Looking for a nice pair of speakers (<$400)

[Matt34]

Just wanted to add this:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44745

and this:

http://order.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/wg-order?unique=5efca&catalog=yhst-86301231766969&et=4865f6d2&basket=b=5C3b42bfd100b15c4865efca61a493c42bfd124570944b6b1e5c0a08716ef2961&l=&s=EwzbdVXGoA9uTTiVn2hJLDHcaRg-

I think the Fry's sale is over and it looks like the Primus aren't available on there online store anymore.

Link to the AudioVideoSource store in your second link.

http://theaudiovideosource.com/1PrimusSeries.html

 

[Matt34]

I don't have any particular amplifier in mind, so I guess that also has to be factored in. So, my budget is less than $400 for the speakers, and less than $300 for the amplifier.

I saw a deal on the Infinity speakers on slickdeals.net at Fry's for $99 a speaker. Too bad I missed it, but was that a good deal? I mean, would these speakers fit my bill? It's one thing to recommend the speakers because they're insanely cheap or have a very good deal, but it's another if they fit the kind of sound I'm looking for.

Should I go with 2 bookshelfs and a subwoofer? I think the bass from a bookshelf speaker should be fine, so the only concern is whether I need a subwoofer for the specific bookshelfs I get or not (I suspect the recommended speakers might be a bit bass light due to my criteria of extremely detailed, fast transient response, and large soundstage).

The Infinity Primus speaker measure very well, even against speakers costing a great deal more. Check out the link I posted above and you will see that they have both a great on and off-axis response. There only downfall as with (almost) any mass produced speaker is cabinet renosance.

You could also go with the bookshelf version, the Primus 160 and a pair of Dayton Sub-100 subs from partsexpress.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-633

 

[Alex2507]

I think the Fry's sale is over and it looks like the Primus aren't available on there online store anymore.

Link to the AudioVideoSource store in your second link.

http://theaudiovideosource.com/1PrimusSeries.html

I figured the sale might be over but the discussion I thought might be of value. I missed the fact that they weren't available at theaudiovideosource. The best place to get them is at the Harman Audio store on eBay for auction prices but they are unavailable there too. Sooner or later they will both have them again. I've watched them go through this cycle before.

I have the 360's and I've had the 250's. They are now called 362's and 252's. My 250's were sold to a friend who really likes them. The 360's sound great IMO. The only reason that I haven't performed any modifications to them is a lack of time. Audio takes a huge hit on life's list of priorities. However their sound is fine as is. Especially at this price point.

The promise of post modification improvement has a barbed hook. It's had me all worked up for some time.

 

[mazersteven]

I've been reading up a bit on the LSi9 and it seems it tends to have a "musical" and "smooth" sound? Would you agree with this? I'd prefer something that wasn't so "smooth" sounding (I like a fast, detailed sound, if that makes any sense; something "cold" sounding...).

I was talking about amplification for the LSi9 in my budget (under $300)? It seems that they need quite an amp because they are 4 ohms? I really don't want to push my budget (I was originally looking at stuff that costs LESS THAN $400, now I'm looking at speakers that cost at least $100 MORE THAN $400 )

You could add something like this to a modest priced receiver. Find a pre-owned amp for less.

http://www.behringer.com/a500/index.cfm?lang=ENG

 

[WmAx]

You could add something like this to a modest priced receiver. Find a pre-owned amp for less.

http://www.behringer.com/a500/index.cfm?lang=ENG

I don't think the A500 has enough power output difference over a receiver to warrant the A500. I just purchased a Yamaha P2500S and I will test it soon to be sure the fans never activate for domestic use - it is a possible solution and will provide a substantial power upgrade from the receiver(250x2 at 8 ohms, both channels driven, 20hz-20khz, or 310 x 2 at 4 ohms, 20hz-20khz, both channels driven).

-Chris

 

[mazersteven]

I don't think the A500 has enough power output difference over a receiver to warrant the A500.

The A500 is 2 x 230 Watts into 4 Ohms, or 500 Watts into 8 Ohms bridged.

