Infinity

kingkip

I have an opportunity to grab a pair of Infinity Kappa 8 and Reference Series 2.5's for what seems to be a pretty good deal. Anyone have any experience with either of these?

ben62670

Can you post pics? I used to love infinity's, but due to failing foam surrounds I was looking to replace the woofers with Polk's (I had very limited knowledge then). I feel in love with vintage Polk's, and got rid of my infinity's. I am not saying that Infinity does not have any good speakers. Most that came with the Emit ribbon tweeters were very nice.
Ben

dorokusai

kingkip wrote: »

I have an opportunity to grab a pair of Infinity Kappa 8 and Reference Series 2.5's for what seems to be a pretty good deal. Anyone have any experience with either of these?

Pass.

geoff727

I own two pairs of Infinity's of this vintage. Other than the Polk's, they are my great speaker love. In fact, I'm planning a crossover upgrade for my RS-IIIA's (http://www.infinity-classics.de/infinity/models/Reference-series-1+b-2-10+A+B-1981-86/index-Reference.htm), which may include making them bi-amp/bi-wirable.

Are these the 2.5's you're talking about?
http://www.infinity-classics.de/infinity/models/Reference-series-1+b-2-10+A+B-1981-86/index-Reference.htm
If they are in good condition, I personally would jump on them. These speakers are rare, and have a fine sound. In fact, I recently auditioned a pair of their big brothers, the RS4.5's. The EMIT's and EMIM's have always been held in high regard, and I would agree with that assessment. Let me give you an example. I listened to a Keith Jarrett piano solo on the 4.5's. They very clearly portrayed the felt pads coming down on the piano strings as Jarrett released the piano keys. That's something you hear in real life, and it was thrilling to hear it so clearly rendered on the speakers, through a good quality tube amp driving the top end (a Krell s.s. on the lower). My only complaint about them was that the midbass was very thin. String bass, for example, was difficult to make out.
I went home and listened to the same recording on my (stock) SRS 2.3tl's. The felt pads on the piano strings sounded like wisps of white noise rather than a musical instrument. On my Sonicap & RD0194-upgraded SDA-1C's, however, the sound was much more clearly resolved and musically satisfying.

The 2.5's have the Watkins woofer, with 2 voice coils (a 4 ohm and a 2 ohm). The Kappa 8's, like most Infinity production models, do not have the Watkins woofer. Watkins woofers were well known for their deep, clean, and accurate bass. However, at the lower end of their frequency response, their impedance often dips down to 1 ohm. So, to drive these effectively, you need an amp capable of fairly high output current. I don't know about the 2.5's or the Kappa 8's, but the 4.5's have eaten many an amp for breakfast, and the Kappa 9's (with 2 woofers) really like high current amps as well.

I always really liked the bass from my non-Watkins-woofer Infinities. In fact, before I upgraded the SDA-1C's, I far preferred the bass of the RS-IIIA's to the stock 2.3tl's. It was tighter and more controlled. Keep in mind, though, that this observation was for the acoustics of my listening room, which, admittedly, is a bit too small for the 2.3tl's. A bigger room with a different acoustic balance would have undoubtedly yielded a different result.

Refoaming is a common thing on Infinities of this era. A good place to go (if you decide to get the speakers) is to the Watkins company.
http://www.watkinsstereo.com/

I'm curious to know what you decide, but I would give a thumbs-up recommendation.

geoff727

My links on the Infinity classics website didn't quite work out, but the navigation through the page should be fairly obvious.

geoff727

One thing I forgot.....the dome of the Polydome midrange on the Kappa 8/Kappa 9 can or will crack over time from age. It is replaceable, but it's just something to watch for. Many of them, however, are still in outstanding shape. However, for a cracked one, it can either be re-domed, or one can usually be had off ebay every couple of months.

kingkip

RS 2.5
I think those are the ones you're pointing to, and if so that is them.

These are the other ones.
Kappa 8

I think those are the ones you're pointing to, and if so that is them.

Thanks for the info geoff. Which do you prefer? How much would you pay for the both of them assuming good condition?

doro why do you say pass? Any elaboration would be helpful, personal experience?

