A Happy Customer: BIC America DV84 & DV62clr Center

[Dillyo]

Just thought I'd let the nice members of this board know that I just recently purchased a pair of BIC DV84 tower speakers and the DV62clr center channel for my HT setup. I have to say that I am extremely impressed with these speakers for the price. At extreme volumes these speakers do not lose clarity or break up, but sound crisp and clean! As I was told by members who have reviewed these speakers, they sound best with treble and bass settings on 0, unless you want a little more bass as I do and want to sacrifice some quality. I must say these speakers are wonderful for 300 a pair but again (as I was initially told), if you purchase these speakers you are still going to want a subwoofer for the deep loud bass. The dv84's give off beatiful tight punchy bass, but very little deep pounding bass. Just by looking at them though you know they are not meant to slam, but to give off extremely clear mids and highs (which they do). I cant say I have fully tested the center channel yet because I do not have any more room in my bedroom for speakers! But I cant say im worried about the quality of the center, because if its anything like the dv84s (which it is componently), it will be great. So to make this long story short
: If you want to spend about $300 on some amazing speakers.. you might want to consider BIC America DV84s

 

[brian32672]

Glad you are happy.
I went with the Acoustech's
I saw where McMan said the Acoustech's were the lower line to the Venturi.
I would have to disagree, but not wholeheartedly, because I have not auditioned the venturi.

Also the horn sound was not something he personally likes.
I have wood floors, and these things sound great.
Either way, Bic has shown that they make quality budget speakers that most will enjoy.

Once again, I am glad you are happy. Enjoy

 

[Spiffyfast]

Glad you are happy.
I went with the Acoustech's
I saw where McMan said the Acoustech's were the lower line to the Venturi.
I would have to disagree, but not wholeheartedly, because I have not auditioned the venturi.

Also the horn sound was not something he personally likes.
I have wood floors, and these things sound great.
Either way, Bic has shown that they make quality budget speakers that most will enjoy.

Once again, I am glad you are happy. Enjoy

I agree, I dont think they are a lower line, they are just a different speaker. A horn tweeter speaker sounds completely different that one thats not. It's more of an aquired taste maybe...I'm not sure, its either a love em or hate em type thing. From listening to Klipsch Synergy speakers at best buy I really didnt like the sound, then I heard some Klipsch reference speakers and loved the sound. The Acoustecs are supposed to be as good if not better than the Reference Series.

 

[einsteinjb]

Hey,

Everyone keeps talking about Ed Frias and EFE Technology and the mods he does on the BIC crossovers, but I can't seem to find a web site or any info on him on the web. How do you get in touch with him? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hey,

Everyone keeps talking about Ed Frias and EFE Technology and the mods he does on the BIC crossovers, but I can't seem to find a web site or any info on him on the web. How do you get in touch with him? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Got this from another forum:

As of August of last year, Ed's email address is:
efespeakers@commspeed.net
His phone number is:
928-778-2616

He is a pleasure to talk to, and he possesses an amzing wealth of knowledge on speakers and electronics.

Here's some more info on Ed Frias Enterprises and discussion on his speakers:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=430688&page=1&pp=30

 

[einsteinjb]

Got this from another forum:

As of August of last year, Ed's email address is:
efespeakers@commspeed.net
His phone number is:
928-778-2616

He is a pleasure to talk to, and he possesses an amzing wealth of knowledge on speakers and electronics.

Here's some more info on Ed Frias Enterprises and discussion on his speakers:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=430688&page=1&pp=30

Thank you!!

 

[patnshan]

Hey,

Everyone keeps talking about Ed Frias and EFE Technology and the mods he does on the BIC crossovers, but I can't seem to find a web site or any info on him on the web. How do you get in touch with him? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

He seems like a great guy! I sent him an e-mail and asked a couple follow-up questions. He was quick to respond and was quite courteous. I plan to buy the 62's or 84's, break them in, and then send him the crossovers if I am not quite satisfied. He also has the 84's and 62's he sells completely reworked for a reasonable cost. The 62's are like $250 a pair.

