Finally Found a Set of Boston Acoustics Vista

WLDock
WLDock Posts: 3,073
edited April 2021 in Speakers
I've been a Boston Acoustics fan going back to my Car Audio days in the 90's. I ran the Boston Pro Series components and subs for years. As far as Home I miss the boat over the years but later years have a couple of sets of their older VR Series speakers. But I've been after the less older Vista line / VS Series for awhile now but have come up short until now.

These have SB Acoustics based drivers that I'm a fan of and had plans to someday build a kit using their stuff. I've really wanted the VS 336 towers & VS 325 center but those towers never showed up anywhere. So, I moved on a set of VS 260 bookshelf and the VS 325 center (still in shipment) that popped up for sale.

In a rush to listen to them, I hooked them up in a temp setting connected to my little Cabasse Stream amp and they sound pretty good, all things considered. They are pretty speakers!

In due time I hope to get them connected to the A/V system in the family room. The plan is to connect to a nice integrated connected in HT mode to power them. As is, I've been listening all day... the Mrs. even came in and sat for a long time to listen.

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2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
Post edited by WLDock on

Comments

  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    edited April 2021
    I don’t think I’ve seen those before. When was that model manufactured? They certainly are purdy! Those stands look great with them as well.
    See my profile for list of gear.
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited April 2021
    TEAforONE wrote: »
    I don’t think I’ve seen those before. When was that model manufactured? They certainly are purdy! Those stands look great with them as well.

    The Vista / VS line came out around 2008.
    https://hometheaterhifi.com/press-releases/boston-acoustics-introduces-new-flagship-vista-series/

    https://www.engadget.com/2008-10-02-boston-acoustics-renames-vista-speakers-vs-to-avoid-confusion.html

    I looked high an low for some sculpted stands that matched the piano finish and sculpted shape of the speakers. If was either big buck stands (NOT!) or these budget ones. I think they look great as well, all things considered.

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    The line came in many finishes in other markets, but limited in the US. When I search hifishark.com I still see the VS336 towers for sale from time to time in parts of Europe so I wonder if they sold well over seas?

    Brochure: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/33025789/vs-series-boston-acoustics
    Manual: https://images.app.goo.gl/v1CJFjYBTqdkwsSa7

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    I have the center channel heading my way on tuesday.
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    They even offered a 44" tall & slim tower, the VS344. I was trying to move on a set of these out of N.Y. However, the thought of the long drive during COVID, I gave up.
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    The elusive VS 336 towers. ATTENTION! If anyone reading this ever comes across a set of the these towers for sale, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! LOL!
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    Post edited by WLDock on
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,601
    edited April 2021
    I like it when a speaker is designed to NOT have a house plant on top.

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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited April 2021
    audioluvr wrote: »
    I like it when a speaker is designed to NOT have a house plant on top.
    Absolutely!

    VS Series

    Great sound has a whole new look
    Boston VS Series Loudspeakers–our best performing, best-looking products deliver a superior home theater or audio-only experience. Innovative driver and cabinet designs yield exceptional sonic characteristics. Each VS Series model is voiced to blend with the others so they can be combined to deliver the best performance in any configuration.

    Dispelling all notions of the typical loudspeaker “rectangular box,” the structural elements of all VS models reflect a seamless merging of art and science. The structural elements of the cabinets are made of high-frequency-molded MDF with “wave like” curved surfaces that reduce internal standing waves and panel resonances. Further reflecting the seamless merging of art and science that defines the VS Series, all VS cabinets feature an elegant piano lacquer finish and high-gloss furniture-grade end panels.

