Video Asylum

Posted by HT Neophyte on January 03, 2003 at 15:46:45

I'd be pleased to hear answers and comments on the following questions and statements:

1) I briefly auditioned B and W 303's (music on CD) -
they seem quite good for the $300 asking price
(Yamaha receiver and Denon DVD player as source).

DTS recording of Diana Krall seemed to work well with these too,
with B and W LCR 3 center-channel speaker ($220 quote on these).
Nice to get a competent midrange for so little money.

However, I think I'd prefer a warmer balance
(more lower-mid weight? less recessed upper-mids?)
so I put it to the Inmates:

What else is competitive for a compact system in this price range -something that
will honor the music (I will probably hook up SACD player at some point)?

Because of space constraints, there is no room for stands (or floor-standers)
at the sides of our 42" 16:9 monitor so I intend to wall mount the LCR set
high above the monitor and aim down toward the couch.

1a) Does any one know of good speaker brackets
which will permit swiveling in two axes?

2) Rear channels are not critical for film and concert DVD reproduction -
so one can "get away" with a modest investment on rear channel speakers, Right?

3) I'm disinclined (my wife especially so) to go with separates
due to wire hassles and appearance and budget.
A fine receiver seems the way to go.
I've seen on AA and other places
that the Outlaw 1050 is an outstanding value.
What other comparably priced receivers are worthy?

4) Speaker wire: I know about AudioQuest flat F-14 and F-88 speaker cables,
which have a chance to not offend my wife when she gazes upon them rising along the wall.
Are there other visually acceptable candidates?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful comments and advice.