2. speakers
  3. 1070516533

Speakers for Home Theater/Audio for 8K

I have recently purchased a Denon AVR 5803 and am looking for a good speaker system. I intend to use the system for HT 80%, audio 20% (mostly straight ahead jazz). Although I have been impressed with the Martin-Logans and have previously owned Magnepans (which I loved, driven with an Adcom GFA 555), the room which the system will now reside limits an adequate spacing for these speakers (placing the front speakers 4 ft. from the wall would truncate the room). The room is 18x24 with 10 ft ceilings. The television is on the long wall with about 4 ft from open passageways on either side. Given some of these limitations, I would appreciate any suggestions. Current systems I have been reviewing include the B&W 802, Snell - Xa90/Xa55cr, Definitive Tech. BP-2000TL. I was ready to purchase the Def Techs but reviewing some of the discussions on this site as well as comments from my audiophile friends made me reconsider my options. I still have not ruled out the Martin-Logans and if any of you have a suggestion about placement, I would love to hear them.

My budget is about 8K and used speakers are certainly welcome. Please suggest any other system that you feel I may find interesting. I realize that ultimately it comes down to taste, but since I have shared some of my previous likes I hoped this would help in the discussion.

Thanks.
psdermpath1
psdermpath1 OP
8 posts
 
An audiophile friend insists I consider the Linkwitz Orion. He visited Siegfried's house and listened to them. This choice may seem tangential but I was wondering if any of you or anyone else had an opinion about these unique speakers? It appears the speakers are more for audio and not HT, I don't see any center or surrounds. It also comes with its own amp.
sedona
144 posts
 
I agree completely with Ellery911 - whichever speakers you purchase, keep them as far out into the room as you can - I also agree the B&W 802N is a great speaker - a few used prs on Audiogon are currently going for $5500.

My thought process is this: if you can get the used 7b and cc3b on Audiogon for say $4000 - a used pr of the SR3 for $1500 - your whole surround system would cost what one pair of the B&W 802's would cost.
And, if your budget is $8000 - that would leave you with $2500 - IF you wanted to purchase a separate amp right now, upscale Audio has a demo B&K Ref 7270 MK II for $2300 - as a 7 channel amp it would allow you to expand, or you could purchase a beefy 5 channel now. There are other great 5 channel amps available - Bel Canto, Bryston etc. I can't ever see the need for 7 speakers - again my personal opinion.
I would still wait until after you try the Denon.
keep us informed.
sedona
144 posts
 
I think I read your friends review on another forum - I have never heard Linkwitz Orion and I don't believe they have a setup for HT - it appears to be part of the do-it-yourself type of speakers - which is ok - I just know I hire someone to do my taxes - fix my teeth - repair my car, etc, etc, so there isn't the slightest possibility I would I make my own speakers - If you have that particular skill and like the sound, and only want two channel, go for it - it really boils down to what your ears tell you is best for you.
psdermpath1 OP
8 posts
 
Agreed Sedona..you don't go to a psychiatrist for a colonoscopy. But I am not sure you know that the Orions can now be ordered as a completely built system. I spoke with Linkwitz today and after some deliberation, I think I will probably stay with the Aerials. My audiophile friend has the Anthem Beethoven Grands (Linkwitz design) in his house and as far as he is concerned the Orions equal the quality of the Anthems at 1/10 the cost and with a smaller footprint. Having heard his Anthems I can attest to the beauty of the system. It may be of interest that neither he nor Linkwitz believe a center channel is necessary using the Anthems or Orions. In some respects, the revolutionary design of the speakers addresses or answers some of the limitations of box speakers making a side by side comparison unrealistic. Anyway, he also agreed that I would be happy with the Aerials.
psdermpath1 OP
8 posts
 
Sorry, I need to see a psychiatrist. Of course, I meant to say the Audio Artistry Beethoven, not Anthem.
More to discover