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View Full Version : How are Insignia speakers?


ventwood0
11-04-2006, 05:24 AM
I noticed a friend of mine using insignia speakers the other day. I checked them out online and notieced that they were quite cheap. Are they "ok" such as the KLH line? Or do they just stink.

markw
11-04-2006, 09:50 AM
Most people who have 'em think they are quite good for their price and size. As for comparisons to different speakers, well, that would depend on the other speaker, wouldn't it?

I don't think they'll stand up well against my L-26 Decades though but, then again, they cost a lot more a long time ago.

I suggest you try a pair and decide for yourself. You can always return 'em if you don't like 'em. But, clarify your expectations first. Remember, consider their price and size.

ventwood0
11-05-2006, 01:31 AM
would the insignia line stand against the KLH line? i am quite familier with KLH so if they are as good or better, then I know that they are quite average.

Seth=L
11-05-2006, 02:29 AM
They are better than KLH, IMO. For $50 new, in store, they cannot be beat. They use a driver array similar to KEF's Uni-Q array with a tweeter mounted in the middle of the 6.5 inch woofer. The speakers are surprisingly well built for their price, and offer some nice features. The anti-resonant enclosure, rubber surround for the woofer, and binding posts are all very nice features for a speaker in even the sub $200 range.

The speakers are not even comparable to KLH. They are not made by Best Buy, Insignia, or KLH, but rather a newer speaker company trying to get a start by selling their speakers to Best Buy. The name of the company that manufactures the NS-B2111 bookshelf speaker system is Radiient (yes I spelled it right). Radiient sells the same exact speaker in a surround package and offers the speaker with a top mounted tweeter including the one in the coaxial driver for $200 a pair. They aren't power hungry, but they don't scream either. They have decent bass responce and offer a surprising amount of soundstage in this price range.

Bottom Line: they are very good for the money, so if you don't have any good speakers or just need an extra pair for surrounds or for your bedroom, they will work very well.

riceaterslc
11-05-2006, 08:38 AM
i'm using them right now. when i first got them i did an A/B comparison to my 10year old phase techs. i know age and technology has some factor here, and i am no audiophile, but the insignias has no problesm whatsoever keeping up with the phases with both movie and music soundtracks. i highly recommend them for the price

Pianoman84d
11-05-2006, 11:25 AM
http://www.gr-research.com/insignia.shtm

Hope its ok I posted a link. Here is an assessment of the Insignias and how to maximize their potential.

BTW-I bought a pair for my little brother's birthday and they do pretty good for $50. I don't think they favorably compete with my Onix X-LS, but keep in mind that I have not compared them side by side, so there is nothing scientific about that opinion.

Sheep
11-05-2006, 01:34 PM
They are better than KLH, IMO. For $50 new, in store, they cannot be beat. They use a driver array similar to KEF's Uni-Q array with a tweeter mounted in the middle of the 6.5 inch woofer. The speakers are surprisingly well built for their price, and offer some nice features. The anti-resonant enclosure, rubber surround for the woofer, and binding posts are all very nice features for a speaker in even the sub $200 range.

The speakers are not even comparable to KLH. They are not made by Best Buy, Insignia, or KLH, but rather a newer speaker company trying to get a start by selling their speakers to Best Buy. The name of the company that manufactures the NS-B2111 bookshelf speaker system is Radiient (yes I spelled it right). Radiient sells the same exact speaker in a surround package and offers the speaker with a top mounted tweeter including the one in the coaxial driver for $200 a pair. They aren't power hungry, but they don't scream either. They have decent bass responce and offer a surprising amount of soundstage in this price range.

Bottom Line: they are very good for the money, so if you don't have any good speakers or just need an extra pair for surrounds or for your bedroom, they will work very well.

I wouldn't say they have anti resonant cabinets. You should read this article before you judge them.

http://www.gr-research.com/insignia.shtm

You can order a mod kit for them, which would make them perform MUCH better, but you need to factor in the cost, and see what else there is in the same price range.

Buckeyefan 1 wrote a small review for them, wasn't too impressed.

SheepStar

Seth=L
11-05-2006, 02:53 PM
The design is for anti-resonance, but the particle board is to thin (half inch I believe). I have auditioned these speakers in my home, do they beat my NHT's or Infinity bookshelfs, no, but they sound pretty good for $50 speakers.

I agree that the mods will significantly help them, but out of the box they aren't bad considering.

Edit: so they are .65" MDF, got that cleared up.:)

Seth=L
11-05-2006, 03:01 PM
Does anyone know how good the GR A/V-1 kit is, is it better thant the Onyx X-LS?

GreenJelly
11-05-2006, 04:10 PM
Ventwood, What did you think of them?

It really doesnt matter much what we think, the only thing we can do is suggest other speakers to try. It all comes down to what you like.


Same with you Seth... what do you think of these two speakers?

Mike

Seth=L
11-05-2006, 04:29 PM
Haven't heard them, so I honestly can't say. The only speakers I know about are the ones of the original topic, Insignia NS-B2111 bookshelfs.