Athena owners thread. [Text View] - Page 2

DavidParker

02-15-06, 01:22 PM

I have not had a chance to compare the new F1.2's with my original F1's (cannot find them in stock at a B&M), but I have noticed that the .2's are a few pounds lighter, which could make them more prone to cabinet vibrations. This holds throughout the AS.2 line.

Yes they lightened up the product line. I have all of the new models and all I can say is they are still "heavy" and have incredible sound. No vibrations or problems at all. And as to the center speaker, the C1.2 works perfect with the F1.2s. Plenty of power and clarity. I have read that the F2s may overpower the C1.2, but the F1 works real well with it.

PULLIAMM

02-15-06, 01:31 PM

Yes they lightened up the product line. I have all of the new models and all I can say is they are still "heavy" and have incredible sound. No vibrations or problems at all. And as to the center speaker, the C1.2 works perfect with the F1.2s. Plenty of power and clarity. I have read that the F2s may overpower the C1.2, but the F1 works real well with it.
This is good to know. The original AS series were so awesome that I am glad they have maintained that quality in the .2's.

clipfan

02-16-06, 12:31 AM

I am torn i have had the Athena B2.2's for about three and a half weeks and am getting close to the 30 day return period. I am thinking about the F2.2's. Right now I have the yamaha 5860 reciever and C1 as center and two micra's as surrounds. Along with m225 sub that came with the micra system (yeah a bit weak here).I rarely listen to music.....so for DVD and HD sports broadcast would i get a better overal sound if i sold the m225 and exchanged the B2.2's for F2.2's.

So looking for opinions ....B2.2's and M225 or F2.2

Drnick5

02-16-06, 12:45 AM

I just installed my athena system:

2 x B1.2 fronts
1 x C1.2 center
4 S.5 surrounds
Dayton sub-100 10" subwoofer

powered by a Denon AVR-686 receiver

this is in a 14x14 room (approx.)

system sounds great!, the B 1.2 and C1.2 match great and mesh very well with the S5 surrounds.

I'm selling the C5 that came with my point 5 system (brand new, still in factory wrapping, if anyone is interested PM me with an offer.)

-Nick

G-star

02-16-06, 08:04 AM

I rarely listen to music.....so for DVD and HD sports broadcast would i get a better overal sound if i sold the m225 and exchanged the B2.2's for F2.2's.

So looking for opinions ....B2.2's and M225 or F2.2

IMO neither option. if it were me, i'd sell that micra sub, keep the B2.2's and sink some $$ into a killer sub. i just upgraded from an HTIB sub with B1's/C1/S.5's to an SVS PB10-ISD, and it just fills out the whole system. everything sounds remarkably better, especially movies and TV.

i'd only go the F2.2 route if you've got a powerful amp to feed them and listen to a lot of 2-channel music. just my $0.02.

chas_w

02-16-06, 08:34 AM

if it were me, i'd sell that micra sub, keep the B2.2's and sink some $$ into a killer sub.

My thoughts exactly :)

vherub

02-16-06, 03:14 PM

I picked up the Athena p-4000 onsale from Amazon. It comes with foor spiked feet, though and I would rather have some rubber feet as the sub rests on hardwood flooring. Is this screw-in size standard? as in, I can just get any rubber feet to screw in?

DavidParker

02-16-06, 10:51 PM

bushy

02-16-06, 11:41 PM

I cant seem to find the answer. What cable do I use with the subwoofer? I picked up a "subwoofer cable" but is had a R/L on 1 end but the woofer only has 1 input. So I took that back and got a PCM Digital Audio cable because that look liked the right cable because it was mono. I have a panny SA-XR55 A/V Rec. Will this cable be ok? Or do I need to go back 1 more time. Thanks

Bushy

clipfan

02-17-06, 12:09 AM

[QUOTE=G-star][COLOR=Sienna]IMO neither option. if it were me, i'd sell that micra sub, keep the B2.2's and sink some $$ into a killer sub.
That really makes sense.... So when you guys are talkin about a killer sub I looked around and found your SVS PB10-ISD for about $475 shipped from svsound. I have heard its sounds great but I really MAX out at $350,,,,would prefer $300 (but who really stays UNDER their max).

I've seen the P-6000 for $250 and P-4000 for $150. Will these be enough to really take my system up a significant notch? or What are some suggestions?

jvgillow

02-17-06, 12:16 AM

bushy,

That digital audio cable will work fine for the subwoofer. You really only needed a mono analog audio cable, but if the digital one wasn't real expensive then I would just hang onto it. Most stores sell cables marked explicitly as "subwoofer cable" but they are just a mono analog audio cable. You could accomplish the same thing by taking a stereo audio cable and ripping it down the seam so that you have two single audio cables.

clipfan,

I wouldn't hesitate to get the AS-P6000; it may not play as deep as the PB10 but if it's anything like the other Athena subs it should give great performance for the money. It should be much more impressive than the Micra 6 subwoofer.

G-star

02-17-06, 08:02 AM

clipfan,

I wouldn't hesitate to get the AS-P6000; it may not play as deep as the PB10 but if it's anything like the other Athena subs it should give great performance for the money. It should be much more impressive than the Micra 6 subwoofer.

i've heard good things about that AS-P6000. the mirage subs seem to have a lot of fans, as do the dayton subs. any of these would be a big step up from that micra sub, especially with movies.

DesmoBob

02-17-06, 01:12 PM

That really makes sense.... So when you guys are talkin about a killer sub I looked around and found your SVS PB10-ISD for about $475 shipped from svsound. I have heard its sounds great but I really MAX out at $350,,,,would prefer $300 (but who really stays UNDER their max).

I've seen the P-6000 for $250 and P-4000 for $150. Will these be enough to really take my system up a significant notch? or What are some suggestions?

Yes, if you get a refurb, the P6000 is pretty darn good for the price. I heard only so-so things about the P4000, so I went for the full 12" with the P6000. Medium sized carpeted room with lots of furniture, and the thing really pounds. I mean, it's like scary powerful. Very clean bass and not boomy. I do about 70% movies, 30% music.

I got the P6000 for $250, factory refurbed. It was in mint condition, the only thing was that it was obvious the box was previously opened and re-sealed. Mine only came with the spike feet. Somebody said theirs came with both rubber and spikes, but I only needed spikes anyway (and it was just a refurb so I had no complaints).

But I read one review that said that for hifi, the P6000 couldn't keep up with his mains. But he was using really good speakers (Totem Mites if I remember correctly). Honestly I don't notice any lag, but I'm not a hardcore audiophile. I'm using the P6000 with JBL Northridge E series and they seem to match well. YMMV.

mbroadus

02-17-06, 01:44 PM

SightSeeker1

02-17-06, 02:27 PM

Thinking of buying the Athena Micra 6 speakers and will be buying a receiver also and wanted to know if any of you have paired them with any of these: 1) Yamaha RXV757; 2) Pioneer VSX-D914-K; 3) Pioneer VSX-915-K; 4) Panasonic SA-XR70S; or 5) Yamaha RX-V550. If so, what are your thoughts? Any receiver that is not on the list that should be? I don't want to spend more than $400 on the receiver. I chose Athena because they are small and have the best bang for the buck. They would be easily portable in case I were to move in the next year or two. I plan on upgrading in a few years after I get settled and moving these to the bedroom.

I have the Pioneer 815 and it goes well with my C1, B1's and .5's. Athena are known bright speakers and Pioneer is a warm receiver. Even when I run the MCACC auto EQ it lowers the highs some. I'd stay away from a bright receiver.

Look at the 1015. You should be able to find that somewhere online < 400.

clipfan

02-17-06, 03:21 PM

mbroadus....I was exactly were you were about two months ago looking at the micras and even the same receivers. I bought the micras bc i liked the look...they have great reviews for a HTIB...and i liked the brackets being included. I got them from AA for 300 and liked them alot, but i realized for a little more I could get a much better system....I admit i have been bitten by the audio bug. I needed something that small for my surrounds bc of the room and ammount of space. I got a C1 center (huge difference for TV and movies, which is 95% of my usage) for a $100, then for a great deal on refurb B2.2 $160. Then I used two micras as surrounds can be obtained For Audio Advisor or two b1's for about the same price (120). This is $380 instead of $300. I personaly chose the yamaha 5860 (exact same as Yamaha 757 - few cosmetic diffs) from B&H Photo for $350. This system sounds truely great for $730 you can save $30-40 by using B1's as fronts.

clipfan

02-17-06, 03:52 PM

Oh I forgot the SUB....

i know of a 1 month old m225,from the micra set up (not huge but makes my GF complain while upstairs once i set it up right). This is not enough if you are really bass hungry. It would probably be enough for me but my neighbors got a bigger sub and it bothers me :rolleyes: (lol)

This setup blows the micras away for less than $800.
You seemed to be ready to spend about $700 from what i gathered in your post. From experience the sound difference is worth more then a hundred dollars. The receiver is preference....but for the price i think these speakers are second to none

dondulah

02-19-06, 06:58 PM

Clipfan, where did you get the Athena Refurb speakers?

clipfan

02-20-06, 02:54 AM

I got them from AudioAdvisor, about twice a week they send out emails saying they have either demos or refurbs they usually sell in a day or two from what i've seen...go to the AA site and sign up under the newsletter section

PULLIAMM

02-20-06, 08:33 AM

I posted about this in another thread, but here is the short version: I directly compared my Athena F1's with the Def Tech BP10's ($1,000/pair), and the Athena's won hands-down.

Dj_Frost

02-20-06, 08:43 AM

G-star

02-20-06, 09:18 AM

hey guys, I have a question, which of these 2 centers:

Athena C1 Black 2Way Center Speaker ($275)
or
Athena ASC 1.2 Center Speaker Channel $140 (Regular price $180)

would you add to this setup:

Athena Audition B1.2 for left and right
Athena .5's for surroung left and right
DAYTON 12" SUB-120 150 WATT POWERED SUBWOOFER

Thanks..

if you can get the original C1, do it with the quickness. the C1.2 is practically the same speakers, just 2nd generation. actually, i think the C1 is a bit heavier, which may or may not be a good thing.

so stop reading and go grab it!

Dj_Frost

02-20-06, 11:09 PM

The $275 one? so its better... but the same speakers as you say? hehe im confused..
I mean, ok so its heavier, but is the original better? is there problems with this 2nd generation?

cause it is $100 we are talking about, which could be useful somewhere else if its basically the same speakers :confused:

jvgillow

02-20-06, 11:14 PM

Why would you pay $275 for a C1? I just sold a used one for $90 shipped and you can find them pop up on Ebay for a similar price from time to time.

The C1.2 doesn't weigh as much as the original C1, because Athena reduced cabinet size to save on materials and shipping costs.

afrogt

02-21-06, 01:22 AM

mb530

02-21-06, 07:20 AM

Please recommend an Athena 5.1 set-up in the $500 -700 range to check out. It would be used with an Onkyo 503 (75w) receiver. I'd like to compare it with cambridge soundworks and Pok 6800-6900. thanks..

Dj_Frost

02-21-06, 12:15 PM

I don't think you guys are all talking about the same center speaker. The C1 for $275 is not the original AS-C1. The $275 C1 is from the SCT series. Completely different speaker. It has a woofer, tweeter and passive radiator.

SCT C1 (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-110%2c6-458&showAdvanced=true&id=15536) and here (http://www.athenaspeakers.com/modelC1.htm)

AS-C1 (http://www.athenaspeakers.com/modelASC1.htm)

AS-C1.2 (http://www.athenaspeakers.com/model-AS-C1-2.htm)

The best match for the OP's setup would be the AS-C1.2 since his bookshelves are also the .2 version. The AS-C1 would also be fine if you get it cheaply.

OIC! So if im gonna use the B1.2s for front left and right and .5´s for sorrounds the matching center would be the $180 AS-C1.2 (to go with the B1.2s)... right? :)

*EDIT*

Actually since the B1.2s are cheaper than the .5s... I think buy 4 B1.2s instead (use them for surround also), that would be better right? (Price and sound wise) or is it overkill?

Thanks

rbhamric

02-21-06, 06:26 PM

I recently bought the Denon AVR-3805 for setup in a new home presently under construcion. I am considering the Athena AS-IW6 in-wall mounted speakers for surrounds. Can anyone recommend these, and if not, what would you recommend? Also, these speakers are 100W and the reciever is 110. Any concerns there? Anyone with experience with in-wall mounted speakers got any advice? How about Athena for a good stealthy in-wall center?

afrogt

02-21-06, 06:32 PM

If you have room, 4 AS-B1.2's and the AS-C1.2 center would be great. Go for it. All 5 speakers use the same 5.25 inch woofer and 1 inch tweeter.

Ericn84

02-21-06, 08:12 PM

Dj_Frost

02-21-06, 11:56 PM

For the center I think you want this one:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/model-AS-C1-2-specs.htm

or this one:

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/modelASC1.htm

fujiyama

02-22-06, 02:23 AM

Hello,

I have a few athena spekaer questions for you experts=)

I am going to be moving into a house where the living room is 14x16.

Currently I have a Pioneer VSX-815 7.1 system. When I orginally bought my receiver, I was just looking for a basic speaker set to get me going until I replaced it. I currently have a cheap Sony 7.1 speaker system that costed $200 total and it came with a sub woofer.

Now I am looking at starting to upgrade my speakers and I am looking at the Audition Series 2 speaker set.

