Speaker Upgrade advice

[skads_187]

I'm slowly starting to plan for a speaker upgrade which I would like to purchase by December.
Currently I own and use PSB image series, 7.1 setup (t45's, c40, b15's and b4's) + (Velodyne DPS-12)

Eventually I will upgrade my receiver and add 4 ceiling speakers (for Atmos)
I will building a home theater in a unfinished basement measuring 19x14x8
this is mostly to watch movies, tv, (90%) and very little music, or whenever i have time i sit down and listen to some music.

I want to start by upgrading my Fronts and Center (+ a xpa3)
for the 3 speakers, I want to spend in the ballpark of 3000$
I will then upgrade surrounds in a few years from now.
Im looking to get better sound (and louder)
I dont want speakers with too much bass, as already my wife complains with the dps-12, so adding too much more might be an issue, although i assume with the crossover at 80 and setting speakers to small, should do the trick?

Please note, that there are not too many stores that I can listen to any of these speakers (+ some are online only), this is why I am looking for advice. I will also be posting on other sites, to get as much feedback as possible.

So far Im looking at getting studio 60's and the cc590 v5's
(Early reviews of the Prestige line doesnt look to great)

From what ive read so far ive determined the following:
B&W's are suited better for music, Ascend Sierra's look good but the center channel is way too big, Focal Chorus (cant remember what I read about those), then there is the SongTowers which I've been reading great reviews on. Thing is, they will be a bit out of price range for unfortunately (adding RAAL's and shipping costs)
How is Song Center compare to the CC590?
also with the paradigm's i can easily timber match the ceiling speakers for atmos

the Studio 60's + cc590 should cost me about 3000$ + Txs (im in Quebec Canada, so looking at 450$ roughly) = 3450$ CAD
Salk's would be (and i had to remove the RAAL option on the ST's) = ST w/ OW4 2100$ + 1145 SC (with RAAL) = 3245$ + txs and shipping (roughly 485 taxes + 250 shipping)= $3980 USD = 4455$ CAD

1000$ extra for the Salk's which I wont be able to afford unforunately, does anyone have any suggestions to compare to the Paradigms? with the price mentioned?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by skads_187

I'm slowly starting to plan for a speaker upgrade which I would like to purchase by December.
Currently I own and use PSB image series, 7.1 setup (t45's, c40, b15's and b4's) + (Velodyne DPS-12)

Eventually I will upgrade my receiver and add 4 ceiling speakers (for Atmos)
I will building a home theater in a unfinished basement measuring 19x14x8
this is mostly to watch movies, tv, (90%) and very little music, or whenever i have time i sit down and listen to some music.

I want to start by upgrading my Fronts and Center (+ a xpa3)
for the 3 speakers, I want to spend in the ballpark of 3000$
I will then upgrade surrounds in a few years from now.
Im looking to get better sound (and louder)
I dont want speakers with too much bass, as already my wife complains with the dps-12, so adding too much more might be an issue, although i assume with the crossover at 80 and setting speakers to small, should do the trick?

Please note, that there are not too many stores that I can listen to any of these speakers (+ some are online only), this is why I am looking for advice. I will also be posting on other sites, to get as much feedback as possible.

So far Im looking at getting studio 60's and the cc590 v5's
(Early reviews of the Prestige line doesnt look to great)

From what ive read so far ive determined the following:
B&W's are suited better for music, Ascend Sierra's look good but the center channel is way too big, Focal Chorus (cant remember what I read about those), then there is the SongTowers which I've been reading great reviews on. Thing is, they will be a bit out of price range for unfortunately (adding RAAL's and shipping costs)
How is Song Center compare to the CC590?
also with the paradigm's i can easily timber match the ceiling speakers for atmos

the Studio 60's + cc590 should cost me about 3000$ + Txs (im in Quebec Canada, so looking at 450$ roughly) = 3450$ CAD
Salk's would be (and i had to remove the RAAL option on the ST's) = ST w/ OW4 2100$ + 1145 SC (with RAAL) = 3245$ + txs and shipping (roughly 485 taxes + 250 shipping)= $3980 USD = 4455$ CAD

1000$ extra for the Salk's which I wont be able to afford unforunately, does anyone have any suggestions to compare to the Paradigms? with the price mentioned?

