RBH T2/T3 - Anyone Listened to these?

B

briansmith

Junior Audioholic
I've read the review. I have access to a pair of T2s for a decent price and I am considering giving them a try. Eventually I would have T2s all around. I hoping I can get by w/out a subwoofer and run them all as large. Do you guys think that this will work? I want THX reference level bass w/ no compression.

Anyone have experience w/ these? I will admit that they seem to be way overpriced to me.

Thanks in advance.

-Brian
 
T

t3031999

Audioholic
I think gene owned a set of T2's for a while.

I would love to have them just for the first impression they would give.
 
E

ExtraCheese

Audioholic Intern
Those speakers are seriously imposing!! I really don't have much to add to this conversation (as I've never heard RBH), but out of curiosity, what kind of amp's would you hook up to beasts like these?
The best speakers I've heard in this price range are the big Dynaudios.
 
gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
You can run 4 T2p systems (2 fronts, 2 backs) and send mono bass to all 4 powered subs for massive amounts of dynamic bass and low end response but they do require alot of real estate. I would run a T1 for the center channel and mount it horizontally.

You can use their SA400 amps to power the subs and a quality multi channel amp for the satellite portions of the speakers. Since they have very linear impedance profile and are very efficient, even a top end receiver will drive them with no problems.

This is a killer setup provided you can get at least 8 feet away from the speakers and have a big enough room to accommodate them. You will easily exceed THX reference levels by a wide margin with this system.

Alternatively if you have the ceiling height, I would opt for a single T3p system up front over 2 T2p systems since it will be easier to integrate bass for most rooms. Then go for a T1 center, 66-SE sides and 661-SE surround backs.

I installed a T3p system in my uncles 50ft room using only 2 SA400 amps with a pair of T2 subs wired in series with each amp. This rocked his basement with ease and serves their ultra loud colombian parties beyond ear bleeding levels. My method saves rack space since you use half the amps and save some $$$. I would try this first and later add 2 additional SA400 amps only if needed.

I used the Emotiva MPS-1 to power all of the speakers except the subs and it worked out great.
 
B

briansmith

Junior Audioholic
You guys still use the T2 in your reference system, right?

I can pick up a T2 set for about $5K. There are a few thing holding me back.

1. Price. Ultimately I would like to have the T1 center and have a pair of T3 up front and T2s in the back. RBH is now asking nearly $15k for a pair of T3 which is an absolute joke. $15K gets you into Wilson Audio territory. Let's see, RBH or Wilson Audio? A no brainer. IMHO, they are much better alternatives to consider than RBH at that price.

2. I like my speakers to be state-of-the-art in every way. Take a look at the new Pioneer EX speaker which were designed by engineers from the U.S., France, and Japan or the latest Revel Speakers. The RBH speakers seem a bit archaic in comparision. The EX speakers have a 12 page brochure covering their design while the T2s have a 4 sentence paragraph basically saying they play loud.

3. Age. They have been out for around 4/5 years now. Are they about to be replaced?

Lastly, I find it strange that the speakers have been out so long yet they have not been reviewed by a single reputable print magazine.

Tough Decision.

-Brian
 
jcPanny

jcPanny

Audioholic Ninja
Line Array

From what I understand, the T2 is a modified Line Array speaker. AV123.com recently anounced a new series of Line Array speakers for $3k and $4k a pair. The speaker designer, Danny Richey, states that these will perform better than his prevous design for epiphiney audio which sell for over $10k a pair. They are definately worth a look and might be worth the wait.
 
gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
You guys still use the T2 in your reference system, right?

I can pick up a T2 set for about $5K. There are a few thing holding me back.

1. Price. Ultimately I would like to have the T1 center and have a pair of T3 up front and T2s in the back. RBH is now asking nearly $15k for a pair of T3 which is an absolute joke. $15K gets you into Wilson Audio territory. Let's see, RBH or Wilson Audio? A no brainer. IMHO, they are much better alternatives to consider than RBH at that price.

2. I like my speakers to be state-of-the-art in every way. Take a look at the new Pioneer EX speaker which were designed by engineers from the U.S., France, and Japan or the latest Revel Speakers. The RBH speakers seem a bit archaic in comparision. The EX speakers have a 12 page brochure covering their design while the T2s have a 4 sentence paragraph basically saying they play loud.

