Coming from Yamaha HTIB... to BIC Acoustech?

[blued888]

How far of a jump am I going in terms of quality?

My original setup included a Yamaha HTR-5540 receiver (75W x 5), center (dual 3" + 3/4" tweeter) plus 4 identical satellites (single 3" + 3/4" tweeter) and 50W Yamaha subwoofer.

I am looking to upgrade to BIC Acoustech HT-65 for center, HT-64 for L/R/Surrounds and a H-100 subwoofer. Still gonna be using the same receiver. I believe total cost is going to be around $600.

I am basing my purchase mostly on reviews and specs because we locally don't have BIC distributors. As far as I've read on various forums, these speakers I am going with are pretty good for their price. Is it also true that the horn tweeters of the Acoustechs are not as bright as that of the Klipsch's?

I have noticed that the BICs come with shiny piano black finishes on their tops and bottoms. Is this covered/protected with plastic when they come from the box?

 

[WmAx]

You are sure to get plenty of recommendations on here. However, few will be of any unique value, if it goes anything like it usually does.

I will, however, make very informed suggestion, based on thorough knowledge of measured behavior vs. human perception(as established by the credible research in this field). Look up my posting history if you must.

I recommend a full set of the Behringer B2030P as your L, R, C, SL and SR. There is no retail speaker that I know of that can compare, overall, in the critical measured parameters, that will come anywhere close to the price.

The B2030P is $130 per pair. It is a passive studio control monitor. It is superior to most bookshelf speakers, measurably(in the most important areas), overall, that cost upwards of $1000/pair. Not my opinion - this is observed data that I am merely commenting upon.

The B2020P should have basic mods to fix a few mass manufacturing issues(that are common on many speakers). These are very easy mods for anyone, such as: dab some super glue on a part inside to prevent it from vibrating and putting a little rope caulk between two joints to prevent an air break/leak). If you take care of these basic issues, it will be a speaker that will be difficult for you to 'upgrade' from unless you spend a considerable amount of money. The Paradigm S1 is a speaker that could classify as a considerable upgrade. At about $1500/pair, you have to spend more then 10x the cost of the Behringers to achieve this significant upgrade. The S1 has certain physical parameters that will allow it to exceed the Behringer in audible sound quality - primarily the cabinet on the S1 - which is a solid cast alloy metal with dense cast bracing - resulting in lower cabinet panel output coloration. The dispersion, also very critical, is unusually superb on both the Behringer and the Paradigm S1. The Paradigm will have slightly better overall dynamic ability when pushed to it's limits.

For the subwoofer, that is another issue. But you should use at least 2 subwoofers to get the best/ideal integration that is seamless between the Behringers and the subs.

-Chris

 

[gus6464]

You are sure to get plenty of recommendations on here. However, few will be of any unique value, if it goes anything like it usually does.

I will, however, make very informed suggestion, based on thorough knowledge of measured behavior vs. human perception(as established by the credible research in this field). Look up my posting history if you must.

I recommend a full set of the Behringer B2030P as your L, R, C, SL and SR. There is no retail speaker that I know of that can compare, overall, in the critical measured parameters, that will come anywhere close to the price.

The B2030P is $130 per pair. It is a passive studio control monitor. It is superior to most bookshelf speakers, measurably(in the most important areas), overall, that cost upwards of $1000/pair. Not my opinion - this is observed data that I am merely commenting upon.

The B2020P should have basic mods to fix a few mass manufacturing issues(that are common on many speakers). These are very easy mods for anyone, such as: dab some super glue on a part inside to prevent it from vibrating and putting a little rope caulk between two joints to prevent an air break/leak). If you take care of these basic issues, it will be a speaker that will be difficult for you to 'upgrade' from unless you spend a considerable amount of money. The Paradigm S1 is a speaker that could classify as a considerable upgrade. At about $1500/pair, you have to spend more then 10x the cost of the Behringers to achieve this significant upgrade. The S1 has certain physical parameters that will allow it to exceed the Behringer in audible sound quality - primarily the cabinet on the S1 - which is a solid cast alloy metal with dense cast bracing - resulting in lower cabinet panel output coloration. The dispersion, also very critical, is unusually superb on both the Behringer and the Paradigm S1. The Paradigm will have slightly better overall dynamic ability when pushed to it's limits.

For the subwoofer, that is another issue. But you should use at least 2 subwoofers to get the best/ideal integration that is seamless between the Behringers and the subs.

-Chris

Is there a big difference between the Paradigm S1 and S2?

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

Before getting the Acoustechs, audition the Klipsch synergy line at one of the local big box store. They have a similar design and sound with horn loaded tweeters, which is not for everyone.

Other ID companies to consider are Ascend, AV123, and SVS which all offer bookshelf 5.1 systems for around $1k or less. Emotiva also is having a sale on their speakers. You could start with a 2.1 or 3.1 system if necessary to stay in budget.

 

[Matt34]

I have the Bic Acoustech system and really can't recommend it based off other speakers I've heard in the price range. They do well in a strictly home theater setup but lack in music playback, specifically in the mid/mid bass.

For your $600 I would go with a pair of Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 and a pair of Dayton Sub-120 subwoofers.

 

[WmAx]

Is there a big difference between the Paradigm S1 and S2?

The S2 has a lower resonance cabinet as compared to most speakers, but still will not be as inert as the S1's cabinet. The S2's off axis response is not quite as smooth and flat as the S1's response and neither is the on axis - another factor to perceived sound quality.

-Chris

 

[Rickster71]

Hi Chris, since you're on the subject of the S1; I was wondering about your opinion on Paradigm Signature speakers?
http://www.paradigm.com/en/reference/components.php?series_type=17&speaker_type=2&brand_type=2&category=3
They advertise an "IMS Shock-Mount" claiming it reduces enclosure resonances to completely inaudible levels.
What do you think, just marketing hype?
Thanks, Rick

 

[WmAx]

Hi Chris, since you're on the subject of the S1; I was wondering about your opinion on Paradigm Signature speakers?
http://www.paradigm.com/en/reference/components.php?series_type=17&speaker_type=2&brand_type=2&category=3
They advertise an "IMS Shock-Mount" claiming it reduces enclosure resonances to completely inaudible levels.
What do you think, just marketing hype?
Thanks, Rick

An effective suspension will in fact reduce motional energy into the cabinet structure. Remove it? No. It can't. Even if the suspension has 100 percent isolation(not likely), the backwave from the driver will induce substantial vibration, as in this close contact to the driver, the SPL/amplitude is very high. A suspension is used to reduce resonances - but it takes more than simply this feature to remove them.

-Chris

 

[blued888]

Before getting the Acoustechs, audition the Klipsch synergy line at one of the local big box store. They have a similar design and sound with horn loaded tweeters, which is not for everyone.

I previously owned the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers (which I really liked), that too is horn loaded, right?

I have the Bic Acoustech system and really can't recommend it based off other speakers I've heard in the price range. They do well in a strictly home theater setup but lack in music playback, specifically in the mid/mid bass.

Utilization will be primarily for 95% HT and 5% or less music. What BIC Acoustech speaker models are you using in your system?

 

[WmAx]

I previously owned the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 speakers (which I really liked), that too is horn loaded, right?



Utilization will be primarily for 95% HT and 5% or less music. What BIC Acoustech speaker models are you using in your system?

\

Neither the Klipsch nor the BIC will compare to the units I suggested in terms of the critical measured parameters relevant to human auditory perception. I suggested units for the greatest transparent, highest sound quality. The others are for colored sound, especially the Klipsche, which has not a single speaker in any line that I know of that measures well in relation to human auditory perception, compared to other products in the respective price ranges.

-Chris

 

[Grantc79]

Hi Chris, since you're on the subject of the S1; I was wondering about your opinion on Paradigm Signature speakers?
http://www.paradigm.com/en/reference/components.php?series_type=17&speaker_type=2&brand_type=2&category=3
They advertise an "IMS Shock-Mount" claiming it reduces enclosure resonances to completely inaudible levels.
What do you think, just marketing hype?
Thanks, Rick

My opinion on the Paradigm Sigs is that they aren't worth the money.

I've heard the S6's and S8's and while I thought they were nice they weren't anywhere near as good as they should have been for the money.