Athena owners thread. [Text View] - Page 5

szett

07-27-06, 04:20 PM

Hi all,

I have been reading this board for a while and am building a HT from the ground up but need to finally make a decision, I am looking at getting an Onkyo 603 and Athena B1.2's for fronts and surrounds and the C1.2 for the center.

I am also thinking about the Bic H-100. The system will go with my Samsung 61" DLP currently on order in my finished basement which is a fairly large space 12' x 35' x 7'high. The theater area will be 12x15 but will remain open to the rest of the space. The area is carpeted. I will use the system probably for 80% HT and 20% music.

I had been thinking about the S.5 speakers but then they sold out, my hesitation with the B1.2's is how to install them, I would prefer to avoid stands since I have little kids and I know they can't hang on a wall, has anyone installed small shelves to hold the speakers on either side of a TV? Any suggestions on where to find them? Would it look stupid? I would do the same for the surrounds if it would work.

Should I look at the F1.2's for the LR to avoid the stands? I am trying to figure out if it is worth the extra money since its a big jump in price.

I would really appreciate any help, I have learned a ton from this forum but my Wife is ticked that it is taking such a long time to finalize my decision.

Thanks so much for all of your help so far, it has been invaluable, Scott

Jakeman02

07-27-06, 06:11 PM

The F1.2 will give you a little better bass response due to the larger encloseur. If your thinking difference in price between the B1s. If you were going to place them on a shelf or something you already had that would hold true. However, you want to create a shelf to place them on the wall. This certainly can be done but at cost of materials, hardware and time for doing it. By the time you factor in this cost the difference is minimal or noone at all. In that big of an area I'd personally go for the F1.2s or even forget the rears right now and move up to the F2.2s than add rears when your budget permits. If you do decide to go with the B1s and mount them remember to leave at least 3" for clearance to the wall as they are rear ported.

deadsoulz

07-28-06, 10:49 AM

Anyone know of any corners on the internet that is cheaper than everywhere else for buying athena products? I really want to start piecing together my system for my basement so I can have everything by the time I finish the basement. I am debating on the following:

2 x f1 for the fronts
1 x c1 for the center
2 x b1 for the rears.
and a HT-100 Sub

Audioadvisor has some good prices on the b1's but everything else they have is the latest model so its top dollar. I really don't want to spend top dollar as all my money has been pooring into finishing the basement. So I think I am safe buying older revisions of these speakers as they all sound great to me. My budget is pretty slim. I am also thinking of matching these up with the new panasonic XR57 receiver since it does what I need and is a great price.

Any opinions are appreciated.

Thank you,

--DS

PULLIAMM

07-28-06, 11:37 AM

So far, I have only seen them on Audioadvisor, *******, and CC online. I am sure they are carried by others. Also ebay is worth a try (not everything there is used.)

PULLIAMM

07-28-06, 11:39 AM

Apparently I am not allowed to mention that site. Let's just say it starts with an o and ends with two l's. (so why is it permitted to say Audioadvisor?)

georgemoe

07-28-06, 12:12 PM

PULLIAMM

07-28-06, 12:20 PM

Currently have an Onkyo HT-R520 avr (came in the 770 htib) driving a front of B1's, C1, and a P400. (I am one of a very few here that really like the 400. For less than $75, whats not to like?) I was using the rears that came with the 770 in the back.

Just got me (2) of the old B2's for about $115 ($86/$29) shipped. Got into a short bidding war or I could have had them a little cheaper. Now the B1's will go to the rear. All thats left is getting another B1 for the rear.

I was happy with the B1's in the front but couldn't pass up the B2's.
You got a P400 for less than $75? MSRP on that was $400! (Much better than the P4000 that replaced it, by the way.)

georgemoe

07-28-06, 12:31 PM

You got a P400 for less than $75? MSRP on that was $400! (Much better than the P4000 that replaced it, by the way.)

Well it was BB, open box, and I added a coupon for another 10% off for open box. At one time this BB had another (2) P400's new in the box. They were definately more money. They must have gotten them in after I had purchesed though. No way would they have sold me the open box if they had stock.

Big_D_STeve

07-28-06, 12:38 PM

Currently have an Onkyo HT-R520 avr (came in the 770 htib) driving a front of B1's, C1, and a P400. (I am one of a very few here that really like the 400. For less than $75, whats not to like?) I was using the rears that came with the 770 in the back.

Just got me (2) of the old B2's for about $115 ($86/$29) shipped. Got into a short bidding war or I could have had them a little cheaper. Now the B1's will go to the rear. All thats left is getting another B1 for the rear.

I was happy with the B1's in the front but couldn't pass up the B2's.

If you got a AS-P400 for 75.00 that's a steal. AS-B2 for 115.00 is another steal. You are doing good. Heck, I considered my second P400 sub for 165.00 a deal since I bought my first AS-P400 2 years ago for 285.00 plus tax. I'm now surrounded by Athena in my PC room and my main theater setup.

georgemoe

07-28-06, 02:37 PM

If you got a AS-P400 for 75.00 that's a steal. AS-B2 for 115.00 is another steal. You are doing good. Heck, I considered my second P400 sub for 165.00 a deal since I bought my first AS-P400 2 years ago for 285.00 plus tax. I'm now surrounded by Athena in my PC room and my main theater setup.

Thanks. I was considering a 2nd P400 when my local BB had them around Sep05 but did not have the room. (nor do I really need it in the current room.) I'm having remorse over that because I could have just stored it. :( The only other sub I was considering at the time was the 10" Dayton that a lot of folks thought much better than the P400.

Just happened onto the B2's. I'd always wanted 5 B1's eventually for the 7.1 setup. Maybe even some F1's but wifey likes the B1 stands in the front so floor standers were right out.

afrogt

07-28-06, 03:11 PM

yeah, I know some came from Best Buy. Some of the speakers are 4 years old. Hard to believe they would have stock that old. Must have been sitting in a dusty corner.

Well, I tried to buy some original B1's new in the box earlier this year from BB. The sales guy refused to come down from $150 even though they were $79 during BB clearance. So they sat on the shelf for months and months. I finally bought some s.5's online for $50 a pair incl shipping. Tons of original Athena stuff on e-bay new in box. May not get the mfrs warranty but if you get them cheap enough, does it matter? My speakers were definitely brand new. I'm guessing these sellers got the old BB leftover stock.

georgemoe

07-28-06, 04:22 PM

Well, I tried to buy some original B1's new in the box earlier this year from BB. The sales guy refused to come down from $150 even though they were $79 during BB clearance. So they sat on the shelf for months and months. I finally bought some s.5's online for $50 a pair incl shipping. Tons of original Athena stuff on e-bay new in box. May not get the mfrs warranty but if you get them cheap enough, does it matter? My speakers were definitely brand new. I'm guessing these sellers got the old BB leftover stock.

Same thing happened to me when I tried to buy a single F1 from my local BB last year. I was going to put those in the front vs. B1. They would not move an inch. Funny they were willing to put them on clearance for peanuts but I bet they were even less than that when they transferred stock to the liqidator. Funny thing is these speakers are better than most of what BB carries now. :(

georgemoe

07-30-06, 02:21 PM

Looks like I'm close to completing my 6.1 speaker upgrade. In an earlier post I mentioned I was getting two B2's to replace the L/R's and moving the existing B1's to the surrounds.

Thats leaves the rear center to be upgraded. Should I be looking at a 3rd B1 for the rear or maybe a single R1. What is preferable sound wise. I'm guessing if I can get another pair of B1's, that would give the option of having a 2nd rear when I go 7.1 . Let me also mention that all three rear speakers are fairly close to the listner behind the couch in my setup. They have all been adjusted with the aid of a sound level meter. Thanks....

Big_D_STeve

07-30-06, 03:17 PM

Jakeman02

07-30-06, 05:10 PM

Management

07-30-06, 08:12 PM

Jakeman02

07-30-06, 08:19 PM

What is the difference between having a C1 there besides having a R1? Does it matter because it is the receiver feeding the speaker and the receiver is gonna look at that 6th speaker as being 1 rear speaker. If I am missing something (and I claim ignorance :D) please let me know. THANX.

The C1 and The R1 is designed differently. The R1 is a bi-pole design that directs midrange and treble frequencies in two directions. The C1 is designed to dispurse the entire range in one general direction.

georgemoe

07-31-06, 08:53 AM

Thanks for the replies on R1 vs. B1. I had not considered a C1 at all. It's profile is a bit large for the area but would fit. Looks like I'll watch for more pairs of B1's (future 7.1) or the highly elusive single B1 (current 6.1 setup).

Management

07-31-06, 03:24 PM

georgemoe

07-31-06, 07:20 PM

I have the R1 right above my head about 1 to 1.5 ft when sitting straight up. For me it provides an engulfing feeling with the side surrounds. I am getting an additional R1 so that I can have it for 7.1 surround sound. I see what they are saying with the C1 but since its directional I would say that I would know where it is coming from and I would not want that to happen. Thats why I am using the R1. But like eveyone says on this forum, it's a preferance.

I appreciate the additional input on this. I have a couple ways I could go. Get 2 R1's use those as surrounds (B1's are currently stand mounted) then use 1 B1 for the center rear. Or try it like your config Management. Seems that would give me a lot of flexibility. I do recall a few really liking all B1's in the rear. Preferences, preferences. :)

Management

07-31-06, 08:27 PM

No prob and good choice .... I will be using the R1s as my surround sides too when I upgrade it to 7.1 :D

tech960

07-31-06, 10:45 PM

I am wall mouting my surround b2.2's and the mounting bracket gives 3 small screws to hold it better if u plan to angle it down a bit. My question is, is it safe to screw into the bottom or lower side of the cabinet? I don't want to make a rattle or something

Management

07-31-06, 10:49 PM

I actually though about making screw holes into the R1 but decided against because I thought to myself that the current screws in the cabinet are designed in the overall performance of the loud speaker. Therefore placing holes into the cabinet that aren't suppose to be there can cause (I think) performance issues with the (any) loud speaker.

icculus631

08-01-06, 12:59 PM

Jakeman02

08-01-06, 02:06 PM

I am pretty much a newb when it comes to this. I am considering getting
Panasonic xr55
1 AS-C1
2 AThena B1's for the front
2 Athena S.5 for the back
1 Athena p400

I'm just wondering if you think the s.5's and b1's will go together ok. Or am I better off getting 2 more B1's I prefer to mount the rear speakers. Any thoughts would be appreciated. The room is fairly small probably 15 x 14

If your going to wall mount the rears then the S.5s would be the choice, they come with nice mounting hardware for each speaker. Or they did retail, now that you can't get them retail I'd make sure that was included in the package.

All Athena speakers are tonally matched to each othe so there will be no problem using b1.s for the front and s.5s for the rear. They will look different as they have different grills and front design but that's no big deal especially at oposite ends of the room. Looks like a nice setup, good luck

georgemoe

08-01-06, 06:09 PM

icculus631

08-02-06, 04:20 PM

One last question. Is the Panasonic xr55 a bad choice if I will be listening to music 40% and movies the rest on an athena setup. 2 b1's 1 c1, 2 s.5's and 1 p400.

I don't really want to spend over 300 and I'm reading that the pioneer 816 doesn't sound very special. Any recommendations. I don't want the system to sound too bright and just got nervous right before I was about to pull the trigger..

icculus631

08-02-06, 07:16 PM

I was looking at my last post and I confused what people said about the pioneer 816k with the pioneer vsx 515k. So if both the pioneer 816k and panasonic sr55 cost about the same. 10 dollars difference which one would you guys get.
Using 2 Athena B1's
1 Athena as-c1
2 Athena s.5's
1 Athena p400

Management

08-02-06, 09:07 PM

Just my two cents ... I have read this thread and someone (a few actually) said that the Athenas are considered bright but mate well with a Pioneer because they are considered warmer and the setup sounds neutral. Like I said I've read the thread and just giving my two cents. My opinion.... I agree because I have the Athenas with a Pioneer Elite 52 TX ;)

Jakeman02

08-02-06, 09:43 PM

I've tried the Point5s with a Pioneer VSX-516 and Onkyo HT-R330 and also The Panasonic XR-55. I know your talking about the B1s but they have the same characteristics as the Point5s.

