would be nice if the sides and back speakers I bought were wall-mountable. If there's nothing good I could move everything in the room to make room but I'd prefer the speakers be wall-mountable.


7. I don't completely understand why I have to get a vandersteen center channel (as well as every other speaker). Could you please elaborate on why no other speakers would go well with the vandersteens? Or are there some speaker companies that mesh well with the vandersteens? And which ones would those be?


Thank you so much again. Very much appreciated.