BIC Acoustech Cinema Series

[UberBerzerker]

Hello -

new to the forum, been into HT for years and finally have the means to do it right. My wife and I bought a new house, full unfinished basement with nice sized rectangular rooms just waiting to be filled with loads of HT equipment I'm going to do a full install, but nothing too crazy - projector, false front wall with flush mounted speakers/equipment, etc etc.

I'm piecing together what I think I would want to put in there, and I've come across this BIC Acoustech 6 speaker package for around $800. Does anybody have experience with these or know anything on them? I've found a few reviews on the web, and mostly were positive, rating them higher than a couple of Klipsch's similar systems

any info would be great.

Thanks
Dave

 

[patnshan]

Hello -

new to the forum, been into HT for years and finally have the means to do it right. My wife and I bought a new house, full unfinished basement with nice sized rectangular rooms just waiting to be filled with loads of HT equipment I'm going to do a full install, but nothing too crazy - projector, false front wall with flush mounted speakers/equipment, etc etc.

I'm piecing together what I think I would want to put in there, and I've come across this BIC Acoustech 6 speaker package for around $800. Does anybody have experience with these or know anything on them? I've found a few reviews on the web, and mostly were positive, rating them higher than a couple of Klipsch's similar systems

any info would be great.

Thanks
Dave

These have been discussed ad nauseum here and on other forums. Do a search for "acoustech" and you will get a zillion posts. They seem to be regarded as very nice speakers for their price. They have a horn tweeter like Klipsch.


Pat

 

[UberBerzerker]

ok, thanks. I've done a search and read most of the results - but I didn't see any about the whole package, more of pieces/parts of it. I was more looking for a general ''yeah they're worth 800, etc etc'' or ''no, better options at that price point, etc etc''

thanks anyway, I'll just keep on pluggin'

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

They're definitely worth the price. Very very nice looking HT setup in high gloss black with a very able subwoofer. They now have some bookshelf speakers to match if you decide to go 7.1.

You can piece a few other sets together for about the same price, but I don't think any are heads and tails above that setup.

BIC also makes a Venturi setup, where you could get a pair of DV62si's, a CLRS62 center, and DV64 towers. Then purchase an SVS PB10 or HSU STF 2 subwoofer. That system would be close in price, with a slightly better sub, but not as attractive (high gloss finish).

Athena makes an Audition series that would be slightly more expensive, with very good sound. Again, not as sexy looking as the Acoustechs, but a very good buy.

 

[Sheep]

They're definitely worth the price. Very very nice looking HT setup in high gloss black with a very able subwoofer. They now have some bookshelf speakers to match if you decide to go 7.1.

You can piece a few other sets together for about the same price, but I don't think any are heads and tails above that setup.

BIC also makes a Venturi setup, where you could get a pair of DV62si's, a CLRS62 center, and DV64 towers. Then purchase an SVS PB10 or HSU STF 2 subwoofer. That system would be close in price, with a slightly better sub, but not as attractive (high gloss finish).

Athena makes an Audition series that would be slightly more expensive, with very good sound. Again, not as sexy looking as the Acoustechs, but a very good buy.

From reading the reviews, I am not impressed with the BQ of BICs speakers. When the acoustechs were compared to the klipsch speakers, they were MUCH lighter, to light for towers.

Also, there is Rays Bookshelf shoot out review, and the BICs had the worst BQ.

SheepStar

 

[Matt34]

Hello -

new to the forum, been into HT for years and finally have the means to do it right. My wife and I bought a new house, full unfinished basement with nice sized rectangular rooms just waiting to be filled with loads of HT equipment I'm going to do a full install, but nothing too crazy - projector, false front wall with flush mounted speakers/equipment, etc etc.

I'm piecing together what I think I would want to put in there, and I've come across this BIC Acoustech 6 speaker package for around $800. Does anybody have experience with these or know anything on them? I've found a few reviews on the web, and mostly were positive, rating them higher than a couple of Klipsch's similar systems

any info would be great.

Thanks
Dave

I have the Acoustechs minus the h100 sub. I think they are great for a budget-minded HT, they look good and have a very dynamic sound for movies. For $900 I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Also check out the reviews of the SVS SBS-01 setup for around $1000

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

From reading the reviews, I am not impressed with the BQ of BICs speakers. When the acoustechs were compared to the klipsch speakers, they were MUCH lighter, to light for towers.

Also, there is Rays Bookshelf shoot out review, and the BICs had the worst BQ.

SheepStar

But in almost every review, these speakers sounded better than the Klipsch Synergy - not being as sibilant. BIC does not advertise here. I'm not saying that plays a role here or not, but sometimes it can make a difference. How many personal owners reviews have you read where they've commented on their disappointment with the system? Any?

 

[Sheep]

But in almost every review, these speakers sounded better than the Klipsch Synergy - not being as sibilant. BIC does not advertise here. I'm not saying that plays a role here or not, but sometimes it can make a difference. How many personal owners reviews have you read where they've commented on their disappointment with the system? Any?

You mean this review?

- ..."In terms of value and performance I give Acoustech my
highest recommendation."
- ..." Excellent all-around performers."
-...Superb dynamic range, faithfully reproducing everything
from whisper-soft vocals in a jazz song to the loudest explosions
in an action movie."
-..." Reproduction of high frequencies were pronounced,
open, and thankfully, not excessively bright."
-..." Midrange reproduction was crisp and clear."
-..." bass was tight and punchy."
-..." I was amazed at how little power was required to
effortlessly fill the room with sound."
-..." Seamlessly matches it's horn tweeters with it's cone
woofers, alleviating any holes in frequency response."
-... " visually stunning."
-..." the Acoustech speaker line knocked my socks off."

