I have about $1,300 to spend on a 5.1 speaker system. I have an Onkyo TX-DS787 THX 7.1 Receiver (100 Watts RMS @ 8 Ohms). These are going into a large room (30'x18') which is set up like an efficiency apartment with my effective watching area pretty small (10'x12'). I am most concerned with build and sound quality over loudness or bass-punch. I listen to a wide range of music, but mostly more acoustic and less thumping. These will be used for music and movies.
I am looking at the Klipsch Reference Series RF-10 Home Theater System which I can find for $1,300 and includes: (2) RF-10 floor standing speakers, (1) RC-10 center, (2) RS-10 surround, and (1) RW-8 sub.
Can anyone recommend anything else in the price range I should be looking at?
Since music is important to you, I would stay away from Klipsch as they tend to be on the bright side; a more neutral speaker would be ideal. This is my recommendation:
ascendacoustics.com ... Google them up for reviews, massive paper trail about 95% positive.
If you are not sure, order a single pair of the CBM-170SEs and take them into the shop to compare against the Klipsch, return shipping is maybe $25 in the unlikely case you prefer the Klipsch and you have 30 days to listen.
One thing I didn't mention is that I (obviously) want this system to work in my new house once I move. So, it will be going into a more traditional Den / Media room in the future. With this in mind, one more question:
I have decided on: - HSU VTF-2 MK 2 Sub - CMT-340 SE Center - CBM-170 SW Surrounds
What about my front two, is it worth the extra $320 to step up to the CMT-340 SE front pair???
I would have to delay buying the rears (which is fine) and start with a 3.1 setup...
Quinn will probably disagree with me, but this is how I'd describe between the 340s and the 170s:
340s provide a fuller sound and wider soundstage than the 170s, especially at moderate/low volumes. Some people have characterized the 340s as being "sweeter." They are not full-range by any means, but can go without a sub for 2-channel music much more readily than the 170s.
At high volumes, the 170s stay immaculately neutral, the 340s start to show a wee bit of treble strain right around 95db and up.
Since most people don't listen above 80-85db, yes I'd say the 340s are worth the extra dough if music is important. If it were mainly HT you're after, I'd say stick to the 170s and put the savings into a VTF-3.
(Note that my impressions were based on comparing the classic versions of these speakers, not the new SE versions.)