Find me a speaker....

RuSsMaN
RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
edited April 2005 in Speakers
Uncle Charlie and I are digging out all these old, some modded, some HIGHLY modded, some stock - tube mono's from the 50's and 60's. His Gallo Ref 3's are fairly demanding - so we are looking for a speaker to listen to on Saturday nights, with these vintage, low(er) powered amps.

Criteria?

Reasonably priced - under $250/pair if possible

Not high-tone, obviously, but something listenable - that we can use as a reference to compare these different amps to each other

SOLID down to 35-40Hz (pretty much full range)

90db or better 1w/1m - 92-95 would be GREAT

Slim, small to medium floorstander

What's out there? I've been looking for JBL HLS series and the like. Anyone spot any gruntball deals lately, new, refurb, or used?

Cheers,
Russ
Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
Post edited by RuSsMaN on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited April 2005
    Yeah, the T90e's didn't dig quite low enough.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited April 2005
    Charlie Von Pimplenuts, Cleatus' brother?

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,957
    edited April 2005
    Definitive Tech BP8B (Used)

    Solid down to 30hz or so ;) - You could try the BP8, it has the textile dome from Vifa with a Vifa midbass... not sure about its performance though...

    But it is the only speaker I know of in that price range that meets all of your criteria...hmm

    It needs space from the back wall, you know this already - but it has a transmission line tuning in the rear which makes it need breathing room, and then it has the bipolar design...

    And if you do decide to get these, make sure they are pointed straight at you, tilted up till the tweeters are ear level - unless they are already ear level with you.

    BP8b specs
    The BP 8B is an extraordinary full-range bipolar loudspeaker which offers award-winning sonic performance superior to competitors' systems selling for twice its price and more. The BP 8B 's taller cabinet and cast basket drivers deliver even more extended bass response than the BP 6B. Its exquisite, jewel-like piano-gloss black or natural oak finish complements the finest home furnishings, and its sleek, ultra-compact design takes up only 1/2 sq. ft. of floor space.

    BP 8B Specifications:
    Dimensions: 7" W x 11" D x 38" H
    Frequency Response: 22 Hz — 30 kHz
    Rec. Assoc. Amplification: 20 — 200 Watts/channel
    Efficiency: 91 dB
    Nominal Impedance: 4 — 8 ohms
    Drivers: Two 25 mm pure aluminum dome tweeters; two 14 cm mineral-filled homopolymer-coned, cast-magnesium basket bass/midranges.
    Finish: Jewel-like piano black lacquer or golden cherry with wraparound black grill cloth (optional white cloth available separately).
    Weight: 46 lbs. Speakers are supplied with an optional spiking kit.
    Retail: $399.00 ea.

    Here is a review on the BP8 (Vifa drivers) - http://www.definitivetech.com/reviews/BP8SR.pdf - the BP8B will have more bass, but will be brighter than the BP8
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2005
    AS-F1 Athena, @ 93dB 1 watt, and all the rest, you can't go wrong. Plus, I WANT YOU to hear them. I think these speaks were built for tubes....
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited April 2005
    Chas Von Pimplestein.

    How much do the Athena's go for?
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited April 2005
    Quite a bit out of your price range but full return within 30days (including shipping, not that you'd need that) demo period, nothing to lose. Check out HTD.com. Based in Plano.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stam4p5
    stam4p5 Posts: 22
    edited April 2005
    I have seen the AS-F1's sell brand new on Ebay for $225+ship per pair. They are also at this site for about $260/pair. Best Buy has them at $300/pair. I think they are the best bang-for-the-buck speakers in this price range.
    HT: Yamaha HTR-5660, Front-RTi38, Center-CSi40, Rear-RT15i, Rear Center-RT15i, Subs-2x Polk DX12 in custom enclosures, Sub Amp-Harman/Kardon Citation Sixteen
    PC: H/K AVR 65, some DIY bookshelves
    The truck: Pioneer premier head, MTX amps, XM radio, 2 pair 6.5" DX Components, 1 DB 12" sub (the old one)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2005
    With AS-F2's going for $399/pr the AS-F1 should be well within your price requirement.

    None on ebay today--at least so far...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited April 2005
    Home Theater Direct is in Plano? I've been recommending them for years, I had no idea.

    How low does the Athena go Steve?
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by RuSsMaN
    Home Theater Direct is in Plano? I've been recommending them for years, I had no idea.

    Sorry, I've never seen you do that once so I didn't know, found out about them through AVS and thought I'd share...

    Edit: I see three posts in four years. Sorry I missed all the recommendations.. :rolleyes:
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2005
    $304/pr at Best Buy--NEW. $280/pr at Abes of Maine. They usually ebay at about $175/pr in excellent cond.

    40-20kHz +/-3dB
    36Hz down 6dB
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited April 2005
    I just bought a pair of Athena bookshelf speakers for my computer rig. Wow.. the imaging and detail in the highs is quite impressive.

    I haven't heard many of the other Athena's.. mostly just their bookshelf ones. Price on most Athenas seem pretty resonable.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited April 2005
    It might not go low enough, but I picked up a pair of EPOS ELS-3 for $249 and they are one sweet little monitor. I plan to eventually power them with a small tube pre and amp. I listened to them on tube gear and they just totally disappeared and the sound floated in the air! Probably not the best heavy rock speaker, but pretty neat for its price point.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2005
    It's a shame NOT to go the AS-F2 @ $399/pr, but they are quite a bit bigger. From your description, you want something as slim as possible.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited April 2005
    Haven't heard this model KEF, but I've been watching these for awhile.

    At 91 dB/W/m and down to 42 Hz, these are close to what you're spec'ing...

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14993&item=5765470652&rd=1

    I have data on 5 pair. Winning bid range has been $210 to $280. Sales tax (8.25%) will be added, but delivery would be free via "T2ma Express".
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by jdhdiggs
    Sorry, I've never seen you do that once so I didn't know, found out about them through AVS and thought I'd share...

    Edit: I see three posts in four years. Sorry I missed all the recommendations.. :rolleyes:

    I never said I only recommended them here. I actually was suprised they were in Plano, and appreciated the info. Bozo list +1.

    Really looking for floorstanders, I've been eyeballing some KEF's, lots to choose from apparently at this price. Going to look at some Genesis towers this afternoon.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2005
    What, are you afraid you might like the Athena? According to everyone around here Athena's ARE grunt. Listen to them, go ahead, I dare you.....
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited April 2005
    All I asked was how low the Athena's play down to Steve, never said they were grunt.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited April 2005
    Kef.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Russ, check out these JBL's on special for like $270. They are a little light on your 91 dB sensitivity spec but dig down to 33 Hz.JBL Northridge E100BA

    Image%5fProducts%2fjbl%2fe100%5fba%2ejpg
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Even better, Klipsh Synergy FS2

    http://ww3.onecall.com/PID_26609.htm

    Image%5fProducts%2fklipsch%2fsf2%2ejpg

    If you get it today with the "Today's Best Price" feature, they will be $199.88 at 96 dB sensitivity and digging down to 35 Hz, you can't beat that with a stick!
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Both of those two I listed, those prices are for each, not pairs but the special prices listed by the site put them right around your $300 mark.

    Oops! Sorry! I could have sworn it was $300 bucks for a pair not $250. Anyway, those are still good buys for those speakers might be worth blowing an extra 50 bucks on them.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Here is a KLH 265T rated down to 30Hz but no publication of sensitivity.

    http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=klh265t&store=&catid=4161

    90 bucks.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited April 2005
    Originally posted by RuSsMaN
    All I asked was how low the Athena's play down to Steve, never said they were grunt.

    I know brotha, I was just messin around.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Here is a JBL E80, 91 dB sensitivity but digs down to 38 Hz. $180 each with limited quantities though.

    http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=jble80&showspecs=1&catid=4159&store=
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Here ya go, for $109.99 each, AR VP600's. Good down to 35 Hz but only 90 dB efficiency.

    http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=arvp600&store=&catid=4127
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,865
    edited April 2005
    Here ya go, doesn't get any more grunt than this!

    Cerwin Vega LS-10, good down to 35Hz with a 95 dB sensitivity rate! Best of all, $140 each.

    http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_code=cerls10&store=&catid=4146







    I'm done for now though. It's hard to find cheap towers that meet your specs and fall in the price range. You might be able to find these same models super cheap on eBay too.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

    You're just jealous 'cause the voices don't talk to you!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited April 2005
    They don't go as low as you would like but may be a very listenable speaker...Mission m73i...

    http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/42557629003d61402740ac10033a05c0/Product/View/2239
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter