Athena owners thread. [Text View] - Page 8

consumer_q

02-28-08, 10:26 PM

Hello
My local CompUSA has a few boxes of the WS-100 speakers in stock for $179.99 + tax = $192

I am in the mood to graduate from my computer speakers to something a bit more....ah... more. Is this price a pretty good deal for not only this line of speakers, but for comparable speakers in general? I am starting from scratch here and am just looking for 66% music listening 33% movie watching.

I see that AudioAdvisor has the micra set for $150 + shipping, but I am going to guess that if my primary desire is music, the WS-100 will be best for me (I will probably fill out the pair of WS-100 with smaller rears down the line).

I do have two concerns:
1) the room I wish to set up is only 11.5' x 11.5' with the listening area shrunk probably 2' after speakers installed and listening from the couch. Will the WS-100 be too much speaker?
2) the room is also carpeted. How well do these tall guys stand on carpeting?

Thanks for reading!

mattldm

02-29-08, 09:14 AM

mattldm

03-05-08, 08:10 PM

I just installed a pair of AS-IC6 in ceiling speakers (home theater surrounds)
They sound great, and they integrate well with the WS-60 fronts. They are very well built with a high quality crossover network. These are great speakers for the price, try to get them while they last.

I also just bought a AS-C1.2 center channel speaker to complete my fully Athena home theater! :)

Grimdeath

03-05-08, 10:06 PM

I just installed ma pair of AS-IC6 in ceiling speakers (home theater surrounds)
They sound great, and they integrate well with the WS-60 fronts. They are very well built with a high quality crossover network. These are great speakers for the price, try to get them while they last.

I also just bought a AS-C1.2 center channel speaker to complete my fully Athena home theater! :)

I just received my new $59 AS-IC6 pair too. Did you figure out how to aim the tweeters? The instructions are lacking in that regard.

mattldm

03-06-08, 09:18 AM

I just received my new $59 AS-IC6 pair too. Did you figure out how to aim the tweeters? The instructions are lacking in that regard.

Yeah, you have to push on the small plastic rim right next to the tweeter dome. CAREFULLY! Mine felt almost stuck, I pushed, and then pushed a little harder, and it finally "clicked" then the tweeter moved around fine. Just be careful not to slip and dent the tweeter dome, I almost did! :eek:

rubs

03-10-08, 09:26 PM

Jakeman02

03-10-08, 11:14 PM

I am planning to buy ws-60 for fronts to go along with lcd. I am looking for other owner experience with their sound quality, I had b1/c1 earlier and they were great but never heard ws-60. Also what rears go with this speakers, is ws-15 good enough or r1.2 is an option or we can run ws-60 in rears also.

Thanks
--rubs

I've currently got the B1.2s and have demoed the WS series. IMO the B1.2s and the Audition Series are a much better sounding speaker, more depth, full sound and bottom end. I was less than impressed with the WS series after owning the Audition Series. IMO and from what I've read though it's more of a compromise of the design. The WS series actually got very good reviews when comparing apples to to apples with other thin slim designed speakers made to match with the Plasma or LCD style TV.

For rears any of those would work, Athena used the same tweeters in their speakers except for the Macra and LS series just so you could mix and match with no problems.

Grimdeath

03-10-08, 11:39 PM

rubs

03-11-08, 12:37 AM

Thanks for the replies.
I ordered the 3 athena ws-60 and thinking of using existing s.5 as rears. S.5 are missing wall brackets, Where can I buy the compatible wall brackets to mount?

Thanks
--rubs

mattldm

03-12-08, 09:47 AM

Received the AS-C1.2 center channel last night and now my HT is all Athena.
WS-60 fronts
AS-C1.2 center
AS-IC6 surrounds
Infinity PS-12 sub (OK so i'm not totally Athena :) )

Im very happy with the results with my Onkyo TX-SR705 receiver! Although these are small speakers they play plenty loud enough for my large living room. (18 x 28 x 9)

ajdornier

03-12-08, 02:06 PM

mattldm

03-12-08, 02:58 PM

I currently have an Athena Micra set that I am moving to the bedroom from my HT, so I snagged an open-box set of 3 x WS-60 (L/C/R) and 2 x WS-15 (LS/RS) paired with an Energy S8.3 sub. However, there was also a set of new Polk RM-10 speakers with a PSW303 subwoofer on sale for the same price!

I took them both home (my back still hurts) and hooked them up (one set at a time) to my Onkyo TX-SR705. Right off I could tell there was a (slight) difference with the Micra's in that they sounded fuller. However, to my surprise, the Polks actually sounded a bit more "robust" for the lack of a better word than the Athena WS's, even though the specs - in theory - says that the Athena's should sound better. Don't laugh - I used the scenes in "Happy Feet" where they did the Boogie Wonderland song, and the part where they were being attacked by killer whales.

Now I have to return one of these sets to the store. Right now it's a toss-up because even though the Polks sound a bit better, I am thinking it's just a matter of tweaking. Does anyone else have a similar experience with the WS-60's? By the way, my room is approx. 15 x 18 feet.

I compared the WS-60's to my PSB Alpha's (front HT, and for music) and found that the Athena's are "brighter" or slightly more alive than the PSB's, which can be good and bad. For HT I think the WS-60's are better sounding, but for music the PSB's have a more natural smoothness.

I had a bose VCS-10 center channel, now I have the Athena AS-C1.2 and all I can say is that comparing the two, the bose sounds, well, flat and lifeless. The Athena is "brighter" sounding especially with musical passages. (For dialog there was much less difference.)

I know that probably doesnt help you with your decision, but I am happy with the Athena's... especially for the price.

ajdornier

03-12-08, 04:23 PM

Thanks! Maybe some tweaking is in order, then. Any recommendations on what settings I should be putting into my TX-SR705 for speaker crossover and LFE? Maybe that might do the trick.

mattldm

03-12-08, 04:52 PM

Thanks! Maybe some tweaking is in order, then. Any recommendations on what settings I should be putting into my TX-SR705 for speaker crossover and LFE? Maybe that might do the trick.

Did you re-run the Audyssey after changing speakers? This would be a good place to start.

