[explosionsinthesky]

Hey guys!

Basically, I use my computer for both music and movies. I've been using my Klipsch Promedia 4.1 computer speakers for about 8 years, playing them loud, and they are finally showing their age. The rear channels fade in and out, so I've been using it as a 2.1 setup, but I think it's time to get a real 2.1 setup.

For a receiver I bought an Onkyo TX-SR506

Not sure about a sub yet, considering the Energy ESW-8

For bookshelf speakers, I started out with a huge list from AV123 to Wharfedale to PSB to Monitor Audio. I think I've narrowed it down to 2 speakers: the KEF iQ3s and the Infinity Primus P162s.

I just need help deciding which will be the better speaker for playing music loud, music like rock, experimental rock, indie, hip-hop, and electronic. They are both 8ohms, the KEF is 89db sensitivity while the Infinity is 90db.

 

[[L]es]

obviously with higher sensitivity means you can play louder.. at 1db difference you could be surprised depending on how they measured it.

 

[vulc4n]

I would go for the iQ3s.

 

[Jubei]

I haven't heard any Infinity's for years (actually decades) but I own the old KEF Q1, which was the bookshelf version back then. I still use the Q1 and am still find it decent. The only potential downside is it doesn't deliver whooping bass by itself as it is a bookshelf.

I read that over the years, KEF enhanced the design and the iQ3 is an excellent buy. The bass is said to be improved in both quantity and quality. I have also read great reviews of the iQ3 in both European and Japanese hifi magazines - so it must be doing something right!

 

[nghiasays]

I had the P150 and P250 which I thought sounded great within their price range at loud volumes. At lower volumes they get muddy and vocals are hard to understand. I also have KEF speakers but they're reference line so its not a fair comparison. The KEF speakers claim to go deeper so from specs alone I'd go with KEF.

 

[sonci]

I own the iQ3 for about 3 months, and I am, lets say, satisfied with them, but it was not such a big improvement from my old (cheap) B&W.
However, you cant compare them to your Klipsch, and I dont know the Infinity.
One thing about the iQ3, they are huge, so I hope you got some stands cause you cannot keep them in the PC table..
(I got mine "made in CHINA", they say; we don't manufacture anymore in UK. This shouldn't be important, but I'm a bit fanatic..)

 

[explosionsinthesky]

I've upped my budget to $400 and these are my newer choices:
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE
Axiom M3 v2
SVS SCS-01
Elemental Designs A6-6T6 MTM

Looking for a non fatigue sounding speaker that is fairly neutral, smooth sounding, and sounds good at all volumes.

 

[paaj]

go out and listen?

 

[Jubei]

Quote:

Originally Posted by paaj /img/forum/go_quote.gif go out and listen?

X2.

It is a matter of preference as much as whether the speakers are any good. Used to have a pair of JBLs - great for rock and metal, but horrid for anything that required finesse.

When I bought my current KEFs, I auditioned some B&Ws (which were very highly recommended at the time). In the end, I really disliked the B&Ws and loved the KEFs.

 

[explosionsinthesky]

Quote:

go out and listen?

I can't, no stores around here carry any of them.

I think I'm leaning towards the KEF's, but it's still close between Elemental Designs and SVS

 

[alwayshungry]

if you can stretch a little bit more (it never ends with this hobby), I was able to pick up a pair of Totem Acoustic Rainmakers used for slightly more than your budget. I can't compare them to any of the speakers you are considering but at the time, I was considering the KEF IQ3s as well as the Energy RC10s and went with the Rainmakers based on reviews that I had read as I wasn't able to find a local shop to demo them. At 87.5 db they're definitely not the most efficient speakers but they sound wonderful to me with a variety of music.

 

[sonci]

Quote:

Originally Posted by explosionsinthesky /img/forum/go_quote.gif I've upped my budget to $400 and these are my newer choices: Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE Axiom M3 v2 SVS SCS-01 Elemental Designs A6-6T6 MTM Looking for a non fatigue sounding speaker that is fairly neutral, smooth sounding, and sounds good at all volumes.

vow, I bought the iQ3 for 400€, for how much did you find them?

 

[murphy917]

I purchased both the Iq3s and P162s...I use one pair in my main listening area (iq3) and one in my computer room P162s. I thought they both sounded much better than the price. I got the Kefs for $249 new and the Infinitys for $175.00 new and in my opinion they were steals. I also have a pair of Paradigm Studio 40s and JM Labs 706. I needed something less than 15" tall so that is why I got the Kefs and I think they are great. I have them bi-wired with a B&K amp and Denon preamp. I use a small Mirage sub to fill in the low end and it works great for the size room. I also have a sunfire 12" sub but it is too much for this size room.

I dont think you can go wrong with either the Kefs or Infinitys. Just depends on the deal and personal preference of looks. If I had to choose between the two, I would say the Kefs are slightly better to my ears.

 

[Jubei]

Great to have your feedback, especially since your bought both!

 

[classicalguy]

It is really something how good these small budget speakers are. I have a pair of Infinity P142s on my desk, and I'm really pleased with the sound. They image wonderfully. I have not experienced a problem at low levels. Setup is very important, of course. I have them sitting on some very dense foam, which got them off the desk by about half an inch, and really seems to help avoid reflections.