Aerial LR 5 or Thiel MCS 1 for ultimate HT SYS?

Since you asked here's my take. Ariel Acoustic makes a great product for home/theatre.

Having said that let me explain how my system came to be. When it came time for me to jump into the high-end H/T game an opportunity arose to purchase two demo MCS1's with stands, so I did. Later I added another for my center. I completed the system with two SCS3 speakers in the rear. I can honestly say this system kicks butt.

I also run a Velodyne HGS-15 Very nice!

As for Classe YES, THANK YOU:~)

I use a CA-301 to run the front left and right (Balanced) and the CAV-150 for the center (Balanced) and rears (RCA). This two-amp combo produces 600 watts per channel x five into 4ohms. My gear is all Theta, cabling is MIT. This system is complete with no where else to go for the time being.

I can honestly say that for my room this H/T system continually blows my mind and some times my eardrums. Absolutely amazing!

I auditioned the aerial L5 but I bought the 8b's, if you are mainly interested in ht the L5 is the way to go, I lean more towards music , this is just my opinion, also, I am using the krell kav 1500, it is basicly the same inside as the new krell 5 channel, the krell is a excellent choice for the aerials, I have not heard the theils, but imo the aerials are the way to go, good luck

I've owned both the Aerial (LR3/CC3b) and Thiels (MCS1, used as a center channel w/CS7.2). The MCS1 is not as dark sounding as the Aerials, has better resolution, and yet sounds natural with voices and intruments. Musically, I think the MCS1 is the better speaker. For HT the Aerials have the upper hand when it comes to shear output, dynamics, and punch. The MCS1 can soften a little on the loudest dynamic passages. Both Aerial and Thiel sound great with Classe amps, although you will need more power to drive the Aerials to their potential, especially if you're considering the LR5/CC5. The MCS1 is quite sensitive @ ~90 db, where as the Aerials are around 86db. Both have great build quality. I'd choose the CAV-500 for the Aerials, or the Thiels, but you could probably get away with a CAV-180 with the MCS1s. The Theta Dreadnaught would also be a good choice.

Ok Tom you never told us what amps you’re using? And what prattle are you using for rear speakers? Inquiring minds want to know. I've had people tell me the 7.2 are a mother to juice up. Do you really need 400watt monos for those babies? Do you still own them? What's your take on the 7.2 in general? I have been wrestling with the idea of using the CS6 as my fronts and moving the two MCS1's to the rear. So much for no where to go:~)

When it came time for up to upgrade from my NHT SuperTwo HT setup, my number one priority was a no holds barred HT setup. Since HT was my first priority, I wanted to get the best sounding center channel that was within my budget. The Aerial CC5 was the best candidate. The LR5's naturally fit with the CC5, and I decided to go with the Theta Dreadnaught to power them. I have the SR3's on order, and also use a Velodyne HGS-18 for my sub. Once the SR3's arrive, I am very tempted to get dual SW-12's for my front, and keep the Velo 18 in the rear. My preamp is a Lexicon MC1, with a MC12b also on order.