If your 705 was setup for the smaller speakers it would make sense that it wouldnt sound better with the larger speakers until it was setup for them.

ajdornier

03-12-08, 05:04 PM

*gah* Totally forgot about the audyssey - maybe that's why the polks sound better since they had a similar spec with the Micra's (but at 125 watts per speaker vs. 100 watts for the Micra). leaving work now and will try that when I get home. Will post the results!

mattldm

03-12-08, 05:11 PM

rubs

03-12-08, 07:49 PM

I saw couple of posts where people use c1.2 for center with ws-60 fronts, I just bought 3 ws-60, Will ws-60 will be good for center or c1.2 is better option.

mattldm

03-12-08, 08:05 PM

I saw couple of posts where people use c1.2 for center with ws-60 fronts, I just bought 3 ws-60, Will ws-60 will be good for center or c1.2 is better option.

the WS-60 is great for a center, The only reason I am not using one is that the shelf in my TV console is not wide enough for a WS-60 on its side. :rolleyes:

I havent compared the WS-60 vs the AS-C1.2 as a center, but they sound good together in the HT :D

ajdornier

03-12-08, 08:44 PM

After re-running Audyssey, the speakers sounded better...now it's not as "bright" as it was before recalibration, but that definitely tells me that I should be able to find a nice middle ground after some (more) tweaking. Audyssey put my front L/R at 80 Hz, center at 150 Hz, surround L/R at 100 Hz, and LFE at 100 Hz.

dan webster

03-13-08, 10:01 PM

I just ordered an athena point 5 package with the 8" sub for a good price. this is for a friends system i am helping him set up. My question is the matching stands are not available , does anyone have any ideas what stands would work well with these speakers?

limulus

03-14-08, 10:17 AM

My wife and I are completing a cabin in the mountains in April/May. This is a second home, but I want to have some decent entertainment. I don't want to spend a ton of money and I figure $100 ea for Athena speakers shouldn't disappoint me. If they don't sound good in the room, I'll just buy something else later.

This will not be a dedicated room. It's more of a family entertainment room. I think acoustics are going to be more of a problem than anything. The floor is wood, the walls are tonge & groove pine and drywall and the ceiling will be tongue & groove pine.

For those in the know, is there a significant difference in sound between the LS-100 and 300? I do have a 15" Dayton DVC subwoofer driver still sitting in it's box. I'm going to build an end table cabinet for it (haven't decided on the size yet) so I should have plenty of bass. If I go with the LS-100, I can build some nice stands using Mountain Laurel and Hickory. This would be more aesthetically pleasing and match the rest of the house. On the other hand, I can get the LS-300 tower for the same price. I know I can get the LS-500 for another $50 per speaker but we have a lot of furniture to buy and that will be the top priority.

BTW, I already have rear speakers: JBL L810s.

reybie

03-14-08, 02:08 PM

PULLIAMM

03-14-08, 02:33 PM

I have an Athena setup but made the mistake of doing 6.1 when I first setup my HT. Now I would like to go full 7.1 but I can only find AS-R1.2's now. Is there a major difference between the AS-R1 and AS-R1.2?

Better hurry up and get them. Athena is gone for good now, so anything by them will quickly become difficult to find.

reybie

03-14-08, 02:34 PM

Better hurry up and get them. Athena is gone for good now, so anything by them will quickly become difficult to find.

I'm hurrying! :) The system even sounds sweeter with the Onkyo 705.

micah3sixty

03-14-08, 02:38 PM

where can you still get the Athena point 5 bookshelfs/center speakers? Are they going out of business or do they change product lines often or why are they "gone for good" now?

PULLIAMM

03-14-08, 02:48 PM

where can you still get the Athena point 5 bookshelfs/center speakers? Are they going out of business or do they change product lines often or why are they "gone for good" now?

Klipsch took them over (along with Energy and Mirage), and decided not to continue the line. In effect, they no longer exist.:(

limulus

03-14-08, 04:26 PM

I ordered an LS C-100 and two LS-300s today at 12:10pm. I received an immediate confirmation by email and at 4pm, I received a shipping notice and tracking number. Pretty impressive service. All for $369...not bad.

BTW, I have a set of brand new Point 5s that I've never used. Still have the orginal box and packing materials. I'll probably put them on fleabay. I bought them for my kid's flat panel TV. But they will only watch movies in the HT.

Tulpa

03-14-08, 04:55 PM

Klipsch took them over (along with Energy and Mirage), and decided not to continue the line. In effect, they no longer exist.:(

If they kill of Energy I'm going to be super pissed. :mad::(

Jakeman02

03-14-08, 05:21 PM

I have an Athena setup but made the mistake of doing 6.1 when I first setup my HT. Now I would like to go full 7.1 but I can only find AS-R1.2's now. Is there a major difference between the AS-R1 and AS-R1.2?

The cabinet in the .2s is a little thinner which makes them a little lighter and they changed the cover of the driver. Basically the same speakers, should be no problem mixing them.

Jakeman02

03-14-08, 05:23 PM

where can you still get the Athena point 5 bookshelfs/center speakers? Are they going out of business or do they change product lines often or why are they "gone for good" now?

Check Ebay, you can still sometimes find them.

ajdornier

03-17-08, 08:43 PM

Update: I managed to snag an AS-P4100 subwoofer here in Toronto (funny enough, even though the Athena's were made here, it's easier to find an online retailer based in the US......). I hooked it up with my WS speakers and now it sounds great! I find that it blends better with the Athenas than the Energy S8.3 that I was trying out initially.

Here's the new measurements after re-running Audyssey - 70Hz for L/R, 150 for the center, 100 Hz for L/R surrounds, 100 Hz for the LFE. I had manually set the crossover control on the subwoofer to 85 Hz (roughly where the WS-60 setting would have been marked on the previous AS-P4000).

Overall, I am happy with the sound, I think I just have to tweak the treble settings a bit to make it sound a bit "brighter". Any comments on the crossover settings, please let me know if I can still improve on these. I also hope this helps out other folks with the WS series. :)

primetimeguy

03-17-08, 09:05 PM

Big Earn

03-18-08, 05:40 PM

Tulpa

03-18-08, 06:09 PM

I have that exact setup (well, assuming by C1 you mean C1.2). I had to bump the volume up a bit on the C1.2 to match the F2.2s, but it's pretty well matched now. Maybe it's a distance/placement issue?

