Aperion Audio?

[fredk]

Aperion speakers just offer more detail across all models than similar-priced brands.

Um, lets not get carried away here.

 

[just listening]

Fred:
That's my experience based upon the usual suspects mentioned on this forum that garner reviews from AH. I'm the first to admit that I've had a bad experience with Axiom involving two sets of the same speaker, so I don't favor them. My goal is to hear the RBH by the end of the year. TSC is basically just another Fluance with a slight tweak.

Now if you move up another notch, then companies like Salk, ACI to mention a few come into play and it's a whole different ball game.

 

[fredk]

Well, that does narrow it down considerably from 'all'.

From my limited experience with proper level matched a/b comparisons through a switch, I think that it is extremely hard to make judgements on the nuances of different speakers. According to the smart guys, our audio memory is something like 3-4 seconds and thats less time than it takes to switch cables between speakers let alone level match...

 

[snmhanson]

Not sure if you have made your decision yet but I thought I would chime in. I am lucky enough to live within an hour of the Aperion HQ so I decided to go in one day and check them out. I'm not a critical listener but the speakers sounded very well balanced and detailed to me. I would say that they are definately NOT overly bright speakers but very smooth. In my session in their listening room they really packed a punch while watching Jurasic Park. Like I said, I am not that experienced of a listener but they sounded great to my ears.

With that said, I do want to comment on their customer service. I came in on a Friday afternoon at about 4:30 hoping to just get a quick look at the speakers, not necissarily expecting to have a listen. Well, the employee that helped me was more than happy to bring me back and spend all the time I wanted listening to the speakers and going over my questions, not only about their speakers, but about other speakers, amps, processors, you name it... I especially liked that when I told him I was also looking at Paradigm he didn't feel the need to bash them. Instead he said they were a good speaker. Of course he did add that he felt their speakers were just as good and a bit cheaper but he does work for the company so that's to be expected. In any case, the staff was more than accomodating and from everything else I've heard about them I just don't see how you could go wrong with them as a company. I would say it is definately worth your time to demo a pair and then return them if they don't work out for you.

I personally have not pulled the trigger yet on my speakers. I thought I had my mind made up on Paradigm but there is alot to be said about a company like Aperion where you can make a call or stop in and get great unsolicited advice from them. I also personally like that they are a semi-local company. Plus, they obviously truly believe they have a great product and will stand behind in - otherwise I doubt they would offer the 30 day trial with free shipping both ways. I am getting close to buying the front three speakers so I think I will go give both them another listen as well as the Paradigms (I'll bring my own music and movie this time). As long as they are close I think I just may go with Paradigm.

Matt

 

[just listening]

Matt:
I like Paradigm but one thing to be careful about, if you plan on moving you may get screwed on their warranty. I've read on some boards that authorized dealers who do repairs have a hard time getting paid if the speakers were not bought from them.

Like you, I had a chance to visit Aperion's home office while on a business trip and came away with the same impression. To me 30 days and free shipping both ways is a no brainer.

 

[fredk]

I think the smaller ID companies really have to be on the ball to compete effectively. I had the same experience with Axiom when I visited their factory.

What Digms are you looking at? See if you can arrange for an in home demo of the digms and then get the Aperions in at the same time.

 

[snmhanson]

I am looking at the Studio 60 Paradigms with either the CC590 or CC690 center.

Also, I have to refer back to my last post. On the last sentance I meant to say that I may just go with Aperion, not Paradigm. They are both great sounding speakers to my ear and like I said, I liked the vibe I got from Aperion. I wanted to edit the post but couldn't find that option.

Anyway, to set the record straight, if they are close I just may go with APERION.

Matt

 

[64met]

I am looking at the Studio 60 Paradigms with either the CC590 or CC690 center.

Also, I have to refer back to my last post. On the last sentance I meant to say that I may just go with Aperion, not Paradigm. They are both great sounding speakers to my ear and like I said, I liked the vibe I got from Aperion. I wanted to edit the post but couldn't find that option.

Anyway, to set the record straight, if they are close I just may go with APERION.

Matt

IMHO... U can not go wrong with Aperion... Great product/ industry leading return policy (both ways free ship) warranty length, trade up program and ABOVE ALL.... GREAT PEOPLE!

 

[snmhanson]

Just a follow-up on this thread. I was in Portland for business yesterday and decided to take a quick trip down to Aperion HQ. Reading this thread got me a little juiced to hear their speakers again. Anyway, I spent about 20 minutes listening to the 5T and 6T towers and the 5C and 6C centers. I didn't listen with a sub or any surrounds as I will just be looking to purchase the front three speakers initially. While watching (listening) to a scene from Iron Man it was sometimes difficult to tell whether we had the 5s or 6s running. If I really paid attention I could hear a slight difference between the two but not much at all. Some of that could have to do with the positioning of the speakers and because the room is not that big and not open. However, for HT use in a small to moderate room the 5T/5C combo would work great. In both cases, I would say that the sound was equal to what one might expect in a good theatre. If you add surrounds and sub I think you would be in HT heaven. When we put in some music I could hear a difference between the 5 and 6. The 6 just had more range, especially down low. If you didn't hear the 6 the 5 would probably sound just fine though. While I didn't focus on the musical qualities too much while listening I did get the impression that they won't dissappoint the typical user who isn't a hard core Audiophile. Also, one thing to keep in mind though is that the 6Ts are very deep speakers size-wise. It's important to keep the space requirements and the WAF in mind when considering them - especially when the 5Ts are so close in sound quality and only about 1/2 as deep. The finish on the speakers are very nice. The only potential downside in their boxy design. That is a personal preference anyway but I myself prefer a more rounded design such as the new Paradigm Studios.

Speaking of Paradigm, I listened to some V4 Paradigm Studios a while back and still can recall with some detail how they sounded so I will try to do a quick comparison between those and the Aperions. Comparing the two I would say that the Paradigms were brighter and had a bit more detail while the Aperions were a little more rounded and smooth. I'd say the Aperions were a little laid back but I don't want to convey the image of them being lazy or slow because they weren't. Maybe a good word to describe them would be comfortable or relaxed where as the Paradigms seemed a bit edgey and forward. For HT I think the Aperions would certainly do the trick and would pack a bit more punch than the Paradigms. For music I think the Paradigms may have a slight edge on the Aperions, depending on what you listen to. I loved the piano and violin music that the Paradigms put out but I think the two speakers would be about equal for more progressive music like rock/rap/top 40. I could also see the Paradigms being a bit more fatiguing (SP?) to the music listener after a while in certain situations.

It is still a tough decision for me between the two. The main reason I would consider at the Paradigm over the Aperion would be for more delicate music and dialog needs where I think the Studios detail helps a bit. On the other hand, the Aperions really do provide a well-rounded sound. Price-wise the Aperions clearly have it and for customer service Aperion also gets the nod. If I was going out to spend my money on new speakers tommorow I would get the Aperions. We'll have to see if I change my mind over the next few months when I actually do go spend my money on speakers. And this is coming from a person who was dead set on getting Paradigm Studios.

FWIW,

Matt

 

[just listening]

The Aperions are definitely more laid back than the Paradigms. It's my understanding that the owner enjoys a more European sound. You make a good point with the 5T's and the WAF. One thing to keep in mind is that well-rounded speakers have a tendency to lack excitement as certain frequencies are not boosted. As much as I like the Studio series I do believe they do emphasize a couple of frequency points.

To me, with the free return shipping, I'd grab the Aperions and give them a test drive. You don't have that luxury with Paradigm.