PSB Image T45 vs. T55 Advice

[banderson317]

I'm putting in a HT in a 18' x 13' room with a 11' high cathedral ceiling (carpeting on wood flooring). My budget is around $2,500 +/- for a 5.1 system (speakers only) I'm leaning towards an Onkyo TX-SR875 receiver. I have the ability to get fairly good prices on PSB speakers so I've naturally started there in hopes that I can find a great value oriented system. I've listened to the T45's and think they sound pretty good but can't find anyone who has any T55's in stock. I know everyone has different listening tastes but I am interested in opinions on how the T45's and T55's (and T65's as well) are different as well as similar. Listening will primarily be for movies. Let me add that I know you get what you pay for and withdrawing money from my 401(k) for a HT system is not an option (although fun to think about ). With that being said, I welcome your opinions.

 

[jostenmeat]

Whats the price difference to you? Whatever it is, go with the 55 for the larger drivers and cabinet. One very particular trait I find in the Images is their ability to both crank, extend, and with less compression than most of the other brands out there at this price point. The Images do other things fine, just not always the best, depending on which detail you are looking at. To get the smaller drivers/cabinet would be undercutting one of their most significant strengths, imho.

Good luck! (damn, its so easy to spend other people's money)

Can you afford 7 of them?? Full-range surround

 

[banderson317]

The price difference between the T45's & T55's is about $100. Even a pair of T65's are less than $800 (plus shipping and tax). But, I've heard from one person that the T65's had too much base for his taste. Any experience with the T65's? I was thinking the T55's for the HT and the T65's in another room for music only (no subwoofer).

 

[jostenmeat]

I see. Tough call between 55 and 65. However, I do have the opinion to go at least with the 55 if only for the larger drivers. You will have to see if you can hear the various models for yourself (personal tastes, room size, etc).

It hasn't got much activity lately, but I would browse the owner's thread at AVS, or simply post the question there. No better people to ask than those who own them

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=657301&page=13

 

[banderson317]

Thanks for the link. This is my first day to the forum and I didn't know an owners thread existed. You've been a big help. Thanks again.

 

[jostenmeat]

Hey, my pleasure! I'll see ya around...

 

[3db]

If a $100 difference is worth 2 to 3 more Hz of bottom

The price difference between the T45's & T55's is about $100. Even a pair of T65's are less than $800 (plus shipping and tax). But, I've heard from one person that the T65's had too much base for his taste. Any experience with the T65's? I was thinking the T55's for the HT and the T65's in another room for music only (no subwoofer).

end extension, go for the T55s. I have the T45s and they have more than enough bass for me for all my music tastes except for that of the pipe organ. There you would need a sub and the T55s can't do it properly either.

I love my T45s. They're one of the better imgaing speakers out there, have solid deep tight bass, smooth lifelike mids and detailed inviting highs that just suck you in to listen to more.

I've auditioned both and like I said, the T55s can play a little deeper but is it worth the extra $100 for 2 or 3 more Hz?

 

[jostenmeat]

end extension, go for the T55s. I have the T45s and they have more than enough bass for me for all my music tastes except for that of the pipe organ. There you would need a sub and the T55s can't do it properly either.

I love my T45s. They're one of the better imgaing speakers out there, have solid deep tight bass, smooth lifelike mids and detailed inviting highs that just suck you in to listen to more.

I've auditioned both and like I said, the T55s can play a little deeper but is it worth the extra $100 for 2 or 3 more Hz?

Specs are over-rated. For instance, I auditioned a ML Dynamo sub that claims 25hz @-3db. The spec itself is not terribly horrible, but the extension was incredibly lacking, even though it tries admirably for being so tiny. For my ears, even bookshelves that claim such-and-such spec still always give it up in the midbass, as far as I what I have heard. How can that be if they claim such-and-such spec? I do not have an answer, but its what my ears tell me.

Anyways, I think everyone will agree that the need to step up in the line is very dependent on the room size.

 

[3db]

exactly

Specs are over-rated. For instance, I auditioned a ML Dynamo sub that claims 25hz @-3db. The spec itself is not terribly horrible, but the extension was incredibly lacking, even though it tries admirably for being so tiny. For my ears, even bookshelves that claim such-and-such spec still always give it up in the midbass, as far as I what I have heard. How can that be if they claim such-and-such spec? I do not have an answer, but its what my ears tell me.

Anyways, I think everyone will agree that the need to step up in the line is very dependent on the room size.

And what I'm saying is there's not an appreciable amount of bottom end added by the T55s' 6.5" woofers over the T45s 5.5" woofers. I've audtioned both and the specs reflect what I've heard strangely enough. The T45s are more than enough speaker for a room that size. But like I said also, if its worth the extra $100 for the listener, than he should do it. Both are very fine speakers easily capable of filling a room with great sound.

 

[jostenmeat]

Cheers. (They sure crank, huh?)

 

[spyrelx]

Has anyone who has heard the two found anything WORSE about the T55s other than they cost more?

I'm asking because I'm between the two and have only been able to hear the T45s (which I like). There was a guy on another forum who said the T55s were muddier than the T45s and lost some of the midrange clarity. If that was the case I might stick with the T45s. On the other hand, if others didn't feel that wasn't the case, I might go with the T55s for the slightly bigger bass.

Your thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks.

 

[Guangui]

Has anyone who has heard the two found anything WORSE about the T55s other than they cost more?

I'm asking because I'm between the two and have only been able to hear the T45s (which I like). There was a guy on another forum who said the T55s were muddier than the T45s and lost some of the midrange clarity. If that was the case I might stick with the T45s. On the other hand, if others didn't feel that wasn't the case, I might go with the T55s for the slightly bigger bass.

Your thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks.

I have the T45's, and compared them to the T55's. That guy is right, I also found the T55 with less clarity, and somewhat muddied. Also the bass difference between both is 3 Hz in favor of the T55. Most of us have subs, and those 3 Hz don't make no difference. I would stick to the T45, and save the $$$.

 

[3db]

Has anyone who has heard the two found anything WORSE about the T55s other than they cost more?

I'm asking because I'm between the two and have only been able to hear the T45s (which I like). There was a guy on another forum who said the T55s were muddier than the T45s and lost some of the midrange clarity. If that was the case I might stick with the T45s. On the other hand, if others didn't feel that wasn't the case, I might go with the T55s for the slightly bigger bass.

Your thoughts would be welcome.

Thanks.

You need to listen for yourself now to see what you perceive to be the differences. To me, the extra cash layout wasn't worth the extra 2 -3 Hz extension. I run my T45s full range with music and they do a really good job with bass. For movies, I run them small and let the sub handle the bass. I'm perfectly happy with my set up. Like I said, you need to really sit down ansd listen to both. I think we've given you all the advice we can. Its up to you now. Either way, you'll wend up with a good pair of speakers.