See my sig for my setup.

Macroblocker

03-19-08, 02:06 AM

afrogt

03-19-08, 02:15 AM

That was for a pair? It doesn't make it clear on the website.
http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=ATHASF1.2

If this is for the pair, that's an awesome deal. I'd paid $99/pr for my original F1 speakers when Best Buy had a clearance a couple years ago. Best speaker bargain I've ever found.

briankmonkey

03-19-08, 02:18 AM

audioadvisor.com has a reasonable athena selection at very nice prices. Energy speakers as well. Sometimes they list the same speaker more than once and have demo's for super cheap prices.

Macroblocker

03-19-08, 02:20 AM

I know! i called 3 times to double check and i got a e-mail from this guy Kevin who said its a pair and today for 145 i get 2 f1.2s I was a little shocked. Audio Advisor is great btw but they are out of the audition series

afrogt

03-19-08, 02:34 AM

Hopefully you can find a C1.2 center to go with your setup if you need one.

You got a great deal on the towers.

Macroblocker

03-19-08, 03:10 AM

Hopefully you can find a C1.2 center to go with your setup if you need one.

You got a great deal on the towers.

oh I had all Athena, center and sur back just needed the fronts, eD 12" sub rounds it out. how do the new LS series compare with the Audition Athena's?

afrogt

03-19-08, 02:09 PM

oh I had all Athena, center and sur back just needed the fronts, eD 12" sub rounds it out. how do the new LS series compare with the Audition Athena's?

Never heard the LS because they were only available online. And I definitely don't need any more speakers.

chernomorez

03-20-08, 07:23 PM

Not sure if any of you are still looking for any of the ASF1.2s but i thought i would give you a heads up Abes Of Maine has some left 99 for a pair! 40 dollar shipping, still a great deal. I just got mine today:D, well packed and brand new!

Incredible find!!! I paid almost as much for AS-B2.2s just a few months ago.

So are these 1.2s or 1.1s? The picture and description lists them as 1.1, but the title is 1.2.

jvgillow

03-20-08, 09:08 PM

edit: nevermind I saw the earlier post.

badandyho

03-20-08, 10:42 PM

My girlfriend decided that I needed 3 new speakers today and she bought me 3 WS-60s. So I look forward to reading up on Athena and eventually completing 7.1 full Athena system.

mattldm

03-20-08, 10:46 PM

My girlfriend decided that I needed 3 new speakers today and she bought me 3 WS-60s. So I look forward to reading up on Athena and eventually completing 7.1 full Athena system.

You better complete your system quick... The entire Athena line has been discontinued by Klipsch.

JamesVG81

03-21-08, 12:53 PM

Any one know where I can still buy some athena F2'a or F2.2's? I really want them for the rears in my new theater and I can't find them any where on the internet. I all ready have the F2's for the front's but I have been using the book selfs for the rear's. I'm about to build a detecated theater and I really want floor standing speakers for the rear's so if any one can point me to where I can still get some of these... Thanks

DKo5

03-21-08, 02:23 PM

I've got a shopping cart at Audio Advisor with the following:

2 x LS-500 (L+R)
2 x LS-50 (LS+RS)
LSC-100
AS-P4100

This will be run through a Denon AVR-2308CI.

Any issues? Should I pull the trigger?

I was originally going to just not get rears, as my living room is fairly small and due to room positioning they would have to be really close the couch - but figured I might as well go full Athena 5.1. I would opt for the LS-100s but I think they'd really be overkill for the use.

I haven't been able to find much in the way of user reviews on the LS-500s - are they in the same realm as the AS-F2s? Thanks

Edit: Even if I made a bad choice, I don't want to hear it! Order placed. :D

Tulpa

03-21-08, 06:06 PM

Any one know where I can still buy some athena F2'a or F2.2's?

eBay, or maybe Craigslist. And a good dose of luck.

I haven't been able to find much in the way of user reviews on the LS-500s - are they in the same realm as the AS-F2s? Thanks

Your setup should be fine. But I don't think the LS series sounds like the Audition Series, from what little I've heard of the LS's (I own Auditions up front.) I don't think either are better or worse, just different.

cosgrovea

03-22-08, 05:29 AM

I've got a shopping cart at Audio Advisor with the following:

2 x LS-500 (L+R)
2 x LS-50 (LS+RS)
LSC-100
AS-P4100

Edit: Even if I made a bad choice, I don't want to hear it! Order placed. :D

Personally I hope you made a great choice. :D

I placed and order very similar to yours except I did go for the LS-100s. I plan on trying to ceiling mount the LS-100s. We will see how that goes.
I was originally going to go with just a 5.1 setup, but now I am thinking about ordering another pair for a 7.1. My thought process is now would be a good time for 2 extra speakers, since who knows if they will be around a long time. It would be nice to have all the speakers match, even though I have read it is not as important for the surrounds. So here is to hoping we both like the new speakers, and be sure to post your impressions, so we can compare. I read up on the LS line as much as I could. I read a few comparisons that thought the LS-500's are good speakers, they were not quite as good as the AS-F2's

Oh, they will be run through a Yamaha RX-V663.

Cyrano

03-22-08, 11:46 AM

Not sure if any of you are still looking for any of the ASF1.2s but i thought i would give you a heads up Abes Of Maine has some left 99 for a pair! 40 dollar shipping, still a great deal. I just got mine today:D, well packed and brand new!
It appears to me to be $99 for a speaker. Not a pair. Can anyone confirm that it is $99 a pair? HERE's (http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=ATHASF1.2) the listing.

I guess I will check with Abes but the offer states speaker, not speakers.

JamesVG81

03-22-08, 12:49 PM

afrogt

03-23-08, 07:43 PM

Think I would hear a big difrence between having the F2.2's and the F1.2's as rears? I already have the F2's in the front, there C1 for a center and B1's for rear's. I have a Yamaha RX-V3800 .. Thanks This is all going in a detecated theater in a few months..

No you wont hear a difference because not much information goes the the rears. I'd definitely go for the F1.2 especially since Abes of Maine has that low pricing. Unless you're planning to play alot of SACD or DVD-Audio disc, you'd be wasting money paying extra for F2.2's as surrounds.

afrogt

03-23-08, 07:46 PM

It appears to me to be $99 for a speaker. Not a pair. Can anyone confirm that it is $99 a pair? HERE's (http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=ATHASF1.2) the listing.