    Key features
    • Super Wide Bandwidth (SWB) Tweeter featuring a Coupled Dual Concentric - Diaphragm (CDCD) minimizes phase shift
    and distortion while improving pistonic motion. (except VPS 210)
    • Organic Composite Cone Material (OCCM) was developed using a mix of select natural fibers to reduce resonance and
    improve accuracy.
    • High-frequency-molded MDF cabinet features curved surfaces, which reduce internal standing waves and panel
    resonances.
    • Bi-amp, Bi-wire capability (VS 336, VS344 and VS 325C)
    • MagnaGuard® video shielding
    • Gold-plated 5-way binding posts
    • Elegant lacquer piano finish cabinet
    • High-gloss multi-layer furniture-grade end panels

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    Post edited by WLDock on
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,732
    Very nice cabs! Bet they sound great
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,554
    Sexy stuff Walt.
  • Gerres26
    Gerres26 Posts: 864
    Great looking speakers, I’ve never heard of that line from BA but I bet they sound great. I see they use some SB acoustics drivers in them. My Salks feature their Satori tweeters and woofers, so I know the sound well.
  • GEBBY44
    GEBBY44 Posts: 939
    Those look absolutely beautiful. I never knew this kind existed. BA gets forgotten by most of us because they aren't a flashy name, but I've never heard a BA speaker that I disliked. Those look badass, congrats.
  • tratliff
    tratliff Posts: 1,702
    Those look nice. I also used BA back in my car competetion days and had a pair of T-1030's in my first theater setup. I always enjoyed the BA sound and value. Let us know what you think after you spend some time with em.
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    VR3 wrote: »
    Very nice cabs! Bet they sound great

    @VR3 You will get a kick out of this. I took the drivers out just to see if they had any SB acoustics markings and I wanted to see the crossover board. The boards can't even be seen as the port is folded, bent and the crossover tucked under it in the narrow back wall of the cabinet! They really outdid themselves on this design. Pretty cool.... unless I ever have to replace some caps on the crossover. I would have to unglue or take apart the port... I'm not sure if its two pieces?

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    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,732
    that is interesting indeed! Definite external crossover territory :p Looks like they are built well
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited April 2021
    Since some that posted are not familiar with this line, here's a review of the VS 336 and some info on other models that maybe some were not familiar with.
    https://www.i-fidelity.net/testberichte/hifi/boston-acoustics-vs-336/seite-1.html

    Boston even offered a Bi-Wire adapter to bypass the metal bridges that for some reason are so common.
    https://www.i-fidelity.net/news/details/c/bd4fa455562c87e000ca8ee9aa6fe635/article/boston-acoustics-bringt-hochwertige-bi-wiring-bruecke.html
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    Around 2012 they offer the M-Series
    https://www.ecoustics.com/products/boston-acoustics-m-series-home/
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    Here's the late Ken Ishiwata leaning on the M350 flagship model ($2500 pair). I was chasing after a set of these also. I had a couple of chances but missed out.
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    Here's the M350's in his listening room that took 8 months to build at a cost of about $200,000!
    https://www.the-ear.net/how-to/ken-ishiwata-man-and-his-listening-room
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    Around 2010 they offered their Reflection Series line that was the middle line below the flagship VS Series offering: https://www.ecoustics.com/products/boston-acoustics-rs-326-floorstanding/

    The RS 326 was the top model and were priced at ($1998 pair.)
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    Around 2007 they offered their Reference E-Series line. https://www.ecoustics.com/products/boston-acoustics-e-series-speakers-new/

    The flagship model was the 6 ft. tall E100 model, priced at ($5000 pair.)
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    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited April 2021
    The VS 325 center is hooked up and on fulltime dialog duty.
    xtajh4a3rouo.jpg

    I actually ran across a set of the smaller VS 240 bookshelf units awhile back. The seller still had them so I purchased those and they came in today. I've been listening through parts of the day and evening and man do these sound nice on vocals and overall imaging. I was surprised at the sound, especially when mated with a small sub. I think I've found my small unobtrusive monitors that the Mrs. will approve of in the Living room. Beautiful speakers!

