Speaker Demo's

[Aspect]

Hi guys,

I'm about to start demo-ing speakers, and would like a little advice.

First off, I am NOT going to ask anyone what I should buy! I know I have to make that choice myself, and am quite looking forward to it!

Some brands I am going to look at are:

Whatmough

Krix

VAF (if there's anywhere to demo in Melb)

Osbourne (but I have absolutely no idea what these are worth-expensive I'd guess by their self appreciating website)

B & W

Has anyone got any other suggestions on speakers to demo? Richters? Mission????

From what I've learnt here, the fronts will be matched, but how important is it to match the surrounds? Monopoles, bipoles etc?

Has anyone got any comments on the build quality of any of these brands?

I am looking to spend about $4k - $5k on a setup, whether that's 5, 6 or 7.1, I haven't decided yet.

I will be most likely buying a Denon AVR-3806. I've read a few comments on the "new" models from Denon, but I can't find anything specific on them.

Oh, and they'll be used primarily for movies, and occasionally music (probably 90/10)

I am not an Audiophile, but I love great sound.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

[dvduser]

Carlton Audio Visual - great place, good honest advice, good to do business with, use RRP and take around 15-20% off which should be the target price to aim for if not better.

[Aspect]

Yeah, I'll be hitting there, as well as A1 in Scorseby and Audiotrends in Ringwood.

I'll be starting with those 3, then I may stretch out further and go places like Peninsula HiFi etc...

[Alfred Smee]

Hi guys,

I'm about to start demo-ing speakers, and would like a little advice.

First off, I am NOT going to ask anyone what I should buy! I know I have to make that choice myself, and am quite looking forward to it!

Some brands I am going to look at are:

Whatmough

Krix

VAF (if there's anywhere to demo in Melb)

Osbourne (but I have absolutely no idea what these are worth-expensive I'd guess by their self appreciating website)

B & W

Has anyone got any other suggestions on speakers to demo? Richters? Mission????

From what I've learnt here, the fronts will be matched, but how important is it to match the surrounds? Monopoles, bipoles etc?

Has anyone got any comments on the build quality of any of these brands?

I am looking to spend about $4k - $5k on a setup, whether that's 5, 6 or 7.1, I haven't decided yet.

I will be most likely buying a Denon AVR-3806. I've read a few comments on the "new" models from Denon, but I can't find anything specific on them.

Oh, and they'll be used primarily for movies, and occasionally music (probably 90/10)

I am not an Audiophile, but I love great sound.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

If you must do only one thing, it would be this. In my experience, all five speakers must sound very similar and that usually means that they must all be made by the one manufacturer. It doesn't mean you need five floorstanders. They should just sound very similar. I cannot emphasise how important this is.

[dvduser]

If you must do only one thing, it would be this. In my experience, all five speakers must sound very similar and that usually means that they must all be made by the one manufacturer. It doesn't mean you need five floorstanders. They should just sound very similar. I cannot emphasise how important this is.

Timbre

[Stump]

You should consider room size also.I have Denon gear and the Vaf set of speakers.As I play more music than DVDs I went for big speakers all round.If I wanted for DVDs I would have went for there smaller cube speakers.Living in Adelaide buying the speakers from the man who makes them I feel gives you value for money.(No middle men)

[glennb]

Take your own music with you that you know well and use it to compare speakers.

But don't get too caught up in how the music sounds, as you have already said that it's likely to be only 10% for music. Using 2Ch music for demo's makes it very easy to find speakers that you like (compared to just watching movies in surround), but it also sends you up the garden path a bit, as you may find that you concentrate too much focus on the L&R main speakers.

Going up the range & price for the main speakers does make a difference for 2 Ch, but in a HT environment, the benefits are less noticeable, and the money is better off spent in other ares IMHO.

Eg, buying Main L&R, centre & sub, will give you a better "HT Experience" than buying just the mains & centre for the same money.

[CCRider]

Hi guys,

I'm about to start demo-ing speakers, and would like a little advice.

First off, I am NOT going to ask anyone what I should buy! I know I have to make that choice myself, and am quite looking forward to it!

Some brands I am going to look at are:

Whatmough

Krix

VAF (if there's anywhere to demo in Melb)

Osbourne (but I have absolutely no idea what these are worth-expensive I'd guess by their self appreciating website)

B & W

Has anyone got any other suggestions on speakers to demo? Richters? Mission????