While reading through the post, I see that the C1 doesnt seem to be able to keep up with the F2.2's and that people were using the B1.2/B2.2 for their center speaker. I am also seeing people talk about the R1's speakers and how good they are.

Would this be a good setup?:

1 B2.2 for my center
2 F2.2 for my front speakers
2 B2.2 for my side speakers
2 R1 speakers for my rear

Now being that the R1 speakers are a bi-pole design, are they wired up differently then normal speakers? (Showing my speaker n00bism=). Also, should I still go with the R1's are should I just go with the B2.2's for my rears?

The reason I am looking at the 2.2's for my speakers is because if I am spending the money, I would rather just spend the extra $200-$300 for the best speakers because I dont plan on upgrading again. I am kind of kicking myself still for only getting the VSX-815 instead of the VSX-1015=( Although I am only going to have a 14x16 room and most likely wont be moving into a large room for quite some time.

Any advice would be wonderful!

I am by no means an expert and know what I know thanks to the others at this wonderful site. But I'll try to answer some of the questions...

The R1s will be wirerd the same as any other speakers meaning you can use banana plugs or spades or bare wire if you please.

Some have complained about the C1 not keeping up with the F2s. Many however find the C1 to be a very good speaker, but the B2 will definetely go better. So if you don't have a space or $ constraint, certainly go with the B2 as a center.

Experiment using the R1s for the sides or rears. Some prefer the bipoles on the side and the more direct bookshelves on the rear. A few have used R1s for both siide and rear. Any of the setups would sound great. It's a matter of preference really. The bipoles are more diffuse and apparently the sound can't be pinpointed as easilly. Also it depends on if your primary use is multichannel music or movies. Most would recommend bookshelves for multi-ch music. Again, it's a matter of preference.

I have a very similar setup, except I didn't purchase an extra pair of rears or bookshelves for 7.1...I'm still wiring it up...Thee AS-F2s sound greatt paired with the HK 235, but hopefully in the next week I'll have my basement thheater all setup.

Also, one last thing - get a good sub. I got tthe Athena P6000 and it's great. But if I had the $ I'd go with an SVS.

Good luck with your setup.

hotwls13

02-22-06, 12:11 PM

I recently purchased the Athena .5 Mark II system and I love it. Thanks to everyone on here that suggested them.

I have a Onkyo 503 7.1 but I am currently only using the 5.1.

I have found a couple S.5 speakers for $29 each.

I am not necessarily wanting to hook-up the 7.1 right now, but should I get them anyway due to the low price? Is this a low price? Aren't they discontinuing this line, and if so, will these be hard to find later?

Yillb

02-22-06, 01:21 PM

Athenas buzzing:
Is it normal for speakers to make some what of a hum or buzzing noise when nothing is being sent through the receiver? I saw some posts, I and it reduced it greatly by running the cable wire through my surge protector first then to vcr and adjusting some of the cables so they weren't so close to each and now it hardly nocticable (I had to get up close to hear it in the first place). It isn't something that I should worry about, right?.

Oh and the 4000 is amazing, I have to keep it near one but man, it sure is awesome.

rbhamric

02-24-06, 11:01 AM

I am considering the Athena AS-IW6 in-wall mounted speakers for surrounds. Can anyone recommend these, and if not, what would you recommend? Also, these speakers are 100W and the reciever is 110. Any concerns there? Anyone with experience with in-wall mounted speakers got any advice? How about Athena for a good stealthy in-wall center?

I am kind of surprised to get a limited response on this. I figured there would be tons of people out there with Athena in-wall speakers. Maybe they arent very good?

Grayson73

02-24-06, 05:29 PM

sixgunsuperman

02-24-06, 08:31 PM

I just got my asb2.2 and c2.2 setup, and the b2's are great. I unfortunately had to buy these speakers without listening to them because there was no where near me with them, but the deal i wound up getting was amazing. The b2's really sound great. I heard (read) rumblings about the c2 sounding kind of nasally before i bought it, and it does :( It might not have broken in yet, and I didnt believe in that until I noticed both my new Mirage s12 and my b2's both sound way better all of a sudden... I've got an onkyo sr702 running everything with the speakers set to small and crossover at 80. Any comments/suggestions about how to improve the nasal sound? i've searched around, and running a b2 isn't an option for a center for me. ..thanks guys, great forum

colin.p

02-24-06, 09:01 PM

AS-F2 (fronts)
AS-C1 (center)
AS-R1s (surround)
S.5 (surround back)

Panasonic SA-XR50 (receiver)
SVS 25-31CS (subwoofer)

99.5% movies/tv.

I like the system but find dialogue muddy on the AS-C1. If I compensate by turning volume up, everything else is too loud. Should I run it hot a few db?

Also, the lowest panasonic crossover is 100hz. Should I set all my speakers to 'small' and crossover at 100hz?

I've been thinking about upgrading to Ascend speakers.

I have a Panny SA-HE75 receiver and I have it set at 100hz and all speakers set to small. I then have my AS-P6000's Xover set at highest level.
As far as the center, I run it at a +3db setting.
I have played around with an almost infinate number of settings, but find that is by far the best.

Colin

timmer45

02-26-06, 10:26 AM

is it okay to place a 32" flat screen lcd on top of the athena AS-C1? I am trying to accomodate for the size of the center, but I am having a tough time. The tv and the center channel need to go into a corner unit, and I cannot think of any other options other than that. If anyone else has any suggestions, please let me know. also, I have not purchased the tv yet, and the other option I was thinking of was to get a dlp tv and put the center on top of it with one of those tv mounts. my worry with that is I think the speaker will be way too high. If I put it underneath, it will be much closer to ear level. also, I could maybe put it underneath the tv, but build a simple box type shlef for the speaker on the base of the tv stand, and then place the tv on top of that (I would do this if it is not okay to place the tv directly on top of the center speaker).

jbailey77

02-26-06, 02:58 PM

Where can I get the best use out of the S.5 speakers that come with the Point 5 MK II: surround back or surround?

Thanks!

afrogt

02-26-06, 05:54 PM

Best Buy has no clue!

I go into the store today and eye the same box of AS-B1 bookshelves that have been sitting up in the rafters for at least 1 year. The big Athena clearance sale took place over a year ago and the last pricing was $79/pr for the B1's. So I ask the sales rep how much they are, thinking it might be even lower by now. He looks them up and they're not in the computer. He then types in something else and they come up. He shows me something on the computer that says "deleted" which means they no longer carry them as a current product. I tell the guy they had cleared them out over a year ago for $79. He tells me the computer listed them at $146.

I once again tell him the final clearance price was $79 and he says well the current price is $146. I'm obviously not paying that much for a discontinued model. He ask me if I'd like him to climb the scaffold and get them down. I say sure if the price is $79. He says nope they're $146.

No thank you, I'll look elsewhere. What's the point of charging full price for a discontinued model when you can't unload them anyway?

tqlla

02-26-06, 07:39 PM

Why didnt you askfor a manager?

afrogt

02-26-06, 07:57 PM

I will on a different day when its slower. Its right down the street from my work. I'll probably go back tomorrow. The salesguy I had today usually works in the Magnolia Home Theater room.

Grayson73

02-27-06, 10:11 AM

I have a Panny SA-HE75 receiver and I have it set at 100hz and all speakers set to small. I then have my AS-P6000's Xover set at highest level.
As far as the center, I run it at a +3db setting.
I have played around with an almost infinate number of settings, but find that is by far the best.

Colin

Thanks! I changed all mine to 'small' and it does seem to sound better. I was thinking that it was a waste to have the AS-F2s and have them set to 'small'.

hotwls13

02-27-06, 12:50 PM

So are S.5 speakers for $29 each a good/great deal?

dkg228

02-27-06, 01:38 PM

So are S.5 speakers for $29 each a good/great deal?

Yes that's a good deal.
I am looking for a pair of black ones and can't find them anywhere.

hotwls13

02-27-06, 02:08 PM

Yes that's a good deal.
I am looking for a pair of black ones and can't find them anywhere.

Black, I thought they only came in black with silver fronts.

dkg228

02-27-06, 02:55 PM

Black, I thought they only came in black with silver fronts.

nope, at one time you could get cherry/black, black/black, and silver/black.

the set only comes in silver/black.

hotwls13

02-28-06, 01:40 AM

nope, at one time you could get cherry/black, black/black, and silver/black.

the set only comes in silver/black.

Ah got it. I picked up 2 more s.5s tonight at my Best Buy for $27 each. They were marked down to $29.99 and I had them take 10% off for being opened. Now I have the speakers to complete my 7.1 system.

clipfan

02-28-06, 11:08 AM

Ah got it. I picked up 2 more s.5s tonight at my Best Buy for $27 each. They were marked down to $29.99 and I had them take 10% off for being opened. Now I have the speakers to complete my 7.1 system.

nice buy.......has anyone compared micra and .5 sound? is there really much difference or is it minimal?

jbailey77

02-28-06, 12:40 PM

No kidding, that's a real good buy. I got a set of Point 5s in an open box for about $140 at BB. They had one S.5 on the shelf about a week ago and wouldn't budge from 49.99 for it.

eclipse98

03-01-06, 12:31 AM

type456

03-01-06, 12:46 AM

Hi there,

Speaker newbie here -- read through the thread and ready to pull the trigger on Athenas. I have 12x24 dedicated HT room and setting up 7.1 system. 100% movies, no music.

From the info I found on the thread I think this is how I am planning to set up the system:

c1.2 - Center
b1.2s - Left & Right Front

Not sure about surrounds -- I see some people are getting C.5, others b1.2.

If you disregard the fact that b1.2 is slightly more expensive ($60 vs. $50), what would be a better surround speaker performance wise ?

Thanks, Davie.

Why not get a pair of Athena S.5's $49.88(each) w/ free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IK1AM/sr=1-5/qid=1141191877/ref=pd_bbs_5/103-5761980-5133425?%5Fencoding=UTF8

They will match your B1.2's and C1.2 perfectly and they come with excellent wall mounts.

eclipse98

03-01-06, 12:55 AM

Why not get a pair of Athena S.5's $49.88(each) w/ free shipping:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IK1AM/sr=1-5/qid=1141191877/ref=pd_bbs_5/103-5761980-5133425?%5Fencoding=UTF8

They will match your B1.2's and C1.2 perfectly and they come with excellent wall mounts.

Oops, forgive my newbiness, I meant S.5's ($50 at Amazon) vs. B1.2 ($60 at AudioAdvisor). Sorry.

Dj_Frost

03-01-06, 01:02 AM

eclipse98

03-01-06, 01:17 AM

Wow, thats an awesome deal for the .5's

eclipse98: I am also new to the HT thing and recently purchased 4 B1.2's for my front left/right and surround left/right. I am getting the C1.2 for center and prob a SVS PB10 for a sub since I like the low deep bass feel.

And well according to what Ive read here on AVS, the B1.2's are better speakers but its up to you if you wanna spend $70 more ($120 B1.2's + free shipping on AudioAdvisor) for surrounds which are not as important as the mains/center/sub etc..

Thanks Dj_Frost, actually it's only $40 more since I will need to pay $10 more for each surround speaker. Just don't want to have buyer's remorse that I could get better surrounds for extra $40.

BTW, how would I get free shipping on AudioAdvisor -- they are charging me for S&H :(

Dj_Frost

03-01-06, 01:26 AM

Heh, looks like you got my post before I edited it. Yeah I saw the mistake i was making (thought it was $50 for a pair of .5s not $50 each...).

I purchased the B1.2's from AA 2 days ago and I got them with free ground shipping. I was pretty sure their January special ($60 off) included this "free shipping" but just now as I check the page (http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ATHASB1%2E2&product_name=Audition%20B1%2E2%20Speakers%20-%20Black,%20Pair)
I see that it clearly says at the bottom: Now the B1.2 is an even better deal. Save $60 during our January Sale! Regular $180.00/pair. Item Does Not Qualify for Free Shipping.

Weird... cause this is what I was invoiced hehe:

Item Description Qty Price Status
-------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------ ---------- -------
ATHASB1.2 ATHENA AUDITION B1.2 SPEAKERS BLACK PAIR 2 239.90 In Stock
-------------------- ---------------------------------------- ------ ----------
Sub Total: 239.90
Shipping: .00
Sales Tax: .00
---------------------
TOTAL: 239.90
---------------------

Oh well.. looks like I got lucky. AWESOME :D

colin.p

03-01-06, 09:22 AM

Thanks! I changed all mine to 'small' and it does seem to sound better. I was thinking that it was a waste to have the AS-F2s and have them set to 'small'.

No problem. It does seem strange to have "full range" speakers set to small, but unless you truly have full range, and really athena aren't (you have to really go below 30hz with a lot of SPL), it's best to let the sub handle all low frequencies with it's own amp, and let your receiver send all other frequencies above its 100hz setting to the speakers. Easier on the speakers and receiver.
BTW, if you listen to music in stereo, the mains get a full frequency. At above -25db, I have to turn my sub way down or off as the bass is too much.

