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Acoustic Energy Aegis vs. Monitor Audio Bronze

Looking at surround speakers to go into a system that consists of:

1. Marantz SR-8000
2. Sony DVP-S9000ES (CD, DVD, and SACD)
3. Sony WEGA tv (32")

Focus is 90% audio (wide mix of musical genres) and 10% movies) in a room that is 15' x 15' with low (7.5') ceilings.

Am trying to choose between an Acoustic Energy (probably Aegis 2's for the fronts; 1's for the back; + Center and Sub) set up and a Monitor Audio Bronze (2's for fronts; 2's for back; + center and sub). Thoughts and experiences would be appreciated. Thanks
gheon

Showing 3 responses by rgd

rgd
656 posts
 
Gheon - ask Ty for the particulars as he can best describe the differences as I have not heard either. If these products have peaked your interest you might want to consider swapping the mains out of the package for his demo Mini-monitors if the price is right. Not sure if there would be a substantial gain for 2 channel but its worth asking about. Contact Ty direct - one of the most personable guys in the biz...
rgd
656 posts
 
Have a pair of Monitor Bronze 2's hooked into a NAD L40/C270 combo in the wife's system - very respectable sound for the dollar. Bass is tight but not very low so a sub will be in order especially for HT.

Not sure either of your choices is of the same level of quality as your other gear seems to be. Might I suggest a better pair of mains as your focus is 90% music and spend less on the remaining speakers for HT application...
rgd
656 posts
 
Gheon - I wonder just how long that 9000 ES player will stay downstairs when you get into SACD....

As there is no published budget amount to work with but obviously you are looking to in the $1K-$1.5K range I might suggest you look into the Tyler home theater set-up - everything for $1500. Ty Lashbrook makes a great product using drivers that you would find in considerably much more expensive speakers and is a great person to deal with. You are not paying for the marketing and middleman with his offerings. I can tell you that I adore my Taylo Reference monitors from Tyler and feel that his products would be a good match for your ancilliary gear. While I find the Marantz receivers to be "warmer" sounding than Yamahas, etc. I could imagine that a speaker like PSB and Paradigms might be fatiguing after a while but still could be considered as offering a great value. If it were a primarily HT system then there are many more choices out there but as your preference is 90% music where I assume you want the subtle nuances, etc. I think the Tyler speakers would mate well. I am sure you will get many other great suggestions and wish you luck in your odyssey...
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