I presently have a 5.1 Paradigm speaker system consisting of the following:

Front: pair of Titans.
Center: CC-170.
Surround: pair of ADP-170 di-poles.
Sub: PDR-10.

I like the sound, but would like to upgrade when I get my 50" plasma.

The speakers I have now are boxy and bulky and I'd like a more attractive solution while not compromising the sound quality.

I've been thinking about the Mirage UNI-Theater with matching subwoofer and satellites. They're cool looking speakers, but the frequency response of the UNI starts at 80 Hz compared to 60 Hz on the Titans. Would I notice a detrimental difference, or would the sub just pick up the slack? Also, would a OMNI-polar speaker be a bad idea compared to a di-polar one if you're sitting right beside one?

My budget for this would be no more than $3,000. The room is about 11' x 18'. Thanks.

Martin Logan also have a couple of series that may fall in your budget.

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/applications/onwall.html

http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/vignette.html

As 57 suggested, I would definitely audition Martin Logan. Another alternative would be Vienna Acoustics. But I suspect both would exceed your budget.

Personally I would consider Axiom Audio, who have an excellent 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can audition the speakers in your own home. Combined with an SVS subwoofer, this is a wonderful setup.

Front Speakers: Axiom W22, $730
Centre: Axiom W150, $550
Surrounds: Axiom QS8, $590 + brackets $90
Subwoofer: SVS SB12-Plus, $800

Total: $2,760

Those Axiom's are beautiful! I like their in-wall/on-wall solution. First time I've seen that. Thanks for suggestion. I'll be spending many hours researching these.

Axiom is a Canadian speaker manufacturer, prices above include shipping. The Canadian dealer for SVS is Sonic Boom Audio. Enjoy!

I use 5 of the W3s in my home office. I had the same ugly factor to deal with. I didn't like the in-ceiling options. The W3 were easy to install. They're basically a good bookshelf speaker half in the wall. Very happy with the sound.

I'm leaning towards the larger Axiom on-wall/in-wall speakers with a pair of QS8s, but the choice of a subwoofer is more difficult.

I just found the SVS PCi cylinder type subs on the Internet. I like the way they take up little floor space, look pretty cool, impressive specs, and good price. Anyone have any experience with these?

Or would I be better to stick with an Axiom sub to match the rest of the system? Thanks.

The SVS cylinder subs are an excellent choice! I have my heart set on eventually purchasing an SVS 20-39 PC-Plus. One of my close friends has an SVS Passive cylinder subwoofer in his $15,000 stereo hifi system, driven by an external poweramp.

What SVS model are you considering?

Personally I would stick to SVS or HSU for subwoofers.

I have heard that the Axiom subs are also excellent, especially the EP600, not inexpensive...

I just found the SVS PCi cylinder type subs on the Internet. Anyone have any experience with these?

I'm using an SVS Cylinder sub with an Axiom M60/VP150/QS8/M2 7.1 setup and couldn't be happier. The M60's have pretty decent bass on their own, but for movies the SVS really moves the low end air - and it blends beautifully with the Axioms.

Not to say that you won't find be pleased on audio sources - the SVS has tight and controlled bass. Just finished listening to Donald Fagen's Kamikiriad on DVD-A; absolutely incredible.

I'm using an SVS Cylinder sub with an Axiom M60/VP150/QS8/M2 7.1 setup and couldn't be happier

What is that SVS sub close to in the Axiom line?? EP 500?? I just listened to a M22, QS8, VP100 setup and think I'm leaning to something similar but larger center and not sure about the sub.

I'm just gonna wall mount the M22's.

I couldn't say which Axiom sub it best compares to, as I haven't heard any of their subs. The SVS model I picked up is the 20-39 PCi, which has lots of power and punch for the HT room I'm using it in. Volume on the sub amp is usually 1/4 to 1/3 up the dial.

I love playing the THX audio test from a DVD - when it sweeps down into the low range my house framing vibrates - it literally shakes the house. This is also a good test for balance with your speakers, as the audio transfers from the speakers to the sub as it goes down through the frequency range.

It's pretty big - looks like a small water heater, but oh that sound. Like Axiom, I think SVS provides excellent audio quality for a reasonable price.

Yeah, I am not sure I like the look of a small water heater in my room, so was looking at the PB12-NSD or the STF-3 from HSU. Still in that same price range of $700-800.

I'd like to have something for my 2500 cu ft space that shakes the room.

Hi Al - the subwoofer I originally recommended, the SVS SB12-Plus, is the smallest subwoofer that SVS manufacturers (15" x 14" x 14"). This subwoofer is ideal for a small space.

The HSU STF-3 is an excellent choice, though significantly larger (22" x 15" x 23"). This subwoofer is ideal for rooms up to 4500 cubic feet. To put that into perspective, your room is close to 1500 cubic feet.

It's tough for a 12" sealed sub (SVS) to match the deep bass output of a 12" ported sub (HSU), however it doesn't sound like you'd hit the limits of either, or be able to take advantage of what a ported sub would offer. If space is concern, I would definitely lean towards the SVS.

Hi Al - the subwoofer I originally recommended, the SVS SB12-Plus, is the smallest subwoofer that SVS manufacturers (15" x 14" x 14"). This subwoofer is ideal for a small space.

The HSU STF-3 is an excellent choice, though significantly larger (22" x 15" x 23"). This subwoofer is ideal for rooms up to 4500 cubic feet. To put that into perspective, your room is close to 1500 cubic feet.

It's tough for a 12" sealed sub (SVS) to match the deep bass output of a 12" ported sub (HSU), however it doesn't sound like you'd hit the limits of either, or be able to take advantage of what a ported sub would offer. If space is concern, I would definitely lean towards the SVS.

Thanks, but I think you are confusing me with the OP. His space is approx 1500 cu ft, mine is approx 2500 cu ft with an open wall to another room.

Do you still think the SP12 plus is adequate?? I just feel I want more then enough bass which is why I am looking either STF-3 or PB12NSD.

Oops, you're right I was confusing posters. I would likely choose the STF-3 in your space, enjoy!

I think I'll be getting the Axiom Grand Master Epic 350 package. Not the biggest sub, but it should be an improvement over my Paradigm PRD-10, and more than adequate for 1500 cubic feet. Thanks.

I see you chose not to purchase in-walls? Look forward to your review of the speakers, enjoy!

Actually I am getting the in-wall/on-wall speakers.

The complete name of the package is Axiom Grand Master Epic 350 In-Wall Home Theater.

Here I go again (changing my mind).

Due to the construction of the wall (location of studs and double studs) where I wanted to located the plasma, the Axiom on-wall/in-wall speakers could be a pain to install and would put the TV off a few inches from the ideal.

Now I'm thinking about the Mirage UNI-Theater again, but combined with the Axiom QS8 surround speakers to create a 5.1 system (plus a subwoofer of course).

Would it be a bad idea to mix brands of speakers like that? Thanks.