Colin

Gilly86

03-01-06, 11:21 AM

this past weekend i purchased a Onkyo 503 reciever and the Athena Tech WS-100's. i am all new to the home theatre world and am curious if this setup can have some potential?

btw my room is 12x24 and the system gonna be off to one side so its more like 12x12.... Any recommendation on what to set the crossover at? Next I will probably pick up a p4000 sub and a WS-60 as the center to mount above my flat panel.

yehhey311

03-01-06, 11:54 AM

I think the WS series is relatively new so not too many people have them, but I'd sure like to know how it sounds to you, Gilly86.

fotomatt1

03-01-06, 12:31 PM

PULLIAMM

03-01-06, 12:43 PM

hotwls13

03-01-06, 12:43 PM

No kidding, that's a real good buy. I got a set of Point 5s in an open box for about $140 at BB. They had one S.5 on the shelf about a week ago and wouldn't budge from 49.99 for it.

Yeah, I picked up the .5 Mk II set about a month ago at Best buy for $150. So for all 7 speakers, I paid like $205 + tax. :D

Add those to my Onkyo 503, Dayton 12" sub and I am a happy camper. It's amazing how I can get lost in the music out of this setup. For around $600 Me and my wallet thank the members here for all the input.

I don't plan to hook up the other 2 speakers until later, but I am glad I got them now.

Now I just need to hook-up my cheapy KLH outdoor speakers to my b channel before summer.

Gilly86

03-01-06, 12:45 PM

I think the WS series is relatively new so not too many people have them, but I'd sure like to know how it sounds to you, Gilly86.

right now i am in the break- in procedure but so far my impression is satisfied and not impressed. They sound very crisp and pretty good with xbox 360 and movies. but tv sounded a bit high.... hopefully once i get the sub which is first on my list, and put some more heat on the speakers they will sound a lot better.

hotwls13

03-01-06, 12:50 PM

Anybody use this combination? I've been told not to use the XR-55 with bright speakers...but I'm not sure if the Athena Micra 6's are bright. Any input? I haven't conclusively decided on this speaker set or reciever yet, but it seems like it would be a good deal for a complete system....

I have the .5s and the Onkyo TX-SR503 and I love it. I was trying to decide between the Onkyo 503 and the Panny 55. They can both be had for around the same price, and all the reviews I read said for bright athenas go with the Onkyo.

I have to say, I LOVE this setup. I haven't actually had a chance to listen to the Panny, so it's not a fair comparison. My whole setup cost around $600.

Precision989

03-01-06, 09:36 PM

I have .5s, pair WS-100s with a pio 815 and a KLH sub. I am pretty happy except for bass(WAF) is why i have 100's and a cheap bass. Music, movies, and 360 all sound pretty good.

MPDano

03-02-06, 04:28 PM

I have athena point 5s (mk II), a denon avr 1905, dayton 12" sub (currently with blown driver, but hopefully a new one on the way) and oppo digitial dvd player.

A QUESTION:

Can anyone tell me why athena would recommend running the point 5 speakers as "large"? AFAIK running at large means none of the bass passed to the L,R,C,S channels would be crossed to the sub (at least on my receiver). the sats are only rated down to 80hz (tom noussaine's tests showed they roll off sharply below 100hz) so why wouldn't i set to small and cross-over at 80 to 100hz? I guess I could run LFE+MAIN but i don't see the point in unnecessarily duplicating bass.

Hey Cripes, I will have the same set up as you except I have the Kenwood 6070 THX for my Receiver. How do you like it? My room will be 12x15. Whats your room size?

dirtraven1

03-02-06, 04:41 PM

Anyone have or listen to these? I was thinking of using this for a rear center. I'm looking for something in the less than 5" deep and like the idea of it being 2 feet long and wall mountable.

Precision989

03-02-06, 07:15 PM

yes i have and really thought the sound was good quality though it was at a Best Buy floor model. You can probly call them and and see if they have a pair set up for demo.

Florentino Ariza

03-02-06, 07:31 PM

Room Size: 14x15 opens to an equally large room to the left of the tv.

Center: C1.2
L/R/SL/SR: B1.2
Sub: P4000
Receiver: Panny xr55

Love my setup. Not going to upgrade for a very long while.

Previous setups:
HTIBs:
Sony 670 (don't buy it)
Yamaha yht-160 (not terrible if you're constrained to a tight tight budget)
Klipsch 2.1 promedia (still using for my laptop, I've had this setup for about 5 years. I love it.)

jonmeter

03-02-06, 07:48 PM

So has anyone found a wall mount for the B1.2? A stand would be impossible for me. If there is no mount how would two rear Point 5's mesh with B1.2 fronts and surrounds?

jonmeter

03-02-06, 07:56 PM

How about this for the B1.2

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-252

Dj_Frost

03-02-06, 08:26 PM

Hmm, those wall mounts would be interesting if they can be made to work with B1.2s

afrogt

03-02-06, 08:29 PM

B1.2's are 9.5" deep and the wall mounts say they go up to 10". Should work, good price too.

Dj_Frost

03-02-06, 11:56 PM

What are current people using as floorstands or mounts? The omni's?

fotomatt1

03-03-06, 08:58 AM

I have a small apartment, and the room that my HT setup is in is about 16 x 18'. Is the Micra 6 system big enough for that room, or do I need to step up to Point 5's?

mbroadus

03-03-06, 12:44 PM

Just bought a pair of 1 year old Athena B2-1s and was wondering what the difference is between it and the B2.2? Other than B2.2 is second generation.

Ron Alcasid

03-03-06, 01:04 PM

Just bought a pair of 1 year old Athena B2-1s and was wondering what the difference is between it and the B2.2? Other than B2.2 is second generation.

The difference is mostly cosmetic. The 1st generation Auditions series are heavier than the newer models but according to Athena they should sound the same.

diesel212

03-03-06, 02:07 PM

The difference is mostly cosmetic. The 1st generation Auditions series are heavier than the newer models but according to Athena they should sound the same.

i think the second generation.....2.2's are heavier and bigger than the 1.2's

diesel212

03-03-06, 02:09 PM

PULLIAMM

03-03-06, 03:34 PM

Btw.......I am a new Athena speaker set owner :)

I have a pair of the f2.2 floorstanding speakers up front, the c1.2 in the center, and a pair of b2.2's for surround speakers. I don't have a sub yet but am thinking of the dayton 10" or 12" (want something cheap) but i may just opt not to get a sub for now.........................considering the f2.2's can handle some bass (just not the low frequencies)

The audio out of the speakers are fantastic, dialogue comes out crystal crystal clear, no distortion in any of the speakers, and music sounds great. but then again i'm no audiophile, but much better than the default speakers on the tv, for sure.

btw, i have a pioneer 1015 receiver driving my speakers
That is a nice system. I get plenty of bass for music from the F1's in my 18' x 20' listening room (2-channel). With twice the woofer area, I hardly see why you would need a sub with F2.2's unless your room is pretty big. (Of course, it would be nice to have one if you can afford it.) I am using an Athena AS-P400 (predecessor to the P-4000) with Def-Techs in my HT, and it sounds excellent. Last time I checked, audio advisor had the P-4000 for $150.

mbroadus

03-03-06, 03:43 PM

I presently own Athena B2 for my fronts (L-R) and was looking at a B&W Center and I'm wondering if the Athenas and the B&Ws play nice together?

jonmeter

03-03-06, 04:23 PM

What do people think of the WS-100? I can get a pair for $300 at Best Buy.

Rxs

03-03-06, 05:15 PM

starcycle

03-03-06, 05:47 PM

I recently purchased the point 5 and the as-p4000 from One Call. I'm planning to get the pioneer 1015tx to use with them. One Call suggests using monster cables for speakers and sub, but they seem pricey. Can an expensive cable compared to a cheap cable really make a difference? Any suggestions are appreciated.

not really. save your money and just get regular 12 or 14 gauge speaker wire, and a normal-priced cable for the sub, like from monoprice.com.

siddavis

03-04-06, 01:12 PM

Can anyone recommend a good sub for the athena point 5 system? i have a 15 x 15 room...

DesmoBob

03-04-06, 03:16 PM

Can anyone recommend a good sub for the athena point 5 system? i have a 15 x 15 room...
I've been happy with the Athena AS-P6000. It's no SVS or Velodyne, but for the $250 price of a factory refurb, it's a pretty good deal. :)

mbroadus

03-04-06, 03:28 PM

I recently purchased the point 5 and the as-p4000 from One Call. I'm planning to get the pioneer 1015tx to use with them. One Call suggests using monster cables for speakers and sub, but they seem pricey. Can an expensive cable compared to a cheap cable really make a difference? Any suggestions are appreciated.Cables for less has the best prices on subwoofer cable. Blue Jean has great prices per ft. on speaker cable.

Jack Gilvey

03-04-06, 03:46 PM

I presently own Athena B2 for my fronts (L-R) and was looking at a B&W Center and I'm wondering if the Athenas and the B&Ws play nice together?
What was it about that center? You'd be best served by another B2 or the C1.

CEN7272

03-04-06, 04:36 PM

Can anyone recommend a good sub for the athena point 5 system? i have a 15 x 15 room...

Dayton 10" or 12" would be a couple options...IMO they sound good with the .5's

G-star

03-04-06, 04:37 PM

Can anyone recommend a good sub for the athena point 5 system? i have a 15 x 15 room...

what's your budget? i'm using a SVS PB-10 with my athenas and i love it, but it was $470 shipped. there's other good subs for less than that...

pinkfreud55

03-04-06, 08:50 PM

Merlin803

03-04-06, 09:04 PM

Dayton 10" or 12" would be a couple options...IMO they sound good with the .5's

I agree, I have the 10" and I love it.

Willd

03-05-06, 02:42 PM

Maybe off topic here. I've been lurking on the HT construction thread for awhile, and I've noticed the lack of Athena speaker setups in such rooms. I really like the brand, and I am wondering if Athenas (e.g. F1 and satellites - B1's or B2's, or all satellites all around), and a decent sub(s) can fill a theatre room, say 12 X 25?

PF

While I am not an Athena owner, my current room is about that size. If you had a 7.1(2 or 3) with those speakers and decent amplification, you should fill the room no problem.

Jack Gilvey

03-05-06, 03:04 PM

I really like the brand, and I am wondering if Athenas (e.g. F1 and satellites - B1's or B2's, or all satellites all around), and a decent sub(s) can fill a theatre room, say 12 X 25?
I'd go with the towers wherever possible in that room, but at least at L/R.

hotwls13

03-05-06, 10:37 PM

Can anyone recommend a good sub for the athena point 5 system? i have a 15 x 15 room...

Another vote for the Dayton. I have the 12" and couldn't be happier. For $185 it's hard to beat.

pinkfreud55

03-05-06, 11:28 PM

I'd go with the towers wherever possible in that room, but at least at L/R.

Thanks for the reply Jack.

So towers would fill the room more completely? Any other opinions from Athena owners.

PF

Jack Gilvey

03-06-06, 07:57 AM

So towers would fill the room more completely?
They'll certainly stay cleaner louder when run as "small".

whoaru99

03-06-06, 09:33 AM

Just about ready to pull the trigger on some Athenas for a friend's setup...

Do y'all think it would be better to go with five B1.2's or four B1.2's and one C1.2?

The price difference to the C1.2 is not really an issue and there isn't room for 6.1 setup using the extra B1.2 (since they come in pairs).

How about the Point 5's for surrounds, would this be a serious compromise? I'm sure they'll work, but not much difference in price vs. the B1.2. A bit easier to mount though, I'd guess.

The room is fairly large (just guessing 15-18' x 25-30') but the HT will be set up across the short dimension at one end.

Any serious concerns with using the B1.2's in an arrangement like that?

Of course, there will be a sub, but not settled between Hsu STF-1, one of the Athenas P4000/P6000, or Dayton 12". Receiver could be one of Pioneer 1015 (hoping they choose that), Harman Kardon refurb 430 or 335 (they are undecided about zone 2 audio), or bare bones Panasonic XR-55.

Jack Gilvey

03-06-06, 10:08 AM

A B1.2 at center would be more seamless, of course, as it's perfectly matched. As long as you're not too far to the side, though, the C1 isn't a big step back, and might even flatter movies a bit more for dialogue. Works well with my F1's.
I think you'd be fine with either choice for surrounds.

I installed an XR-55 for my brother and really like it, especially the intuitive setup. Lots of component switching, if that's important in your situation (it was in mine).

Dj_Frost

03-06-06, 03:33 PM

Jack Gilvey

03-06-06, 04:18 PM

Usually, the only thing "specific" to the design of a dedicated center channel is the horizontal orientation desired to sit one on a TV. As such, the MTM center is a compromise to aesthetics, and not the product of a specific acoustic goal per se. Still, the C1 is quite good as long as you're not too far off-axis (main drawback of MTM orientation is lobing/uneven response in the horizontal axis) and the built-in presence peak can bring out dialogue in a dense mix. It's quite dynamic, also...certainly doesn't seem the weak link flanked by two F1's in my front stage (http://home.comcast.net/~tgilvey/IMG_0611.JPG).

mbroadus

03-06-06, 04:31 PM

What about running a B1 as the center with B2 L & R?

whoaru99

03-06-06, 07:36 PM

Dj_Frost

03-06-06, 09:35 PM

Awesome...

I just got my 4 B1.2's today.

Gonna order the c1.2 / Panny xr55 this week and the pb10 in a couple more...

tell us how it goes whoaru99

dirtraven1

03-06-06, 11:05 PM

What do people think of the WS-100? I can get a pair for $300 at Best Buy.

I listened to the WS-100 and the smaller WS-60 that was demo with Rock and Rap Music and I found that the smaller WS-60 sounded much better for some reason. It was cleaner highs and decent high bass compared to the bigger WS-100. I ended up getting the WS-60 for my rear center channel which is replacing my Infinity QPS-1 (Quad-pole) speaker.