I loved the sound with the Pioneer and Onkyo. The Pioneer is slightly more laid back or warmer, however you want to put it but both sound great.

I initally thought the XR-55 was awesome, bright and up front (in your face) I think it was because it was such a different sound from the other two, but day by day I found myself growing tired of it, long listening sessions became too bright or harsh to enjoy. I took the 55 back and built two budget systems around the Pioneer and Onkyo.

Paul H.

08-02-06, 10:07 PM

Hey guys,

Right now I have the Onkyo HT R330, WS 60 center, and the Onkyo satellites and Onkyo sub(yeah it sucks..lol). Would four (4) B1.2's be a good choice to upgrade for fronts and surrounds?? The Onkyos sound okay, but from reading the forum the B1.2'swould be a good budget choice. I also plan to upgrad the Sub to an H-100.

Thanks,

Paul

nathanielmark01

08-02-06, 10:46 PM

I have Onkyo 502 with C1.2 and 2 B1.2s for fronts. The 12 inch Athena sub... i also have 3 klipsch sattelites for the L, R, and Rear Surrounds....

I set the crossover to 80hz since very little bass goes to the surrounds and i thought overall performance would be better..... sound reasonable?

also, i was originally going to get 2 more B1.2s for L and R surround. but would i really notice any difference if i got 2 .5s and saved some money? Finally, should i look at the R1.2 for single rear surround or should i go with a 3rd .5 possibly?

thanks for tips... by the way, i am pretty happy with what i have now and have been upgrading 1 speaker/pair at a time.

Management

08-02-06, 11:01 PM

If I had the right room setup up (my viewing area and room dimensions are weird) I would use the 2 R1.2s for L and R surrounds while using 1 B1 or two .5s for 6.1 or 7.1 respectively. I feel that would give you the best envelope feeling. But thats just me though. You can always play with the crossover to whateva sounds good to you. BTW you can also do a 6.1 setup like this:
2 B1s or .5s for surrounds and 1 R1. Just another thought.

snoogans

08-03-06, 02:26 AM

I'm using an XR55 with B1.2s up front and a full set of .5s everywhere else and think they're great together. It seems to me that some who say the Athenas are too bright for the XR55 haven't actually heard them together.

I've had pretty much the same setup for the last 5 months, except with B1.1's along with an H-100. Like many others, I also find the Panny+Athena combo to be way too bright. I compare it to how my Grado SR60 headphones sounded. After quite a bit of tweaking, I have the treble turned down to -5 which makes the sound warmer while keeping the highs more than adequate.

icculus631, despite what I just wrote I still would recommend the XR55+Athena combo. Great reciever and great speakers for the price. I am very satisfied with my home theater setup. If it sounds too bright, all you have to do is turn down the treble. I would go with a different sub though.

nathanielmark01, save your money and get the S5's for surrounds. If you must go 6.1 get the R1.2 for the single rear.

Management

08-03-06, 08:44 AM

get the S5's for surrounds. If you must go 6.1 get the R1.2 for the single rear.

Thats what I have as a 6.1 :D

icculus631

08-03-06, 11:23 AM

what do you recommend for the subwoofer again I would like to keep it about the same or less then the cost of the p400 which is $160

Management

08-03-06, 11:31 AM

From what I have read the p400 is very good for watching movies. So is the Dayton ... I have the p4000 which I got shipped for $165 pm me and I will tell you where. Everyone that says anything good about the p4000 usualy says that it is excellent when using it for music. I can say it is great for music but I like how it sounds for my movies as well (this is a preference though).

deadsoulz

08-03-06, 11:46 AM

My AS-F1.2's (229.00 for the pair brand new) will be here Friday. I just bought a new ASP-400 for 132.50 + 30.00 shipping .

So all I have left to buy now is

2 x point 5's for surrounds
1 x C1.2 for center.

So far I am in to the speakers about 400.00 and that includes the sub. Should be able to wrap this speaker config up for less than 600.00

I think thats a good deal on the f1.2's and a great deal on the AS-P400, but I am new to this,so not sure. This is hopefully totally going to kill my crappy Sony HTIB I bought back in 2000.

--ds

Management

08-03-06, 11:55 AM

snoogans

08-03-06, 01:05 PM

what do you recommend for the subwoofer again I would like to keep it about the same or less then the cost of the p400 which is $160

The P400 seems to be a pretty decent sub for the price. You can have your speakers match aesthetically and also have the added benefit of Athena's SCT control which adjusts the frequency to your specific speaker model. It won't hit the lowest bass frequencies though, but you won't find anything within that price range that does.

I'm very happy with my H100. I paid a little more than you're willing to spend ($215 shipped new on ebay). It's probably within the class just below where audiophiles consider quality subwoofers to begin ($400+). It aesthetically matches my Athena setup perfectly by coincidence, with the black faux wood finish matching the B1's and piano black gloss matching the .5's. Doesn't hit the lowest bass frequencies though, but it's good enough for me.

I've heard mixed reviews on the older model Dayton's and mostly negative on the newer models. They're well within your price range but I would avoid them.

My advice would be to save and get a better sub. Don't bother though if you live in an apt building with neighbors to consider. If not check the subwoofer forum for better advice and suggestions.

szett

08-03-06, 02:59 PM

icculus631

08-03-06, 04:35 PM

Thanks for all your help. I finally bought most of the equipment. I haven't gotten the sub yet. I ended up going with the panasonic xr55

One last question I bought 2 pairs of s.5 and 2 pairs of b1.1 and 2 As-c1's
I want two systems am I better to pair
the b1's and s.5's seperately or use one pair of b1's and one pair of s.5's in each setup

I feel like I got a pretty good deal from what I could find.
I paid $85 per pair for new B1.1's and $75 each for new As-c1's.
and $60 per pair for new s.5's. Has anybody seen the panasonic xr55 for less than $229 new including shipping just curious?

cherry ghost

08-03-06, 05:17 PM

GKH

08-03-06, 05:24 PM

Where are you guys (& girls) buying your Athena systems?

sjncdogsrule

08-03-06, 05:36 PM

Where are you guys (& girls) buying your Athena systems?

Got mine from Audio Advisor. http://www.audioadvisor.com/

-- Scott

Management

08-03-06, 06:18 PM

Got mine on thee auction site and audioadvisor.

Jakeman02

08-03-06, 08:09 PM

Where are you guys (& girls) buying your Athena systems?

Ebay is the only place I know of to get the Point5 system now. Also has the seem to be running the original audion speakers for the time being. I picked up a C1 to upgrade my Point5 center 2 weeks ago and wow.

For the current audition .2 series and other current Athenas, audioadvisor.com is a great place.

zeuss

08-03-06, 10:41 PM

afrogt

08-04-06, 01:46 AM

Did you get the C1 from the guy that has about 10 of them listed? Good condition? I'm using a C.5 with B1.2s up front and S.5s on the side and rear and I'm thinking about getting a C1.

I got my S.5's from this guy and they came brand new in original packaging, actually double boxed. Mfrs box had been open and resealed, but the speakers were never unwrapped. All packaging, material, manuals, mounting brackets were included. No defaced serial numbers or anything like that. Everything looks legit.

Jakeman02

08-04-06, 02:13 AM

I am a novice, but am reading about crossover ? for individual speakers from people on this post. I have a Harman Kardon avr430 which i just got tonight to go along with my C.1 center, 2 B.1 fronts, and 4 .5 surrounds(sides and rears) with a 400 subwoofer

My room is 12.5 wide and 23 feet deep. The 42 inch westinghouse lcd is in the front of the room while the two rears on on the back back wall , the two sides are at 90 degrees from the couch and fronts/centers are set according to dolby digital specs

Does anybody have any input on what i should set the crossover for these speakers for best performance. I know i am going to have to adjust the back speakers because of the length from the receiver

If I'm not mistaken that HK has the capability to set a different crossover for each speaker, I'd start with 80 for the C1 and 100 for the point5s. You might find 100 works best for all though. If it doesn't have the seperate speaker crossover capability see evertything to 100 and tweak to your taste from there. Dont forget to turn the crossover on the sub all the way up.

jolmorri

08-04-06, 03:55 PM

Went to Best Buy on a whim ... I don't usually go because I HATE shopping there. Was looking for some Athenas and it turns out they were sold out except for a couple floor models of WS-100 and WS-60. Tags were marked down for about a month, so I asked the manager if they could knock another 10% off and they did.

I ended up getting the pair of WS-100's for $240 and the WS-60 for $89!

I cant wait to hook them up to the Jamo AVR793 ($299 on ebay) on Monday! I will report on how they sound.

Anyone have suggestions for surrounds besides the WS-15? I have a JBL SCS 135 5.1 system that I wouldnt mind ditching the center to in order to get the 4 surround channels and sub. Please post opinions on whether you think I should use this combination with the three WS series fronts. Thanks in advance for your input!
-----------------------
Other Systems and Speakers:
JVC RX-8020vbk (6.1)
Bose Freestyle (2x 80W)
Infinity Floorstanders

Paul H.

08-05-06, 12:49 AM

Man you scored like I did..so far...I got my WS60 for $50!!! Now they have some WS-100 for $180 each and they wont budge EVEN with torn covers. Oh well..Ill keep trying. Good snag!!

Paul

simpleHT

08-05-06, 02:36 AM

Ebay is the only place I know of to get the Point5 system now. Also has the seem to be running the original audion speakers for the time being. I picked up a C1 to upgrade my Point5 center 2 weeks ago and wow.

For the current audition .2 series and other current Athenas, audioadvisor.com is a great place.
The POINT-5 just show up again at Amazon with better price than Ebay. Shipping cost at Amazon is usually not inflated as on Ebay.

WilliamPC

08-05-06, 05:17 PM

Jakeman02

08-05-06, 06:43 PM

Is Athena still alive? I ask because Best Buy appears to have dropped them and the Athena Website hasnt been updated in a long, long time.

I have the Micra 6 set and I love them. Im trying to find an extra speaker because my receiver is 6.1 and I would like some more rear effects.

I have a C1 thats unused because I was originally going to go the "big speaker" route. That ended when my wife saw the size of the. I got the Micras at BB for $199 and with a good sub they are perfect for me. Maybe I will use the C1 as the center and move the Micra center to the rear for 6.1.

Anyone know the status of Athena?

If the wife will let you get away with using the C1 as the center then that would be your best route. I purchased a C1 as an upgrade to my point5 center and it was an amazing difference. You'll have to turn down the receiver level for the center to get it to match the others. I had to cut mine back 5db after the upgrade to get it to match but an amazing sound improvement. If you want to go the micr singles route, heres a link for singles.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-2/qid=1154817590/ref=sr_1_2/602-3253326-4865456?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B00092DCJA

WilliamPC

08-06-06, 08:42 AM

If the wife will let you get away with using the C1 as the center then that would be your best route. I purchased a C1 as an upgrade to my point5 center and it was an amazing difference. You'll have to turn down the receiver level for the center to get it to match the others. I had to cut mine back 5db after the upgrade to get it to match but an amazing sound improvement. If you want to go the micr singles route, heres a link for singles.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-2/qid=1154817590/ref=sr_1_2/602-3253326-4865456?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B00092DCJA

I will try the C1 as the center and the Micra center as the rear center and we'll see how it works. I know that the Audition and Micra are not timbre matched so seemless blending may not be there. Then again, not to many movies are in 6.1 so its going to be somewhat artificial anyway.

