My search for mains (1 Viewer)

[Robertto]

Hi all first post here, so please go easy on me.

I currently have a HD 56 inch RCA, Denon 1802, running a pair of crappy Aiwa mains(leftover from the old home theater), self powered Aiwa sub, 2 blose(bose) rears and a Cerwin-vega ctr(better than the old Aiwa ctr). As you can see this set-up needs work

Plan is this Ctr is ok for now, replace mains then rears then sub, then ctr.

My room is 25 x 15, listening area is 17 x 15. Listen to music vs ht, 40/60.

Here is what I am considering...
1. Swan – Diva – 2.1 or 4.1
2. Paradigm – Moniter 3 or 5
3. Home theater Direct – level 2 or 3
4. Asperion Audio -
5. NOrh 4.0s
6. NHT Superones
7. B&W (not sure which ones)
8. Axiom M3tis

Looking to keep cost down below $300(yes divas are a bit more), looking at open boxes possibility there.

I will be going to listen to the Paradigms, B&Ws and NHTs this weekend, but won't have the opp to hear the others.

Looking for feedback exp with any of these suckers, opinions, and suggestions on my plan of action. In the end I want to spend max $1,500-2k on a speaker set-up.

Thanks in advance for you feedback.

 

[Leo_P]

I have a pair of Axiom M3ti's and a VP100 that I bought from their factory outlet (blemished) and I can't see a THING wrong with them. My next purchase will be to get a pair of Axiom M60's (F.O., of course ) to replace the M3's as my mains and move the M3's to the back, replacing some JBL N24's.
Anyway, this is what I'd do with your budget:
Plan A: M3's F.O. $247.50; VP100 F.O. $198.00 or VP150 $297.50; M22's (bookshelves) $400.00 = $845.50-945.00
Plan B: M3's $247.50; VP100 $198.00 or VP150 $297.50; and F.O. towers, M50's $496.00, M60's $640 or M80's $935 = $941-1480
Which would leave you some room in your budget for a nice powered sub.
Mind you, I'm totally biased, 'cause I really like my Axiom's. But you'd be hard pressed to find a better system for the money IMHO.
Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[John Garcia]

I don't think you will find Monitor 3 or Monitor 5s for $300 in the US, since MSRP for the Mini Monitors is $350/pr.

I have back to back compared the M3Ti to the Mini Monitor in my system, and the they sound very similar, with the advantage going to the M3. The Axioms are in your price range.

The NHTs will sound bright with Denon, IMO. I auditioned the new SB2 and SB3 with a 3802, and it was quite bright.

Comparable B&Ws would be DM601 or DM602, but I think they are more than $300?

 

[Joseph_Mikhail]

Leo-

Where can you get a pair of M80s for $935? I have only seen them offered for about $1100 (shipping included).

 

[John Garcia]

Axiom factory outlet...

 

[Doug Drake]

I'll toss in one you didn't list, just for fun
Klipsch RB-5 bookshelf's for mains.
RC-3 for center.
RS-3 for surrounds.
SVS 20-39CS or 20-39PCi for sub.
If you buy from a place like Link Removed or www.acousticsounddesign.com you can get all this for just about $2k, I believe.
I think you'll be blown away by the high quality of the sound.
Also, if I may suggest, replace the 3 front speakers all at once, so they match...
Doug

 

[Robertto]

Actually, I gotta admit the guy I spoke w/today said the Moniter 5s where around $500. The 3s where my original thought and he said that is what is in stock.

So maybe 3-500 would be a better range.

Surprised no one has commented on the swans yet.

 

[Robertto]

BTW where exactly is the Axiom factory outlet?

Thanks!

 

[John Garcia]

http://www.axiomaudio.com/factoryoutlet.html

 

[Robertto]

That might just be the way to go!

so you wouldn't go with the qs4s for rears?

Thanks again!

 

[John Garcia]

I prefer monopoles for rears, but that is just my opinion.

 

[Joseph_Mikhail]

John-

THANKS!!! I wasn't quite sold on the M80s yet, but at that price how can you go wrong. Thanks again!!!

 

[Todd_Michael_R]

Robertto said:

Looking for feedback exp with any of these suckers, opinions, and suggestions on my plan of action. In the end I want to spend max $1,500-2k on a speaker set-up.

Biased B&W opinion coming through...
Option 1:
Fronts: B&W DM602 S3 - $600 (MSRP)
Rears: B&W DM602 S3 - $600 (MSRP)
Center: B&W LCR60 S3 - $350 (MSRP)
Sub: SVS PCi 25-31 - $549
TOTAL: $2099.00
Option 2:
Fronts: B&W DM602 S3 - $600 (MSRP)
Rears: B&W DM601 S3 - $450 (MSRP)
Center: B&W LCR60 S3 - $350 (MSRP)
Sub: SVS PCi 25-31 - $549
TOTAL: $1949.00
Option 1 is better if you plan on venturing into multichannel music and you are of the opinion that rears and fronts should be matched identically, but Option 2 is more in your budget. Neither price reflects taxes on the speakers or shipping costs on the subwoofer, but neither do they reflect any discounts you may (and it is a big may) squeeze out of your local B&W dealer (sometimes between 5% and 10%).
That's a sweet set-up, IMO, and usually your B&W dealer will let you upgrade down the road to the CDM or higher lines. Of course, this is a journey you (or your wallet) may not want to start! DM to CDM to CDM-NT to Nautilus!!
Oh, and Welcome to HTF, Robertto!
Edit: For my fat fingers that keep hitting the wrong keys

 

[SkiingNinja]

>>>Surprised no one has commented on the swans yet.

 

[Robertto]

Thanks for that info on the Divas. Think I have narrowed it down to Paradigm Moniter 7s or Diva 4.1 for my mains, and then matching timber all the way around.

 

[Sean D]

Between the Monitor line and the Divas , I would definately go for the Divas.

 

[Terry Flink]

The nOrh 4.0 is an excellent speaker. Last year I replaced a mixed set of Canton/KEF speakers with the 4.0 video system. I have an SVS 20-39CS so I was not concerend about the low end. I got the ceramic 4.0s based upon the numerous reviews they were detailed and neutral. My SVS blends with the nOrhs very very well. Overall, I am thrilled with this setup and appreciate the "personal" attention these online companies give there customers.