ShagnWagon

03-07-06, 08:53 AM

I have finally come to the conclusion that yes indeed, the C1 is inferior compared to the F2's... dialog in movies is just not as clear as I think it should be.

Jack Gilvey

03-07-06, 09:33 AM

Can you fit another F2 or an F1 at center? Originally had three F2 across the front...too tall. I went to an F1 at center, which was fantastic between the F2's (http://home.comcast.net/~jgilvey/IMG_0353.JPG). As the screen got bigger/wider, I didn't want it to get much higher, so now I've got a C1 between F1's. (http://home.comcast.net/~tgilvey/IMG_0611.JPG) There's no question that the C1 is not as good a speaker as the floorstanders, but one area I think it does well in is dialogue intelligibility. The slightly crisp presence region (from what I'm hearing) makes it easier to hear in a dense mix, but makes it stand out a bit on MC music.

ShagnWagon

03-07-06, 09:44 AM

I cannot really fit another F2 in my setup. I have fixed screen on my wall and I'd have to remount it, and I really don't want to do that. I'm planning on a complete speaker upgrade in the next year or two so I'll just keep things they way they are for now.

I don't mean to say that the C1 is aweful, it's just that I've finally noticed that it does struggle to keep dialogue clear in intense action scenes. For instance, I was watching part of Master and Commander the other night and noticed that the diaglog sounded kind of muddled durring the ship battles. And again, it's not bad, it's just not as good as it could be. I've been largely happy with my Athena setup, hard to beat for the $$, especially the F2's.

Jack Gilvey

03-07-06, 09:49 AM

The F2's are so dynamic, I can see just about any speaker getting muddled before they do. I think the C1 does well for its design goal/size, but biggers drivers and bigger cabs make a world of difference.

siddavis

03-07-06, 12:11 PM

Thanks for everyone’s help and suggestions.

Russdawg,
What about the Mirage S8? I am weary of an 8” sub being sufficient, but you are recommending the HSU 8” too (who sells it as a B-stock?). Anyone have thoughts on this one? I can get it for about $200 shipped. $200 to $250 is my sweet spot.

lynesjc

03-07-06, 01:01 PM

I've been happy with the Athena AS-P6000. It's no SVS or Velodyne, but for the $250 price of a factory refurb, it's a pretty good deal. :)

I would second this, I think the 6000 is an underrated sub. Of course, this has nothing to do with the fact I own one... ;)

Dj_Frost

03-07-06, 04:18 PM

the Mirage S12 is back in stock at vanns...

now I dont know if I should get this one with free shipping $399 or the SVS PB10 for $475 shipped.

Which would go better with Athena´s B1.2s all around and a C1.2?

budgetman

03-07-06, 05:45 PM

APorter

03-07-06, 06:55 PM

Can someone that has the Point 5 speakers mounted on the wall with the supplied wall mount please post a picture?

Thanks

ShagnWagon

03-07-06, 07:12 PM

Have you tried a B1 or B2 as a center? You should if you can. just for fun ;)

I don't really want to put any more money into my Athena setup. I'm looking to change speakers or receivers next and I'd like to conserve funds till then.

catch20two

03-07-06, 10:12 PM

Aporter, I was looking for the same thing before I bought my set.

I just got them today and haven't mounted yet, but there are a few member galleries that have pictures of mounted point5's.

If you go to the member gallery section and search there for athena you'll see a few point five systems.

A couple with good shots from various angles

Mr. Domino
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=7442354

Blaclk
http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=28709

Hope that helps

wheelzntoys

03-08-06, 12:43 PM

PULLIAMM

03-08-06, 12:48 PM

Today I ordered Point 5 MII and SVS 10 sub. I eagerly await and still have not decided on a receiver.

I want to spend around $ 300.00 on the receiver, will let you know how it sounds once it is all set up.

90% movies; 10% Xbox 360
I love my Yamaha receiver. I don't remember the exact model offhand, but it was around $350.

hotwls13

03-08-06, 01:07 PM

Today I ordered Point 5 MII and SVS 10 sub. I eagerly await and still have not decided on a receiver.

I want to spend around $ 300.00 on the receiver, will let you know how it sounds once it is all set up.

90% movies; 10% Xbox 360

I have the Onkyo TX-SR503 Receiver and I love it. Can be had for around $250 or less from JR.com. Sounds great with .5 MkII system I have. I also have the 12" Dayton Sub.

Grayson73

03-08-06, 02:17 PM

Panasonic SA-XR50 is great with my Athena F2s, C1, R1s, and SVS 25CS-31

MaxPower2k4

03-08-06, 02:30 PM

Well, I am now a proud Athena owner. My B1s arrived today, hooked them up to the Panny XR55 I bought yesterday, and I'm amazed at the quality of these things. Even without a sub (for the time being) they're fantastic. Thanks to everyone on this forum (I never would've known about these things if it weren't for these boards)

starcycle

03-08-06, 02:30 PM

i really like my yamaha, too. htr-5860, around $300. there are tons of them on ebay now. i tested the onkyo hotwls mentioned and liked it for movies. i went with the yamaha because it had pre-amp outs, which i connected to a yamaha m-35 i got on ebay for around $50. i was going to get two B1.2s, a C1.2 and two s.5 for surrounds, but this yamaha rig can kick it pretty hard, so i think i'm getting the B1.2s all around instead. i hope they can take the punishment. :D

clipfan

03-08-06, 04:13 PM

well this weekend my yamaha 5860 had the two front channels go out...i am not saying this is a bad receiver i like it but wish i had gotten more then a couple months out of it before having to live 3-6 weeks without it....this has pretty good features for the price i may have just gotten a bad egg.......if i had to do it again i would have to consider HK, but for same features may run you a lil more

ShagnWagon

03-08-06, 05:56 PM

You just got a bad egg Clipfan, that's too bad. Yamaha makes solid receivers. I've had mine for 3 years and it's never had any troubles. My next receiver will be a Harman/Kardon though...

jonmeter

03-08-06, 05:59 PM

I have the Onkyo TX-SR503 Receiver and I love it. Can be had for around $250 or less from JR.com. Sounds great with .5 MkII system I have. I also have the 12" Dayton Sub.
$200 refurbished from Onkyo. For registering on their site you get $10 off and they often have promotions, so it can be had for $190 or less. Mine came in perfect condition, and has the normal warranty.

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR503&modelid=36&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1

hotwls13

03-08-06, 06:51 PM

$200 refurbished from Onkyo. For registering on their site you get $10 off and they often have promotions, so it can be had for $190 or less. Mine came in perfect condition, and has the normal warranty.

http://www.shoponkyo.com/detail.cfm?productid=TX-SR503&modelid=36&group_id=1&detail=1&ext_war=1

Just checked the JR.com site, they have the NEW silver version (black is out of stock) for $224 shipped (unless you live in NY). I'm not a big refurb buyer especially when it's only $25-35 more.

jr.com (http://www.jr.com/OMBasketDetail.process?RestartFlow=t&OMProductId=4039194&PEEK=BOO&AddToBasket.x=42&AddToBasket.y=9)

jonmeter

03-09-06, 02:02 AM

Just checked the JR.com site, they have the NEW silver version (black is out of stock) for $224 shipped (unless you live in NY). I'm not a big refurb buyer especially when it's only $25-35 more.

jr.com (http://www.jr.com/OMBasketDetail.process?RestartFlow=t&OMProductId=4039194&PEEK=BOO&AddToBasket.x=42&AddToBasket.y=9)
Fair enough. But when Onkyo has one of their 10 or 20% off deals the refurbs look very appealing.

PULLIAMM

03-09-06, 09:43 AM

After getting a wild hair to "upgrade" from my F1's, I started auditioning speakers in the $800-$1000/pr range from as many manufacturers as I can find in my area (including Klipsch, JBL, KEF, B&W, and Def Tech.) Nothing I heard in this price range impressed me as being at all better than my F1's, and even some much more expensive ones did not seem that much better!
Instead of "budget" speakers, Athena makes real-deal audiophile speakers that sell for a budget price. I will be keeping the F1's for quite a while yet after this experience.
Awesome job Gord and Carmine!

Grayson73

03-09-06, 09:48 AM

Try some internet direct companies, like Ascend Acoustics. I have AS-F2s and have been thinking about upgrading to Ascend Acoustics CMT-340s

PULLIAMM

03-09-06, 10:21 AM

Try some internet direct companies, like Ascend Acoustics. I have AS-F2s and have been thinking about upgrading to Ascend Acoustics CMT-340s
If you get those, I assume you will be using a sub with them. Your F2's have way more bass.

ShagnWagon

03-09-06, 10:35 AM

Try some internet direct companies, like Ascend Acoustics. I have AS-F2s and have been thinking about upgrading to Ascend Acoustics CMT-340s

"If you get those, I assume you will be using a sub with them. Your F2's have way more bass." PULLIAMM

I'm considering the same move to Ascends Grayson. I'm hesitating though becuase I've just recently been messing with speaker placement and I think I just figured out a much better placement for my F2's. They really came alive. I pulled them off the front wall as best I could and toed them in to fire right at my listening position and the soundstage really opened up. I like the improvement a lot. Enough that I think I'm going to get a new receiver instead of speakers for now. This way I can use the Krell 150 watt x2 channel amp I have to power the F2's and then they'll really sing :). I have not done a back to back, so I cannot say for sure, but I have been getting the feeling that a move to Ascend 170's or 340's might only be a marginal improvement in sound quality from the Athena's. So I think for now I'd be better off getting a new receiver with EQ'ing abilities and 7 channels for the future. I'm pretty sure I'll go with Ascends some day though...

PULLIAMM: Yes the F2's can reach deeper bass than the 340's but if you have a sub this is moot. My F2's are crossed at 80 Hz, at that cutoff the 340's would perform excellently and most likely better than the F2's from what I hear. I just don't know how much better...

ShagnWagon

03-09-06, 10:55 AM

PULLIAMM

03-09-06, 11:08 AM

That's what I thought, that the Ascends would have to be better than the Athena's but I kept hearing from others that it was not a dramatic upgrade. So I've been holding back on the speaker upgrade...
I have mentioned this before in another thread, but if Ascend would make a speaker with a -3db point of 40hz (instead of 48hz) I would consider it. I have never been able to get satisfactory results with a sub in my 2-channel system. (The sub in my HT system, which is identical, works great. Could be the room or just having more speakers going at once.)

bryansj

03-09-06, 11:10 AM

PULLIAMM

03-09-06, 11:22 AM

I just got my F2.2's, C1.2, and R1.2's last night. I'm running them with an HK 635. Once the backorders are filled and shipped I will have a SVS PB12+/2 subwoofer.

My question is what are the best crossover frequencies to set these four speakers to?

Thanks.
If your receiver allows you to set the crossover frequencies separately, you should set each one to about 5 or 10hz above it's rated low frequency limit. Otherwise, you should use the setting for the one with the least bass (not sure whether that is the C1 or the R1.)

ShagnWagon

03-09-06, 11:24 AM

I got that advice from the Ascend Forum, so I would have thought those guys know what they are talking about... but you know what they say about assumptions...

whoaru99

03-09-06, 01:59 PM

mlai01

03-09-06, 02:26 PM

Hi folks,

I have a HK 235 driving athena micra 6 and am considering to upgrade initially the front speakers to AS-F2. Does anyone know a good offer in GTA Canada for this speaker set? Future Shop's regular price is C$799.

Thanks

PULLIAMM

03-09-06, 02:51 PM

mlai01

03-09-06, 04:46 PM

Can you order from Audio Advisor in Canada? If so, they have the F2's for $400 (American).

Thanks Pulliamm. Audio Advisor charge $280+ on shipping which adds up to more or less the same price offered by FS.

tgoogs

03-09-06, 07:45 PM

I just purchased and received a pair of AS-F2.2's from Auido Advisor and was wondering if I should expect any change in performance after breaking-in.

I'm running them through my new Yamaha RXV-2600 along with a WS-60 for a center, the AS-P6000 sub, and an old pair of Pinnacle PN5+'s as surrounds. I've run the speakers through about 20 hours of playtime, and if there's been any change in performance, they may have warmed up a bit.

Regardless, they sounded wonderful out-of-the-box - just wondering what others' experiences have been.

ShagnWagon

03-09-06, 08:10 PM

Typical break in times run 10-20 hrs I think... it depend on the type of usage they get. I'm sure a sub is different, but Outlaw told me after about 12 hrs my LFM-1 should be broken in. I've also heard that my PhaseTech PC 9.1's could take a month to break in...

Just enjoy your speakers :)

whoaru99

03-12-06, 03:17 PM

Well, I'll see how it goes either way with B1.2 and C1.2 as center.

Just ordered:

2) B1.2 (2 pair)
1) C1.2
2) Point 5's
1) P6000 sub
1) Hsu STF-1 sub

So, I'll be using B1.2 as L/R, checking which I like better for center between C1.2 and B1.2, using Point 5's as surrounds and comparing the Athena P6000 sub vs. the Hsu STF-1.

Geesh... what a guy won't do for his friends....

BTW - will test with the Panasonic XR-55 I use in my bedroom. If I feel really froggy, may try them out with my main setup Anthem AVM 20 and Yamaha M-series amps....

