speaker decision - Blu-ray Forum

richterbon23 · 02-04-2008, 05:41 AM

I am really struggling with picking out my speakers to match up with either my onkyo 605 ot 705... I have been looking at either the polk audio rm6750 or harman kardon hkts-15. any help would be hugely appreciative!

Durentis · 02-04-2008, 05:56 AM

You'll need to suggest a budget.. speaker prices can go from peanuts to first born.

If you're willing to invest in some really impressive speakers, I'd suggest what I got (see sig) or Paradigm's Signature Series. They were recommended to me and I've no regrets; the sound is stunning. The six speakers will run you about $8,000. (And these speakers are still cheap considering the higher-end stuff.)

I haven't heard the others so I can't really comment on them. Ideally, you should just audition them both. Have a listen and buy what most impresses you. I didn't have that luxury when I was looking into my speakers because nobody has a decent sound room in the area..

..so I just bought the biggest ones.

richterbon23 · 02-04-2008, 05:59 AM

yea same here, no one has a good sound area at all except the bose store and i don't want bose. unfortunately by budget isn't huge. after i graduate in about a year i am going to get some amazing speakers... right now i just want a nice reciever that is going to last for a while and some decent speakers that will get me by. i would say the highest i can go on speakers is about 400 unfortunately. i have heard good things about the polk audio set i listed above... but i just like to hear a little more reassurance before i buy them.

Anhslaught · 02-04-2008, 06:07 AM

a lot of ppl suggest polks. I still don't know much, but I picked these out because they're nice.lol

-Polk Audio RM20 Speaker System without Sub, Pewter
-Polk DSW PRO 400 Subwoofer

That's just my starting point until I know more about speakers. For now thats on my list to buy unless someone has a different suggestion. This wont cost you 8000, so that's a huge plus.

Big Daddy · 02-04-2008, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richterbon23

yea same here, no one has a good sound area at all except the bose store and i don't want bose. unfortunately by budget isn't huge. after i graduate in about a year i am going to get some amazing speakers... right now i just want a nice reciever that is going to last for a while and some decent speakers that will get me by. i would say the highest i can go on speakers is about 400 unfortunately. i have heard good things about the polk audio set i listed above... but i just like to hear a little more reassurance before i buy them.

This is a link to the cheapest high-end speakers from HSU Research. I personally prefer HSU speakers to either Bose or Polk.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/performance1.html

I bought my Subwoofers from their retail outlet in Southern California. Mr. Hsu, the designer of the subs, is a nice man and spent hours with me and gave me all sorts of helpful information about setting them up.

DragonSarc · 02-04-2008, 10:04 AM

go for Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 600 will go with the your onkyo perfectly

wont break your bank either

kingofgrills · 02-04-2008, 07:52 PM

I would recommend you seriously audition Paradigm's Monitor series and Monitor Audio's Bronze or Silver series before making a decision - if you like speakers that are excellent for music as well as movie soundtracks. Both lines have received excellent reviews over the past few years for being budget minded giant killers, and it's well deserved.

http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/...w-2-4.paradigm

http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/page....=377&review=56

seto · 02-04-2008, 08:05 PM

If you can get Paradigms, I suggest that you do. They are pretty good for the price point they are at.

Rike255 · 02-04-2008, 09:39 PM

I have the Polk Audio RTi8's along with Onkyo 805 and they are absolutely fantastic together. The RTi8's were recently discontinued so you can find them for about $350 per pair now. Not sure if that's in your price range but these babies will keep you satisfied until you can afford million dollar speakers!

CAB · 02-04-2008, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richterbon23

I am really struggling with picking out my speakers to match up with either my onkyo 605 ot 705... I have been looking at either the polk audio rm6750 or harman kardon hkts-15. any help would be hugely appreciative!

What are the dimensions the of your viewing room?
Do you want wall/ceiling mount, in-wall, or stands for the surrounds?
Do you have overhead access to run wire or will this be under carpet or tucked under floorboards?

