Speaker recommendation 5 channels $2500

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Thread: Speaker recommendation 5 channels <$2500

Mark Mirabelli

New member

Username: Hammer77

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-08

Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 01:32 am:

I'm a newbie and am putting together a new system that I'd like some advice for. I have a Pioneer Elite receiver VSX-92 with a Pioneer Elite DVD/CD changer DV -C36. My room is 15x 25 with cathedral ceiling. I listen at pretty moderate to low levels (apt living) and 75% of the time is TV/DVD, 25% is eclectic music (blues, rock).

I need 5 speakers to replace my very old Infinity's. I'd like towers in the front for about 900-$1300 for the pair while keeping the total package with the center and surrounds under $2500.

I've listened to 12 speakers and have eliminated Infinity , Polk, Boston Acoustic, Klipsch, Mirage, Def Tech, Kef. These speakers just didn't agree with my ears. Now I'm stuck between MA RS6, BW 683/684, Paradigm Monitor 9, Focal Chorus 714 / 716, PSB Image T55. They're all agreeable sounding, seem to have good reviews and reputation. I can't compare all at the same time, but have compared Paradigm next to the Focal and find the Paradigm's broader soundstage and bigger bass more appealing but the Focals sound a bit more detailed. I have also compared the B&W with the MA and find them both excellent, maybe a slight edge to MA with tighter bass and cleaner midrange. I can't compare the PSBs directly but I find their sound reminds me most of paradigms. Any suggestions between these or a different speaker I might consider? Anything physically bigger is out (wife will throw them out the window!).

David Mitchell

Gold Member

Username: Dmitchell

Ottawa, Ontario
Canada

Post Number: 1075
Registered: Feb-07

Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 02:25 pm:

Paradigm and PSB sound very similar to me, with the PSB being slightly beefier sounding.

Really hard to go wrong with MA.

Nuck

Platinum Member

Username: Nuck

Post Number: 10400
Registered: Dec-04

Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 07:16 pm:

In my experience with PSB speakers, they employ crossovers that are demanding and heavy on losses.
The result is fine, but at the cost of low impedence, wide phase angles and heat loss.
But the results are good, given enough amp and source.
Mine work well, albeit at the cost of fossil fuels or nuclear waste byproducts.

David Mitchell

Gold Member