Thanks again guys.

geoff727

Correct links to both. Kappa 8's sell commonly on ebay for anywhere between roughly $400 and $800. At least that's about the range that I've seen recently, but there's some on ebay right now, so you can look to verify. I personally think a mint pair would be about $1,000. The RS2.5's, maybe a couple hundred dollars more. That's assuming there are no driver issues (cracked Polydomes, blown EMIT's or EMIM's, etc.) and no big woodwork issues. Somewhere around that price range.

I personally have never heard the Kappa 8's or the RS2.5's, but I have listened to the RS4.5's and others in the Infinity line; the IRS Beta was the single most impressive speaker system all-around I've EVER heard (I never got to hear the IRS V's). I think the ribbon drivers are just fantastic. And the servo-controlled woofers of the Beta's were the clearest, fastest, deepest woofers I've ever heard. Then again, it's been a long time since I heard them, so it would be nice to audition them again to see if my impression still held true.

I see your location is Seattle. Me too! If you end up getting either (or both) of these, and you don't mind, I would very much appreciate an audition. And, of course, the offer goes the other way too. You must have a friend with those Infinities- I watch ebay, Audiogon, and Craigslist like a hawk for local hand-me-down Infinities, and I haven't seen them.
Geoff

Windwalker

I'm going to go check out a pair of Reference Six, that appear to be in great shape.
I remember when I worked at an furniture\av store back in the another life time, we sold these and the few gray cells I stiil have left recall that they sounded pretty darn good

They're asking in the 150ish range, seems pretty good

geoff727

This Reference 6?
http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=CS996002&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA

Or the Reference Std. 6?
http://www.infinity-classics.de/infinity/models/Reference-series-1+b-2-10+A+B-1981-86/index-Reference.htm

Infinity produced so many things with that highly-overused word "Reference" in it, it was almost a little ridiculous!

Windwalker

geoff727 wrote: »

This Reference 6?
http://www.infinitysystems.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=CS996002&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA

Those would be the ones, except in black

geoff727 wrote: »

Infinity produced so many things with that highly-overused word "Reference" in it, it was almost a little ridiculous!

ain't that da truth

geoff727

At least in the Polk Audio lineup, we know which ones the "Reference" speakers are (the SRS's). Thanks to Matt Polk for not calling everything under the sun a "reference". I suppose it's one of those matters of perceived quality...."If they call it a reference, then it MUST be good and worth a lot!" "If they charge $5,000 for those speaker cables, then they MUST be 20 times better than the ones which only cost $250."

This is probably why the vintage Polks have so much of a following. So many people have realized the potential that these speakers have with some simple upgrades, and that the cost can be so much less than investing in a new pair of super-expensive speakers. To wit, the Infinity RS4.5's I recently auditioned were wonderful. But are there certain areas of performace that I would handily choose my upgraded (and much less expensive) SDA-1C's? Absolutely.

kingkip

Where are you at in Seattle? I'm down south in the Lakeridge area, and an audition would be no problem.

You're right, the speaks are from a buddy at work, and he's trying to unload gear to make some room for a remodel. That price sounds about what I was thinking so as long as they are in the shape he says that they are in I am getting a good deal.

Thanks again for the help.

geoff727

Kingkip,
I'm in Des Moines, not far from Sea-Tac airport. Keep in touch with me via Private message, and let me know how things work out. My RS-IIIA's are currently taken apart pending some woodwork and a crossover upgrade and rebuild. Since re-doing the SDA-1C's, I'm really getting into this DIY stuff. I'm just so thrilled with the way the -1C's turned out (I'll probably post pics in a couple weeks or so). Currently have a pair of small Mission 70's that are also apart. They'll get new veneer, new cloth, & crossovers upgraded. Then it's on to some other projects as well.
Geoff

Windwalker

Since I hijacked this thread(sorta) anyone care to weigh in on the above mentioned Reference 6
Sound wise\price wise

Can't find many\any reviews on em

Thanks

geoff727

Windwalker,
Try the forum at www.audiokarma.org. There's a whole section dedicated to Infinity speakers, with some very knowledgable people. I've never heard the Ref. 6's of that vintage. Good luck.
G~

Windwalker

geoff727 wrote: »

Windwalker,
Try the forum at www.audiokarma.org. There's a whole section dedicated to Infinity speakers, with some very knowledgable people. I've never heard the Ref. 6's of that vintage. Good luck.
G~

Posted over there as well and not much to go on. Thought I'd give it a shot here as well

geoff727

Hmmmm, I didn't see your thread. Did you post under the "Infinity" page or the general "speakers" page? If all else fails, then how about this philosophy?
1. Buy 'em.
2. If you don't like 'em, upgrade'em.
3. If you still don't like 'em, sell 'em.