From what I've learnt here, the fronts will be matched, but how important is it to match the surrounds? Monopoles, bipoles etc?

Has anyone got any comments on the build quality of any of these brands?

I am looking to spend about $4k - $5k on a setup, whether that's 5, 6 or 7.1, I haven't decided yet.

I will be most likely buying a Denon AVR-3806. I've read a few comments on the "new" models from Denon, but I can't find anything specific on them.

Oh, and they'll be used primarily for movies, and occasionally music (probably 90/10)

I am not an Audiophile, but I love great sound.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

Hi Prior

There is no better test than auditioning speakers with your own gear in your home.

This is where VAF have the upper hand.

If you buy from them you have a 30 day money back no questions asked gaurantee.

I have the DCX Gen4 fronts plus the custom DCX gen4 centre and I can assure you that the build quality is "A" Class.

They sound absolutely sensational and I can bet you that if you take the option I suggested above you will not be sending them back.

The DC6 gen4 centre is also a very high quality unit.

Get the best that you can afford centre and fronts this is the rule of thumb for HT.

You can ease up on the rest of the surrounds if you want to keep within a budget.

[Aspect]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Yes, I want to get the full enseble of speakers, and I think $5k should see me into a very good setup.

I understand what you mean about trying them in your own home. I will have the luxury of this with the Whatmough's, as a friend has the Opus range, and as his are currently in storage during a renovation, he'll bring them round and set them up for me to try. This will happen in the next couple of weeks. The only "negative" there, is that the amp will be a Yamaha, so not specifically correct, considering I'll be getting a Denon, but, oh well.

I would love to demo the Vaf's, but I don't fancy forking out for the set just to "try".. The trouble is, I think most of these brands will blow me away, and I'd love to keep them all.

I was thinking a making a "mixed tape", with some soundtracks, and also the same with a DVD, and have selected scenes to test out the "Surroundness" of the units.

That way, I can test the same source with different setups...

Cheers,

Chris

P.S. I ordered my scope screen from OZTS today, and it should be here for the weekend!

I won't get to set it up yet cos I'm away down at Phillip Island for the Historic racing, but next weekend will be fun!

[Zubiz1503560776]

Prior you can't get the Opus range anymore they are discontinued. I think I may of purchased the last Opus centre in Australia 2 weeks ago. On the bright side however is the NEW performance series when I was ringing all over Aus for a centre I spoke to Colin Whatmough on the phone for advice If I could not find an Opus centre and recomended the new P2 centre, saying that it would match fine and that it is a far superior centre than the Opus. I really wanted to keep everything the same though and I did although I would of went for the P2 if I had to and the price of the new Performance series are great value.

[ozcal]

Prior you can't get the Opus range anymore they are discontinued. I think I may of purchased the last Opus centre in Australia 2 weeks ago. On the bright side however is the NEW performance series when I was ringing all over Aus for a centre I spoke to Colin Whatmough on the phone for advice If I could not find an Opus centre and recomended the new P2 centre, saying that it would match fine and that it is a far superior centre than the Opus. I really wanted to keep everything the same though and I did although I would of went for the P2 if I had to and the price of the new Performance series are great value.

Hi Z , great to hear you got the Opus center , how are things coming along.

Gordon

[Guest lrmuster]

Hi all,

I am also looking to take the plunge into hi-fi and HT.

My focus is great two channel but also am starting to enjoy surround sound more. Not that I have any gear at the moment, I'm just going on what I have heard at friends and relatives.

I have a 60" sony SXRD and am getting a cabinet built with the centre speaker to go above the set. My carpeted room is 5 m by 5m but one side is open to a timber floored dining area. The area is actually a sunken lounge. I have to go with in ceiling rears because of a slow combustion heater in one corner of the rear of the room.

Since listening, I have found that I am probably going to have to spend around 8- 10 thousand dollars on speakers for the 2.1 system, to get the sound I like.

So far the best two channel system I have heard was the Legned Kantu, Kurlo / Cyrus combo at Carlton AV. I was a little disappointed with the bass but the kurlo sub fixed this. The only thing that came close were the 8,000 or maybe they were 9000 dollar Watmaugh signature series. These had great musical bass but I still thought the mid and treble werent as crisp as the Kantu's. I found I could probably live without a sub with the watmaughs but not with the kantus. With the Kantus at 5000 plus 1800 for the kurlo, I am seriously considering the big reds at 9000 because I would probably upggrade at some stage with another kurlo sub for the kantus.

