Serpeant Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Just looking at speakers discussed in these forums, I see many Krix Paradigm B&W Mission but I dont see many discussions on Vaf. Why is this? What other good named aussie speaker makers are there besides Krix and Vaf?
Nolz Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Just looking at speakers discussed in these forums, I see manyKrix Paradigm B&W Mission but I dont see many discussions on Vaf. Why is this? What other good named aussie speaker makers are there besides Krix and Vaf? www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au big with the boys south of the border...obviously as they are in a position to audition. www.aslanacoustics.com.au for all your custom needs
mr-happy-pants Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 (edited) Just looking at speakers discussed in these forums, I see manyKrix Paradigm B&W Mission but I dont see many discussions on Vaf. Why is this? What other good named aussie speaker makers are there besides Krix and Vaf? G'day Serpeant Plenty of good local serious manufacturers Do yourself a favour and seek them out You won't find them everywhere, but you can buy schit anywhere Aslan Equinox Legend Osborn Sonique Whatmough MrHP Edited June 18, 2008 by mr-happy-pants
Quark Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Just looking at speakers discussed in these forums, I see manyKrix Paradigm B&W Mission but I dont see many discussions on Vaf. Why is this? What other good named aussie speaker makers are there besides Krix and Vaf? Think you'll find less discussion on Vaf because of the limited ability to audition outside of Adelaide, albeit they do offer a 30 day trial where you can return if not satisfied for only the cost of freight. I didn't send mine back.
Serpeant Posted June 18, 2008 Author Posted June 18, 2008 (edited) G'day SerpeantPlenty of good local serious manufacturers Do yourself a favour and seek them out You won't find them everywhere, but you can buy schit anywhere Aslan Equinox Legend Osborn Sonique Whatmough MrHP I know this is a little silly, but can you rank them in order of popularity and include VAF/Krix? I havent really hear of any of those. I assume popularity = quality too, well sought of... Edited June 18, 2008 by Serpeant
freakygeek Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 I know this is a little silly, but can you rank them in order of popularity and include VAF/Krix? I havent really hear of any of those.I assume popularity = quality too, well sought of... I have a pair of Vaf DCX GenIII's, a DC6 center speaker (soon to be replaced by a DCX G4 center) and hopefully eventually a set of something for the rear. I think I will hold out until I can afford to move the DCX's to the rear and put I66 signatures at the front. But I have been very happy with my DCX. I feel that they have been exceptional value, I put them together as a kit and I think back then (1999) they cost about $1500 + shipping etc. I like their deep, tight bass extension, and crisp detailed highs. Shame they can't be auditioned more easily. I have had a couple of people audition my setup and one of them ordered a set of DCX's the next day. He still has his set and is still extremely happy.
mr-happy-pants Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 I know this is a little silly, but can you rank them in order of popularity and include VAF/Krix? I havent really hear of any of those.I assume popularity = quality too, well sought of... That would only be subjective and only my assumption, based on who I know & what I think. Put it this way. If I own brand X, it would be reasonable for me to put it on top of the list. My likes ARE different to yours. I do own one of the following brands. If I had the unlimited $, I would still buy from the following brands, or some Oz others. I have heard the following brands more than a few times and less times from other brands. Aslan Osborn Whatmough SGR etc etc You could spend as little as $1000 up to $40000, and it would still be value for money compared to imports. Maybe start with a budget and a goal eg type of music, size of room, listening levels etc Then spend some time listening to some local product. Most of it is great value for money, some of it is exceptional. 2nd hand quality that has been cared for is always an option, local or imported. Maybe look here http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/showthread.php?t=1230 You live in Australia, buy your kids a job and try to buy Australian. *rant end* BtW, I think buying speakers is the hardest choice of all components. Take your time, enjoy it. MrHP
James240 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 these Aussie brands have to get themselves out there I think - not in the advertising sense, but in store. I hear you can buy Krix in Harvey Norman in some places, yet in Sydney we're reduced to a couple of small [cough* overpriced] hifi stores - same for other brands. would love to demo some VAFs but their website doesn't even list where to buy them (unless I'm blind )
freakygeek Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 these Aussie brands have to get themselves out there I think - not in the advertising sense, but in store.I hear you can buy Krix in Harvey Norman in some places, yet in Sydney we're reduced to a couple of small [cough* overpriced] hifi stores - same for other brands. would love to demo some VAFs but their website doesn't even list where to buy them (unless I'm blind ) VAF only sell direct to the public... unfortunately. I took the "risk" of buying a set of DC-X's... did a lot of listening in the "no obligation return period" and had my mind well and truly made up. As with any loudspeaker purchase goes, it comes down to personal taste/preference, but I wouldn't imagine VAF would have too many people send theirs back.
