Speakers and stereo equipment

[applescrap]

^^ yeah right away

 

[applescrap]

Anyone here have experience with monoprice's speakers?
They have ribbon in-walls sparring at $49
Looking to a center and surrounds. May grab a martinlogan center off eBay to match the mains but need to figure out the surrounds. I'd only use them for movies and maybe sports. Stay 2.1 the rest of the time.

I would pass, just my opinion. In all honesty they wouldn't even make it to my garage

 

[Jwin]

I would pass, just my opinion. In all honesty they wouldn't even make it to my garage

Have you heard them?
Doubt they could sound worse than Sony's....
(Sorry to the previous poster with the Sony's, but every Sony speaker I've heard seems to be designed to be loud, not good. But they look nice)

Im keeping my eyes peeled on eBay for martinlogan surrounds and center...

 

[applescrap]

The martin logans are a better option imo. Let me explain where i am coming from. I really went through buyers remorse before and after buying my first set of nice speakers (if you could call them that )! And quickly came to realize that for 500 dollars they were one of the best and most important purchases of my life. I had been chasing cheaper stuff my whole life. I didnt care, didnt know, didnt research and had more fun to. Now I am older with kids and we either watch tv or listen to music or watch movies everyday. So to me i realized right away that this was a purchase that i use everyday (unlike my gibson guitar), substantially upgraded the sound, made the kids and wife happy, and will pretty much bring me a lifetime of joy until they break or I sell them.

My wife who seriously would watch tv with only tv speakers given the chance, loves them and enjoys them. Most women (and men) do despite stating or thinking otherwise. They realize quickly that they dont have to yell "turn it down" because nice loudspeakers dont sound blaring. It fascinates me that i can carry on a conversation with my speakers blaring, yet it would be difficult to with tv speakers turned up. My friend who bought that first set from me, he and his wife had the same experience. She loves them and now they sit and watch live music together which they never did before. For 50 dollars i have now bought two b&w v202s. Just saw a pair for 50 the other day. These could be the end stop for many.

As always dont trust me, go to a bestbuy magnolia store and listen to everything from 50 to 3000 and judge by your ears. Key is that at some point returns diminish with price around (just a guess) 2 to 3000.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

^^ yeah right away

Don't really have a use for them. Was my wifes system when we got married. Replaced those two with an integrated.

I could do distributed audio, but don't really have a need. Not entirely suire how I'd downmix stereo out from the CT to mono and then split that across 5 channels anyway. I could figure it out but, like I said, don't really need it.

The Yammy has plenty enough power to distribute audio throughout the house at ~1300 watt. :rockin:

 

[headbanger]

I was over at a friend's last weekend and got a chance to hear these Affordable Accuracy monitors from Dennis Murphy. He also had a pair of Harbeth P3's hooked up on another channel. We spent a solid three hours auditioning different genres on vinyl while switching back and forth and there was very little difference between the two on their own with possibly only a slight increase in mid tones and marginally better base response with the Harbeths.

The AA's actually sounded warmer to my ears, they sounded amazing! Once he switched the sub/crossover on there was literally little to no difference in the sound stage between the two. I immediately ordered a pair of my own, hopefully they will show up today. If you're running a sub with bass-management in your system I cannot recommend these monitors enough. Even without a sub, for around 200 bucks, you're getting a pair of monitors that will stand up next to a set that will set you back over 2K!

 

[headbanger]

Seeing that outlaw amp reminded me that I've has a Carver Premier AV-705 and a Carver CT-27v preamp sitting (covered) in my attic for 15+ years now.

I should do something with those.

Yes! I'll PM you my addy and gladly pay the shipping cost.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Yes! I'll PM you my addy and gladly pay the shipping cost.

I will mention to my wife and PM you if she has an interest.

 

[applescrap]

Don't really have a use for them. Was my wifes system when we got married. Replaced those two with an integrated.

I could do distributed audio, but don't really have a need. Not entirely suire how I'd downmix stereo out from the CT to mono and then split that across 5 channels anyway. I could figure it out but, like I said, don't really need it.

The Yammy has plenty enough power to distribute audio throughout the house at ~1300 watt. :rockin:

What, 1300 watts rms? Thats awesome I want one. Is that 250 watts per channel over 5.1?

For the carver, garage?!

 

[whoaru99]

HDCP 2.2 is a copy protection communication encryption protocol not signal chain specification. HDCP 2.2 required a HDMI 2.0 port to function, but not all HDMI 2.0 ports implement HDCP 2.2.

Yes, exactly my point. You'd mentioned HDMI 2.0 but these days HDCP 2.2 is what one really needs to be sure of and HDCP 2.2 had not been previously mentioned.

HDMI 2.0 isn't necessarliy HDCP 2.2, but HDCP 2.2 is always HDMI 2.0.

