Going to Test out Speakers Today

[Neijii]

So after some recommendations from my Aperion thread, I'll be going to some places to try other speakers.

I went to listen to the Paradigm Titan this morning, sounded great. Was the v5 and he offered it for $480.

I'll head to Manhattan to listen to a few others today.

[zumbo]

MB Quart from Audioholics. Listen in your home for 30 days!

http://store.audioholics.com/search?xBrand=MB+Quart&xPriceFrom=0&xPriceTo=0&xSort=&xPage=10000

http://store.audioholics.com/page/returns

[Neijii]

I already ordered a pair from online that I wasn't happy with. I'd rather audition this time and go from there.

[ParadigmDawg]

Good call....I already ordered a pair from online that I wasn't happy with. I'd rather audition this time and go from there.

[zumbo]

I already ordered a pair from online that I wasn't happy with. I'd rather audition this time and go from there.

What did you order?

[Neijii]

Good call....

First time I got that on this board, haha

[Neijii]

What did you order?

Aperion 4B

[zumbo]

Aperion 4B

I see them listed in your sig. You didn't send them back?

[Neijii]

Returning them Monday..

Gonna hit the stores now, I'll give you guys an update when I get back

[zumbo]

Give B&W a listen.;)

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1426

[jamie2112]

Give B&W a listen.;)

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1426

I will second that.....B&W's are great!!

[zumbo]

I will second that.....B&W's are great!!

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47559

I see you found the thread. :)

[jamie2112]

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47559

I see you found the thread. :)

Yeah that sucks Zumbo.....sorry to hijack the thread....

[Neijii]

Well...

I listened to:
KEF IQ3..$350 for the pair.
PSB 25 = $479/pair
Paradigm Titan = $480/pair.

I think the titan was the most clear out of the 3, but the KEF offered more bass.

Not sure which to go for really.

[armaraas]

The IQ3 would you leave a little money to put towards a subwoofer if you end up needing to replace/fix yours...

[Neijii]

This is true. Right now I just want to choose the best L/R speakers I can get for the money.

As far as a sub goes, how is that Yamaha that was recommended on the budget systems on this site? That slim one?

[Gimpy Ric]

This is true. Right now I just want to choose the best L/R speakers I can get for the money.

As far as a sub goes, how is that Yamaha that was recommended on the budget systems on this site? That slim one?

How much do you want to spend on a sub? Or is that in the distant future?

Those Aperions only have a 4" woofer and only go down to 100 Hz. or so.

Glad you live in the big apple and can audition just about everything. Go find some Revel Salon2's...I think they go for $22,000 a pair. They look cool as dog snot too!

[Neijii]

I'd like to get a sub soon, maybe 2 weeks after I get these..trying to only use cash..kinda raped my CC lol.

I'd like to spend around $200 for a sub, but a small one..I picked up that Dayton, it's wayyy too big

[Gimpy Ric]

Hsu Research STF-1 - $322.00 shipped. Your may not find more sub for the money. Very small

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-1.html

Bic-100 - Good and inexpensive @ $245 plus $49.00 shipping. 12" and 500 watts peak, 150 RMS.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BIC-Acouste-H-100-12-500-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer-NEW_W0QQitemZ320297173409QQihZ011QQcategoryZ3276QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Sorry, but 200 beans ain't much of a budget unless you buy a used sub.

[Neijii]

I figured..how is that Yamaha YST-FSW100 that was recommended in the budget system.

I know it's not amazing, but for $150, how is the quality...mind you, my room is about 15x15 so it's nothing too big. And I'm not going to be blasting the music since i have people upstairs that will ***** lol.

[Gimpy Ric]

Here is a CNET review with video:

http://reviews.cnet.com/subwoofers/yamaha-yst-fsw100-black/4505-11312_7-31663896.html

I'd save up for the STF-1 myself.

[Neijii]

Here is a CNET review with video:

http://reviews.cnet.com/subwoofers/yamaha-yst-fsw100-black/4505-11312_7-31663896.html

I'd save up for the STF-1 myself.

Damn it ::Looks at credit card and thinks about the STF::

[mazersteven]

MB Quart from Audioholics. Listen in your home for 30 days!

OMG A ghost from the past. :eek:

[mazersteven]

PSB 25 = $479/pair

You can get the Image T45 Tower for that price. :rolleyes:

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/image_maple_sale.htm

[jostenmeat]

OMG A ghost from the past. :eek:

Hey zumbo! How's Cayla?

You can get the Image T45 Tower for that price. :rolleyes:

http://www.saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/image_maple_sale.htm

FYI, DMC electronics has similar pricing, and the T55 is $30 cheaper there.