I guess I will check with Abes but the offer states speaker, not speakers.

See post 1796.

NOHDjunkie

03-24-08, 12:46 PM

I just called Abe's of Maine and they said the ASF 1.2's are $99.99 Each. "Not" for a pair.

jvgillow

03-24-08, 01:01 PM

That's what I suspected. Even the shipping would have been very low for a pair.

Cyrano

03-24-08, 02:12 PM

See post 1796.
See it? I quoted it.

The posts above tell the tale. I wish it was $99 a pair. :confused: I like my all Athena setup quite a bit.

fragile-reality

03-24-08, 06:25 PM

$99 each for ASF1.2's? Hmm. I was thinking about getting those but an AS C1.2 is kinda hard to find. And the LS-300 is the same price. Actually quite a bit cheaper since its free shipping ($60 cheaper). Is the ASF1.2 the better of the two speakers? Actually how would the ASF1.2 compare to the LS-500. For two speakers shipped the LS-500 would only be $40 more than the ASF1.2s.

PowerCreep

03-24-08, 10:34 PM

I have an Athena C1 as a center channel surrounded by F2.2s playing through an Onkyo 504 receiver. I love the setup but when I have been playing AVI files through the speaker system, I have noticed that the C1 gets overpowered by the F2.2s. So when there is dialog, I have to turn the volume up, but when there is action, I have to turn it down. Has anyone had this problem?

When I bought the C1 I read that it was prone to get overpowered at times, but it hasnt been a problem until I started playing AVIs through my TV and speaker system.

Any suggestions as to what I can do to fix this problem? I have been playing with my receiver but nothing seems to work.
I've noticed this problem with my Yamaha/Athena setup as well (RXN600, F2, C1, 3xR1, Acoustech H100). For some movies, whether it's on hd satellite, sd dvd, hd dvd, or bd dvd it seems like a lot of times I have trouble making out some of the words. However, it's far too loud if I turn it up to hear the dialogue and then the action kicks in. It's really strange and disappointing all at the same time.

Haeckj

03-31-08, 03:50 PM

Hi,

The tweeter of my center AS-C1 speaker has past away this weekend (by accident the volume of my receiver was cranked to the max while playing with Rock Band with the mic, the result was an awful feedback which overloaded the receiver not before killing the tweeter of my center channel).

The result is that I have to find a replacement for my center channel... The rest of my configuration is as follows:

- Athena AS-F2 for fronts
- Polk Fxi3 for surrounds
- Klipsch KSW-12 for sub
- Yamaha RX-V657 receiver

Anybody has suggestion for a replacement to the AS-C1? I bought an Energy C-C100 yesterday and after adjusting the levels I though it blended well with the AS-F2 but I would like to have a second opinion...

Also anybody knows where I could find a replacement tweeter? (I might return the C-C100 if I find a suitable replacement).

Thanks!

afrogt

03-31-08, 05:04 PM

Why don't you call Athena/Klispch? You have a 5 year warranty with your speaker, they can send you a replacement tweeter.

Athena Technologies™

Tel: 1 866 441 8210

Haeckj

03-31-08, 05:53 PM

Why don't you call Athena/Klispch? You have a 5 year warranty with your speaker, they can send you a replacement tweeter.

Athena Technologies™

Tel: 1 866 441 8210

Hey thanks!

I'll give it a try but I'm not sure it will be covered by the warranty...

afrogt

03-31-08, 06:33 PM

Hey thanks!

I'll give it a try but I'm not sure it will be covered by the warranty...

Sure it will if you have your receipt. I have a Energy Take 5 center where the tweeter got blown out, I sent them the bad tweeter and they sent me a replacement.

Energy and Athena are sister companies and I got very fast service. This was before being taken over by Klipsch but I called that 866 number before posting here and it still works.

afrogt

03-31-08, 06:40 PM

If you somehow can't get warranty service, you can order the tweeter for $27 below.

http://bestbuy.partsearch.com/Model/Audio+Products+International/Athena/ASC11.aspx

arc trooper

04-01-08, 10:54 PM

ok guys heres the thing im considering moving up to something more modern on the speaker side of my lil piece home theater and was wondering if the ws-100's would be right for me, im sick of looking at my old speakers ive had to place on the floor and would really like something i can wall mount on the side of my screen. below is a pic of what it looks like now, i have klipsch kg 4.2's and a big def tech 15" sub for my bass but like i said i want to move away from the speakers on the floor to mounting them. ive looked at other speakers and they would be in the way of my screen and other peoples viewing area which is a VERY big concern for me, the wife told me just to make the screen smaller... lol as if! but anyhelp would be appreciated! heres the pic

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c176/ARCTR00PER/Home%20Theater/DSCN1209-1.jpg

flabioh

04-04-08, 10:12 AM

mattldm

04-04-08, 10:35 AM

I recently purchased the WS-60 for a center channel. I need to get two fronts and am considering the WS-100 or the LS-500. Considering they are roughly the same price which do you guys recommend? Which is a "better" speaker?

The WS-100's will match the WS-60 perfectly in both sonics and appearance. The LS uses a different set of drivers and may not sound as uniform.

flabioh

04-04-08, 10:47 AM

The WS-100's will match the WS-60 perfectly in both sonics and appearance. The LS uses a different set of drivers and may not sound as uniform.

Thanks for the quick response!

Billy p

04-05-08, 03:00 PM

I am currently looking for a centre channel for a secondary audition series set up. Who here has being able to use a different CC to augment into their set up for a fairly seemless soundstage?:) I know Energy C-100 is an option but they use aluminum dome's and the athena's use teteron or silk dome.

brandonnash

04-06-08, 04:53 PM

I'm running into a problem with one of my speakers. I have 4 AS-B1's and one of them is getting a ringing noise in the upper bass-low midrange area. I haven't pinpointed which frequency it's hitting at, but it just sounds like something is vibrating only at a certain frequency and when it's played at medium high to high volume. I've only heard it on a few songs, but it's enough to mess with me. Any ideas what this might be? I don't want to crack the speaker open if I don't have to, and it's not enough (yet) to make me want to buy a new set, but it's really distracting.