If one is buying all new gear today it probably has HDCP 2.2. The people that have to be most careful are those who may try to mix earlier 4k stuff with newer 4k stuff.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

What, 1300 watts rms? Thats awesome I want one. Is that 250 watts per channel over 5.1?

For the carver, garage?!

170 watts x7, 50 watts x2

Too dusty in garage for the Carver. I do woodworking in there. Already have a cheap Sony receiver serving that area and the back yard.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

If one is buying all new gear today it probably has HDCP 2.2. The people that have to be most careful are those who may try to mix earlier 4k stuff with newer 4k stuff.

Agreed. I, however, do not recommend 4K to anyone yet. Let the FCC sort out there protocols first. Latest buzz is FCC will require OTA UHD/HDR in the very near future.

 

[applescrap]

Sold last set of cm4. Upgrading to these. Cant wait to hear them! Guy convinced me to avoid lower upgrades. Figured he was right that being said i am in over my head.

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[applescrap]

The cdm1se sold in one day on ebay for 550. By the time I greased everybody's pocket, and styrofoamed this s*** out of them so they are safe, i think I made 370. I'm waiting for the new speakers to come and starting to consider where I'm going to move s***. I've been wondering if high-end bookshelves are a better option than the second line down Towers. In this situation, imo, the bookshelves win by far. No doubt the towers are more powerful but less is more here.

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[whoaru99]

I've tried small speakers/bookshelves in my HT system. Despite having two subs with the small speakers it never seemed to have quite the same impact/punch as using larger main speakers. And, thats even when both were crossed over at 80Hz (same subs in either case).

That said, I have a couple pair of smaller speakers that I do enjoy, just didn't cut it for me in the HT system.

 

[applescrap]

I've tried small speakers/bookshelves in my HT system. Despite having two subs with the small speakers it never seemed to have quite the same impact/punch as using larger main speakers. And, thats even when both were crossed over at 80Hz (same subs in either case).

That said, I have a couple pair of smaller speakers that I do enjoy, just didn't cut it for me in the HT system.

What kind of bookshelves were they, if you dont mind me asking?

The speakers i am referring to above were 800 a speaker 20 years ago. I agree they lose a little punch over the 900 dollar per speaker towers, but in fidelity and quality there is no comparison imo. Ymmv of course. The question for me became quality vs quantity. Ultimately quality won out because normally it's really not turned up that loud and the upgrade to the high end towers is a big jump. Even though they are amazing speakers, i agree they are still bookshelves, and like you I do enjoy Towers more. But after listening to the highest-end bookshelves the lower end Towers just didn't sound very good at all. I hope to upgrade when the right deal comes along.

 

[dstockwell]

Oh yea, new addition. Thinksound on1 cans, Stereophile class A rated 2014 - 2016.. New model is on2, not much different.

 

[whoaru99]

duplicate

 

[whoaru99]

What kind of bookshelves were they, if you dont mind me asking?

The speakers i am referring to above were 800 a speaker 20 years ago. I agree they lose a little punch over the 900 dollar per speaker towers, but in fidelity and quality there is no comparison imo. Ymmv of course. The question for me became quality vs quantity. Ultimately quality won out because normally it's really not turned up that loud and the upgrade to the high end towers is a big jump. Even though they are amazing speakers, i agree they are still bookshelves, and like you I do enjoy Towers more. But after listening to the highest-end bookshelves the lower end Towers just didn't sound very good at all. I hope to upgrade when the right deal comes along.

The bookshelves were Ellis Audio 1801 that I had on short term loan/trial. SEAS Excel W18E001 and the Hiquphon OWI tweeter, 1dB matched drivers, big name components in the crossover, etc. etc. While these are no longer made, a tower version is available from Salk Sound. Uses a transmission line enclosure. Same drivers through, far as I know. MSRP $2700 for the 1801-TL.

Next up were some other, custom speakers made by a fellow name of Jim Holtz. These have Focal woofers, Morel mids, and Hiquphon tweeters. Crossover design is by Rick Craig of Selah Audio. These I bought maybe 10-15 years ago for the cost of parts, around $800, I think. I still have these and use them in 2-ch systems of various components. Currently, in a small tube setup with a Victor EL84 P-P amp that I completely rebuilt with all new parts except the chassis, power transformer, and output transformers. Also optimized the power supply, changing it from cathode bias to fixed bias with adjustment for individual tubes. For a preamp using a Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid tube preamp.

On a lark I also tried some Behringer Truth B2031P speakers, which I also still own. Overall not in the leagues of the above, but still not a bad speaker given the price.

In the HT I've had Definitive Tech BP30 that I thought worked quite well for the system. But, when I upgraded to a larger flat panel display, the bipolar speakers didn't work as well with the space between them largely blocked. So, I went to Paradigm Studio 100s for the mains, which is where it's still at today.

