Speakers

[zieglj01]

Look at this for bookshelf and center speakers. These can hold you
for now.
http://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/infinity_primus.html

 

[fragzem]

I might suggest Jamo C 403 (i just got a pair a few days ago so I'm biased) - $99/pair
http://www.amazon.com/403-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Dark-Apple/dp/B003ATPGU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1294935366&sr=8-1

However, I'd have to fill you in on a few things regarding Jamo:

They were recently purchased by Klipsch and then Klipsch purchased by Audiovox. (Probably bad)http://www.newsday.com/business/inside-long-island-business-1.811933/audiovox-buying-speaker-company-1.2601628

The C 4xx series is discontinued. (C 603 would be the current in-production replacement) http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-C603-Range-Compact-Speakers/dp/B00120Y3MS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1294935386&sr=8-1


That said, they're providing me some amazing Left/Right sound up front for the moment. I will eventually buy a Jamo C60 center on Amazon or eBay, or move these 2 to the rear surround. http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-C60-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B00120Y3NC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1294935459&sr=8-1


Took me a long time to decide on these speakers.. they're not well known in the US, (made in Denmark), I didn't see any Amazon reviews (however there are dedicated "Jamo ownership" threads on a couple forums), I wasn't able to hear them in person first, etc. They're not even broken in yet, but I'm loving them. I had been listening to my HTIB speakers since mid-2008 and I thought that sounded great (for what it was) -- rubbish. They sounded like total garbage compared to my Jamo's. The bass blew me away the first day or two, but I'm desiring more now. That said, I can live with the amount of bass I'm getting until I buy a sub.

 

[digicidal]

I might suggest Jamo C 403 (i just got a pair a few days ago so I'm biased) - $99/pair...

That is a very good price on those - you could (if you've got the space over the TV - just buy 3 pairs of them to use one as the center... set one of the speakers aside as a 'spare' or use it in a 6.1 setup as the center-back speaker). There's nothing that says you have to get a horizontal center channel... and there's much that says you're better off putting even a horizontal center vertically if you can. So why not just use the same bookshelf for all 5/6/7 channels? You'd only be $300 in and you'd have a very good sounding system I would guess. The Infinity Primus are well regarded also - but at least from the types of responses I've seen and the diversity of equipment associated with them, I'd say the Jamo's are another one of those 'silent killers' in audio. You'd be surprised how many people with much larger budgets are running Jamo's.

In fact, I might just put off getting the Sierra-1's I was planning on grabbing for another year or two and do exactly that myself (i.e. get 6 of these while they're available). I agree with the Audiovox acquisition - despite not really being sorry to see Klipsch go (personally) - the fact that they're taking Athena, Energy, and Jamo down the toilet too probably, is sad. But the jury is still out - maybe Audiovox will just let the companies continue as they were without massive cost-cutting and quality-cutting (yeah, not holding my breath for that one).

 

[gregl15]

Those Jamo C403's look good. Not sure I'd get 3 pair right now, but 2 might be an option and get either that Jamo C60 center or another center speaker and have a 5 channel system. Then save up for a sub. Then a bit later go see about upgrading the fronts and move those to the side for a 7.1 system. OR a pair of the Infinity's for the front, a pair of these Jamo's for the rear and get a center... seems like that could work out pretty well too...

Have you found the Jamo C 430s in black, by chance?

Are any of these able to be mounted on a wall? Are there special mounts I would need to buy to be able to mount them? Otherwise, I could just build a small shelf on the wall to put them, but figured I'd ask.

 

[digicidal]

Are any of these able to be mounted on a wall? Are there special mounts I would need to buy to be able to mount them? Otherwise, I could just build a small shelf on the wall to put them, but figured I'd ask.

Selection might be pretty limited considering they are last year's model and add to that they're an acquisition of a parent co that was just an acquisition themself... probably not too many retailers looking to stock up unless it's for a closeout (which these undoubtedly were).

A quick look at the manual shows that the entire line is indeed wall-mountable (including the center) - with the obvious exception of the towers. Basically they include some little rubber bumpers for the bottoms and have two 'screw-hat' brackets at the top (similar to picure hangers).

 

[digicidal]

I might suggest Jamo C 403 (i just got a pair a few days ago so I'm biased) - $99/pair
http://www.amazon.com/403-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers-Dark-Apple/dp/B003ATPGU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1294935366&sr=8-1

How do you find the highs and upper-midrange on these... even though I take with a grain of salt anyone's opinion that referrences Bose as their prior 'quality speaker' and states their age as 'in their 60s' - I did find that one review disturbing because I don't consider the Infinity's he claims he replaced them with and found them to me MUCH better to be all that bright a speaker. My guess is that he got one with a damaged tweeter or his setup was crap, etc... but figured I'd as someone that's probably listening to them right now what they thought.

