Looking for decent speakers on a $2,500 budget

[Lapse of Reason]

My current setup is Onkyo SR-805 receiver, Velodyne VRP-1200 subwoofer, Energy Take 5 FR/C/FL/SR/SL speakers.

I'm in the market for better speakers, preferably two floor standing for FR & FL, a good center, and two wall-mountable bookshelf speakers for surrounds. I figure I can make do with the Velodyne sub for a few years.

Total budget is $2,500 max. Any recommendations for this price range?
I'm just starting my search and want to narrow the field down to 5 or 6 before I go auditioning speakers.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Lapse of Reason

My current setup is Onkyo SR-805 receiver, Velodyne VRP-1200 subwoofer, Energy Take 5 FR/C/FL/SR/SL speakers.

I'm in the market for better speakers, preferably two floor standing for FR & FL, a good center, and two wall-mountable bookshelf speakers for surrounds. I figure I can make do with the Velodyne sub for a few years.

Total budget is $2,500 max. Any recommendations for this price range?
I'm just starting my search and want to narrow the field down to 5 or 6 before I go auditioning speakers.

I made these recommendations to another person a few days ago.

Definitive Technology Mythos speakers are highly rated. You can buy them from Amazon.
http://www.definitivetech.com/loudsp...dspeakers.html
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_e?...logy&x=15&y=17

You can buy Martin Logans for your three fronts and use your current Energy speakers for surround. Martin Logan is a high-end company. Recently, Amazon started selling Martin Logans. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...ogan&x=16&y=20

Hsu Research has excellent package deals. Their top-of-the-line package deal is Ultra1. You get 7 speakers and their ULS-15 (15") subwoofer factory direct from $2,200 to $2,600 , depending on finish. Normally the subwoofer alone sells for $1,400. Hsu subwoofers are world famous.
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/ultra1.html
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls15.html

Axiom Audio has great 5.1 package deals:
http://www.axiomaudio.com/epic60_main.html

[mustang-gt-2002]

YAMAHA Performance Series NS-777, NS-C444, NS-333 I have the NS-777's and I love them. the weight of one is 53.7 lbs. heavier then my 46" LCD HDTV watch is 49.2 lbs. I will be getting the NS-C444 and 2 pairs of the NS-333 soon. do a google search for them. should be able to get all 5 for arownd $1,000 and $1,500 will get you 2 nice subwoofers two. good luck.

[Beta Man]

With your setup, I'd look for just the L/R/C for $2,500 which should give you quite a bit of options. I'd just audition what is available at your local shops and go from there.

My B&W' 705s and HTM7 are $2,500 out the door but I auditioned them with similar Def Tech's, Tannoy's, Paradigm, Martin Logans, and Monitor Audios.....


I'd hit up all your local shops

[MacDaddyOJack]

I'd take the $2,500 and put it all towards your front three speakers. Use your current energy speakers as surrounds(for now). With that budget, you should be able to get some great speakers. I'd avoid anything from Yamaha and Definitive Technology, Klipsch and Polk too for that matter.

$2,500 is a decent budget, I'd start with Paradigm, Axiom, Martin Logan, and Monitor Audio. Check Audiogon.com too, they often have some pretty good deals if you don't mind used gear.

[Johnny Vinyl]

$2500 is certainly a good budget and I agree with Beta Man and MacDaddy that you should concentrate that budget on your Fronts & Centre only.

I would look at the Totem Acoustic line of speakers, which were my choice after an exhaustive search and many hours of auditioning. I know, I know, they' aren't your traditional recommended speaker line to consider from most of the members on this forum, but they are an amazing speaker with a great reputation. And depending on your room size or space restrictions, the Totem Sttaf Towers are relatively small in comparison to most other floorstanders. This may or may not be a consideration for you.

Happy hunting and I'm sure you'll find the speaker line right for your ears!

[paulyg]

Originally Posted by mustang-gt-2002

YAMAHA Performance Series NS-777, NS-C444, NS-333 I have the NS-777's and I love them. the weight of one is 53.7 lbs. heavier then my 46" LCD HDTV watch is 49.2 lbs. I will be getting the NS-C444 and 2 pairs of the NS-333 soon. do a google search for them. should be able to get all 5 for arownd $1,000 and $1,500 will get you 2 nice subwoofers two. good luck.

I could not agree with you more. I have the 555/c444/2 pair333 and yst-sw315. The build quality and sound quality of these speakers is incredible

[drago3451]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

I'd take the $2,500 and put it all towards your front three speakers. Use your current energy speakers as surrounds(for now). With that budget, you should be able to get some great speakers. I'd avoid anything from Yamaha and Definitive Technology, Klipsch and Polk too for that matter.