Thanks so much for the link to the singles. I have been searching for months. Go figure that they are at Target.com!!!!

TDI Driver

08-06-06, 11:25 AM

[QUOTE=WilliamPC] Is Athena still alive? I ask because Best Buy appears to have dropped them and the Athena Website hasnt been updated in a long, long time.

As the sales manager of an independent retailer, who has sold Athena since the original SCT series, I can tell you that Athena is just fine. API has kept this line-up pretty small only releasing the updated AS-x.2 series (change of woofer and tweeter trim color to silver) and the WS series in the past year or so. This year we will see some minor changes as well.

The AS-B2.2, the F1.2, and the AS-P6000 are going away (in fact, my rep told me this past week that the P6000 is already sold out). The WS series is changing color from silver to black aluminum. The in-wall/ceiling line may not last the year unless API sees a major purchasing commitment from a box box retailer. The Micra-6 will only be offered as a 5.1 HTiB which explains the individual packs being sold out through Target.

Athena plans to introduce at least a couple new models probably serving as replacements for the B2.2 and F1.2. All I have been told is that there will be a new bookshelf model this year accompanied by a dual 6.5" tower. Too soon to tell if they will be inserted into the Audition series or if they will be the foundation of a new line-up.

So, once all the changes are done, API is still planning on keeping the Athena brand a small tightly-focused line, and I'm sure they'll be around for some time to come (with or without BB). At least I hope they're not going anywhere because it has been a great line to sell over the past 6 years.

BTW I have a 5.1 system made up of the SCT series S3/P3 fronts, an SCT C1 center and a pair of AS-IW6 rears. Over my 12 years in the business, and selling Paradigm, Definitive, NHT and Infinity (as well as owning an NHT system among others), Athena simply offers one of the best values going. Obviously we all enjoy them or we wouldn't be here :)

simpleHT

08-06-06, 01:46 PM

[QUOTE=WilliamPC][I]
The AS-B2.2, the F1.2, and the AS-P6000 are going away (in fact, my rep told me this past week that the P6000 is already sold out). The WS series is changing color from silver to black aluminum. The in-wall/ceiling line may not last the year unless API sees a major purchasing commitment from a box box retailer. The Micra-6 will only be offered as a 5.1 HTiB which explains the individual packs being sold out through Target.

I found it quite shocked to see the AS-P6000 going away. Personally, I liked it much more that the P4000 model, and it's well worth the price difference. I hope there is something better for the place of P6000.

TDI Driver

08-07-06, 08:16 AM

I found it very interesting that the P6000 was discontinued as well seeing as how nice it fit into the line adding the much needed sub to augment the F2.2's (and at such a great price). Perhaps the elimination of the Athena 12" is similar to API's decision to discontinue the Omni-S12 from Mirage's line as well.

If I find anything out, I'll post it here first.

Big_D_STeve

08-07-06, 11:45 AM

As the sales manager of an independent retailer, who has sold Athena since the original SCT series, I can tell you that Athena is just fine. API has kept this line-up pretty small only releasing the updated AS-x.2 series (change of woofer and tweeter trim color to silver) and the WS series in the past year or so. This year we will see some minor changes as well.
The AS-B2.2, the F1.2, and the AS-P6000 are going away .

Too bad, I think the B-2 is an excellent bookshelf speaker. Besides the color, doesn't the AS-x.2 update include a thinner MDF and a change in drivers?
Thanks

Jakeman02

08-07-06, 11:52 AM

Too bad, I think the B-2 is an excellent bookshelf speaker. Besides the color, doesn't the AS-x.2 update include a thinner MDF and a change in drivers?
Thanks
As far as the thickness of the MDF it's 1/4" thickier in the ordiginal Aud series than and the .2 . I ordered a C1 a few weeks ago and couldn't believe the weight, It's 5lbs heavier than the same sized C1.2. Can't speak for driver changes, I know the driver color changed.

Big_D_STeve

08-07-06, 12:02 PM

As far as the thickness of the MDF it's 1/4" thickier in the ordiginal Aud series than and the .2 . I ordered a C1 a few weeks ago and couldn't believe the weight, It's 5lbs heavier than the same sized C1.2. Can't speak for driver changes, I know the driver color changed.

I like the idea of heavier myself, but the newer series may sound just as good.

jvgillow

08-07-06, 06:02 PM

It would be nice if Best Buy would carry their Audition line again; unfortunately I think the profits weren't big enough compared to Klipsch and JBL (ultimately bigger names with better brand recognition for J6P).

deadsoulz

08-12-06, 07:42 PM

Anyone know anywhere on the net that I can still get a pair of point-5's for my rears?

Paul H.

08-12-06, 10:20 PM

Well I just scored a big one today at BB. In the past month I have got 1 WS-60 ($50) and today I got 2 WS-100's for $208 :) He first had the price and then was like "Let me check with my manager to see if thats per speaker or the pair". He came back and said pair..SOLD!!! They were $300 he took them down to $270 and I had a 20% off coupon that I used (It can be found on their website, its 20% off an open box). He then threw in a $20 gift card. So Grand total of $258 for a WS-60 and 2 WS-100's. Now all I need are the WS-15 rears to complete the speakers. Im running them on an Onkyo R330 so im not even close to maxing them out, but they sound great. Woo hoo!!!

Paul

Jakeman02

08-12-06, 11:04 PM

Anyone know anywhere on the net that I can still get a pair of point-5's for my rears?

Keep an eye out on ebay would be your best bet.

Symtex

08-14-06, 11:48 AM

Currently have an Onkyo HT-R520 avr (came in the 770 htib) driving a front of B1's, C1, and a P400. (I am one of a very few here that really like the 400. For less than $75, whats not to like?) I was using the rears that came with the 770 in the back.

Just got me (2) of the old B2's for about $115 ($86/$29) shipped. Got into a short bidding war or I could have had them a little cheaper. Now the B1's will go to the rear. All thats left is getting another B1 for the rear.

I was happy with the B1's in the front but couldn't pass up the B2's.

I have the same amp as your. how big a difference was it for you to switch from Onkyo speakers to Athena series ?

stopme007

08-14-06, 03:03 PM

So I just bought a panasonic home theatre (SC-HT940)with speakers and decided I didn't like it. I paid $400. I've decided to stick with my current receiver (3-year old JVC) that puts out 100 watts/channel and requires a powed subwoofer. I plan on replacing it by the end of the year since I need a better one for the Vizio TV (GV42L) that has HDMI inputs. This will be used 95% on movies.

I have a budget of $400 and want some good speakers that will fit my setup and room size (25' x 25'). I've read rave reviews on the Athenas, but need some advise (Please).

Jakeman02

08-14-06, 03:30 PM

icculus631

08-16-06, 09:50 AM

Because I can no longer find the athena p4000 for much under 200 I have decided to go with a different subwoofer. It's between the bic h-100 and the athena p6000. Just wondering what peoples thoughts were on the two if the cost was about the same. Also will the bic h-100 go well with athena b1.1 and s.5's and panasonic xr55

afrogt

08-16-06, 10:22 AM

You don't need to match subs with same brand speakers. Sub only companies like Velodyne, SVS and Hsu makes subs that would work with any brand speakers.

*These 3 companies may have some bookshelf/satellite speakers now but their main emphasis is still subwoofers.

bchboy1206

08-17-06, 11:26 PM

Hi everyone, First off, great site I have learned a lot so far, thanks.

Next, I have been doing a lot of reading and I think I have come up with a speaker set up I will enjoy but now I just need some input on my receiver choices.

Heres the speaker set up I am starting with

Athena B1.2 x4 (Front and Rear)
Athena C 1.2 center
Acoustech H100 sub

I will make it a 7.1 system when I can afford the F2.2s to take over the front position.

now for the hard part, Which Receiver???

I have read that some receivers are too "bright" for the Athenas so here are a few choices that are in my budget ($400 max). I appreciate any and all comments and opinions on this set up and receiver choices.

I love to really "listen" to music but I also love good sounding movies. The room size about 13x 15, carpeted, not much furniture yet.

My Choices are...

HK AVR 430-Z, Onkyo SR 603, Pioneer VSX-1016TXV, or last but not least, the Panasonic SA-XR57

Thanks in advance
Jim

Jakeman02

08-18-06, 12:32 AM

snoogans

08-18-06, 11:23 AM

Jakeman02

08-18-06, 11:36 AM

What do you guys think would be a fair price on an AS-C1 and 2 AS-F1 speakers that are 3 years old and supposedly perfect condition? I came across them on craigslist last night. They were a package deal with ht gear I don't need, but the seller stated he may sell the speakers separately. How much does used speaker value depreciate?

If I do end up getting the AS-F1's, I would move my AS-B1's to the rear. Do most people mount them (they're big and heavy) or have them on stands as surrounds?

Thanks.

Their are alot of C1's going on ebay right now for $50 + $30 shipping. These are new in box if you want to use that for a reference. I've also seen some new F1s recently there but didn't check the price. They F1.2s sell for $199 + sh per pair new retail, if you can verify they are in fact in perfect condition I'd have no problem paying $125 - $150 including shipping.

I'd get stands for the B1's on the rear, more placement options and height adjustment that way and you can get good stands for around $30. If you do try to mount them remember they are rear ported so you'll have to allow some space from the wall.

snoogans

08-18-06, 12:24 PM

I've already got my B1's on 2" omnimount cosmic stands. Would that be too short to use as surrounds?

I've already got mounted S.5's for surrounds. I kind of wanted to sell my .5's as a complete set, but would I be better off keeping a pair to use as surrounds or replace them with my B1's?

gotchaforce

08-18-06, 12:54 PM

hey guys are b2.2s really worth the extra money over the b1.2s?? the b2.2s have the woofer thats 6.5 instead of 5.5, and reach a little lower obviously, but besides that are they the same speaker??

afrogt

08-18-06, 03:21 PM

My Choices are...

HK AVR 430-Z, Onkyo SR 603, Pioneer VSX-1016TXV, or last but not least, the Panasonic SA-XR57

Jim, you can easily find the HK 435-Z on Harman Kardon's ebay site for under $400. It's got a better chipset than the 430 and does room EQ and acoustic cablibration. Also try One Call because they were running a special under $400 for brand new units. Web price is more but if you called it was under $400.

szett

08-18-06, 08:07 PM

Their are alot of C1's going on ebay right now for $50 + $30 shipping. These are new in box if you want to use that for a reference. I've also seen some new F1s recently there but didn't check the price. They F1.2s sell for $199 + sh per pair new retail, if you can verify they are in fact in perfect condition I'd have no problem paying $125 - $150 including shipping.

I'd get stands for the B1's on the rear, more placement options and height adjustment that way and you can get good stands for around $30. If you do try to mount them remember they are rear ported so you'll have to allow some space from the wall.

Jakeman, was wondering if you meant the F1.2's were $199 per pair on Ebay or somewhere else? Thanks, Scott

afrogt

08-18-06, 08:27 PM

If you can find the F1.2 for $199/pr you should buy them. Usually they go for $199 ea.

bchboy1206

08-18-06, 08:36 PM

Jim, you can easily find the HK 435-Z on Harman Kardon's ebay site for under $400. It's got a better chipset than the 430 and does room EQ and acoustic cablibration. Also try One Call because they were running a special under $400 for brand new units. Web price is more but if you called it was under $400.

Hey Afrogt, Thanks fo the info, I think someone can get a real good deal if their timing is right.

Would it be a bad move to just buy fronts and then add the rears, center and sub???

I am thinking of getting the HK 435 and a pair of F2.2s then add on from there.

afrogt

08-19-06, 06:22 PM

bchboy1206

08-19-06, 06:48 PM

Wouldn't be a bad move at all. The f2.2 will sound good with your receiver. The just upgrade whenever you have the time or money. Those floorstanders will do a good job of filling the room.

