I did not like the sound of my new infinity primus 162?

[soundright]

I just received my new pair of infinity primus 162 speakers. I was almost certain that they will produce the sound three or four times better than the speakers at its price range since it has gotten so many raving reviews. As far as I heard about the infinity speakers, they should not require any break-in period. I played a few more laid-back songs with clean instruments first, they sound really great. That is what i expected since its mid-range is rated as one of the best. But when i start playing some of techno and hip-pop songs on them, they sound awful. The high range does not have any depth and sound the same for every note and it sounds shrill on some electronic songs. I can't feel any dynamism or a rich, room-filling sound. Some peopel say infinity speakers are usually too harsh and bright, I guess they are right and maybe I have to return these heavy speakers. Does anyone have any experience with infinity or polk speakers? Polk would be my alternative.

 

[Matt34]

I just received my new pair of infinity primus 162 speakers. I was almost certain that they will produce the sound three or four times better than the speakers at its price range since it has gotten so many raving reviews. As far as I heard about the infinity speakers, they should not require any break-in period. I played a few more laid-back songs with clean instruments first, they sound really great. That is what i expected since its mid-range is rated as one of the best. But when i start playing some of techno and hip-pop songs on them, they sound awful. The high range does not have any depth and sound the same for every note and it sounds shrill on some electronic songs. I can't feel any dynamism or a rich, room-filling sound. Some peopel say infinity speakers are usually too harsh and bright, I guess they are right and maybe I have to return these heavy speakers. Does anyone have any experience with infinity or polk speakers? Polk would be my alternative.

What are your using as your source for the Hip-hop and Techno songs?

 

[soundright]

reply

I used the mp3 files stored in my computer as the source for all my music. And i use windows media player to play them.

 

[Matt34]

I used the mp3 files stored in my computer as the source for all my music. And i use windows media player to play them.

Do you have these cross-over to a sub or are you running them full-range.

 

[soundright]

yes sub is connected

Yes, i hooked my energy sub to the receiver too. I am playing my speakers on the channel A of my 50 watt onkyo receiver and subwoofer from channel B. I think the problem must be the quality of the speakers themselves.

 

[Adam]

Do you know what bit rate the MP3 files are at? The lower the bit rate, the more compressed they will be and sound. Better speakers will allow you to hear the imperfections in the files.

I mention that because it might be your source files and not your new speakers. I'd suggest playing some music that you know was converted at a high bit rate (I'd say nothing under 192 kbps for MP3), or better yet - play it from a CD. Then you can better tell if it's the source material.

 

[Alex2507]

its mid-range is rated as one of the best.

The mid range driver in the 362 has gotten some favorable attention. You also mentioned that they were heavy. Are you talking about the 362? But by all means, if they suck, and you would know, get rid of them.

I'll be honest, this is the very first time I have heard anybody poo-poo Primus.
How much did you pay for them and where did you buy them?

 

[soundright]

price

I paid almost 200$ for this pair of the new Infinity Primus 162 and got them from Crutchfield. They are bookshelf speakers, quite big and heavy.

 

[CraigV]

All speakers need to be broken in. Did you audition them before buying? If so, there must have been something about them you liked. Also, as mentioned, MP3’s are NOT good for critical listening. Depending on what the return policy is where you bought them from, feed them a solid diet of music for a good 40-50 hours. Try to make it as full range & rhythmic as possible. Afterwards, put in a CD & try changing the position of the speakers & your listening position. Don’t give up on them too soon.

There’s also the matter of the listener becoming use to the speaker.

 

[Alex2507]

I paid almost 200$ for this pair of the new Infinity Primus 162 and got them from Crutchfield. They are bookshelf speakers, quite big and heavy.

You might take a hit on shipping but you can send them back. Adam is right about the source material.

All speakers need to be broken in.

I disagree.

 

[AJinFLA]

Yes, i hooked my energy sub to the receiver too. I am playing my speakers on the channel A of my 50 watt onkyo receiver and subwoofer from channel B. I think the problem must be the quality of the speakers themselves.

You're running them full range. You can use either the hi pass filter in the receiver (bass management) or sub (if it has one). What energy model sub?

cheers,

AJ

 

[Matt34]

Yes, i hooked my energy sub to the receiver too. I am playing my speakers on the channel A of my 50 watt onkyo receiver and subwoofer from channel B. I think the problem must be the quality of the speakers themselves.

You're running the speakers full-range without any bass management so all the bass frequencies are straining the 6.5" driver. Connect your speaker wires from your receiver to the sub then to the Infinities and cross over them at 80hz using the subs x-over. I promise things will be much improved using this setup.

 

[Haoleb]

Most subs wont crossover the speaker outputs on them. Usually its just a pass through. Infact Im not sure I have ever seen one that does that.

 

[mike c]

Most subs wont crossover the speaker outputs on them. Usually its just a pass through. Infact Im not sure I have ever seen one that does that.