Has anyone listened to, or have the big reds because I havent yet. I am expecting they will be brilliant so what else would you all recommend to listen to for this kind of $$.

Total budget for 2 channel and associated HT is 20,000

Sorry for the long post, but this sets the scene.

Cheers. QA

[Calibrator]

Hi all,

I am also looking to take the plunge into hi-fi and HT.

My focus is great two channel but also am starting to enjoy surround sound more. Not that I have any gear at the moment, I'm just going on what I have heard at friends and relatives.

I have a 60" sony SXRD and am getting a cabinet built with the centre speaker to go above the set. My carpeted room is 5 m by 5m but one side is open to a timber floored dining area. The area is actually a sunken lounge. I have to go with in ceiling rears because of a slow combustion heater in one corner of the rear of the room.

Since listening, I have found that I am probably going to have to spend around 8- 10 thousand dollars on speakers for the 2.1 system, to get the sound I like.

So far the best two channel system I have heard was the Legned Kantu, Kurlo / Cyrus combo at Carlton AV. I was a little disappointed with the bass but the kurlo sub fixed this. The only thing that came close were the 8,000 or maybe they were 9000 dollar Watmaugh signature series. These had great musical bass but I still thought the mid and treble werent as crisp as the Kantu's. I found I could probably live without a sub with the watmaughs but not with the kantus. With the Kantus at 5000 plus 1800 for the kurlo, I am seriously considering the big reds at 9000 because I would probably upggrade at some stage with another kurlo sub for the kantus.

Has anyone listened to, or have the big reds because I havent yet. I am expecting they will be brilliant so what else would you all recommend to listen to for this kind of $$.

Total budget for 2 channel and associated HT is 20,000

Sorry for the long post, but this sets the scene.

Cheers. QA

HI QA,

i've just attempted to send you a PM re. your enquiry but your inbox is either full or disabled.

Would be well worth your while freeing up some room or enabling your system. If you prefer, PM me.

Cheers

Russ

[Spearmint]

HI QA,

i've just attempted to send you a PM re. your enquiry but your inbox is either full or disabled.

Would be well worth your while freeing up some room or enabling your system. If you prefer, PM me.

Cheers

Russ

I think you’ll find he needs to have 10+ posts before PM’s are enabled.

EDIT: BTW there is a good list of speakers at Planet Audio

[betty boop]

Hi all,

I am also looking to take the plunge into hi-fi and HT.

My focus is great two channel but also am starting to enjoy surround sound more. Not that I have any gear at the moment, I'm just going on what I have heard at friends and relatives.

I have a 60" sony SXRD and am getting a cabinet built with the centre speaker to go above the set. My carpeted room is 5 m by 5m but one side is open to a timber floored dining area. The area is actually a sunken lounge. I have to go with in ceiling rears because of a slow combustion heater in one corner of the rear of the room.

Since listening, I have found that I am probably going to have to spend around 8- 10 thousand dollars on speakers for the 2.1 system, to get the sound I like.

So far the best two channel system I have heard was the Legned Kantu, Kurlo / Cyrus combo at Carlton AV. I was a little disappointed with the bass but the kurlo sub fixed this. The only thing that came close were the 8,000 or maybe they were 9000 dollar Watmaugh signature series. These had great musical bass but I still thought the mid and treble werent as crisp as the Kantu's. I found I could probably live without a sub with the watmaughs but not with the kantus. With the Kantus at 5000 plus 1800 for the kurlo, I am seriously considering the big reds at 9000 because I would probably upggrade at some stage with another kurlo sub for the kantus.

Has anyone listened to, or have the big reds because I havent yet. I am expecting they will be brilliant so what else would you all recommend to listen to for this kind of $$.

Total budget for 2 channel and associated HT is 20,000

Sorry for the long post, but this sets the scene.

Cheers. QA

some nice stuff you've demoed there QA. are the big reds only $9k ? wow a bargain for legends flagship models if the case. havent heard them but they look like they mean business. liek the legend sound and yeah would have a nice detailled crisp sound with the cyrus gear. If like them and can afford them why not ? speakers you'll keep for a long time so get somethgin that you'll be happy with and keep for a long time rather than somethgin that will jsut do for now.