I think someone wrote that Athena is coming out with a bigger center channel in the fall. It might be even a better match with the F2.2, so holding off on centers and rears might be beneficial to you.

I am glad to hear the F2.2 will do the job while I get the rest of the equipment. I have heard that the center was a little lacking (I think it was the athens I have read about so many different brands) it may actually be a blessing for me to hold off.

I listened to a set of Paradigms Monitor 5 and I was really impressed but they were $200 more dollars than the Atenas for the fronts.

Do they sound much better than the Athenas?

Although from what I read the Paradigms Monitor 5s are in a different class, I am hoping the Atenas will sound at least close.

Thanks again
Jim

afrogt

08-19-06, 07:20 PM

Couple of Athena F2.2 reviews from the trade mags...

http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/athena_asf2.htm
http://www.stereophile.com//loudspeakerreviews/645/index.html

bchboy1206

08-19-06, 07:35 PM

You are "Da Man", Thank you very much, this should answer some questions and give me a larger knowledge base on the Athenas...

Thanks
Jim

bchboy1206

08-19-06, 07:57 PM

Wow, I was impressed by those reviews, I will not second guess this purchase anymore.

Thanks
Jim

gotchaforce

08-19-06, 08:15 PM

bchboy1206

08-19-06, 10:14 PM

bchboy im in the same situation as you

buy a pair of F2.2 from audio advisor with free shipping

or 4xb1.2s with a c1.2 for near the same price..

however the primus 360s are still intriguing and cost a full $80 less from authorized electronics.. ;)

Thanks Gotchaforce, I read the review from stereophile on the 360s and to me the reveiw was good but it didn't seem to be as glowing as the F2.2s. It could be because of a different author or just my perception of the read but I am sticking with the F2.2s because they look cooler to me and then I will add on as money permits.

Now.... I'm torn making the decision of which receiver between $200-$400 that I will be happy with and wont outgrow... I will be using an XBox360, PC, DVD, and probably other stuff as I figure things out. I also love great sounding music so I have thrown the Maranz 4600 in the mix...

Thanks in advance for any advice and knowledge you all may share. ;)
Jim

gotchaforce

08-19-06, 10:35 PM

what ive gathered is primus 360s deliver a lot of bass and overral great sound, however the highs and midrange of the f2.2 is way way better, and i also think the f2.2 look a lot better than the 360s, which look pretty ugly to me.

snoogans

08-20-06, 03:01 PM

Would the F1's be that much of a step up from B1's when I've already got an H100 handling the bass? The guy is asking $225 for the pair, or $300 with the C1 although I think I can talk him down a little. Should I go for it and sell my 5 month old .5's?

bchboy1206

08-20-06, 04:17 PM

I am not sure if the F1s are much better than the B1s but I probably would not pass up that deal. I would try to chew him down a little and sell your .5s, but I dont know all that much about this stuff yet.

Or you can let me get the F1 set if you pass :)

Jim

afrogt

08-20-06, 04:20 PM

F1's are definitely better than B1 for two channel music. I have both in my setup and the F1's sound fuller and of course have more bass. B1's are rears now.

Figure B1's plus stands would cost about $175 so getting the F1 for $225 is pretty good. Even better if you can get him to knock $25 off the price.

nathan7

08-21-06, 01:55 AM

I think I got lucky today finding a single set of Point Fives on Amazon. I am currently running a Onkyo HT-R500 with whatever speakers it came with as a HTIB, except the driver in the 8" sub was popped, so I replaced it with a Dayton 12" SUB-120 several months ago. I didn't need the Point Fives but couldn't pass them up after hearing so many good things about them back when I researched subs here, so they're on the way for $252 shipped. Thanks for the reading material. I hope this new setup is a nice improvement. This Onkyo HTIB has been my first surround venture, and I bought it used for $200.

ryewhiskey

08-21-06, 10:48 AM

Hi everybody,

I've had my AS B2 front speakers on top of bookshelves since I bought them, but after a bit of living room reorganization, I am now interested in either putting them on their own shelves on opposite sides of the room or wall mounting them.

Can anyone suggest the pros and cons of putting speakers on shelves vs. wall mounting?

Can anyone suggest specific shelving products or wall mounts that can be used with AS B2s?

This is the first time I've ever done any home theater "construction," so any and all feedback would be welcomed.

PULLIAMM

08-21-06, 10:49 AM

dacia

08-21-06, 10:59 AM

Howdy all -- new to this board -- first post.

I just installed an Athena Micra system that is being driven by a Panasonic XR 55SA.

As I type this I am listening to George Winston's "Venice Dreamer" and I have a hard time believing that this is the same recording that I have listened to hundreds of times over the years !!

I am not fluent in the jargon the you folks use to describe the attributes of speakers -- so I must rely on my own----

WOW ! FABULOUS ! INCREDIBLE ! AWESOME !

PULLIAMM

08-21-06, 11:13 AM

Aaargh! My eyes!

jmj12

08-21-06, 11:43 AM

ryewhiskey

08-21-06, 02:09 PM

If you can find room to put them on stands instead, they would sound significantly better.

I can probably guess, but why do you say that? Are stands universally preferred to mounts or shelves?

I'm still looking into shelves and/or mounts for a pair of Athena AS B2s, but I guess I should open up my search to include stands as well. Any suggestions?

PULLIAMM

08-21-06, 02:14 PM

Are stands universally preferred to mounts or shelves?

Yes. Nearly all "bookshelf" speakers sound better on stands. I don't know all the theory, but it has to do with having some empty space on all sides. (Some call it "breathing room".)

TomInCanada

08-21-06, 02:32 PM

Yes. Nearly all "bookshelf" speakers sound better on stands. I don't know all the theory, but it has to do with having some empty space on all sides. (Some call it "breathing room".)

I was told by Athena themselves that some bass comes out the back because they are rear ported, and if there is no room or it's crammed too tightly, you'll likely lose some of said bass...

dacia

08-21-06, 03:38 PM

I am waiting for these speakers (back ordered). What were you using before? Do they really produce that well?

Jim

this is my first system -- the only thing I have experienced that can even remotely compare these to is a Logitech Z560 computer speaker system .

I have a Sony 50" A10 and had been using just the speakers in the set.

I have these mounted in the corners of an 18' X 18' room about 8' off of the floor with center channel directly below the display and the subwoofer about 3' to the side of the set. YES , they do produce crystal clear and powerful sound.

p.s. you mentioned that your set is on backorder. If you are buying them from BestBuy you may recieve them a lot sooner than you think. When I ordered (August 4) I got an e-mail saying that they were going to be shipped on August 21-- I recieved them on August 15 ! :D

dacia

08-21-06, 03:43 PM

Aaargh! My eyes!

sorry :o

scottndavis

08-21-06, 04:56 PM

Hi folks;

Sorry for the noob question. I'm upgrading my Onkyo 780 HTIB, I was looking for a reasonably priced satellite system. I ordered the Athena Micras, but wonder if anyone has ever compared them to CC's Insignia TSS-450 or the Harman Kardon HKTS 14s?

snoogans

08-21-06, 09:12 PM

$275 for an C1 and 2 F1's, 3 years old in excellent condition. My B1's will go to the rear and my 5 month old .5's sell for hopefully $150 which will mean the front and center speaker upgrade will hopefully cost around $125.

He needs to know very soon. Should I do it?

bchboy1206

08-21-06, 10:21 PM

Personally I think it is a good deal. If I were you, I would audition them in his house to get an idea of what they are capable of and if they are not hooked up I would ask him if you could listen to them before you decide.

The price seems pretty good because I cant find F1s much cheaper than F2s so it would be like getting a free center and after selling your .5s you wont have invested much at all.

if you pass and your within driving distance from central Ga. I would be interested.

Jim

snoogans

08-22-06, 02:53 AM

sorry bchboy, but the seller and I are located in the Los Angeles area. He seems to really want to get rid of them, but I don't think he'll want to ship those big speakers.

snoogans

08-22-06, 03:16 AM

Hey bchboy,

someone on ebay from Lawrenceville GA is selling like new pairs of AS-F1.1's starting at $125 with a $10 pickup fee. Sounds like a better deal than what I could get.

shriek

08-22-06, 09:55 AM

I made my own speaker stands for my Athena Point 5 speakers. My reason? I refuse to spend as much on speaker stands as I did on the speakers themselves. I spent a grand total of $62 to build the stands. It's a very easy project that pretty much anyone can do.

Here is the link for the assembly:

edit: http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13811

http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/uploads/post-3544-1156210399_thumb.jpg

bchboy1206

08-22-06, 10:35 PM

Hey bchboy,

someone on ebay from Lawrenceville GA is selling like new pairs of AS-F1.1's starting at $125 with a $10 pickup fee. Sounds like a better deal than what I could get.

Thanks Guys, I am on it!!!

Jim

Jakeman02

08-23-06, 03:28 AM

Thanks Guys, I am on it!!!

Jim

I've ordered a C1 center and a AS-P400 sub from the Lawrenceville seller and both products came nib as decribed, very well packed, double boxed and lightning fast shipping if that eases your mind any, I was skeptical of ordering from there but they were great.

koli

08-27-06, 09:29 PM

Hi, I am hoping someone has some advice. I am looking to expand my system and am looking for some input.

Current Components
Yamaha HTR-5590 (6.1 100W RMS)
4x Athena S.5
1x Athena C.5
Velodyne CHT-10 Sub

I am looking to get a rear center and a couple floor standing fronts.

My first thought was to pick up a pair of Athena AS-F2.2's for $260 each on-line and a Athena AS-R1.2 for $120 at Best Buy.

I heard these are really good speakers especially the AS-F2.2s but would that be overkill given my receiver and should I plan to upgrade it too and can I run both the floor speakers and front surrounds at the same time? I typically use my set-up for movies, TV and video games.

Thanks.

afrogt

08-28-06, 03:25 AM

My first thought was to pick up a pair of Athena AS-F2.2's for $260 each on-line

They're quite a bit cheaper than that from Audio Advisor.
http://audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ATHASF2%2E2&product_name=F2%2E2%20Speakers%20Black,%20Pair

Jakeman02

08-28-06, 03:51 AM

Paul H.

08-28-06, 11:49 PM

Okay,

I know have my 2 WS-15's, 1 WS-60, and 2 WS-100's. I got some speaker stands for the 15's and im using an Onkyo HT-330R reciever from a HTIB setup. My weak link is the sub that came with the HTIB. Its actually pretty crappy and powered by the reciever. I have a few questions oh how to get the best sound. Room is a little under 300 ft/2

1. Should I tell the reciever im not running a subwoofer?
2. What crossover settings do you all recommend?
3. What speaker size should I set them? Small?
4. When I setup the WS-15's for the rear's how far away from the couch should they be? What about height above the couch? Should they be angled?
5. I plan on attempting to use a meter to fully adjust the speakers from the listeners position, but im totally lost. Ive read the write ups, but im still confused. Anyone got cliff notes?

I plan on getting the H-100 sub in the near future and I know that will help the sound, but till that time I want to maximize what I have. Then ill come back and 20 question more ;).

Thanks in advance,

Paul

Apes

08-29-06, 12:24 PM

So B1.2's work better with stands than bookshelves I read?
What type of stands do most people use?