 

[JerryG20]

What do you guys think about the Focal Jm Labs Chorus 705v or 706v instead of the LSi9? So, I should look into the Infinity Primus P362 if it goes on sale?

I need to find some place to audition these speakers in East Bay of California.

 

[WmAx]

The A500 is 2 x 230 Watts into 4 Ohms, or 500 Watts into 8 Ohms bridged.

Most speakers are nominally 8 ohms, and the A500 output 138x2 before clipping into 8 ohms, if i remember correctly from 3rd party analysis. The Yamaha has nearly double that output listed in it's specs.... but Yamaha typically has very conservative specs(and likely does more than specified).

Let's say the average reciever has 100 watts/channel at 8 ohms. At 38 watts increase, that is roughqly 1dB more output potential. The Yamaha at 250 watts, will provide roughly 3.5db more output, which is over 50 percent higher amplitude/SPL. This is beginning to be some significant output increase. That's the smallest Yamaha - you can scale up from there to virtually any desired power range.

-Chris

 

[WmAx]

What do you guys think about the Focal Jm Labs Chorus 705v or 706v instead of the LSi9? So, I should look into the Infinity Primus P362 if it goes on sale?

I need to find some place to audition these speakers in East Bay of California.

the Primus is likely going to have the superior drives and xover, and superior full range response LF extension and superior off axis response linearity. However, the Focals will have superior asthetics(the Primus has black vinyl covering) and the Focals will have more apparent detail due to the raised treble output imbalance on the Focals, and the likely use of more acoustic stuffing in the Focals. But you can easily add in more stuffing on the Primuses yourself with the removal of some screws. Both the Focals the Primus have highly resonant cabines, as do most commercial speakers.

-Chris

 

[mazersteven]

Most speakers are nominally 8 ohms, and the A500 output 138x2 before clipping into 8 ohms, if i remember correctly from 3rd party analysis. The Yamaha has nearly double that output listed in it's specs.... but Yamaha typically has very conservative specs(and likely does more than specified).

Let's say the average reciever has 100 watts/channel at 8 ohms. At 38 watts increase, that is roughqly 1dB more output potential. The Yamaha at 250 watts, will provide roughly 3.5db more output, which is over 50 percent higher amplitude/SPL. This is beginning to be some significant output increase. That's the smallest Yamaha - you can scale up from there to virtually any desired power range.

-Chris

I understand what your saying. But how many receivers for $300 are stable with 4 ohm loads?

 

[gus6464]

I understand what your saying. But how many receivers for $300 are stable with 4 ohm loads?

To power a pair of LSi9 decently? Absolutely 0, zilch, nada. Well maybe if he always listens at low volume. I have seen a HK3485 2ch receiver power them pretty well though, but those things are high current so the amp can take it.

 

[Alex2507]

So, I should look into the Infinity Primus P362 if it goes on sale?

.

They'ren back at the Harman Audio eBay store.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Infinity-P362-3Way-Dual-6-5-Floorstanding-Loud-Speaker_W0QQitemZ150265636877QQihZ005QQcategoryZ14993QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

That is for 1 speaker and they have another listed under buy it now/best offer.

 

[JerryG20]

They'ren back at the Harman Audio eBay store.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Infinity-P362-3Way-Dual-6-5-Floorstanding-Loud-Speaker_W0QQitemZ150265636877QQihZ005QQcategoryZ14993QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

That is for 1 speaker and they have another listed under buy it now/best offer.

By "sale" I meant something a bit closer to the $99 per speaker price they were at Fry's. I have no idea how high the auction will run and the buy it now is $248, and I doubt the seller will accept an offer anywhere remotely close to $99. For the price of these speakers from that seller, I think I'd be better spending just a little more and getting the Polk bookshelfs.

