Should I go with AV123 (onix,rocket,etc) or RBH sound signature SE/R

[HTHOLIC]

I really need a fantastic floorstanding speaker and have debated going with either av123 or Rbh floorstanding speakers. Here are the PROS and CONS i have weighed.

1: AV123 speakers are just as expensive as RBH ones, although they offer beautiful finishes, av123 speakers use vifa tweeters and multiple woofers.

I can only get the RBH speakers in black becuase I cannot afford the custom veener, and due to "Family Approval Factor", I really want to get a matching roosewood finish to go with furniture.

I can get the RBH speakers in black in new from via an authorized dealer , the regular signature series for $4,500 new without the subwoofer, that includes the 2 of the following , the 1266 se, the 66 SE, the 61 se and 1 661-se center. Thats 7 speakers.

I can obtain the RBH 61 SE/R for around $1,200 a pair and the 661 se/R for almost a $900.

Which would give me more dynamic range, soundstage, value for the money. Shipping would cost $200-300 of course.

Should I blend the SE/R with the regular SEs like gene did in his review of the Signature SE/R series with the 44-se?

Is it good to use 3 center speakers for the L,R,C channels (ie, the normal center channel being used for the front 2 speakers?)

Are the 61 se's too weak for the back as mentioned in Gene's t-30lse review.

Or should I get multiple tweeter/woofer Si Rbh series,s would multiples woofer/tweeter create w wider soundstange and improve dynamic range.

Okay audioholics, you browse the forums for questions , answers and discussions perhaps you can please help me Out. Its not that much to ask.

 

[billnchristy]

What AV123 speakers are you looking at?

 

[HTHOLIC]

Well I will give you the links

I am looking at the Onix Reference 3

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=38.1

The link to the review is here http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/onix-reference-3-speakers-11-2004.html

And the the Rbh sound speakers:

http://www.rbhsound.com/signatureseries.shtml

You can took a brief look at the models in this link, thanks for responding.

 

[gene]

If your going with RBH, I recommend the following to stay within your budget:

3 661-SE/R or SE's up front
2 44-SE's for the sides and
2 41-SE's for the back channels

If you can afford to upgrade the surrounds, goto the 66-SE's and 61-SE's, respectively. Save your money and get 1 or preferrably 2 really good subs. This is a killer setup and the 6 series and 4 series blend quite nicely together.

 

[mazersteven]

I am looking at the Onix Reference 3

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=38.1

There are alot of speakers out there for $3000-$4000 a pair.

Before I would purchase the AV123 Onix speakers I would find out a little more information on these speakers coming out.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=98.1

http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?t=13909

PM this guy and ask some questions.

http://av123forum.com/member.php?find=lastposter&f=15

or this guy

http://av123forum.com/member.php?find=lastposter&t=21399

 

[HTHOLIC]

Do you think I should floorstanding speakers for the front. I mean the 1266 SE/R, just seems like a 661 SE/R with a 12 inch subwoofer built into it. Obviously there are more differences as the ohm is different.

I hear positive things about the RBH, as wondering if av123 was in the same league, in terms of price/performance , for example comparing the axioms with RBH is unfair because of the price,?

In regards to the focus line, source it is interesting, but I would love to know the specs for that. 21 drivers for just $4,000, seems interesting. Wonder if it can stack up to the RBH, but that could be overkill for a family entertainment room. Maybe being good outdoors or just in large room outdoors.

 

[Nick250]

Have you had a chance to hear either of these speakers? Auditioning all speakers that are in your price and sold locally is the first order of business IMO. If you are really set on buying one of those two ID brands you should order both, compare them and and send back the loser.

Nick

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 speakers

HT,
Consider using the Risk Free trial of the bookshelf speakers from AV123. Also note that their package deals and "family pricing" are much better than the retail prices listed on their site.

If you do a lot of 2 channel or music listening, you should also consider the Strata Mini's ($2k) for your mains. If your system is only for movies, the rocket line might be a better option. There are plent of posts on Ref vs. Rocket lines on their forum.

 

[HTHOLIC]

Shipping a floorstanding speakerback will cost money.

Well, I want to package the system in a 7.1 format.
Auditioning may not be possible inside my home as return shipping for av123 reference speakers would be cost prohibitive.

Its kinda like saying "Ill pay $300 just to TRY the onix speakers".

Spending $300 in shipping to send in back isn't worthwhile, maybe if its was a smaller speaker but where talking floor standing.

I really love the idea of that new focus line unit. 14 DRIVERS in one speaker. But bass response may not go to the low end which is okay (ie, below 35hz), but maybe its overkill and has shortcomings?

Please be aware Im comparing it to the RBH, which has a excellent reputation beating out axioms, b&w, paradigm,etc , it is costly though.

 

[billnchristy]

Where are you?

On June 30th in Clayton NC there is going to be a get together and the LS-9s (big daddy of the LS line) will be there.

From what I have heard about the line sources, Bass is NOT one of their weaknesses.

 

[gene]

HTHolic;

Not sure if you read my review on the RBH Signature SE/R system:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/rbh-sound-signature-se-r

As an alternative, especially within a budget, I recently did an install with the following:
3 x 441-SE's
2 x 44-SE's
2 x 41-SE's
2 x 12-SE subwoofers

The system worked extremely well together and music sounded phenominal. The room was about 20 x 25 with vaulted ceilings and the amp powering the whole system was a Sony 4ES receiver which surprisingly did quite well.

 

[HTHOLIC]

I read the recommendation systems, Can I mix OHM speakers?

I am confused as to whether I should use floorstanding speakers for the first 2 channels. If that is the case, then the 661 center would just be used for the center.

Also, if I want to use presence speakers for my yamaha should I go with an additional pair of 61, 66, OR 661 se/r?

I do notice that these speakers have different impedance , how do I use the speakers if it has different impedenace, ie floorstanding has 4 ohm, center 6 oh, 61 se/r 8 ohm?

 

[gene]

I am confused as to whether I should use floorstanding speakers for the first 2 channels. If that is the case, then the 661 center would just be used for the center.

Also, if I want to use presence speakers for my yamaha should I go with an additional pair of 61, 66, OR 661 se/r?

I do notice that these speakers have different impedance , how do I use the speakers if it has different impedenace, ie floorstanding has 4 ohm, center 6 oh, 61 se/r 8 ohm?

You are really giving this too much thought. There is nothing wrong with using different impedance rated speakers in your system. Most RBH speakers are a relatively easy load to drive with a decent amp or high end receiver.

For front effect channels, get something cheaper as they are not that critical. A pair of MC6-Cs would be overkill but I bet would make for awesome front effect channels. Personally, I'd opt for 7.1 over using 5.1 + front effect channels.