I have a couple of omnimount *cheapo style* stands I got off ebay that I use with B1.2's. The only problem is they are a bit tacky and unstable. I have a 5month old who will begin crawling soon, so I'm going to either need to find a more stable stand that she can't pull on or get rid of my sound system all together.
I was thinking of buying actual bookshelves to stick on the side so I could put two of the B1's on, then buying two F1.2's to put in the front of the room.
But I'm unsure I want to go buy F1's to replace the front B'1's, really I just want a more stable way of housing the 4 speakers so the baby won't pull them on top of herself, without spending another $300-400.

chem-e

08-30-06, 06:01 PM

I'm putting together my first system. So far, here's what I got.

receiver: Onkyo SR503 (bought used)
speakers: pair of B1s (bought used) & a C1 (also bought used)
stands: a pair of nice hand-me-downs from my father-in-law

Altogether less than $300 for everything. This is so much better than the HTIB that I was going to buy.

I'm lucky that I've been reading thru this forum to research everything before buying. I'm also lucky that I scored everything used and locally, so I got a nice used set that I pieced together and didn't have to pay any shipping.

Now I'm looking for a nice sub to complete my set... back to Craigslist I go...

AfRoMaN787

08-31-06, 12:38 AM

Ok so I finally won everything off ebay. Here is what I got:
Reciever: HK avr240
Speakers: Athena Mk .5 system
Sub: Athena as p4000
Today I took shipment of the sub however, I cannot figure out how to bypass its built in crossover controls. I have the sub connected via an rca cable. Is there anyway to bypass this or must the crossover be set through the sub?

afrogt

08-31-06, 01:01 AM

Just turn the P4000 crossover all the way to 120hz. Then use the receiver to select the crossover pints you want. I think the HK uses increments of 20hz so try 80, 100 and 120hz on the receiver and see what sounds best to you. Most likely it'll be around 100 for the point 5 system.

The top end of that sub is supposed to be 120hz so with it turned all the way to the right, you've basically bypassed the crossover.

AfRoMaN787

08-31-06, 09:50 AM

Thanks afrogt. One more quick question. Is my best bet to set all the speakers to small or large? What exactly is the difference?

PULLIAMM

08-31-06, 10:00 AM

Thanks afrogt. One more quick question. Is my best bet to set all the speakers to small or large? What exactly is the difference?
Small. When speakers are set to large, the bass below the crossover frequency is sent to them and not to the sub.

AfRoMaN787

08-31-06, 04:32 PM

Ok I just set up the .5's with the p4000 sub and hk avr240 reciever and all I can say is WOW! This setup sounds awesome and they arent even broken in yet. I can't wait till then.

Paul H.

08-31-06, 05:46 PM

Jakeman02

08-31-06, 08:48 PM

Anyone? Also while im digging for info. How much of a difference would I notice by getting the Pioneer 816 reciever over the Onkyo I have??

Minimal to none. I've got the same Onkyo receiver as you and the Pioneer 516, which is the one just below the 816. Same receiver with less connections and a chap A** remote lol. Both have Point5 speakers and Athena Subs. I slightly like the Pio better for music but you have to do some really intense listening to tell a difference. I like the Onkyo MUCH more for HT. Dialogue and effects sound better to me. Overall I think the Onkyo is a better sounding receiver.

kautious619

09-11-06, 01:40 AM

Hey everyone. Love all the info that I get from this site.

I have a small question..
I have a mid size theater room, can I use the two R1.2 for the rears? Are the R1.2 any good? I have a Pioneer 1015tx with the athena C1.2 and two b1.2 up fornt with a Infinity tss 8in sub.(new sub coming soon REAL SOON) Any feed back on this would really help. By the way my room is 13 x 14.5

afrogt

09-11-06, 02:01 AM

Yes, the "R" in R1.2 is for "rear" speakers. They should be fine in your setup.

PULLIAMM

09-11-06, 08:36 AM

What is Athena up to these days? They haven't updated their website in months!

BoomerBrian

09-11-06, 10:31 AM

glennzippy

09-17-06, 12:23 PM

Well folks, I have a little bit of news fro the CEDIA show. The speaker sets are on the way out. They are not planning on replacing the point 5's and the Micra system will eventually go as well.

The are introducing a new series called the LS line. There are five speakers in the line: The LS-50, LS-C50, LS-C100, LS-100, and the LS-300. MSRP's on them are: $100/pair, 100, 220, 200, pair and 250.

LS-50 has a 3" or so woofer and a tweeter
LS-C50 has two 3" woofers and a tweeter
LS-100 looked to have a 5" woofer and the same tweeter
LS-C100 Has 2 of the 5" woofers and the tweeter
LS-300 Has 2 of the 5" woofers and the tweeter and is a tower design.

I kind of recall a second tower that I believe was the 200. It had one 5" woofer and the tweeter. Don't quote me on this though.

They look to use some type of kevlar or similar material on the woofer. The cabinets are all a curved shape with a wood look to them (I'm not sure if they are wood or not...)

I for one really liked the look of them. They were very nice looking speakers

Jakeman02

09-17-06, 08:33 PM

Why does Best Buy not care to sell Athenas? My friend went their Friday to look at the Mirca's for his small HT and they had one set in their warehouse and had them priced at $ five hundred dollars. They have all of their other speakers available to listen too except for Athena. I don't get it. These are really good speakers for the money.

BB is not a dealer for Athena anymore so I guess they have other priorities in what they set up and push and restock, they've got some good prices online of the stock they have left (when it's on sale), their regular pricing is outrageous.

Five hurdered is way off on the pricing though. On thier website it's recenlty been marked down to $239, which is a steal for this system. It website states online only though.

jmj12

09-17-06, 09:43 PM

[QUOTE=Five hurdered is way off on the pricing though. On thier website it's recenlty been marked down to $239, which is a steal for this system. It website states online only though.[/QUOTE]

I ordered one online, and it came to 285 with tax and shipping. You are right it is a steal even at this price. Of course it's back order, and who knows when it will ship.

Jim

BoomerBrian

09-17-06, 10:30 PM

I ordered one online, and it came to 285 with tax and shipping. You are right it is a steal even at this price. Of course it's back order, and who knows when it will ship.

Jim

BestBuy wanted to move it so they came down to their online price.

Jakeman02

09-18-06, 04:45 AM

BestBuy wanted to move it so they came down to their online price.

well, yeah

meyecul

09-20-06, 02:06 PM

Athena's website has disappeared. Looks like their domain was not renewed as of Sept 14, 2006. Could it be the end?

jvgillow

09-20-06, 02:22 PM

Given what glennzippy said about the new model lineup, I don't think this is the end. Somebody probably forgot to renew the domain name though. If you go to the API home page, http://www.audioprods.com/, they still have a link to athenaspeakers.com.

SteroMAdMAn

09-20-06, 02:32 PM

http://www.athenaspeakers.com/

working here.

jvgillow

09-20-06, 02:37 PM

Must have just been fixed a few minutes ago then. Either that or a DNS update had yet to propagate everywhere.

SteroMAdMAn

09-20-06, 02:49 PM

Heh, I dunno. It worked for me yesterday. I thought it was weird him saying it was down.

meyecul

09-20-06, 03:42 PM

Hi all, sorry, false alarm....yup, its back. They must just have just renewed on their domain.

Jakeman02

09-20-06, 04:58 PM

4:57pm Eastern, down again. Could they be updating with the new line? :) (fingers crossed)

SteroMAdMAn

09-20-06, 05:05 PM

Up again! ;)

SteroMAdMAn

09-20-06, 05:07 PM

Hmm,

Latest News
9/20/2006 4:03 P.M.

athena TECHNOLOGIES is proud to announce the new WS Series of On Wall speaker solutions. Click here!

Haven't these things been out for about a year now???

tradewinds

09-20-06, 08:03 PM

Yes, they seems to be making some domain changes (hosting company or something)

Domain Name: ATHENASPEAKERS.COM
Registrar: NETWORK SOLUTIONS, LLC.
Whois Server: whois.networksolutions.com
Referral URL: http://www.networksolutions.com
Name Server: NS1.PENDINGRENEWALDELETION.COM
Name Server: NS2.PENDINGRENEWALDELETION.COM
Status: REGISTRAR-LOCK
Updated Date: 20-sep-2006
Creation Date: 14-sep-1999
Expiration Date: 14-sep-2007

>>> Last update of whois database: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:29:10 EDT <<<

Registrant:
Athena Loudspeakers
3641 McNicoll Avenue
Scarborough, ON M1X1G5
CA

Domain Name: ATHENASPEAKERS.COM

Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
Patterson, Joe webdomain@KLIPSCH.COM
Klipsch Group Inc.
3502 Woodview Trace
Indianapolis, IN 46268
US
317-860-8100 fax: 317-860-9178

Record expires on 14-Sep-2007.
Record created on 14-Sep-1999.
Database last updated on 20-Sep-2006 19:02:05 EDT.

Domain servers in listed order:

NS5.EV1SERVERS.NET 207.218.223.151
NS6.EV1SERVERS.NET 216.40.207.235

Boogie7910

09-23-06, 12:59 PM

I just bought my first HT system:
Onkyo 503 Receiver
4x Athena AS-B1.2
Athena AS-C1
SVS PB10-NSD

if there a guide on what's the best settings for this?

Jakeman02

09-23-06, 02:35 PM

I just bought my first HT system:
Onkyo 503 Receiver
4x Athena AS-B1.2
Athena AS-C1
SVS PB10-NSD

if there a guide on what's the best settings for this?

Probably 100s of places. But it's pretty simple. First go to your setup menu in the receiver.

- Measure to each speaker (including sub) from the listening position and set your speaker distances. I think Onkyo allows 1 ft increments so just round each off to the closest one.
- Set your fronts, center and surrounds to "Small".
- Make sure your subwoofer is set to "YES" in the setup menu.
- Turn the crossover on the sub off. (if the SVS doesn't have a switch then turn your crossover adjustment on the sub all the way up).
- Set your crossover in the in the receiver, I would start at 80 but you could also try 100. whichever sounds best to you.
- Level your speakers. From your listening position using your receivers test tones to adjust each speaker untill they all are at the same volume level. I usually start with the left front set to 0, then moving to each speaker adjust to the same ouput it has. (When adjusting the subs level it's just about impossible to get this correct by ear because the tones are in a lower frequency). If you don't have an SPL meter I would highly suggest you get one to properly intigrate the sub. Radio shack has them for < $50. For the inital sub setup if you don't have a meter yet, set your receiver sub level to 0 and your sub about 1/3 up on the sub volume and tweak as you listen from there.

Boogie7910

09-24-06, 11:17 AM

Probably 100s of places. But it's pretty simple. First go to your setup menu in the receiver.

