Stating my ignorance and looking for opinions

[pzaur]

Tomorrow - thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely give them a try, if I'm able.
Ultimate had the Beta 50s, just not setup for listening and they weren't willing to hook up a pair for me. My buddy suggested I also look into the JBLs.

Highfihoney - I'd love to hear them. But, I can guarantee that my wife won't let them within the walls of our house. This is purely based on the look of the cabinet as she is very much into looks over function. I tend to be the other way around.

It's hard to find speakers around here. Definitely a lot of searching required.
Too bad that a store doesn't carry mutliple brands. Too much of the Monster and Bose style market manipulation going on!


-pat

 

[Nuglets]

Check em out.

http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/heresy-iii.aspx

Those look very nice. Although I have never heard the Heritage line by Klipsche I have heard a set of speakers from the early 90's that my friend got a couple of years ago for an extremely good deal and they sound very good in my opinion. Much better than anything the big name stores sell. I think that HiFi is right on the money and if you like the Klipchse sound I bet those Heresy's would be perfect for the type of listening you do. They just look like jazzy/classical speakers don't they?

 

[zumbo]

The Energy speakers look pretty good, easy to drive. Axiom does appear to have better specs, but as mentioned before they are very foward. They probably sound very good with a good source, but probably sound bad with poor recordings (they will likely show all mistakes in the recordings). The Axioms are more efficient to the watt and have a lower frequency responce than the Energys.

Good luck with whatever you chose.

Actually, the Energy's have a higher sensitivity, and a lower frequency response. Check again. Make sure you check the correct spec.

Energy:
1)Frequency Response: 35 Hz-20 kHz +/- 3 dB
2)Useable Bass Response (-10db Anechoic):30 Hz
3)Sensitivity: anechoic 91 dB;
4)2 speakers in a typical room 94 dB
Nominal Impedence: 8 ohms; Minimum Impedance: 4 ohms

Axiom:
1)Freq Resp +/-3db (Hz): 39 - 22kHz Graph
2)Freq Resp +3dB- 9dB (Hz): 29 - 22kHz
3)SPL Anechoic 1w/1m(dB): 89 dB
4)SPL in Room1w/1m(dB): 93 dB
Impedance (Ohms): 8 Ohms

I changed the order of each so they could be compared correctly. The only place the Axiom is better is in the -9dB spec. Energy uses a -10dB spec. Axiom is 29. Energy is 30. Not a difference there to me. Everywhere else Energy has the edge.

 

[pzaur]

Are the Aperions similar to the Axioms in that you can only get them from the source?

My listening buddy and I have a speaker date next weekend to go listen to some more candidates, as long as he and the family don't head north to their cabin.

-pat

 

[zumbo]

Klipsch Heresy are twice the price in the budget. Price is for each.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductSearch.aspx?N=0&Ntt=klipsch+heresy&D=klipsch+heresy

 

[zumbo]

Energy dealers.

INNOVATIVE ELECTRONIC INC. is 3.2 miles away located at:

CUSTOM INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR
GILBERT , AZ 85233
USA

Tel: 480-635-9950
Fax: 480-635-9941

CUSTOM SOUND AND VISION is 7.8 miles away located at:

CUSTOM INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR
CHANDLER , AZ 85224
USA

Tel: 480-241-7282
Fax: 420-726-0023

Midas Entertainment Systems is 7.9 miles away located at:

AUTHORIZED ENERGY CUSTOM CONTRACTOR
Mesa , AZ 85211
USA

 

[pzaur]

I'm going to be making a few calls to see if they have any I can listen to. Zumbo, thanks for looking up the local folks for me. It'll make it easier for me to find the phone numbers!
I really do appreciate you finding the numbers for Monitor and Energy.

-pat

 

[Tomorrow]

Are the Aperions similar to the Axioms in that you can only get them from the source?

My listening buddy and I have a speaker date next weekend to go listen to some more candidates, as long as he and the family don't head north to their cabin.

-pat

That is correct, Pat. But as I mentioned. Shipping is free both ways (if you don't want to keep them). That's pretty sweet.

 

[zumbo]

I'm going to be making a few calls to see if they have any I can listen to. Zumbo, thanks for looking up the local folks for me. It'll make it easier for me to find the phone numbers!
I really do appreciate you finding the numbers for Monitor and Energy.

-pat

Your welcome. Many people will just buy whatever. So, thank you for taking the time to talk with us and audition the speakers. Klipsch is big for a reason. They sell speakers. I am not a fan. Like I said about the beer, it's all about preference.

I do think I can surely say this. You can take any soft dome tweeter off your list. Klipsch are hard dome, with that dreaded(to me) horn load. Energy and MA are both hard dome. But, they are laid back. MA for sure. You may just be left with Klipsch.

If you do anything, don't rush the audition. Pay attention to the speaker for a long period of time. While it may sound great at the moment, it may get annoying over a long period of listening. Those horns just kill it for me.

And what about that avatar? Sam Adams?

 

[billy p]

I'm a Energy fanboy!! I have heard the RC 50's and they are very close to perfect for my ears. The energy C series are under them. On this forum there was a discussion a while back about the energy c's and psb image line and the psb's in that audition sounded warmer and more neutral. So I'd toss them into the mix as well, not that you needed more suggestions.

This is a link to gauge the cost of some speakers your looking at:
http://www.saturdayaudio.com/

 

[pzaur]

about the avatar...

