Intimidated but undaunted

[phredude]

Hi,

I'm completely blown away by the breadth of information that you guys share. I am not a bona fide audiophile, but I love music and I am in the market for some new speakers. I come seeking wisdom because I feel a little lost, but not completely.

I just recently blew out an old pair of Boston Acoustic A60 speakers that I loved because of their clean sound. I have an Onkyo TX8511 receiver (100watts per). I primarily listen to music, and I listen to mostly classic rock (Pink Floyd, Beatles, Led Zeppelin), acoustic guitar and vocals (KD Lang, Allison Kraus, Indigo Girls) jazz (prefer trio-just bass, drums and piano), and a little bit of opera/classical. I am not interested in the booming bass that is desirable for HT, but still like a strong, clean bass line for bands like Pink Floyd. My room is about 25WX40LX15H.
I have been looking for new speakers and was hoping you guys could clarify some things for me. There seems to be a few brands that are usually recommended in my price range-mainly Paradigm, Axiom, Infinity and Boston Acoustic. I am concentrating on either the Paradigm Monitor 7s, Axiom m80s, the Infinity Primus 360s, or the Boston Acoustic VR2s.

Now, as I read along, I find myself obsessing over all the details that are spelled out concerning speakers, and I don't even understand half the lingo. I just know that I loved my Boston Acoustics, and would like something comparable, if not better. I was told Boston Acoustic changed their speakers so they don't sound as good, so I am hesitating in jumping in and just buying new ones. Also, I'm reluctant to buy speakers I haven't heard, a la Axiom.

Any advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated. Or even just some more information so I can make an informed decision. Thanks, and have a nice day.

phred

 

[mitch57]

pred,

I haven't personally heard the Axiom's but they seem to get great reviews. However, I do know from talking to the folks at Axiom that they wouldn't recommend going with m80s based on your receiver. The m80s are a 4 ohm speaker and your Onkyo might have problems driving them. You might want to consider the Axiom m60s instead.

I was very close to purchasing the m60 package myself but wound up buying Definitive Technology BP 7002s. I don't have any regrets.

I have listened to the Pardigms and they sound nice but I wasn't overly impressed. But my ears are different then your ears.

The bottom line here is let your ears be the deciding factor in your purchasing decision.

That's my 2 pennies worth.

 

[mitch57]

phred,

Sorry! I see I misspelled your name.

 

[Unregistered]

If you go to the Axiom website/forums I think there is a locater there or you can ask to see if someone in your area has any, and would setup a demo for you.

Another great buy and consideration would be the Onix Rocket 550 MKII. Again if you go to the forum you ask for a demo or you can go to www.audioenvy.com and look.

 

[phredude]

Oops

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the advice. Just to show you how clueless I am, it was in fact the m60s that I was looking at, not the m80s.

Just one more thought-do you guys have any thoughts on Boston Acoustic or Infinity? My friend used to have the old Kappas and I thought they sounded great. At least to my neophyte ears.

Hope all is well and take care.

phred

 

[Shinerman]

I think you would be happy with any of the speakers you mentioned. The Bostons would be tops on my list but that's because I'm a Boston fan and owner. I listened to the VR2 a while back and really liked them. They are a bit laid back to me which is what I like. I have never listened to the Axioms 60s but they get very good reviews. Plus, you can always return them if you don't like them. On your dime of course. I've never really been a big fan of Infinity but that's just me. Other's liek them a lot.

Bottom line after that ramble? Listen to them all (except maybe the axioms for obvious reasons) and go with what you like. You should be able to find the Boston's locally so definitely give them a listen. They are a nice speaker. Boston's sound has changed over the years but I would never say the new speaker's don't sound good. Just different than the older models. I am very happy with my VR965 towers and I also like the A60 but they are clearly a different sound.

While your at it, you might want to check out Energy as well. Look at the C5 and C7 and if money permits, the C9.

Shinerman

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hi,

I'm completely blown away by the breadth of information that you guys share. I am not a bona fide audiophile, but I love music and I am in the market for some new speakers. I come seeking wisdom because I feel a little lost, but not completely.

I just recently blew out an old pair of Boston Acoustic A60 speakers that I loved because of their clean sound. I have an Onkyo TX8511 receiver (100watts per). I primarily listen to music, and I listen to mostly classic rock (Pink Floyd, Beatles, Led Zeppelin), acoustic guitar and vocals (KD Lang, Allison Kraus, Indigo Girls) jazz (prefer trio-just bass, drums and piano), and a little bit of opera/classical. I am not interested in the booming bass that is desirable for HT, but still like a strong, clean bass line for bands like Pink Floyd. My room is about 25WX40LX15H.
I have been looking for new speakers and was hoping you guys could clarify some things for me. There seems to be a few brands that are usually recommended in my price range-mainly Paradigm, Axiom, Infinity and Boston Acoustic. I am concentrating on either the Paradigm Monitor 7s, Axiom m80s, the Infinity Primus 360s, or the Boston Acoustic VR2s.

Now, as I read along, I find myself obsessing over all the details that are spelled out concerning speakers, and I don't even understand half the lingo. I just know that I loved my Boston Acoustics, and would like something comparable, if not better. I was told Boston Acoustic changed their speakers so they don't sound as good, so I am hesitating in jumping in and just buying new ones. Also, I'm reluctant to buy speakers I haven't heard, a la Axiom.

Any advice from you guys would be greatly appreciated. Or even just some more information so I can make an informed decision. Thanks, and have a nice day.

phred

You didn't see you indicating whether or not you tried to have your speaker repaired with new drivers? If you liked them, why not just fix them. The company should have replacement drivers.
If you want totally new speakers, try to listen to your choices. They are all good.