Upgraditis.. suggestions appreciated

[sageleo]

Hello all,
I have recently upgraded my T.V. just this past weekend upgraded my AVR, went from a Yamaha 565 to the Marantz 5006. So far I have no complaints, but am looking to upgrade my speakers as well. The wife would like something a little smaller then what I am currently using (see sig below). She ideally would like something alittle smaller then what we are currently using, I however don't want any less of a speaker(if that makes sense). I also plan on upgrading my sub in the near future and I'm not sure if it would be better to upgrade the sub or speakers first. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks,

[Conradicles]

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/blackstonetl/tl3.php would be nice and a huge WAF and smaller than what you are currently running. Maybe a micropro sub round out a nice system.

[pyrocyborg]

You can't have a speaker that is a lot smaller without losing an average to large amount of bass. Some speakers, like the Blackstone TL3, realistically don't play anything under 110 Hz. As sound is directional at somwhere near 80 hz, there is a frequency range of 80-110 that will be played by the sub: you'll hear those frequencies as coming from the sub.

Also, most sub are great under 80, not that so between 80-120.

The only speaker that is smaller than typical bookshelf (without going with satelittes) and offers big sound that I can think of are Totem Dreamcatcher, but they are somewhat costly (600$ a pair) and are 4 ohm speakers, which only an external amp can drive, which had a large amount to the shopping cart.

Life is full of compromises... However, the Blackstone can actually play very good if I can read those specs. It must sound like a mini LSi speaker with a certain emphasis on medium to high-range (due to driver size, but I could be wrong), which may make them really adequate for Home theater, a little less for music.

So, to please the wife, either take speakers that blend better within your decor, that are fancier looking (curved cabinet for example) and if nothing works, go for satelittes speakers like the Blackstone TL3 (do not bother with TL2-TL1 as they are smaller). However, you're in the dark with those speakers as they are new, so there is not la lot of reviews, except from customers which may had those ****ty tiny Bose speakers before (i.e. no pro review yet with somewhat more experience...).

[sageleo]

Thanks for the input, I'm debating between the Polk Audio TL250, 350 and the Klipsch Quintet SL. Any idea's on what would sound better from my AVR? Also, would switching to satelites from my current setup be considered as a down grade? Is the 250 considerably less quality then the 350's? I understand I would have to upgrade my sub if/when I switch over to satelites, and crutchfield has a pretty good deal on Polks spend $499 on speakers get a $299 sub free or $299 upgrade to the polk sub of your choice. What would be an ideal sub for my setup. room size is 15x10 with 7-8ft ceilings, system is 90% H/T & games, 10% music.
Thanks

[DSkip]

I don't like the Klipsch. The 250 and 350 are both great products. The 150 uses smaller drivers and is not worth your time (TL2 and 3 use same size, but different drivers). The 350 is obviously a "better" speaker, but the 250 will match more closely to the sound you are accustomed to with the RTi's. The TL2 is a little bit brighter than the TL3 while the TL3 is more musical and has higher quality components in them. The actual build quality between the 2 is very similar. I'd take the TL3's all day over the other two, but they are a nice bump in price.

Now that I see your 90/10 split, I think the 250 is the way to go if you go the satellite route. The TL2 is like the "RTi" of the blackstone line-up. As far as a sub, find a solid 8" sub that can play a little higher. This will help blend the sub with the high crossover you're going to need on the satellites.

[sageleo]

I'm still in the process of finding the right satelite setup for my system. So far it's between the Martin Logan MLT-2 and the Polk audio tl250. Of the 2 which would offer better sounds quality? If I decide to go with the polks any recommendation on a Polk sub?
Thanks

[Erik Tracy]

Wow - you really have to give up the RTi6s? I would think going to the Blackstones would be at best a lateral step - not an 'upgrade'.

[tonyb]

Ill agree with Erik, plus consider the size of the room. If your room is larger, the Blackstones may sound thin to what your used to. If she wants smaller, look at quality bookies, but then once on stands, are they really taking up any less real estate ? Maybe ask the wife if she wouldn't mind trading that Kitchenaid mixer for a hand held one to save space too.

[sageleo]

I'm not to keen on giving up the RTI's but if it will make the wife happy and I can find a equal or better speaker that is smaller then I would be alright with that. I don't really want to downgrade as far as product quality or sound quality. I just got back from my local monitor audio dealer. I will say I do like their R90's any thought or inputs are welcomed.
Thanks again!

[obieone]

Well, if you want smaller, and have $1,400, the Focal Sib 5.1 system is VERY nice. I was blown away by how nice this set up sounded 3+ years ago, when Tweeter was still around.
Abt carries them, and they're authorized to sell Polks, so they're legit.