[jliedeka]

I'm using a $700 Hsu 3.3 in a 12x16 room. Admittedly, I'm only using a fraction of its power but I mostly bought it for its bass extension. Unless you are planning to upgrade your sub soonish, I'd urge you to up your budget enough for one that at least goes down to around 20 Hz. That will cover all the important music and HT stuff. Some music goes lower and some HT effects go lower but if the sub plays at 20 Hz within about 6dB you probably won't miss much.

Jim

[speakerman39]

I'd like to get a sub soon, maybe 2 weeks after I get these..trying to only use cash..kinda raped my CC lol.

I'd like to spend around $200 for a sub, but a small one..I picked up that Dayton, it's wayyy too big
Hey, if you don't mind to spend a bit more, here is a good choice for you. It has a small footprint. Here is a link:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/549349941/mirage-omni-s8-black

Hope this helps and good luck in your decision. Be sure to look at the one on clearance for $276 shipped to your front door.

Cheers,

Phil

[zumbo]

Hey zumbo! How's Cayla?

Fantastic.

[rnatalli]

Sounds like you still haven't found a speaker that blows your skirt up. Keep looking. Try Monitor Audio, RBH, NHT, and others.

[jamie2112]

Fantastic.

She is cute as a button.:)
sorry to hijack ..back on course...

[Neijii]

So I'm going to one more audio store just in case but I've pretty much made up my mind on the Paradigm Titans.

This place has B&W in their showroom, so I'll give those a listen.

[zumbo]

So I'm going to one more audio store just in case but I've pretty much made up my mind on the Paradigm Titans.

This place has B&W in their showroom, so I'll give those a listen.

Uh oh! So much for your mind being made up.:eek: Can't wait to hear what you think.

[Neijii]

Uh oh! So much for your mind being made up.:eek: Can't wait to hear what you think.

OKKK..listened to the B&W 685..WOW..was amazing, BUT it was like $650 which was more than I want to spend. 650 for the speakers, $100 for the stands..so that's $750...too steep. :(

[jamie2112]

OKKK..listened to the B&W 685..WOW..was amazing, BUT it was like $650 which was more than I want to spend. 650 for the speakers, $100 for the stands..so that's $750...too steep. :(

Yes but B&W's hold there value pretty well and you can get stands for 38 shipped from parts express.. Thats only 170 more than the PSB you were looking at...just a thought......:D

[mazersteven]

OKKK..listened to the B&W 685..WOW..was amazing, BUT it was like $650 which was more than I want to spend. 650 for the speakers, $100 for the stands..so that's $750...too steep. :(

There aren't to "steep". :eek: :D

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

[Neijii]

Will the price of those speakers be the same in every store?

Came out to 832 with stands, tax and blue tack

[mazersteven]

Will the price of those speakers be the same in every store?

No the B&W's are negotiable.

[jamie2112]

Those look nice Mazer have you heard them?

[zumbo]

OKKK..listened to the B&W 685..WOW..was amazing, BUT it was like $650 which was more than I want to spend. 650 for the speakers, $100 for the stands..so that's $750...too steep. :(

Oh. I must have missed the budget.:o The new Quarts at Audioholics are $550 each. Not really Aperion prices.:eek:

MB Quart and B&W are in a whole other league. Here is a link to older model Quarts. These are the bookshelf models of the towers I own. SQ will be on par with 700 series B&W.(705) Price is for the pair.

http://eusa.stores.yahoo.net/mbquql62slib.html

[mazersteven]

Yes

Excellent speaker, sound quality for the price.

The first speaker I recommended to the OP was Ascends

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=450564&postcount=42

[Neijii]

OP = Me = Ryan lol

Yea, I just would rather hear the speakers..aside from being on the safe side, I'm enjoying this experience since I'm all new to it.

Another expensive hobby..cigars, audio, computers..kill me

[mtrycrafts]

So after some recommendations from my Aperion thread, I'll be going to some places to try other speakers.

I went to listen to the Paradigm Titan this morning, sounded great. Was the v5 and he offered it for $480.

I'll head to Manhattan to listen to a few others today.

One caution though to remember and allow for.
Different locations will have different room acoustics and, memory from one place to the next, to the 3rd, etc, will fade rapidly for small differences. Not sure what can be done other than to be aware of the drawbacks.

[EJ1]

OKKK..listened to the B&W 685..WOW..was amazing, BUT it was like $650 which was more than I want to spend. 650 for the speakers, $100 for the stands..so that's $750...too steep. :(
I might be willing to sell you my pair of 685's in black ash if you are interested.