Well, having a hard time deciding between the B1.2 for center or the C1.2. Seems they both have good points and bad in this regard. The B1.2 certainly creates a very smooth front image being the same as the L/R speakers, but to me the dialog seems to get lost just a little compared to the C1.2. On the other hand, the dialog from the C1.2 stands out, but the tonality seems just a bit different. Someone mentioned nasal-sounding with respect to the C1.2; not sure that's it, but it does seem a fair bit more forward than the B1.2 as center.

The P6000 sub has pretty good kick and goes down to about 25Hz with plenty of power but seems to drop pretty fast from there. The battle scenes from M&C had my place shaking and pounding pretty good IMO for a $250 sub. It will be interesting to see how the Hsu STF-1 compares.

One thing on the sub is that it's really sensitive on the input. I have the sub volume set at 2 (on 1 - 10 scale) and the receiver still needed to be set at -9dB on the trim for calibration. I set the sub volume mid-point to start and, well, it was pretty loud when the test signal hit. :D

With respect to the Pioneer 1015, it is a nice looking rig. Kind of black and ominous looking and a pretty decent feature set. However, I can't say that I'm totally impressed with the sound though. I mean, not like it's bad, but perhaps I had my expectations too high. Right now, I've changed over to my Panasonic XR-55 on to the Athena setup and I'd have to give the SQ nod to the Panasonic. I could use some of those fancy buzz words that reviewers use, but suffice to say in simple terms I think it sounds better than the Pioneer. I'm going to change back and forth a couple more times before I draw my final-final conclusion.

Any suggestions other than just more listening that might help me solidify that B1.2 vs. C1.2 center channel choice?

Any particular movie scene that you have found to really challenge the center dialog virtues?

fujiyama

03-12-06, 07:27 PM

Well, having a hard time deciding between the B1.2 for center or the C1.2. Seems they both have good points and bad in this regard. The B1.2 certainly creates a very smooth front image being the same as the L/R speakers, but to me the dialog seems to get lost just a little compared to the C1.2. On the other hand, the dialog from the C1.2 stands out, but the tonality seems just a bit different. Someone mentioned nasal-sounding with respect to the C1.2; not sure that's it, but it does seem a fair bit more forward than the B1.2 as center.

The P6000 sub has pretty good kick and goes down to about 25Hz with plenty of power but seems to drop pretty fast from there. The battle scenes from M&C had my place shaking and pounding pretty good IMO for a $250 sub. It will be interesting to see how the Hsu STF-1 compares.

One thing on the sub is that it's really sensitive on the input. I have the sub volume set at 2 (on 1 - 10 scale) and the receiver still needed to be set at -9dB on the trim for calibration. I set the sub volume mid-point to start and, well, it was pretty loud when the test signal hit. :D

With respect to the Pioneer 1015, it is a nice looking rig. Kind of black and ominous looking and a pretty decent feature set. However, I can't say that I'm totally impressed with the sound though. I mean, not like it's bad, but perhaps I had my expectations too high. Right now, I've changed over to my Panasonic XR-55 on to the Athena setup and I'd have to give the SQ nod to the Panasonic. I could use some of those fancy buzz words that reviewers use, but suffice to say in simple terms I think it sounds better than the Pioneer. I'm going to change back and forth a couple more times before I draw my final-final conclusion.

Any suggestions other than just more listening that might help me solidify that B1.2 vs. C1.2 center channel choice?

Any particular movie scene that you have found to really challenge the center?

I've heard it does a good job making all the speakers sound similar on the 1015. I'm not sure how to do it since I don't have the Pio (I have an HK 235 with a power amp), but I would try that out before making a final choice. I've heard that movies are great with the 1015 but music isn't quite as great.

I'm very tempted to spend the money on the XR55 or the Kenwood 7100 (heard it uses the same chipset). These digital amps have been generating a lot of buzz lately

whoaru99

03-12-06, 07:50 PM

I've heard it does a good job making all the speakers sound similar on the 1015. I'm not sure how to do it since I don't have the Pio (I have an HK 235 with a power amp), but I would try that out before making a final choice. I've heard that movies are great with the 1015 but music isn't quite as great.

I'm very tempted to spend the money on the XR55 or the Kenwood 7100 (heard it uses the same chipset). These digital amps have been generating a lot of buzz lately

I ran the "full auto" MCACC setup so I presume it did the room eq thing. It set the front and center speakers to "large" as it seems to do for pretty much everyone from what I've read.

So, I tweaked the settings back to "small" and verified the distance settings and the crossover frequency. The sub distance calculated by MCACC was a number of feet more than a physical measurement but this too seems normal from my reading and left it as set by MCACC.

I switched the acoustic EQ on and off to go back and forth between the frequency tweaked MCACC settings and no frequency adjustments. I actually ended up leaving the tweaked settings turned off and listening with no adjustments. I may at some point in the next few days try to hand tune the MCACC frequency settings to see if that helps.

PULLIAMM

03-13-06, 09:08 AM

I just can't let a week go by without raving about how insanely awesome my F1's are! They rule! Every now and then, I get a chance to compare them with more expensive speakers, and then I appreciate them even more.
Thanks, I feel better now. :D

dkalina

03-13-06, 09:14 AM

I have been on the fence as to what do do for about a week now.

I know I want Athenas, and I know I will get F1.2 for the front (they will fit better under the wall mounted monitor). But I can't decide on the rest. My room is 15x13 with essentially a full opening on the left side to a 15x10 room.

I would like 7.1 but I don't know if my room is big enough to support that, and I don't know how i'd mount the left side speaker.

But should I just get B1.2's for the surround, or go ahead and get R1.2s or .5s for the rear? Or go ahead and really do it up with another set of B1.2's. But that might be overkill.

Thanks for your advice!

Jack Gilvey

03-13-06, 10:25 AM

The B1.2 certainly creates a very smooth front image being the same as the L/R speakers, but to me the dialog seems to get lost just a little compared to the C1.2. On the other hand, the dialog from the C1.2 stands out, but the tonality seems just a bit different. Someone mentioned nasal-sounding with respect to the C1.2; not sure that's it, but it does seem a fair bit more forward than the B1.2 as center.
I think that's dead-on concerning the two. I find "nasal" and "forward" to be two distinct things. The C1 is certainly a bit forward, with some added presence. I don't get any nasality, maybe perhaps before some break-in. Or at Best Buy.

Any suggestions other than just more listening that might help me solidify that B1.2 vs. C1.2 center channel choice?
Is one easier to position for you or better aesthetically? When comparing and F1 and C1 between two F1's, I found the F1 more seamless for DVD-A/SACD music and pink-noise pans but I found the C1 somewhat flattering for movies/dialogue. I also needed something shorter than an F1 at center so my screen wouldn't get too high. Since the C1 isn't bad on music, and great on movies (granted I don't sit far off-axis where the difference would be more obvious), I went with it. With the C1, I never strain to hear dialogue, or even think about it at all.

georgemoe

03-13-06, 10:36 AM

I'm real happy with the C1 and am not that far off axis. Since it is located on a shelf above my display, I have it elevated in the rear so it fires down to our seating location. Much better imaging. I did have a shelf below the display as weel but that is being used for the D* HR10-250.

I've been looking for another three of the orig. B1's to use as a pair of surrounds and single rear. I paid about $75 for my current B1 pair last year during the BB closeout. Got the C1 for about $80 as well. These three replaced my front speakers that came with an Onkyo HTS-770. Most of the things I've found online are a bit pricey and costly for shipping.

My local BB does have one lonely F1. I may just pick that one up if the price is decent and hold onto it. then I'd only have to find another cheap F1 and put those up front.

jdkoola

03-13-06, 11:34 AM

Hi,

I was wondering for some opinions on a pair of Athena B1.2 versus the Epos ELS 3. I got the Athena's for ~$100, and the Epos for around $200 (I might be able to push them a little lower). It seems that's a great price for the Epos.

In listening to them, I see what other people say about the clarity of the midrange on the Epos. Also, in line with reviews, it *seems* like the Athena's have better base. I should mention that I have not done a blind A/B comparison.

I'm just starting a home theatre/music setup. I'm listening primarily to music, some movies (80/20). I don't know if that matters because I am currently not investing in a 5.1 setup. Because I am just starting out, I am trying to constrain costs.

Any comments on the ease of matching a center to the Athena's versus the Epos? (just thinking about the future) Or any opinions from others that have auditioned these two.

Thanks,

JD

mlai01

03-14-06, 03:16 PM

I just wonder if anyone has tried using F2/F2.2 in a smaller listerning environment. I want to upgrade my HT system to add a pair of F2.2 at the front but my listerning area is only 13 X 20. The next option is to get F1.2 but I am unsure if there is a great quality difference between F1 & F2. The newer models F1.2 and F2.2 is much lighter than their predecessors. Have anyone tried out the new models and been able to comment on their performacne.

Thanks

Grayson73

03-14-06, 03:34 PM

I'm using AS-F2s, AS-C1, AS-R1s, and SVS 25-31CS in a listening area similar to yours and it's great! The only negative I have is that dialogue on AS-C1 is not clear in low volumes.

PULLIAMM

03-14-06, 03:36 PM

I have been using my F1's (without a sub) in a 10 x 20 room open to a kitchen, making the total area 18 x 20. The bass is satisfactory, but I have occasionally found myself wishing I had the extra extension of the F2's.
I also wonder if the ".2's" are equal in quality. I know that the newer P4000 has noticeably more cabinet vibration than the earlier P400 (I have owned both.)

Jack Gilvey

03-14-06, 03:37 PM

Grayson73

03-14-06, 03:39 PM

Wow! Why do you need two SVS subs in such a small area and why do you face them towards the wall?

Jack Gilvey

03-14-06, 03:56 PM

"Need", my good man? There is no "need". ;)

Actually, I originally had the black one and was so impressed I ordered a second (Rosewood) for a music system in another room. That pic shows the movie room at a stage when I was calibrating/eq-ing the subs, so I had them facing out so I could screw with the settings more easily. Obviously, a single Ultra can peel paint in 1400ft^3, but a pair along the front at 1/3-2/3 spacing like that allows a nice coupling for headroom near reference level and gets much more even room response than a corner. The primary benefit was the acoustic one.

mlai01

03-17-06, 01:55 PM

Here's a pair of F2's, an F1 center, and two SVS PB12 Ultra in a 12'x13' room during setup/calibration. I'm using F1's now, though, with a C1 center as I needed the front stage shorter. The F1/F2 are quite similar, I think you'd only see a real difference if you hit the dynamics limits of the F1, the F2 will be cleaner somewhat louder.

http://home.comcast.net/~jgilvey/IMG_0355.JPG

I just wonder if the bass of F2s is too much or boomy since I have a listerning area of similar size. I am going to hit my purchase button for F2.2 and this is my only concerns.

Thanks

Mike

Jack Gilvey

03-17-06, 02:14 PM

Well, "boomy" isn't a given just due to the speakers or room, but positioning is everything. I ran them as "small", anyway, so I used the sub's positioning to help with smooth FR.

Grayson73

03-17-06, 02:49 PM

diesel212

03-17-06, 03:33 PM

I run them as small since I have an SVS sub. Even when I ran them as large, they didn't sound 'boomy'. They are accurate.

The only issue I have is that the AS-C1 doesn't output dialogue clearly when the volume is low and the AS-F2s overpower them.

i'm new to HT, but couldn't you set the center's level in the receiver to a higher point then the other fronts to output more volume?

Jack Gilvey

03-17-06, 03:41 PM

The only issue I have is that the AS-C1 doesn't output dialogue clearly when the volume is low and the AS-F2s overpower them.
Strange problem. If anything, the C1 is "too clear" in that it's got some eq built-in to accentuate vocals. The F2 certainly have a higher dynamic ceiling than the C1, but below that they shouldn't "overpower" the center when properly calibrated.

Grayson73

03-17-06, 03:46 PM

I matched levels with a Radio Shack sound meter and DVD Essentials disc.

I don't EQ anything,..I run them from a Panasonic SA-XR50 receiver.

Others have also had problems with the AS-C1 that have caused them to try AS-B1 or AS-B2 as a center. Too bad they didn't match the woofer size of the center to the AS-F2.

Jack Gilvey

03-17-06, 03:52 PM

Yeah, but that'd be one heck of a big center. :) I've had F1, F2, and now C1 as center, but lack of clarity is not something I'd attribute the C1, even after the big guys, unless you hit its ceiling. Perhaps well off-center.

YuppieJr

03-17-06, 05:02 PM

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?sHist=12-110%2c6-458&menu=true&id=21573

Just an FYI for those who have been waiting to order these since they are getting harder to find in stock outside of ebay. I just ordered a set, $230.07 or so shipped Fedex 3-day. They've been out of stock for the last two weeks so I figured I'd point this out to those who have been waiting to purchase so you can jump on it while they are available.

Enjoy -- J

Dj_Frost

03-17-06, 05:57 PM

mlai01

03-18-06, 09:21 AM

I run them as small since I have an SVS sub. Even when I ran them as large, they didn't sound 'boomy'. They are accurate.

The only issue I have is that the AS-C1 doesn't output dialogue clearly when the volume is low and the AS-F2s overpower them.

What crossover point have you set in your receiver when F2 is running on "small". It would be interesting to compare the bass performance at different crossovers vs F2 set to "large". I know that F2 can reach 35 Hz on specification.

Grayson73

03-18-06, 06:18 PM

100hz with Panny SA-XR50. I have a baby so when he's sleeping, I put the volume as low as I can with dialogue still understandable. At that volume, the AS-F2 still gets too loud during loud scenes.

