Boston Acoustic VR Series Speakers

scubalab

Quick question... Was wondering if anyone has anything good or bad to say about Boston Acoustic VR series speakers?

I have a line on a 5.1 set somewhat locally (asking price is $500). They include:

- 1 pair VR-M60 with stands
- 1 pair VR-MX with stands
- 1 VR-MC center
- 1 PV-800 subwoofer

I know it's all personal preference, and listening to them will be key, but was wondering if this is a good deal if they do sound good (to me). I currently have a Polk/Paradigm setup that I am very happy with, but they are a bit larger and more intrusive. My current HT setup includes:

- Denon AVR-988 Receiver
- Epson PowerLite 8350 Projector
- Sharp & Samsung Blu-Ray Players
- Lenovo i3 desktop HTPC
- RT800i Fronts
- CSi40 Center
- FXi50 Surrounds
- RT35i Rears
- Paradigm PSW-1000 Sub

Thoughts? Would this be a downgrade, same, or upgrade? Thinking downgrade...

Lastly, any thoughts on what my RT800i, CSi40, FXi50, and RT35i speakers might fetch? Figure average condition...?

Thanks in advance for any insight!!

cfrizz

I have the Boston VR-920 Center Channel, Boston PV-600 Subwoofer in my system and I like both of them just fine. Only you would know by listening to them if it would be a down grade.

Is there something wrong with the speakers you have or do you thing you are missing something? My personal suggestion would be to upgrady your receiver to one that has preouts, then get a 5-7 channel 200wpc @ 8ohms amp to hear what your speakers can really do.

simm

I am running 5 VR-M60's and a SVS 20-39 PC sub and think they sound great. I have had them for over 10 years now and no regrets other than usual urge to upgrade to something different just for change not issues with sound quality. I have run the with Yamaha DSP-A1, Denon 3805, and currently Yamaha A-3000. For $500 with stands ans for a whole set I would at least audition. Not sure why this series never got much press but they are pleasing to my ears.

scubalab

Thanks for the quick replies and advice so far! As for my current setup (in RE to cfrizz) - I'm very happy with my current speakers. The only downside is size. They are a little intrusive in our HT room (roughly 10'W x 20'L x 7'-4" ceiling height). That's my only complaint.

As for the receiver (cfrizz & DSkip) - I never really gave that much thought! It probably is time for an upgrade. It is about 6-7 years old. It wasn't top of the line, but for nearly $1000, and pretty decent specs at the time, I guess I just thought it might 'last' a little longer. Any recommendations on a good budget receiver that would be the best bang for the buck to drive these speakers? Or recommendations on a decent receiver (w/ pre-outs) and amp? I know those are WIDE open questions! Maybe someone could even point me to another member with one they are looking to pass on... It certainly would be nice to have more than two HDMI inputs and lose the HDMI switch... hmm...

Thanks also to simm for your input on the VR-M60s. From what (little) I've read elsewhere on the Boston speakers mentioned above, they seem to have been pretty good speakers and have decent reviews. Guess it may be worth a listen!

Lastly, thanks DSkip on the confirmation on what I thought my speakers were worth. I figured around $200 for the 800's, $150 for the CS, $200 for the FX's, and $100 for the 35's. Other than the size, I really like them and am content... It did take me quite a while to find them too, so maybe I am just better off keeping them and upgrading the receiver!

Other thoughts/recommendations welcome!

cfrizz

Hi Scuba, I just looked up your receiver and you already HAVE preouts so all you have to do is get an amp so that you operate your speakers to their full potential.

scubalab

cfrizz wrote: »

Hi Scuba, I just looked up your receiver and you already HAVE preouts so all you have to do is get an amp so that you operate your speakers to their full potential.

Any recommendations on a decent/relatively inexpensive amp? Since I basically hooked it up several years ago, and haven't looked at the back panel since, I feel somewhat embarrassed not realizing that it had the preouts. I thought it only had the LFE and Zone 2, but if the manual is correct, it sure does have preouts for all 7 channels and a sub.

So, I obviously have zero experience with anything beyond an all-in-one receiver! Now looking for advice on whether an added amp would be a worthy upgrade, and if so, what would be the best bang for the buck?

Thanks in advance! I always learn something new from the fine folks on this forum!

codyc1ark

FWIW I've been going back and fourth on between a set of 60's and LSi9's. They both have positives and negitives. I've enjoyed my time with the 60's but once this move is over I may be doing a slight overhaul to the rig. We'll see.

scubalab

OK, update on the BA speaker set. Talked to the seller and he is looking to sell all 5 speakers, sub, 4 speaker stands, and he is now including an Integra dtr-6.2 receiver. Total price = $500. Don't know how firm that is. I have no need for the Integra, but have no idea what value it would add should I decide to resell it...

Thoughts?

drummer86

DSkip wrote: »

Low end receivers are worth squat on the used market.

+1 on that. I've had to almost give away older low end receiver or package them with something else just like this guy is trying to do to you. I'd tell him to take $50 off the price and keep the receiver unless you have a use for it like a bedroom or garage setup.

cfrizz

Here are some good used amps from Audiogon. If you feel better getting new, then check out www.emotiva.com & www.outlawaudio.com.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-parasound-hca-2003a-2014-03-10-amplifiers-23235
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-original-19-sunfire-cinema-grand-serviced-by-flannery-s-vintage-audio-w-removable-pow-2014-03-07-amplifiers-98290
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-sunfire-cinema-grand-200-5-2014-03-10-amplifiers-19720-manor-de
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/multi-ch-rotel-rmb-1095-5-channel-power-amp-200w-ch-rmb-1095-2014-02-12-amplifiers-27526-fuquay-varina-nc

I feel that you will really be doing a dis-service to your current set up by not hearing what they are truly capable of when properly driven with sufficient power. You should spend the money you would spend on the Bostons by getting an amp first.