Which front speakers to get???

bigpete1984 · 04-19-2007, 10:49 PM

im sure this has been asked before, but i would like some opinions on some speakers. for now, they will be used in stereo, then i would like to add a sub, and eventually 5.1 or 7.1 surround. i have been looking at the ascend cbm-170 se; axiom's M2 v2 and M3 v2; onix reference 0.5 monitor; and av123 x-ls. just wondering what you guys would suggest. would like to keep it under 400 a pair. they all seem like good speakers for under 400. also, im a little confused on some parts of the home theater. would you guys suggest a receiver/amp combo, or a separate amp and receiver??? if i went the way of the separate amp and receiver, would i need a pre-amp?? also, how does an amp connect to the receiver for surround sound?? how would more than one amp connect to a receiver for surround sound??? ohh and one more thing, should i look at a powered or non-powered sub??? thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions

Pete

John Garcia · 04-19-2007, 11:23 PM

I'd wait for the X-LS EX to be officially released. It is an upgraded X-LS that has a new x-over and a new tweeter and will only be a little more than the X-LS. There will also be a completely new version called the SWG that has different drivers all together, and I think they are around $400/pr. There are also a bunch of new finishes. The X-LS is a very good speaker for the money, but I think the upgraded ones will be worth the wait.

Second choice if you can't wait a few weeks would be the CBM-170SE.

bigpete1984 · 04-19-2007, 11:50 PM

thanks ill keep those in mind. what about the subwoofer issue? and about receiver/amp combo or separate?? thanks again so far for the help. can anyone else suggest something else as far as the speakers go???

Pete

MaxL · 04-20-2007, 12:17 AM

questions are what this is here for. while the receiver/ amp questions are really more for the receiver/ amp page. i'll explain a little...

your choices are an AVR (audio video receiver) or a pre/pro (preamp processor) [i]and[i] multi channel amp(s). the avr has multiple audio and video inputs, digital processors and decoders, digital to analog converters and multiple channels of amplification, oh yeah, and an am/fm tuner. a pre/pro has all the same stuff minus the tuner and amplification. that's why you need the external amps. you can get one amp that does 5-7 channels or a combo of stereo (2 channel) amps and/ or monoblock (single channel) amps. your pre/pro has line level outs (generally RCA type, but there are other connectors too) that you connect to your amp(s). many avr's also have these line level or "pre-outs" that allow you to use exteranl power amps instead of the built in amplification. generally it is best to do one or the other avr or pre/pro and amp.

the reason is that it is usually best to pair similar level of equipment. the idea of running expensive power amps with a signal from an avr isn't necessarily ridiculous, but may be a bit of a waste or mismatch. it's probably most common during an extended period of uprading to separates.

speaking of which, as a starting point i'd recommend a ratio of 1:1:1 for your avr:speakers(5):sub. that means if i had a budget of $1500 i'd probably be looking for an avr around $500. a pre/pro amp combo really starts over $1000, meaning i'd probably be spending at least $1500 on speakers and a sub to go with it, quite possible more. the reason is that speakers are the most significant dictator of sound quality. amplification and signal processing absolutely make a difference, but to spend a lot on this and not on speakers is like watching a $3000 dvd player on a little mid 80's crt tv. you can do it, but what's the point?

the speakers you listed should all be fine. what separates them more than anything is personal taste. you absolutely do want a powered sub. bass takes a lot more power to reproduce than mids and treble. there are good passive subs out there, but they're mostly DIY jobs with big external power supplies.

if you haven't already, read through these posts and the ones on the receivers/amp page. also check out aperion university and psb's audio topics.

come back with more questions...

bigpete1984 · 04-20-2007, 10:09 PM

so would u guys suggest using a separate amp and receiver or getting a combo??? also, what brand would u suggest??? im looking at running 2.1 and then adding the surrounds at a later date?? is there a stereo receiver that has a sub out??? thanks for the help so far.

Pete

**HTF Ads**

MaxL · 04-20-2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpete1984

so would u guys suggest using a separate amp and receiver or getting a combo???

let's get the terminology straight for communication's sake. the receiver is the combo. the amp needs a pre/pro or a receiver with pre-outs. but there's no big advantage to buying a receiver to use with an amp.

to answer your question, for main speakers under $400 the receiver route probably makes more sense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpete1984

also, what brand would u suggest???

here's my take on the mainstream options:
1 and 2 are marantz and denon - marantz for sound, denon for features, both have top build quality and cost a bit more for their feature set.
then come onkyo, pioneer and yamaha - advantages and disadvantages to each, but all competitive.
HK should be on the list too, but they have had QC issues in the low to mid priced avr's. they spec well for the price. the high end pieces should still be of good quality.
also not on the list - NAD great sound and build, not quite mainstream, definitely worth a listen - start about $700 for AVR.
also not mainsteam - outlaw audio, an internat direct company. if i were in the market for a new avr i'd be seriously considering them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigpete1984

im looking at running 2.1 and then adding the surrounds at a later date?? is there a stereo receiver that has a sub out???

yes, NAD, outlaw, denon, HK.... but when you want to add surrounds you'll need an AVR.

bigpete1984 · 04-21-2007, 12:08 AM

ok well thanks for the help. it certainly is a lot of info to take in, but thanks again. just so i know, im really new at this, what is an AVR??? so you are thinking that i should get a stereo receiver, for now, possibly with a sub out, and then get an AVR in the near future for the surrounds??? heres another question, do they make a stereo receiver with a sub out, or would i have to buy a surround sound receiver to get the .1??? thanks again.

Pete

bigpete1984 · 04-21-2007, 12:13 AM

So you are saying to get a stereo receiver for now, for what will become the front speakers, then adding an AVR for the surround in the near future?? do they make a stereo receiver with a sub out, or do i need to get a multi channel receiver to get the .1, which i assume is the sub, or so ive been told??? i see that from ascend i can get HK stereo receiver for like 300. anyway, thanks for all the help, once again.

Pete

MaxL · 04-21-2007, 12:57 AM

am i really being that cryptic? it seems like you're getting everything i say backwards.

.1 is the sub. it's the LFE or low frequency effects channel on multi channel soundtracks.

i'm not saying to do one or the other. i'm saying you can get 2.1 from some stereo (2 CHANNEL w/ sub out) receivers from NAD, outlaw, denon, HK for certain. you can do that and then buy an avr later for surround sound. or you can just buy the avr now and only use it for 2 channels until you get more speakers. it's all up to you.