Demo'd Definitive Tech Mythos 1 Today

Murray1

After reading Mantis posts re: these speakers I just had to make the drive to BB and give them a listen. Let me start by saying I am one green speaker rookie.Think I will be listening to several more speakers before I make my final decision. Mythos 1's were connected to a Denon 2809 for 2 channel listening. CD was Antonio Vivaldi violin concerto. Man they seemed awfully bright to me. Did not know what you guys really meant by bright but I think I know now. Not the best demo room conditions for sure but I think what I heard was fairly indicative of the overall sound these babies are going to offer for this type music. Moved on to a jazz vocal CD and they were alot more tamed but still in front of you IMO. Listened to an HD audio blue ray movie and they sounded fine but I need to listen to them again since I was still trying to process the 2 channel demo. Think I will probably conclude they are fine for HT. Moved into an enclosed demo room where they had a set of Mythos 2's and also Vienna Acoustic Bach Grands I could compare. Wished they had Mythos 1's in the demo room but no such luck. In comparing the Mythos 2's to the Vienna Grands it was very apparent the Vienna's were much more laid back and warmer sounding. Drove them with the same Model Denon 2809 and also an Elite 05 & 07 just for giggles. Again, classical music was pretty darn lively on the ears with the DT's. Unless the Mythos 1 is much softer than the 2's, it appears classical music may not be their strong point. I started my speaker search around the LSi 9's then gravitated to the LSi 15's because I did not like the idea of speaker stands for the 9's. Sure hope the LSi 15's are more tamed for 2 channel listening then the DT Mythos 1's. I have only had the opportunity to listen to the LSi 9's & 25's at Frys. Lastly, if the LSi 15's are truly softer to the ear, I wonder how they will compare for HT versus the Mythos 1's. Anyone who has had a chance to compare either the LSi 9's or 15's to the Mythos 1's, I would sure like to hear what you think.

cnh

I've heard those at BB as well, they're never set up properly. And Denon amps can sometimes give you bright highs with certain speakers. When I heard the Mythos speakers they were hooked up to Pioneer Elite 09 and they sounded terrible--had 'no highs' at all or not much, were muddy, etc. Not impressive at all. But hey only BB can make a 7K receiver and 2K set of speakers sound 'bad'!

I wouldn't take your audition seriously. I've also heard the LSI-15s at a Tweeter...months ago...and yes those ring radiators are more laid back. Since I haven't really 'heard' the Mythos properly, I can't make a true comment about them. In any case, from what you describe--you will like the LSI-15's

cnh

mantis

The Mythos speakers are not bright. I have set them up many times and we have a few pairs around the store. You should come down to our place if you want a demo of the Mythos 1's. We have a pair of Silver with matching center and rears. They are connected to a Pioneer Elite Vsx03txh receiver and sound amazing. Very neutral sounding with very nice smooth bass response.

Any speaker in a bad setup will sound bad.

Dan

obieone

^^^+1. Out of all the speakers I've listened to,(Focal JM Labs, Vandersteen, Paradigm, Martin Logan, MagnePlanar)the Mythos STS, are hands down, the BEST sounding speaker, for their price point. You can't listen to speakers in places like BB, or CC, or even Tweeter(towards the end). If the people selling the equipt. aren't even a little passionate about audio, then they ain't gonna give a crap about how it sounds.
To properly hear equipt. you have to go to an independent dealer. Unfortunately, in this economy, they're becoming a dying breed.

Murray1

Mantis, wish I could come over to your shop but that would be a 3K drive. I live in San Diego and do not know of any custom audio shops to get a decent demo. Salesperson at BB seemed very up front and confirmed the poor demo environment. In the demo room,however,it sure seemed like the Mythos 2's sounded very different from the Vienna's. Unless there was another variable going on, he was simply switching back and forth between speakers via a control panel. Both demo environments seemed to present the Mythos 1 & 2 as quite different than the Vienna's. I will have to go back and compare other brands and see how they compare to the DT's. No STS models at this BB but probably out of my budget anyway. Again, any input on how the LSi 15's compare to the Mythos 1's would sure help.

mantis

Murray1 wrote: »

