Quote Originally Posted by Bernd
I still can't see how a mass produced all in one multi channel amplifier and speaker can out perform a specialist product.
I'm not sure how you went from the debate of multichannel audio (which I will refer to as MC to save me from typing) vs. stereo to automatically associating MC with "mass market" products.
There is no restriction on which products you buy when it comes to building an MC setup. Any reason why you would presume to limit MC as such? I could be wrong, but it would appear you're not even giving it a chance. I hope that's not the case.
The only thing "mass market" in my MC setup is my mid-fi a/v receiver. I use it strictly as a pre-amp/processor, as it is much cheaper than "higher end" pre-pros I've tested while giving up nothing I could hear in terms of sound quality. I don't associate all "mass market" with being bad, either...in this case, it was cheaper and better for me. Though I do think an even better pre-pro would slightly improve 2-channel playback on this system (which isn't primarily what I use it for - have a 2-channel rig for that).

There's no reason why you couldn't buy 3 more speakers to match the 2 you already have, if your budget supports it. My 2-channel rig cost me more than my 7.1 home theater setup, but I have to admit I find the multi-channel audio playback even on lower end, but capable equipment to be a more rewarding experience than my higher resolution stereo.

I'm sorry I can't recommend the speakers to you unless you want to build them, but I do believe these results can be replicated with retail models.

If you look at the parts used I am certain you will not find any high quality parts in the mass market products. Therefore it is impossible to have a giant killer.
I guess this depends on your definition of "high quality" parts. From someone who buys his own components to build speakers, I can say that higher quality parts don't always translate into perfromance improvements. I ordered one pair of my home theater's speakers with standard grade components. The second pair I built I made some changes -used 14 gauge inductors instead of 18, used metallized poly caps and film caps with 1% tolerances instead of 10% and 5% tolerances. Oddly enough, the 10% tolerance cap actually measured better than my 5% tolerance cap. At any rate, when I measured my speakers performance there was no improvement - I certainly couldn't hear an improvement. I went back to the less expensive parts for the next pair. (I'll admit I use the most expensive pair in the front l/r position though, just in case).

There's more and more small speaker companies starting up these days that use the same grade of componentry previously found only in much higher-end speakers. If smaller companies have the time to test and match each component themselves (instead of batch testing large production runs) lower cost components with less strict tolerance ranges can be used effectively.

Sometimes we just have to shop harder. http://tyleracoustics.com/taylo.html

Tyler Acoustics is one such company that offers great performance and value compared to a lot of big brand name companies I know. Small company, superior value. They only use quality drivers, components and cabinets.

Of course, you can buy a speaker kit of similar performance and the same parts with cabinets in a T-line system, designed by Dr. D'Appolito himself for for about 1/3 the cost of the retail versions, Tyler Acoustics offers.
http://www.madisound.com/thor.html
It requires some assembly on your part, the cabinets might not be as pretty. To each his own.

Just trying to make a point, good deals can be found if one looks hard enough.