One thing I disagree with is that he says BIC subs are crap. I say they are great for the price you pay. They are less than $200 retail. I have a 10 inch, my brother-in-law has a 12. We both love them. He recommends the E250 from JBL to complement those BIC's. I am actually looking at Hsu or SVS for a change. He says the BIC subs are boomy, I don't think so. I guess it is in the "ear" of the beholder

Pat

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

One thing I disagree with is that he says BIC subs are crap. ... He recommends the E250 from JBL to complement those BIC's. ... He says the BIC subs are boomy, I don't think so. I guess it is in the "ear" of the beholder

Pat

I guess. I've heard that the JBL E250 is boomy. Odd. I guess that's why we audition things.

 

[RhapsodyInBlack]

acoustechs are quite nice...

at least for my musical tastes, which is mostly rock in all of its various forms and fashions. Being in the live sound arena for my choice of career, maybe my ears have adjusted to horn loaded speakers versus tweeters,i don't know. I do suspect that horns sound better with more of a rock or pop feed going into them versus jazz and easier listening/smoother sounding music but thats obviously just an opinion. All i can really say is that, for what its worth, i think the acoustechs are a great way for those of us with limited disposable income to experience great quality home theater and music. I am curious as to whether or not their subs will leave me with the same impression as the towers. Technically, it looks like the venturi 1220 may be a better sounding sub but with a tradeoff of peak to rms levels.....anyone have the venturi subs to comment on ?

I agree, I dont think they are a lower line, they are just a different speaker. A horn tweeter speaker sounds completely different that one thats not. It's more of an aquired taste maybe...I'm not sure, its either a love em or hate em type thing. From listening to Klipsch Synergy speakers at best buy I really didnt like the sound, then I heard some Klipsch reference speakers and loved the sound. The Acoustecs are supposed to be as good if not better than the Reference Series.

 

[Dillyo]

Its good to hear you guys are just as happy with your Acoustic series towers as I am with my Venturi's. I would love to hear the the Acoustics to compare the differences between the horns and tweaters. Maybe we get setup a showdown; my speakers vs yours . MINE ARE BETTER! heh jk. On a serious note, I think the moral of the story is, BIC Acoustic or BIC Venturi is an excellent choice for value priced speakers. Keep in mind these speakers in no way perform like thier competetors but much, much better. So whatever your taste, horns or tweaters, BIC is an excellent choice! Next on my list is a V1220 sub and a pair of DV62's for my surrounds. But for now the American Standard Stratocaster has taken financial priority over the surrounds and loud bass. Ahh I love the toys in life!

 

[MacManNM]

The Acoustechs were built to compete with the Klipsch Synergy speaker line. The Acoustechs are built a little cheaper than the Venturi's. The woofers aren't as beefy and the cabinets aren't as heavy. I do believe they are a good set of speakers, I think they are just a bit more in line for HT. The venturi is more for music IMO. A little more mellow and not quite as much bass as the Acoustechs. I'm glad the word is finally getting out on these products. They are a great deal, and provide good sound. I have been into audio for over 20 years,and have owned some very expensive stuff over the years. I am not ashamed to say I would buy a setup for my HT in a heartbeat (and am going to for my new family room). Everyone, enjoy your setups! Also don't be afraid to put some power into those venturis, they really open up when you kick it up a notch or two.

 

[brian32672]

The Acoustechs are built a little cheaper than the Venturi's.

Question??? So clearly they are a lower line of speaker?
Not being a smart butt, But I am assuming that you have had the oppurtunity to take both sets apart? Just curious if this is fact or just opinion?
I am not sure on the venturi's and I clearly stated that. But I have my set here, and I will say specially on the center - There is nothing cheap about it. I mean this thing not only is crystal clear at high and low volumes, but is also a monster and built very well. I posted pics on the size of this thing. And everybody who posted (including venturi owners) said the thing is huge.

 

[MacManNM]

Question??? So clearly they are a lower line of speaker?
Not being a smart butt, But I am assuming that you have had the oppurtunity to take both sets apart? Just curious if this is fact or just opinion?
I am not sure on the venturi's and I clearly stated that. But I have my set here, and I will say specially on the center - There is nothing cheap about it. I mean this thing not only is crystal clear at high and low volumes, but is also a monster and built very well. I posted pics on the size of this thing. And everybody who posted (including venturi owners) said the thing is huge.