- Measure to each speaker (including sub) from the listening position and set your speaker distances. I think Onkyo allows 1 ft increments so just round each off to the closest one.
- Set your fronts, center and surrounds to "Small".
- Make sure your subwoofer is set to "YES" in the setup menu.
- Turn the crossover on the sub off. (if the SVS doesn't have a switch then turn your crossover adjustment on the sub all the way up).
- Set your crossover in the in the receiver, I would start at 80 but you could also try 100. whichever sounds best to you.
- Level your speakers. From your listening position using your receivers test tones to adjust each speaker untill they all are at the same volume level. I usually start with the left front set to 0, then moving to each speaker adjust to the same ouput it has. (When adjusting the subs level it's just about impossible to get this correct by ear because the tones are in a lower frequency). If you don't have an SPL meter I would highly suggest you get one to properly intigrate the sub. Radio shack has them for < $50. For the inital sub setup if you don't have a meter yet, set your receiver sub level to 0 and your sub about 1/3 up on the sub volume and tweak as you listen from there.

thanks

N'Yeti

09-24-06, 03:17 PM

Actually, after they've been running for a few months or so, you may want to set the speakers to large and see if you are comfortable with the bass response from the B1's. If so, then you will only be using the subwoofer for the lower bass response.

glennzippy

09-26-06, 08:15 PM

My distributor has the info up on the new Athenas:

LS-100B $199.95/ Pair 5 1/2" 2-Way Curved Cabinet Bookshelf Speaker

Power handling: 120 watts rms
5 1/2" Composite fiberglass cone
1" Aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency response: 55Hz-20kHz, 87db efficiency

LS-300B $249.95/ Each 6 1/2" Slim Curved Cabinet Floor-Standing Tower

Power handling: 200 watts rms
6 1/2" composite fiberglass cone driver
1" aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency response: 38Hz-20kHz, 89db efficiency

LS-500B $399.95/ Each Dual 6 1/2" Slim Curved Cabinet Floor-Standing Tower

Power handling: 250 watts rms
Dual 6 1/2" composite fiberglass cone drivers
1" aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency response: 30Hz-20kHz, 90db efficiency

LS-50B $169.95/ Pair 3" Curved Cabinet Satellite Speaker

Power handling: 100 watts rms
3/4" soft dome tweeter
Frequency response: 90Hz - 20kHz, 84db efficiency
Includes keyhole style wall bracket

LS-C100B $199.95/ Each Slim Dual 5 1/2" Center Channel Speaker

Power handling 100 watts RMS
5.5" Composite fiberglass cones
1" Aluminum dome tweeter

lynesjc

09-28-06, 04:57 PM

This is very interesting info. I would love to see some pics and more specs. Any change in their sub offerings?

troublefan

09-29-06, 12:43 AM

Googled and found this regarding the LS line:

http://blog.stereophile.com/cedia2006/091506athena/

Actually came in to see if anyone tried the WS-60 as the center with the Micra package. Want a little more from the center than the Micra center offers, but need to adhere to the WAF parameters. Seems the WS-60 would fit the bill. Opinions?

gotchaforce

09-29-06, 01:07 AM

that picture is terrible, who the hell is their photographer??

but man, do these ever tempt me

GodURmyall

09-29-06, 04:35 AM

that picture is terrible, who the hell is their photographer??

I think they had my daughter take that picture . . . she's 14 months old. ;)

Hey, wanted to know if anyone had an opinion about using .5's as surround with 2 F2's and a C1.2 up front with an PB12-NSD sub. Will the tiny little guys be able to hold their own? Yes, I have to use wall-mounts, they must be monopole and the room is 3,000 cu. ft. Will .5's work, or am I forced to use B1/B2's?

glennzippy

09-29-06, 11:22 AM

From left to right:

LS-50B, LS-100B, LS-300B, LS-500B, LS-C100B

kurt_fire

09-29-06, 11:37 AM

You guys think the LS-500B will sound better than the AS-F2.2s?

N'Yeti

09-29-06, 12:47 PM

After they're broken in? Right out of the box they won't sound as good as an ASF2 or ASF2.2. In a year, compare the two...They may just sound the same..hehe

Jakeman02

09-29-06, 02:15 PM

I think they had my daughter take that picture . . . she's 14 months old. ;)

Hey, wanted to know if anyone had an opinion about using .5's as surround with 2 F2's and a C1.2 up front with an PB12-NSD sub. Will the tiny little guys be able to hold their own? Yes, I have to use wall-mounts, they must be monopole and the room is 3,000 cu. ft. Will .5's work, or am I forced to use B1/B2's?

They'll be ok for surround and since you need wall mounting there is no better choice. Be sure and calibrate your levels after you add them to the system. You'll probably have to run them hotter than the others to keep the same db levels but that's no biggie.

Teronzhul

09-29-06, 02:40 PM

Hmm, the new enclosures simply garner a "meh" from me. I like the look of my auditions better.

GodURmyall

09-29-06, 03:01 PM

Hmm, the new enclosures simply garner a "meh" from me. I like the look of my auditions better.

LOL! I'm sitting here reading your quote out loud and saying to myself, "That's exactly the sound I would make too!" Yeah, I'm a bit underwhelmed with the look of the new enclosures. Wonder what effect the curved backs has on sound?

They'll be ok for surround and since you need wall mounting there is no better choice. Be sure and calibrate your levels after you add them to the system. You'll probably have to run them hotter than the others to keep the same db levels but that's no biggie.

Jakeman02, thanks for the advice. Would mounting B1s or B2s 3-4 feet above ear height and just a foot or so from ceiling be better? (angled down of course) Considering .5s because of wall being a high-traffic area and not wanting people to clock them with their heads. (Yes, more concerned about the speakers than the heads.) :rolleyes:

Jakeman02

09-29-06, 06:56 PM

LOL! I'm sitting here reading your quote out loud and saying to myself, "That's exactly the sound I would make too!" Yeah, I'm a bit underwhelmed with the look of the new enclosures. Wonder what effect the curved backs has on sound?

Jakeman02, thanks for the advice. Would mounting B1s or B2s 3-4 feet above ear height and just a foot or so from ceiling be better? (angled down of course) Considering .5s because of wall being a high-traffic area and not wanting people to clock them with their heads. (Yes, more concerned about the speakers than the heads.) :rolleyes:

I'd go with the S.5s their good speakers I've got them on 2 systems front and rears and for their size they amaze me. If it wasn't for your need for wall mounting the B1 would probably be a better choice. The S.5s come with nifty wall mounting hardware that keeps the speaker a proper distance from the wall for the rear ports. Since the only place you're going to find the S.5s are used or ebay if they don't come with the mounts contact me, I've got a few extra.

The B1s are going to be a problem you'll have to make a shelf the proper depth to keep distance for the rear ports and then set the speakers on it unless you want to drill directly into the enclosure a major pain and extra expence for minimal performance increase if any when used as surrounds. Go with the S.5s

Jakeman02

10-01-06, 12:04 PM

I have the Point5 System and the ASP-4000 in a living room setup, 50/50 ht and music. I've got a 65" rear projection tv. I'm happy with the system performance wise. What I think could be MUCH better is placement options for the fronts. Right now I've got the fronts and center crammed on top of the tv. While it is a big tv aprox, 5' wide I'm thinking they are still to close together for proper imaging for this size room. The reason I'm thinking this is I also have the Point5 System in a bedroom setup where the fronts are aprox 14' apart with the center in the middle. This systems separation and imaging is much better. They are also to high sitting on the tv from the listening position but tilting them is no problem so not really a big deal. The room is 16' wide but this is the only place I have to put them, stands and wall mounting are out (before that gets recommended).

Now I need advice. I don't have very much space at all to place fronts in the living room unless I go with a slim design like the WS-100 then I can place them on the floor beside the tv, F1s or F2s are too wide. If I went this route I could get aprox 4 more feet between the left and right and also being on the floor they would be at the proper height from the listening position.

If I go the WS-100 route for the fronts that leaves the center. Should I keep the C5 center or go for the C1 or WS-60 for about the same price. I would still place the center on the TV so any of these would work. I'm leaning toward the C1 performance wise but the WS-60 would match more aesthetically, both would be close, same style grill covers. The WS-60 is also a little wider with the passive drivers so I'm thinking it would give me a wider sweet spot for dialogue. Anyone compared these two?

I'm going with the R1s for rears, my placement option in the rear makes them a prime candidate, no questions there.

The driver size is really what's has me thinking and rethinkng this, otherwise I'd go for it no problem. The Point5s have a 4" vs 3.5" for the WS although their are more of them so I'm wodering what perfomance increase, if any I would gain with the WS over the Point5s.

Final cost for doing this after I sell what I have would be aprox $375. Is it worth the cost to get what I perceive would be a performance increase in the WS over the Point5s? and also a little better placement arrangement for the fronts or would this be more of a lateral move?.

If so, that really only leaves the question of which center to go with, C1 or WS-60?

yelloguy

10-01-06, 08:32 PM

Have you played with the Dolby PL II settings in your receiver? There is one that lets you adjust the width for better imaging and separation of left and right channel.

Though, that will not help you with DD or DTS or even any other listening modes.

Jakeman02

10-01-06, 10:54 PM

Yeah I've adjusted the center width and panaroma. Those seem to just narrow or widen the soundstange between the speakers though. They are so close together right now it has a minimal effect. I tried the same adjustments on my other system where the speakers are further apart and the difference was huge.

nate358

10-02-06, 02:21 PM

what would you get if you had a 23x31.5 ft room and $1000 to spend on speakers?

jvgillow

10-02-06, 02:32 PM

what would you get if you had a 23x31.5 ft room and $1000 to spend on speakers?

Are you asking in the context of Athena brand only, or is this a general "any speaker package as long as it comes in under budget" question?

If it's a general question, you'd be better off posting in the main speaker area rather than inside the Athena owners thread.

If you're shopping for just Athena, I'd get AS-B1.2 bookshelves, the AS-C1.2 center, and a SVS PB10 subwoofer. However, that's a really big room to fill with just $1k so don't expect to get reference-level playback.

nate358

10-02-06, 03:55 PM

I was thinking of Athena brand only.

Laughorgy

10-06-06, 10:44 PM

Any opinions on using 3 Athena C1.2's across the front . Read a favorable review that used all C1's in a 5.2 setup . I'd be using four of the AS-R1.2's for surrounds in my 7.1 set up . This would be mostly for movies in a dedicated HT using my existing Pioneer 1014 . Room size is 14' x 22' x 7' Thanks

gonar

10-07-06, 08:04 AM

the last of my 5 mains arrived last night (still haven't figured out the .1)

I've got 3 AS-C1's for my front and a pair of B1's for surround. (1 C1 and the B1's from AA over the last year, $220 shipped, 2 more C1's this week from ebay, $140 total shipped, so $360 all in)

for my left and right, should I place the C1's vertically or horizontally?

Merlin803

10-07-06, 08:51 AM

I have a couple B1's as my mains now, and am thinking about moving them to the rear to replace my S.5 surrounds and getting F1.2 for my mains.

My current sub handles my bass fine, will this be much of an upgrade as far as my mains are concerned?

miked33

10-07-06, 09:55 AM

has anyone ordered the athena micra set-up from best buy lately? wondering how long i can expect to wait...
thanks.

afrogt

10-07-06, 12:16 PM

what would you get if you had a 23x31.5 ft room and $1000 to spend on speakers?

If going with Athena only how bout this?

Front: F1 or F1.2 Audio Advisor has them for $249/pr now
Back: B1.2 bookshelves $120/pr
Center: C1 center from Ebay $70 shipped
SVS PB10 sub

The F1 will fill a large room better than the B1.2 bookshelves.

MCFuryNZ

10-08-06, 01:01 PM

Hey guys-

I've got a pair of AS-B2s with a Velodyne DPS-10, all hooked to an H/K 3380 receiver. I love the detail, imaging, smoothness, and low fatigue sound, but I feel like it's just not enough for me. My room is very small, about 8x12 with 8 foot ceilings, but I still want bigger sound... bigger impact.

My dad has a pair of Altec Model 14s and I want something with that type of huge, realistic sound. Not saying I want *that* big of a sound, because I have space requirements, but is there a type of speaker out there that can blow me away as far as impact goes?

Thanks

N'Yeti

10-08-06, 01:28 PM

Try the F2's...

MCFuryNZ

10-08-06, 02:14 PM

Try the F2's...

That was my first thought, so i'll have to go give them a listen. Would the 3380 be enough power still? I really think the athena's have the perfect soundstage depth and mix of detail and forwardness, but I just want MORE. Maybe it means I need more upfront, in your face sound, kinda like my AKG headphones.

Thanks

Laughorgy

10-08-06, 03:28 PM

Another question if I may . Doesn't look like I'll be able to get 3 C1's ($130e) for across the front even if I wanted to , at least not at my local retailer here in Ontario . Can get , for a few dollars more , a pair of B2.2 ($150) . I know it's been suggested as a center many times here . Don't really have a need for the second B2.2 , so now to the ??? , would using both B2.2's as the center channel be beneficial . Could it mean the difference between using the F2.2's rather than the F1.2s's , as I've read the C1.2 is somewhat overpowered by the F2.2's . Thanks

jvgillow

10-08-06, 03:58 PM

Don't use two speakers for the center channel. Keep the extra one as a spare or sell it on ebay.