[Guest lrmuster]

some nice stuff you've demoed there QA. are the big reds only $9k ? wow a bargain for legends flagship models if the case. havent heard them but they look like they mean business. liek the legend sound and yeah would have a nice detailled crisp sound with the cyrus gear. If like them and can afford them why not ? speakers you'll keep for a long time so get somethgin that you'll be happy with and keep for a long time rather than somethgin that will jsut do for now.

Yeah, thats my thinking too. The "rainy day" has finally come, Ive been putting it off for a couple of years to save for some really good gear so now the fun begins. Why not? I cant thinkof any reasons why not, just trying to make sure I've investigated all options before taking the plunge. Thanks for your help.

[Guest eandoz]

Hi guys,

I'm about to start demo-ing speakers, and would like a little advice.

First off, I am NOT going to ask anyone what I should buy! I know I have to make that choice myself, and am quite looking forward to it!

Some brands I am going to look at are:

Whatmough

Krix

VAF (if there's anywhere to demo in Melb)

Osbourne (but I have absolutely no idea what these are worth-expensive I'd guess by their self appreciating website)

B & W

Has anyone got any other suggestions on speakers to demo? Richters? Mission????

From what I've learnt here, the fronts will be matched, but how important is it to match the surrounds? Monopoles, bipoles etc?

Has anyone got any comments on the build quality of any of these brands?

I am looking to spend about $4k - $5k on a setup, whether that's 5, 6 or 7.1, I haven't decided yet.

I will be most likely buying a Denon AVR-3806. I've read a few comments on the "new" models from Denon, but I can't find anything specific on them.

Oh, and they'll be used primarily for movies, and occasionally music (probably 90/10)

I am not an Audiophile, but I love great sound.

Thanks in advance,

Chris

as Yogi Bera once said "it's dejavu all over again".

I went through this exact same dilemna 6 months ago,same senario,same budget,same place to demo .I would wholehertedly recommend you go see chris from clef hi-fi.I went to all the audio shops you mentioned above and found the cheapest price with the best service from these guys.

What I liked most was the batcave they have downstairs,great for pj demoing and doing an a/b comparison of all the brands you mentioned above,for me this made it relatively easy to choose what I liked best, I am a newbie to audio so the a/b comparing was perfect,hell....they even gave me great payment plan .

p.m me if you want their details.

Dave

[Guest eandoz]

Yeah, thats my thinking too. The "rainy day" has finally come, Ive been putting it off for a couple of years to save for some really good gear so now the fun begins. Why not? I cant thinkof any reasons why not, just trying to make sure I've investigated all options before taking the plunge. Thanks for your help.

Quiet achiever,

Listen to what Russ has to say,I know you will be pleasently suprized

Dave

[Guest lrmuster]

Quiet achiever,

Listen to what Russ has to say,I know you will be pleasently suprized

Dave

Thanks Dave,

Ive now had a look at the posts about SGR and it would seem some very experienced contributors to this forum have liked what they've heard. I am definetly having a listen.

So glad I decided to ask the question. With all the info on the forum I'm sure I'll end up with something outstanding. Just a pity Melb is 5 hours away, but there seems to be somuch more on offer in Melb than Adelaide.

QA

Russ,

Legend also offer the DEQX active crossover as an upgrade for the big reds, what are the pros and cons of the system offered by SGR compared to the DEQX? Feel free to redirect me to the appropriate thresd if this is getting of topic here.

[KeithL]

some nice stuff you've demoed there QA. are the big reds only $9k ? wow a bargain for legends flagship models if the case. havent heard them but they look like they mean business. liek the legend sound and yeah would have a nice detailled crisp sound with the cyrus gear. If like them and can afford them why not ? speakers you'll keep for a long time so get somethgin that you'll be happy with and keep for a long time rather than somethgin that will jsut do for now.

I think 9000 is for the passive version of the Big Reds. However you're correct in that it's still a bargain. I haven't heard them yet and would be very interested in QA's impressions if he demoes them.

[Satanica]

Hi all,

I am also looking to take the plunge into hi-fi and HT.

My focus is great two channel but also am starting to enjoy surround sound more. Not that I have any gear at the moment, I'm just going on what I have heard at friends and relatives.

I have a 60" sony SXRD and am getting a cabinet built with the centre speaker to go above the set. My carpeted room is 5 m by 5m but one side is open to a timber floored dining area. The area is actually a sunken lounge. I have to go with in ceiling rears because of a slow combustion heater in one corner of the rear of the room.