Anyhow, any other recommendations? I love a fast, detailed sound. I feel I may have overemphasized (or people misinterpreted it as such) heavy bass preference (evident in people telling me to go with floorstanders instead of bookshelfs; I have a pair of Insignia bookshelfs that have I am not disappointed with in terms of bass volume). I wouldn't mind sacrificing bass oomph at all for more detail in the mids/high, faster transient response, and soundstage/imaging.

Is there no way for me to edit my original post to indicate how I'm not hell bent on heavy bass?

 

[mazersteven]

Anyhow, any other recommendations? I love a fast, detailed sound.

 

[JerryG20]

What? It's not like your specific speaker recommendation should be considered the end all solution or anything. I figured I should clarify my original post and look for more suggestions based on the clarification. Is that too much to ask, or would it make you feel better if I just bought the Polk LSi9?

 

[gus6464]

By "sale" I meant something a bit closer to the $99 per speaker price they were at Fry's. I have no idea how high the auction will run and the buy it now is $248, and I doubt the seller will accept an offer anywhere remotely close to $99. For the price of these speakers from that seller, I think I'd be better spending just a little more and getting the Polk bookshelfs.

Anyhow, any other recommendations? I love a fast, detailed sound. I feel I may have overemphasized (or people misinterpreted it as such) heavy bass preference (evident in people telling me to go with floorstanders instead of bookshelfs; I have a pair of Insignia bookshelfs that have I am not disappointed with in terms of bass volume). I wouldn't mind sacrificing bass oomph at all for more detail in the mids/high, faster transient response, and soundstage/imaging.

Is there no way for me to edit my original post to indicate how I'm not hell bent on heavy bass?

If you want a fast speaker then look for one with coaxial drivers. You won't get much in the bass department but you will get good sound with rock music.

Tannoy Autograph Mini
http://www.proaudiosolutions.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=TANNOY-AUTOGRAPH-SINGLE

The Selah MF7 has a Seas Coaxial driver as well and is front ported so will help you with placement.
http://www.selahaudio.com/id145.html

BTW I don't want to be rude but it looks like you are wanting too much from a $400 speaker. They are $400 for a reason so don't expect too much. I suggest you go out and listen to a couple of $2000 speakers and then listen to the ones in your price range and see what you can live with. Maybe try to get a hold of a pair of Eltax Monitor III which are less than $400 but those are going to be hard to find.

 

[rch6776]

you can try these risk free for 30 days.....no better way to determine if any certain speaker is going to respond the way you want it to in your own room.

if you don't like them...pack 'em up, send 'em back...

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,207/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,173/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

 

[gus6464]

you can try these risk free for 30 days.....no better way to determine if any certain speaker is going to respond the way you want it to in your own room.

if you don't like them...pack 'em up, send 'em back...

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,207/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,173/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

Since the OP prefers detail over bass I don't think those would work well for him because of this review:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/av123-x-mtm-tower-speaker-review

 

[rch6776]

Since the OP prefers detail over bass I don't think those would work well for him because of this review:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/av123-x-mtm-tower-speaker-review

my bad....here, let me fix that.....

http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,173/category_id,21/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

 

[WmAx]

Let's get serious, original poster: if you want superior mid/treble quality, and at a cheaper price then even the Primus, there is a solution: Behringer B2030P. I have measured/analyzed this speaker, and by right of build quality and measured response, it belongs somewhere in the $500-$800/pair category. This is objective comparison.

Now, what does a B2030P actually cost? $130 per pair. I can bet you have huge doubts I can be serious. I would not blame you. But please research my posting history: I don't 'hype' things for non-substantial reasons. This speaker has incredible measured performance for the money spent, based on the credible perceptual research as it related to human auditory perception. You can do some very easy, very basic mods and improve the performance also, to fix some common mass production problems(like a vibrating part inside that is easily fixed with a dab of super glue liquid and an air leak that can be fixed with some caulk putty/rope from the local hardware store). Now, realize this speaker has a F3 around the 75 Hz region. It's a small 2 way with a 6.5" midbass and a 3/4" metal dome tweeter loaded in a special wave guide. You need subwoofers to augment the low end if you want full range response. I can provide the measurements if you have interest.

-Chris