Laughorgy

10-08-06, 04:53 PM

Jeremy , thanks for the quick reply . There is currently no price difference between the B1.2's and B2.2's so that's a no brainer . Now have to decide between the F1.2's or F2.2's as there is a bigger price difference there ... thanks again

bchboy1206

10-08-06, 08:39 PM

afrogt

10-08-06, 08:58 PM

I think he's in Canada so the Audio Advisor price really isn't the same for him.

bchboy1206

10-08-06, 09:14 PM

Dang!!! I was really hoping there.

Thanks

Laughorgy

10-08-06, 09:33 PM

Yes I'm in Canada so no it's not the same . Remarkably , however , I've found either the B1.2 or B2.2's for the same price at my local F S. Both are priced $150 Canadian ($133 U.S.) . Looks like a great deal for the B2.2's and a little more than you'd have to pay for the B1.2's . If only they had more AS P6000 as they are clearanced priced for $250c <------ no that's not a typo . I've seen one selling as part of a Mirca 6 system ($900c). Think I'll beg and grovel and see if they will break it up for me , but I'm doubting it . I guess it's easy to price an item you no longer carry . Stores are closed tomorrow for Canadian Thanksgiving so I'll just have to play with my new R1.2's

gotchaforce

10-08-06, 10:18 PM

wow buy those b2.2s and start seeing if you can sell em to us americans please! :D

Merlin803

10-08-06, 10:30 PM

N'Yeti

10-08-06, 11:09 PM

The B2's have a better bass response than the B1's. The F2's will blow away just about any floor standing speaker <$1500US (provided that they've been broken in for a few weeks). Personally, I didn't have the room for a set of F1's or F2's... I ended up with two B2's for the front a C1 for the centre, two R1's for the rear and another C1 for the rear centre. I'm also using an Athena Sub8.

miked33

10-09-06, 09:29 PM

which would be better in your opinion?

cherry ghost

10-09-06, 10:42 PM

which would be better in your opinion?

point 5, but then you'll have to buy a sub

gotchaforce

10-09-06, 10:53 PM

afrogt

10-10-06, 12:16 AM

The F2's will blow away just about any floor standing speaker <$1500US

I hate when people make statements like that.

BoomerBrian

10-10-06, 09:41 AM

which would be better in your opinion?

I have the Point 5s and my friend has the Mircas. The Point 5s definitely sound better. If you have the budget and can still find the Point 5s I would definitely recommend them over the Mircas. Don't get me wrong. The Mircas do sound good but I could tell a difference.

N'Yeti

10-10-06, 01:10 PM

I hate when people make statements like that.

This is an Athena forum...live with it! They are a great set of speakers. If you love something else...live with that (but you'll miss not having the F2's).

afrogt

10-10-06, 02:04 PM

I own several Athenas from the S.5, B1, B2, C1, and F1. I don't own F2 but have heard them before.

They're not better than speakers up to $1500, except overprice BOSE. I know I can easily find speakers that sound better within that price range.

I just think its misleading to make a statement like that. They're a great speaker for their list price $600/pr and maybe $100-200 hundred more. But the competition gets very tough in that price range.

kehupie

10-10-06, 02:16 PM

Hi. I am a newbie here and it was here that educated me to make my decison to purchase the F1.2 & C1.2 Speakers. Thank you for all the information on this site.

As I mentioned I ordered the F1.2's from AudioAdvisor ($249) and the C1.2 center speaker. Both were delivered yesterday.

2 - AS-F1.2
1 - AS-C1.2
2- crappy Aiwa rears (will be upgrading soon to R1.2)
1 -Sony STR-DE825 ( Time for an upgrade, receiver is 6 years old)
1- Sony SCD-CE595 CD player
1 - JVC HR-XVC26U
50' Mitsubishi HD1080 series TV

I am trying to get optimum sound for music through the F1.2's. I want to experience the 'hidden' instruments that peopel claim to hear while listening to certain music. I listen to classical.
Is there a standard sound setting for the F1.2's for music?

thanks in advance.

afrogt

10-10-06, 02:38 PM

I think it depends on your receiver. No sound adjustments can be made on the speaker itself except for placement.

What will your next receiver be?

PULLIAMM

10-10-06, 03:03 PM

I just think its misleading to make a statement like that. They're a great speaker for their list price $600/pr and maybe $100-200 hundred more. But the competition gets very tough in that price range.
If someone pays $600 for them, they are getting ripped off. They are available for $400, and are excellent for that price for those who have a big room. In a smaller room, the F1's for $250 are a better deal. (If someone wants to spend $600, I think there are much better speakers for that, and I am an Athena fan. :cool: )

afrogt

10-10-06, 03:20 PM

Yep, they're a bargain at $400, that's for sure.

N'Yeti

10-10-06, 06:51 PM

Ok...ok...I'll change my tone...You'll buy them for $400-$600 but your ears will think that you have paid much much more...

How's that?

jvgillow

10-10-06, 06:58 PM

Who's selling new F1s for $250/pr? I emailed audioadvisor and they said the listing on their web site is invalid (and you can't add them to cart anyway).

david-me

10-10-06, 07:03 PM

ATHASF1.2 search for that on audioadvisor

GodURmyall

10-10-06, 07:17 PM

Okay, I finally got a pair of S.5's via auction, but one came without the wall mount. L-shaped rod and fastener included...plastic plate to attach to wall NOT included. I'm in SoCal and REALLY want to hook everything up, run wiring, etc. by Saturday. Any chance someone has an extra mount they can drop in the mail that will get here before then? Thanks. <>< Cliff

kehupie

10-10-06, 08:40 PM

I think it depends on your receiver. No sound adjustments can be made on the speaker itself except for placement.

What will your next receiver be?
From what I read th ePioneer VSX-816 or the Onkyo 504 seem to sound great with Athena Speakers.
I want to go to a local store and play them first.

Do you know of any others I should possibly look at? Thanks in advance.

Vengure

10-11-06, 08:51 PM

Anyone know when the LS's are suppose to release ?

afrogt

10-12-06, 01:23 AM

Do you know of any others I should possibly look at? Thanks in advance.

Perhaps the HK 240.

I have an Onkyo 573 receiver with one Athena system and a HK 325 with the other. To me, the HK sounds better. Its probably going to be hard to find HK's unless you have a Fry's or specialty audio store nearby. Circuit City won't be carrying them any more. Then again, if you do find one at CC, you can probably get a good deal on it.

PULLIAMM

10-12-06, 08:22 AM

Who's selling new F1s for $250/pr? I emailed audioadvisor and they said the listing on their web site is invalid (and you can't add them to cart anyway).
It was audioadvisor's prices I was quoting. Why would they list an invalid price? (Better to remove the item from the site if it is no longer available. :( )

bchboy1206

10-12-06, 08:49 AM

It was audioadvisor's prices I was quoting. Why would they list an invalid price? (Better to remove the item from the site if it is no longer available. :( )

They have the F1 and the F1.2, the F1 are not available as far as I can tell.

PULLIAMM

10-12-06, 09:02 AM

They have the F1 and the F1.2, the F1 are not available as far as I can tell.
Oh. My bad. I don't always remember to distinguish between the F1 and F1.2 (My understanding is that they sound identical, anyway.)

Ithappens247

10-12-06, 03:32 PM

Hi all,

First post here... I wanted to thank all of you for helping me decide on the Athena's as my speakers for my new 18'x20' home theater addition. I am currently running the wires and getting ready to sheetrock. JOY!!!

I have purchased the following - just waiting for them to arrive...

2 - AS-F1.2
1 - AS-C1.2
4 - AS-R1.2

I also have a SVS PB10-NSD on order as well.

My receiver is an ONKYO TX-S703 (still in the box) and I'll be getting the 60" Sony KDS-60A2000 SXRD 1080p rear-projection TV when the room is ready.

The question I have is whether I'm in trouble with 4 AS-R1.2's for my surrounds, not sure if 4 bi-pole speakers will work out that well. Should I have gone with AS-B1.2's instead? Possibly a combination of the two?

Thanks again, any thoughts would be appreciated.

jbailey895

10-12-06, 06:43 PM

Hi All:
Just got a pair of WS-100s at BB, and need a center channel and some rears. its for a 30' x 30' room, so any advice appreciated. Mostly music and movies. Dunno if they make a ws center channel, I'm totally noob to the Athena line. is a C-1 or C-5 timbre-matched?
Thanx,
Joel

afrogt

10-12-06, 07:12 PM

WS-60 is the matching center but they all use the same 1" tweeter and can be matched with other Athena lines. So the C1 or C5 would work also. The C.5 has closest matching woofer in size to the WS series.

http://athenaspeakers.com/WS-Series.htm

If you check Ebay, you'll find some WS-15 and WS-60 speakers for sale.

Jakeman02

10-12-06, 07:13 PM

The C1 is tembre matched and imo the best alternative for a center and are going for a steal right now on ebay new open boxed.

If you want to stay with the slim design of the WS-100 to match then the center would be the WS-60. The C5 would work also. All Athena Speakers have the same tweeter so they are tember matched to each other, except for maybe the micras, not sure about those.

thompson12

10-12-06, 09:22 PM

hi all i just got the micra 6 and i was wondering if anybody knows if the ws-100's would sound good with this micra 6 system to make it a 7.1 system on a pioneer vsx-816

(new here not sure how to post)

N'Yeti

10-12-06, 09:45 PM

The question I have is whether I'm in trouble with 4 AS-R1.2's for my surrounds, not sure if 4 bi-pole speakers will work out that well. Should I have gone with AS-B1.2's instead? Possibly a combination of the two?

Thanks again, any thoughts would be appreciated.

Here's part of an answer that I got from Athena about using 3 R1's to face the front speakers and not using them at the sides(at the time I was thinking of using them for a LR RR and CR (I ended up using another C1 for the Centre Rear - just because I had an extra) :
--------
Yes I believe 3 AS-R1’s would work best, they have wide dispersion and are easily mounted on a wall surface.

I hope you enjoy your system.

Best Regards

Joe Fraser

Brand Manager

athena TECHNOLOGIES

A Division of Audio Products International Corp.

www.athenaspeakers.com
--------
After having them for 1 1/2 years I think that using two on the sides and two on the back will work out quite well. They create a great soundfield.

cudwortho

10-13-06, 12:17 AM

I just bought an athena speaker set up from audioadvisor:

2 F2.2 - Fronts
2 B1.2 - Rears
2 B2.2 - Center

& svssound:
1 SVS PB10 NSD - Subwoofer

& amazon:
Pioneer VSX-1016TXV-K receiver

My question is I want to mount 1 of the B2.2s as the center channel, but I could use some tips on the best way to mount it. For example is it fine to mount the speaker on its side or does it need to be upright? And second, can I drill a speaker mount to the back of the speaker and then attach it to the wall? Could this mess up the speaker? I guess I could always mount a shelf and sit the speaker on it too, and since it's ported on the back how far away from the wall does the speaker need to be?

Any comments would be appreciated!
Thanks!

(and I have 1 B2.2 speaker to sell if anyone is interested)

N'Yeti

10-13-06, 09:03 AM

My question is I want to mount 1 of the B2.2s as the center channel, but I could use some tips on the best way to mount it. For example is it fine to mount the speaker on its side or does it need to be upright? And second, can I drill a speaker mount to the back of the speaker and then attach it to the wall?

You'll need to mount the B2 series upright as centre channel designed speakers like the C1 series have mids at both ends with a tweeter in between. The reason is that higher frequencies tend to be quite directional so, if you mount the B2 on its side, your mid -> higher frequencies will seem to come from one side only -> throwing off your image.

