PSB - Am I making a mistake with this purchase?

[south_of_grace]

Greetings, thank you ahead of time for even reading this post. I really need help because I don't want to make a bad decision. On a low budget this would be a bummer.

I am new to building sound systems. The way I figure it is, I want this thing primarily for music. I don't care about having awesome sound for movies. I want a sound system for listening to harder rock, progressive type music, and music with a lot of bass. Since I'm on a budget I decided to get a receiver that can support HD video inputs and I haven't decided which one yet. I think I might start out with purchasing 2 tower speakers that I will use in stereo, and then upgrade to more speakers in the future. Is this a good plan?

The sound system will be housed in a 12 x 18 carpeted room.

Anyway, there is a couple of options I'm faced with. These are deals I have found on craigslist. There is a PSB image 3LR set for sale. I have heard PSB speakers in the past and really like the sound. However, the worry with this one is that I won't be able to expand to more speakers in the future. The other option is Paradigm Phantom V.3. (other than looking really sick) this speaker appeals to me. However, the concern remains that I will not be able to expand to more components in the future. Both of these are selling for around $200.

I'm open to any other suggestions. I like sound systems that are aggressive. (Infinity is another brand that I considered). I figured I would get an older set of speakers that are higher quality, rather than getting a new set that will be of minimal quality. Is this the right way to think about this?

I have been doing a lot of research with this so I am not completely clueless. I'm wondering if this strategy I have going is well founded. Any and all feedback is welcome

THANK YOU!!!

 

[Rickster71]

Something like this would be nice: http://store.audioholics.com/section/18/1
Later as funds are available you can add their matching center and surrounds.
EDIT: These go on sale often. I know others here can point out where and when.

 

[3db]

Greetings, thank you ahead of time for even reading this post. I really need help because I don't want to make a bad decision. On a low budget this would be a bummer.

I am new to building sound systems. The way I figure it is, I want this thing primarily for music. I don't care about having awesome sound for movies. I want a sound system for listening to harder rock, progressive type music, and music with a lot of bass. Since I'm on a budget I decided to get a receiver that can support HD video inputs and I haven't decided which one yet. I think I might start out with purchasing 2 tower speakers that I will use in stereo, and then upgrade to more speakers in the future. Is this a good plan?

The sound system will be housed in a 12 x 18 carpeted room.

Anyway, there is a couple of options I'm faced with. These are deals I have found on craigslist. There is a PSB image 3LR set for sale. I have heard PSB speakers in the past and really like the sound. However, the worry with this one is that I won't be able to expand to more speakers in the future. The other option is Paradigm Phantom V.3. (other than looking really sick) this speaker appeals to me. However, the concern remains that I will not be able to expand to more components in the future. Both of these are selling for around $200.

I'm open to any other suggestions. I like sound systems that are aggressive. (Infinity is another brand that I considered). I figured I would get an older set of speakers that are higher quality, rather than getting a new set that will be of minimal quality. Is this the right way to think about this?

I have been doing a lot of research with this so I am not completely clueless. I'm wondering if this strategy I have going is well founded. Any and all feedback is welcome

THANK YOU!!!

There are many here who like PSB, myself included. I also would not PSB into the agressive category at all.They are more laid back and on the warm side of neutral if anything.

However, I would not go after the 3LRs. They were not PSB's best work for sure. They only lasted one mddel run and were never approved upon again.

If you want some towers, take a look at the older PSB Image T45s (which I own). They are a very vesatile speaker good with every genere of music except for RAP and pipe organ music. They simply can't go down low enough in the bass for those two extremes. But for all other types of music, they are great. You should be able to find them used.

 

[dkane360]

What's your local craigslist? Maybe we can help you find something.

Have you listened to Klipsch? I think it'll fit your need for "aggressive" lol.

 

[south_of_grace]

Yeah, if that's the case with the PSB 3LR then I will certainly pass. Thank you for the info.

My local craigslist is either Sacramento or Fresno, California. Anywhere in-between is fine too since I do a lot of driving back and forth. Ebay is another place I've been looking... It is strange, but I also feel like I would like Klipsch. From what I've read about them (in general) people usually say things like they are "aggressive" EQ doesn't sound neutral and even "over the top" in terms of sound, and that is a good thing in my case (from what I understand). I have listened to infinity speakers in vehicles before and have liked what I heard. Although I do understand that it isn't exactly the same thing.

I haven't figured out my budget so far but I do need a receiver. I have an HDTV that I would like to have it hooked up with, as well as a ps3. It would just be simpler to have it all connected to one thing. I don't know whether I would be good with a 5.1 receiver or if I should upgrade to a 7.1. Other than that I would probably get the two towers and then a center speaker (so that movie audio would sound decent).

Also, I have a silly question that I haven't been able to find the answer to anywhere. If you have a whole surround system does the quality of music go down since music is recorded as stereo? I feel like the different components surrounding you would create sound interference.

You guys are great. Please keep the excellent advice coming! I hope someday I too will be able to give people valuable advice in this field.
CHEERS!

