TSi100 or Primus 152 or M30 or something else?

jawhog

Coming up short on finding something on the used market for my sister.

I'm about to tell her to buy either:

TSi100's for $140
or
Monitor 30's for $110
or
Infinity Primus 152's for $160

She'll appreciate good sound, but won't be super picky or be second guessing what she could have gotten, just wants a solid recommendation. I'm planning on telling her to just pick whichever one she finds most appealing and best fits whatever shelf space she has available.

Any other thoughts before I shoot her some links? (going for the $100 to $200 range). I kind of like the idea of the new SVS SBS01's, but having never heard or seen them, they're hard for me to recommend.

steveinaz

Energy C-3

cnh

Energies are nice bookshelves....I've demoed the RC-10s at home and thought they were one of the best under 550 a pair speaks I've heard!

C-3s are the previous versions and have a larger woofer and lower bass response. Some reviews think the C-3s are better, others like the RC-10s. I haven't heard the C-3s but if they sound as good or better than the 10s--that's saying 'something'!

I'd also think about some Polk RTI-4s available for as little as 150 new and superior resolution to the M30s or TSI-100s. Or better yet some USED RTI-6s--more bass!

Haven't heard the Infinities either...but I wouldn't go smaller than the 162s--you want that deeper bass, bigger cabinet, there?

cnh

Danny Tse

As a Energy C-3 owner, I'll second that choice.

I auditioned the Infinity Primus P152 and it really need a sub to have weight in the sound. The P162 is much better in that aspect.

You want to keep you eyes out for some Monitor Audio B2s as well. Warm British sound....from the same era as the Energy C-3.

I haven't heard the Polk RTi-4s. But if they are anything like the RTi-25/28, then there's another winner.

jawhog

I'm buying these for my sister who is long distance. I don't have time or patience to look for something used and then figure out how to get it shipped to her. Especially since so many auctions, etc, require the item to be shipped to actual purchaser. I've even had trouble on teh 'gon getting things shipped to my work on occasion.

I just want to be able to send her some links to some new items that she can purchase at her leisure, not worrying about catching an item in time, or searching for one to pop up, etc.

PS- I've been casually on the lookout for RC-10's for awhile and they are indeed getting rarer.

cnh

jawhog....

If you just want to get this over quick. I think the Rti-4s would do it. Just upgraded my bedroom 2.1 system to this. 150 a pair..NEW....www.jr.com FREE shipping.

We have the 5 year warranty and Rti quality. They're not as good as the Energies but better than most everything else above; and as you say the Energy's involve waiting, looking, searching.

Good luck!

cnh

rooftop59

I would second cnh's recommendation. I have owned those, very nice aesthetically pleasing speakers (well okay that's subjective). They are a little lacking in the bass department, but depending on what she is used to they will be a nice upgrade due to a nice detailed (some say bright) tweeter and very decent bass response for a small bookshelf. MUCH better than the m30s or the TSI100s, and about the best deal you are going to find if you want her to be able to easily order them.

Peace,
Paul

jawhog

I had some rti4s for about a week once. (They were on sale for about 140, 5 years ago). I tried them alone and as satellites with a sub crossed over at 80 hz. I found them to be too bright and lacking in mid range fullness. They're my least favorite polks I ever owned, and I owned lots of various rti speakers.

I don't know why, they're still available new, but you guys are really making me question my memory of those little guys. I wonder if I didn't give them a fair shake.

HTguru1982

The RTi4's are great little speakers. I agree that they are bright but I really doubt you can do better for the price. For me, they blow away anything from the Monitor/TSi lineup.