[darcyb62]

I can get a pretty decent deal on three different speakers.

They are:

Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-70 RC-70 Tower Speaker - Overview
Martin Logan Source MartinLogan | Source
Polk Audio RTIA9 Polk Audio - RTi A Series Loudspeakers

The three come in at comparable prices and I have only had the chance to listen to the RC-70s (which I quite liked).

I am curious as to others opinions on these speakers. My listening tastes vary and would only exclude rap/hiphop. Everything else is game.

Darcy

 

[sacd lover]

You can get much better sound going the DIY route. Better sound quality, higher quality drivers and better build quality for less $$$.

Look at these they are a steal ....

AudiogoN ForSale: VIFA MTM

I have two pair of speakers from this builder and they are better sounding than my very, very good sounding and more expensive (Ascend Acoustics 340SE or JM Labs 706S) commercial speakers.

Here are some more examples of his work ....

Here are my speakers. I am listening to the smaller stand mount MTM right now!!

 

[Uncle Erik]

DIY is a terrific option and I've built a few pairs.

However, also keep an eye out for used speakers. With the economy as it is, you shouldn't have any trouble picking up great speakers for 50% or much less than the retail price.

Why buy new when you can get something twice as good for the same price?

Do not worry about buying used, either. I don't know how long you've been around audiophilia, but it's been my experience that people baby their gear and only sell to fund upgrades, if they didn't like the sound or if they really need the money. It is rare to find broken stuff pawned off.

Almost everything you'll find used will be in immaculate shape and fully functional. You should never buy new audiophile gear unless it's something you can't get otherwise.

 

[9pintube]

Listen to your "UNCLE ERIK" used audiophile gear, (I.E.) speakers are the best way to obtain just about anything your wallet and sound room needs at unreal prices...I didn't see in your profile your location but if you're in California and can pick up the speakers that's even better....I'm in the midwest and all the great speakers with great prices on Audiogon the seller will not ship, because of weight or size...That's when you really get SUPER DEALS....Decide what you want/like and start looking used..most sellers will even let you come "listen" before you buy..... I agree with SCAD LOVER also that's a deal his builder has on audiogon right now, I'm surprised they're still for sale.....

 

[Get_Zwole]

AV123 or Ascend acoustics as mentioned FTW. I run Ascends and have for years now they are fantastic. For rap and hip hop you may be better off going the mainstream route like the polks. My ascends cmt-340se's destroy my dads 2k tower polks in SQ for 700 bucks but will only go down to about 48hz. so youd need a good sub with them.

 

[sacd lover]

The Ascend 340SE is an absolutely excellent speaker .... and even on sale for $468 right now.

CMT-340 SE Mini-Tower Loudspeaker


Quote:

Originally Posted by Get_Zwole /img/forum/go_quote.gif AV123 or Ascend acoustics as mentioned FTW. I run Ascends and have for years now they are fantastic. For rap and hip hop you may be better off going the mainstream route like the polks. My ascends cmt-340se's destroy my dads 2k tower polks in SQ for 700 bucks but will only go down to about 48hz. so youd need a good sub with them.

 

[darcyb62]

All good feedback. Just to touch on pricing, I can get these speakers at about half of retail (employee pricing).

The DIY option is interesting.

I would set my budget in the $1000 to $1200 (US dollars). I live up in Canada and the only speakers I can find locally with the exception of those already mentioned are Klipsch, B&W, Paradigm, and a couple of others aside from the regular assortment but I can't get the discount I can with these others).

In this price range are there others you would recommend (including DIY however cabinets would need to be part of the kitincluded).

As far as music goes, rap and hip hop were the exclusions here (will never be used for such in my home).

I will initially be using these in a 10' x 10' but they will eventually be moved to a dedicated music room yet to built in my basement.

Darcy

 

[sahwnfras]

B&W 685 with a Rel T-3 sub

 

[endless402]

check out canuckaudiomart for cdn sellers

rc70's are overkill...havent found a 4 way speaker that i like yet. it's quite difficult to integrate that many drivers. most, at that price range, have a sloppy bass, though loud and deep

stick with 3 way unless you have a massive room and a giant amp

 

[darcyb62]

So looking at canuckaudiomart and filtering down to where I live I see a pair of Reference 3A MM De Capos for sale at $1150 cdn. Good deal? Not good deal?

Darcy

 

[betweentheears]

Be sure to match with your other components ie: amplifier. Sensitivity can also be an issue.

 

[endless402]

Quote:

Originally Posted by darcyb62 /img/forum/go_quote.gif So looking at canuckaudiomart and filtering down to where I live I see a pair of Reference 3A MM De Capos for sale at $1150 cdn. Good deal? Not good deal? Darcy

not sure, never listened to them. try to get an audition.

also, ppl can ship bookshelves easily. usually around 50 to ship with insurance.

i'd get these actually
PROAC STUDIO 100 Loudspeakers - Canuck Audio Mart

beautiful mids. dont need much power. tubes go great with these as well. if you can get him to lower prices a bit, it'll be a good deal.


i like these as well
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/detai...a_906_wstands/

but the treble may be too bright so you have to be more careful about system matching


older speaker wise, the b&w 805 matrix is great IMO. usually around 800 in the states. top of the line back in the day and still beats newer stuff around the 1k mark


i hope you have a good amp already? might be easier if you tell us what you're running it with?

 

[9pintube]

DarcyB62 The Reference 3A MM De Capos are excellent Monitors that are "Tube Friendly" and that sounds like a good deal as long as they're in good++ shape....Also since you're up north how about Totem "Staff, or even the "Areo"......I've heard both of these small well bulit floor standers in a friends system and they were outstanding...Just a thought..good luck

 

[darcyb62]

I am in the market for an amp as well so i have some flexibility. I am trying to get a listen to the Reference 3As so we will see how that goes. Those proacs look interesting as well. Lot of options really.

Thanks for the comments so far. Great info.

 

[endless402]

get the proac's with a tube amp around 1k. nice holographic warm sound. standard issue combination for amazing vocals.

you can find lower end proac...tablette reference 8's for around 600-800 in the states if you dont want to spend that much. still good if you're into that type of sound

i usually choose stuff that's easy to resell and proac is easy to sell. there will always be a demand for a well known brand