Have you considered Monitor Audio speakers? just some food for thoughts.

If you want louder and you are mainly in HT, have you also looked into highly efficient speakers?

Better sound than the Image can be highly subjective, What are you ultimately looking for in terms of sound? More details, clarity?

FYI yes the x-over would take care of your bass issue and it is actually recommended in any HT setup to set your speakers to small and let the sub handle the rest, regardless of the speakers you are going to choose anything below your x-over point intended for all other speakers will go to your subwoofer so I don't think you should even look at the frequency range your speakers will cover.

I am from the Montreal suburb and I go to Montreal frequently to purchase my own equipment.

I think you should go out and compare the Prestige line vs the Studios and make your own opinion. I have spent numerous hours auditioning before purchasing a pair of Totem Rainmakers and I have not looked back since, only moved up the Totem ladder after.

You might like the Prestige better

[schan1269]

Totem Rainmaker.

That is the "Castrol"* of bookshelf speakers.

*In the world of mechanics, they'll argue oil all day long. Bring up Castrol...arguments end.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by schan1269

Totem Rainmaker.

That is the "Castrol"* of bookshelf speakers.

*In the world of mechanics, they'll argue oil all day long. Bring up Castrol...arguments end.

Not sure if you are serious about this but my point for me is I fell in love with their sound only encouraged me to keep going the Totem route, people's preferences in terms of sound can make any speaker as valuable as the Rainmaker and arguments will actually never end, there is as many good arguments out there not to like the Rainmakers. No speakers are perfect.

[schan1269]

Yes, serious. I've never read a bad review...nor seen a bad opinion of the Rainmaker.

I never inferred it was perfect.

Simply a speaker that deserves to be on everyone's shortlist in that price range.

[skads_187]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Have you considered Monitor Audio speakers? just some food for thoughts.

If you want louder and you are mainly in HT, have you also looked into highly efficient speakers?

Better sound than the Image can be highly subjective, What are you ultimately looking for in terms of sound? More details, clarity?

FYI yes the x-over would take care of your bass issue and it is actually recommended in any HT setup to set your speakers to small and let the sub handle the rest, regardless of the speakers you are going to choose anything below your x-over point intended for all other speakers will go to your subwoofer so I don't think you should even look at the frequency range your speakers will cover.

I am from the Montreal suburb and I go to Montreal frequently to purchase my own equipment.

I think you should go out and compare the Prestige line vs the Studios and make your own opinion. I have spent numerous hours auditioning before purchasing a pair of Totem Rainmakers and I have not looked back since, only moved up the Totem ladder after.

You might like the Prestige better

where do you go in Montreal? if you dont mind me asking.

Feel alot better now, I actually was able to listen to some speakers today.
listened to B&W 683 S2 and Focal Chorus 726 (both in the 2000$ range for 2 fronts). then compared them to the monitor 11, studio 60 and 100.

I can definitely say i preferred the sound on the paradigms, i can tell the difference from the studio 60 to 100, i really liked the 100, too bad the price is so high.

might wait for the prestige line though , so that I can compare.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by skads_187

where do you go in Montreal? if you dont mind me asking.

Feel alot better now, I actually was able to listen to some speakers today.
listened to B&W 683 S2 and Focal Chorus 726 (both in the 2000$ range for 2 fronts). then compared them to the monitor 11, studio 60 and 100.

I can definitely say i preferred the sound on the paradigms, i can tell the difference from the studio 60 to 100, i really liked the 100, too bad the price is so high.

might wait for the prestige line though , so that I can compare.

