[carl_lazlo]

Hey everyone!  First let me start by saying that I have had my AV-3 system for 4 years and I still LOVE the sound!  I'm in the process of building a dedicated 2 channel system that is separate from my current home theater system.  I am using 3 of the AV-3's for the front and two of the wall mounted rear surrounds.

I was debating using the same front speakers for the two channel system and just swapping the speaker cables back and forth between the 5.1 system and the 2 channel system or buying a separate pair of speakers just for the 2 channel system.  Unfortunately I live in the middle of nowhere and have not had the opportunity to actually listen to many other high end speakers.  (Outside of studio monitors.)

I was hoping to find some people that have listened to some other high end speakers to see how the sound quality of the AV-3's stand up.  (I have all of the cross over upgrades available installed in the AV-3's)

Specifically I was looking at some speakers offered by Dynaudio, Triangle or B&W.  How would you say the sound of the AV-3's compares to other speakers in the $2k-4k price range?  I'm looking for honest, objective opinions if possible.  One way or another I'm keeping the AV-3s, I just want to know if it would be worth it to drop the $2k-4K on a separate pair of speakers.  Will I really notice much difference in sound quality.

On a side note, if you had to recommend a pair of speakers for two channel listening in that price range what would you suggest?  They will be driven by a Music hall turntable and most likely an Ayre integrated amp.  I mostly listen to classic rock and some electronica.  I like the sound of electrostats but I think I would rather have a speaker that can have some real punch if I want to drive it a bit harder on occasion.

Carl

[HT cOz]

Carl,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.  My AV-3 Neos will be ready next Spring and I can't wait. 

I have listened to B&W at my local store.  My father in law has their top of the line in ceiling speakers.  I don't think the AV-3 would give up anything to those speakers in that price range.

If I had that kind of budget, I would look to Danny's new V series for a next project.  Provided you had the room to place them in the room.

Cheers,
Robert

[carl_lazlo]

Thanks for the input Robert.  I had a lot of fun building all 5 of the speakers the first time around, but I just don't have the time available anymore to build new speakers.    My only real option is to buy something off the shelf.

I am really interested in how my AV-3's compare to some of the Dynaudios.  I used their mid-filed monitors in one of the studio's I worked for years ago and REALLY loved the sound.  (Unfortunately they were like $55k for the pair so I can't have a set for my house.)

[cujobob]

Yeah I think your AV3s will better any B&W in that pricerange unless they've improved significantly since I last heard them.  You could pay someone to build you a set of Danny's speakers...his Neo 3s are a step up from the AV3s, the new Venue-ish named speakers are excellent (and can be had built for under $4K maybe).

The best speakers I've heard not from Danny that are available under $4K are Gedlee speakers (Abbeys) which are waveguide designs, but will only be flat to around 50 hz or so as they are meant to be augmented by subs.  I believe they are a step up from most other offerings out there under 5 grand or so.  While a two-channel purist will hate the adding in subs part...you can achieve absolutely amazing results with these speakers.

I'd go with an Internet Direct company for under 4 grand...best value.  Salk are another good company to look at...HT2-TL would be a good option and the woodworking is quite nice.  I don't know that they'd best Danny's designs, though.

[HT cOz]

One other consideration would be your room.  Can you describe it?  How will you place the speakers?

[carl_lazlo]

My living room is about 20ft long by 14ft wide.  The speakers fire longways in the room.  The speakers are about 5ft from the back of the wall and about 3ft in from the sides.  The room has a large bay window on one side covered with heavy curtains and the other wall is bare.

[dvenardos]

Have you considered getting a two channel preamp with home theater bypass? That way you can use the same speakers without swapping cables between HT and stereo.

I was debating using the same front speakers for the two channel system and just swapping the speaker cables back and forth between the 5.1 system and the 2 channel system or buying a separate pair of speakers just for the 2 channel system.

[BrianH]

Maybe the N3's would blend in well for HT yet still be killer for 2 channel? Just a thought, maybe someone has done it.

I have never looked back at replacing my old BW's with my AV3's.