Need speakers for new HT, advice?

digitalvideo

I'm doing over my basement, just got a 60" plasma and would like to put together a nice quality surround setup that doesn't break the bank. My upstairs setup is all Polk and I would like to try a different speaker brand for my basement. I would like to do a 5.1 or 7.1 setup.

Any of you familiar with these brands and which their specific models offer the best sound for the money for tv sports/movies HT?

Atlantic Technology
B&W
Definitive Technology
KEF
Klipsch
PSB

I know I'm leaving out many brands, but all suggestions will be considered. I've heard some people say that $500 to $1000 dollar speakers from B&W sound better than $6000+ dollar speakers from the others listed above. Is this true? Also what is "the british style of sound engineering" really about? Can you tell a difference between British and American brands? The style of sound I like is natural, real, pleasing to the ears and isn't over bearing, keeps you wanting to hear more and not drive you out of the room with fatigue if you know what I mean.

cnh

I heard a 100K home theater built entirely around Atlantic Technology speakers and subs as while back..and I have to say it sounded pretty darned good!

Recently I heard a pair of B&W bookselves and I'm sorry to say I was not impressed much at all....the CDP was a high end Marantz as was the Amp.

I haven't heard KEF towers...but have heard the 2000 dollar satellite system that they have....I'm not a fan of satellites but these are a fair size and probably the best I've heard to date.

Klipsch..sorry I'm not a fan of horn-loaded speakers though I understand that a large number of theaters use this brand for their systems....

Def Tech...Mythos series, highly recommended....Mantis (Dan) is the man on these..hope he chimes in..

PSB--haven't heard any recently.

Well, I guess I haven't actually made a pick..The ATs had some of the attributes you list above and the Def Tech Mythos towers as well.

cnh

nguyendot

I currently use all Klipsch in my main theater (Polk is in the bedroom now) and I have to say the sound is impressive.

B&W will break the bank that's for sure.

Def Techs will sound pretty good too.

GZ

Although I don't own any I'd add Paradigm to your list. Their Studio series get great reviews, I like the way they come across. They added a Special Edition series this year which combines some of the attributes of the lower $ Monitor series with some of the qualities of the Studio series. Don't know what your budget is but I have heard their Signature series and they're fantastic, just too expensive for my pocketbook.

Knucklehead

One thing I can say to stay away from is Canton. We have a local hi-fi shop here who sells that exclusivley. Demo'd a Canton system with Onkyo amps, damn thing nearly made my ears bleed. Too bright IMO, relly did not sound very good.

tipoytm

OP, if you have a Magnolia Showroom (Bestbuy) near your location, I suggest going there and sample every speaker that suits your budget. Highly recommend to try out Martin Logan Preface speakers (these are not electrostatics, they use planar ATF drivers). They regular have a $749 pricetag (each), but right now they are on sale for only $499 each... and if you buy a pair, you qualify for 36 months no interest financing.

jparker82

I don't think that the Definitive tech speakers in the Magnolia home theater @ BestBuy are very expensive and they sound pretty good for the money. I bought one of there better subs and am very happy with it.

tipoytm

With regards to Bestbuy pricing, it depends... I went there to sample the speakers just as they have a demo/listening room. Didn't buy right away of course, I went online and checked pricing using google searches. Turns out, their sale price on the Martin Logan Preface was just the same as the lowest I could find online (amazon, pricegrabber, etc), and no one else offers 36 months 0% interest, so it was a no brainer for me.

In my opinion, it is always best to audition multiple speakers you have in mind, side by side, before you actually buy them. Everyone has different tastes and preference, so I wouldn't just trust reviews from other people.

concealer404

gz wrote: »

although i don't own any i'd add paradigm to your list. Their studio series get great reviews, i like the way they come across. They added a special edition series this year which combines some of the attributes of the lower $ monitor series with some of the qualities of the studio series. Don't know what your budget is but i have heard their signature series and they're fantastic, just too expensive for my pocketbook.

+1

Sherardp

I would say check out Def Tech, Paradigms. If you want to step your game up and not break the bank perhaps Tyler Acoustics. I'm working with Ty on something in regards to my own setup. If they don't do it for you perhaps look at Salk.

SoundEsc

How about trying some vintage Polk SDA speakers?

You can have a pair of real high quality speakers for $200-300.

I have replaced my fronts with a pair of SDA CRS+ (w/ 4.1 TL mod). Way better than my originals, and cost less too.

digitalvideo

Thanks for the input, yeah I'm going to go down to BestBuy and see what's in their accoustic room to demo. I never thought of BestBuy having good quality speakers. I always thought they carried Onkyo and Bose type stuff for speakers.

danz1906

How about the Polk RTiA series.....A9s front...CSiA6 center...FXiA6 surrounds