G-star

03-18-06, 07:20 PM

100hz with Panny SA-XR50. I have a baby so when he's sleeping, I put the volume as low as I can with dialogue still understandable. At that volume, the AS-F2 still gets too loud during loud scenes.

wow, that seems awfully high for F2's. what kind of sub are you using?

Grayson73

03-19-06, 12:16 AM

SVS 25-31CS. Lowest setting for SA-XR50 is 100hz.

whoaru99

03-19-06, 02:43 AM

Hmmm after reading some of these latest replies Im thinking that gettin a C1.2 is not the best option for a center?

What have you guys fround best for around that price? I already had the omnimount center stand for it to go on top of the TV and everything planned out...

I have 4 B1.2's (Front R-L and rear R-L) and getting a SVS PB10. All this to a Panny xr55.

Thanks..

I decided to keep the C1.2 as center over the B1.2. I thought the dialogue came through better.

The setup was B1.2 L/R, C1.2 center, Point 5 surrounds, and Hsu STF-1 off a XR55. I tried another B1.2 as center but I thought it was just a little bit too recessed in the dialogue.

pointfive

03-19-06, 04:17 AM

a little off topic, but to the point 5 owners... I was messing around with the system and I played around with some settings. On my receiver, I changed the cutover for the subwoofer at 150. My sub has a cutover set to about 110 or so. This works out well as I'm covering the midrange tones better. When I had my cutover on my receiver set at 100, the mids were lacking.

fujiyama

03-19-06, 04:54 PM

and at this time I have 6 speakers (two F2s, 1 F1 center, two R1s, and a C1).

All the speakers except for the F1 are of the .2 series. What I was thinking of doing was getting another C1 for 7.1, but the C1 I saw was of the first series.

Other than the baffle color not matching, would there be a difference between the two? I mean, could they both be used as a pair and would it be fine? I know the .2 series are a bit lighter, but otherwise I have not heard of them sounding much different.

jvgillow

03-19-06, 05:01 PM

I also believe the .2 series uses neodymium magnets instead of ferrite for the woofers.

fujiyama

03-19-06, 05:19 PM

I also believe the .2 series uses neodymium magnets instead of ferrite for the woofers.

anyways, especially if they are using different materials for the woofers. I would prefer two AS-B1s instead for the rear back speakers, but was thinking of using C1s just because I didn't feel like selling the one I have now...

I'll probably just keep the C1.2 until I find a good deal on a pair of B1s.

jvgillow

03-19-06, 05:22 PM

I'll probably just keep the C1.2 until I find a good deal on a pair of B1s.

Well I'm not sure how good of a deal you are looking for, but I just posted a pair of AS-B1s for sale in the Speakers & Subs section about an hour ago.

fujiyama

03-19-06, 05:57 PM

Well I'm not sure how good of a deal you are looking for, but I just posted a pair of AS-B1s for sale in the Speakers & Subs section about an hour ago.

about the speakers.

ecc1218

03-22-06, 08:41 PM

yelloguy

03-22-06, 08:55 PM

whoaru99

03-22-06, 11:45 PM

How many Point 5 owners run their speakers as large? I had mine setup as small with a crossover of 100 in the receiver and the [Athena] P300 sub cutover at 100 as well. They sound good enough in this configuration. But today, while listening to some music, I set my speakers as large (this is the setting recommended by Athena manual, BTW) and I really liked the sound. I used to drive them as large when I first bought them but every recommendation I read points to the contrary. It is a generally accepted practice to set up your sorround speakers as small to allow the receiver to do bass management. Some even say that it allows the amps to run cooler since the bass is being routed to the [powered] subwoofer. My speakers do sound pretty good this way (Onkyo TX SR 600 receiver). But the moment I put the speakers in large mode, the music sounded *so much* better that I just couldn't go back. So I am thinking if there are others who have noticed the difference and like to drive them as large. Anyone?

The setting on the subwoofer low pass frequency should be set as high as it goes if you are using the bass management in the receiver. If you have the receiver set at 100 and the sub set at 100, the low pass slope is probably too steep to match well with the Point 5's and is resulting in a fairly large dip in the response around 100Hz.

It may also depend on how the speakers are connected. Are the Point 5's connected to the receiver or to the subwoofer?

EDIT: Took a look at the Athena manual, strange to recommend large for that small of speaker. Does that recommendation imply there is global high pass built into the Point 5 speakers (i.e one for the whole speaker, not just for the tweeter)?

cherry ghost

03-23-06, 12:18 AM

Hey- first post here, and I have a question. Would it be OK to use the C.5 as a center channel with B1.2s as the fronts? I am thinking of upgrading my current (relatively new) 5.1 system to a 7.1 by adding a pair of B1.2s in the front. I know there were others on this thread thinking about doing the same thing, but I'm not sure what they decided... Thanks.

I'm using a C.5 with B1.2s as the fronts and S.5s on the side and rear. For me, it's working out great. I asked the same question before I bought the B1.2s and was told by some that I might have to upgrade my center, but that hasn't been the case. Hopefully it will work for you as well, but you never know with these things.

yelloguy

03-23-06, 08:25 AM

The setting on the subwoofer low pass frequency should be set as high as it goes if you are using the bass management in the receiver. If you have the receiver set at 100 and the sub set at 100, the low pass slope is probably too steep to match well with the Point 5's and is resulting in a fairly large dip in the response around 100Hz.

It may also depend on how the speakers are connected. Are the Point 5's connected to the receiver or to the subwoofer?

EDIT: Took a look at the Athena manual, strange to recommend large for that small of speaker. Does that recommendation imply there is global high pass built into the Point 5 speakers (i.e one for the whole speaker, not just for the tweeter)?

The speakers are NOT connected to the sub. And yes, there was a dip around 100 Hz when I did a sweep several weeks back. But I have tried the sub cutover at 120 (highest) and that does not "sound good." It may take care of the sweep/dip problem but the speakers sound kind of week. When set to large, the speakers put out fabulous sound and the sub gets week (less bass being sent to the sub). I just kick up the volume on the sub and then I get the best sound possible out of this system.

I actually exchanged an email with Athena (engineers?) when I first bought them. They didn't tell me about any high pass but did confirm that I am supposed to run them as large.

primetimeguy

03-23-06, 09:09 AM

The speakers are NOT connected to the sub. And yes, there was a dip around 100 Hz when I did a sweep several weeks back. But I have tried the sub cutover at 120 (highest) and that does not "sound good." It may take care of the sweep/dip problem but the speakers sound kind of week. When set to large, the speakers put out fabulous sound and the sub gets week (less bass being sent to the sub). I just kick up the volume on the sub and then I get the best sound possible out of this system.

I actually exchanged an email with Athena (engineers?) when I first bought them. They didn't tell me about any high pass but did confirm that I am supposed to run them as large.

It all comes down to what sounds best to you. But by running them large you are losing sound from 80hz on down which the .5's cannot produce. If they sound better this way there is probably some room interactions causing the problem and/or speaker and sub level calibrations are not correct. I have AS-F2's and run them as small and crossed over at 80hz. They are rated down to 35hz. But again, take all of the advice and mull it over. In the end do what sounds best to you in your room.

hotwls13

03-23-06, 01:19 PM

The speakers are NOT connected to the sub. And yes, there was a dip around 100 Hz when I did a sweep several weeks back. But I have tried the sub cutover at 120 (highest) and that does not "sound good." It may take care of the sweep/dip problem but the speakers sound kind of week. When set to large, the speakers put out fabulous sound and the sub gets week (less bass being sent to the sub). I just kick up the volume on the sub and then I get the best sound possible out of this system.

I actually exchanged an email with Athena (engineers?) when I first bought them. They didn't tell me about any high pass but did confirm that I am supposed to run them as large.
I have my .5s set to small. I think it sounds great! I will give the large a try though. I didn't realize athena recommended large. So when set to large, what is the crossover point you have set on the onkyo? I have the Onkyo 503.

Also, are you only listening to music, or have you tried this setup with dvd/movies? My usage is 75% Movies 25% Music.

yelloguy

03-23-06, 01:33 PM

I have my .5s set to small. I think it sounds great! I will give the large a try though. I didn't realize athena recommended large. So when set to large, what is the crossover point you have set on the onkyo? I have the Onkyo 503.

Also, are you only listening to music, or have you tried this setup with dvd/movies? My usage is 75% Movies 25% Music.

1. When set to large, your crossover setting is immaterial. In theory your receiver should not be sending any bass to the sub. I still get some bass out of my sub though.
2. This is while listening to music. I am yet to watch a movie (did this yesterday)

yelloguy

03-23-06, 01:36 PM

It all comes down to what sounds best to you. But by running them large you are losing sound from 80hz on down which the .5's cannot produce.

If that were the case, wouldn't I hate the sound? :-) I mean, I can test that by simply switching off my sub, right?

As you said, what sounds good to me must be the right way. I was just curious how many others in this thread felt the same way.

Grayson73

03-23-06, 01:39 PM

I have AS-F2s and I set them to small and it sounds better

primetimeguy

03-23-06, 02:42 PM

If that were the case, wouldn't I hate the sound? :-) I mean, I can test that by simply switching off my sub, right?

As you said, what sounds good to me must be the right way. I was just curious how many others in this thread felt the same way.

Do you have a bass output setting of some-sort on your receiver? Is is possible this is set to sub+front or sub+large? That may explain why you still get subwoofer output while listening to 2-channel music and all speakers set to large.

PULLIAMM

03-23-06, 02:49 PM

I have AS-F2s and I set them to small and it sounds better
I also have very large speakers (Def Tech BP10's) set to small. It does sound good but it also seems like a waste, since I paid for all that bass capability that I am not using.

yelloguy

03-23-06, 03:16 PM

Grayson, do you mean better than when you set them to large or generally better?

Prime, no I do not have any such setting. AFAIK, setting the speakers to large turns off my receiver's bass management. The only other relevent setting is Subwoofer=Yes/No and I have it set to Yes. Other than that I have Bass and Treble both set to 0.

Bear in mind that I am listening to music in All Channel Stereo mode and not in Direct Audio (or Stereo) mode which would probably defeat all receiver settings and send the two channels to only the left and the right speakers. I did not try to do that.

Pulliamm, that is exactly what I thought yesterday. My speakers are capable of 75 (center 60) Hz and when I drive them with full frequency, they sound better. It would be a waste if I were to do this artificial frequency management and cut them off at 80 or 100. The only thing that worries me is the amps running hotter since they have to drive the speakers at full range now. Maybe I will go back to small for (90%) my TV viewing and movie watching and turn them to large while playing music or watching MTV/VH1.

PULLIAMM

03-23-06, 03:29 PM

If you cross a speaker that can do 75hz (or even 60hz) over at 80hz, you are not giving up much. I was referring to speakers that ca go below 40hz (they claim 20.)

Jack Gilvey

03-23-06, 03:56 PM

I also have very large speakers (Def Tech BP10's) set to small. It does sound good but it also seems like a waste, since I paid for all that bass capability that I am not using.
This is the common misconception that leads people to think they should set "large-looking" speakers to "Large", so they don't "waste" anything. Your speakers are still receiving quite a bit of bass below that crossover, since it's a slope...not a wall. Since they can handle it, their clean dynamic range is far better than that of a speaker that might be overtaxed in the region between 40-80Hz. The system will also behave better around the crossover, since it's not adding the acoustic rolloff of satellites to the receiver's electronic one.
Also, if setting a speaker to "large", it's common that only LFE is sent to the sub. Not all bass is in the LFE channel, so if a speakers can't play it...it's lost.

Grayson73

03-23-06, 04:32 PM

Grayson, do you mean better than when you set them to large or generally better?

My AS-F2s sounded better after I switched them from large to small.

donkie

03-23-06, 08:55 PM

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread and to the people that frequently post here. I never would have found Athena speakers otherwise. I hate metal tweeters, Athenas fit well within my budget and sound excellent. What a great value. I'm still tweaking my setup as the room was finished literally yesterday, it's great to have such an efficient speaker - even with my receiver wide open (just to see what happened) no audible distortion or distortion lights on my Adcom amps :eek: I'd suggest these speakers for just about anyone...already have another convert at work and they are equally as pleased. :)

blkhawk661

03-23-06, 10:52 PM

shtan614

03-24-06, 12:03 AM

First post on avs! Lot's of reading up to this point though. And I'm the better for it. My old receiver was on the fritz and off some advice from my brother I came here for advice on a new one. Over the past month I have purchased the HK240, The Bridge by HK (I have an IPod), the as c1.2 and the as b1.2's. I moved my old ADC sat.'s to the surr and I have a KLH for the sub. Obviously, I purchased the sub before reading on here what a bad rep KLH has. I'll probably look to get a Dayton or possibly an SVS, but after my recent spending spree I promised the missus I'd take a breather. And for my purposes, the sub is sufficient for now. Anyway, thanks all for all of the helpful info! Even with the inadequette sub, I am extremely happy with the way my new setup sounds.

fujiyama

03-24-06, 01:43 AM

just based on what i've read here i've been sold on Athenas for some time, but i cant justify making my first significant speaker purchase without listening to the darn things. I live in Phoenix and no best buy in the state of arizona has either the 1st or 2nd audition series in stock. only 2 stores in PHX have the ws series. I drove in excess of 50 miles total to both stores in a single day and neither had the speakers working properly. One had a receiver with a dead center channel and the other had their fancy display with a dead card in it (or so they said). :mad: I hear so little about the ws series b/c of how new they are and how great the as-1 series is. I have a hk 335 receiver and a PB10 sub coming in the mail and no speakers!... i might have to use Best Buys return policy if i ever hope to hear them...

