Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 11, 2010 1:34:00 GMT -5
Hey guys, I've been asking questions about this on another thread, so I figured I'd start my own. I've previously mentioned that I'm building a dedicated two channel system in another room and need new HT speakers. Most of my money will be going to the two channel rig, so I figured I'd go for the biggest bang for the buck for my new HT speakers. I'm already running an Ascend 340se center channel, which I really like. So I recently paid for the matching 340se mains, and the 170se's for surrounds. For 888 bucks for those three, I think it will turn out to be a screaming deal.
My question is this. Do you think I could do any better than this in the $2,500-$3,000 range? I don't mind spending the extra dough, if it means getting a big step up from the Ascend system. I've considered the B&W 600 series, the similarly priced PSB system, Axiom, AV123, SVS, and many others. I'm sure I can get better looking speakers for more, but the sound is all I care about. So, are there any systems out there that can give me a big performance bump from the Ascends for around 2,500-3,000 bucks for a 5.0 system?
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Feb 11, 2010 4:27:11 GMT -5
I agree with Chuckie... although having heard both the 6.2 and 6.3 at Emofest last fall, I preferred the sound of the 6.2s. In any case, whichever you choose, you can't lose!
Good luck Pauly and keep up posted on how you go..
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 11, 2010 20:25:41 GMT -5
Nice (crack) lol about why you don't like the name "Ascend" lol You're a nut, chuckie. Sorry I didn't go into detail about my amp, room size and other stuff. Right now, I'm running a DMR-1, and sometime I'll add an XPA-5. Later on, the DMR will be replaced with the XMC. My room size is 18x13 or so, and it opens into the dining room and kitchen. Yes, I will replace all 5 speakers if the Ascends don't work out, and I decide to get something else. I'll hold onto the 340se center (since it was purchased separately) and maybe use it as a rear center or something later on for fun. I do realize that this is the Emo forum, and you are just about the biggest Emo fan, but you saying that any of the Emo setups will be better than any of the setups I mentioned, does surprise me. I'm sure they are good, but I've never thought that they would be above all of those I mentioned. Of course, it is subjective like anything else in this great hobby of ours. I certainly wouldn't mind giving them a shot though. They do look a lot better than the Ascends, and seem to be a little better built. Plus, the whole Vance Dickason thing sure helps too.
Like I said, my two channel rig is the most important, with HT a distant second. So I thought the Ascends would be plenty for me, and I love their price. But I certainly don't mind spending the dough if I really can get a big jump in performance. Maybe I'll go ahead and order an LCR set from Emo, and give them a good shootout with the Ascends. Now, the question is three 6.3's vs three 6.2's. I personally like the idea of a beefy center channel, but I know how people rave about the 6.2. Sometimes saying that it's better than the 6.3, like hemster said. Anyway, thanks for your input guys. It helps a bunch.
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 11, 2010 20:42:23 GMT -5
IMO the Emotiva speakers are not several steps above the other compaines you mentioned. I think they compete in their price class, but all the companies you listed have great speakers that will appeal to a wide variety of people. Best bet is to order your top 3 choices and give them a in home demo. It may end up costing you $100-$150 to send the other 2 sets back, but at least you will know what you prefer and will not have the "what if" feeling  |
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 11, 2010 20:49:29 GMT -5
P.S.-
If you decide to give the Emotiva speakers a try, I suggest you give the 6.2's a go. They are an excellent speaker for 2-channel when paired with a nice subwoofer. I might have read over it, but I dont recall you stating what subwoofer you have, do you have one? If not I suggest a Rythmik sub. They are truly unbelieveable for music. Paired with some 6.2's that should be a AWESOME 2-channel system.
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Post by sanjaygolf on Feb 11, 2010 21:18:03 GMT -5
Since you are already familiar with Ascend why not try the Sierra-1?
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 11, 2010 21:20:39 GMT -5
Since you are already familiar with Ascend why not try the Sierra-1? This is also a great suggestion and only makes sense since the OP likes the Ascend sound. The Sierra-1's are widely known as an EXCELLENT speaker. |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 11, 2010 22:18:13 GMT -5
I have considered the Sierra, and still am. I think for the past week or so, I have been set on the great price of the 340se/170se system, so that I can throw more into the 2 channel system I'm building. But I've recently(last night) thought that I should just go ahead and spend extra on the HT, and get the system that will satisfy the most for about 2,500-3,000, and get more mileage out of it.
bigred, I do run four Outlaw LFM-1 plus subs, but am thinking about selling them for a couple of Rythmik F15's or the new Empire. They will not be used for music very much except for SACD. That's what the 2 channel rig is for.