Fact. The Acoustech mains are 27 lbs each, the DV64s are 51 lbs each. If you compare the woofers the venturi have much larger magnets and use a better driver. I never said they sound bad, I like them, they aren't too, bright and they are pretty dynamic.

 

[brian32672]

Fact. The Acoustech mains are 27 lbs each, the DV64s are 51 lbs each. If you compare the woofers the venturi have much larger magnets and use a better driver. I never said they sound bad, I like them, they aren't too, bright and they are pretty dynamic.

So weight has something to do with it. Humm, My Fluance are heavier and are shorter and use very decent drivers and decent crossover network they also have twice the amount of bass with only 1 - 6.5 driver. But the sound of the Acoustech is clearly without holes and have very superb midrange and mate very well with a sub, and the surrounds & center. And I am assuming the magnet (and you have checked the 6.5 driver of the Acoustech) is not the same as the venturi. The box is made of a different material, that has very lightweight. And the cone and butyl surround they must make completely different, and get them from different vendors. Surely they do. And I would agree with you that they may be gotten from 2 different sources.

Anyhow point is, have you personally taken each set apart? Have you personally had both sets to compare? I know I have not.

But (IMO) the Acoustech is the better better sounding and way better looking speaker.

 

[MacManNM]

So weight has something to do with it. Humm, My Fluance are heavier and are shorter and use very decent drivers and decent crossover network they also have twice the amount of bass with only 1 - 6.5 driver. But the sound of the Acoustech is clearly without holes and have very superb midrange and mate very well with a sub, and the surrounds & center. And I am assuming the magnet (and you have checked the 6.5 driver of the Acoustech) is not the same as the venturi. The box is made of a different material, that has very lightweight. And the cone and butyl surround they must make completely different, and get them from different vendors. Surely they do. And I would agree with you that they may be gotten from 2 different sources.

Anyhow point is, have you personally taken each set apart? Have you personally had both sets to compare? I know I have not.

But (IMO) the Acoustech is the better better sounding and way better looking speaker.

Yes, they are different drivers. I'm just stating the facts. They are built from standard MDF just a little thinner than the Venturi. I'm glad you think the Acoustecs are better, everyone has their opinion, and for you they are the right speaker.

 

[brian32672]

Yes, they are different drivers. I'm just stating the facts. They are built from standard MDF just a little thinner than the Venturi. I'm glad you think the Acoustecs are better, everyone has their opinion, and for you they are the right speaker.

OK, but you still did not answer my questions.
However, I am also wondering if time, design, and technology are considered as well. Cleary the design of the acoustech's took quite a bit of time compared to "what every other speaker looks like" And to compensate and make these things sound good within this design then technology to has some precedence, which would take even more time. Specially speaking of the surrounds with this set.

Also note: Clearly do you really know the facts, it is not made of standard mdf and for the heck of it, since your into magnet size I decided to take one of the 6.5 drivers out of the mains and see how big it is. Granted it could have been 50 lbs, but I do not think that really would have made it a quality 6.5. Also it is not a subwoofer.
Note: no photo enhancement in any way. Click on pictures below. I do see it has a rather large cancellation magnet. Does this measure up at all????

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Different towers for different purposes

I decided to take one of the 6.5 drivers out of the mains and see how big it is. Granted it could have been 50 lbs, but I do not think that really would have made it a quality 6.5. Also it is not a subwoofer.
Note: no photo enhancement in any way. Click on pictures below. I do see it has a rather large cancellation magnet. Does this measure up at all ?

Thanks for the photos. It's definitely a well built driver. Is there any way you can snap some shots of the inside of the tower with the driver out? I'd love to see the interior wood grain, as well as the foam batting and crossover.

I don't think Mac is giving the Acoustech's a fair shake. He's been a little slighted after taking his DV84's into BB and comparing them to Klipsch's entry level towers. His DV84's blew them away.

Klipsch aren't Acoustech, and Acoustechs aren't Venturi. The DV84's need twice the power to reach the same dB's as the HT75's. The spl on the Venturi's are 90dB. The HT75's are 96dB. The HT75's IMHO would work much better with HT receivers with less than 120 watts per channel. The DV84's require more power to achieve similar sound pressure levels. Of course, the sound will differ between the two units, but right off the bat, the HT75's win the efficiency battle in dealing with entry to mid level receivers.