3. Age. They have been out for around 4/5 years now. Are they about to be replaced?

Lastly, I find it strange that the speakers have been out so long yet they have not been reviewed by a single reputable print magazine.

Tough Decision.

-Brian
Yes I use RBH products in all of my reference systems. Clint uses CinemaSITE in his which is very similar.

1. And why do you think the Wilson option is better? b/c of the name? $15k/pair in Wilson doesn't get you a truncated line array type speaker product but instead will get you a conventional 2 or maybe 3 way speaker in a much more fancy looking cabinet but with sound on a much smaller scale. There is no doubt the Wilson looks much nicer in a room than a big box such as the RBH T system. So if aesthetics are your primary concern, go with the Wilsons. Personally, my primary concern is always performance, but I am lucky since I have a very understanding wife and a dedicated theater room.

2. The Pioneer Elite speakers are very nice and we currently have them under review but I can tell you IMO they are no match for the T2 system, NOR are the Revels with respect to dynamics, soundstage and REALNESS in sound.

So b/c of their weak marketing literature (I agree they aren't a well marketed company), they aren't good speakers? If you want great marketing literature, buy Bose. Bose will sell you a great story and they have endorsements from Herbie Hancock.

3. And what has changed in speakers in the last 4 or even 10 years? These are passive electromechanical devices!

RBH IS NOT replacing the T system but they will be announcing a limited special edition version (for a cost adder) this fall which will incorporate Status Acoustic Driver upgrades. I will be getting a set shortly for review.

RE: Print Magazine - hmm not sure whom you consider "credible"? You mean the print magazines that tout the wonders of exotic cables and combine receiver and loudspeaker reviews into one review? BTW, Bose is raved about it most Print Magazines ;)

I do agree however that RBH could stand for more coverage in other media sources.
 
B

briansmith

Junior Audioholic
gene said:
Yes I use RBH products in all of my reference systems. Clint uses CinemaSITE in his which is very similar.

1. And why do you think the Wilson option is better? b/c of the name? $15k/pair in Wilson doesn't get you a truncated line array type speaker product but instead will get you a conventional 2 or maybe 3 way speaker in a much more fancy looking cabinet but with sound on a much smaller scale. There is no doubt the Wilson looks much nicer in a room than a big box such as the RBH T system. So if aesthetics are your primary concern, go with the Wilsons. Personally, my primary concern is always performance, but I am lucky since I have a very understanding wife and a dedicated theater room.

2. The Pioneer Elite speakers are very nice and we currently have them under review but I can tell you IMO they are no match for the T2 system, NOR are the Revels with respect to dynamics, soundstage and REALNESS in sound.

So b/c of their weak marketing literature (I agree they aren't a well marketed company), they aren't good speakers? If you want great marketing literature, buy Bose. Bose will sell you a great story and they have endorsements from Herbie Hancock.

3. And what has changed in speakers in the last 4 or even 10 years? These are passive electromechanical devices!

RBH IS NOT replacing the T system but they will be announcing a limited special edition version (for a cost adder) this fall which will incorporate Status Acoustic Driver upgrades. I will be getting a set shortly for review.

RE: Print Magazine - hmm not sure whom you consider "credible"? You mean the print magazines that tout the wonders of exotic cables and combine receiver and loudspeaker reviews into one review? BTW, Bose is raved about it most Print Magazines.

I do agree however that RBH could stand for more coverage in other media sources.


I will explain my position more clearly when I get a chance though I'm CONFIDENT you knew the intented meaning of my post prior to taking it to the extreme (i.e. references to Bose and speakers not changing in over 10 years). :rolleyes:

[ADMIN] Last comment edited for violation of our forum rules.
 
gene

gene

Audioholics Master Chief
Administrator
From what I understand, the T2 is a modified Line Array speaker. AV123.com recently anounced a new series of Line Array speakers for $3k and $4k a pair. The speaker designer, Danny Richey, states that these will perform better than his prevous design for epiphiney audio which sell for over $10k a pair. They are definately worth a look and might be worth the wait.
Yes that is true. We are looking forward to checking out the new loudspeakers from AV123. We were most impressed with their little $200/pr x-ls speakers and feel they are one of the best values on the market right now.
 

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