Mantis, wish I could come over to your shop but that would be a 3K drive. I live in San Diego and do not know of any custom audio shops to get a decent demo. Salesperson at BB seemed very up front and confirmed the poor demo environment. In the demo room,however,it sure seemed like the Mythos 2's sounded very different from the Vienna's. Unless there was another variable going on, he was simply switching back and forth between speakers via a control panel. Both demo environments seemed to present the Mythos 1 & 2 as quite different than the Vienna's. I will have to go back and compare other brands and see how they compare to the DT's. No STS models at this BB but probably out of my budget anyway. Again, any input on how the LSi 15's compare to the Mythos 1's would sure help.

Let me first off start by saying sound is very personal and what I'm about to tell you is my experience with the above brands and how I feel about them. Ok? So lets get started,

Viennna Acoustic speakers are among one of my all time favorite brands. I almost purchased a full 5.1 system with a Rel sub. Until I heard the Lsi15's, I was sold on this package. The cabinet build quality is superior to most all brands. Attention to detail is awesome. Very fine speakers. I trained with Pat from Sumiko on speaker placement and setup/calibration. He had some off the wall ideas but most of them work well with even other brands of speakers. I took what I learned from him and use it in my game today.

Lsi 's are wonderful speakers for music. Not my favorite for movies. When I owned them I felt they lacked in home theater and is one of the reasons I moved on from them. Music is above average in there price class. I would go as far to say one of the very best at it's price class and very hard to beat.

Def Tech Mythos 1's are a uncanny design speaker with a slender build and glass bottom. When I first saw them in our showroom, the other Installers told me they where an amazing speakers compared to anything at there price and higher. I said whatever and moved right on buy with no desire to listen at all. Then we switched them out for STS. Like a week later we sold them and reinstalled the 1's back in. So I set them up and figured ok, what the hell , I will put a ear to them and listen. I was floored on how damn good these speakers sounded. I started to brag about them to customers and when I was in the store, I had people sit and listen to them. One of my good customers has a full BP series package and sat in front of the 1's for awhile when he was in the store. I said don't do it unless your looking for new speakers. He sat there and started to laugh. He said they are an amazing sound speaker and I never would have guessed they would do all of that. I told him I felt exaclty the same way.

Personally I would own them myself allday. I like them that much. I find them to do nothing wrong anywhere. And this is all off a Pioneer Elite vsx03txh receiver. I played cd's and just sat and smiled the entire time. They dig deep and have very smooth bass response. Very natural and clean. Quick and clear. You can hear low Bass strings ring true. Pretty damn impressive for a 2 thousand dollar pair of speakers.

Lsi vs Mythos is no comparison in my book. I would never take the Lsi's over the Mythos for any task. This is a personal opinion So take it as that. I think Def Tech Mythos speakers are better in every way. Even in looks. I have grown to really like the skinny design. I find more and more ability to place them and move them around then a bigger wider speaker.

Dan

vijayl

Wud SC07 drive Mythos? or do u recommend a Amp?

Murray1

Well everyone, I better get my fanny over to another BB Magnolia store and give the mythos 1's another listen. I definitely prefer an 8 ohm solution since I will need to buy an entire system. Would not break my heart to use an integrated ICE amp and eliminate a supplemental ext amp from my shopping list. Interestingly enough, I started my search with HT in mind. Kind of funny that in the process of looking I am enjoying 2 channel more and more. Main application, however, is HT. Thanks for the follow up and appreciate your input.

Fred

obieone

vijayl wrote: »

Wud SC07 drive Mythos? or do u recommend a Amp?

No, you don't need an amp.

thsmith

The problem with BB is non of their AVRs are not set up correctly, speaker calibration has not been setup on any of them at the Magnolia store here.

Someone said Denon's are bright, I can tell you my 2808 is not bright at all. But to each thier own, I just know how mine sounds.

Anyway, I suspect the problem is the setup at BB not the AVR or speakers.

Monster Jam

I will agree with Mantis on one very important statement: "...sound is very personal...". Thats pretty much where it ends.

