Infinity vs EMP

[nioveratus]

One of my friends asked me for advice(he knows I read everything here) regarding what speakers are better for HT...the infinity primus or the EMP?

This is without including towers just bookshelves and centers.....

and just to clarify for me so I can learn even if we include towers what company should you guys recommend for my friend? Basically for HT and little bit of music.

Thanks guys..any help is much appreciated

 

[Crackerballer]

I ordered EMPs for my HT setup (price) having never heard them. However I have read on here most people prefer the Infinity towers for HT.

Now with regard to bookshelves, not sure on the EMPs, but the Infinitys are heavily recommended on here. Those or a set of B stock M22 Axioms would be a great bookshelf IMO.

There are a lot of good bookshelves in that price range, and the way the Infinitys go on sale, I'd say that will offer him a lot of bank for the buck.

 

[zieglj01]

One of my friends asked me for advice(he knows I read everything here) regarding what speakers are better for HT...the infinity primus or the EMP?

This is without including towers just bookshelves and centers.....

What is the real budget?

 

[nioveratus]

He told me he wants to spend no more than $900....and if it can be 7.2 even better..that is the reason why he was looking at those companies since from what I have read they make good speakers....no idea if that is possible with his budget..

 

[Crackerballer]

He told me he wants to spend no more than $900....and if it can be 7.2 even better...no idea if that is possible with his budget...

Not with any setup worth talking about on this forum. For that money, he will get a mid level HTIB if he is lucky, and it will more likely be 7.1 with a craptastic receiver and sub.

I guess he could buy an entry level AVR and 5 decent Infinity bookshelves for that price, but forget a decent sub or the rear fill speakers.

 

[zieglj01]

He told me he wants to spend no more than $900....and if it can be 7.2 even better..speakers....no idea if that is possible with his budget..

Not really - you can start to build and save up. Maybe start with 3.1

Also look at:
Cambridge Audio, except for their sub
Audio Advisor - Search Results for cambridge audio speakers

HTD, except for their sub
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-two-speakers

I am not a fan of lower end subs - however, you can check
into the PA 150 sub
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?pq=pa1501+sub&hl=en&sugexp=pfwl&cp=5&gs_id=3&xhr=t&q=pa+150+subwoofer&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&rlz=1I7ACEW_enUS394US394&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1291&bih=580&wrapid=tljp132743651355300&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5909560374709968581&sa=X&ei=8xIfT8G1GMma2gWUipWIDw&sqi=2&ved=0CDsQ8wIwAA#

I would aim for Rythmik
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/FV12.html

 

[nioveratus]

are the infinity primus series any good? As subs I was looking at the Velodyne VX-11..is this sub any good?

 

[zieglj01]

are the infinity primus series any good? As subs I was looking at the Velodyne VX-11..is this sub any good?

The Infinity Primus is a respected brand - I would walk away from that
Velodyne VX-11 sub.

 

[nioveratus]

is the Infinity PS38 subwoofer any good......and what subwoofer can you recommed for $200? That is the money my friend has now for a sub...he might improve later on.....

 

[zieglj01]

is the Infinity PS38 subwoofer any good......and what subwoofer can you recommed for $200? That is the money my friend has now for a sub...he might improve later on.....

In general, I am not a fan of budget subwoofers - However, a lot
of budget owners like this sub - it will not raise the ants from the
dead - however, maybe a starter sub for your friend. Try to stretch
the budget a little.
PA 120 sub
http://www.sounddistributors.com/buynow.asp?action=detail&prid=197&crid=57&cat_name=Search

 

[sholling]

Does he already have a receiver? If so he can do a decent entry level 5.1 system for a smallish room. Then just add a 2nd sub when money allows. If he doesn't have a receiver then have him hold off on the center and surrounds and buy a refurbished Onkyo TX-NR609. He can always add the other pieces later.

2x P163 $85ea
1x PC251 $150.
2x P153 for $75ea
1x eD A2-300 $415
Total $885

A step up assuming he has a receiver would be a pair of Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE for $300 and a Rythmik FV12 which with shipping totals about $900 total. Then just add the center and surrounds later.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Infinity P163 x 5 = $440 shipped

Rythmik FV12 x 1 = $560 shipped

SoundStage! Measurements - Infinity Primus P162 Loudspeakers (11/2008)

Forget 7.2 with that budget.

 

[GranteedEV]

This is without including towers just bookshelves and centers.....

That's a key detail. I think I prefer the EMP Towers over the Infinity Towers.

But... I'd expect the infinity bookshelves to outperform for HT the EMP bookshelves as I believe they have a larger midwoofer with a decent dynamic range.

That said I'm sitting here on my desktop listening to me EMP E41-Bs with an SMSL T-Amp and all I can say is these things are freaking sweet. Not a hint of strain, and in this small room the bass is full and powerful if maybe a bit exaggerated (the room, not the speakers) They throw an image two feet behind them.. you'd think they just dissapeared.

 

[Crackerballer]

If he has a receiver, this first package is a pretty good package:
EMP Tek Inventory Clearance

I know people are not a huge fan of the sub that is included, but the 5 speakers seem to be a lot for the money.

EDIT: I see it is only in the red wood which may be a factor.

 

[nioveratus]

The EMP package is very tempting but he does not want towers for now....I guess he will go with the infinity primus...he already has an onkyo ht-360...

 

[Crackerballer]

HT-360 is a decent receiver. I think the Primus will serve him well, but maybe wait if he can because they go on sale pretty frequently between NewEgg and Frys.

 

[sholling]

HT-360 is a decent receiver. I think the Primus will serve him well, but maybe wait if he can because they go on sale pretty frequently between NewEgg and Frys.

Crutchfield's current prices (see links above) are already nearly as low as Newegg goes. In fact if the OP finds a coupon code (google is our friend ) he might save his friend another $20.

 

[zieglj01]

That said I'm sitting here on my desktop listening to me EMP E41-Bs with an SMSL T-Amp and all I can say is these things are freaking sweet. Not a hint of strain, and in this small room the bass is full and powerful if maybe a bit exaggerated (the room, not the speakers) They throw an image two feet behind them.. you'd think they just dissapeared.

Good report - continue to enjoy.

 

[zieglj01]

Crutchfield's current prices (see links above) are already nearly as low as Newegg goes. In fact if the OP finds a coupon code (google is our friend ) he might save his friend another $20.

Get them while in stock.

 

[Crackerballer]

I always forget to check Crutchfield, their prices are actually affordable and *gasp* sometimes even a deal when stuff is on sale/clearanced.