[Dadn5kids]

I'm looking for some information to help me in my choice of speakers.  I recently sold my home theater set up with Snell XA1900 LCR and 2 NHT Sub2s and replace them with a single pair of Snell XA 90's.  I loved the XA1900's for the movies, but found they lacked a bit for music.  The NHT subs were great, as I liked the clean sound of the sealed type subwoofer.  I purchased the XA90's trying to remove boxes from the living room for a little more SAF, but I was really disappointed in the sub section, as they are a ported design, and could never get them to sound the way I wanted them to.  So now that all the speakers are gone, I'm left with a blank room that needs sound.  I have an Anthem AVM30 and a Butler TD2250 amp at this time. 

I've read a lot about the ACI speakers, but have never had a chance to hear them.  I really like the sound of a silk dome tweeter, so the new Sapphires are really intriguing me.  My only question is, what will I get for sound?  I'm looking at going from a big speaker to a monitor speaker.  I know it's a very subjective question, but if anyone can shed a bit of light on this, I would really appreciate it.

And one more question - how does a Titan XL stand up to the LFM subwoofers?  If I get a pair of the close out subs, I can use those for speaker stand, and eliminate another box in the room.  But if I read correctly the information, the LFM is a vented/ported design, where the Titan XL is a sealed system.  If anyone has had the chance to compare the two I would  value your input on this. 

Thanks for your time in reading my post.

Dadn5kids

[Mike Dzurko]

I'm looking for some information to help me in my choice of speakers.  I recently sold my home theater set up with Snell XA1900 LCR and 2 NHT Sub2s and replace them with a single pair of Snell XA 90's.  I loved the XA1900's for the movies, but found they lacked a bit for music.  The NHT subs were great, as I liked the clean sound of the sealed type subwoofer.  I purchased the XA90's trying to remove boxes from the living room for a little more SAF, but I was really disappointed in the sub section, as they are a ported design, and could never get them to sound the way I wanted them to.  So now that all the speakers are gone, I'm left with a blank room that needs sound.  I have an Anthem AVM30 and a Butler TD2250 amp at this time. 

I've read a lot about the ACI speakers, but have never had a chance to hear them.  I really like the sound of a silk dome tweeter, so the new Sapphires are really intriguing me.  My only question is, what will I get for sound?  I'm looking at going from a big speaker to a monitor speaker.  I know it's a very subjective question, but if anyone can shed a bit of light on this, I would really appreciate it.

And one more question - how does a Titan XL stand up to the LFM subwoofers?  If I get a pair of the close out subs, I can use those for speaker stand, and eliminate another box in the room.  But if I read correctly the information, the LFM is a vented/ported design, where the Titan XL is a sealed system.  If anyone has had the chance to compare the two I would  value your input on this. 

Thanks for your time in reading my post.

Dadn5kids

Hello!

The short version: the sound you get will be what you feed in .. .  these are marvelously neutral and open speakers. Start with the independent reviews linked from this page: http://www.audioc.com/speakers1/sapphirexl/sapphirexldetail.htm

Then take a look at this brand new review, JUST posted: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue27/aci_forcexl.htm

IMO, the Sapphire XL is an absolutely marvelous speaker. Combine with the ACI sub (s) that is right for your room, and you have the cornerstone of an amazing music and HT reproduction system in your home.

Regarding the LFMs vs, Titan XL, the sound quality is virtually identical with the LFM - SE having an edge in output level (it is almost twice as large with dual drivers) On the practical level, I believe the availability of LFM-SE is down to silver cabinets with oak trim.

[fajimr]

Dad+

what type of music do you like to listen to?  do you want something for HT also?

I imagine you want something loud enough to drown out the 5 kids (sorry couldn't resist that one    I've got two and that is plenty loud for me)....

good luck
jim

[Dadn5kids]

I want speakers that work for movies and music,  probably a 70 movie/30 music split.  But I like my movie sound tracks/music to sound good also, not just the explosions rocking the house.  I listen to all types of music, country, rock, techno, jazz, just no classical.  I think I'm leaning towards a Sapphire XL set up as it seems from all the reviews to be a do it all and do it well speaker.  And yes the cacaphony from 5 kids, identical twin boys age 10, boy age 8, boy age 6 and daughter 2, can be quite the test on your ears.  But they have all come to appreciate good music and movies, enough so that when they went to their grandparents house, they told grandpa he needed to audio gear that sounded better.   

[JLM]

Mike,

Are there still Emeralds available?  I give a low priority to HT so IMO they would provide a very nice solution for a HT/music system and save $450/speaker.  Sorry to see them go away.

[Mike Dzurko]

Mike,

Are there still Emeralds available?  I give a low priority to HT so IMO they would provide a very nice solution for a HT/music system and save $450/speaker.  Sorry to see them go away.

I believe we have a small quantity still available . . . give the office a call at 608 784 4570 for current inventory or email sales@audioc.com

Yes, the Emerald is a FINE speaker . . . you'll want to act quickly on this one. Have a great day!

[Mike Dzurko]

I want speakers that work for movies and music,  probably a 70 movie/30 music split.  But I like my movie sound tracks/music to sound good also, not just the explosions rocking the house.  I listen to all types of music, country, rock, techno, jazz, just no classical.  I think I'm leaning towards a Sapphire XL set up as it seems from all the reviews to be a do it all and do it well speaker.  And yes the cacaphony from 5 kids, identical twin boys age 10, boy age 8, boy age 6 and daughter 2, can be quite the test on your ears.  But they have all come to appreciate good music and movies, enough so that when they went to their grandparents house, they told grandpa he needed to audio gear that sounded better.   

You're leaning the right way The Sapphire XL and Sapphire XLC are simply phenominal, we are SOOO proud of these speakers and the way they perform. They'll sound so good the little ones will just mellow out and listen!