What are some of the best looking 5.1 speakers? (1 Viewer)

[Daniel Swartz]

Since my HT has to be located in my living room, I'm interested in some of the best looking 5.1 speakers that also deliver solid audio performance. I'd like to stay in between $2000-$3000 for the whole setup. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Steve Zimmerman]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people really like these...
--Steve

 

[Russell _T]

While other more discriminating listeners prefer these.

 

[Daniel Swartz]

Thanks but I guess I'm looking for something more contemporary/modern. Does anyone know who makes the speakers in Joey's apartment on Friends?

 

[Walt N]

Joey used to have Martin Logans but now he has Blue Room Mini-Pods. I'm sorry I know this.:b

 

[Evan S]

The speakers in Joey's apartment on Friends are Martin Logan's. Not sure which model.
You can find them here...They take a lot of criticism for their placement on the show because he's a struggling actor, but the speakers are not cheap.
http://www.martinlogan.com/speaker_gallery.html

 

[Richard Travale]

They take a lot of criticism for their placement on the show because he's a struggling actor

Not to get too off-topic but Chandler bought the speakers as part of a whole entertainment unit for Joey when he felt bad about kissing Kathy.
Back on topic, some people really like the looks of these speakers

 

[Evan S]

Richard, sorry...must have missed that episode. Any idea on how Chandler was able to afford them? I was under the impression that even if Joey was a struggling actor, he still made more money than Chandler...but again, I digress!

 

[Daniel Swartz]

Does anyone know where's the best/cheapest place to buy Martin Logans? What about the minipods? Thanks!

...and for clarification: =)

[Scene: Chandler and Joey's, Joey is opening the door, but Chandler has the chain on it.]

Joey: Aww man! I can’t believe I locked myself out again! (He knocks on the door.)

Chandler: Hang on buddy! (He goes over and unlocks the door and opens it to reveal a fully furnished apartment.)

Joey: (rushing in) Oh my God! What happened here? Did you do all this?

Chandler: I sure did.

Joey: Why?

Chandler: Well, I just thought it’d make me feel good to do something nice for my friend.

Joey: Well, you’re amazing.

Chandler: Oh no-no-no. This is amazing. (He goes over and presses a button on a remote control that opens the entertainment center doors revealing the TV.)

Joey: (very excited) A TV as if it appears from nowhere! That’s the dream! Man, how did you afford this stuff?

Chandler: Well, y’know I’m 29. I mean who needs a savings account.

Joey: Oh, you are the best friends anyone has ever had.

Chandler: Oh, I don’t know.

Joey: Oh-no-no-no, you are! You do this, you give me the great advice, and hey listen, I was thinking about what you said yesterday about focusing on one woman, I’m gonna do that.

Chandler: You mean with Casey.

Joey: No-no-no, I think I’m gonna see how things go with Kathy. She’s pretty cool.

Chandler: Or Casey.

Joey: No-no, Kathy.

Chandler: Could be Casey.

Joey: No. No, Kathy.

Chandler: Consider Casey.

Joey: Y’know what I think? I think somebody’s got a little crush on Casey. How ‘bout I fix you two up? What do you think?

Chandler: That all the pieces of my life are falling right into place!

 

[EricHaas]

Well I recommend the M&K 750 series for an HT system in that price range. If it is for HT purposes primarily, nothing beats it for audio performance for that price. As to looks, quite pedestrian with the standard finish, but very modern and classy in gloss black. Too bad they don't seem to have photos of that finish.
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[Chris Tsutsui]

My opinion:

Diva swans with the intense red and faded yellow cones looks warm, antique, and synthetic. The design strives too hard to be classy, and fails to look modern.

Those norhs look cooking pottery and the design looks organic. Also resembles a cerimonial drum or aquatic transport.

Some B&W speakers look good given the right color and I think the Prestige looks like a sea creature.

Those M&K speakers look like they were designed with functionality and economy in mind.