No I don't think the speaker is blown. Sounds more like barely loose metal.

Klipsch is canceling athena?? Why? Klipsch just lost a bit of my respect.

NOHDjunkie

04-06-08, 05:31 PM

Tulpa

04-06-08, 05:53 PM

Klipsch is canceling athena?? Why?

Official statement that I saw is that Athena isn't in their business plan.

Athena has already been canceled. What you see for sale is whatever stock was left over, and it's going pretty fast.

brandonnash

04-06-08, 09:34 PM

It's very upsetting. Not their business plan? Their business plan likely said something along these lines...Buy smaller company that just so happens to be in direct competition with our company...Let company set with ours for, oh, 8 minutes...Cancel all product lines from that company. No further competition from said company.

Richter

04-06-08, 09:49 PM

hey there :) just popping over from the Polk owners thread. What do Athena speakers sound like? JBL, Klipsch, et al. but I have never heard Athenas' in person.

Tulpa

04-07-08, 12:49 AM

Cancel all product lines from that company. No further competition from said company.

Who knows what their exact plans are. Athena's sister brands, Mirage and Energy, are still being kept... for now, anyway.

Athena was the "budget" brand for API/Energy, so either Klipsch either feels they have a brand for that pricepoint, or they don't want to do that pricepoint. Sucks, I know.

hey there :) just popping over from the Polk owners thread. What do Athena speakers sound like? JBL, Klipsch, et al. but I have never heard Athenas' in person.

Depends on which line. I have the WS and Audition Series. I don't think they sound too far removed from the other brands that I've heard, but most report that Athenas sound just a tad brighter.

mattldm

04-07-08, 09:43 AM

hey there :) just popping over from the Polk owners thread. What do Athena speakers sound like? JBL, Klipsch, et al. but I have never heard Athenas' in person.

The Athena's (I have WS-60, AS-C1.2, ISC6) sound very clean and detailed. As someone else said, they can be a bit on the bright side. Before I bought the Athena's I was using a combo of PSB Alpha AV fronts and Bose VCS-10 center which sounded much more relaxed, or laid back. (i.e. less bright)

The brightness is not bad at all, and offers great detail in movies. However I dont think the Athena's (at least the WS-60's) can match the PSB Alpha's for musicality and smoothness.

enasnidx

04-10-08, 02:16 AM

hey all, just wanted to say i just picked up a full 5.1 of athena's ws line (2-ws100, 1-ws60, 2-ws15, & p4100 sub). i know it hasn't gotten the best reviews, but i got a chance to listen to some open box 100s at BB and they sounded pretty nice, plus as we all know, high waf. i pieced it all together for $637 on ebay (all new-no used). paired with a new yammy v663 on its way, i'm really excited for everything to come to see how it all sounds. anyone else using the full ws line? liking it?

Grimdeath

04-10-08, 08:41 AM

Tulpa

04-11-08, 11:56 AM

I have WS-15s for surrounds. I was kind of worried how they would sound compared to my Auditions up front. I wanted four AS-R1.2s, but I couldn't justify spending $400 vs. $150 for four WS-15s.

I found they sound pretty damn good. Same tweeter as the AS helps, I think.

Still might pick up some R1.2s used someday, though, if I can find them. :)

KD2

04-15-08, 06:06 PM

I just purchased the Athena WS100 floor standing speakers.
Very pleased with the imaging on these things. Crisp, clear and loud.
Room is 24'x'24'x 9' high ceilings. All other speakers, centers and surrounds are in the ceiling firing at the seating area. Of course the sub is in a corner behind the two couches. I would without question, buy them again.:)

BigJeff

04-19-08, 11:11 AM

Hey guys. I will be starting college this upcoming fall and I looking for a good set of athenas that I will be able to take with me to my dorm. What do you think would be a good combination of speakers? I'm not sure if the LS-100s for fronts will be to big or not. What about 4 ws-15s and an LS-C50 Center. I'm pretty unsure right now but any help would be greatly appreciated. I have about 300 or so to spend on them. I already have a 10 inch dayton sub and I am thinking about matching the speakers with an Onkyo TX-SR605.

Tulpa

04-19-08, 11:13 AM

I wouldn't mix WS fronts and LS centers. The drivers are pretty different. Try to find a WS center or put two LS speakers up front. WS for rears are fine, though.

GioGambino

04-19-08, 11:59 AM

I posted this in another thread....

I don't know if this is allowed here, so please forgive me if it isn't. But I have 4 Athena AS-B1.2's and 1 Athena AS-C1.2 center that I need to unload since I got my Mirage set last night. For the price this was a GREAT bang for the buck setup. I am willing to unload these much cheaper than what I paid. My eBay name is wiseguyclothing. PM me if interested. I have one person interested at the moment, but I thought I would throw it out there for others as well.

I am taking pictures today and I can send those over to anyone interested. If someone is interested, I can set up an eBay auction if you would prefer to make it legitimate. I am not trying to rip anyone off.

index

04-22-08, 12:47 PM

GodURmyall

04-23-08, 01:05 PM

After getting all the audio, we're finally getting the plasma. It's going over the fireplace and the center channel speaker (AS-C1.2) will be going on the mantle. Any reason to be concerned about heat and temperature around the speaker? With a nice fire going, the surface of our mantle gets warm, but not hot. I haven't been able to find any kind of info ANYWHERE on temperature ratings for these speakers. Any suggestions/concerns out there in Athena-Owners Land? Thanks.

ikecomp

04-24-08, 12:48 AM

I'm finally getting around to replacing my old system and I'm debating on whether or not this speaker package http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATKLS500
would be good for my type of usage and the equipment it will be paired with.

Reciever: Yamaha RX-V663
Sub: BIC Acoustech H-100

System Usage Breakdown:
65% HD and Regular DVD movies
25% Video Games (Xbox 360 and PS3)
10% HD Cable

I'm close to pulling the trigger on these 1) because they are within my budget ($600) 2) I've heard good things about LS-500 fronts and LS-C100 center channel

Any comments and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Nohr

04-24-08, 01:06 AM

mayhem13

04-24-08, 07:12 AM

I'm having trouble with one of my WS-100's.
The entire front-left speaker (WS-100) lost its sound - cranked up all the way I only hear minute whispering sounds from the speaker.
I swapped pos/neg and don't get anything.
I switched amp channels and don't get anything, either - the amp works fine and so does the other WS-100.