[Neijii]

I went to listen to the Titans again today...didn't like them as much as when I first heard them lol.

[zumbo]

I went to listen to the Titans again today...didn't like them as much as when I first heard them lol.

B&W had that effect on me. They are so different in sound than others that are available to audition in my area. Nothing even came close after hearing them. I, like you, just couldn't swing the coin. So, I purchased MB Quart over the net due to have been using them for years in car audio. Boy, was I suprised. Detailed sound. Superb sound quality, and fantastic build quality.

I have had them for four years. I have 175W(4ohm load) going to each of the five speakers. No problems what so-ever.

[Neijii]

I'm just gonna bite the bullet and get the B&Ws. I heard them, loved them. They look great..I got them to drop the tax..so the 2 speakers + stands = $750

[zumbo]

I lied. Monitor Audio came close. I auditioned them side by side. Due to the fact they were beside the B&W's, I couldn't bring myself to purchase them. The B&W's were just flat-out better.

[jamie2112]

I'm just gonna bite the bullet and get the B&Ws. I heard them, loved them. They look great..I got them to drop the tax..so the 2 speakers + stands = $750

Congratulations... The 685s are a great speaker. You will be very happy I think..:D

[zumbo]

I'm just gonna bite the bullet and get the B&Ws. I heard them, loved them. They look great..I got them to drop the tax..so the 2 speakers + stands = $750

I believe that is a smart move. You did very well.

[Neijii]

I'm sure I will...unfortunately I have that obsessive personality, like you guys..so I'm getting my 2 front speakers..next comes the SUB :cool:

[jamie2112]

I'm sure I will...unfortunately I have that obsessive personality, like you guys..so I'm getting my 2 front speakers..next comes the SUB :cool:

Of course, we expect no less from you........:D

[Neijii]

I like this board..i've been on boards since I was 16 with fitness..hard to come by a good group of people these days.

And I just remembered...and be easy..I need a good speaker wire..anyone have a suggestion as to which to get? I take it the 50' spindle of Dynex at home depot won't do the B&Ws and justice.

[zumbo]

I use BJC for all of my cable needs. Once you order from them, you will never want to order anywhere else.

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/

[Neijii]

BJC Ten White (5T00UP) (White jacket, 10 AWG) this one? I'm also going to get the banana plugs..I like those things.

[mazersteven]

I'm just gonna bite the bullet and get the B&Ws. I heard them, loved them. They look great..I got them to drop the tax..so the 2 speakers + stands = $750

If your going to bit the bullet on them at least listen to the B&W CM1 speakers first.

[Neijii]

Mazer..you like playing with my head don't you lol.

Is there a price difference..say yes and make it easy for me lol.

[zumbo]

12AWG will be just fine. But, 10AWG couldn't hurt. I use 13AWG.:D

I use nanners as well. :)

Purchased IXOS speaker wire due to the fact that I have an exposed beam (open) ceiling. My rear speakers look like they are hanging from chains. This was before I knew about BJC.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/IXOSXHS706S/IXOS/XHS706-13-AWG-GAMMA-GEOMETRY-SPEAKER-WIRE-SILVER-PER-FOOT/1.html

[Neijii]

Is it easy to connect a banana to the speaker wire?

[mazersteven]

Is it easy to connect a banana to the speaker wire?

very easy

http://pro.corbis.com/images/42-15666793.jpg?size=572&uid=%7BE1E8E3B6-0B11-4BBE-9A5E-92C2AB139DD9%7D

[zumbo]

LOL:D;):D:eek:

[Neijii]

OK..ordered the wire. Picking up the speakers tomorrow.

[zumbo]

OK..ordered the wire. Picking up the speakers tomorrow.

It would be funny if the wire made it home before the speakers.;)

[Neijii]

Haha..they had the speakers in stock..So the speakers will be here tomorrow :D

They sold speaker wire there for like $350-$450 for 20' :confused:

[zumbo]

'Tis where they make the money. I wouldn't even ask them how much for an HDMI cable.:eek:

[Neijii]

was like $150 for 5' haha

Is there a site that has a pricelist on speakers like B&W products and what not?

[mazersteven]

Make sure you audition the CM1's before you leave the store.

[Neijii]

Make sure you audition the CM1's before you leave the store.

How much are those?

