Speaker recommendation for Home Theater

$15k is for speakers and hopefully cables... 

I also don’t want to spend money just to spend money.  Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate craftsmanship and artistry as much as the next obsessed audiophile but i also want to focus on value.  What sounds the best for the $$ since I have a dozen other projects around the house that demand attention.  If I can spend $15k total and get a great system I’m good.  I only put in the budget numbers to provide a guide for recommendations.  Hope this helps.  

That’s what I was thinking but can be flexibile.  I’m also looking to upgrade my projector and electronics but don’t see being able to afford to do it all at once.  I’m looking at probably Sony 295 or comparable JVC on the projector and don’t have a point of view on electronics yet.  I see total budget not to exceed $25k.  Anything beyond and I would have uncomfortable moments with the wife.  

The Monitor Audio Platinum seem like good contenders.  I live in Boston and just searched for a dealer to hopefully audition and I’m up for a long drive (over 100 miles).  I’ll put them on the short-list and plan a road trip.  Thanks!

Thank you all for your thoughts.  I’ve put together a short-list of the speakers I’d like to audition - a bit limited to where I live but so far we have: 

1. Dynaudio Contour series
2. KEF R-series
3. Monitor Audio silver line

Not crazy about in-wall or ceiling setup because I move every 5 years or so and the thought of leaving bits behind to people who will likely not appreciate them disturbs my calm.  

As for upstream gear, I am going to look at separates - haven’t started much research on that front yet.  I have a Marantz AV processor now and don’t have any issues with it, beyond it being 7 years old.  Maybe upgrade to an AV7705 and get a nice amp.  Once I choose speakers I’ll go there next.  

Oh this is getting exciting...  

Thanks again, 
Steve 

Good suggestions.  I have thought about Atmos in the future but haven't heard a good setup yet.  I need to find a place (not Best Buy) to get educated.  I'll have a look at the AV8802.  Getting an updated processor (that sounds better) for around $2k does excite me :-). 

I'll see what I can afford once I make a decision on the speakers.  I think between projector, electronics and speakers, I'm going to need to make priorities and likely compromise in the near-term.  

I'm back.  Long Thanksgiving holiday.  Whew...  

I've decided to go with the Dynaudio Contour 60/25c combo for my mains and center channel – I liked 'em a lot!  Since our last discussion, I've started to re-balance my listening habits.  I really want to get back into 2-channel listening so this likely changes things a bit (sorry about that).  

Here is what I have on my short-list for completing the system: 
1. Dynaudio built-in speakers for 7.1 setup (side and rear surround speakers)
2. Marantz (used) AV8xxx pre/pro
3. Musical Fidelity M6si (or similar $2k ish integrated with HT bypass)
4. Multi-channel surround/center amp (Parasound? Emotiva? others?)

My thinking here... admitted primordial...  is to get a good 2 channel setup that can double as a decent home theater setup when the family enters the man-cave.  Given I've just pulled the trigger on a lot of speakers, I need to be frugal for the rest of the setup until I can recharge the play-fund (likely 12-18 months).  

Sorry for the curve ball but would value your continued advice.  

Good advice. I’ll have a look!

In the meantime I’ve taken a first step.

1. Dynaudio Contour 60 fronts and a 25c center2. Peachtree Audio Nova500 integrated for 2 channel listening3. HT-bypass for powering Contour 60 when watching movies
4. Current Marantz AVR for processing & center/surround power
I’m going to give the new Nova a try. It was just released but I understand it was designed, at least in part by one of the engineers who penned much of the Classe gear so I’m hopeful! This seemed a good compromise to get an acceptable 2 channel system for casual listening along with a good-enough HT setup I can build on in the future.

Once the play-fund recharges I’ll go 7.1 - likely with Dynaudio in-wall speakers and an upgrade to my receiver. I might just stay with a Denon or Marantz receiver which will likely be good enough for 7.1 or a entry Atmos system. Once I get so far I’ll reach back out for more advice :-).

Thanks for all your help!

Thanks for your sugg suggestion,  I think it’s time for a change. I talked with Jim at Magnepan 10 years ago when I had my 1.6 rebuilt (already had it done once) and just am not up for doing it again. 

Steve 

Thanks!  I have a Vizio soundbar hooked up to the TV in my kids playroom.  It works well and even matches the TV.  Connected together with a $5 toslink cable.  Voila... sound happens!

Working on it.  I received the repair kit from Magnepan a few weeks ago.  Just need to find the time to pull the socks off and get to work.  


Thanks much for all your help.  

On a final note.  I have to say that I really like the Nova500.  It’s surprisingly good for an all-in-one.  While it’s likely outgunned by Naim or SimAudio (insert your favorite gear carved out of billet aluminum), it’s like half (or more) the cost.  A great value, especially since there is the promise of a Wifi-HiFi card that supports streaming in a few months.  Oh... and the WAF is off the charts...  She didn’t even noticed it had entered the room... ha ha...