Streem HT-808 vs BIC Acoustech

[kevbach]

I currently have Bose acoustimass 5 system that I would like to upgrade and have about $700 to spend. I have a pretty decent sub so all I need is 2 fronts, 2 rears, and a center.
I’ve listened to all of the main brands, (JBL, Polk, Infinity, etc) but am interested finding out more about a couple of internet brands that have caught my eye.

BIC Acoustech
This system seems to be pretty popular and has good user reviews. Since they are said to be similar to Klipsch's reference series, I went to my local stereo shop and gave them a listen. I thought they sounded great at low to medium volumes, but when the sales rep cranked them up, the horn tweeter seemed a bit too much. I guess my main question is has anyone listened to both the acoustechs and Klipsch's and how do you think they compared?

Streem HT-808
This set seems to be a bit of a mystery. They cost about the same as the Acoustech's and look to have decent build quality. Has anyone listened to these and do they sound similar to anything else on the market I can listen to? Are they worth $700 or can I do better?

I assume the way Bose gets bashed, either of these would be an upgrade? I hate to buy a set of speakers without being able to listen to them, but the BIC's & Streems are very attractive to someone on a tight budget like myself. Any advice is much appreciated!!

 

[cyberbri]

I haven't heard of the second set.
I haven't heard the Acoustech speakers, but I owned an H100 sub for a year and its quality (build and sound) were great for the money. I think you would be very satisfied with the BIC speakers. But just in case, get them from a place with a good return policy and keep the boxes.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Between those two, stick with the Acoustechs. The Streems are about as close to "white van speakers" as you can get through ebay. The Acoustech horns aren't as bright as the Klipsch, so you shouldn't have the sibilant issue at loud volumes. Costco used to carry that setup.

You may also want to consider the BIC Venturi 62/64 series, or the Athena Auditions. I don't think they're as attractive, or as efficient as the Acoustechs with amplifier power. I think the Acoustechs were primarily designed for HT, but many members have liked how they've sounded with music.

Which sub are you running? You'll want a good sub with the Acoustech setup, as some have said the dual 6.5" drivers are great for midbass, but yearn for a good subwoofer (most systems do).

 

[cyberbri]

The Acoustech setup will have the H100 if it's the full 5.1 setup.

 

[Matt34]

Between those two, stick with the Acoustechs. The Streems are about as close to "white van speakers" as you can get through ebay. The Acoustech horns aren't as bright as the Klipsch, so you shouldn't have the sibilant issue at loud volumes. Costco used to carry that setup.

You may also want to consider the BIC Venturi 62/64 series, or the Athena Auditions. I don't think they're as attractive, or as efficient as the Acoustechs with amplifier power. I think the Acoustechs were primarily designed for HT, but many members have liked how they've sounded with music.

Which sub are you running? You'll want a good sub with the Acoustech setup, as some have said the dual 6.5" drivers are great for midbass, but yearn for a good subwoofer (most systems do).

I do enjoy listening to music on the acoustechs but I listen to mostly rock and some alternative. I have a acoustical Godsmack SACD and both the Porcupine Tree SACD albums that, I think, sound excellent. No harshness or fatigue when I get to crank it up when I have the house to myself
.

 

[jcPanny]

Onix X-LS speakers

Check out the Onix X-LS 5.1 speaker system from AV123.com.
The bookshelf speakers got great reviews from AH and should make a good entry level system.

The BIC acoustichs will play loud with their horn loaded tweeters, but I would audition some Klipsch synergy series first to make sure you like that "sound".

 

[Spiffyfast]

the acoustechs sound way better than the klipsch synergy series. But compared against the klipsch reference series they sound amazing without the shrill shreak of that klipsch tweeter

 

[majik]

HT-808 = Great bang for the buck!

Hi, I received mine about a month ago and they are really nice speakers. Don't listen to that "white van" BS comment. They sound really nice. I must admit I thought they played kind of low, but that was my fault - I forgot to set the receiver to large speaker. Once that was done, I've been enjoying them a great deal.

If you think I'm a Streem rep or anything like that, go to my ebay profile "majikmann27" you'll see I bought them. I can't say they'll be better than the others you mentioned because I haven't heard them. I took a chance on these ones and I'm glad I did.

Hope this helps.