[pmccaffrey]

Just starting the process of choosing a 5.1 speaker system with a new AV receiver to go with my new Syntax 32" HDTV and am looking for help. This new system will be used 60-70% listening to music or watching concert DVD's and the balance watching DVD's and HDTV. As you can see music is the driving force here. I will be leaving behind my 25 year old Bose 901's in order to step into the multi-channel universe. Let's say the budget is in the $2000 (preferably less) and the room is about 18' x 12'. What speakers are going to make me forget the Bose? (Please, let's keek the Bose bashing to a minimum if we can). And what receiver will I need to drive them? I also have an older Acoustimass 5 system. Could the cubes be used for the rear surrounds? Thanks.

 

[bpape]

Is the $2k just for speakers? Speakers and sub? Speakers sub and receiver?

 

[pmccaffrey]

It needs to be for everything - unless you tell me I'm dreaming.

 

[pmccaffrey]

I also forgot to mention - my preference is for the speakers to be wall mounted. This will please my wife by freeing up floor space that the Bose occupy.

 

[iamskew]

 http://www.audioholics.com/showcase/...ometheater.php


That might work if you cut the TV, DVD player, Rear Surrounds, and get a little cheaper reciever.

 

[pmccaffrey]

Was your comment sarcastic or was my ? really that unclear? The $2k is for speakers and receiver only.

 

[bpape]

You can certainly get a system for $2k. Check out the Paradigm Atoms. They could be easily wall mounted. Budget $300-$500 for a decent sub (maybe SVS?) A couple hundred for a DVD player (Panasonic, Denon, Pioneer, etc. depending on what you want.) That will leave room for a nice little Denon receiver and still stay within your budget and give you a nice system that will do both music and HT justice.

 

[davdev]

For 2K you can easily get what you want, and you won't have to sacrifice too much, especially if you are willing to buy on-line.


Speakers brands to look at would be Aethena, JBL, Axiom, Rocket, Ascend, Paradigm plus a whole host of others.


For a sub check out the SVS and HSU's.


For a reciever you can't really go wrong with the Pioneer 1014


You say you want to wall mount, but does that mean they have to be small satelites or full bookshelves?


If I were you I would get the following:


2 pairs of JBL E50's @ 245 a pair ($490 total)
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?...re=&catid=4154


JBL EC35 Center channel - $180
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?...re=&catid=4155


Pioneer 1014 Receiver - $399
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....9&type=product


SVS PB-12-Plus Subwoofer - $899
http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb12_plus.htm



Grand total of $1968. Everything there was free shipping or in-store pickup except the SVS, which would be another $100. If need be you could go with an SVS cylinder sub like the 20-39 PC+ to bring the cost down a bit more.


I guarantee you will be happy with this system

 

[pmccaffrey]

Thanks for putting so much effort into the recommendation. I will try to demo the JBL's. I've been demoing the Paradigms and have been trying to get a listen to the Athena. BB seems to be the only place and their demo setup is poor at best. The wall mounts don't have to be satellites, but size will become an issue for my wife. Thanks again.

 

[davdev]

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but size will become an issue for my wife.

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Aint that always the case




Anyway, BB doesn't carry the E-50's, but I can vouch for the being very good. BB does carry the 80's and 90's which are the towers and the 30's which are also bookshelves, but not as good as the 50's. You may be able to get an idea what the 50's sound like by auditioning those. Do not buy from BB though, they will cost you twice as much as you can get them on-line.