Speaker choices - anyone has any opinion on either of these? BW 800 Diamonds or SF Strads.

Joey_V

Alright got a hold
Of the Houston guy. Price is decent... He has an interested party from Canada. He bought from an auth dealer so it seems legit. I told him I have cash ready but I don't think he's keen on delivering to Dallas. We will see... Stupid heavy speakers, won't fit in a regular suv.

Joey_V

DSkip wrote: »

Joey, I'm 10 minutes from frisco. Come listen to the mini x man.

Alright, when are you free? I assume you're near mckinney or prosper. I am free this week mon - wed. Would love to meet up. Then you can help me with my system. Probably better tuesday... monday we have the storm coming through.

[Deleted User]

Joey,

Which places have you been to in the Dallas area? How do you feel about the new B&W D2 tweeters versus the original? I believe the D2 are more refined and could not really tell, based on the setup that I listened to.

I have always had a problem, when auditioning properly setup 800 series then listening to Sonus Saber, or Vienna Acoustics. The latter always sounded veiled. There are places here that carry both.

We have quite a group of guys in Dallas that are passionate about audio, would have been cool to meet up. By the way, Usher speakers have changed a few minds in this part of town and many are happy owners.

For a secondary system, you should also check out the Joseph Audio Pulsars. There is a guy down the street from me selling his.

Halen

tonyb

Joey_V wrote: »

Have not looked at legacy just yet. no where to demo nearby that I'm aware.

Edit:

Just checked out the website, Aeris looks to be popular model based on the reviews. They also have this "V" that might be too big.

The Aeris would be my pick. Neat little option on those is the illuminated rear panel to view the crossover, kinda cool. Whisper HD's would also be nice. I think with either, Bill himself will come to your house, set them up and dial them in. Who else does that ?

Worthy of an ear shot Joey, but in the end let your preferences prevail.

erniejade

I have heard the pulsar a few times. They are an amazing speaker. For bookies the pulsar is one of my faves.

WLDock

Joey_V wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up of the 800 diamonds in Houston. I just texted the guy. If it's 14000, I'm buying it today.

Good luck man! Would be a first for me.

Its not everyday you get to help someone buy $14K speakers.

I

Joey_V

halenhoang wrote: »

Joey,

Which places have you been to in the Dallas area? How do you feel about the new B&W D2 tweeters versus the original? I believe the D2 are more refined and could not really tell, based on the setup that I listened to.

I have always had a problem, when auditioning properly setup 800 series then listening to Sonus Saber, or Vienna Acoustics. The latter always sounded veiled. There are places here that carry both.

We have quite a group of guys in Dallas that are passionate about audio, would have been cool to meet up. By the way, Usher speakers have changed a few minds in this part of town and many are happy owners.

For a secondary system, you should also check out the Joseph Audio Pulsars. There is a guy down the street from me selling his.

Halen

Halen -

Just looked at your sig.. wow you got a lot of systems! Would love to meet up man, I need to have a group of audiophile friends down here. Definitely want to get my ears on your gear. You have a few that I want to hear - LSiM705, Usher 777 DMD.

I have been to all the Dallas audio stores. I usually go to Vu at Hi End. He has Rockports and BW. His BW set up is not the best though, I've been able to hear it better when the dealer just lets me set it up my way and with my gear.

Joey_V

tonyb wrote: »

Joey_V wrote: »

Have not looked at legacy just yet. no where to demo nearby that I'm aware.

Edit:

Just checked out the website, Aeris looks to be popular model based on the reviews. They also have this "V" that might be too big.

The Aeris would be my pick. Neat little option on those is the illuminated rear panel to view the crossover, kinda cool. Whisper HD's would also be nice. I think with either, Bill himself will come to your house, set them up and dial them in. Who else does that ?

Worthy of an ear shot Joey, but in the end let your preferences prevail.

I saw that... cool little crossover window.

Joey_V

WLDock wrote: »

Joey_V wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up of the 800 diamonds in Houston. I just texted the guy. If it's 14000, I'm buying it today.

Good luck man! Would be a first for me.

Its not everyday you get to help someone buy $14K speakers.

I

Thanks brother man... you found something I missed. I told the wife just now, she gave me the full green light.

He offered me 14.5... but I think I can get him down to the 13s if his other deal doesn't go through. I have to literally drive a UHAUL down there and pick it up. It'll cost me probably close to 14 after all is said and done.

WLDock

If all goes well, I'm sure it will be one of the best U-haul trips of your life.

Myself, I've driven just as far for less...4 Hrs r/t for my surrounds, 6 Hrs r/t for my mains, 4.5 Hrs r/t for a previous receiver. I was HAPPY every time. Even had some CL items shipped with great success. Most of my stuff comes from used CL deals out of State.

All Hail To Craiglist!!