Here's my question: How do i start trouble shooting and figure out what's wrong? Could it be the crossover board? A loose connection?
Should I dissassemble the whole thing?

Any advice for a novice would be appreciated!

Sounds like a loose internal connection or a crossover problem. Remove the lower drivers to gain access to he crossover and inspect the connections. Keeping the removed drivers connected, perform a wiggle test on all the wiring while playing and see if you can isolate the poor connection. If not, obtain warranty assistance from a FACTORY authorized service center.

ikecomp

04-24-08, 04:45 PM

anybody?

I know someone has experience with the LS Series Athenas

Merlin803

04-24-08, 08:58 PM

I have a couple of F1's and B1's and am pretty happy but locally there are some Boston Acoustic VR950's available. Any opinions if the VR950's would be better than the F1's?

turdlepoker

05-07-08, 12:53 AM

turdlepoker

05-14-08, 07:23 PM

I think that the reason my Onkyo reciever works especially with my Athena speakers is that it has a warm sound which counteracts the tendency of the Athenas to sound a bit bright. You should get a warm-sounding amp.

Which Onkyo receiver do you have? I love my Athenas and I have a Onkyo 805.

I totally agree with you on how fantastic these speakers really are. The only speakers that could even compare in clarity, imaging, sound stage, and the fantastic mids would be 3-4 times what these speakers cost.

jcavner

05-14-08, 08:35 PM

I have Athena's (F1,C1,B1,R1.2) paired up with an Onkyo 705 and it sounds awesome. I have been nothing but very pleased with the Athena's.

bdwright77

05-14-08, 09:03 PM

alright...so I see there is some reports that athena will be cancelled soon. I have been searching for a three speaker set (front L/R/C) to start building my speaker setup around. I was thinking the WS 100s and a AS - C1.2 center (I've got a nice sub already).

Are these good choices? And will I even be able to build my surround system (4 more surrounds) if they are being cancelled?

afrogt

05-14-08, 09:20 PM

www.audioadvisor.com still carries all the WS speakers. But since Klipsch is eventually killing off the Athena brand, I wouldn't wait forever to make your purchase. Prices are pretty low for the WS speakers too.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=144

afrogt

05-14-08, 09:22 PM

Anyone with Athena speakers for sale? Looking for some b2's or some asf1's or asf2's. Let me know what you have @ turdlepoker@yahoo.com

Thanks

Moderator: Sorry for posting in here but I really need to get the word out I need these speakers. :(

You can still get the B2 speakers below, but AS-F1 or F2's are probably only available used or places like ebay.
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/482b90010085c15e2740ac10034105e0/Product/View/2639

benjosevilla

05-14-08, 10:23 PM

I have Athena's (F1,C1,B1,R1.2) paired up with an Onkyo 705 and it sounds awesome. I have been nothing but very pleased with the Athena's.

Onkyo 705 with F2.2s and the P6000 here.

NOHDjunkie

05-14-08, 10:28 PM

ATHENA AS-F2 - Mains
ATHENA AS-C1.2 - Center
ATHENA BS 2.2 - Surrounds

Yamaha HTR 5760 7.1 DD Reciever

Awesome.

teckademic

05-15-08, 01:31 AM

anyone mix a different brand center channel with the F2s?

NOHDjunkie

05-15-08, 08:23 AM

anyone mix a different brand center channel with the F2s?

I have. I had a polk Csi5. That's the big one with the 6.5" drivers. Anyway, I used my system with the Polk for a couple years until switching to the Athena c1.2.

Big, noticeable difference. Much better to have All speakers voiced the same.

Not to say you can't get reasonable matching with different brands... but the Polk didn't go with the Athenas very well IMO.

My bedroom setup works great with my Yamaha NS 555's and an Acoustic Research center.

KKoepp31

05-19-08, 04:01 PM

jasonvr

05-19-08, 04:17 PM

triplejumper18

05-19-08, 04:23 PM

AS-F2.2 (x2)
AS-B1.1 (x2)
AS-C1.2 (x1)
AS-P6000 (x1)

Adcom GFA-535 II (powering the F2.2's)
Onkyo TX-SR805
Panamax M5100-EX
Playstation3

triplejumper18

05-19-08, 04:29 PM

B1's would be find as your surrounds (side). R1's will work well as rear surrounds. Are you doing mostly home theater or multichannel audio (DVD-A or SACD)? In HT, the surrounds get a relatively small amount of audio so speaker overkill there is just a waste of money. There are many people out there running B1's (including myself for a while longer) as front's and they quite happy with them, so using them as surrounds will be just fine in a HT setup. In fact, they will probably also work quite well for a multichannel audio setup as well. The R1's will be great for rear surrounds (they were practically built for that I believe).

As for the price, I can't comment on that too much. I have seen C1's going for $80 on eBay and a set of B1's for ~$80 as well. F1's tend to go for about $150 I think, not sure about F2's. Not sure about R1's. All in all, it is probably a good price if you can listen to them beforehand and you don't have to pay sales tax or shipping. Shipping on the F's can get quite high.

The 705 does have a powered zone 2. Keep in mind that many times the 805 can be had for less than the 705 for whatever reason (I have an 805 an love it).

For 6.1 the R1's should be used as the side surrounds and the single rear surround.

For 7.1 the R1's should be used as the side surrounds and R1's, B1's, or B2's for the rear surrounds, with two B1's or B2's right next to each other as the preferred setup as per THX guidelines.

KKoepp31

05-20-08, 09:36 AM

Thanks guys. I should be going to pick these up on Friday and not having to pay shipping charges should save me a bunch of money. I hope I'm not overpaying, but I really don't think I am.

Any thoughts on the P400 sub? I could pick it up and make for a complete 7.1 system right then and there, or save the couple hundred and put it towards some other brand.

jasonvr

05-20-08, 10:24 AM

Lissa

05-27-08, 01:15 PM

With help from these forums several years ago, I picked up an Onkyo 603 and a set of Athena Micras for the bedroom. This has been an awesome setup and my husband was very pleased. (yay!)