$2,500 is a decent budget, I'd start with Paradigm, Axiom, Martin Logan, and Monitor Audio. Check Audiogon.com too, they often have some pretty good deals if you don't mind used gear.

Now why would we avoid award winning speakers. He should listen to all of his options and let his taste decide.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

I agree that it is IMPERATIVE that you sample speakers IN PERSON!!!

Start making a list of all audio specialty stores in your town and start scheduling times to go in and see what they have set up. Plan on 2 hours per store. You'll be amazed at how quickly time passes in there! I will highly recommend finding someplace that offers the Bowers & Wilkins models as display sample units. They offer a very competitive quality at very affordable prices.

[Lapse of Reason]

Thanks for all the input guys. Looks like I will be concentrating on the fronts only, which will make the wife happy since she likes the small size of the Energys and it is the rear surrounds that will stand out the most.

I do plan to audition speakers, but wanted to narrow down my choices. I kinda figured I'd get about 10 different posts with 10 different recommendations

How about this - are there any brands in this price range that should clearly be avoided? I don't want to waste my time.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Lapse of Reason

How about this - are there any brands in this price range that should clearly be avoided? I don't want to waste my time.

All the mentioned brands are excellent. Speakers are a matter of individual tastes and choice. Each brand has its individual signature. Don't listen to anybody. Buy what fits your decor and sounds good to you.

Don't forget to invite us over after your purchase.

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

All the mentioned brands are excellent. Speakers are a matter of individual tastes and choice. Each brand has its individual signature. Don't listen to anybody. Buy what fits your decor and sounds good to you.

Don't forget to invite us over after your purchase.

I agree with Big Daddy. Don't let other people tell you what to listen to and not listen to. I would see what is in stores in your area, listen to them, and whatever you can't listen to I would eliminate. That should help narrow a lot down.

[Intamin]

Adding to the list...
http://www.salksound.com/songtower.shtml
http://www.salksound.com/songcenter.shtml

Custom finishes for the WAF, and a great speaker (mine arrive today!)

Also, the brands above are all good. Check out your local places, and keep an eye on audiogon, as you can find stuff that would retail for a lot higher than your budget but get it for your budget price (www.audiogon.com). There are a beautiful pair of Dali Helicon 400s for 2300 (I believe) on there right now.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

With your setup, I'd look for just the L/R/C for $2,500 which should give you quite a bit of options. I'd just audition what is available at your local shops and go from there.

My B&W' 705s and HTM7 are $2,500 out the door but I auditioned them with similar Def Tech's, Tannoy's, Paradigm, Martin Logans, and Monitor Audios.....


I'd hit up all your local shops

I agree also - if you want to go up a level with Energy (they have been a fine speaker company for years) You could blow your whole budget on a pair of Veritas 2.3's or if you want to go with identical speakers up front you could check out this offering from Energy http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en...-5-1-overview/

Paradigm Monitor 20's all around (they are not floor standing but they go down to 36hz) B&W makes some fine floorstanding speakers, Monitor audio, Snell, Dail, the list goes on! With that budget, its time do take a day or two off and dedicate some time to window shoppinig and listening. Enjoy yourself mate !

[prerich]

Originally Posted by John72953

$2500 is certainly a good budget and I agree with Beta Man and MacDaddy
I would look at the Totem Acoustic line of speakers, which were my choice after an exhaustive search and many hours of auditioning.

Great recommendation! I forgot to put them in my list - I just recommended a dreamcatcher or mite system to another poster on this forum! OP definately check out Totem!!!

[bajor27]

I'm a big energy fan myself, and since you already own some energy speakers theres a chance you'll like the sound.

The RC-50s for fronts and an RC-LCR for center should be in your price range. If you aren't doing the backs or sub, you may even be able to get the RC-70s which are stunning.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by drago3451

Now why would we avoid award winning speakers. He should listen to all of his options and let his taste decide.

You're just mad because I don't like your speakers. No offense, but the only reason Definitive may have won some awards is becuase those other guys I mentioned didn't appear at the same show. Def Tech makes good speakers that don't break the bank.

I have Polks, and I'm happy with them. But if I currently had a $2,500 budget, I would definitely not be getting Polk again and would not be getting Def Tech either.

[JJ]

I'm a newly-made Bowers and Wilkins fan, so I'd suggest the pinnacle of the 600 series or the midrange of the 700 series. Either way, friend, you're looking at a bit of research to do and many places to visit - we can only suggest opinions, but in all honesty, it's up to you to go out there and do the work...listen to the speakers, balance your budget, room space, etc. It's a bit of work, but the end result is worth it.

But, with that much as a budget, I would agree with staying away from Yamaha, Polk, or Klipsch. I don't know too much about Def Tech speakers, so I'll let others fill you in.

