[pugs]

I'm looking to buy a new L, R, and center channel speakers for my HT/2ch system.  Right now I'm using NHT 1.5 and Audiocenter 1, but I blew out my right speaker listening to a Neil Peart drum solo  .  The Audiocenter 1 is the most lacking speaker and I want to try something new

I have had a few systems including a higher end system with Salk HT3, Odyssey and Channel Island amps and I don't want to go down that road again.  I just want a sensible system that is good for HT and 2 channel (about 50/50).

Right now, I use a Denon 4308 as a pre/pro and amp for the C and surrounds, with a B&K ST2140 for the mains and Squeezbox and PS3 for music and DVDs respectively.  I really like my set up and am actually more satisfied with it than the higher end system I had before.

I am looking for L,R, a C speakers, new or used, for ~$1,000.  I like a sealed design, punchy sound and prefer dome tweaters to ribbons.  I really like the scanspeak woofer that were in my old Odyssey Loreleis, but I'm guessing a speaker with those won't fit in my budget.  I have a Velodyne CHT-15 sub, so I don't need them to go very low.

My room is about 15 x 18, facing the long wall and I like to play it loud sometimes.

It's been a long time since I've been on this or any other audio site and was hoping to get some suggestions.  AV123 seems to have good speakers for the price - like the x-series.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[JLM]

Look into Ascend Acoustics.  Three CBM-340SE speakers come in at $838 plus shipping.  I have the older/smaller CBM-170s and love them.  They were the basis for my 2.1 A/V system years ago.  HT is not a high priority for me, so I thought they were overkill for that.  But they are very musical, image like champs, can handle HT spls, and offer incredible content value (but aren't much to look at unless you spring for one of the upgraded finishes).  Lots of strong professional reviews/awards for the 170s and 340s.

From what I've read the x-ls don't don't handle high spl's as well as others.

[John Casler]

Look into Ascend Acoustics.  Three CBM-340SE speakers come in at $838 plus shipping.  I have the older/smaller CBM-170s and love them.  They were the basis for my 2.1 A/V system years ago.  HT is not a high priority for me, so I thought they were overkill for that.  But they are very musical, image like champs, can handle HT spls, and offer incredible content value (but aren't much to look at unless you spring for one of the upgraded finishes).  Lots of strong professional reviews/awards for the 170s and 340s.

From what I've read the x-ls don't don't handle high spl's as well as others.

I would second that motion.

David is local to me and I have placed some of his systems with my clients who need something smaller than what VMPS has.

[ajzepp]

I know a guy who is quite smitten with these things: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue35/mhi_evidence.htm

Like you, he got rid of his pricey high end system and replaced it with a couple pairs of them.

[2gumby2]

I recommend Pi Speakers  www.pispeakers.com  I built a pair of 2-Pi Towers that I use in a 2-channel home theater set up. Outstanding value and great sound. It's amazing how low they will go.

[chadh]

I used to use Von Schweikert VR1s and was very happy with the sound.  They're getting harder to find used now, but you can often pick them up for around $500/pair used.  In addition, if you can find an LCR 15 center channel, you might be able to get that used for around $500 or $600.  They use a silk dome tweeter and a tiny little transmission line that gives much better bass output than the little speakers should be able to.

It might be tough to fit these in under your $1000 budget, but you can go close.

Chad