Been reading ... just getting more confused.

[Mr Peabody]

That's interesting that electronics are expensive in Asia. I would have thought just the opposite. I agree that if performance is important that you should go with separates. A couple brands I'd recommend taking a listen to if available is Arcam in electronics. Arcam is an excellent performer and good performance to price ratio (bang for the buck). They aren't cheap but you will get your money's worth. I also like that they are able to do HT with out sacraficing good sound. They have a very good A/V processor for $2,500.00 in U.S. Just add a multichannel amp and pick your speakers. My favorite speakers are Dynaudio. The Audience, or possibly Focs series could fit your budget depending on what electronics and prices in Asia.

Another good point that was made is that audio gear is a personal preference. What sends me may send you running. For instance, I wouldn't own Klipsch or Bose yet they are both still in business and have a pretty good rep amongst those that can't hear well Some prefer solid state and some like tubes. Also, people have different perspectives, I personally think the best bass I've ever heard was from Krell driving Dynaudio. It was tight, controlled and hit like a sledge hammer. Yet those who like bass to boom or a fat bass may not like how the Krell/Dyn sounded.

Also, keep in mind if you want to do home theater you should pick speakers that allow you to have matching center channel and maybe not as important but still recommended, matching surrounds. Matching, as in voice/timbre matched.

A good system should sound good on whatever kind of music you listen to. If some one says a system sounds best for a certain type of music, it is either colored (not neutral or over/under emphasizing certain frequencies of the sound) or inadequate in some area.

Feel free to email if I can help.

[Florian]

Not to mention those speakers with consistant coloration caused by something....

I agree on the Arcam gear as well. I personally cant stand Dynaudio and the muddy bass, but then again its all about preference. The problem with the Maggies is simply bass, they just dont play low and a subwoofer integration is not possible if you are a die hard perfectionist unless you go way overboard.

-Flo

[Mike Anderson]

The problem with the Maggies is simply bass, they just dont play low and a subwoofer integration is not possible if you are a die hard perfectionist unless you go way overboard.

For my tastes, the 1.6qr's have plenty of bass. They don't do anything under 45 Hz or so, but frankly I don't miss it. And the bass they do put out is extremely tight and musical. In fact the quality of the bass is one of my favorite things about my Maggies.

That said, it will all depend on your room, your music, and your tastes.

PS - Remember, the guy is working with a budget. If you don't have $30k+ to spend (and most of us don't), some tradeoffs are necessary.

[Florian]

For my tastes, the 1.6qr's have plenty of bass. They don't do anything under 45 Hz or so, but frankly I don't miss it. And the bass they do put out is extremely tight and musical. In fact the quality of the bass is one of my favorite things about my Maggies.

That said, it will all depend on your room, your music, and your tastes.

PS - Remember, the guy is working with a budget. If you don't have $30k+ to spend (and most of us don't), some tradeoffs are necessary.

With all respect Mike, wait until you hear your music over the 3.6 or the 20.1