Windwalker

geoff727 wrote: »

Hmmmm, I didn't see your thread. Did you post under the "Infinity" page or the general "speakers" page? If all else fails, then how about this philosophy?
1. Buy 'em.
2. If you don't like 'em, upgrade'em.
3. If you still don't like 'em, sell 'em.

HERE
And
Here

mhardy6647

The only Infinity speakers I've heard and actually really liked are some of the big (BIG) line-array jobs.

Otherwise I find most of the Infinities to be fatiguingly bright.

YMMV.

OldmanSRS

From geoff727; the IRS Beta was the single most impressive speaker system all-around I've EVER heard (I never got to hear the IRS V's). I think the ribbon drivers are just fantastic. And the servo-controlled woofers of the Beta's were the clearest, fastest, deepest woofers I've ever heard. Then again, it's been a long time since I heard them, so it would be nice to audition them again to see if my impression still held true.

I had the pleasure of listening to the Beta's for many hours at a friend's home. I could not agree more with Geoff. Betas are absolutley OUTSTANDING in every way. No comparison to anything I have ever heard. 5 times better than my SRS's in so many ways. And 5 times as expensive too.

tom t

i have rs 1b's now and had a pair of rs 2b's. the best sound i ever heard. and that includes the sda-srs. just drive them with decient amps and you will be ok.

geoff727

I hope that kingkip can have a positive experience with them, as well.

OldmanSRS & tom t, if you'd like to drool over some pics (like I routinely do) of the Beta's, et.al., try www.infinity-classics.de. You guys probably know that one, but I thought I'd put it out there. These have some neat stuff too.

http://www.davidsaudio.com/index.html

http://www.lautsprecher-service.at/index.php

Yesterday I auditioned the Focal JM Labs Alto-Utopia, for the second time. Another very fine speaker which really impresses me (at $22,500, it better!). I listened to some of the same music on my SDA-1C's, and I felt that there were still a couple of tweaks that I wanted to try. I'm hearing a certain bloominess (like singing into cupped hands) around some vocals that I think is a resonance mode of the enclosures, but I'm not quite sure. However, next to the Alto's, I was not at all disappointed in the -1C's. I still think there are things that they do quite well, after the upgrades.

tom t, if it's the 4-column RS1B, I'm immensely jealous. I would LOVE to have a pair of RSIIB's. I'm actually picking up a pair of RSII's next week. Yep-they like a little power. Even my RS-IIIA's drive the Mac's power meters quite a bit higher than the 2.3tl's do. They are a brighter speaker than the SRS's (as mhardy6647 suggests), but my ears find the stock 2.3tl's a little "uninvolving". However, I don't get that feeling at all with my -1C's. I think the room has a lot to do with it in this case.

tom t

yes ,the 4 piece system. they sound absolutely wonderfull. i am keeping them for life. enjoy the picture at least

tom t

if anybody needs woofer surrounds done, then miller sound in pa is the place to go. he will do speakers from 3-15 inches. he rebuilt my infinity 1b mid/tweeter panels(every driver) and they sound fabulous. he specializes in infinity speakers but will do any speaker out there. tell him MR T sent you.

geoff727

tom t, those are gorgeous. And both outer diffraction wings have amazing wood grain! I'd keep them for life, too. The RSII's I'm picking up in a few days have a little damage to the bottom (veneer chipping and a little water staining from a wet carpet). My plan is to take about 3/4" off the bottom of the speakers and make black bases, just like the RS1's have. Should be (another) fun speaker project that will give them a more refined look, which, via placebo effect, will give them a more refined sound.
I'll look up Miller Sound.

tom t

geoff727, good luck with your proje ct there. you can find him here millerspkr@aol.com

thanks for the complement on my speakers. i had the sda-srs but these sound alot better. right now im using a parasound 3500 for the bottom end and a B&k 202+ for the top. sound is excellent.

tom t

here you go, a better shot of one side. the wood is gorgeous

tom t

geoff727,check this outhttp://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/roadtour13/roadtour13.html

tom t

and this http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/roadtour13/roadtour13.html

tom t

this one http://www.6moons.com/industryfeatures/forbidden/forbidden_9.html