[Tirade]

Ive decided Im finally going to think seriously about getting some decent audio gear.

Ive got a Panasonic SA-XR55 which Im using as an AVR right now and that will probably remain in my system for a while due to budget contraints.

Ive got 2 priorities with these speakers (well 3)..

1. I want something that I can crank during get togethers that wont sound like garbage at higher levels. I want it to have a really solid bass w/o the need for a sub. Im not talking a psuedo bass, I want something that kicks (At 32 years old, Im far from aged, but I remember my father had some old Sansui tower speakers that they would crank up on the weekends while getting drunk with the neighbors, and they really sounded good).

2. Home theatre. I would prefer something that offers a matching center channel as my budget increases.

I do have a sub, but its not musical so I only want to use it for movies. Its a 15" Dayton DVC sub from parts express with a 250watt parts express plate amp. I had a local cabinent shop build a nice box for it and its tuned at around 30-35HZ. Its too big/slow for music and I have missed having a nice solid mid-bass and bass for music.

My current speakers are a lightly used pair of Swan Audio Diva 5.1's - http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_30&products_id=47&osCsid=e6736db3fd9bfd0415d28f98c30133d6 and the matching 3C center channel. For home theatre they work fine, but when you try and give them any kind of volume during music playing, they quickly start to distort and sound horrible.

Anyway, WAF and size isnt a big deal, so that helps out quite a bit. Price however is important and the lower the price the better.

[JLM]

Your criteria (quality, deep bass, and inexpensive) conflict with each other.  Pick two of three.  Quality speakers that reach below 30 Hz in room for music (or even tougher below 20 Hz for HT) aren't cheap. 

First, I'd get some test tones (Stereophile CD1 and/or CD2 for instance) and a sound pressure level (spl) meter, like a Radio Shack analog.  If you have to buy them the total cost will be under $100 and will give you a reference point for spls, what deep bass sounds like, and how high you can still hear.

Second, realize that continued exposure to high spls will result in permanent hearing loss and possible permanent pain.

The most cost effective route is separate speakers with a powered subwoofer and building them from kits.  We need to know your budget before giving specific advice.

[bhobba]

1. I want something that I can crank during get togethers that wont sound like garbage at higher levels. I want it to have a really solid bass w/o the need for a sub. Im not talking a psuedo bass, I want something that kicks (At 32 years old, Im far from aged, but I remember my father had some old Sansui tower speakers that they would crank up on the weekends while getting drunk with the neighbors, and they really sounded good).

A budget was not mentioned.  But assuming it is in your budget it would be hard to go past a pair of timepiece mini's at $2995.00
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=47632.msg427642#msg427642
'Just had a chance to tune our cables and electronics to sit down for a serious and extended listening session.  Sub is definitely "optional."    We thought we were listening to a standard Timepiece that had been tweaked...except that this pair of TPs completely disappeared - poof...gone.   You close your eyes and float away to this enormous soundstage and 3-D image.  Then you open your eyes and the brain just dis-connects.  There is no way on earth such a soundstage and dynamics can come from a speaker that small.   We've done it.  We've actually created a truly "invisible" speaker.  I knew they were gonna be darn good, but... I'm freak'n!'
The Mini customers have no idea what is in store for them.  I always wondered before why we weren't rich already.  Now I know it's just a matter of time.'

2. Home theatre. I would prefer something that offers a matching center channel as my budget increases.

It has always been my experience that high quality mains simply do not require a centre channel.  If fact, IHMO, that is always a good test of good quality loudspeakers - do they give the illusion you have a centere channel when you don't.  The Timepiece will certainly do that - saving you even more money.

Thanks
Bill

[Telstar]

A Pair of Linn av5140 or Espek for L/R speakers and a matching centerpiece later or right now.
all can be get under $2000 on audiogon.

[dado5]

"Punch" is not the same as bass extension. The impact sounds from bass drums/Typanis are in the 80-120Hz range. Musical content below 60Hz or so only comes from the lowest notes on the Tuba, Piano, Double Bass, Electric bass and Organ and these are not impact type sounds.

A two-way stand mount with a robust mid/woofer driver is the best way to cover the impact region. Low bass is best handled by a sub to allow for maximum use of the room. The crossover point is always a compromise. For the best bass performance a two-way line level crossover is preferred to keep the low notes on the sub and off the stand speakers. BUT- in my experience you loose musicality when you do this. Running the stand speakers 'full range' will keep the romance and coherence, but at the expense of bass performance and impact.

If you want a one box, cheap and cheerful bass solution, Cerwin Vega is a solid option. Not the most articulate or sweet sounding speakers, but decent. They will go louder and deeper than any person can stand in a typical house. The top line model goes for around $600 a pair (usually sold individually).
http://www.cerwinvega.com/VE15F.php

[vman71]

KLIPSCH!

Depending on your budget, will determine what possible models are in consideration.

I use my Klipsch KLF-20's and Chorus II's for both HT and for rocking out.  No sub needed and it gets ear-bleeding loud if you want it that way.

Both of these can be found for between $400-$750.

[Bob Reynolds]

Revel Concerta F12 fits the bill quite well. Look up the review in the Stereophile archives.

http://www.revelspeakers.com/products/product.asp?product=19