Paradigm Studio and up gets kinda large. Guessing by the size of your display, they may be a bit big. Someone mentioned their Signatures. I have the S8s and they are will dominate a small room.

They have several models of the cinemas which are good for home theater but not so hot for music. Is there an HT installer with a show room that can demo some gear for you?

richterbon23 · 02-04-2008, 10:06 PM

my room is about 15x15 so it isn't that big. The sound from my htib in my signature fills up my room pretty good. My main thing right now is that I want lossless audio. I don't need huge speakers. I am going to get a nice reciever so that I only have to upgrade the speakers when I move out. That is why the Polk audio rm6750's or the Harman kardon 15's seemed decent. They weren't to big but have gotten some decent reviews. Anymore help is much appreciated.

CAB · 02-04-2008, 10:14 PM

The Paradigm Studios are a good size and are solid for music and HT. Anything bigger and you won't be able to use the room. They aren't inexpensive but they are worth the money. I like their stuff because of the value I believe I've received in price/performance.

I'd still recommend finding a nice quiet place and listen to a variety of speakers. Use CDs, SACD/DVD-A, and Blu-rays and listen for what you enjoy or can tolerate.

petethebaker · 02-04-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richterbon23

I am really struggling with picking out my speakers to match up with either my onkyo 605 ot 705... I have been looking at either the polk audio rm6750 or harman kardon hkts-15. any help would be hugely appreciative!

I would suggest the paradigms as well i have reference all around great for music and movies.

richterbon23 · 02-04-2008, 10:18 PM

yea unfortunately i can't afford those paradigms. In a little over a year when I am out of college and I move out I am going to start investing a lot in awesome speakers but for now I can't do it. And also here in milwaukee we have garbage for stores with good sound rooms to listen too.

The Paradigm 70 CT Cinema series looks to be only about 600. I could probably pull that off. What do you think about those?

CAB · 02-04-2008, 10:34 PM

Solid for movies. I found them lacking range and imaging on music; quite tinty especially in the highs which created an unnatural brightness. But, I'm coming from a completely different perspective. There are lots of comprehensive reviews about the Cinema series. They did well when compared to other speakers in their price range.

Paradigm only sells through dealers. There's got to be a dealer with a show room in a city of that size.

Edit: I'da killed for those a year outta college.

Edit2: If you have cash, try used. www.audiogon.com is where I shop for gently used speaker wire, interconnects and amps.

Dagger · 02-04-2008, 10:38 PM

+1 on Paradigm's.

I have Monitor 7's that I paid $500 for the pair. But if that's too much for you check out the Atom's. You can get a pair for $200 and change. When you're ready to upgrade demote them to rear/surrounds.

Audition them though for your tastes. I find them stronger with HT, vocal dominant music, R&B and hip-hop over rock and salsa music.

One thing to note, the more you pair for your mains, the more you'll have to pay for your center if you want them properly matched.

kingofgrills · 02-05-2008, 11:00 PM

The Paradigm monitors are awesome speakers at the price point. However, since you're still in college I'd recommend you also check out the Monitor Audio BR2 s, which are similar to the Paradigms but at a lower price point.

That Monitor Audio speaker won What Hi-Fi? speaker of the year award last year, so it's a great monitor worth checking out. It has incredibly tight bass response blended seamlessly with great midrange and smooth treble. It offers extended frequency response above 20 Khz, so it has a good amount of spaciousness in its presentation. You can find a pair new for under $400.

http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/produc...e=8&product=56

InnerSycosis · 02-05-2008, 11:46 PM

I'm trying to decide between speakers as well.

I'm stuck between Polk Monitor 30s or 40s and Polk RM10s and 20s. My living room is only 11x13 with an 8' ceiling.