Briefly tried Thiel CS3.6 in the HT, which are a great speaker themselves and I still have those for a separate 2-ch system. However, still preferred the Paradigms for the HT. I think with the dual 8" woofers, yet crossed at 80Hz, I get satisfying midbass punch I didn't get from the smaller speakers. Lower bass and subwoofage is handled by a pair of Paradigm Servo 15 subs.

 

[Jwin]

Does anyone here own any Emotiva speakers? Curious about your impressions. I love folded ribbons(have Adam A7s and martinlogan motion 10s already).

 

[applescrap]

@jwin sorry havent heard them, but....

Two pairs of these are about to end on ebay, i got centers that looked just like them. They are incredible, but i just cant for my bedroom.

@whoaru awesome collection there. I would love to have heard that many different types. Some are diy, right? How do they sound

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[whoaru99]

@whoaru awesome collection there. I would love to have heard that many different types. Some are diy, right? How do they sound

DIY, yeah, I guess, inasmuch as they were not produced by a big, familiar corporate name. Performance wise, they are not what one might otherwise expect from a "DIY" speaker.

The Ellis speakers were phenomenal in image, sound stage, and all that sort of audiospeak. However, they just didn't float my boat for a dual purpose (mainly HT) system.

The JH3s, pretty much same deal. Excellent sounding speaker, just not quite right for high impact HT setup.

Ellis 1801 (2nd and 3rd pictures): Note, I did actually put them on real stands at some point, but don't have a picture of that. In the back ground are the Definitive Tech BP30s and the "big" Hitachi 36" CRT.

JH3 (1st picture): Hooked up to a Levinson No. 23, Proceed PRE, and Denon DCD-1560 (with the speakers on some real stands )

Then in the very last picture, the JH3 speakers in more or less the current setup as I was setting up a little music room. I've since disconnected the amp you see on the floor and the Bucket Sub you see in the corner. The JH3 speakers and gear on the stand remains. That's the Victor amp on top and below that the Grounded Grid preamp, then the Emotiva XDA-1 DAC below. And, to the side on the floor, a power conditioner I made, that provides balanced and filtered power.

If you look close you can see the Bottlehead Crack headphone amp on the bottom left shelf of the rack. This has the Speedball modification too. Senn HD-580 cans on the floor to the left.

None of these setups are really all that "pretty" but boy, they sound pretty good.

 

[jodell]

Anybody know anything about car radio that is willing to help me out/ give a few pointers?

I just bought a 2011 tacoma across can that has a terrible audio system, I am wanting to replace the speakers and stereo in it with something decent. Shoot me a pm if you are I retested in giving me a few pointers

 

[applescrap]

I can help you^^ lets keep it here maybe someone else can benefit to. Since i am not overly familiar with your tacoma speaker set up, you will first need to know whats in there. Crutchfield is an awesome resource for car audio. In fact if you buy from them they will send you your car/truck installation guide and diagrams. See sometimes a standard size will work and other times not. They put the speakers in molds often times and so either a replacement mold is needed or other fixes are recommended. Either way they will give you that info for free. You are smart to do this and i dont know why i waited so long to change my camry and 4runner. The stock speakers are like paper cups. Wish i would have put nicer speakers in too. I was being cheap and didnt yet realize the value of nice speakers. Hope this gets you started.

 

[jodell]

Yeah it's a good start! Only thing is crutchfield is recommending 6.75" speakers and my car has 6x9's in them...

 

[jodell]

Wow so got the old speaker out and it might be worst than a paper cup....but it's for sure a 6×9

 

[Jwin]

Maybe 6s in the doors?
Here's a rundown of some 6x9s
https://stereochamp.com/best-6x9-speakers/
In my opinion...
Want bass? Go kicker
Clarity and balance? Go jbl or pioneer.

 

[applescrap]

Sweet jodell, you are well on your way. The kicker DS series is what I put in my Camry. I think the six by nines would sound better if they were in my doors but unfortunately the little ones in my doors are what I here mostly. They are pretty big magnets so make sure whether you need a shallow mount or deep mount. I think it's worth the money once again to get some nicer speakers but these kickers are certainly nicer than the paper cups. For a little more money I have found the Infinities to be superior. Ymmv

 

[applescrap]

So a little deeper research shows that indeed the 6x9 is in a specialty molded bracket. So they recommend a six and a half and using the mounting to fit in the mold screws. A nice six and a half component system does seem a good idea. Any way you can get a 6x9 to screw into that mold will be acceptable. You can use foam if needed. For my 4Runner I screwed into non existing screw holes just straight into the plastic mold. The important thing is to realize that it's not plug and play with that 6x9. Then again I could be completely wrong

 

[jodell]

I got 6.75" kickers. Crutchfield was an excellent website because they added the mounts for free so I am very excited. They should be here Monday and I'll post how they look!