I previously had a setup that I was hoping to build around. Triton 5's as fronts super center XL and a SVS SB13. Unfortunately I had to sell everything because of a medical bill situation. I'm back now and starting to save for a GE speaker combo again. Would love to start it off with the new GE reference speakers as fronts and a XXL super center and later add T 5's as rears and 4 invisa HTR 7000s for atmos. The question is would the references without a sub be an incredibly better sound and choice over a T5's as fronts paired with one or two SVS SB16's ? Thanks in advance for any advice. Preferences are 60% movies 40% music. Room size is 14 X 12 Separates of Marantz AV7703 Emotiva XPA-5 and later will add a 2nd amp to power the atmos speakers. Rick

Hi Rick, great question and welcome back!!!!
You are considering building a great system, and either way you go should be wonderful.
I have the TOnes and a SVS SB16. But I am a bass head. I think that is what you have to ask yourself.
I have not heard the TRefs, but I am assured they have wonderful bass. IF you are not an out and out bass head, then I would think the TRefs would be not only sufficient but fantastic!!!!!
And definitely in the long run, I suspect you would be thrilled you got the TRefs over the T 5s for all around listening.
BUT if you are like me and there is nothing else for it, you have to have BASS, then sure, the SB 16s are a no brainer.
Others who have the TRefs can tell you more. That is just my two cents, but I am sure you will be happy whatever way you go.
All the best, God Bless,
Wayne

In a word: Yes

I had t7’s (L/R) paired to a sealed sub - and it was a very good setup. However, when I replaced the t7’s with t2’s, there was a substantial improvement in sound - including, perhaps especially, overall bass response. Whether it’s 2 channel stereo or full home theater sound, you won’t regret going larger with your front left/right speakers.

I don’t know where you’re located, but in Colorado - there is a dealer (listenUp) that has Golden Ear speakers setup in demo areas. The speakers, from t7’s, t5’s, t2’s, t1’s, and refs - are setup in acoustically padded rooms with access to cycle through various amps, sources, and pre/pro combinations. You can also cycle in various subwoofers, including GEt subs. The tritons are spaced generously - both in width (left to right) and depth from the listener, and appropriately toed in. I mention these things because when the speakers are setup correctly, and when you can easily turn on/off quality subwoofers during playback, you can get an instant sense of what would be satisfactory for your needs.

While nothing will beat an in-home demo, visiting a dealer who’s taken the time & care to craft a great listening room will go quite far in answering many of your questions.

Hey, Rick (great name! )

I haven't heard Wayne's amazing system.... with SIX LFE connected powered Tritons (T1's, T2's, T3's) plus a SVS SB16 sub, I'm sure his system will rock the house! As his great advice said, how much bass do you want? As a reference, Moderator Dude replied in a much earlier post that each T Ref produces bass equivalent to a Supersub XXL So, a pair of T REf's is like also having a pair of Supersub XXL's.

For music, the T Ref's are just amazing. The top to bottom clarity and punch is mesmerizing. For movies, again, how much bass is enough? Hope you get a chance to audition some of your options.

No wrong choices, just a question of what best fits your listening preferences. I sure like your vision of T Ref fronts, Supercenter XXL and T5 surrounds, adding 4 HTR 7000's later. I think that would rock for both music and movies!!! You could add a rear sub in the future if at some point you decided you wanted even more bass horsepower....

Good luck! Have fun!

Rick

Well Bro Rick, it is not like you haven't been invited!!
Come on over and if you get here in time, you can join us for Thanksgiving Dinner!!!! I am thinkin' Tex-Mex food, what do you think?
God Bless,
Wayne

Man, Wayne!

That sure is a tempting offer!!!! I do like Tex-Mex food! Gotta' find me a way to get to Thailand one of these days....

Thanks!

Rick