Personally I like a speaker design that does not resemble anything but a loudspeaker. Has form, and a focal point of the driver(s), and a cabinet that does not conflict like the Diva Swans. I prefer geometric designs, wood grain or solid texture, non-dominating shape or color, and symmetrical balance to form an overall unity with form as the dominant element.

Martin logans looks sleek, modern, and sexy. The colors are cool and comfortable to look at and the glowing ML logos put a smile on my face. The craftsmanship in the top of the face plates of martin logans could use a little work and the base could be more attractive and not hide as much. Martin Logans sound excellent but they may not fit your budget since their center channel can go for over $2000.

My favorite speaker designs (w/o grills) are Paradigm Studio, JBL studio, and Klipsch Reference. Their design doesn't distract from what they are, and they look attractive, and modern.

Keep in mind, I'm a 20 year old graphic artist so my tastes might be different. For $2000-3000 I think JBL studio fits your budget with an attractive look for a complete 5.1 system. Paradigm and Klipsch are probably out of your budget unless you got their lower lines.

 

[Steve Zimmerman]

Chris, don't you mean $200-$300 for the JBL S38s? Dude, you know this because you own a pair, but they are butt ugly laminate, shaped like bricks and have orange aluminum-foil-looking drivers for crying out loud. (I should know, I own four of 'em.)

Daniel, you're single I presume?

--Steve

 

[Brian Corr]

The Definitive Technology Pro-Monitors have a nice look. I used to own some and loved them. Until I got my M&K 150's.

 

[Barry Barnes]

I just set up my Divas today (two pairs of 6.1's) and the pictures really don't do them justice. For one thing, they look a little glossier in the photos when in fact, the wood has more of a satin finish. It's very understated and just like a nice piece of furniture.
Secondly, if you leave the black grills on they look very classic and you just see a bit of the wood peeking around the curved sides. The piano black tops blend in with the black grill. I was a little worried how they would look because I have a Black TV, and a Black Audio Rack. They just add a touch of highlight with the wood showing around the grills and look much better than the all black Kefs they replaced.
Most of the pictures you see have the grills off because they look very good with the drivers and most of the guys with the websites are single or "kidless". I have a Kid so I left the grills on and I think they look outstanding in my Living room. If I do say so myself.

 

[John E F]

You might look at NHT. They are actually rather plain looking, but the piano black gloss finish has a classy, expensive look to it. Oh yeah, the sound really good too. You would be able to get a really nice 5.1 setup in your price range. I'm running 5 NHT SB-1's for 5.1 and couldn't be happier.

 

[Juan_R]

I thinkt he Divas look very classy with the speaker grills on, they actually look better in person then in pictures.

 

[BruZZi]

Mordaunt-Short Declaration Series on cherry finish (without grilles)is simply beautiful.
http://www.mordauntshort.com/Mordaun...THXSelect.html
http://www.dba-pr.com/clients/marant.../system500.htm (Better pictures)
__________________________________________________ __________
KEF Coda -
http://www.kef.com/products/coda/codahome.html
http://www.kef.com/products/coda/lar...a90_image.html
http://www.kef.com/products/coda/lar...a80_image.html
http://www.kef.com/products/coda/lar...a70_image.html
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Canton LE Series
http://www.usa.canton.de/www/?page=le_serie1&lng=us
http://www.usa.canton.de/www/content..._serie2&lng=us
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B&W 600 Series 3 -
http://www.bwspeakers.com/products/g...12B4BB4D28E656

 

[Jae Huh]

If looks is the first priority, take a look at Bang & Olufsen speakers. They don't sound as good as they look though...
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[Marcus Lewis]

Kef Reference are some of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen ...
http://www.kef.com/products/referenc...207_image.html

 

[Barry Barnes]

B&W
http://www.bwspeakers.com/products/...112B4BB4D28E656

Yeah, B&W speakers are cool looking. But didn't they copy that top mounted tweeter thing from the Swan Divas...