$1K for 5 speakers: need recommendations please

MichaelDDD · 10-02-2003, 05:23 AM

I'm slightly embarassed to admit that I need some advice. OK, a lot of advice.

I've already ordered the sub: SVS PB2-plus.

I've got about $1K for the rest of the speakers (5 pieces - L/R/C/Sur)

Been looking over Ascend 170/370 combo.

What else should I be looking at in this price range. Sure I know "names"; Polk, Paradigm, Klipsch, etc. But I don't know "bang for the buck".

Speakers will pull double duty: 60% music/40% HT. Unless I have dinner guests or having a business meeting, I listen to everything loud, if that helps.

Will be powered by a Kenwood VR-409 rated at 100w x 5, so take that for what it's worth.

Thanks for your recommendations.

MikeLi · 10-02-2003, 07:04 AM

ELT without a doubt.. you can get it from av123 or aci...

MichaelDDD · 10-02-2003, 07:24 AM

"ELT?" Is that a brand? (<--I about cringed from embarassment right after typing that...:b )

Any particular model?

AV123.com, I guess? I'll go check. Thanks.

*edit*
Extremely Luscious Theater?

Gotta love those marketing guys! Lemme read up on the specs and reviews.

Shane Martin · 10-02-2003, 07:38 AM

ELT or a Polk setup from Circuit City. I know its CC but they are blowing them out at really good pricing.

Tim Ranger · 10-02-2003, 08:36 AM

Michael:

The ELT sounds like a candidate. I'd definitely contact ACI as well as AV123. Since I found ACI 2 years ago, I have been extremely happy in all my dealings with them. They warranty the ELT for two years longer than AV123 who is also reported to offer excellent customer service!

**HTF Ads**

george king · 10-02-2003, 09:24 AM

go to www.rutledgeaudiodesign.com and look at the M-1 monitor and C-1 center. For $1K you can get the C-1 and 2 pairs of the M-1.

Brian is a great guy, he will custom make you the speakers, and his craftsmanship is amazing. They will be better made than 99% of the commerical alternatives in the same price range, and you get to pick your finish.

Hope this helps.

Lew Crippen · 10-02-2003, 09:57 AM

You can get a package deal on the ELTs without the sub. I think that the center and four satellites will cost about $700.

Call and ask Sean or Steve.

MichaelDDD · 10-02-2003, 10:05 AM

Thank you for the links and suggestions. Everyone's opinion is important.

I'll tell you this; picking out my next (and permanent!) sub was cake compared to picking out my next 5-piece speaker set!

I see your suggestions, break out the

and start surfing reviews and manufacturers' pages.

All the info makes my brain go

and then

but in a good way.

Keep it coming.

Craig · 10-02-2003, 10:31 AM

I'd be inclined to spend the $1000 on mains and a center, and wait on the surrounds (or buy some really cheap surrounds and upgrade later). You've got a really nice sub, I'd get the best quality speakers I could to match.

I had settled on Boston Acoustics, which were regular direct radiating speakers, until I heard a pair of Mirage OM10s which use both front and rear speakers (bipolar or dipolar). I'd advise listening to both types and see which you like best. I think Boston Acoustics and Mirage speakers get somewhat overlooked, they're both very good quality speakers, just take a different approach to producing sound.

GregAV · 10-02-2003, 12:50 PM

Wow, 60/40 music/HT at high volume and not 1 mention of JBL S series ?!?!

If you have the space - S38's for the mains, and S36/26 for your surrounds with a SCenterII should be perfect for your needs(5 year warrantee too)with a serious amount of change left.

Search the forum for JBL's S series - S38, S36, S26 and look for input from Phil Iturralde (dude really knows JBL).

Should be easy enough to audition them too - I think you'll like what you hear(at any volume).

Have fun,

Greg