I think it really boils down to $$$ since I'm a tight wad and I want to make sure I get the most for my money while using as little as possible! LOL

Any opinions or suggestions?

jubaiweaponx · 02-06-2008, 12:28 AM

paradigms keep coming further for the money ,granted i have signature s-8s and adps and all but i started demoing their entry level and was impressed

NewBluClu · 02-06-2008, 01:29 AM

Are JBL CS480 any good?
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4168921

02-04-2008, 05:41 AM	#1
richterbon23 Senior Member Member since:Sep 2007 Home Theater Gallery:7 4K collection:266 Blu-ray collection:685 Trading Score:22	speaker decision I am really struggling with picking out my speakers to match up with either my onkyo 605 ot 705... I have been looking at either the polk audio rm6750 or harman kardon hkts-15. any help would be hugely appreciative!

02-04-2008, 10:18 PM	#14
richterbon23 Senior Member Member since:Sep 2007 Home Theater Gallery:7 4K collection:266 Blu-ray collection:685 Trading Score:22	yea unfortunately i can't afford those paradigms. In a little over a year when I am out of college and I move out I am going to start investing a lot in awesome speakers but for now I can't do it. And also here in milwaukee we have garbage for stores with good sound rooms to listen too. The Paradigm 70 CT Cinema series looks to be only about 600. I could probably pull that off. What do you think about those? Last edited by richterbon23; 02-04-2008 at 10:23 PM.

02-04-2008, 10:34 PM	#15
CAB Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Location:::1 4K collection:88 Blu-ray collection:1827 Trading Score:4	Solid for movies. I found them lacking range and imaging on music; quite tinty especially in the highs which created an unnatural brightness. But, I'm coming from a completely different perspective. There are lots of comprehensive reviews about the Cinema series. They did well when compared to other speakers in their price range. Paradigm only sells through dealers. There's got to be a dealer with a show room in a city of that size. Edit: I'da killed for those a year outta college. Edit2: If you have cash, try used. www.audiogon.com is where I shop for gently used speaker wire, interconnects and amps. Last edited by CAB; 02-04-2008 at 10:40 PM.

02-06-2008, 12:28 AM	#19
jubaiweaponx Special Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:collingdale,pa Blu-ray collection:304	indeed paradigms keep coming further for the money ,granted i have signature s-8s and adps and all but i started demoing their entry level and was impressed

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02-04-2008, 05:56 AM	#2
Durentis Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:78 Blu-ray reviews:1	You'll need to suggest a budget.. speaker prices can go from peanuts to first born. If you're willing to invest in some really impressive speakers, I'd suggest what I got (see sig) or Paradigm's Signature Series. They were recommended to me and I've no regrets; the sound is stunning. The six speakers will run you about $8,000. (And these speakers are still cheap considering the higher-end stuff.) I haven't heard the others so I can't really comment on them. Ideally, you should just audition them both. Have a listen and buy what most impresses you. I didn't have that luxury when I was looking into my speakers because nobody has a decent sound room in the area.. ..so I just bought the biggest ones.

02-04-2008, 05:59 AM	#3
richterbon23 Senior Member Member since:Sep 2007 Home Theater Gallery:7 4K collection:266 Blu-ray collection:685 Trading Score:22	yea same here, no one has a good sound area at all except the bose store and i don't want bose. unfortunately by budget isn't huge. after i graduate in about a year i am going to get some amazing speakers... right now i just want a nice reciever that is going to last for a while and some decent speakers that will get me by. i would say the highest i can go on speakers is about 400 unfortunately. i have heard good things about the polk audio set i listed above... but i just like to hear a little more reassurance before i buy them.

02-04-2008, 06:07 AM	#4
Anhslaught Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:105	a lot of ppl suggest polks. I still don't know much, but I picked these out because they're nice.lol -Polk Audio RM20 Speaker System without Sub, Pewter -Polk DSW PRO 400 Subwoofer That's just my starting point until I know more about speakers. For now thats on my list to buy unless someone has a different suggestion. This wont cost you 8000, so that's a huge plus.

