Quote Originally Posted by Bryan
As far as HT is concerned, among the best, IMO, is the nOrh 4.0 video package ($850 delivered - available in wood or ceramic). However, you will either love or hate the looks. This is not to say they are the be all end all for I have migrated over to an all Rocket HT (RS550 mains, RSC200 center, RS150 surrounds, UFW-10) though at close to $400 more than my nOrh 4.0/SVS 20-39 combination. Keep in mind with the Rockets I went B-stock for the majority and used for the surrounds, hence the $400 price difference.

The Swans are supposed to be a very nuetral speaker. Assuming you go with the faux black cherry color, you are looking at roughly $947 (2 pairs of 2.1s and a C3 center) plus shipping plus sub ($400 minimum). If you want the rosewood color, add another $650, giving you a total of $1,997 plus shipping. I'm guessing here you are looking at five faux black cherry 2.1s ($747.50 plus shipping though am uncertian how much a shielded center would be).

For balance, you have several B-stock ELTs available. The ELT center is only available in cherry if you go B-stock. Here you are looking at $557 plus shipping for a B-stock ELT system plus $425 for a B-stock UFW-10 (birds eye maple) plus you can add on a pair of Powered Bass Stands ($499 for the pair?) later on if you would like. Note: Those will not replace the subwoofer.

The Ascends offer a potent combination, especially if you have the VTF-2.

It is difficult in this price range to go wrong. Even Magnepan offers the MMG C and MMG W system for $897 (unsure about shipping) though you will need to put in an excellent sub (perhaps the UFW-10 will work). Whatever package you decide to go with make sure you have a quality subwoofer (of which my SVS 20-39CS and Samson S700 are now up for sale). I'm certain you will have a wonderful system that will last you for years to come. Enjoy it!

Quickly edited to add: To further complicate things, you could go with B-stock Rockets rather than the ELTs. Check those asap as they go quickly!

Thanks for your input. I will be adding a sub, I am thinking of trying out the new SVS PB10 ($399) as it doesn't look quite as large as the other ones and placement will be an issue. What are you asking for your SVS?