Speaker suggestions for HT w/Onkyo (1 Viewer)

[Rick Lyon]

Hey all. Had to register to hopefully gain some insight into the audiophile world of speakers. I currently have the Bose Acousticmass and I am looking to upgrade (not price wise) due to the apparent shortcomings. I have listened to the Athena Audition series at best Buy and liked those. I have a dealer local that has the Paradigm (not sure which) so I may check those out.

80% of the time I watch movies/TV on HDTV centered around my Onkyo SR600. When listening to music the other 20% I like Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Disco, Top 40, Easy listening, etc, kinda mixed. The Bose are nice but seems to me that I'm missing some highs and some deep mids. I just picked up the Pioneer Eltie 45AV and now can enjoy SACD & DVD-A on my Onkyo and realize my Bose aren't cutting it.

So am I wise to look at the Athenas? I want to keep around the $1000 or so area for the 5.1 system. If possible, I'm also slightly limited in options as i don't know if I could drop $1k online fro speakers i can't hear in person. So some brands may not be options. I want mostly for HT but that sound great to listening to SACD and DVD-A. Hope to learn a little

 

[Rick Lyon]

Sorry to bump, I was just hoping that someone here would chime in on thoughts about Athena or Paradigm speakers or any other under $1200 HT set up advice for use with an Onkyo.

 

[Kevinkall]

I have a Paradigm setup, Atoms for mains and surrounds and the CC-170(center) and it's sounds GREAT! For $600 I don't think that I could do much better. I use them for mostly movies, but they sound great for music to. Check out Recommended Paradigm Systems, you can find some nice systems that will fit in your budget.

 

[CurtisSC]

If you are willing to take a chance on internet direct.....

I would look at Ascend Acoustics and Axiom Audio.

Both these internet direct companies offer tremendous value, and their speakers are often compared to others costing 2 to three times as much. Another company to look at is also AV123.com I like their Reference line, but it is considerably more money.

Do a search for all the feedback, high praise from those that took a chance, also great professional reviews. The companies offer 30 day money back policies.

 

[Lew Crippen]

I agree with Curtis in recommending that you check out these companies. There is a new Rocket package (AV123), the ELT, that will soon be available for $900. I heard this at their Dallas road show and consider it tremendous value at the price point. You can see some pictures of the ELT system ; but you should be aware that the color is not as bright as a few of these indicate. I have not seen or heard everything in this price range, but I’d be quite surprised to more value elsewhere, especially in the cabinets, where the workmanship is quite good (for $900).

 

[Rick Lyon]

Thanks guys. I checked out a local dealer who carried the Paradigm speakers and was impressed with them. I was going to get the Atom set, but the surrounds were smaller then I wanted so I got the Titan set. 2 Titans front, CC-170 Center, 2 ADP-170 for the surround and the PDR-10. Wow. After 24 hours of break in I could not be more pleased. Watching Attack of the Clones and Jurassic Park was something to be enjoyed. I definitely hear a difference between them and my old Bose Aoustimass 15 setup that cost $200 more. The Paradigm system with front speaker stands was around $1150. I'll put them up on eBay to recoup some of the cash The Paradigm's are sweet, a very clean image, I am also very impressed with the 10" sub. I wasn't sure of the 10" would be sufficient but as a listener of Hip Hop (among other genres) I was delighted to hear the lows the sub could hit. I'm waiting to try Saving Private Ryan for the opening beach invasion.

 

[Rick Lyon]

One last question- I've read and it's also mentioned in the Paradigm manual about double wiring the speakers to obtain better sound (?) I was wondering other's experience or opinions about wiring the speakers that way. Is there an obvious advantage/difference?