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 11, 2010 23:34:22 GMT -5
To say that Emo speakers only "compete in their price class" is to ignore the price/performance advantage that Emo has in speakers as well as their other products. riiiiiiight  EDIT: Actually, I can't let this one go. Seriously??? I've owned 9 products from emotiva, I'm very much aware of their price/performance advantage. I've also been an advid supporter of Emotiva even longer than yourself. Heck I even own a set of their speakers, the ERD-1's (which I find amazing). BUT I still think their speaker line needs some work because I believe it can be much better. Its not a knock by any means, its a helpful criticism because I WANT Emotiva to make incredible products, I WANT them to succeed. I am a HUGE Emotiva supporter and consider many of the folks over there a friend. So no, no I am not ignoring a thing. |
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Post by monkumonku on Feb 12, 2010 0:27:43 GMT -5
I've owned 9 products from emotiva, I'm very much aware of their price/performance advantage. .....BUT I still think their speaker line needs some work because I believe it can be much better. So we agree then, right? They do have an advantage. That sort of contradicts what you said above. Looks like we are on the same wavelength here about Emo speakers being a better value than their price would indicate. I agree that Emo speaker could be better, but not at this price! That is my point. I don't think you can find a better sounding speaker, for example, than the ERM-6.2 at $299. Yes, I know there will be always be some who prefer another speaker but I would put my next social security check on it that the large majority would agree with me. ;D I'm right with you on that one.. I LOVE my 6.2's. With a subwoofer they sound very natural and balanced. The only thing I wish they had was a piano black finish. Looks-wise they could do better but sound-wise, they are really nice. I was listening to Hiromi Uehara ("Place to Be"), Pat Metheny ("Orchestrion") and Eva Cassidy ("LIve at Blues Alley") on them today and all I can say is I'm happy I have the 6.2's. |
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 12, 2010 0:33:10 GMT -5
What I said was pretty straightforward but if you want to continue to play as Billy Mays then go right ahead.
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 12, 2010 1:28:33 GMT -5
What I said was pretty straightforward but if you want to continue to play as Billy Mays then go right ahead. What does that mean? Why don't you say it clearly. Am I too much of a fan boy, rah-rah, cheerleader type? I really don't know. You seem to not like me and that is your prerogative. If I rub you the wrong way then why not just PM me and let me know.  Thanks Hemster and Monkumonku for your nice posts, there will be a 50% discount on your next bucket of OxiClean. Did I say anything bad to you??? No, actually I did not. I stated that I do not find the speakers to perform beyond their price class of the speaker manufacturers stated... I do not think they represent a value of something that outperforms speakers 2-3x more expensive. I even stated that it was all in my opinion and that it was not a knock against the speakers. Then you clearly stated, "To say that Emo speakers only "compete in their price class" is to ignore the price/performance advantage that Emo has in speakers as well as their other products. " That is a ludicrous statement. You state that as if it is fact but it is simply your opinion. I agree Emotiva electronics represent high value (but that is our opinion), but speakers are a different animal. There are literally no other manufacturers thats sell electonics (amps, components, processors) at the price Emotiva does, hence their price/performance advantage is quite clear. Now unlike amplifier manufacturers, almost all speaker companies have speakers priced within the emotiva speaker category. There is just to much diversity to declare that these speakers are the best in class. That is just to subjective. You of course are entitled to your opinion of that, just as much as I am to mine and that is why I voiced my opinion. |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 12, 2010 1:29:53 GMT -5
I seem to keep coming back to the Sierra-1. The sensitivity is a little low, but my room is not very big. So I'm sure it would never be a problem. I do like to really crank movies sometimes when the wife and kids are gone though, so they might run out of steam at insane levels. At least until I add an XPA-5.
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 12, 2010 1:34:18 GMT -5
I seem to keep coming back to the Sierra-1. The sensitivity is a little low, but my room is not very big. So I'm sure it would never be a problem. I do like to really crank movies sometimes when the wife and kids are gone though, so they might run out of steam at insane levels. At least until I add an XPA-5. sensitivity should not be an issue as long as you got the power  Also keep in mind in room sensitivity should be a little higher. I still suggest you grab 2-3 pairs of speakers and get some A/B tests done so you can pick your favorite speaker. |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 12, 2010 1:49:39 GMT -5
I think the DMR will power them just fine until I get the XPA-5. I am going to try and get two-three sets from different brands to A/B. That would be a lot of fun as well. I haven't done that in years. I just need to start doing some eliminating. Man, I've got way too many speaker projects going right now. I need to put the DIY thing on hold until I get everything sorted.
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 12, 2010 1:50:21 GMT -5
No more bickering!
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 12, 2010 2:02:32 GMT -5
Did I say anything bad to you??? No, actually I did not. ".....if you want to continue to play as Billy Mays then go right ahead......"  For someone who jokes around a lot, you are rather sensitive... This is why I posted the Billy Mays comment... "I agree that Emo speaker could be better, but not at this price! That is my point. I don't think you can find a better sounding speaker, for example, than the ERM-6.2 at $299. Yes, I know there will be always be some who prefer another speaker but I would put my next social security check on it that the large majority would agree with me. " It was a joke made because you sound like the host of an infomercial with a statement like that... |
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 12, 2010 2:03:58 GMT -5
I think the DMR will power them just fine until I get the XPA-5. I am going to try and get two-three sets from different brands to A/B. That would be a lot of fun as well. I haven't done that in years. I just need to start doing some eliminating. Man, I've got way too many speaker projects going right now. I need to put the DIY thing on hold until I get everything sorted. ahhhh yes, I forgot you had the DMR-1. Yup that should work just fine. Anyway, post some pics and stuff when you decide on the speakers you want to audition. |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Feb 12, 2010 2:04:19 GMT -5
Hahahaha, that was pretty low. What if he had called you Anthony Sullivan? I don't know which is worse lol Ooh, or that Vince guy from the Slap Chop commercials.
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Post by bigred7078 on Feb 12, 2010 2:05:15 GMT -5
Sorry, he called me Billy Mays. That is about as low as one can go! ;D ;D ;D (good luck on your speaker search) actually the Sham Wow guy is as low as one can go.  |
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