I auditioned all of the speakers, and then some, before making my purchase decision. Klipsch, Polk RTi and LSi, DefTech BPs and Mythos 1, Vienna Accoustic, JBL, Boston, Mirage, B&W, and a few more to boot.

Of all the speakers I listened to, I have to say hands down the worst by far was Vienna. Warm? Try flat. I laughed when I saw the price.

I think my favorite sounding speakers were a toss-up between the RTi and the Klipsch, but then, I prefer a "brighter" sounding speaker. That could also explain why I liked the Mythos sound, and look, as well. In the end though I wanted a fuller lounding speaker, and the Mythos 1 didn't appear to be as deep. In fairness, its tough to compare if you don't do a side by side.

I ultimately went with a speaker that I felt met all of my needs, and not necessarily the one I thought sounded the best in the LSi 15s.

You're doing it the right way though. Go listen to the speakers yourself. Take your own source music and do some critical listening. Take into account your other needs, and make your mind up. Everyone here has an opinion, but its only yours that really matters in the end.

Murray1

Spent yesterday a.m. at another BB Magnolia store checking out the Mythos 1's. After 2 hours of listening to different styles of music, I think they are definitely back on my list of speakers to consider. Believe the violin concerto music may have been one reason they seemed so lively on the first demo. Or maybe it was the heat I received from some of the DT advocates(just kidding fellas). Interestingly, the vienna's did not seem so awesome with the different style of music I listened to yesterday. Still played a classical piece but not the Vivaldi concerto. Second demo was being driven by an Elite 07. Wonder if an 05 would have enough juice to power a full Mythos 5.1 surround? If anyone has a Mythos 1 surround configuration suggestion, let it rip. Wondering what model center matches the 1's. Seems to be the 3's but ....... I am already over budget so practical suggestions are probably a good thing. Amazon is selling silver model at 30% discount. None of the stores had the silvers in stock so I am guessing they have not been selling very well. Any input on how they look guys. Made the mistake of listening to the ST's but that is a whole other story. Wondering how the Mythos 1's with an external sub compare to the ST's with their integrated sub? BB rep thought maybe a new model (sst ???) was to be introduced in a month or so. Anyone have any info regarding new stuff and what that might do to pricing on current models?

Fred

mantis

vijayl wrote: »

Wud SC07 drive Mythos? or do u recommend a Amp?

No No amp required. Mythos speakers are 8 ohm load and from 89 to 93 db. this load is easy for the ICE amps to drive to any level you want.

Dan

mantis

Murray1 wrote: »

Spent yesterday a.m. at another BB Magnolia store checking out the Mythos 1's. After 2 hours of listening to different styles of music, I think they are definitely back on my list of speakers to consider. Believe the violin concerto music may have been one reason they seemed so lively on the first demo. Or maybe it was the heat I received from some of the DT advocates(just kidding fellas). Interestingly, the vienna's did not seem so awesome with the different style of music I listened to yesterday. Still played a classical piece but not the Vivaldi concerto. Second demo was being driven by an Elite 07. Wonder if an 05 would have enough juice to power a full Mythos 5.1 surround? If anyone has a Mythos 1 surround configuration suggestion, let it rip. Wondering what model center matches the 1's. Seems to be the 3's but ....... I am already over budget so practical suggestions are probably a good thing. Amazon is selling silver model at 30% discount. None of the stores had the silvers in stock so I am guessing they have not been selling very well. Any input on how they look guys. Made the mistake of listening to the ST's but that is a whole other story. Wondering how the Mythos 1's with an external sub compare to the ST's with their integrated sub? BB rep thought maybe a new model (sst ???) was to be introduced in a month or so. Anyone have any info regarding new stuff and what that might do to pricing on current models?

Fred

If you go with the Mythos 1' this is the system I would build with them

Mythos 1 fronts
Mythos 8 center channel
Mythos 8 rears
Mythos 8 surroundback
Supercube 1

Or
Mythos 1 Fronts
Mythos 8 center
Mythos Gem xl rears
Mythos Gem xl surrounsback
Supercube 1

Now with buying a Subercube and Mythos 1's, your right there with the STS. I would rather have the Mythos STS over the 1's and a supercube, but it's very very close in performance. Either way it's a badass kickass system for both music and movies. I'm way into it.