I have gobe to several stores such as Radio St-Hubert, Audioville, Aidiophonie, Son Or Filtronique, Codell, Audioshoppe and Audio D'occasion.

I encourage you to try Monitor Audio, you might like what you hear, they put out a good punch. Codell Audio and Radio St-Hubert have them.

[Canada]

Listen to many speakers. Even though I didn't listen to a lot, I Iistened to the B&W 685's took about 5 days went back with my dad listened to the 685's again, and then the 683's then bought the 683's that day.

[skads_187]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

I have gobe to several stores such as Radio St-Hubert, Audioville, Aidiophonie, Son Or Filtronique, Codell, Audioshoppe and Audio D'occasion.

I encourage you to try Monitor Audio, you might like what you hear, they put out a good punch. Codell Audio and Radio St-Hubert have them.

Thanks I will check it out and some of those stores as well

[jbrown15]

Originally Posted by skads_187

where do you go in Montreal? if you dont mind me asking.

Feel alot better now, I actually was able to listen to some speakers today.
listened to B&W 683 S2 and Focal Chorus 726 (both in the 2000$ range for 2 fronts). then compared them to the monitor 11, studio 60 and 100.

I can definitely say i preferred the sound on the paradigms, i can tell the difference from the studio 60 to 100, i really liked the 100, too bad the price is so high.

might wait for the prestige line though , so that I can compare.

I was able to get a hookup through a friend and demo Studio 100v5's and matching CC-690 center channel for a week in my dedicated theater room. So glad I did because I would have hated to spend that much money on them only to realize how much I didn't like them. They sound extremely harsh at loud volumes in my room.

I really liked the Focal 826's that I demoed but I wasn't looking for a music speaker, I wanted a excellent speaker for HT use and settled on some high efficiency speakers from JTR. I love how crystal clear they are at loud volumes, extremely dynamic while still being very smooth. The level of detail in movie use or dialog with voices is unreal.

If you're considering something that would mostly be used for movies I would go a different direction, I know some might not agree but it's just my honest opinion.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by skads_187

Thanks I will check it out and some of those stores as well

I was thinking also maybe you would like to move up the PSB ladder Studio 1006 sells PSB Imagine and up, they would be a step up in terms of SQ over the Image.

[skads_187]

Originally Posted by jbrown15

I was able to get a hookup through a friend and demo Studio 100v5's and matching CC-690 center channel for a week in my dedicated theater room. So glad I did because I would have hated to spend that much money on them only to realize how much I didn't like them. They sound extremely harsh at loud volumes in my room.

I really liked the Focal 826's that I demoed but I wasn't looking for a music speaker, I wanted a excellent speaker for HT use and settled on some high efficiency speakers from JTR. I love how crystal clear they are at loud volumes, extremely dynamic while still being very smooth. The level of detail in movie use or dialog with voices is unreal.

If you're considering something that would mostly be used for movies I would go a different direction, I know some might not agree but it's just my honest opinion.

Actually, after listening to those speakers, I will probably be using them a little more for music than initially planned, maybe like 25-30%, i have quite a few cd's, but until now, didnt know how well music can sound.

Originally Posted by BigAl87

I was thinking also maybe you would like to move up the PSB ladder Studio 1006 sells PSB Imagine and up, they would be a step up in terms of SQ over the Image.

thanks for the advice, will check it out. my only question on those are, does the size of the midrange tweeter matter? meaning the fact that its smaller , make a difference? also, do you kniow if the imagine center is great? looking for a really good center speaker as well. thanks

[Bmoney003]

Imagine Line is a major step up from the image line

I used to have the Image B6's now I run the imagine B...the difference is astounding..
Pm me if you wish to grab some...I have some for sale as well...

[AudioWarrior]

Originally Posted by jbrown15

I was able to get a hookup through a friend and demo Studio 100v5's and matching CC-690 center channel for a week in my dedicated theater room. So glad I did because I would have hated to spend that much money on them only to realize how much I didn't like them. They sound extremely harsh at loud volumes in my room.