[Deleted User]

Joey,

I like to have several setups that sound completely different from one another. I don't like similar. Haha. It really comes down to my mood, there are times when I prefer the sound to come to me and times when I want to be drawn in.

The past several months, I have been in an overhaul mode. I had two pairs of the LSIM 705s but no longer own any. The Usher 777, I may own forever. I should have my home theater completed soon as well as setting up another 2 channel system. I am leaning towards either Dynaudio or Elac.

Lone Star Audio Fest is approaching, build up your alcohol tolerance as there will be lots of it with music. My doors are open, just no shoes in the house. Haha

Halen

Joey_V

DSkip wrote: »

You need to hear my ushers or marvins first as his 777's are a little different sound from most usher products. Welcome to dallas, where we have many great Polkies. We do LSAF every May and I ususally host a meet before or after the major holidays. Wish you had checked in as we just had one three weeks ago.

Any chance you have a 4 yr old playing t-ball?

Nah on the 4yr old... I have a 10 month old who plays with boxes and eats toys.

You count me in man... I'm a polkie too!! I need to hear your ushers

Joey_V

WLDock wrote: »

If all goes well, I'm sure it will be one of the best U-haul trips of your life.

Myself, I've driven just as far for less...4 Hrs r/t for my surrounds, 6 Hrs r/t for my mains, 4.5 Hrs r/t for a previous receiver. I was HAPPY every time. Even had some CL items shipped with great success. Most of my stuff comes from used CL deals out of State.

All Hail To Craiglist!!

Hey he want to sell his Mac amps as part of the deal... Wasn't really looking into it though... What should I do?

tonyb

Well, ya need amps for one of the other systems ? Snag 'em if you can get a deal. Worst that could happen is you re-sell for a profit.

Joey_V

tonyb wrote: »

Well, ya need amps for one of the other systems ? Snag 'em if you can get a deal. Worst that could happen is you re-sell for a profit.

Kinda expensive...

erniejade

What model mac's?

Joey_V

erniejade wrote: »

What model mac's?

Mcintosh mc1.2kw aka mc1201

erniejade

Agree with the power thing. The 402 i run when kicked up can dim the room. I need to get a dedicated circuit in the den like I had in the basement.

marvda1

if your deal falls through it can't hurt to go give these a listen. they are local.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-pbn-audio-liberty-loudspeakers-2015-02-19-speakers-76092-grapevine-tx

Joey_V

DSkip wrote: »

Are you going to invest in the power lines necessary to push those amps?

Joey, if things get better tomorrow afternoon, feel free to come out. My district already cancelled school, so I'm off for the day. Denton doesn't play with the first few ice/freezing rain threats during a school year.

Hey Skip

Tomorrow might not be good, my wife already had to cancel her plane out to Chicago.. tuesday?

I have dedicated outlets in my media room where the amps would sit. I knew I was going to need one so I had them install a dedicated 20 amp circuit independent of the room.

Now that I look back, I could've used a few feet of room extra, could've used MORE dedicated outlets - like 3 total instead of 1.

*Sigh*.... more mistakes.

Joey_V

erniejade wrote: »

Agree with the power thing. The 402 i run when kicked up can dim the room. I need to get a dedicated circuit in the den like I had in the basement.

Crap.... with 1.2KW, it's going to be hilarious!!

Joey_V

DSkip wrote: »

Looking at the weather reports, if it does ice over, I'm not going to get into work on Tuesday either. I suspect the roads will be great by 2ish, and I won't have any plans if the ISD shuts down again.

I hope the icing is done by morning... My wife has a Tuesday flight.

WLDock

Joey_V wrote: »

Hey he want to sell his Mac amps as part of the deal... Wasn't really looking into it though... What should I do?

I think it sucks to try to sell such expensive gear as a package....and the guy stated that he is selling due to a move?

Joey_V

WLDock wrote: »

Joey_V wrote: »

Hey he want to sell his Mac amps as part of the deal... Wasn't really looking into it though... What should I do?

I think it sucks to try to sell such expensive gear as a package....and the guy stated that he is selling due to a move?

Yo bud... I will let you know what he says in the morning. If he has to sell the entire package and say he gets it to me for a good deal - say 20K for the 800 diamonds and the MC1.2KW amps, then I will take it. Worst case scenario, I can sell to break even - looks like on audiogon a pair of these amps go for 12K... if that's the case, I wonder if I should just buy his 3rd amp and just sell that then.

WLDock

That might be something to consider.