Does anyone own the ws set up? Do they stack up to the as series? Are you happy with them? Pros? Cons? Heck.. i'll be happy if someone assures me that they truly work since Best Buy has proven their incompetence twice in the same day...

I would definetely go with the AS over the WS series. The WS series is a compromise for aesthetic purposes. They're not bad. It looks nice and the speakers are thin. They go well with plasmas and flat panels.

But if you want speakers that actually sound great and IMO don't look bad either, I'd definetely go with the AS series. Plus Athena pretty much has speakers of every size out there - from the smaller sized Micras to the floorstanding AS-F2s.

At this point, you will be very hard pressed to find Athena AS speakers at any Best Buy. I went to a nearby store and they had one F1 and one AS- C1. Best Buy had a major clearance a while back.

Your best bet at this point is probably Audio Advisor. If your lucky, sometimes they have Demo versions or open items which can be had at good discounts.

Good luck. I just set up a 5.1 system and Gladiator was amazing with the HK 235 (I'm going to get a set of AS-B1s for 7.1 in the next few days). And with that sub, I would imagine it would be a great experience watching movies.

remanhawk

03-25-06, 10:08 AM

primetimeguy

03-25-06, 11:07 AM

thinking of upgrading fronts to as-f2's but i noticed in the specs that they are 41" tall.
havent seen them in person yet..that seems awfully tall,aren't they kind of distracting while
watching tv and seeing them statues on the side of say a plasma all the time?just
wondering...

reman
They are floor standers so they are tall. But in my mind, not any different than putting bookshelve speakers on stands. All comes down to personal taste I guess.

jvgillow

03-25-06, 01:44 PM

All in the Family:

http://my.fit.edu/~jgillow/images/HT/equipment/Athena_Family_sm.jpg (http://my.fit.edu/~jgillow/images/HT/equipment/Athena_Family.jpg)

Maybe a helpful size comparison between AS-F1, AS-B1, AS-B2... Now if only I still had those Point 5s as well :)

johnmorgan77

03-25-06, 01:51 PM

I just pulled the trigger on the Point 5s at onecall but im on a waiting list they are supposed to be in stock soon I also am about to buy the mirage s8 i already have a yammaha htr 5860 and i hope this system works out well. I hope they dont run out of point 5s at onecall before i get mine. Anybody have this setup or have comments on it thanks.

remanhawk

03-25-06, 05:29 PM

erab610

03-26-06, 12:42 AM

A quick question for some Athena owners...

I'm about to pull the trigger on two pairs of B1.2s, and a C1.2 as the surrounds and center channel in my 7.1 setup. all I have left to settle on are my two front speakers.

I can get a pair of F2.2s for $50 more than i can get the F1.2s. If i'm unwilling to upgrade the four B1.2s and the C1.2 (which I'm not), would the F2s overpower my system (and specifically, the C1 center channel)? Even though they're better speakers, would they ultimately end up drowning out the other channels?

Basically... should I grab the F1s, or can I get away with the better pair given the rest of my setup?

jdawg131

03-26-06, 02:29 PM

johnmorgan77 how does the Mirage S8 sound? I just recently received my Point 5 system from Onecall and am thinking of replacing my junk Yamaha HTIB sub with either the Mirage S8 or the Athena AS-P4000. I currently have a Dayton 10" with my Audition series speakers downstairs and I really like the combo, but the Dayton 10" is way too big size wise for my bedroom. How crisp and clean is the bass from the Mirage?

gojoshgo81

03-26-06, 03:09 PM

Hi all. I am a proud new owner of the point 5s. Today is my day off and time to set up all this goodness (my new reciever and sub came this week too, xr55 and mirage s8 respectively).

I read the first 5 pages of this thread and an hour later I couldnt find my answer so I thought I would just put it out there and see if anyone could answer.

For the wall mounts ... do I need to find a stud in the wall? I am not the most handi man around, so yes I need to ask. The speakers are fairly heavy but I am just not sure. Anyone wall mounted these and what was your experience as far as stability and need or not need to find a stud? Thanks.

And once everything is in place I will give feedback on my system.

bryansj

03-26-06, 06:34 PM

gojoshgo81: I mounted my R1.2's using only drywall inserts. The default mounting is two screws per speaker. They haven't fallen on my head yet. I found a great deal on the drywall inserts at Big Lots... a huge pack of many sizes for less than $2.

(Since you say you aren't a handi man- drywall inserts are where you drill a hole thru the sheetrock then hammer in this plastic insert that has some sort of teeth on the outside and is threaded on the inside. Once inserted you screw your mounting screw into the insert which causes it to expand and further engage the teeth. No stud required.)

gojoshgo81

03-26-06, 08:22 PM

sweet ..... sorta .... so i go out and get these drywall inserts ... but i get ones that you can just hammer in since i own no power tools (fresh out of college give me a break) .... anyway ... i goto hammer them in ... and pffft bang gong ..... my desire spot for my L/R surround are on studs ... so as you might have guessed ... i smashed those plastic inserts .... not once but twice before i realized there is probably a stud behind there ... lol ....

so after a lot of elbow power ... one speaker mount is up ... and resting to put the other one up. ... man this is a day from hell .....

again ... ill tell you all bout it when its all up and running.

Precision989

03-26-06, 09:35 PM

Drywall anchors can be a pain, just make sure they are secure. Hitting a stud is actually a good thing. I know you are just out of college but i would really suggest a cheap cordless drill. You will always be needing it around the house for any prodject that rquires a phillips head. If cost is a problem a simple 12 volt from Wal-mart will get you by for a few years. GL gojo and your hassle will be well worth it.

cloose

03-28-06, 12:41 AM

jmds

03-28-06, 03:51 PM

For those who have the micra 6, how long are the cables you get with it?

thanks

georgemoe

03-28-06, 04:08 PM

At this point, you will be very hard pressed to find Athena AS speakers at any Best Buy. I went to a nearby store and they had one F1 and one AS- C1. Best Buy had a major clearance a while back.

fujiyama,

Any idea what the BB by you want's for that F1? My local one has just one as well but I've held off purchasing it. I'd like to upgrade my B1's in the front. My biggest issue is finding F1.1's at a decent price plus reasonable shipping.

I'm going to find out what BB wants for the F1.1 by me after work. It might be worth grabbing it now and holding on if the price is right. They also have 2 P400's in the box as well. It works out well in my room while others prefer the P4000 or P6000. If I had room I'd grab one of the P400's as well! :)

GeorgiaHT

03-28-06, 04:54 PM

Hi All
I have two extra pair of AS-B1's and I was thinking about wiring in one of the pair to the front left and right speakers(also AS-B1's) of my theatre system. What would be the best way to do this and could it hurt my Pioneer 1015?

georgemoe

03-28-06, 05:55 PM

fujiyama,

Any idea what the BB by you want's for that F1? My local one has just one as well but I've held off purchasing it. I'd like to upgrade my B1's in the front. My biggest issue is finding F1.1's at a decent price plus reasonable shipping.

They still had the (1) F1-1 at my local BB. $143.99

Couldn't get them to do better. :( Today! ;)

fujiyama

03-28-06, 08:52 PM

fujiyama,

Any idea what the BB by you want's for that F1? My local one has just one as well but I've held off purchasing it. I'd like to upgrade my B1's in the front. My biggest issue is finding F1.1's at a decent price plus reasonable shipping.

I'm going to find out what BB wants for the F1.1 by me after work. It might be worth grabbing it now and holding on if the price is right. They also have 2 P400's in the box as well. It works out well in my room while others prefer the P4000 or P6000. If I had room I'd grab one of the P400's as well! :)

in Westland, MI. I asked them to also look in the system to see if any locations in the area had any other AS models left (mainly I was looking for a pair of B1s or B2s), and there was nothing nearby. I decided to go ahead and grab the F1 they had to use as a center with my F2s. The deal wasn't spectacular. I got it for a 100 bucks and it has a slight chip in it (though I thoroughly checked to make sure there was no damage to the tweeter or woofer). They said they would have sold a pair for 150 but it was in service. I didn't need another anyways, and I didn't feel like waiting.

I eventually found a pair of B1s for my rear surround, so I'm set. I just connected my Crown CH2 amp to my HK235 driving the F2 and it sounds amazing. The pro amps are a great addition.

G-star

03-28-06, 08:55 PM

thanks for all the help..ordered 2 as-fs-2.2 speakers from audio advisor....seen a picture
on another site with them on the side of a plasma on a stand like my setup...they looked
terrific...i just hope the sound is as good as everyone says as i never heard them in person. (no local stores in erie,pa had any)

reman

hope you like those new F2.2's...i wouldn't mind owning a pair. :D

just out of curiousity, what speakers are you using now? are the F2.2's going to be a big upgrade?

georgemoe

03-28-06, 11:14 PM

in Westland, MI. I asked them to also look in the system to see if any locations in the area had any other AS models left (mainly I was looking for a pair of B1s or B2s), and there was nothing nearby. I decided to go ahead and grab the F1 they had to use as a center with my F2s. The deal wasn't spectacular. I got it for a 100 bucks and it has a slight chip in it (though I thoroughly checked to make sure there was no damage to the tweeter or woofer). They said they would have sold a pair for 150 but it was in service. I didn't need another anyways, and I didn't feel like waiting.

I eventually found a pair of B1s for my rear surround, so I'm set. I just connected my Crown CH2 amp to my HK235 driving the F2 and it sounds amazing. The pro amps are a great addition.

Thanks for the follow up Fuji. I'd like to upgrade to F1's and move my B1's to the back, but not for $144 a speaker, F1's. I got my B1 front for $80 pr and I doubt the F1's are worth $200 more a pr up front.

Tell me, I'm listining. ;)

gojoshgo81

03-29-06, 12:50 AM

Alright ..... All physical work was done by late sunday night ... and I did some AVIA calibrating on monday. I watched Mr. & Mrs. Smith and man ... oh man .... so awesome. Gave me chills and almost a tear to my eye how f'ing gorgeous it sounded. And the xbox360 games were fantastic sounding.

Thanks for the help guys.

I do have some questions that are not directly athena related, but if anyone could help I would be grateful.

a) my side surround (i have the athena point 5 to anyone who didnt see in above posts) are 6ft hight (front and center are about 3ft) ... the distance from fronts and sides are about the same distance from listening location but i feel like the sides are not sounding loud enough. is this normal? i calibrated them so they should be set to the right volume ... but i keep wanting to turn up the volume/db for the sides ... im not sure if its a psychological thing that i just want them to stand out since they are the main difference in surround sound vs 5.1 or what? any suggestsion?

b) do any of you get any channels and/or tv shows in 5.1? I am using a cox dvr with optical and it seems even hi def shows only come in surround? is it even possible for tv shows to be in 5.1? btw - i have tried all configuration on my receiver and thats not the problem.

fujiyama

03-29-06, 01:13 AM

Thanks for the follow up Fuji. I'd like to upgrade to F1's and move my B1's to the back, but not for $144 a speaker, F1's. I got my B1 front for $80 pr and I doubt the F1's are worth $200 more a pr up front.

Tell me, I'm listining. ;)

Just now, I was testing the tones with Avia and guess what? My luck sucks.

I realized that there is something wrong with the AS-F1 I bought from BB. Somewhere around 140Hz, the thing just falls, and then rises and it sounds like there's a lot of vibration at that point. It's not a small dip either. It just falls. Either way it doesn't sound right. I used both the sweep and the warble test as well. It's really bizarre and it I don't think it should be happening. It should be relatively flat all the way to the bottom. My AS-F2.2s don't give this problem.

Unfortunately, I'm just past the return period so I have to go tomorrow and see what they'll do. I'd rather just return it, but I would be upset if now I have to pay shipping to get this to Athena. But that's what I may have to do, unless I want a defective F1.

I would strongly advise everyone to use frequency sweeps right after getting the speakers (especially open items) to see any defects or problems.

Anyone have any idea if this is a problem with the speaker? I checked all the settings, tried all different crossover settings on my HK 235. But maybe, this is how it's supposed to be?

Oh well, I'm glad I didn't sell my AS-C1.2 yet. I checked that out and it didn't give me the problems the F1 did. I'll use that for the time being. I wish I never even bought the F1. I bought the F1 out of worries that the C1 wouldn't 'keep up with the F2s' but this seems like more trouble than it's worth.

As for the floorstanding speakers themselves, they are great. I love the F2s and if my F1 wasn't messed up, I'd be thrilled. However, personally I don't think they are worth $200 more than the B1s. That's a considerable price difference for bass extension, which shouldn't be an issue if you have a decent sub (depending on the sub you have I'd put the 200 bucks towards that, room treatments, or something else). Personally, if you were to go for floorstanders, I'd consider the F2 from audioadvisor. While not cheap, it is probably the best deal around for them (depending on the price difference from the F1, I'd say they are worth it). I believe at the begining of this thread, someone said that the F2s and B1s are among the best deals in their class and I'd agree. Though all models are very good. I likely wouldn't have got the floorstanding speakers, had I not received such a good discount at the time though.

mlai01

03-29-06, 02:11 AM

I have recently upgraded my Micra 6 to Audtion series, AS F2.2 and AS C1.2 in the front, B1 in the rear and considering to get a subwoofer to match with the system. My options are P4000 and Velodyne VX-10BV. They have similar spec. and price tag. I tend to have more confidence on Velodyne as it is a well-known subwoofer manufacturer although it is not their top model.