I really liked the Focal 826's that I demoed but I wasn't looking for a music speaker, I wanted a excellent speaker for HT use and settled on some high efficiency speakers from JTR. I love how crystal clear they are at loud volumes, extremely dynamic while still being very smooth. The level of detail in movie use or dialog with voices is unreal.

If you're considering something that would mostly be used for movies I would go a different direction, I know some might not agree but it's just my honest opinion.

If you want that harshness to go away you could try to EQ them, but sadly you'd have to go into the Signature series to get smooth high's with their Beryllium tweeters, which ironically was not passed onto the Prestige series. I heard the new Prestige series is the worst offenders of this, with harsh sibilance and hollower Mid's then the Studio's and Sigs!

I'm currently trying to move from Signature v.1's to Signature v.2's

You could take a look at the new PSB imagine x2t, which have the same Imagine drivers and tweeter but in a image cabinet. I've seen them for $1100 online, or you can get a pair of the renowned Revel Performa3 f208, which would run you about the same as a new Digm Studio setup. Some say the Imagine series give the Studio 60 a run for it's money, so if you decide to take that route it's the cheapest choice for performance/dollar.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by jbrown15

I was able to get a hookup through a friend and demo Studio 100v5's and matching CC-690 center channel for a week in my dedicated theater room. So glad I did because I would have hated to spend that much money on them only to realize how much I didn't like them. They sound extremely harsh at loud volumes in my room.

I really liked the Focal 826's that I demoed but I wasn't looking for a music speaker, I wanted a excellent speaker for HT use and settled on some high efficiency speakers from JTR. I love how crystal clear they are at loud volumes, extremely dynamic while still being very smooth. The level of detail in movie use or dialog with voices is unreal.

If you're considering something that would mostly be used for movies I would go a different direction, I know some might not agree but it's just my honest opinion.

I mentioned it for HT there is nothing like high efficiency spekers if you want all the dynamic range you're looking for.

[skads_187]

Originally Posted by Bmoney003

Imagine Line is a major step up from the image line

I used to have the Image B6's now I run the imagine B...the difference is astounding..
Pm me if you wish to grab some...I have some for sale as well...

i will let you know. i guess now it comes down to comparing monitor audio with psb imagine and paradigm studio's

Originally Posted by AudioWarrior

You could take a look at the new PSB imagine x2t, which have the same Imagine drivers and tweeter but in a image cabinet. I've seen them for $1100 online, or you can get a pair of the renowned Revel Performa3 f208, which would run you about the same as a new Digm Studio setup. Some say the Imagine series give the Studio 60 a run for it's money, so if you decide to take that route it's the cheapest choice for performance/dollar.

ill take a look at those as well, issue is, I don't know too many stores that carry psb (and have a setup to audition them) also, price wise, i will shop around, but i do know for now i have at least 2 places where I can really get a good price on the Paradigms, now its to find out if i can get a good bargain on the psbs and monitor audio's as well.

also, with the new imagine x series, how much of difference will it be Watts wise? i noticed the input power isnt as high as the T2 (or studios for that matter). is it all based on how each company rates them?

[schan1269]

The only specs that matter

Frequency range
"Accuracy"
Ohm
Efficiency

Watts matter not.

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by schan1269

The only specs that matter

Frequency range
"Accuracy"
Ohm
Efficiency

Watts matter not.

There is always nuance to be made in that statement, let's put it this way I would never buy a speaker strictly based on specs.

[schan1269]

That is why accuracy is in quotes. An impressive frequency graph...still doesnt mean you'll like it.

[skads_187]

Originally Posted by schan1269

The only specs that matter

Frequency range
"Accuracy"
Ohm
Efficiency

Watts matter not.

what should i be looking for (just to get an idea), not that i will base my decision on this, but its good to learn and know, thanks