There was a single new one that sold on ebay for $9.5K w/ 45 bids. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mcintosh-MC1-2KW-1200-watt-mono-amplifier-/281561306829?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item418e5c96cd

There is a HTM1D center channel on Audiogon for $6.5K
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-b-w-htm1-d-center-channel-speaker-rare-find-pristine-2015-01-27-speakers-11977-westhampton-ny

B&W Nautilus 802 & HTM-1 & SCM-1 for $9.5K
Read more at http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-b-w-nautilus-802-htm-1-scm-1-theater-near-san-francisco-2015-02-21-speakers-94403-san-mateo-ca#5Vrh7BUoWSykS2jc.99

Buying the whole system for a great price and selling the center and third amp might sweeten the deal? You would need to decide if the Mc's are for you. There seems to be mixed feeling(Like everything else!) about the big Mc's amps mated with the 800D's over on http://www.audiokarma.org/
http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?21940-Big-Mono-Blocks-driving-800D-s
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=199264
http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?27327-for-my-801Ds-gt-McIntosh-MC-1201-or-Classe-CA-M400
http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?31009-800D-s-HTM1D-amp-MC1201-s
http://www.meridianunplugged.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=77864
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=228066
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=190697
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=179901
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=68004

I would think one would have to get the amps in there own system for awhile to really know. Especially given you have the Cary tubes....would need a lot of listening to really know what works. I don't know man, I'm out of my league on something like this. This is a huge purchase.


Anyway, switching gears.....I was reading a review on Tone Publications on the MC1.2K's and the review thought they were just OK being run on a single 20 Amp line. He felt TWO 20 amp lines were the way to go. Man, are you ready for this? You got solar or renewables on your home? (I work for a solar Inverter company:) Energy is cheap down there in the Dallas area...but still! Those amps are Hogs!
http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_026.pdf


Walt

Joey_V

Hey Walt,

Thanks a lot man... lots of info. I made a mistake - the guy has 1201 not 1.2KW... the 1201 were replaced by the 1.2KW. The 1.2KW sell for about 15K on audiogon while the 1201 sell for about $11900 minus haggling.

Deal is less appealing now that I've learned that it's not the 1.2KW, but still interested. I will see what kind of numbers we come to agreement today.

I agree, maybe buy the 3rd amp and sell it, maybe buy the H1TMD speaker and sell that too.

I saw the others you posted on your recent post, there's the 802D and there's the 802 Diamond. The Diamonds are basically series 2... 802D is series 1. So you will see some price fluctuations between those 2. The 800 Diamond he is selling is series 2, or so he tells me. It's 8 months old so pretty new, it's gotta be series 2.

The amps, I'm a little disappointed with since i thought they were 1.2KW and I was furiously reading reviews on the 1.2KW only to find that they were 1201.

Oh well, can't have it all I guess.

And yes, they draw lots of power.. I wonder if my room is ready. I have a dedicated 20 amp outlet in the front of the room that was supposed to be for my front end, I have multiple other outlets but that runs off another dedicated 20 amp. So technically I have 40 amps going into my room. Am I ready? Not sure... lol.

I honestly thought that one day I would end up with the Mcintosh 2KW but then I saw the price last night... 80$. HAHAHAHA... almost fell over laughing.

Joey_V

Few things sound fishy with this guy in Houston... just want to point some out to see if I'm the only one seeing this:

1. He says everything is 10 months old. But the big macs (mm tasty) he has are the previous generation that stopped production in 2009-ish.
2. Not sure if he takes good care of his gear - I'm seeing crappy photographs and dust on all his equipment. Guy should be posting great pics if he's trying to sell something at this price point, even on craigslist.
3. Also, I don't see a single amp or gear stand in the pics. Not that it's a big deal, but if you're dealing with gear at this level, at least have a decent stand so you keep the heat and electronics off the carpet.

I don't know... something fishy.

Also - he says that he doesn't have one of the boxes of the 800 diamonds... how can you lose a box??

And then I asked him how he got to the price points he was asking and he said I just thought of a number.

I don't know a few things are kind of ringing my alarm. I'm not headed down 4 hours to Houston to pick up a pair of speakers and amps that might not be as advertised. For all I know, these could be series 1 800D speakers and not series 2. Or maybe when I get there I see a gauge on one of the corners of the speaker and I'll be forced to head back 4 hours to Dallas without a pair of speakers.

Not going to waste my time if that's the case. I'll talk to him in more detail and ask for better pics today.

WLDock

Definitely proceed with caution...and make sure you ask him to authenticate the pictures. A simple shot of the serial numbers, a picture with the date and a code word with the speakers in the background.

Also, if all is good and you decide to more forward...try to set up a bank transaction vs. cash. after you see, test the goods. Never carry large cash!

polkfarmboy

If there is something wrong with the info on this kind of gear then walk away. You may not even get any speakers or amps and end up with a gun to the side of your head in a foreclosed house.

Joey_V

polkfarmboy wrote: »

If there is something wrong with the info on this kind of gear then walk away. You may not even get any speakers or amps and end up with a gun to the side of your head in a foreclosed house.

Yup.. and then it'll cost me more than I expect.