Help me spend $5,000 on a 5.1 speaker system

Update!

I ended up getting an incredible deal on Focal speakers at a local tweeter store, and picked up a Panamax power conditioner as well. What subwoofer do you recommend for my system? Tweeter did not carry the SW908 that matches my speakers, so I think I might need to go with another brand sub:

Pioneer Elite VSX-84txsi receiver (msrp 1500)
Pioneer Elite DV-48av dvd player (msrp 300)
Panamax M5400-ex power conditioner (msrp 700)
Focal Profile 918 front towers (msrp 2000/each)
Focal Profile CC908 Center (msrp 1700)
Focal Profile 908 bookshelf rears (msrp 1150/each)

I wish I could actually hear the SVS system and the Axiom system next to the Definitive Tech system. Has anyone out there had the opportunity to compare these systems in person?

For home theater you can't beat Definitive Tech. I've had several and it blows away most and for rock and roll it even sounded better than my current, way more expensive system I have now.

I am seriously debating between the following two systems - just like my previous post, has anyone actually heard either of these systems? How do they compare to what you can hear in the stores?

SVS Sound MTS-01 5.1 System w/ PC13 Ultra sub $4400.00

Axiom Epic 80 5.1 System w/ EP500 Sub $3332.60

Has anyone actually heard a SVS system of an Axiom audio system? If so, please let me know how they compare to what you see in the stores.

Well, I am not sure about the rest but I would go full range ( or at least very close to it ) all around and sub only for .1 effects. Especially true if surround music is your cup of tea. There is no substitute for full scale presentation IMHO.
Also , if movies is all that you need them to do well - go THX all the way but most speakers that excell in music reproduction are also great for Hollywood crap. If you are going to go with small monitors , they all should be the same in all aspects.
For movies only - I like M&K THX all around. For music.....I like my own AAD 2001 monitors that reach down to 30Hz and you can always add their sub later. However that setup ( 5 monitors would cost you around 5K - given that dealer would give you a price break on the package of 5 ) . This set up would be funtastic IMO, based on my experience in stereo mode since I am not much of videophile myself.

Cheers and good luck

Mariusz

Bob_Reynolds,

You are the second person to mention SVS speakers, are they really that good? I'm a little scared of buying speakers off the internet that I've never heard before.

Ufmatt00,

I use definitives in a 7.1 set up..Go for the BPX the powered surrounds are overkill..You could even go with the 7004's and use what you saved between that and the surrounds to add a SuperCubeII sub. You will still need it even with the built in subs in the speakers...

Omnidirectional speakers are a good choice for HT and stereo. You should also look into this system. You'll not only have topnotch HT, you'll have great 2-channel for music.

Somehow include the biggest VELODYNE Digital Drive subwoofer you can. Built in EQ for your room that adjusts automatically and really works. It will compliment and improve ANY speakers.

How about a surround system with all omni-directional speakers for under $5000?

Take a look at www.ohmspeakers.com.

I'm not a surround sound kind of guy ( I have a simple 2 channel A/V system in addition to my main audio system), but if I were, this is what I'd probably be considering. I never really considered it but I own enough pairs of Ohms (3 pair currently) to do it if I wanted, I suppose.

You might look at the Paradigm line. All of their speakers are pretty efficent and that will be a good thing with the Pioneer receiver. The Studio Line should fit within your budget new.

I would take a very long look at the Salk SongTower system. That will be very tough to beat given your budget.

Go Gallo all-around. Ref. 3.1s up front with a Ref AV Center and 2 Ref Avs in the rear. Complement with the Gallo woofer and you're set. Purchased off Audiogon should put you in the $5k ballpark...

-RW-