 

[fragzem]

How do you find the highs and upper-midrange on these... even though I

I've not had much a chance to do any "crticial listening" at reference level as the same day my speakers arrived, my 88 year old grandfather came home from a physical rehab he was living in.

I hadn't seen that guy's post before, but I've not noticed anything sub-par.

Listening in stereo to DMX's "Ruff Ryders Anthem" and the Rolling Stones' entire discography paying close attn to guitar solos, I find nothing lacking. (in my opinion of course)

I think this guy is just used to the "Bose" sound. From what he writes, I would assume the midrange to seem "muddy" - nothing at all like that in my experience.

As for wall mounting, they have some (seemingly) nice brackets on the back (havent tried hanging them but they look sturdy), and they provide some rubber bumpers in the box to keep the bottom end of the speaker from scratching your wall. That said, in a few C 403 threads I've been able to find, most suggest about 12" away from the wall as they're ported in the rear, to allow more bass thru. I can tell you I have mine about 6" from the wall on a shelf and they sound fine. If I didn't have 70 year old knotty pine walls, I'd mount them and see, but I want to put as little amount of holes in my walls as possible.

If I found the Jamo's disappointing in any aspect, trust me, I would've turned around and sent them right back. My budget, like Greg's, is also pretty limited. I don't have the cashflow to fart around with "just living with it" - I'm out to get bang for the buck, and if it don't bang enough, GIMME MY BUCK BACK. lol


:::EDIT::: I just went back and listened to "The Rolling Stones Brussels Affair Definitive Edition" on my .flac collection, and I must say.. I have no problem with highs or upper mids. That can be found here (mp3 320): http://elmanzo.blogspot.com/2006/10/rolling-stones-brussels-affair-1973.html I do not believe there is any copyright on this particular recording.

:::EDIT 2::: For what it's worth, B&H carries some Jamo (albeit pricier) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=jamo&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

 

[digicidal]

...If I found the Jamo's disappointing in any aspect, trust me, I would've turned around and sent them right back. My budget, like Greg's, is also pretty limited. I don't have the cashflow to fart around with "just living with it" - I'm out to get bang for the buck, and if it don't bang enough, GIMME MY BUCK BACK. lol
...

I have a similar take - but more pertaining to the WAF factor in my house. Thankfully it's not one of "speakers must be pretty" - she's very accomodating in that aspect. However, it is one of "no more speakers moving around the house and then just piling up in corners". So although I pretty much don't have a budget - provided I don't completely drain our savings account for a pair of Magico M5's or anything - but this set has to be "IT" for at least 5-10 years.

In some ways it's easier to just have a budget constraint and content yourself with the knowledge that something better will be replacing them a couple of years down the road.

 

[fragzem]

I have a similar take - but more pertaining to the WAF factor in my house. Thankfully it's not one of "speakers must be pretty" - she's very accomodating in that aspect. However, it is one of "no more speakers moving around the house and then just piling up in corners". So although I pretty much don't have a budget - provided I don't completely drain our savings account for a pair of Magico M5's or anything - but this set has to be "IT" for at least 5-10 years.

In some ways it's easier to just have a budget constraint and content yourself with the knowledge that something better will be replacing them a couple of years down the road.

Sounds like someone just needs to have a yardsale. =P
Too bad its not about "pretty" because these Jamo are damn gorgeous. I told my girlfriend that if she breaks up with me, no big deal, I'll marry my speakers.


thinking about it... I have a lot (10 or more) of friends in Denmark.. maybe I need to check on that Danish kroner exchange rate

 

[digicidal]

Sounds like someone just needs to have a yardsale. =P
...
thinking about it... I have a lot (10 or more) of friends in Denmark.. maybe I need to check on that Danish kroner exchange rate

Well after the beating the dollar took today... it can't be better for us! And yes... I'm in the process of trying to get rid of quite a pile of speakers and electronics to clear the way for new ones.

 

[digicidal]

Have you found the Jamo C 430s in black, by chance?

I've looked pretty much everywhere. I can't find any place that has the 430's in black - just the newer line (which is as much for 1 pair as 3 pairs of those are).

 

[fragzem]

I've looked pretty much everywhere. I can't find any place that has the 430's in black - just the newer line (which is as much for 1 pair as 3 pairs of those are).

I'm not an interior decorator but I love the applewood
The stock photo on Amazon is not very accurate, I find these images to show the color of the Jamo Applewood better:

(yes this is pics of the actual C 403's)
http://pic5.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1287958991.jpg
http://pic5.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1287958992.jpg
http://pic5.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1287958993.jpg

It's a good color, unless your walls are green it should blend in fine, I would say.