50mxe20 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Just looking at speakers discussed in these forums, I see manyKrix Paradigm B&W Mission but I dont see many discussions on Vaf. Why is this? What other good named aussie speaker makers are there besides Krix and Vaf? Buying VAF Speakers - DTV Forum Australia Vaf Research Product Delay - DTV Forum Australia Vaf LFE-03 - DTV Forum Australia Vaf Dc-x/dc-7 + Lfe03? - DTV Forum Australia DTV Forum Australia > Eoi: Vaf Dc-7's + Dc-6 Centre Vaf Speakers - DTV Forum Australia Sigh, the links don't work. But you get the idea. There are a few. Found here.
The D-Train Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 Get out to kent town and check them out Serpeant. As one poster mentioned they only sell from one store (Kent Town) and most people here are from O/S of Adelaide. A lot dont want to buy blind (or dont want to do the trial business) I got mine many years ago and added a couple more this year. highly rated.
Andre281503560612 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 I think its purely due to the fact most of the contributers here simply cant go into a store and demo them, and therefore cant offer serious feedback on them. Nik i agree with you about the Krix stockists here in Sydney. One in particular refuses to budge more than a couple of % off RRP on most of the things in their store. I dont want 50% off, but when the majority of Krix stockists around the country are selling at a fair discount (fair to both parties, ie in line with other brands), it does make even the biggest Krix fanboy start to look at other brands! (ok i might just be talking about me).
James240 Posted June 18, 2008 Posted June 18, 2008 I think its purely due to the fact most of the contributers here simply cant go into a store and demo them, and therefore cant offer serious feedback on them.Nik i agree with you about the Krix stockists here in Sydney. One in particular refuses to budge more than a couple of % off RRP on most of the things in their store. I dont want 50% off, but when the majority of Krix stockists around the country are selling at a fair discount (fair to both parties, ie in line with other brands), it does make even the biggest Krix fanboy start to look at other brands! (ok i might just be talking about me). yes i know the one you're talking about - unfortunately I'm there too often as it's the closest place to check out the new products but many a time i've asked 'what's your best price' to be told 'oh brand x doesn't allow us to discount more than 2 or 3%'. What crap. Even that place in Lanecove can do better
Aspect Posted June 19, 2008 Posted June 19, 2008 (edited) Demo a bunch of speakers, then if you settle on a brand and the store won't discount at least 10%, take your business elsewhere. We ran a groupbuy on the Krix gear last year, and it was so successful, the retailer is STILL offering superb discounts to DTV forum members. Don't let that influence you too much though. Go and decide what kind of sound you like, which brands appeal to you, then take it from there. Personally, I don't like VAF's marketing strategy, and is the ONLY reason I didn't demo them when I was looking. I can, however, totally appreciate why other brands only supply to specialist stores too. At least in those stores, you more often than not get educated advice. Cheers, Chris Edited June 19, 2008 by Prior
Jeffie1503561482 Posted June 19, 2008 Posted June 19, 2008 A pair of G3 DCXs went for $8xx on ebay last night. bargain! The only way to audition them is if youre in SA or at someones house. The problem with the latter for Vaf is that they are usually only offered for audition when the speakers are for sale, so Vaf wont get any $$ from it... maybe they are happy to stay at their current sales rate? If they had a single showroom in any of the main capitals im sure their sales would skyrocket. I got mine from a forum member for a good price.
tb1231503560936 Posted June 19, 2008 Posted June 19, 2008 I was in at VAF the other day looking at some DC-X's. I was advised that they are currently running at a 6 - 8 week delay for delivery. Great sounding speakers though. Can anyone give me an idea of the difference between a standard DC-6 center and a custom DC-X center, I'm tossing up between the two options and dont have the option to audition the custom DC-X.
jikecomet Posted June 19, 2008 Posted June 19, 2008 I was in at VAF the other day looking at some DC-X's. I was advised that they are currently running at a 6 - 8 week delay for delivery.Great sounding speakers though. Can anyone give me an idea of the difference between a standard DC-6 center and a custom DC-X center, I'm tossing up between the two options and dont have the option to audition the custom DC-X. DC-6 centre has the same drivers as the DC-7. DC-X custom centre has the same drivers as the DC-X. Think of a DC-X, on it's side, smaller in length, the two tweeters rotated 90 degrees, relocation of the venting ports, and there you have it! It's much larger than the DC-6 measuring about 1000x450x250 (WxDxH). Should create a perfectly matched front soundstage with a pair of DC-X's. I have mine on order...