02-04-2008, 10:04 AM	#6
DragonSarc Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:San Leandro, CA Home Theater Gallery:28 Blu-ray reviews:1	go for Definitive Technology Pro Cinema 600 will go with the your onkyo perfectly wont break your bank either

02-04-2008, 07:52 PM	#7
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	I would recommend you seriously audition Paradigm's Monitor series and Monitor Audio's Bronze or Silver series before making a decision - if you like speakers that are excellent for music as well as movie soundtracks. Both lines have received excellent reviews over the past few years for being budget minded giant killers, and it's well deserved. http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/...w-2-4.paradigm http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/page....=377&review=56

02-04-2008, 08:05 PM	#8
seto Senior Member Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray reviews:1	If you can get Paradigms, I suggest that you do. They are pretty good for the price point they are at.

02-04-2008, 09:39 PM	#9
Rike255 Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:AB, Canada PSNetwork: Rike255 Home Theater Gallery:44 Blu-ray collection:57	I have the Polk Audio RTi8's along with Onkyo 805 and they are absolutely fantastic together. The RTi8's were recently discontinued so you can find them for about $350 per pair now. Not sure if that's in your price range but these babies will keep you satisfied until you can afford million dollar speakers!

02-04-2008, 10:06 PM	#11
richterbon23 Senior Member Member since:Sep 2007 Home Theater Gallery:7 4K collection:266 Blu-ray collection:685 Trading Score:22	my room is about 15x15 so it isn't that big. The sound from my htib in my signature fills up my room pretty good. My main thing right now is that I want lossless audio. I don't need huge speakers. I am going to get a nice reciever so that I only have to upgrade the speakers when I move out. That is why the Polk audio rm6750's or the Harman kardon 15's seemed decent. They weren't to big but have gotten some decent reviews. Anymore help is much appreciated.

02-04-2008, 10:14 PM	#12
CAB Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jul 2007 Location:::1 4K collection:88 Blu-ray collection:1827 Trading Score:4	The Paradigm Studios are a good size and are solid for music and HT. Anything bigger and you won't be able to use the room. They aren't inexpensive but they are worth the money. I like their stuff because of the value I believe I've received in price/performance. I'd still recommend finding a nice quiet place and listen to a variety of speakers. Use CDs, SACD/DVD-A, and Blu-rays and listen for what you enjoy or can tolerate.

02-04-2008, 10:38 PM	#16
Dagger Active Member Member since:Sep 2007	+1 on Paradigm's. I have Monitor 7's that I paid $500 for the pair. But if that's too much for you check out the Atom's. You can get a pair for $200 and change. When you're ready to upgrade demote them to rear/surrounds. Audition them though for your tastes. I find them stronger with HT, vocal dominant music, R&B and hip-hop over rock and salsa music. One thing to note, the more you pair for your mains, the more you'll have to pay for your center if you want them properly matched.

02-05-2008, 11:00 PM	#17
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	The Paradigm monitors are awesome speakers at the price point. However, since you're still in college I'd recommend you also check out the Monitor Audio BR2 s, which are similar to the Paradigms but at a lower price point. That Monitor Audio speaker won What Hi-Fi? speaker of the year award last year, so it's a great monitor worth checking out. It has incredibly tight bass response blended seamlessly with great midrange and smooth treble. It offers extended frequency response above 20 Khz, so it has a good amount of spaciousness in its presentation. You can find a pair new for under $400. http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/produc...e=8&product=56

02-05-2008, 11:46 PM	#18
InnerSycosis Senior Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Greensboro, NC Blu-ray collection:15	I'm trying to decide between speakers as well. I'm stuck between Polk Monitor 30s or 40s and Polk RM10s and 20s. My living room is only 11x13 with an 8' ceiling. I think it really boils down to $$$ since I'm a tight wad and I want to make sure I get the most for my money while using as little as possible! LOL Any opinions or suggestions?

02-06-2008, 01:29 AM	#20
NewBluClu Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:NYC	Are JBL CS480 any good? http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4168921

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