Suggestions for a new HT Setup ($2K for new speakers plus receiver)

[tase2]

The Orbs are out!

I'm looking to spend around $2K to complete my system and looking for suggestions.

My wife has a hearing impairment, so sharpness and clarity are the most important factors.

I would like to stay will smallish size speakers, if possible-not cubes, but bookshelves.

I figure for $2K, I should be able to get something decent. I have no special loyalties to any specific brands.

Like I said in the orbs thread, I have posted in the AVSForum, but wanted opinions of others as well.

[Philosofy]

For speakers: http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=93.1

Then get a good reciever (with HDMI switching if you can) and a DVD player.

[LlamaLarry]

Don't be afraid to check out Crutchfield's Outlet and/or Scratch and Dent stuff. Their normal prices are usually higher than others, but I've found some good deals in the return pile that saved me a bundle and come with full manufacturer's warranty. Most recent was $300 off the cheapest I found online and $1100 off list...

Some folks just hate Crutchfield, but I still think their site is a great place to research normal consumer gear even if you don't plan on buying there. They have a shop in Charlottesville so I always stop in there to browse their returns to see if something needs to come home with me.

[tase2]

Don't be afraid to check out Crutchfield's Outlet and/or Scratch and Dent stuff. Their normal prices are usually higher than others, but I've found some good deals in the return pile that saved me a bundle and come with full manufacturer's warranty. Most recent was $300 off the cheapest I found online and $1100 off list...

Some folks just hate Crutchfield, but I still think their site is a great place to research normal consumer gear even if you don't plan on buying there. They have a shop in Charlottesville so I always stop in there to browse their returns to see if something needs to come home with me.
I love Crutchfield. True their prices are pretty high, but indeed they are a great reference for research and have great customer service. I will give them a look-see.

[tase2]

Still looking/researching.

I think after spending a couple of weeks over at AVSForum, and receiving many and widely varying opinions, I may have found something that may suit my needs best.

I was advised on AV123 xl series, ascends, HTD, any many, many others.

I fell in love with With these Sunfire CRM-2 Speakers (http://www.sunfire.com/CR.htm)
But apparently they are pretty well out of my price point. :( :(
Est. $800ea.

However it did occur to me that to get the best WAF, and the least amount of disruption to the room, that this http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/procinema/procinema.html (http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/procinema/procinema.html)was the best for me. Of course I have not listened to them, but I think I still may pull the trigger.

Anyone here have any experience with Definitive Technology ProCinema 800 line?
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[geko29]

Haven't heard those specific speakers, but DefTechs are usually very good speakers and a pretty good bang/buck as well. Definitely audition them first, but it's a good starting point.

[ClutchBrake]

Where are you located, tase2? Perhaps there is an Ascend owner in the area that will let you audition his/hers. That is how I ended up with my Ascend setup. Two guys in my area welcomed me into their homes and let me listen to their setups to my heart's content. It was great being able to take my favorite material and hear it in a real world environment. Since owning mine I've also welcomed auditioners into my home.

Accuracy is what Ascend is all about. Some speakers you'll hear referred to as bright. Others warm. And that is fine; to each his own. But for me it is all about accuracy. I want to hear EXACTLY what the artist/sound engineer intends me to hear. That is what Ascend delivers.

[tase2]

I live in Central CT

I asked over in AVS if anyone was from CT. No response.

The probelm is with speaker placement. If I could put them atop my Entertainment Center, it would be OK. The audiophiles say:down: .

[tase2]

Here are some photos (Please forgive the after Christmas Mess. :xmasembarrassed:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1055861/IMG_2701(Small).jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1055861/IMG_2702(Small).jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1055861/IMG_2703(Small).jpg

[michad]

I just bought Klipsch outdoor speakers for our setup. The AW650 (4) fronts and rears, AW800SW (sub) and a AW500SM for the center. Your thread got me motivated to start the process of getting shed of the old (but great) speakers. We too have no room for towers anymore.

I have no faith that inwall would work for us well enough to justify the expense, otherwise I'd be doing that.

The cool part of my install is the massive amount of 35' cables to get from the TV mount to the old baptist bar closest where all the equipment will be.

my pics:
http://www.michad.org/images/DCS_1410.jpg
http://www.michad.org/images/DCS_1411.jpg

sorry to hog in, I just wanted got all excited with your description and wanted to share...