[Magnus_CA]

Hello all,

I'm searching for the best 3 front channels I can buy for $2-3k.  Thanks to the wife I'm confined to Maple veneer only.  I'm limiting myself to floorstanding speakers for the mains to satisfy my appreciation for a full sound.  The three front channels will ultimately be used in a 5.1 system for 70% HT (5.1), 30% music (2.1).  I listen to mostly rock and hip-hop, with a newfound appreciation for jazz (all at high volume).  My sub will most likely be an SVS SB-12 Plus.  It houses a 12" woofer in a 14"x14"x15" sealed cabinet and a 425 Watt amp.

My room is 20' W x 15' D x 8' H with openings to a small dining room and adjoining kitchen.

I've demoed Dynaudio 72's and thought they had excellent bass response for the dollar.  Some new alternatives have surfaced and would appreciate some opinions on them and whether any one is a better match for my Rotel solid-state Amp (specs below)...

Priorities are sound quality first, build quality/Finish a close second

Here's the contenders...

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Vienna Acoustics Bach Grand Floorstanding Speakers
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - 90dB
Freq. Resp - 35Hz - 20kHz
Rec Amp Power - 30W - 200W
1" Silk Dome
Single 7" Woofer
Rear Ported

Vienna Acoustics Maestro Grand Center Channel
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - 91dB
Freq. Resp - 38Hz - 20kHz
Rec Amp Power - 30W - 200W
1" Silk Dome
Dual 6" Woofer

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Dynaudio Audience 72 Floorstanding Speakers
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - 86dB
Freq. Resp - 28Hz - 24kHz
Rec Amp Power - 25W - 200W
1" Silk Dome
Dual 6.8" Woofers
Front Ported

Dynaudio Audience 122C Center Channel
Impedence - 6ohms
Sensitivity - 86dB
Freq. Resp - 46Hz - 23kHz
Rec Amp Power - 30W - 200W
1" Silk Dome
Dual 6" Woofer

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Salk SongTower QWT Floorstanding Speaker
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - 88dB
Freq. Resp - 42Hz - 20kHz
Rec Amp Power - 80W - 250W
1" Silk Dome
Dual 5" Woofers
Rear Ported

Salk Songtower Center
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - ?
Freq. Resp - ?
Rec Amp Power - ?
1" Silk Dome
Dual 5" Woofers

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Tyler Acoustics Freedom F-3 Floorstanding Speaker
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - 92dB
Freq. Resp - 35Hz - 20kHz
Rec Amp Power - 10W - 200W
1" Silk Dome
Dual 7" Woofers
Front Ported

Tyler Acoustics Freedom FC-2 Center Channel
Impedence - 4ohms
Sensitivity - 92dB
Freq. Resp - 38Hz - 20kHz
Rec Amp Power - 10W - 150W
1" Silk Dome
Dual 7" Woofers

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I've auditioned the Dynaudio and although I believe it's up to par in sound quality I'm sure it's finish pales in comparision to the SongTowers.  I plan to audition the Vienna's soon.  I've heard so many good things about the Salks and Tyler Acoustics that I'm tempted buy one or the other blind.  I've included a layout of my living room.  I'm wondering if it makes sense to go with a front ported design since the left and right speakers are different distances from the side walls.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

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Rotel RSP-1066 Pre-Amp
Rotel RMB-1075 Amp
Frequency response: 10Hz-80kHz, ±0.05dB
Continuous power output: 120Wpc into 8ohms, 20Hz-20kHz
Speaker impedance: 4ohms minimum
Input impedance/sensitivity:33kohms/1.5V
Signal/noise: 115dB, A-weighted
Total harmonic distortion: <0.03%, 20Hz-20kHz
Intermodulation distortion: <0.05%

[Brucemck]

I've heard those Dynaudios, but not the others you've listed.

However, I've owned both Salk and Tylers, and have heard both at several shows, so am familiar with their "voicing"

Tylers are a bit "laid back".  They don't lack precision or extension or detail, but they are more polite.  With an overly soft front end they'd be too polite.  With a more biting front end they'd bring some needed warmth.

Salks are amazingly detailed and more "precise".  With proper placement and well driven they perform well above their price point.

Can't really go wrong with either, and either offers more value for the money than Dynaudio.

[mcullinan]

Call me crazy.. but the Vienna line sounds great. They are definitely a colored speaker but produce a real nutty warm sound and match well with Denon. Heard them at the Best Buys Magnolias and Harveys playing some live Dave Matthews that I had. They imaged well and were great with live music.
Mike