Since listening, I have found that I am probably going to have to spend around 8- 10 thousand dollars on speakers for the 2.1 system, to get the sound I like.

So far the best two channel system I have heard was the Legned Kantu, Kurlo / Cyrus combo at Carlton AV. I was a little disappointed with the bass but the kurlo sub fixed this. The only thing that came close were the 8,000 or maybe they were 9000 dollar Watmaugh signature series. These had great musical bass but I still thought the mid and treble werent as crisp as the Kantu's. I found I could probably live without a sub with the watmaughs but not with the kantus. With the Kantus at 5000 plus 1800 for the kurlo, I am seriously considering the big reds at 9000 because I would probably upggrade at some stage with another kurlo sub for the kantus.

Has anyone listened to, or have the big reds because I havent yet. I am expecting they will be brilliant so what else would you all recommend to listen to for this kind of $$.

Total budget for 2 channel and associated HT is 20,000

Sorry for the long post, but this sets the scene.

Cheers. QA

I have a pair of Kantu 4's and while i admit they are not huge on bass if I were you I would consider buying them, trying them at your home and seeing if they are shy on bass. The size and shape of your room, room modes and speaker positioning can add a lot. If you still don't think there is enough bass then go back and get the Kurlo. Although i have never heard them, most reviews of Cyrus stuff i have read indicates they are a tad "dry" sounding. What i'm trying to get at is that a different amp/cd player could bring out some more in the Kantu 4's as well.

[Guest lrmuster]

I have a pair of Kantu 4's and while i admit they are not huge on bass if I were you I would consider buying them, trying them at your home and seeing if they are shy on bass. The size and shape of your room, room modes and speaker positioning can add a lot. If you still don't think there is enough bass then go back and get the Kurlo. Although i have never heard them, most reviews of Cyrus stuff i have read indicates they are a tad "dry" sounding. What i'm trying to get at is that a different amp/cd player could bring out some more in the Kantu 4's as well.

What CD/Amps are you running with your kantus?

QA

[Satanica]

What CD/Amps are you running with your kantus?

QA

Amp: Primare I30

CD: CA 540C V2 as a transport going into the Musical Fidelity Triple Treat (XDACV3, X10V3, XPSUV3).

I'm currently selling my CD system on eBay. It will be replaced by a Primare CD31 to match my amp. I'm not sure if it's the smartest move cause I can't even get to hear a CD31, I'm still wondering if it's going to be a downgrade. With my current setup the sound amazes me, sensational! But I must downsize cause I've no longer got the room to have an equipment rack to put all the bits and pieces of stereo and surround gear.

Anyway I've done a test with the Rives audio test tone CD and the 30hz output was significantly higher than the 40hz output in my room. I didn't even need the Radio Shack meter to tell me this, it was plain obvious to my ears! Just trying to illustrate my point on how much a room can boost bass (in my room at 30hz). You never know what your room is going to do. I'm sure you already know all of this, just thought I would share my experiences.

Another similar thing to consider is whether the room you heard the Kantu's in was larger or smaller than your eventual listening room. Good luck on your speaker choice!

[Satanica]

I just re-read your post where you say you have 8-10 grand to spend on the speakers. If you have a big room I would say forget the Kantu's, go the Big Reds all the way! Just don't go posting on here how good they sound please

[Guest eandoz]

Thanks Dave,

Ive now had a look at the posts about SGR and it would seem some very experienced contributors to this forum have liked what they've heard. I am definetly having a listen.

So glad I decided to ask the question. With all the info on the forum I'm sure I'll end up with something outstanding. Just a pity Melb is 5 hours away, but there seems to be somuch more on offer in Melb than Adelaide.

QA

Russ,

Legend also offer the DEQX active crossover as an upgrade for the big reds, what are the pros and cons of the system offered by SGR compared to the DEQX? Feel free to redirect me to the appropriate thresd if this is getting of topic here.

No problem mate,I myself as I am sure others as well have been on the receiving end of some great advice as a direct result of of these forums,I've even made some great friends on the way and If I can assist someone with my limited knowledge,I sure as hell will.

That being said WRT SGR Audio,all I can say is after demoing their custom built gear, I now have something to aspire to.If I could afford them now I would buy them now,simple as that.I have never heard anything or will I ever hear anything which has left the impression these speakers have left on me.Absolutely Sublime!Period!

Good Luck on your journey QA

Dave