I'm seriously considering starting a 5.1 system at 4.0 with a pair of Triton 7, another pair of SuperSat3 surrounds and adding a center if phantom doesn't work out and a sub or two if we think we need more bottom end.

Question is how would you expect the Triton 7 paired with a Forcefield 3 sub (or comparable) to perform compared to the Triton 3. Better, worse, same?

Not that I have a lot of room for subs, but I understand separating the sub lends flexibility in placing and I like the idea of less cash up front and building slowly. But in the end I'm after the better sound quality so would rather spend the extra up front on the powered tower if ultimately its overall sound would be better.

Do either have much chance for success in such tight confines?

Thoughts? Thanks.

In my opinion, having two integrated subs is a better choice. The bass sounds will be better integrated with other sounds. Any of the Triton series with powered subs should provide more than enough bass for movies via the LFE connection. For music, you have several listening options, including "Double Bass", if your music source is also your AV Receiver.

If space is an issue, or if placing an outboard sub is a problem, you might not be able to find a suitable location which provides both satisfactory aesthetics and sound.

Best,

Art

Ordinarily I would agree with what Bro Art is saying, and I do agree, IF you go one more step up the line to the T 2s, even the older T 2s if you can find some used ones. They are just a LOT better speakers than the T 3s. I say that with confidence as I have them both. And I have the T 7s. So, if it were me, I would go with the T 7s and subs rather than the T 3s.
I hope you can find somewhere to audition these choices for your self and make you decision based on what you hear.
Hope this helps, but in the end it has to be your decision. And none of them are bad ones, it should sound great no matter which way you go.
God Bless,
Wayne

Art and Wayne, Many thanks for your replies.

The point about integrated sound of the inboard subs and the lack of space for external sub that I wonder about the most. Having said that I have listened to both at a dealer.

I was completely blown away by the 7's without sub. My current set up (Infinity Minuettes) is barely visible in the pics so I'm likely easily impressed but what those speakers are capable of is impressive. The 3's were less impressive but there's good reason to suspect they weren't set up properly. Even so the parts that played well (solo classical guitar and piano) were exceptional. Close your eyes and you're in the studio.

If the choice is powered I would dearly love the T2. I'm a bit obsessed with the symmetry of the D’Appolito array. Those would have to wait for the budget and move to the larger uncluttered space earmarked for HT and listening but currently still occupied by one of the many teenagers still at home.

Wayne - I am curious. You mentioned in another thread that given the opportunity to choose between the 5 and 7 you'd choose the 5. Any particular reason why? Are the fundamentally better at something than the 7?

Thanks again,
Allan

Hi Allan,
I am a believer in great speakers and GEt speakers in particular. I believe speakers are almost a lifetime decision, not a throw away product. I lived with Apogee Stage speakers, carrying them all around the world for 20+ years, don't want to stop and really figure out how long. And now that I found my GEt speakers, I am keeping them. SO, I always recommend to anyone, GET THE BEST SPEAKERS YOU CAN AFFORD!!!! The T 7s are great, but the T 5s have even better technology in them, are more full range speakers. But I really prefer the T 2 towers, even the old ones to either of these unpowered towers.
I have not heard the T 3+s so cannot say, but my T 3s the older ones are just not in the same class as the T 2s. I have them in the rear of my home theater, in a 7.2 system, they pull the short straw.
You mention the D'Appolito array, and I agree whole-heartedly.
Believe me, I have been in the have to save up to get what I want camp for all my life.
The Triton Two or TOnes are WELL worth saving up for.
Hope this helps.
God Bless,
Wayne

Wayne,

Thank you for your advice. I've had the same pair of Bose 301 following me around for 30 plus years. They don't sound any better now than they did new but they get their job done of providing background noise.

Fortunately the current set up won't be the last on only. I'll have an opportunity at a pair of T3 for the next set up. This time around the budget can't go nearly that far.

I appreciate your comments regarding the T5. I'm actually going to post a follow up with details about my listening profile to see if the 5 fits better than the 7. The difference between the 5 and 7 is doable.

Thanks again,
Allan