Different towers for different purposes. Mac's 1st love is two channel music, then HT. He can drive those DV84's with powerful stereo Proton amplifiers. I doubt they would sound the same running through a Pioneer 815. Yet the HT75's would really sing with the 815, simply based on the spl rating. Question for Mac... Did you notice a huge difference in dB's when comparing the DV84's to the Klipsch towers?

 

[brian32672]

Thanks for the photos. It's definitely a well built driver.

Yea, I mean heck- I've seen 8" and 10" drivers with 96-120+ oz. magnets. And if it is not designed well, then it will sound like crap. But it goes more into the enclosure that the driver is fitted for. Which would take computer design and time to make it work well. There was even someone here that said, you can make a crappy driver sound good with the correct enclosure.
Granted for a 6.5 driver I thought they were built well myself. Not the best, but its more of the technology that matters. And a must for good designers/engineers. This I say will make a quality speaker not a 500oz magnet stuck in a box. Also Buck as you know, a lot of design went into these to get them to match. Considering the mains have a huge port (with 2 6.5 woofers and a horn tweeter each), the center has no port and is completely sealed (with 2 6.5 woofers and a horn tweeter), the surrounds are sealed but use a PR (with a 6.5 driver, a horn tweeter, and a 4x6 PR each). So clearly there were some serious engineering going on. Like I said, there really are no holes in the sound and they intregrate very well with a sub. And also let you know the other set had 2 ranges great bass and very good highs (Fluance), but there was little mid range and did not intergrate well with a sub. However these clearly were good for musical. (funny that they were made for HT, clearly less design into them) They do sound great but there are obvious holes.

EDIT:: Also the good thing about my receiver is that it has a built in EQ, and each speaker can be customized to take brightness out if needed. Granted I do not know what McMan listened to for the Klipsch set, or even if he had or played with a EQ setting. Once again, I have wood floors. And these are by no means overly bright. However take the bass out of any fronts and set the EQ high=That it may sound a tad to high pitched. At least IMO.

 

[Spiffyfast]

You defend those Ht-75's Brian, your gonna get a chiclet vote : ) Ok well it wont let me give ya one, so I'll have to give some to some other ppl first.

 

[MacManNM]

Thanks for the photos. It's definitely a well built driver. Is there any way you can snap some shots of the inside of the tower with the driver out? I'd love to see the interior wood grain, as well as the foam batting and crossover.

I don't think Mac is giving the Acoustech's a fair shake. He's been a little slighted after taking his DV84's into BB and comparing them to Klipsch's entry level towers. His DV84's blew them away.

Klipsch aren't Acoustech, and Acoustechs aren't Venturi. The DV84's need twice the power to reach the same dB's as the HT75's. The spl on the Venturi's are 90dB. The HT75's are 96dB. The HT75's IMHO would work much better with HT receivers with less than 120 watts per channel. The DV84's require more power to achieve similar sound pressure levels. Of course, the sound will differ between the two units, but right off the bat, the HT75's win the efficiency battle in dealing with entry to mid level receivers.

Different towers for different purposes. Mac's 1st love is two channel music, then HT. He can drive those DV84's with powerful stereo Proton amplifiers. I doubt they would sound the same running through a Pioneer 815. Yet the HT75's would really sing with the 815, simply based on the spl rating. Question for Mac... Did you notice a huge difference in dB's when comparing the DV84's to the Klipsch towers?

How am I not giving them a fair shake? I said they are good speakers and they sound pretty good. I pointed out, (as you have many times on this sight) that the Acoustechs aren't as heavy as the DV64's. You and I both know, that is usually indicative of quality. As for the woofers, they are similar; obviously they aren’t the same as the Venturi woofers because there is a 6db difference in sensitivity. Which means they take 4 times the amount of power to play at the same level. When I did my best buy demo, both units were played on a decent pioneer receiver (don’t remember the model), and they were played flat. The Klipsch sucked. Now, the last time I listened to the Acoustechs, was in Costco, being run by a bottom of the line Kenwood receiver. They sounded pretty good considering the circumstances. I’m not slamming them, I think they are a good HT speaker, and have recommended them in the past, and will continue to do so.