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Best Towers Under $1500 for beginner system

Exactly as the title says, I am in the marketplace for my first set of decent tower speakers to set the front stage of my HT set-up. I am in my mid 20's and listen to all kinds of music with a heavier hand on electronic, rock, and motion picture sound tracks. Some examples being Paul Van Dyke, Armand Van Buren, Tiesto, or Paul Oakenfold. Rock examples would be Creed, 3 Days Grace, Metallica, Megadeath, Disturbed, Linkin Park. I think Motion Picture sound tracks are self explainitory, but I do prefer more orchestral or electronic types.

Now on to what I am buying,... I currently own a 7.1 Channel 110 watt x 7 Pioneer VSX series receiver. Have had it for about 5-6 years now, no HDMI switching or anything nifty like that, but it does have Optical In/Out which I am currently using. For a CD I use my PS3 for most everything. I have a new Sony 46" 3D LED TV anchoring my theater. My current speaker set-up is a HTIB made by Infinity called the HTS. Consists of an all bookshelf system with 4" midrange and 3/4" tweets in each enclosure that is ported. I have a small 8" 150 watt powered sub along with it.

This system has provided me a base appreciation for movies and music while in college and up until now. I recently got bit by the bug after buying my new TV and want something to provide truly impressive sound. My budget is very low and I understand that it is not easy shopping like that, but I will buy things one piece at a time.

My first purchase I am looking at is some front tower speakers. So far I have auditioned the B&W 603's, the Wharfedale Diamonds, and the Paradigm Monitor 11's. All of these were played through a $4000ea. SACD - Preamp - Amp combo that the home theater shop had in their demo room. From what I listened to I have a huge preference towards the Monitor 11's which are at the absolute peak of my price range for this purchase. I loved the sound, the speakers set a great sound stage, the music was very detailed, and I couldn't help but wait and listen for each coming note. The B&W's were also impressive but lacked the low end punch of the Paradigms. The Wharfedales I didn't like until I was cranking the power, and I don't want something that will require me to wake the neighbors to get decent sound.

I have been doing a great bit of research online, and love the look of the Axiom M60 and M80's. However the M80's are 4 Ohm Impedance and I don't think that my old Pioneer can push them. I looked in KEF iQ9's, Martin Logan Preface, Boston Acoustic VR 970/975's, Polk 500's, Monitor Audio, and a few others. I have read every scrap I can about them all, but have no way to audition any of them.

As mentioned previously the high end of my budget is $1500 on the pair, any money saved will go towards the next piece of the puzzle, most likely an amplifier or Sound Processor. I have a tendency to gravitate towards the speakers with better low end extension, and I don't like overly bright highs as I find them fatiguing. A more neutral sound is what I'm after. I will absolutely consider pre-owned equipment as well if I can get a better quality piece. I'm all about bang for the buck.
reaper60
jdoris
972 posts
 
Fritz Carbon 7's might be worth adding to the mix. Have not heard the towers, but the monitor version is very fine at 1700 (I believe Fritz sometimes has breaks on demos ). Maybe not the most rocking, but highly musical. I believe Fritz will do in home demo; worth a call.

As mentioned, Zu also has a generous demo policy, and has been running sales. I heard the Soul Superfly at RMAF, and was impressed. Nothing made me think sloppy -- I think they image nicely -- though they hit my ears a bit forward in the highs. Something in their line would make sense to try, esp. if you have trouble hearing stuff in yr area.

John
driftmotion
4 posts
 
I actually own the Zu omens and would recommend them, however room placement will be important and a SOLID break-in period. As for the tweeter, it does have a "super Tweeter" below the 10" driver (that silver disc below the driver). In some cases I have found the Highs to be dominant but the style of music and recording will play a large factor in this. FYI I have almost the same setup, but i'm using an Audio Refinement Pre-2DSP and a Multi 3 for a 2.0 system.

Let me know what you decide to go with!
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
I also own the Zu Omens (I am still auditioning them), and I would recommend for a beginner system for 2 reasons: 1. They do a lot of different music well, so as you get into this hobby and undoubtedly discover new music the Zus will not slow you down, and 2. They are easy to drive, so as you get into this hobby and undoubtedly try different types of amplifiers the Zus will not limit you.
OK, 3 reasons. 3. Becasue if you don't like them you can send them back.
mjwpicman
30 posts
 
$1500 will get you a used pair of Vandersteen 3As. Bass extension, and plenty of it, down to below 30HZ. A balanced, detailed, nuanced presentation that is emotionally involving and never fatiguing. And they are so open sounding, never boxy. Not as "exciting" as some speakers, but that's because Richard Vanderateen makes his speakers to reproduce the music, not add to it. Not the most beautiful speaker, but you're paying for components, not a beautiful enclosure. I have gotten so I like the way mine look. Plus they have a grand, large soundstage and great imaging. Another advantage is that they sound good on most any kind of music. I play punk, hard rock, classical, ambient, pop, jazz, just about everything and they good on all of it. And they are pretty good on home theatre also. No subwoofer needed.
I've listened to/auditioned a lot of speakers, including Pro Ac, B&W, Martin Logan, Genesis, Alon, Thiel, Merlin, Magnepan, Quad, Wilson, and many more, and am convinced that, for the money, Vandersteen is clearly the best speaker you can buy. Period. Until I hear something better anyway. BTW, I'm afraid the Pioneer will have to go.
Good Luck, Martin.
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
Slikric3000 - I wasn't comparing the Definitive Technology speakers to mine that are a much more expensive speaker. I was specifically thinking of the StudioMonitor 350 & 450 and also one of the bi-polar floor standing models that was either the BP6B or BP8B. All of these speakers are in the price range of the OP. In the same room I also listened to a pair of Monitor Audio bookshelf speakers that sounded much better.

I was very interested in the Definitive Technology brand because a friend of mine in college had a pair of the BP2000 speakers that I was very impressed with. It's possible that their more expensive products still sound excellent.
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