[zumbo]

http://www.hometheaterstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=B%26W

CM1
http://www.hometheaterstore.com/B_W_CM1_2_Way_Vented_Box_System_p/cm1.htm

686
http://www.hometheaterstore.com/B_W_686_2_Way_Bookshelf_Speaker_p/686.htm

685
http://www.hometheaterstore.com/B_W_685_2_Way_Bookshelf_Speaker_p/685.htm

[mazersteven]

Very close to what your going to spend on the 685's.

[Neijii]

They're $1000

[mazersteven]

They're $1000

Not the street price. It's called negotiations. :rolleyes:

[Neijii]

haha..the 685 really is pushing it for me, just gonna go with these and be happy.

[mazersteven]

haha..the 685 really is pushing it for me, just gonna go with these and be happy.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

[zumbo]

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.

In the OP's defense, I doubt they will knock 400 bucks off the CM1's. Seriously.:rolleyes:

[mazersteven]

In the OP's defense, I doubt they will knock 400 bucks off the CM1's. Seriously.:rolleyes:

You can buy the CM1's for $700-$750 bucks. :cool:

What is he paying for the 685's, $650?

[speakerman39]

You can buy the CM1's for $700-$750 bucks. :cool:

What is he paying for the 685's, $650?
Hey Maz, can you loan me $700 for some new speakers.........LOL!!!! :p:p Just kidding. ;);)

Cheers,

Phil

[Neijii]

The places in the city aren't dropping prices. They won't break $650 for the 685s..

They only give discounts if you buy the entire sets they said.

[zumbo]

You can buy the CM1's for $700-$750 bucks. :cool:

No. You can.:p

What is he paying for the 685's, $650?

No. He is paying $750 with stands out-the-door. Seems fair to me. Not as good of a deal as the Quarts, but a decent deal.

[zumbo]

Just for the record, the Quarts smoke both the CM1 and 685 in SQ and BQ. Seriously smoke them in BQ.

3/4" MDF
Real wood veneer
Cool glass inserts for the tops
Handmade in Germany

[Neijii]

LOL...see! You guys make it so hard to make a purchase..you find something you like then smash the buyer over the head with doubts lol.

[zumbo]

LOL...see! You guys make it so hard to make a purchase..you find something you like then smash the buyer over the head with doubts lol.

You have made a wise decision based on your purchase preferences. I just hate the Aperions left a bad taste in your mouth about online shopping. On the other hand, Quart is NOT an online (made in CHINA) speaker company.

[Neijii]

I haven't seen any Quart in stores..only online..donno, maybe when I go for my next system or addons I'll do the online thing :D

[armaraas]

So, how's the budget doing?
I'm glad you were able to find something you really like. As a rule of thumb, you should start out with a budget, and then add at least 50%, not sure if anyone warned you about that or not, but you've figured it out your own it appears...

I just think it's funny you started out with 4B's and ended up with those speakers. I can't wait to see what you do with the sub now... :D

[mazersteven]

I can't wait to see what you do with the sub now... :D

He PM'd me tell me he was looking at the B&W subs. :eek:

Last week he wanted a $150 sub. Today it's a B&W sub.

[armaraas]

He PM'd me tell me he was looking at the B&W subs. :eek:

Last week he wanted a $150 sub. Today it's a B&W sub.

Wow, and I thought I went over budget... :eek:

[Neijii]

That was if i were to get a sub NOW, which I am not..if I wait and save, I can get better, which I will do.

[zumbo]

I haven't seen any Quart in stores..only online..donno, maybe when I go for my next system or addons I'll do the online thing :D

They have had their fair share of marketing problems. Many high-end car audio stores have MB Quart on display.

My take on it is this. They are a small German company. They probably don't have a good understanding of the Wal-Mart/Bose American consumer. Also, they don't speak our language. Probably don't have too many people actually "in house" that do.

B&W is British. They all speak English. It is many of our native homeland. Pretty sure they understand us.

While this may be a simple-minded view, it's my humble opinion.

[Neijii]

Well..that makes sense.

[mazersteven]

My take on it is this. They are a small German company. They probably don't have a good understanding of the Wal-Mart/Bose American consumer. Also, they don't speak our language. Probably don't have too many people actually "in house" that do.

B&W is British. They all speak English. It is many of our native homeland. Pretty sure they understand us.

While this may be a simple-minded view, it's my humble opinion.

So what happened to Canton? How do they understand us and Quart don't? :rolleyes:

[zumbo]

So what happened to Canton? How do they understand us and Quart don't? :rolleyes:

Have never auditioned Canton. Don't know of any dealer that has them. Let me do a dealer search real quick.;)

HMMMM! Can't find a dealer search feature on their site. You sure they understand us.