larry42 Posted June 19, 2008 Posted June 19, 2008 i have had a couple of sets of VAF speakers DCX/DC6/DC2 and DCX/DC6/DC7 for many years now, and i am very happy with them one set is a jarrah finish for the lounge room and the Ht room set is in black The DCX are quite efficient speakers, and can be a bit bright if you have lots of hard floor surfaces and a bright amp The Vaf's were a lot better value in the past, and had a lot of discussions on them in the old hifi and AV newsgroups they are still good value, just not such exceptional value now, with so many speakers being made in china, there are a lot of good quality and reasonable priced speakers out there.....
freakygeek Posted June 19, 2008 Posted June 19, 2008 I have mine on order... We can play the waiting game together for our center speakers, hehe
jikecomet Posted June 20, 2008 Posted June 20, 2008 We can play the waiting game together for our center speakers, hehe Last I heard (last week) was that the cabinets had come in, and they were waiting for the drivers which were a couple of weeks away.
geomonger Posted June 20, 2008 Posted June 20, 2008 To broaden the topic a bit, are the Australian speakers truly a "better value" than equivalently priced imports? One would think with customs/duties/importer markup they would be. But................. For example, two brands well regarded on this forum, Paradigm vs. Krix. Using RRPs, a Neuphonix/Epicentrix/Equinox set is about the same price as a Studio 60/CC 590/Mini monitor set. For the same price, is the Krix set unequivocally "better" than the Paradigms? I would consider it a better value if it was unquestionably the superior product for the same price. Feel free to insert your favorite brands as counter-arguments.
FallenStorm Posted June 20, 2008 Posted June 20, 2008 To broaden the topic a bit, are the Australian speakers truly a "better value" than equivalently priced imports? One would think with customs/duties/importer markup they would be. But.................For example, two brands well regarded on this forum, Paradigm vs. Krix. Using RRPs, a Neuphonix/Epicentrix/Equinox set is about the same price as a Studio 60/CC 590/Mini monitor set. For the same price, is the Krix set unequivocally "better" than the Paradigms? I would consider it a better value if it was unquestionably the superior product for the same price. Feel free to insert your favorite brands as counter-arguments. I was tossing up about VAF's for years, but in the end I went with Krix. I think that overall, aussie products do offer value for money, and keep money in australia and create an industry which, lets face it can only be geared towards the quality end of the market. Australia doesn't seem to do the el-cheapo mass market things too well, employment costs etc are too high. But more on point, to say one set of speakers is 'unequivocally' better is a bit hard to answer. You get to a point with hifi speakers where the product no matter which brand (of the good brands) provides a great sound, regardless of brand. What is more important is what sounds best to you. Take a good look at your ears, then your partners ears, then the neighbours ears, they're all different shapes and effectively change the nature of the sound waves entering them. Personally I imagine a day when a hi-fi ice-cream van style shop comes about. Playing sweet sweet music up and down your street, you run out and call them in. In they come to YOUR listening space, and you can try heaps of different speakers knowing exactly how they will sound in your room. (obviously its a magic hifi van that stores all these brands....) I think the room is vitally important to the end sound, and without hearing them at home I dont think you can make a fair assessment. I think there will need to be a huge change in the hi-fi concept. I mean sure quality is improving a little and there are mega buck speakers out there, but to me the best thing they can invent for hifi enthusiasts is surgery. Yup, the one thing I think would improve my hifi experience would be an inner ear reconstruction. Can you imagine one day going in for ear surgery where they restore your hearing response back to 20-20?? Delicately repairing all those bent over hairs, advanced ear hair, yeah yeah Cheers, Jeff
James240 Posted June 20, 2008 Posted June 20, 2008 To broaden the topic a bit, are the Australian speakers truly a "better value" than equivalently priced imports? One would think with customs/duties/importer markup they would be. But.................For example, two brands well regarded on this forum, Paradigm vs. Krix. Using RRPs, a Neuphonix/Epicentrix/Equinox set is about the same price as a Studio 60/CC 590/Mini monitor set. For the same price, is the Krix set unequivocally "better" than the Paradigms? I would consider it a better value if it was unquestionably the superior product for the same price. Feel free to insert your favorite brands as counter-arguments. No I don't think you can say Australian speakers are better value - sure we may pay less for a similar spec'd product but this is a global market (and Australia is a very small market indeed). The reason brands like Focal, B&W, Paradigm have such a good name is because they are good. Perhaps at the mid - bottom end of the market it would make sense to buy locally as alot of your costs for the imports include shipping, middle men etc. I do think though that as consumers we are getting sick of the middle man taking what is now transparently an unreasonable amount of money just because they have the 'rights' to sell the product in Oz. It definitely makes sense to buy overseas for alot of AV products these days.
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