[pugs]

I just moved into my new house, and I'm ready for new speakers.  It's amazing how much better my new room sounds than the old one.  The new room is 12' x 23'.  The ceiling slopes from 8' to 15'.  My system is on the short wall where the ceiling is 8'.

Right now I have Odyssey monoblocks for the front three channels, but I might sell them because they're just too big.  I'm thinking about getting an integrated with HT bypass, digital receiver, or a seven channel amp and seperate pre/pro.

As far as speakers go, I need strong, tight, deep bass, and highs that don't cause listener fatigue.  They can't sound thin.  Since the speakers will be on the short wall, I'm wondering if I need something without a lot of dispersion to minimize room interactions.  I've had my eye on RM30 with 215 sub, Von Schweikert 4jr, Selah Tanzanite with subs, or Chalcedonys.  

Considering my room and use of the system, can I get some recommendations?  I may or may not keep the Odyssey equipment, but I definately want new speakers.  A top quality center channel is a must.  I need the speakers to sound like they have weight to them.  I don't want to spend much over $5000 for the front three speakers.  Surrounds can come later.  If I sell my Odyssey gear, is it possible to find something compact like a digital receiver that sounds just as good for about the same price?

[warnerwh]

Well in that price range you've got some great possibilities. You absolutely must hear the RM 30's before laying down your cash. I say this only hearing the RM 40's but what I've read it's pretty much a wash for the most part.  And the midrange and highs on the newer VMPS models is to die for, no less. It sounds real, not like a speaker. Bass is excellent. Can't comment on the VR's but are reputed to be very good. One thing that bothers me though is that Sue Kraft at Absolute Sound reviewed them and it didn't sound like whe was that impressed.  I'd be inclined to go with Selah if I didn't choose VMPS.  That's almost exactly what I did as a matter of fact.  Brian is a wonderful person to deal with and is no doubt why VMPS has made it all these years. Also I spent some time on the phone with Rick Craig and he's very good to deal with also.  Best bet is to listen to what you can.  
On the VMPS forum there's a sticky with a dealer list and a list of owners where you can hear the VMPS speakers.

[Bingenito]

I looked at your home tour a month ago and if I remember correctly that 8ft high wall has your kitchen on the opposite side.

There is a corner fireplace and the rest of the room was really open.

How far can the speakers be spaced apart, from the back wall and from the side walls?

Regardless with your budget I would do 2 Chalcedonys with powered subs and a matching center. I am sure the speakers can be voiced for specific placement which is a huge advantage over other choices. The integrated subs will save you some floor space so you can keep you mono blocks!

[pugs]

I looked at your home tour a month ago and if I remember correctly that 8ft high wall has your kitchen on the opposite side.

There is a corner fireplace and the rest of the room was really open.

How far can the speakers be spaced apart, from the back wall and from the side walls?

Regardless with your budget I would do 2 Chalcedonys with powered subs and a matching center. I am sure the speakers can be voiced for specific placement which is a huge advantage over other choices. The integrated subs will save you some floor space so you can keep you mono blocks!

I decided to put the system in another room.  I don't have to deal with the WAF that way.  The room that I'm going to use is much better also.  It only has one, three foot wide opening to it near the rear, so hopefully both channels should be pretty balanced.  I'm amazed how much bass it sucks up compared to my old room.  The sound is much less fatiguing also.  Good point regarding the Chalcedonys.  They'll save space, and the size of the Odysseys won't be as much of a factor.  Have you heard them.  How's the quality of the bass?  What do you think of Tanzanites sitting on a pair of Whomps?

[pugs]

How far can the speakers be spaced apart, from the back wall and from the side walls?quote]

Whoops, I forgot to answer that question.  They will be about 8 -10 feet apart, about 1-2 feet from the back wall, and only about a foot from the side walls.  My listening position is about 10 feet from the front of the speakers.

[Bingenito]

Sounds like a nice setup.

The Chalcedonys are the same drivers as if you were to use Tanzanites on a pair of Whomps.

The Whomps are only 14" tall so if you wanted the tweeter at ear level when seated you may need more of a stand. I would personally go with the Chalcedonys to save the floor space of the 14" cubes. The Sardonyx is a perfect center for the Chalcedonys. This setup would be under budget and would be outstanding for 2-channel and HT use.

I have not heard the Chalcedonys but I have 2 pairs of Selah speakers that use Seas Excel and Fountek drivers.

The Morel dome mid is awesome. Based on that I can tell you that Rick knows how to design a crossover and voice the drivers to sound their best.

[Bingenito]

BTW since you would be under budget you could just about sweak a pair of Tanzanites in a rears and have a perfect matching HT.