[zumbo]

Judging by the Canton prices offered at Accessories4less, I would say they do understand the Wal-Mart/BOSE American consumer. And, at those prices, I would put a good amount of money on one of two things.

1)Made in China.
2)Cheap materials.

[zumbo]

Mazer, I think you may have missed my point. None of us here are the Wal-Mart/BOSE American consumer. To make it in the US, you need to offer plenty of junk, and a few good products. Most of your budget needs to go towards marketing the junk. If all you make are superb products, you will fail. 'Tis why Quart has so many low-end car audio products now. They are trying to understand.

[mazersteven]

http://www.canton.de/en-adressenInt-27.htm

[armaraas]

The Canton speakers Acc4less has are typically a generation behind the current models for Canton.
Actually, a lot of the Karat speakers in past there have been several generations behind what is currently listed on Canton's website. I believe acc4less is an authorized/clearance type of seller for Canton. Alot of the KEF are B-stock as well, so I think it's common for the speakers they carry.
I haven't been there in a while, I better go check out their latest prices.

http://www.canton.de/en-home.htm

[zumbo]

http://www.canton.de/en-adressenInt-27.htm

Doesn't look like a dealer locator to me.:confused:

[zumbo]

The Canton speakers Acc4less has are typically a generation behind the current models for Canton.

So, like Quart, they have a good bit of older speakers left here in the US that didn't sell?:rolleyes:

[armaraas]

Doesn't look like a dealer locator to me.:confused:

What mazer found is the closest thing on their site I guess, it's changed since the last time I looked at it. I thought they had a dealer locator on their old site, but maybe it just wasn't working for them.

[armaraas]

So, like Quart, they have a good bit of older speakers left here in the US that didn't sell?:rolleyes:

Is that so different than any manufacturer, to have older generations of speakers around to get rid of when the new ones come out?
Actually, acc4less has a lot fewer Cantons than they did a few months ago.
Maybe Canton is giving up...

[zumbo]

Is that so different than any manufacturer, to have older generations of speakers around to get rid of when the new ones come out?
Actually, acc4less has a lot fewer Cantons than they did a few months ago.
Maybe Canton is giving up...

May be. But I do believe I have proved my point. You have to offer a lot of junk to make it in this country. At the time of my MB Quart purchase, they offered one line of home speakers. The highest quality they were able to produce. Today, it's the same story. They offer one line. The best they can produce. While I would agree they are not the best money can buy, you have to give them props for not marketing a bunch of junk. Yet.;)

I honestly think I will cry the day I see Made in China on a Quart product.

[jamie2112]

May be. But I do believe I have proved my point. You have to offer a lot of junk to make it in this country. At the time of my MB Quart purchase, they offered one line of home speakers. The highest quality they were able to produce. Today, it's the same story. They offer one line. The best they can produce. While I would agree they are not the best money can buy, you have to give them props for not marketing a bunch of junk. Yet.;)

I honestly think I will cry the day I see Made in China on a Quart product.

http://www.audiogroupforum.com/csforum//showthread.php?t=65627
Start weepin brother It seems even Great speaker companies are using Chinese companies to assemble speakers because its "cost effective" Yeah it sucks....:eek: I think its the Q series that is made in China..

[zumbo]

http://www.audiogroupforum.com/csforum//showthread.php?t=65627
Start weepin brother It seems even Great speaker companies are using Chinese companies to assemble speakers because its "cost effective" Yeah it sucks....:eek: I think its the Q series that is made in China..

I have already mentioned that it has happened to some of their car audio. It hasn't happened in their home audio. (YET, which you may recall I mentioned)Americans demand garbage. Many of you spent a good part of your day at Wal-Mart buying crap. You just had to save a few cents on your items to make yourself feel good. Not me. I demand quality.

[jamie2112]

SOme of their low end speakers are being put together in Germany but being made in China.. It suck I wouldn't buy any of the lower Quarts anyhow. They are an amazing sounding speaker. I have only seen and heard a few they were incredible.... I would like to hear some next to B&Ws as they are my current favorite......(that I can afford).....:D

[zumbo]

There is another thing to note. The QLS 530's I linked in this thread were made when Rockford Fosgate owned MB Quart. It's kind of a buy it while you have a chance situation. They are 100% handmade in Germany. I have stressed for years here the quality of these gems, and I have had only one person get some. They were blown away, and actually purchased a second pair. But look how many foolish people purchased web only Chinese made junk. They either sent them back, sold them, or were foolish enough to think they actually purchased a quality pair of speakers.

[zumbo]

While the low-end B&W's chosen do sound good, we all know what they are made of, and who they are made for.:rolleyes: