Boston Acoustics...any good?

Mike682

Onecall is clearing out some BA stuff (looks like a new line came out).

I was wondering how these sound in comparison to Polks?? Also how is the build quality?

Thanks
Mike

VR3

The new Boston speakers out now... I can't say I have a very high opinion of them.

The ones I've heard (dont know the model numbner, sorry) - but they were incredibly bright in the top end (much brighter than Klipsch) and had a very pronounced midrange. It had decent bass though.

They would make great theater speakers, but far from being a music first speaker.

Thats just the ones I've heard at Tweeter and at Sound Systems.

As compared to Polk, I like Polks sound better. Polks BQ is second to none in the price range... I'll give Polk big props for that - even the Monitor line is built like a tank.

gregure

I've asked myself whether I like Bostons or Polks better myself. I work around Boston Speakers all day (VR series, Micro Series, CR bookshelf speakers) but I own Polks. I think Polks are better for movies for sure, but I'm not sure about music. I do not think the VR towers are bright at all, in fact I've always found Bostons to sound natural and smooth. If you are looking at the VR1, 2, or 3, I would say go for it if they are at a good price. They are fine speakers, although overall Polk might be a bit better. I agree, Polks seem to have better build quality.

VR3

This is the one I heard...

http://www.bostonacoustics.com/hs_product.asp?ProductID=266&CategoryID=2

marker

Those are the ones I heard too against some Klipsch RF5 friven by a Denon AVR-3803. I liked the Bostons slightly better between the two if I had to choose. I was surprised at how alomost "Klipsch-like" those Bostons sounded

Also, I know someone who has the VR1.

2+2

IMO, VR-M towers sounded NICE and have very good build.....other stuff I didnt like that much tho.....

Mike682

Thank you for the responses guys

Mike

gregure

I agree the VR series has a pronounced midrange, although I disagree they have bright highs. I've never found that to be the case. Have not heard the VRM towers, but that is Boston's top end line. They do share the same tweeter as the VR series.

Mike682

Gregure

How are the CR series?? I'm listening about 60% music, 40 % HT

Thanks
Mike

marker

It looks like the Boston VR3 in Vr3's link is very comparable to the RTi10. Even though they are pretty efficient, they would still probably need some real power with those 2 big dual woofers.

shack

I've heard the VR3s on a couple of occasions and generally liked them. I did not find them overly bright. My concern was "sloppy" bass (for lack of a better word). Could have been placement...could have been the gear...or it could be cabinet design... The VR-M line is better and the VR-M60 is a very nice bookshelf that I like a lot.

TroyD

Old school BA, the A-series, was tough to beat.

BDT

hotwheelman

Originally posted by TroyD
Old school BA, the A-series, was tough to beat.

BDT

Yup, picked up a pair of a150's today at the thrift dirt cheap, and I mean DIRT cheap. Just need some new surrounds and I am ready to sit back and get my listen on.:D

sawatzky

I bought some CR9's for $600(CDN) about 5 years ago, and used them as my main stereo speakers. I was very pleased with them. Now that I'm going HT I found that sticking to Bostons was just too darned expensive. I found that Polk is a good match for my Boston fronts.

With my CR9's I find that I have to keep the highs equalized higher. They are overpowered by the bass and midrange. The specs say the CR9's freq response is 42 to 20,000, so I questioned the value of a subwoofer that only goes down to 35. Once I plugged in my PSW10's however, I realized that the subs add so much more punch, and I can save amp wear and tear by cutting out the bass going to the CR9s at 80Hz letting the sub take charge.

MSALLA

I have never found Bostons to be bright. Infact the RTi's I had for a short period were brighter then th VR towers I have. I like bostons but I like the LSi line better then the Boston VR's. Just my 2 cents.