SVS has them. around 100hz highpass on the speaker level binding posts depending on the speaker i think

others really do just pass through the signal

RCA outs on most subwoofers are fixed at 80hz though

 

[Nomo]

I think Adam nailed it.
From your description it sounds as if the MP3 is to blame. Even a good MP3 at 320kbps doesn't sound as good as a decently mastered CD. especially in the higher frequencies. If the rate is less than 192kbps, you might as well listen to it on an Ipod 'cause those speakers will highlight the flaws.
If you don't care for a "bright" speaker Polk would probably not be your liking either.
I'd start with a good media source before sending the speakers packing.

 

[AJinFLA]

No, it is not the source material. He indicated it sounded fine on some softer material. The techno stuff has high levels of low bass and is driving the small woofers way past there linear excursion range (xmax). The result is high levels of intermodulation distortion, which are being generated by the woofers motor itself, after the speakers internal low pass network. This is the HF hash that he is hearing.
He needs a HP filter or a full ranged (larger displacement/floorstander).

cheers,

AJ

 

[lsiberian]

All speakers need to be broken in. Did you audition them before buying? If so, there must have been something about them you liked. Also, as mentioned, MP3’s are NOT good for critical listening. Depending on what the return policy is where you bought them from, feed them a solid diet of music for a good 40-50 hours. Try to make it as full range & rhythmic as possible. Afterwards, put in a CD & try changing the position of the speakers & your listening position. Don’t give up on them too soon.

There’s also the matter of the listener becoming use to the speaker.

I suggest you read the audioholics article on this. They showed that driver break in is a myth. Break in is really the period it takes for you to become used to the speakers.

 

[lsiberian]

I just received my new pair of infinity primus 162 speakers. I was almost certain that they will produce the sound three or four times better than the speakers at its price range since it has gotten so many raving reviews. As far as I heard about the infinity speakers, they should not require any break-in period. I played a few more laid-back songs with clean instruments first, they sound really great. That is what i expected since its mid-range is rated as one of the best. But when i start playing some of techno and hip-pop songs on them, they sound awful. The high range does not have any depth and sound the same for every note and it sounds shrill on some electronic songs. I can't feel any dynamism or a rich, room-filling sound. Some peopel say infinity speakers are usually too harsh and bright, I guess they are right and maybe I have to return these heavy speakers. Does anyone have any experience with infinity or polk speakers? Polk would be my alternative.

Infinity tweeters have a very nice treble range and can have very slammy bass.

But in my experience. They punish bad source material. Also i've found HK amps are easier to configure to get good sound out of. An Onkyo can sound weak if you aren't meticulous in your setup. You can make these speakers sound fine if you are willing to make some setup changes.

First, you'll need a sub management system. And a sub upgrade. Hip hop requires lots of powerful bass. Bookshelves usually can't do that.

Second, you'll want to learn how to tweak your receiver. You room causes issues with your music. Receiver tweaks can help you get the sound you want.

Third, get some cds. You have good enough speakers now to tell the difference between mp3s and cds. Try out a hip hop cd.

Those 3 steps can keep you from having to return the primuses.

 

[CraigV]

Found these little tidbits in my user control panel:

Speaker break in is a myth and bad advice newbie

Repeat the question. I dare you.

Just because I only have 100 odd postings does not make me a “newbie” to the subject matter. I’ve been doing the whole audio thing since before CD players were even invented.

Seems as though I’ve ruffled a few feathers. What it all comes down to is a matter of belief. If you approach a group of devout Christians with proof/evidence that Jesus never lived, or a group of Muslims and proclaim Mohamed never lived, you’re going encounter a great deal of animosity and doubt.
Likewise, if you tell the Roman Emperor this rather humble man is in fact the son of God, you’re likely to be persecuted. (Please don’t misinterpret - I am NOT comparing myself to anyone)

I would encourage anyone coming to these forums looking for advise to consider all advice, audition as much equipment as possible*, and ultimately decide for themselves what matters most.

*I would even say go to different shops (even “high end”) and just listen to the variety of equipment & speakers available, even if you’re not shopping, just to get an idea of what offerings are out there.

 

[markw]

Aw Cheeze! Another thread veers off center.

I'll just put in my $.02 and move on.

Whether one "believes" in speaker break in or not, comparing it to religion is simply farcical. It's supposedly based on scientific fact and should be either proven or dis-proven on that playing field. Religion is purely faith based and can neither be proven or disproven. Never the twain's shall meet.

OP, there are a plethora of speakers out there. They all sound different. That's because every-one's tastes differ. There is really no right or wrong in what one prefers in speakers. Some you like, some you don't.

There's no shame in not sharing the same tastes that other people share. Not everyone likes Infinity, or any speaker for that matter. If we all liked one speaker there would be no need for all these different brands, would there?

If, even after trying the suggestions offered by the kind denizens of this site, send 'em back. Remember, you purchased these bases purely on what you read of others people's opinions.

Will you choose your significant other based solely on what others think about her and try to learn to live with her even if you really don't like her?

But, make your decision while the window to return them is still open. Ain't no amount of break-in is gonna make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

P.S. I do suggest you try a different source, say a CD player or the analog audio output of a DVD player.