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    Post edited by WLDock on
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    WLDock wrote: »
    The VS 325 center is hooked up and on fulltime dialog duty.
    xtajh4a3rouo.jpg

    I actually ran across a set of the smaller VS 240 bookshelf units awhile back. The seller still had them so I purchased those and they came in today. I've been listening through parts of the day and evening and man do these sound nice on vocals and overall imaging. I was surprised at the sound, especially when mated with a small sub. I think I've found my small unobtrusive monitors that the Mrs. will approve of in the Living room. Beautiful speakers!

    x3b0dwu4prot.jpg
    4c0f4orskpa2.jpg
    5ten8km2i85b.jpg


    They look amazing! Great little surrounds! Gonna use them for the rears?
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,593
    I may have to see about a demo of these puppies....

    I love the looks and Boston Acoustics was a good brand years back as well.
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
  • Gardenstater
    Gardenstater Posts: 4,502
    edited April 2021
    "Here's the late Ken Ishiwata leaning on the M350 flagship model ($2500 pair). I was chasing after a set of these also. I had a couple of chances but missed out."
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    Very smart man the way he paid attention to controlling/eliminating edge diffractions, both at the edges of the cabinet and at the driver flanges. I'd like to know more details about how the cabinet was constructed. Was the front/top/back/bottom one big laminated ring of veneers? Or was it formed in place MDF? Nice.
    George / NJ

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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    They look amazing! Great little surrounds! Gonna use them for the rears?
    I like the vocals on these so much that I might use them in my living room. Bcause I have the speakers, subs, Salamader stand (The Mrs is not too crazy about the looks), etc. in the family room I'm getting flack about putting a music system in the living room. These little guys mated with a small clean sounding sub will make for a nice low level listening setup that won't take over the room. So, I'm already putting it in motion.
    I may have to see about a demo of these puppies....
    I love the looks and Boston Acoustics was a good brand years back as well.
    Yeah, these are pretty cool speakers and a departure from what they did before them.
    Very smart man the way he paid attention to controlling/eliminating edge diffractions, both at the edges of the cabinet and at the driver flanges. I'd like to know more details about how the cabinet was constructed. Was the front/top/back/bottom one big laminated ring of veneers? Or was it formed in place MDF? Nice.
    Yes, I've heard more than one person talk about how solid the cabinets feel.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
  • I have a pair of the VS336’s along with my VS260’s and VS325C. Even though I love these speakers and they sound great I’m starting to get that itch for a new set of speakers. I have been considering upgrading in the near future. However the problem is finding a comparable new set of speakers that aren’t going to cost me $10k ; )
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,645
    WLDock wrote: »
    I've been a Boston Acoustics fan going back to my Car Audio days in the 90's. I ran the Boston Pro Series components and subs for years. As far as Home I miss the boat over the years but later years have a couple of sets of their older VR Series speakers. But I've been after the less older Vista line / VS Series for awhile now but have come up short until now.

    These have SB Acoustics based drivers that I'm a fan of and had plans to someday build a kit using their stuff. I've really wanted the VS 336 towers & VS 325 center but those towers never showed up anywhere. So, I moved on a set of VS 260 bookshelf and the VS 325 center (still in shipment) that popped up for sale.

    In a rush to listen to them, I hooked them up in a temp setting connected to my little Cabasse Stream amp and they sound pretty good, all things considered. They are pretty speakers!

    In due time I hope to get them connected to the A/V system in the family room. The plan is to connect to a nice integrated connected in HT mode to power them. As is, I've been listening all day... the Mrs. even came in and sat for a long time to listen.

