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!

[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.

[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 !

[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