All those quote are from 1(!) review, and only 1(!) paragraph. BTW, that review was a hack.

SheepStar

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

You mean this review?



All those quote are from 1(!) review, and only 1(!) paragraph. BTW, that review was a hack.

SheepStar

You need to go out and purchase a pair of DV62si's, and a CLRS center channel. After you demo, then comment. Have you ever heard or felt a BIC Venturi or Acoustech speaker before? Reviews are what they are. I'm not sure where you got that review, but epinions and Amazon are legit places to find honest info. C'mon Sheep. This isn't like you to comment so forward on stuff you've not demo'd.

 

[Sheep]

You need to go out and purchase a pair of DV62si's, and a CLRS center channel. After you demo, then comment. Have you ever heard or felt a BIC Venturi or Acoustech speaker before? Reviews are what they are. I'm not sure where you got that review, but epinions and Amazon are legit places to find honest info. C'mon Sheep. This isn't like you to comment so forward on stuff you've not demo'd.

When did I comment on the sound?

I BQ is not on par with other speakers at the same retail price point. Yes, they can be had for less, but I could also get a 5.1 dvd/surround system for 90 bucks at FS. The question is, where do you draw the line?

Considering how LITTLE is costs to put some polyfill inside the enclosure, it just rings as cheap in my ears.

And, I'm not saying my speakers are good. Heck, my WBT binging posts on my C-1s vibrate.

SheepStar

 

[tdamocles]

Also, since the dimensions on the ht-75s are only 40"h x 9"W x 8"D will they actually be heavy at all? Can anything with those dimensions actually be heavy unless its made with lead?? lol. I have a pair of the Ht-75s and I think they sound pretty good. I'm no expert with sound but they aren't that bad. I also bought them since they aren't that deep and don't take up much area. If you like speakers that are on the bright side, like klipsch, I would consider them.

 

[tomd51]

X-Series X-LS 5.1 System

Granted they're out of stock until mid-July, but I have a hard time believing you'll find many 5.1 packages as good as AV123's x-ls 5.1 system for under a $1000 here. What's even better is it's only $696 (b/f shipping).

If this is something you can hold off for a month or two to purchase, I would seriously consider this... -TD

 

[tomd51]

Another possibility...

Just thought about this, too. Another setup to seriously consider would be a pair of Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SEs, a CBM-170 SE center and a pair of HTM-200s for surrounds. While this would come in just about $775 shipped and would not include a subwoofer, this would give you a very good 5.0 setup that could rival some $1200-$1500 systems. With the 170s in-room response down to 53Hz, these would be good for most music even w/out the sub, only missing out on the fairly deep stuff.

You could add then add a $200-400 subwoofer when the budget allows. The X-Series sub would be a good option at about $240 shipped. This would bring you in a couple hundred over your $800 budget, but isnt' that always the case? -TD

 

[mustang_steve]

I's say check out the SVS, AV123, and HSU surround package offerings.

Sometimes check out Audioadvisor as well. On occaision they have some really nice deals. I've seen $700 approx for an Athena 5.1 setup about 6 months back. AS-B1 for front and surround, AS series center channel, and their entry level sub. Add in some low-cost stands from the local electronics chain ($40/pair, get two pairs) and some wire, and for about $800 total you have a killer setup.

Key to getting good bargains is patience, and jumping when the opportunity opens. Being prepared is key for this.

 

[UberBerzerker]

thanks for all the suggestions guys - very helpful!

I don't really have a budget stuck at 1000 or anything in mind - but the cheaper the better according to my wife. I'm also in no real rush to build the system. We don't even move into the house for a few weeks, and then I have to build the room in the basement, so I can wait for restocked items and sales

I actually have some old Infinity SM series bookshelf/centers upfront with an Infinity BU-2 sub. If I have to, I could use that sub for a while, and buy one separate as suggested, that's no problem.

 

[Stoner51]

I have just finished purchasing the Bic Speakers with the bookshelf for fronts(Could not fit towers). I mostly Watch movies, not much music. I'm very happy with the purchase. I might have been able to get a better system for a little more but I'm happy with this one. Do some research and pick what fits your budget and your likes. A friend of mine spent about $3500 on his speakers and about $400-500 on his reciever. In my "opinion" my system sounds better. With the BICs and the Denon 2106. I think he likes mine to but would never admit it. I think they will be fine for what you need. They do seem to carry a lot of bass. As I am sure you have read. Good Luck Deciding I have the Center the Bookshelfs, the rear and the sub.

 

[corey]

If you can afford to buy a house, you should, at least, double or triple your speaker budget. Good speakers can serve you well for 10-20 years. Consider your cost per day.

 

[UberBerzerker]

we can afford to buy a new house, yeah - but that doesn't mean we're instantly rich and ready to drop 6k on a new hometheater (that my wife couldn't care less about) We also have to have money to finish the whole basement, build a bedroom/bathroom, a gym and then the hometheater. Not to mention, buy some more furniture to go in the new house as the old house stuff ''won't work'' to quote a certain female

Why raise the budget if I can get nice speakers for 1000 bucks? Honestly, what are a set of 3k speakers going to do that 1k won't? (for non-critical ears, really)Keep in mind, I want to put these into a false wall - hopefully keeping them outta view, so I don't need the prettiest speakers - just some that sound good for a good price

thanks for all responses - keep'em coming - the more the better!

thanks

 

[tomd51]

Uber;
If looks play little to no role in the equation, I would strongly recommend the best Ascend package you can afford. If aesthetics didn't play a role in either of my setups, Ascends would be used in one, if not both of them... -TD

 

[UberBerzerker]

yeah, looks are def. not important - thanks for the tip on those Ascend


btw, the room i'm looking at building is approx 16x24x9 - before I build in double walls and a possible false wall to hide the equipment in.