[Dadn5kids]

So I'm in the market for a new speaker system and I think I've gotten more grey hair reading and thinking about various speakers then I have from my kids.  I've been the large market company route already - Infinity RS 650's, Atlantic Tech 350 and 450 set up, Polk rt2000 and 2 sets of Snells, one home theater set up with xa1900 LCR and SR30 surrounds and the most recent Snells a pair of XA90's.   But now that I've progressed thru various processor and amplifier upgrades and am happy where I'm at with those now (AVM 30 and Butler TDB 2250/3150)  I'm ready for the plunge for new speakers. 

Part of the problem is there are SO many companies now that are internet order/mail order only that seem to offer such a huge value over store bought items.  Just looking at websites for Jim Salks speakers, ACI, GR, etc, and then many of the non main stream companies, such as VMPS or Von Schweikert, I think to myself "I want to listen to that one and that one and that one...........".   How did any of you pick your speakers?  If you ordered from a mail order/internet company, how was your experience?  Did you get what you hoped you would be getting?  Or were you disappointed? 

My room is 15'x18', 8' ceilings, with the L and R speakers flanking a big screen tv.  Rear surrounds will be wall mounted.  I'm a 70 movie/30 music split, and the movies aren't always about the crashes and explosions (tho they are fun).  I'm reasonably certain I want a sealed speaker, as they have been what I've enjoyed the most out of my past speakers.  I will be including a subwoofer, so a main speaker reaching down to the low 30's isn't a necessity.  SAF is also important now, as all the other speakers have either been large black towers or really large black towers, so the wife has asked for a more furniture look.  Any thoughts or suggestions anyone might have, I'm ready to hear.

[woodsyi]

Hello, father of 5 kids. 

What is your budget and where are you?  There are lists of owners on several manufacturer's circles who welcome auditions.  You know everyone is just dying to show off their toys.....   Do them a favor and call them up.   

[TheChairGuy]

You've got audiophile goats? 

[Bob Reynolds]

My suggestion is a sat/sub speaker system. This is not the same as bookshelf speakers from company X and subwoofer from company Y.

I totally agree with your choice of acoustic suspension speakers.

If you weren't already happy with your amp, I would suggest powered speakers. Not only can you save a mint, but the amp/speaker interface is solved.

I have two 2.1 sat/sub systems based on M&K speakers and bass management controllers. I highly recommend them. Both systems were purchased on reputation and through a pro-audio dealer. M&K also has a consumer line of speakers.

Here's an article on bass management that might be of interest: http://www.mkprofessional.com/bass_mgmt.htm

[Dadn5kids]

I love my amps, so no electronic changes at this time.  I have a budget of about $5500 for speakers and I live in Northern California, 1 hour north of San Fransisco.

[woodsyi]

Well,

VMPS is in  El Sobrante.  How far is that from you?  I don't know where Brian's LEDE room is but it can't be far.   I am sure you can even bring your amps to try with various speakers.  I am thinking RM30s would work in your room size.  I have the RM40s which are working out fine for me.  I haven't heard those Snells but I have heard AIIIs and JIVs.  AIIIs were very nice, but not good looking.  I still have a pair of JIVs that I keep in a guest bedroom with Nakamichi receiver, tape deck and philips turntable. They still sound pretty darned good.   

[nzera]

If you are in the north bay, you might check out the Usher Speakers at Soundscape Audio in Santa Rosa.  Very attractive, and are excellent for the price (I own the CP6371).  They are reported to be a good match with Butler amps.

You might also take a look at Paul Hilgeman's Ronin speakers (Nomad Audio).  I've recently purchased a pair of these and been very impressed.  They combine a sealed woofer with an open baffle midrange/tweeter.  They have a musical ease, clarity, and naturalness that I have not encountered before. They are also attractive and built from an unusual bamboo ply.

[JLM]

Hey Dad,

You're right the internet has spawned cottage industries that have eliminated distribution and retail markups, saving us consumers bunches of dough.  Then how is one to shop?  Try to link up with others here, find a nearby audio club, and/or attend the audio shows (like the upcoming RMAF) where these vendors will be displaying their stuff. 

Last resort, play "connect the dots".  Read reviews of equipment you're familar with until you find reviewers (published or just us "guys") that you agree with.  Make enough of those connections and you can start to form a picture.  You won't go to far off base if you follow the concensus around here.

VMPS are really quite good and would make for an excellent HT/audio system.  Big B is about as straight of shooter as they come, and at least there are a few VMPS dealerships.