Zumbo, sorry, I forgot to deal with that. My brother graduated from Tufts University, near Boston. While he was there, my wife and I visited for a few days and we took a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery in Boston. I have to say that any tour where you get free, superb beer at the end is simply awesome!

The avatar is a picture of my taster glass with the a Sam Adams brew in it. I will never, ever turn down the lager or ale (unless I'm at work. Schools frown upon drinking during work for some reason...), both are excellent.

My preferred brews are:
Stone Brewery Ruination IPA
Stone Brewery Pale Ale
Anything Stone Brewery
Redhook IPA
Fourpeaks 8th Street Ale
Fourpeaks HopKnot
Fourpeaks Raj IPA
Fourpeaks Oatmeal Stout
Anything Fourpeaks (except for their Peach. Not my gig.)
Sam Adams Boston Lager/Ale

As a matter of fact, I think I'm gonna go to the fridge and get me a Fourpeaks 8th right now!

For what it's worth. Here's the updated list of speakers I will do my best to find and audition:
Axiom M50 v2
Klipsch RF62
Axiom M22 v2
JBL Stadium Venue
Atlantic Technology
Aperion Audio 533-T
Energy C500
Monitor Audio


-pat

 

[Nick250]

The biggest thing I'm looking for is a pair of decent front speakers that I'll be content with for a long time.
-pat

pazur, if you want speakers you will be content with for a long time you are going to have to audition as many speakers as you can, even if it's a PITA. Just no way around it. Check out locally every speaker in your price range, and bring your own favorite CD with you. It's a labor intensive process, but well worth it for the long run.

[edit] I see you have already started the process, very good!

Nick

 

[billnchristy]

If you are interested in auditioning anything in the av123 line check over on their forum, I dont know if there is anyone in AZ but I know there are a few in Vegas...wouldnt hurt to ask and just about anyone that posts over there is open to having a demo.

 

[Tex-amp]

Another brand to consider in your budget is Ascend Acoustics.

 

[pzaur]

Just to let y'all know, I ordered a set of Aperion Intimus 533-T speakers. They should ship around March 16. Now I have the pain of waiting for them to arrive!

If you haven't considered these, you've got to ask yourself the question of how you could not take up such a liberal return policy that includes shipping when shopping for a set of speakers?!

-pat

 

[zumbo]

If you haven't considered these, you've got to ask yourself the question of how you could not take up such a liberal return policy that includes shipping when shopping for a set of speakers?!

-pat

Answer to question. Specs.

I know I said specs don't say anything for SQ, but mains that only make it down to 70Hz are a little scary. (+/- 3dB) 70-20,000 Hz

Also, chek-out this quote:

"HD-X3™ Impedance Leveling Crossover Technology
Aperion's patent-pending HD-X3™ Crossover Technology levels the impedance load across the entire frequency range, creating a remarkably flat frequency response and eliminating the detrimental effects of resistance introduced by long runs of speaker wire."


Now the spec:
Impedance 5-10 Ohms

You could've had Polk RTI8's or Monitor 70's for the same price. They make it to 40Hz +/- 3dB, and weigh 10-15lbs more(ea).

I started listening today and knocked a few off the list. I think I actually prefer speakers that are a little on the "bright" side with sound. The Infinitys and the Klipsch RF10 sounded very muddied and withdrawn. The Klipsch RF62, on the other hand, had a very nice presence. I also checked out the Polk RTi8 and thought it was "Ok". Nothing special.
I'm very used to the Klipsch sound having lived in a house with Klipsch Quartets. Very crisp and clear. So far the RF62 is in the lead, over budget, and a new addition to the list.

I do think I can surely say this. You can take any soft dome tweeter off your list.

Intimus 533-T Tower Speaker
Tweeter 1” Silk Tweeter

Not going to be bright at all. I am just confused. This speaker is against everything you said you wanted.

 

[Tomorrow]

Not going to be bright at all. I am just confused. This speaker is against everything you said you wanted.

You may be right, Z, but it's a FREE/no risk audition.

 

[zumbo]

You may be right, Z, but it's a FREE/no risk audition.

My Oreck vacuum was too.
1) I still have it.
2) It's light.
3) It works.
4) Far from the best vacuum at it's pricepoint.
5) Too lazy to ship back. And, I like it.

I now understand that #5 will be the common conclusion for most people who purchase under these circumstances. That is what Oreck was banking on.

 

[WorldLeader]

These are considered some of the greatest budget speakers out there.

Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE
I've talked to the owner and he is honest and hardworking, and always glad to answer emails. Maybe you should shoot him an email.

So smooth...

 

[Tomorrow]

My Oreck vacuum was too.
1) I still have it.
2) It's light.
3) It works.
4) Far from the best vacuum at it's pricepoint.
5) Too lazy to ship back. And, I like it.

I now understand that #5 will be the common conclusion for most people who purchase under these circumstances. That is what Oreck was banking on.

So you're telling us that pzaur is as lazy as you, eh?

It sounds like he's auditioning lots of speakers, Zumbo. I applaud him for doing so and making a 'more' informed choice than many of us do when we buy gear. If you'll recall, I too tried to steer him away from them when he got to stating his preference for Klipsch. Yet I think he's doing it the right way...he's new to the hobby...and he's actually listening to a variety of gear. I say good for him.

(Besides, Orecks have lousy tweeters! You made a bad deal, lol.)