grocerylist wrote: All the reviews I've read all seem too good to be true which also makes me nervous because I feel that some reviews are essentially paid advertising.

It is apparently a common misconception amongst certain types of people (define "types" as you wish) that you could pay a professional writer (or magazine, in the way of advertising) to jeopardize their career and reputation by saying something about a product that is not true. (And if you could, GoldenEar is not Apple, we couldn't pay off that many reviewers even if we needed to.) Look at the list of names of the people who have reviewed the GoldenEar speakers, you couldn't get a single one of them to say something they didn't believe. And all those product of the year awards - you can't buy those either.

Regarding the dealer in Seattle, ask for the store owner (Craig). They are a great store that's been in business for decades and have no desire to prevent purchases.

Thanks Moderator for your input regarding the reviews, how about some input/recommendations regarding my original post?

LOL ... sorry, as everyone here will tell you, I like to let the members answer so you are getting a response from users, not the brand. I think everyone prefers that stance, I just add detail or correct wrong info.

But, since you asked and want, here's my two cents...

1) I would prefer the Anthem 710 unless it lacks some feature(s) you need;
2) Triton Twos will make lots of bass for movies, no need for an outboard sub (others will disagree). If you like the idea of an outboard sub(s), the Triton Fives with a pair of ForceField 5s would probably outperform a pair of Triton Twos.
3) SuperSats for surrounds work great, with proper crossover they will play just as loud as the rest of the system. Some prefer more full range effects speakers, in which case the Aons, if they fit, are the best choice (or an in-wall/in-ceiling Invisa MPX or HTR 7000)

OK, did I get them all? If not, post again any specific questions for me and I will answer. I promise.

grocerylist wrote: Thanks Roman and T Cobe. There is another dealer in Bellevue but it's the same company that is in Seattle, just a different location. I will likely end up driving down to Portland to check out Chelsea Audio & Video. Maybe I'll find a more accommodating dealer and as a bonus no Seattle 9.6% sales tax, which adds up with a purchase like this!

I wrote Mark this morning to let him know you might be contacting him. He will give you the "hookup". Go give Golden Ear a listen. Bring some serious FLAC demo material and any movies you might want to demo (They have Transformers: Age of extinction there....its amazing)

As for the bass on the T2's I think we are splitting basshead hairs here. The T2s should be pretty amazing to anyone but the most died in the wool bassheads. So if your looking to keep a full sub off the floor, the T2s should be more than adequate. I have heard them in the demo room and I am kinda blown away...without any subs...at how good they truly are.

I know you are a little skiddish on the reviews of the GE products maybe being a bit.....um...biased. Once you listen to them...you will understand why everyone is so passionate about them. I will tell you this. I have a VERY simple unit.....only using the SS3s and a FF4 for my living room. Granted smaller room than you have to fill with sound. I have them plugged into a $450.00 Onkyo 636 unit with Dolby Atmos. With that small system. I am able to beat out just about any surround system I have heard for under ....say.....$4-5,000 from competitive alternatives. Everyone I demo the system to......is taken aback at the quality and level of sound from what might be qualified as the Bose coined phrase of "Lifestyle System". (I also went that way because I have a cat that like scratching posts....I could imagine the heart attack I would have if she thought my GE cloth covered units were that) So I have other driving forces in my decision process. I was originally going to go for the T7s.

I know I am getting wordy hear...but let me present this one idea. I was nervous about getting the GE product.....and ESPECIALLY nervous about getting their BOTTOM OF THE LINE units after hearing how good the more expensive pieces in the lineup. My budget was limited and I ALWAYS aim for the "Bang for the buck" arena. My real money goes into my photography gear....so it was important for me to get this right. I took a chance and just pulled the trigger on the unit in my living room. When I got it all hooked up.....and followed the directions found here in these forums doing a manual setup/config of my surround unit using an SPL meter ($5.00 for a phone app) a tape measure and recommended crossovers dialed into the head unit......the result...while inexpensive....had me almost as giddy as a school kid. I am a fairly jaded person. I have zero problem gushing about GoldenEar. I feel that strongly. So hopefully that will ease some of your apprehension if you have any.

Now I have not heard every system out there....not by a long shot, but I have done a TON of research, and I have found the GE guys to not be so much about marketing...but about being fellow enthusiasts. Enthusiast like Sandy create things.....I mean it IS a business...but I dont think they wold ever just be out there for the money...its about the passion for them. That's the kind of people I want to do business with. So if you want amazing sound and want to pay the least for it. Your $7,000 purchase should easily compare to items out there with as solid a review in the 10,000 - 15, 000 range....the GE products are that good. Reviewers have compared them to even higher price ranges.

Good luck .....let me know how your experience goes with Chelsea Audio and Mark. He and they were great for me but I always like to know how others are handled....as I am recommending them.

Roman

While I believe the Moderator here and trust that the industry praise for GET is legit, I also see where people can get skeptical when reading"professional" reviews. When I see a review praising a $1,000 power cord or a $500 USB cable, it completely discredits the reviewer and the organization they represent. Unfortunately, there are a lot of these reviews and these tarnish the industry. The problem is that reviews are extremely subjective and it's nearly impossible to refute what someone claims to hear. So it's difficult to discredit reviewers and prove unethical behavior.

I tend to trust reviews that include objective data. A good professional review should include both subjective and objective information. Many GET reviews include both and the objective data supports industry praise. No smoke, mirrors, pixie dust, snake oil, or magic smoke. Just solid engineering by people that appear to be passionate about great sound and great value.

Cheers,

T Cobe

Thanks guys for all your ideas. My suggestion about the reviews being paid advertisements was more tongue in cheek, not a serious accusation but it is mind boggling all the reviews comparing a $2,000 pair of tower speakers to some $10,000 pair that made me think there was a little hyperbole.

At the same time I'm totally for the biggest bang for my buck and if Sandy and his team has some magic secret sauce, years and years of experience, and wants to bring quality sound gear to the masses, then I'm on board.

I'll have to bring some BluRays and some music to see which way I'd like to go. I'm interested in the T5s but at the same time I don't want to regret going for bigger towers and perhaps I could go T2s, then add another sub down the line if I really felt like I need it.

Roman, I travel quite a bit so it might be a while before I am able to head down to Portland to see Mark @ Chelsea but I'll make sure to give him a call so I can ensure he has multiple options for me to listen to and more importantly stock so I can take a load home with me!