    6rgbcuql7ued.jpg
    q20x70fgqdbs.jpg

    wc0y9sqvk8cf.jpg
    fpmeyu7xypn1.jpg

    I'd like to hear those.
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  • Milito
    Milito Posts: 1,960
    Beautiful speakers, congrats!
    Yamaha RX-A2070, Musical Fidelity M6si integrated amp, Benchmark Dac1, Bluesound NODE 2i, Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport, Parasound Zphono USB Phono Preamp, Fluance RT85, Ortofon 2M Bronze, Polk L600's, L400, L900's, RC80i's, SVS 3000 Micro, Audioquest Interconnects and Digital Cables, Nordost Silver Shadow Digital Cable, Cullen Gold and Crossover Series Power Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha 12AWG OCC Speaker Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha Analog Interconnect Cables, Douglas Connection Alpha 11 OCC Custom Power Cable, Signal Power Cable, Furman PL-8C 15 Power Conditioner, Sony 65" 900F, Sony UBP-X700, Fios, Apple TV 4K, Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables.
  • The towers do sound very nice considering the price point when they were released. I have my VS336’s paired along with the VS260’s, VS325C and my trusty VR960’s for rears. The 336’s are driven by my Rotel amp through my Denon 4400. As of late I have started researching new speakers but the issue I’m running into is the price of new speakers. To get comparable speakers to the BA’s in this market is going to be difficult without dropping a lot of money. These speakers have been great. Before these speakers I had a Velodyne sub paired with my VR speakers but when I bought the VS speakers I disconnected the Velodyne since the VS could handle the low frequencies even for movies. Too bad Sound United pulled the plug on Boston Acoustics. Maybe some day they will bring back the brand with the same BA quality.
    WLDock wrote: »
    They look amazing! Great little surrounds! Gonna use them for the rears?
    I like the vocals on these so much that I might use them in my living room. Bcause I have the speakers, subs, Salamader stand (The Mrs is not too crazy about the looks), etc. in the family room I'm getting flack about putting a music system in the living room. These little guys mated with a small clean sounding sub will make for a nice low level listening setup that won't take over the room. So, I'm already putting it in motion.
    I may have to see about a demo of these puppies....
    I love the looks and Boston Acoustics was a good brand years back as well.
    Yeah, these are pretty cool speakers and a departure from what they did before them.
    Very smart man the way he paid attention to controlling/eliminating edge diffractions, both at the edges of the cabinet and at the driver flanges. I'd like to know more details about how the cabinet was constructed. Was the front/top/back/bottom one big laminated ring of veneers? Or was it formed in place MDF? Nice.
    Yes, I've heard more than one person talk about how solid the cabinets feel.
    WLDock wrote: »
    I've been a Boston Acoustics fan going back to my Car Audio days in the 90's. I ran the Boston Pro Series components and subs for years. As far as Home I miss the boat over the years but later years have a couple of sets of their older VR Series speakers. But I've been after the less older Vista line / VS Series for awhile now but have come up short until now.

    These have SB Acoustics based drivers that I'm a fan of and had plans to someday build a kit using their stuff. I've really wanted the VS 336 towers & VS 325 center but those towers never showed up anywhere. So, I moved on a set of VS 260 bookshelf and the VS 325 center (still in shipment) that popped up for sale.

    In a rush to listen to them, I hooked them up in a temp setting connected to my little Cabasse Stream amp and they sound pretty good, all things considered. They are pretty speakers!

    In due time I hope to get them connected to the A/V system in the family room. The plan is to connect to a nice integrated connected in HT mode to power them. As is, I've been listening all day... the Mrs. even came in and sat for a long time to listen.

    6rgbcuql7ued.jpg
    q20x70fgqdbs.jpg

    wc0y9sqvk8cf.jpg
    fpmeyu7xypn1.jpg

  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    Sexy Beeaches! CONGRATS!
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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    edited September 2021
    LZten321 wrote: »
    The towers do sound very nice considering the price point when they were released. I have my VS336’s paired along with the VS260’s, VS325C and my trusty VR960’s for rears. The 336’s are driven by my Rotel amp through my Denon 4400. As of late I have started researching new speakers but the issue I’m running into is the price of new speakers. To get comparable speakers to the BA’s in this market is going to be difficult without dropping a lot of money. These speakers have been great. Before these speakers I had a Velodyne sub paired with my VR speakers but when I bought the VS speakers I disconnected the Velodyne since the VS could handle the low frequencies even for movies. Too bad Sound United pulled the plug on Boston Acoustics. Maybe some day they will bring back the brand with the same BA quality.

    Nice! Yes, these were one of the better used values I've acquired. There is another speaker using SB Acoustics drivers that look interesting. Not sure if they would be a lateral move or better than the Boston's. However, I would love to listen to the Chane L Series speakers.

    20210402_134222-jpg.3118419

    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2