Murray1

Mantis,

Much difference between Mythos Gems & Gem XL's. Amazon has silver Gems at 40% off. Same kinda situation with Mythos 3 & 8 for center. Think the 8 sounds $400 better than the 3. Is the 3 even a consideration with the Mythos 1's. Lastly, how about generic subs vs. supercubes(Hsu, Velododyne, etc). Is the supercube 1 the way to go or is the 2 a possibilty? Thanks,

Fred

bigred7078

I have to admit, those STS's sound awesome. A very dynamic speaker, but also delicate enough to be an incredible music speaker. i definately recommend the ST's or STS's

mantis

xcapri79 wrote: »

How would you compare the Definitive Tech Mythos to the Polk VM series? At their price points they seem to be direct competitors. There really isn't much discussion on this forum concerning the VM series (compared to LSi's, RTi's, RTiA's, or Monitors) and I haven't seen too many great reviews of them compared with the DT Mythos.
If this is really true, then it is disappointing for Polk especially when I am a huge fan of their box speakers (LSi, RTi, TSi, Monitor, and R).

I like the look of those aluminum enclosure speakers including the predecessors of the VM series which were the RM series. I purchased some RM302's from Polk Direct and was quite disappointed their overall performance. I thought that the entry level R series are better performing speakers. What magic does Definitive Tech use to get their great sound?

When I worked for Tweeter , we had them set up in one of our demo rooms. I listened to them but didn't pay them much mind. I also Installed a few pairs and again didn't pay much attention. Back then slim speakers where not my cup of tea. I didn't really care one way or another. So I really have no idea how they would compare.
As far as magic, It's just a good build. They work and work well. I can't explain why. I don't have enough experience with them. I only been working with them for almost 4 months and I don't do they everyday. We do Paradigm a lot more.

it would be a fun shootout. They kinda seem to be close and on the same thinking so maybe a good one.

Dan

bigred7078

Also remember guys the DT Mythos ST and STS's dont sound like your traditional Def Tech bi-pole HT design. They are a totally different animal.

Like Mantis said, the slim design kind be off-putting to some people. I never thought much of them and always thought they would never sound good because they were so thin. But good GOD they can rock. They are delicate but detailed with a wide soundstage. Those 300watt amps can really rock those race-track designed woofers.

I personally prefer the Black anodized aluminium models and not the silver, but seriously these things are sexy looking. With the sleek lines and curved cabinet, and grantie base...they are the ultimate WAF lol. But remember they are VERY tall.

mantis

bigred7078 wrote: »

Also remember guys the DT Mythos ST and STS's dont sound like your traditional Def Tech bi-pole HT design. They are a totally different animal.

Like Mantis said, the slim design kind be off-putting to some people. I never thought much of them and always thought they would never sound good because they were so thin. But good GOD they can rock. They are delicate but detailed with a wide soundstage. Those 300watt amps can really rock those race-track designed woofers.

I personally prefer the Black anodized aluminium models and not the silver, but seriously these things are sexy looking. With the sleek lines and curved cabinet, and grantie base...they are the ultimate WAF lol. But remember they are VERY tall.

Right now they are my very favorite speakers. I would take either one. I really dig the ST's but damn the STS are so damn good. I can't decide on which ones I wanna take home, I'd like them both. Can't go wrong but The STS really impressed me even after spending time with the ST's. Incredible speakers.

Dan

bigred7078

mantis wrote: »

Right now they are my very favorite speakers. I would take either one. I really dig the ST's but damn the STS are so damn good. I can't decide on which ones I wanna take home, I'd like them both. Can't go wrong but The STS really impressed me even after spending time with the ST's. Incredible speakers.

Dan

Yeah i know how you feel. I think for the money the STS's provide about 90-95% of what the ST's can give you. I seriously almost took some home with me last week! They just sound so good.

Have you done any listening tests between the different center channels? I have only heard the Mythos Three. I would definately want to get the Nine or Ten that were actually developed for the ST/STS but i have yet to hear them. Any thoughts on if the Nine or Ten are any good?

mantis

bigred7078 wrote: »

Yeah i know how you feel. I think for the money the STS's provide about 90-95% of what the ST's can give you. I seriously almost took some home with me last week! They just sound so good.

