speaker advice

Hi, Basically New England vs. California speakers. They have very distinct characteristics. For Music, how about Polk, Boston Acoustics? Stick with brand name. You have to watch impedance, SPL, and frequency response. For that budget I am sure you have quite a few choice. My towers are Mirage pair. And don't get carried away with how many speakers are in the enclosure. It's not the case of the more, the better. Audition as many as you can and good shops will let you try them in your place before you decide to buy. Good luck, Tony

I agree with Tony - listen and buy what sounds best. One consideration is your space limitations. Also there's the SAF to consider (spouse acceptance factor!!!).

I also would not worry about matching the surrounds. It's the center that you need to match. The surrounds don't carry enough information to make all that much of a difference - and none at all at your price point.

Some other considerations: Energy, Magnapan (see cautions re: space and SAF), NHT. Here's a link to cnet suggestions:

I've not heard them so I really can't make a recommendation. I would lean to getting the one that matched the fronts, assuming you're going with Klipsch there too; e.g. 52 with 52, 62 with 62. There's a reason Klipsch designed them that way. (Hopefully it's not only a marketing reason.) I usually don't care for the sound of ported speakers, especially as the center. But unless you invite me over for a movie (I'll bring the popcorn!) it won't be me listiening to them.

Ask if you can take them home for a weekend trial. Or if they have a

Have fun.