New 7.1 (1 Viewer)

I am looking to upgrade my 7.1 setup. I currently have SVS LCRs as my front stage with old HTiB providing rears and surrounds. For sub I'm using a Sony SAWM-40. I'm looking at HTD Level 3 fronts with Level 2s for the rears and surrounds. My wife is insisting on Towers as she doesn't like the look of speaker stands (she's a keeper!) Driven by Onkyo 626.For the sub I am looking at PowerSound Audio either the sealed or vented single 15. Looking for recommendations there. My room is the main family living area which is open to other areas of the home. 23x18 but open to dining/kitchen on one side. Thoughts on my proposed setup and/or thoughts on a sub recommendation?

"Thoughts on my proposed setup and/or thoughts on a sub recommendation?"

Good luck with the new speakers...

Looking at the HTD speakers - If the budget allows I would stick with all of the Level 3's and not mix in Level 2's...

For the surrounds - they offer either direct firing or bipole/dipole modes in each series.

You said you want towers in the front...so a level 3 system:

[*]Front Speakers
[*]Center
[*]4 rear - direct firing
[*]-- or --
[*]4 rear - on-wall bipole/dipole switchable surround speakers
[/list]

Or you could go with the level 2 with towers.. so a level 2 system:

[*]Front Speakers
[*]Center
[*]4 rear - direct firing
[*]-- or --
[*]4 rear - on-wall bipole/dipole switchable surround speaker
[/list]

The level 3's use a Ribbon Tweeter while the 2's use a silk dome tweeter...enough of a difference where you don't want to mix/match the two.

You would be better off on a tight budget to get a set of all 2's to match front/back - instead of mix/max of 2's and 3's...

- As for the sub - have heard a lot of good things on the subs you are looking at - and a 15" sub does move a lot of air...

Would I really notice that much difference with the domes in the surrounds? Also anyone have thoughts on the sealed vs ported for my situation?

I would buy both the 2 and 3 surrounds and return a pair. (Check B-stock/returns to save a few bucks...and save them the hassle of a "fresh box return", if possible)But yes, ribbon to dome should be obvious. To me, it is.To you? Maybe not.Sealed vs vented is personal preference. Want lots of effortless boom? Vented.Want articulate to the depths of extension? Sealed.

Hmmm... gotta decide if I have the extra $800 in the budget for the 3 rears/surrounds.

Thanks!

Nathan_F said:

Hmmm... gotta decide if I have the extra $800 in the budget for the 3 rears/surrounds. Thanks!

Click to expand...

Where are you getting "an extra $800"?

3s are $879 a pair vs 2s at $459.