Fast forward a few years, and we buy the 52" Sammy LCD of our dreams for the living room and snag the Onkyo from the bedroom. The Micras will stay where they are due to size/look. We're looking for a new set for the living room to go with the same receiver. My husband liked the Micras so much that he'd like to stick with Athena.

So... here I am researching again. A lot has changed in the just two years' time and now I'm sad to see Athena going away. There's only a few models left on audioadvisor, and not much on amazon or ebay.

Can anyone recommend a good Athena setup for what's left? Or should I just look for another brand? I like the look of the LS series, but they haven't received the most reviews here.

Receiver: Onkyo 603
HD Tivo: 75%
HD/BRD Movies: 24%
Music: 1%

We have a fairly large living room with high ceilings. It's an open floor plan so it opens to the dining room and kitchen. If we went with the LS's, I don't know if we'd need the LS300/LSC50/LS50 or the LS500/LSC100/LS100. Help! I'm tempted to throw another $400 at another set of Micras, but wanted something floor standing for the fronts.

index

05-27-08, 01:29 PM

afrogt

05-27-08, 01:54 PM

does anyone have the speaker grills for the WS-100 for sale?
I'm in need for a pair.

also, where can i find replacement feet for the same speaker?
A few of the feet on my speakers are chipped off and i would like to replace them (rubber bumbers like 3M bumpons or similar)
The hardware stores i went to (Home depot, lowes) don't have feet that size.
they're approximately .5" x .5" (Diam x Height)

thanks

Here ya go, all the parts you can order for your Athena. Best Buy has a parts site.

http://bestbuy.partsearch.com/GetModel.aspx?MfgName=Audio+Products+International&BrandName=Athena&ModelNumber=WS1001&page=1

index

05-27-08, 02:26 PM

Here ya go, all the parts you can order for your Athena. Best Buy has a parts site.

http://bestbuy.partsearch.com/GetModel.aspx?MfgName=Audio+Products+International&BrandName=Athena&ModelNumber=WS1001&page=1

sweet! thank you!

any idea what the "FOOT WITH SPIKE SILVER" is? Is that the complete base?
or just one foot?

jafisher134

05-28-08, 03:33 PM

mattldm

05-28-08, 04:20 PM

Hi all... I am looking into the AS-IC8 for in wall surrounds. Does anybody own them? If you do what are your thoughts on them. I can get them cheap online and was wondering if I should just go ahead and buy. I own the as-f2's and as c1 center channel.

I have the AS-IC6's mounted in the ceiling for my surrounds (With WS-60 fronts and AS-C1.2 Center).

The only difference between the 6 and 8 is the size of the woofer. These speakers sound great, I listen to a lot of music on 5-channel stereo and Prologic II and they really do have a good sound for an in wall speaker. They are built well with high quality crossover components and They blend really well with the other Athena since they all share the same tweeter.
I think you will be happy with them, I am very pleased with mine, especially for the price!

xxxxxx

05-29-08, 10:02 AM

Hey guys, this is my first post here and I hope I don't screw things up too badly. Recently bought a house and have wanted to put together a nice stereo system for quite some time now. I have the option to buy (somewhat) locally a pair of F2's, R1's, B1's and a C1. The price will probably be right around $500 and I'm hoping this is a good deal for a used set. Any thoughts?

My only real concern are the B1's. I see someone above has B2's listed brand new for $150, so would it be worth spending a few extra dollars to upgrade? The bookshelfs would likely be used as either sides or rears. What location would be better for them?

I also would have the option to pick up his P400 sub for a couple hundred bucks, but I'm shying away from that as there seem to be other good options out there.

I have no receiver yet, but I was planning on an Onkyo 805 or maybe 705 if it has the multiple zone features I'm going to need.

I have a lot of Athena stuff. Currently 2 pairs of F2's, 1 pair of F1's, a C1, 1 pair of B1's, and a pair of B2's. All of these were obtained either from Best Buy when they were discontinuing the line or from Ebay. Getting a pair of F2's for $200 is very good and getting a pair of B1's, or R1's or a C1 for $75 is good. On Ebay, the B1's, R1's and C1 usually go for at least $100 shipped and shipping on the F2 usually kills the deal - that's why is so great when you can find a pair of F2's locally. Given that your buying your stuff locally, I would say that getting down close to $400 for the set you mentioned would be a killer price. At $500 it's still a very good deal. You would be VERY hard pressed to spend $500 for a 5.0 setup that even comes close to the Athena setup you mentioned.

Also, the B1's will be fine and I would not worry about getting a pair of B2's instead (unless the guy your considering buying from is willing to knock $150 off the price of the set without the B1's so you can go buy the B2's you mentioned).

When it comes to the subs, I originally had a pair of Athena P400's which did a decent job but I eventually moved up to an SVS PB-12plus/2. The P400 typically goes for around $125+ shipped on Ebay (recently, a couple went for about $75 shipped!). I certainly wouldn't even consider paying a couple hundred bucks for one (even brand new) given what you can get one for on Ebay. If you have a couple hundred to spend on a sub, I'd watch Ebay for a used SVS or HSU sub.

Also, if you are considering a 705 or an 805 receiver, keep your eyes on shoponkyo.com for great deals on refurbished versions. Refurbished equipment from there arrives in brand new condition with warranty (not just a 90-day warranty either). The 805 from there has been down in the low $500 range shipped.

Also, you can still get replacement drivers, grills, etc. for the entire Audition line through Athena (now Klipsch). Just call the number on the Athena website @ athenaspeakers.com

PLEASE NOTE - I'm assuming that all the Athena speakers you were referencing were the ".1" series rather than the ".2" series which typically sell for less. If you want more information regarding the differences in the two series, PM me.

jafisher134

05-30-08, 01:38 PM

I have the AS-IC6's mounted in the ceiling for my surrounds (With WS-60 fronts and AS-C1.2 Center).

The only difference between the 6 and 8 is the size of the woofer. These speakers sound great, I listen to a lot of music on 5-channel stereo and Prologic II and they really do have a good sound for an in wall speaker. They are built well with high quality crossover components and They blend really well with the other Athena since they all share the same tweeter.
I think you will be happy with them, I am very pleased with mine, especially for the price!