Just wonder if anyone has experience in using either of these subwoofers with the Audition series. Any recommendation would be appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

dkalina

03-29-06, 07:40 AM

[/QUOTE]
b) do any of you get any channels and/or tv shows in 5.1? I am using a cox dvr with optical and it seems even hi def shows only come in surround? is it even possible for tv shows to be in 5.1? btw - i have tried all configuration on my receiver and thats not the problem.[/QUOTE]

I have Comcast Digital Cable. The standard channels come in surround, but the digital high def channels come in in 5.1 Dolby Digital (noted both by my receiver using auto format for the sound, and by the program info available in the DVR guide).

whoaru99

03-29-06, 08:24 AM

b) do any of you get any channels and/or tv shows in 5.1? I am using a cox dvr with optical and it seems even hi def shows only come in surround? is it even possible for tv shows to be in 5.1? btw - i have tried all configuration on my receiver and thats not the problem.

As mentioned, check the program guide to see if 5.1 is an available format for the specific program. Secondly, I guess I'd call the cable company to see if they are passing the 5.1 format in your area.

From my experience, most cable channels DON'T have DD/5.1 surround. Typically, I see that only premium channels and HD channels have some, but not necessarily all, programs in DD/5.1.

Finally, it sure sounds like a setting issue to me. Is there any configuration option in the DVR setup menu that says digital output is bitstream/raw or PCM?

To get 5.1 it needs to be set to bitstream/raw, not PCM.

I don't have a DVR, but this is a very common oversight in DVD player setup why people don't get DD/5.1 sound.

georgemoe

03-29-06, 09:37 AM

As for the floorstanding speakers themselves, they are great. I love the F2s and if my F1 wasn't messed up, I'd be thrilled. However, personally I don't think they are worth $200 more than the B1s. That's a considerable price difference for bass extension, which shouldn't be an issue if you have a decent sub (depending on the sub you have I'd put the 200 bucks towards that, room treatments, or something else). Personally, if you were to go for floorstanders, I'd consider the F2 from audioadvisor. While not cheap, it is probably the best deal around for them (depending on the price difference from the F1, I'd say they are worth it). I believe at the begining of this thread, someone said that the F2s and B1s are among the best deals in their class and I'd agree. Though all models are very good. I likely wouldn't have got the floorstanding speakers, had I not received such a good discount at the time though.

I hope things with the F1 turn out ok. I agree that if I'm going to go with the F1's, might as well spend a bit more for the F2's. At the time, Feb-05, BB only had the F1's and B1's. They didn't carry any of the 2's. At BB in that environment, I didn't notice a world of difference between the B1 and F1. Maybe the F1 would have performed better at home.

For the smallish size room I have I think I'll just stay with the B1's and try to find another three of these to complete my side and rear surrounds.

hotwls13

03-29-06, 01:00 PM

As mentioned, check the program guide to see if 5.1 is an available format for the specific program. Secondly, I guess I'd call the cable company to see if they are passing the 5.1 format in your area.

From my experience, most cable channels DON'T have DD/5.1 surround. Typically, I see that only premium channels and HD channels have some, but not necessarily all, programs in DD/5.1.

Finally, it sure sounds like a setting issue to me. Is there any configuration option in the DVR setup menu that says digital output is bitstream/raw or PCM?

To get 5.1 it needs to be set to bitstream/raw, not PCM.

I don't have a DVR, but this is a very common oversight in DVD player setup why people don't get DD/5.1 sound.

My SA8300hd has audio settings of PCM, Digital and I think something else. I have mine set to digital. Is this the same as bitstream/raw? Not really sure if I am getting 5.1, I really haven't paid much attention to it.

whoaru99

03-29-06, 01:50 PM

My SA8300hd has audio settings of PCM, Digital and I think something else. I have mine set to digital. Is this the same as bitstream/raw? Not really sure if I am getting 5.1, I really haven't paid much attention to it.

Probably, but without knowing what the "something else" is, it's hard to say for sure.

hotwls13

03-29-06, 02:14 PM

Probably, but without knowing what the "something else" is, it's hard to say for sure.

I will check tonight. If I do have bitstream, would that be preferred instead of digital?

whoaru99

03-29-06, 03:59 PM

I will check tonight. If I do have bitstream, would that be preferred instead of digital?

My first inclination is to say they are one in the same. But, if you have bitstream or raw as an option I probably would make the change.

erab610

04-01-06, 04:50 PM

Earlier in the thread, someone had mentioned using the Omni Mount Cosmic as a stand for the B1.2's.

Can anyone else comment on this stand/speaker combination?

remanhawk

04-01-06, 05:29 PM

got my new athenas and i must say makes my whole system sound very nice...
tried both settings, large and small and i agree with mos posters that set
at small sounds better...

reman

Dj_Frost

04-01-06, 09:33 PM

Earlier in the thread, someone had mentioned using the Omni Mount Cosmic as a stand for the B1.2's.

Can anyone else comment on this stand/speaker combination?

I'd also like to know what you guys with B1.2s have for stands? I plan on getting 2 for my fronts, rears are on shelfs and center is on the omni mount on top of the 42a10. I saw some omni mounts on AA but dunno how they would look or if they work?

Also, if anyone has pics.. post em up please! :D

cherry ghost

04-01-06, 09:41 PM

I'd also like to know what you guys with B1.2s have for stands? I plan on getting 2 for my fronts, rears are on shelfs and center is on the omni mount on top of the 42a10. I saw some omni mounts on AA but dunno how they would look or if they work?

Also, if anyone has pics.. post em up please! :D

Might be too short for some, but good price and fillable.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/PLATF23S

strippedss

04-02-06, 08:34 PM

Off topic here but a athena story non the less. I've been looking for a set of as-b1's for a couple of weeks, used of course, being the 1's and not the 1.2's. Finally decided to get in on the 1.2 deal from audio advisor and pulled the trigger yesterday. Yep, you know the rest of the story, I scored a pair of b.1's on ebay today for $70. Oh well, pretty much the same speaker and I will most likley keep all 4 speakers.

afrogt

04-02-06, 10:44 PM

Energy stands for Athena and Energy bookshelves.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=APICSTB&loc=6

erab610

04-03-06, 10:51 AM

Energy stands for Athena and Energy bookshelves.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=APICSTB&loc=6

anyone know how big the base is on these stands? It's important that I get a stand with a decent size footprint.

jlam77

04-03-06, 11:54 AM

I just picked up a pair of WS-60 and I also have a pair of ASB1.2's. Would running the WS-60 as a center be OK?

PULLIAMM

04-03-06, 12:46 PM

I just picked up a pair of WS-60 and I also have a pair of ASB1.2's. Would running the WS-60 as a center be OK?
I expect it would work very well. The tweeters are identical and the overall tonal balance is similar.

jlam77

04-03-06, 12:52 PM

Thanks PULLIAMM. I will be returning one of the WS-60's then back to Best Buy :-)

Jack Gilvey

04-03-06, 01:08 PM

I just picked up a pair of WS-60 and I also have a pair of ASB1.2's. Would running the WS-60 as a center be OK?
Are you looking to use a WS-60 between 1.2's? I'd try it before you return it.

jlam77

04-03-06, 01:14 PM

Origianlly I was going to use them as L/R speakers, but I'm debating on this now. I picked them up for a fairly decent price, hence why I got 2. I will audition them soon, though.

hotwls13

04-03-06, 01:37 PM

I recently picked up two .5s to complete my 7.1 system. I also have a couple outdoor speakers (cheap KLHs) I was going to run to the B channel on my Onkyo 503 Receiver for the back yard.

I am now thinking instead of using the .5s for 7.1, to plug these into the B channel as well (That would be 4 total speakers to the B channel 2 to the back yard, 2 to the front room) and mounting the .5s in my Front Room. I would add some sort of inline wall mounted control to turn them on/off, vol up/down. This way if I wanted to listen to music throughout the house (including the front room) I could just turn on the B channel, then turn on the speakers in the front room. I would also add the inline controls to the back yard speakers.

Does this all make sense? Is this the right way to do this? Will I have problems putting 2 sets of speakers on the B channel?

It just seems like a waste to use these .5s for my 7.1 system, when the 5.1 sounds great already.

alexr214

04-03-06, 01:40 PM

DJ_FROST,

As I posted in another thread, I picked up a pair of B1.2's and got the VTI UF Series Cast Iron 29 in. Speaker Stands in Silver from stands and mounts (Can't post URL yet since I don't have 5 posts yet). They look great with B1.2's. The silver stand goes great with the front of the B1.2's as well as with my Samsung HL-R5087 DLP set.

I'm thinking about getting the 33" stands for my rear bookshelf speakers when i pick them up.

bojangling

04-04-06, 03:12 PM

Looking for some advice. I am looking to upgrade my current speakers and came upon the great price on the Athena .5's and started to do some reading. I have since determined I wanted something a little bigger in case I move into a house with a larger room for my HT. (I am a renter, so you never know) I looked at the B1.2's all around but I wondered if it wouldn't be worth it to move to the F series.

Since I listen to 90% movies and have a sub, would it be overkill to move to the F series for my fronts over the B1.2s? Will I notice a difference?

Also, would it be worth it to look at the R series for surrounds, or stick with the B1.2's? Like I said, I rent so I move about every 2 years and don't know what type of HT room I will have each time.

Thanks.

PULLIAMM

04-04-06, 03:49 PM

Bojangling: Since you have a sub, the B's should do it for you. They are certainly easier to move, and to store when not in use. If you want more bass extension, consider the B2.2's.
Since you mainly watch movies, the diffuse sound from the R1.2's would be nice (I recently got Klipsch S1's which are a similar design, and I am really enjoying them.)

bojangling

04-04-06, 03:58 PM

PULLIAMM:
So do most people buy the F Series over the B series because they also listen to music or any other 2 channel source? Also, can you explain what you mean by "bass extension".

As I understand, the bi-pole speakers will help diffuse the sound and make it sound less localized. Any other advantages or disadvantages to a B1.2 surround (or other mono-pole)? Also, are bi-pole speakers better for any certain type or room (i.e. size, setup, etc) then mono-pole?

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

johnmorgan77

04-04-06, 04:05 PM

hey i just got my s.5s what stand can i buy for like 30 bucks apeice for them i was looking at them on ebay but i dunno which ones will work, help would be appreciated.

larryfdx

04-04-06, 04:20 PM

Does anyone here think that a set of Auditions with F2.2's in front would be a good-sounding match for a Yammie RX-v2600?

Lord Flatus

04-04-06, 07:32 PM

Howdy all,

I think I am committed to getting the Denon 2807 receiver and Athena speakers for a 5.1 setup. I have a 60" SXRD on one wall with a new humongous sized sectional couch coming that will sit up against the opposite wall and turn the corner with the room. The room is 14 feet across.

So I'm thinking F2.2s with the C1.2 center, and that's all easy enough. But the surrounds are bugging me as to what to do. I am thinking of using the IC8s for surrounds and putting them right above the ends of the long side of the sectional. This will put one right in the corner of the room. With the couch/sectional right up agaist the wall, I don't have any options for putting the speakers behind the listening positions. With the couch going all the way to the corner I can't put the right surround off to the side much at all. That's why I was thinking of the In Ceiling speakers.

What do y'all think of that setup? Does anybody have the IC8s for surrounds? I'm a little torn between that option and maybe the R1.2s on macromounts for the surrounds. The R1.2s would also have to mounted pretty high because the left surround position for the speaker has a big window, so it only leaves the bit of wall above the window for mounting the bracket.

The use is TV, DVDs, and Xbox.

TIA for any knowledgeable comments. :)

Oh, the new sectional is about 160" wide on the long side. (13 feet!)

kurt_fire

04-04-06, 09:46 PM

would that panny xr55 digital receiver be a good match for an all audition series speaker setup?

strippedss

04-04-06, 10:21 PM

Jakeman02

04-04-06, 11:25 PM

I posted this in another thread with no response. Thought it might do better here. A little off topic.

I've chosen these 2 speaker packages due to price, size and information I've read. Room is 200 sq ft. The receiver I've chosen is the Pioneer VSXD515K or VSXD516K. The 515 is on sale right now making way for the new model 516. I'll catch the 515 if it's still available when I order. I don't have a lot of space for front speaker placement and these two packages I've put together seem to be the best rated that fit my needs in my limited price range. Since I have no place to go hear these for myself, I thought someone out there that has experience with both could give me some charactistics/differences in the sound of these that would help me choose.

Also if anyone wants to comment on the Micra 6 Series that would be great too, it's a little less cost but from what I've read these two are better in overall performance. Any comments of advice would be greatly appreciated.

Athena POINT 5 MK II System + Athena ASP4000 Subwoofer

JBL E20 Front
JBL EC25 Center
JBL E10 Rear
SUBWOOFER undecided, Possibly Athena ASP4000 any suggestions, staying in this price range?

System will be used probaly half the time for music. Also if I do go with the JBL system. Would the ASP4000 Sub be a good match or does it match better with the Athena's Series. It's on sale right now and I'm on a budget. Seems to have pretty good reviews.