Again, this is the Amazon photo
http://audiospeakersblog.net/wp-content/uploads/wpid-5e94b5364fd241b4c7ef5657d4db518a.jpg

the wood looks more like teak in that photo, it ain't that light.

 

[digicidal]

Oh I think the dark apple looks much better than black - however, I presume it's important for WAF in his case. I will have to say that even if they were honey oak (my least favorite wood & color - and what all of the cabinetry in my house was done in ) the simple fact that it's not vinyl at this pricepoint is a big fat PLUS in my book.



Now if only my wife hadn't demanded that I not just keep buying speakers all the time and actually get something I'm happy with for at least 5 and preferrably 10 years... I'd already have 3 pairs on order right now. SIGH

 

[gregl15]

Question... I started looking at more of the Jamo speakers and then came across this "bundle" option... your thoughts??...

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6917897&CatId=4586

It comes with the Jamo S426HCS3 5pcs Home Theater Speaker System... good? bad? ugly? Would the speakers have covers over them or are they just open like they show in the pics?

 

[gregl15]

All.. I started looking more at the Jamos and the Onkyo rec and came across this bundle pkg... thoughts??

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6917895&CatId=4586

Know if there are covers that go over these speakers or are they just open like in the picture? If they are open, can I get covers? Are these even a good set to start with?

I think I have about $350 to spend on a receiver... is this a good one or should I be looking to a different brand or features? Am thinking I should get one that can last and can be expanded as I get more speakers, even if I go with just 2 fronts and the center to start with. Other suggestions are welcome too.

 

[gregl15]

Anyone know anything about the Klipsch Synergy B-20 series speakers? or the Jamo E640? Know what the model is for last year's version of any good speakers? I like those Jamo 403s, but not sure if I will find other speakers to match (in color) to them and my wife has no issues with whatever speaker I get, but wants the set to match. UGH!! Who need things to match that much when you have good sound?! haha Anyway, this might mean that I will have to go with a black speaker, but figured I would reach out to ask b/f I jump the gun... thoughts? suggestions?

Also, I wanted to find out your thoughts on this other pkg deal I found when I was looking more at the Jamo speakers you folks suggested. Can you let me know your thoughts?

http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6917895&CatId=4586

 

[digicidal]

As far as the Klipsch Synergy speakers are concerned - I would caution against it, but that's just me. I have a set (that's what I started with as my first 5.1 system back in 1990). I even consider my Synergy setup to be about twice as good as the ones they make now and I hate them with a passion. However, I just got burned on the horn-loaded tweeters and the 'Klipsch sound' - well, at least until you're talking about their classic line.

You might really like them however, and it should be easy to find a store that has some you can audition - they're in Best Buy - and possibly some other stores in your area. I can understand the WAF issues, I wouldn't like mis-matched speaker finishes either.

With speakers it's not really something that someone else can recommend for you. I can say this - the Klipsch will sound much louder and perhaps more 'exciting' for HT use... and (IMO at least) totally over-the-top for music creating a very distinct and not very accurate sound. For movies that's not necessarily a bad thing - however, they do tend to be recessed in the midrange which can make for some harder to hear dialog.

I'm sure the Jamo's would be more 'accurate' but also more 'laid back' sounding. Which is better for you and your tastes, I couldn't even begin to comment. Since price is a very large part of your concern - at least with that bundle at CC, you're basically getting the speakers for about $150 or so... so you can enjoy them for awhile, and then upgrade down the road if you find them lacking.

However, the only real advice - and the advice that you (at least as far as things you've posted) have not followed through on - is GO OUT AND LISTEN TO SOME SPEAKERS!

After that, if there's something that you liked (but can't afford, or are interested in some ID alternatives) then people can make much better suggestions to you. If you simply can't or won't take the time to audition several speakers to get a feel for them - then you're safe getting just about anything that's in your pricerange. After all, you won't have any idea what you could be listening to, so you won't feel bad.

 

[gregl15]

Yea... I have been trying to get out of the house to go listen to some stuff, but b/w the constant snow we are getting in CT and the fact that my wife is due in less than 2 weeks, there really hasn't been much time. I know I need to go listen, but wanted to have some knowledge b/f I go listen so I know what to listen to and for. All of the info that you all have given has been good so it definitely has helped. I would love to hear what those Jamos sound like and found a dealer that is not too far from me. I'm also interested in the Infinitys and open to others that someone at the store may suggest. I'm still trying to finish the play room / man cave so its not ready for the speakers yet, but hopefully will be soon. Once I go listen, I will probably come back for some more advice though. Thanks!