Tell us about your stereo!

[Sweaty]

I told their HR I would send them a CV, I could do the job, I was laughing at the sales chap trying to explain everything to Lou and I, I can see they have a job to do but there is a way to do it. Lovely shop, bit out of the way to get to but then most of their shops are so they don't pay high rents I guess.

 

[LG]

^^Indeed, whenever a young-un in a shop comes up to me I end up educating them not the other way 'round.

In the serious stores it's different those guys are like us and know their business, but that still doesn't deter me from having a different opinion on what brands/manufacturer's I like.

 

[Sweaty]

I like to battle with them it's fun sometimes, if I have my mind made up there is not a lot they can do to change it, there was a lovely Denon amp in there today that had a bit more power than mine. I maybe would have got that if it had been there when I got mine but hey mine sounds good so not to worry.

Most of the people who work there are middle aged or older, I think they are trained to up-sell everything. Lou and I were having none of it, there is a record collector shop up there near the shop but didn't have time to go in, used to go in a lot. Pretty expensive as collectors all go in there and they know what they have.

What is it you are looking at for the new year?

 

[LG]

Well I'm thinking about some new speakers, again. I've found 3 excellent online companies that you really can't put a foot wrong with if you want the best value for your money.

Basically it saves you almost half the cost for a very good speaker, I've bought everything else from the local shops so I don't feel bad buying my speakers online. To get the same performance I'm looking for in retail shops I'd be spending over $4,000.00

Instead I can get any of these 3 speakers for $1,500 - $2,000.00

Axiom M 80's, really massive and powerful, Canadian made so I don't pay duty but they might be too big for what I want, the M 60's are the model down and smaller.




Aperion makes good quality as well, based in Portland Oregon with a 10 year warranty, free shipping to Canada and free shipping back if after 30 days I'm not happy with them.

The Grand Towers , not as imposing as the M80's but also $400 more not including duty etc.




Finally Ascend acoustics in California, I bought a pair of Sierra 1 bookshelf speakers last summer, and they are simply stunning. They make a full sized version now, and I am leaning towards getting these because I know what they sound like.

Sierra Towers, smaller than the other two and more expensive as well, $2100.00 not including shipping and duty.





Depending on what I get also decides what center channel I consider, they have to be matched.

No matter what though I am getting these little speakers from Axiom for the rear surround channel, the QS8's are the most amazing surround speakers I've ever listened to for movies.



Thing with the QS8's is you need the stands which are Grossly overpriced, but I can't wall mount them in the room so I have no choice.

 

[gcczep]

^M 80s! M 80s! M 80s!

 

[Sweaty]

Some nice speakers there LG, sometimes it is better to stick with what you know, the chap at Richer Sounds was asking me why I wanted the Diamond 9's and I said because I know what they sound like and the price is good. I am looking at some good surround speakers in the next 12 months but I can wait for those.

 

[LG]

^M 80s! M 80s! M 80s!

They are impressive George and big. I ordered a complete Axiom system for my sister a few months ago, the mains are the M-50's and she has the QS4's for the rear. So I have a really good feel for how the M-80's or M-60's will sound they have the same drivers after all. Funny these are about $1500 a pair but if I want a custom finish and "cast baskets" instead of stamped metal they'll be another $250.

Some nice speakers there LG, sometimes it is better to stick with what you know, the chap at Richer Sounds was asking me why I wanted the Diamond 9's and I said because I know what they sound like and the price is good. I am looking at some good surround speakers in the next 12 months but I can wait for those.

The Sierra 1 bookshelf speaker is amazing, I've owned them for a few months now and they can hold their own with any bookshelf speaker in the $2-3,000.00 range. The finish is superb, and the bass from these little guys you have to hear to really believe. My older brother went and spent over $5000.00 on a pair of Dynaudio towers, and when he played them here before taking them home they did sound really really good, but after he left I plugged in my $800.00 Sierra 1's and they sounded fuller with better defined and deeper bass. Really surprised me.

I haven't made up my mind yet, I might not get anything new except the QS8's, you can't tell from the picture I posted but they have a midrange on the top and bottom, with the tweeters on the sides, when you play a DVD and something goes past you not only does it place it perfectly but gives it a true 3D sound. Played Hunt for Red October to test my sisters and when the torpedo went over her head and exploded above and behind her to the right she just went..."OMG...that was amazing!"

Anyone looking to add a pair of speakers to enhance your movie surround experience give these a chance, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Sweaty]

You have to really appreciate these things, a lot of people out there don't understand and scoff at the idea of all these speakers. One day these people may understand.

 

[LG]

You have to really appreciate these things, a lot of people out there don't understand and scoff at the idea of all these speakers. One day these people may understand.

I love speakers, and all audio gear and hope you are right.

I've listened to those "soundbars", some of them are okay and do give a nice effect but they pale beside a properly matched set of speakers in the exact right locations with the adjustments from the AVR to balance everything.

One thing that makes me sick are those endless "Bose" commercials, I wouldn't hate that company so much if it weren't for the fact they "bribe" sales staff at the retail outlets to push their brand, if they sell a pair of Bose over Infinity for example they get a kickback. And their stuff is way OVERPRICED!! Those ridiculous "Wave Radios" I almost fainted when I looked at the price they're asking for. All for a little plastic/MDF box with sound tunnels and an electronic time delay built in to provide a surround effect.

Companies like Bose make me sick, and I never was a big fan of the 901's either, I'd rather own a Klipschorn than them.

 

[Sweaty]

I remember an old work friend of mine buying a bose speaker to play his MP3's through and saying they were loud and the best, fery expensive, never bothered with them really. I don't know everything but I know what I want.