*I know what a lot of you will say.."go audition the speakers." I am planning on doing this soon but with my current budget I'd rather go older but better quality rather than new speakers that are decent quality. However, I am here to learn so if there is any objection to this kind of thinking please let me know.

 

[3db]

Also, I have a silly question that I haven't been able to find the answer to anywhere. If you have a whole surround system does the quality of music go down since music is recorded as stereo? I feel like the different components surrounding you would create sound interference.

All AVRs used in HT are by default able to reproduce stereo sound. That capability was never taken from them. No worries there.

 

[jinjuku]

Just a cursory look through the Sacramento Clist: You are in used speaker nirvana.

Some Brands to search for:

KEF
PSB
Paradigm
Martin Logan
NHT
Selah
Dynaudio
Mirage
Jamo
B&W

 

[markw]

I want a sound system for listening to harder rock, progressive type music, and music with a lot of bass.

Others might disagree, but I believe that some "old school" big woofer speakers would be right up your alley. The newer, slim, systems with one or two small woofers just won't supply the visceral thrill I think you're looking for, at least without a properly integrated subwoofer.

If I were you, I'd search craigslist or epay for some big Cerwin Vega! or DCM KX series speakers.

 

[just-some-guy]

Others might disagree, but I believe that some "old school" big woofer speakers would be right up your alley. The newer, slim, systems with one or two small woofers just won't supply the visceral thrill I think you're looking for, at least without a properly integrated subwoofer.

If I were you, I'd search craigslist or epay for some big Cerwin Vega! or DCM KX series speakers.

yep, thats it right there. KLH are pretty inexpensive. i have a pair of 12" 3 ways in my garage. and they crank pretty good. these can be had for $50 a pair in like new condition.

 

[walter duque]

Others might disagree, but I believe that some "old school" big woofer speakers would be right up your alley. The newer, slim, systems with one or two small woofers just won't supply the visceral thrill I think you're looking for, at least without a properly integrated subwoofer.

I have to agree with Mark. PSB's are not going to do it for you if your demands are anywhere near mine. Even the Synchrony One wouldn't work me.

 

[south_of_grace]

Okay, I think I understand. So I should look for big (like 50 - 55 lb) Cerwin Vegas? I am very open to having a pair of huge speakers in the room. I like that it really shows that I'm serious about quality music and on top of that I really get a full sound. I'm just worried that the cheap price of these speakers (80 - 150 per pair) relates to sub-par quality. Just taking a quick look on ebay and craigs, I can see that Cerwin Vegas are fairly inexpensive compared to other better known brands to me. Is there a specific model type I should look for? Also I did find some decently priced KEF speakers. I think the trouble I have is that I know the brands I should look for but then the models are a bit confusing.

Can you offer any tips for understanding which models are good and which aren't?

here are a couple I am interested in so far:
http: // merced.craigslist . org / ele / 2297558498 . html (sorry for the spaces but I can't post links yet. would these work for my sound type?)

I will continue searching. Thank you guys for your help. You saved me from the PSB speakers haha..

 

[south_of_grace]

http: // stockton . craigslist . org / ele / 2294701575 . html (any good?)


or these?

http: // visalia . craigslist . org/ ele / 2251093126. html (these look fairly new)

THANK YOU GUYS!

 

[krzywica]

I have to agree with Mark. PSB's are not going to do it for you if your demands are anywhere near mine. Even the Synchrony One wouldn't work me.

Really? What were you driving them with? I think my Image towers have quite a bit of kick when you crank them up, you really need a good amp behind them to make them shine though IMO.

 

[walter duque]

Really? What were you driving them with? I think my Image towers have quite a bit of kick when you crank them up, you really need a good amp behind them to make them shine though IMO.

I totally agree with you, you need a good amp to drive these speakers. A 100 watt AVR is not going to do these speakers any justice.

 

[markw]

Your typical "100 watt" AVR does no speaker justice, particularly in the bass region. Every one is designed epecting to be paired with a powered subwoofer to compensate for that.

Now, OTOH, there are some 100 watt stereo integrateds...

 

[Rickster71]

PSB's are not going to do it for you if your demands are anywhere near mine.

We'll have to ask if he's into paint and wallpaper removal.

 

[south_of_grace]

We'll have to ask if he's into paint and wallpaper removal.

Haha... That and blowing the skirts off of girls I invite over

Okay, do you think these speakers would do it for me?
http://merced.craigslist.org/ele/2297558498.html

 

[just-some-guy]

http://stockton.craigslist.org/ele/2294701575.html

 

[south_of_grace]

If this speaker would meet my needs then that would be superb because it's so cheap!

Do you think I'd be able to voice-match them with a center speaker?

 

[3db]

Your typical "100 watt" AVR does no speaker justice, particularly in the bass region. Every one is designed epecting to be paired with a powered subwoofer to compensate for that.

Now, OTOH, there are some 100 watt stereo integrateds...

I have no complaints of my Yammy RX-V1800 driving my PSB Image T45s. I like how they rattle the sliders with bass when I run them full range and play either Cream or the Cowboy Junkies.