Paradigm and Monitor Audio also have some excellent offerings. Might want to keep those in mind as well.

For subwoofers, Martin Logan, SVS (MacDaddy will verify!), HSU Research, or av123 all make stellar subs that will fit within your price range. Keep your current setup as your surround-rears and use that money for some decent L/C/Rs and perhaps if you wish, a new sub - although your Velodyne is also from an excellent manufacturer and I'm assuming a great sub!

[Big Daddy]

I don't know a lot about Definitive Technology Mythos speakers. However, I know quite a bit about their super towers. I own the BP2000 which was the flagship model a few years ago. Prior to that I owned their BP20 which was their top of the line in early 1990s.

I went to a high-end dealer in Palm Springs, CA to trade in my BP20 to get something better. I auditioned many high-end speakers at that time and came to the conclusion that BP2000's were the best for the money. They are bipolar and have a built-in 15" subwoofer with a 400 watt amplifier. They are very musical and can shake the building at the same time. I wouldn't trade them with anything else.

The current flagship model is BP7000SC. The only difference between that and BP2000 is that it has a different built-in sub and a more powerful amplifier. These are the specs BP7000SC:
Dimensions: 8-15/16" W x 16-5/8" D x 52-1/2" H
Freq. Response: 11 Hz – 30 kHz
Nominal Impedance: Compatible with 8 ohms
Rec. Assoc. Amp.: 20 – 1000 Watts/channel
Driver Complement:
– Four 6-1/2" high definition cast-magnesium basket polymer upper bass/midrange drivers.
– Two 1" pure aluminum dome tweeters with silk surrounds.
– One 14" long-throw subwoofer coupled to two 14" infrasonic radiators.
1800 watts Digitally-Coupled Class D amplifier
Efficiency: 92 dB

They are priced around $2,749 each. Considering what you are getting, it is not a bad price.

Slighly less powerful versions are: BP7001SC ($1899 ea), BP7002 ($1199 ea), BP7004 ($849 ea), and BP7006 ($649 ea).

http://www.definitivetech.com/loudsp...upertower.html

Sample Reviews:
“Sounds as if you spent three or four times as much ... these new creations are simply extraordinary ... What a leap this is ... Definitive Technology has taken an evolutionary step to the next level ... Speakers that will be equally welcome in a symphony conductor’s home or the wildest frat house.”
—Darryl Wilkinson, Home Theater

"Bloody marvelous ... high end with class ... big audio with a svelte appearance. Wonderfully muscular built-in subwoofers ... These towers are a formidable force ... the best bass inclusive speakers to yet grace my listening room... a marvelousreation..."
—Adam Rayner, Home Cinema Choice

“The BP7001SCs offered unusually realistic imaging and spacious soundstaging. Unlike conventional direct radiators (whose imaging can sound surgically precise but perhaps also surgically sterile), bipolar speakers present precisely defined imaging and soundstaging cues against a backdrop of reflected sound that suggests both the natural hall ambience heard in live music and theelusive sound of air surrounding individual instruments and voices. I'd say these aptly named SuperTowers completely lay to rest the absurd notionthat a large manufacturer can't build legitimate high-end speakers. But don't take my word for it; just listen to the Definitives with an open mind, and see what you think (and try not to look too surprised at how much they do well, for so little).”
—Chris Martens, The Absolute Sound

"Awesome ... My universe was shaken ... If you're in the market for an all-out speaker system with the absolute maximum in machismo, there's really nothing that compares to this one ... an enormous soundstage along with razorsharp image focus and a detailed harmonic presentation which is sure to send audiophiles and reviewers alike searching for superlatives ... I've never heard bass so clearly delineated and so deeply reproduced ... with this system I found myself completely at ease simply delighting in its performance ... amazing for stereo listening ... On multichannel movie soundtracks the system excelled once again ... the best bet yet for full range home theater ... these speakers are amazing! "
—Jeff Cherun, Home Theater

“The punchy rap soundtrack of the 8 Mile DVD sounded awesome on the Def Tech speakers ... thunderous bass... And watching the final rap battle keyed me in to the advantage of having a center speaker with a built-in sub.”
—Al Griffin, Sound & Vision

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

They are priced around $2,700 each. Considering what you are getting, it is not a bad price.

Well the flagship model of almost any speaker company will be worth a listen, but at $2,700 each, they are a tad out of the price range!

The OP was just looking for suggestions, I didn't mean to make anyone mad when I said I wouldn't get Def Tech's in that price range, just my opinion.

BTW, I have heard those speakers with the built in subs and they are pretty good. I don't know which model exactly, but they sounded nice. They were still too bright for me though, that is the problem I find with most Def Tech's.