Have you done any listening tests between the different center channels? I have only heard the Mythos Three. I would definately want to get the Nine or Ten that were actually developed for the ST/STS but i have yet to hear them. Any thoughts on if the Nine or Ten are any good?

Yes I have Installed both a few times. The 10 is a perfect match to the ST's and the 9 is for the STS. You can mix and match but they are designed for each other.

It's a perfect blend across the front. Seamless. If I get the STS , I will get 3 Mythos 9's and use one for center and the other 2 for rears. This is the Ideal setup for Sacd and dvd audio. For a theater only system, you could use the Gem's or Gem XL. They are pretty damn good bigger sounding little speakers. You look at them and think, man what could they possibly do? And then you run them and get blown out of your chair. Amazing.

If I have to save a few pennies, I will go STS. If I can go for Broke, I will get the ST's. That system would be Mythos 10 center and rears or Gem XL's. Either way your system is killer.

I want to get a new Tv in the Pioneer Elite 151fd. This might be the deciding factor in the ST or STS.

Dan

pearsall001

I actually heard the 1's at my local BB. It wasn't by desigh either, I was just walking past a display & not really paying any attention as to what was there. But the awesome sound made me stop & do a double take. I had to take a seat & keep on listening. They really sounded that good even in a not so good floor setup.

Dan, one of these days I'll be back for a more intense listen.

obieone

pearsall001 wrote: »

I actually heard the 1's at my local BB. It wasn't by desigh either, I was just walking past a display & not really paying any attention as to what was there. But the awesome sound made me stop & do a double take. I had to take a seat & keep on listening. They really sounded that good even in a not so good floor setup.

Dan, one of these days I'll be back for a more intense listen.

Bro, if you were impressed with the One's, wait til you hear the ST's or STS's.:eek:
I hope Dan MAKES you listen to them. Why?
Because, misery loves company:D

pearsall001

obieone wrote: »

Bro, if you were impressed with the One's, wait til you hear the ST's or STS's.:eek:
I hope Dan MAKES you listen to them. Why?
Because, misery loves company:D

I'm almost afraid too!!! :eek: But already having dual Velo SPL-1200R subs, I would have to bring a pair of 1's home to put them thru the paces. I can't imagine that combo not challenging the ST's or the STS's in performance.

mantis

pearsall001 wrote: »

I actually heard the 1's at my local BB. It wasn't by desigh either, I was just walking past a display & not really paying any attention as to what was there. But the awesome sound made me stop & do a double take. I had to take a seat & keep on listening. They really sounded that good even in a not so good floor setup.

Dan, one of these days I'll be back for a more intense listen.

You are welcome to come back anytime. Sorry the last time you came in , I was 2 busy to really give you a demo. That swap sale was a huge turnout. It was very fun 2. I hope you had a good time.

Dan

mantis

obieone wrote: »

Bro, if you were impressed with the One's, wait til you hear the ST's or STS's.:eek:
I hope Dan MAKES you listen to them. Why?
Because, misery loves company:D

Yeah I'm company with this. We can add him in once he comes back to the shop. They are very additive .

Dan

mantis

pearsall001 wrote: »

I'm almost afraid too!!! :eek: But already having dual Velo SPL-1200R subs, I would have to bring a pair of 1's home to put them thru the paces. I can't imagine that combo not challenging the ST's or the STS's in performance.

Using the SPL's I'm sure would get you there with the 1's. They are truely fantastic sounding speakers. We have a Silver pair on the floor. When you come back over I will demo them for yeah. Amazing sounding speakers.

Dan

bigred7078

Mantis, do you install for BB Mag?

mantis

bigred7078 wrote: »

Mantis, do you install for BB Mag?

No I work for

www.audiolab.com

We are in Fairless Hills , pa

Dan

bigred7078

mantis wrote: »

No I work for

www.audiolab.com

We are in Fairless Hills , pa

Dan

Ahh gotcha, very cool.