As for wall mounting, the B2 series is ported at the rear...how would you ensure that you have sufficient room behind the speaker to provide proper venting if you mount it on the wall. Better to provide a small shelf to move it away from the wall.

Hope this helps..

kemetblk

10-13-06, 04:51 PM

Just found this thread and wanted to jump in. Here's my setup:

fronts: AS-F1 (x2)
center: WS-60
rears: AS-B1 (x2)
sub: JBL E250P
receiver: H/K AVR325
tv: Sammy HL-S6187W
dvd: Pioneer DV-563A
cable: SA 8300HD
console: Xbox360

I recently replaced my AS-C1 center with the WS-60 as it better fit into my tv stand while still being well matched to my Auditions. I absolutely love this system! I think it represents the best bang for the buck of any speaker series out there. No it is not high end, but it doesn't cost high end money either, and when you're saving to buy a house you want the best you can get for your money. It definitely sounds like it costs a lot more than it did.

I am currently looking to upgrade my receiver to a newer model H/K, and looking to buy some AS-R1's or AS-R1.2's. If anyone has some of these left over and is willing them to sell them I'd definitely be interested.

similar gear used:
Klipsch Quintets
Klipsch F1's, B1's, C1

previous gear owned:
Fisher component rack system
JBL Flix satellites
DCM-10 fronts, DCM KX-Center Series Two and DCM KX-6 Series Two rears
JBL ND310II fronts, N-Center, N24II rears, PB12 sub
Sony STR-V333ES receiver

gardsal1

10-13-06, 08:14 PM

Working on a small budget currently, so here's what I have:

Surround speakers: Point 5's
Receiver: Panasonic SA-XR57S
No sub yet; saving up for one
TV: Samsung 32-inch HDTV
CD player: 3-year-old Sony 5-disc carousel (pretty basic)
DVD player: Samsung HD upconvert progressive-scan player (also pretty basic)

My plan is to upgrade with a semi-inexpensive sub as well as floor-stand stereo speakers up front; but that's pretty far down the road. (Can't afford my bad habits at this point!)

I really love the Panasonic receiver. Even without a sub, those Point 5's are pretty powerful when playing movies because of the Panny. Pretty gutless when playing music, but I watch a lot of shows with headphones on late at night and can feel what the Panny really has to offer.)

Any suggestions on a sub first and foremost, then farther down the road, the front speakers?

Jakeman02

10-14-06, 01:16 AM

What's your sub budget?

For fronts if you want to stick with floorstanding as you have now, The F1.2s or F2.2s are great hoices for the price and are tembre matched to the point5s. If you want to go bookshelf, the B1.2 or B2.2 would be the match to the point5s.

gardsal1

10-14-06, 02:01 AM

When it comes time for a sub, I'm thinking no more than $200 or so.

gardsal1

10-14-06, 02:04 AM

Are the F1.2s and 2.2s pretty powerful on their own? Because quality speakers for music will be really important for me. A friend of mine has really nice stereo speakers (can't remember the brand) and surrounds and a sub that he turns on when watching movies.

N'Yeti

10-14-06, 06:48 PM

The F1's and F2's are very efficient and great sounding speakers. The F2's sound is just a bit richer. You should go to a good soundroom and listen to them. Compare them with others...Failing that you could go here and read...http://www.athenaspeakers.com/reviews.php

thompson12

10-14-06, 09:37 PM

hi all i just got the micra 6 and i was wondering if anybody knows if the ws-100's would sound good with this micra 6 system on a pioneer vsx-816s and should the ws-100's be set as small or large front speakers? thanks for any input

N'Yeti

10-14-06, 10:06 PM

Micra...these are not Macra...set for small...let the sub handle the lows...

thompson12

10-15-06, 07:38 AM

ok i did the auto speaker setup on the pioneer vsx 186 and it changed them to large on it own. ill set them back to small

N'Yeti

10-15-06, 03:23 PM

Hmm...The WS-100's may be ok as large (but I'd make sure that your sub handles the below 76-80 Hz (even though Athena says that the WS-100's do 50Hz).\

Sorry for the confusion, I was mixing your ws-100 up with the micras.

primetimeguy

10-15-06, 05:20 PM

Unless you have a way to measure your room response, your best bet is to leave the WS-100 as small with a crossover at 80hz. You'd be suprised what the in room response of a speaker can look like compared to its spec. I have the AS-F2's in a very large room and at my listening position an 80hz crossover just barely cuts it and these are rated down to 35hz.

kemetblk

10-15-06, 07:20 PM

When it comes time for a sub, I'm thinking no more than $200 or so.

You can find the Athena 8" for $100 here (http://www.*******.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=20367).

If you can spend a little more than your budget you could get the Athena AS-P6000 12" here (http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ATHASP6000&product_name=Audition%20AS-P6000%2012-Inch%20200WRMS%20Powered%20Subwoofer) for $300.

If you decide to save up more than $400 for a sub than definitely look at SVS, as they are one of the best Subwoofer companies around.

Catt99

10-15-06, 10:07 PM

Hi all,

I don't see a whole lot of discussion on the WS series, here or elsewhere. Did the WS disappoint compared to Athena's previous outstanding performance / value ratio? I would very much appreciate hearing from WS owners, especially WS-60 owners, and those who no longer own but put the WS series through an audition.

My set-up at home is very much "TV in the family room" rather than "true home theater" -- i.e., lots of ordinary, everyday use. But I certainly aspire to quality whenever available and affordable, and look to produce HT-like performance where possible. The problem though is that I have a lovely family room (I believe anyways :)) and my A/V choices are quite constrained by physical limitations that I cannot compromise on. Long story short, my space constraints preclude using most traditional floorstanders and even traditional bookshelves. The WS design is one of the relatively few that will work in my space.

Would appreciate any thoughts / opinions on the WS 60 / 100. Thanks.

Brandonw27858

10-15-06, 11:01 PM

I am sure you have already heard this, but have you thought about the Point 5 series? They are like small bookshelves that can be wall mounted. I have and love them, as many people in this thread do.

Catt99

10-16-06, 12:09 AM

I am sure you have already heard this, but have you thought about the Point 5 series? They are like small bookshelves that can be wall mounted. I have and love them, as many people in this thread do.

Yes, unfortunately. I’ve used my professional-grade MS Paint skills to sketch my room (below).

Basically, I’ve got just about the largest panel (in blue) I can into a corner space on a stand that is bounded by a open doorway / archway (“DR”) on its right, and a large picture window / couch (“C+W”) on its left. The panel is only a 40” (might fit some 42” models there), and I’m not willing to drop down in panel size to accommodate speakers. Because it’s a corner placement and bounded by “hard stops” on each side, with very limited room directly in front of the panel to place bookshelves, I am limited to no more than about 4-5” wide speakers if set outside the panel border, no more than about 4” deep if set outside the panel border, and no more than about 4” deep and 6” high if set in front of panel edges if set at the very outer edge. Even a 6” deep bookshelf will jut out into the doorway / window areas on either side (and look goofy) if positioned outside the panel border, or, if positioned closer towards the middle of the panel (but still on the edge), look really goofy. The depth of most bookshelves is what constrains my choices (and true floorstanders are out of the question), combined with the corner configuration. The purple ovals in the diagram represent the limited space I have for sides (and I’d need a slim center that isn’t too deep to sit on the TV stand lip in front of the panel without encroaching on screen space, though I could eventually get a mount and position the center above the panel.

Basically, the aesthetics of the room layout severely constrain speaker size – the WS is slim enough (both width and depth) to fit alongside the panel on stands without looking goofy; smaller bookshelves won’t work (I mocked up some cardboard representations to check). I am currently using a Micra set (speakers sit on TV stand in front of panel but are thin enough (depth and width) to not obscure the panel and not look out of place. And the Micras are good – more than good enough for the kids watching a SpongeBob DVD, me watching NFL football or a Law & Order rerun, the wife watching Amazing Race, etc. which frankly comprises a fair bit of our use of the panel – but I’d like to try and find speakers that can provide a more engaging, room-filling sound for those occasions where I fire up Apocalypse Now Redux or Pirates of the Caribbean (etc.) some evening, or when I want to play a DVD-A or listento a CD / Audio broadcast. The challenge is of course finding such speakers given my physical constraints. Since I’ve been pretty happy with the Athena Micra performance given its size and price and I’d still be using Athenas as surrounds, I wondered whether the WS-60s, as LCR with the Micras still pulling surround / surround-back duty, could appreciably improve performance. But I see very little discussion on the WS series and they’re harder to find in volume than many popular budget bookshelves, which leads me to question whether their price / performance ratio isn’t in line with previous Athena offerings.

So would love any shared experiences with the WS series (I’m initially mostly interested in the 60s for price / room constraint reasons – I’d need to mount the sides on stands to clear the obstruction that the couch presents on the left side of the panel, and the 100 would tower over my set mounted on stands at that location).

Sigh, it’s tough trying to ferret out options with such limited physical dimension possibilities.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3166/roomlayoutns8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Brandonw27858

10-16-06, 12:24 AM

Honestly if I were you, with all of the constraints you have for a new system, you might be better off to stick with the micras, since they sound good, and just upgrade your sub. That will give you the extra room filling punch you are looking for. You could get a SVS PB10 for what you are going to pay for a pair of WS-100s and a 60 for center, and almost a pb10 for the price of 3 WS-60s.

troublefan

10-16-06, 01:58 PM

kemetblk

10-16-06, 03:31 PM

I have a WS-60 I'm currently using for my center channel and so far so good. I haven't noticed a big defference between it and the AS-C1 (my previous center), although I think the mids are better probably due to the extra drivers. It matches up well with my fronts (AS-F1). I'd recommend it as a center for those with other Athena speakers using the same teteron tweeter. Not sure if the Micra's do though.

TIMMEH

10-16-06, 05:53 PM

I've currently got point 5's teamed up with a PB10, and a c.5 center speaker. Holy god it sounds better than I imagined! I should have my B1.2's tomorrow to complete the 7.1 setup in my dedicated theater. Can't wait!!!

I'm so glad all you people sold me on Athena's a while back. Man it sounds GREAT!

And to think I don't have the HK 635 calibrated yet...factory settings sound good to me. If anyone has tips on that I'd love to hear them.

Catt99

10-16-06, 10:44 PM

I'd also like to know what folks think of the WS-60. I have the Micras in a room with certain constraints, and am really happy with them. As for the WS-60, I have one being shipped that I'm going to try as the center. I'll keep the Micras all around and see if the WS-60 improves the front any. I like the Micra sub for the small size of my room, but I agree, a bigger sub may make a great difference for you.

I'll be interested in your impressions of the new center since you're presumably replacing the Micra center. Thanks for your response.

oh yeah, I only wish my MS Paint skills were that good :D

Years of training, experimentation, and practice, baby. You don't develop such mad skillz on a whim overnight!

Catt99

10-16-06, 10:45 PM

Catt99

10-16-06, 10:50 PM

PhilH930

10-17-06, 01:06 AM

I have a problem with a set of Athena Point 5 and the ASP 4000 sub. They sound very good, but in my opinion they just don't look very good with the silver fronts. The piano black case looks superb and matches my Samsung HD TV. The dark brown furniture goes with the black case very well. Its just the silver front; it drives me crazy. They are also a little bigger than I had intended.

I have 2 questions:

1) Is it possible to spray paint the actual silver part of the speaker a black color? Can I also spray paint the black mesh grill for the cones? Will this influence sound quality?

2) I am even thinking about selling them as the appearence bothers me every time I look at them. Possible replacement was the Infinity TSS 750 (Black). Does anyone know how these compare in terms of sound quality?

I would love it if someone offered me a straight swap for these two speaker sets right now! My Athenas are in mint condition, just the wrong color for my liking!

PULLIAMM

10-17-06, 10:31 AM