I was also looking at the AS-IC6st as surrounds also. What is the difference between these and AS-IC6? They look to be a little more expensive.

Thanks

jafisher134

05-31-08, 02:20 PM

Anybody?

primetimeguy

05-31-08, 04:43 PM

I was also looking at the AS-IC6st as surrounds also. What is the difference between these and AS-IC6? They look to be a little more expensive.

Thanks

The IC6st has two voice coils and a left and right speaker connection. It is more for background music in a room and instead of installing 2 speakers for left right stereo you just install this one speaker and wire the left and right to it. It's not for home theater applications.

bitpoh

05-31-08, 04:48 PM

jafisher134, check out the brochure here and you will see a side-to-side feature comparison between IC6 and IC6ST:
http://www.athenaspeakers.com/downloads/Architectural-Series-Brochure.pdf

xxxxxx

05-31-08, 05:12 PM

I was also looking at the AS-IC6st as surrounds also. What is the difference between these and AS-IC6? They look to be a little more expensive.

Thanks

The main difference, I think, is that the IC6st has dual 3/4" tweeters (non-pivoting?) and the IC6 has a single, 1", pivoting tweeter.

boomaaan

06-01-08, 09:43 PM

Hi Chas,
Are you still selling the as-r1.2"s?

KKoepp31

06-02-08, 09:13 AM

So I did pick up the 7 speakers and an Onkyo 805. I currently have it setup in a 5.0 configuration, but what speakers should I use for the surrounds? Should I use the B1's or R1's? The living room is probably not quite big enough to run all seven and without an HD DVD player it is probably pointless anyway. The F2's and C1 have been great up front and really seem to provide a full sound. Can't wait to get a sub though and add to the experience.

curtis104

06-02-08, 02:44 PM

Does anyone have a source for AS-R1/1.2?

jcavner

06-02-08, 02:54 PM

Does anyone have a source for AS-R1/1.2?

AudioAdvisor was the last place I saw them when I purchased mine. You might have to go the ebay route..

Merlin803

06-02-08, 06:29 PM

AudioAdvisor was the last place I saw them when I purchased mine. You might have to go the ebay route..

I may be selling my pair. I am waiting to hear back from someone for whom I am buying speakers from and I also need to find it if my potential new ones are mountable before I can decide to sell the AS-R1's.

Merlin803

06-13-08, 06:02 AM

Well, I am going to sell my AS-R1's if anyone is interested before I put them up on EB*Y (I also will be selling a pair of AS-B1's).

andyb22

06-13-08, 11:02 AM

benjosevilla

06-13-08, 12:45 PM

I have a question that I hope some of you can give me some advice on. I was looking into the BIC Acoustech set or the Athena LS set that audioadvisor is selling. Has anyone heard both of these or I really have not read any reviews on the LS speakers. Can someone please give me some input?
Thanks!

I have been using the BIC Venturi Center channel speakers for a few years now. Hometheather rated it very high that was why I got it in the first place. The BIC has worked well with my Athena F2.2 front towers as well as with the P6000 subwoofer.

oldlostcory

06-17-08, 10:03 PM

I just wanted to throw out my opinion. I just picked up two Athena AS-F1's off ebay(I had to replace the stupid connections on them). I put them as my front left and right. Took the two S.5's and moved them to surround rears, so I have 7.1 now. My goodness the difference in quality between the AS-F1's and the S.5's really are astounding, they still mesh well together but you can definitely tell the difference. I think next month i'll go ahead and replace the C.5 with a C.1.

Also I know some people don't think 7.1 is much of a difference but I am noticing it even in as small of a room as mine (12x12). Granted I do sit in the middle of the room so I have about 4 feet from the rears.

ubcjack

07-07-08, 07:47 PM

Hi everyone,

I am a n00b in speaker area and I really need some advise in choosing my front speakers. After reading through Athena thread, I have settled myself to purchase either ws100 and ws60 or LS500 with it's center.

WS100 and LS500 at the moment they are priced the same so price isn't an issue. My concern is mainly at the frequency response,

1. LS500 can go deeper than WS100 (ws100 doesn't go as low comparing to almost any floorstand speakers around this price range). Does this really matter?

2. Subwoofer, I plan to purchase a bic h100 or cadence csx 12 but my problem is most of the time, I dont not want to turn subwoofer on becasue i live in an apartment and it might annoy everyone else. If this is a concern, would the bass from ls 500 be enough for just regular movie/game/music usage or both ls 500 and ws 100 just dont have enough bass so I'll need a subwoofer anyway (If this is the case, i will simply go for ws 100 for the look).

3. I have never owned a powered subwoofer before, I am just wondering at very low volume, do they perform well? I mean I want the bass but I dont want it to be super strong like shaking the whole apartment. Or in my case, I should skip subwoofer and just invest in a better front floorstand speakers?

Thanks for the help. Any input is appreaciated!

Xanj

07-18-08, 01:38 PM

Just upgraded recently from my 5 year-old Onkyo HT-510 speakers to the Athena's from audioadvisor. I ended up choosing the LS-500 package without the subwoofer. My current configuration is:

2x LS-500 Tower Speakers
1x LS-C100 Center
2x LS-100B Bookshelf Speakers
1X Onkyo Center Speaker (for rear center)
1X Onkyo Subwoofer
Onkyo HT-R510 6.1 receiver

Other Stuff:
Sony KDS-A552020
PS3 60GB
Xbox 360 Elite
Nintendo Wii
Custom HTPC
Dish Network (soon to be ComcastHD)
Samsung LN26A450 (for future bedroom)

My sources vary a lot; I run a pretty even mix between tv, movies, music, and gaming. So far I am very pleased with the Athenas. I'm no expert, but these are by far the best speakers I have ever owned. So I may be an audio-noob by the standards here, but I picked the Athenas based on info found on avsforum. I'm not someone with 5k+ to spend on home theater though either. They seem like a great choice for someone within my budget range.
Still using the old Onkyo HT-R510 receiver and the Onkyo sub though. I plan on upgrading the receiver to something with good HDMI pass-through(probably a newer onkyo), another set of LS-100's for 7.1 rears(hopefully before they are all gone), and a much better sub. For now it's great just to finally have some real speakers.
They are really putting my source material to the test, as now I actually notice imperfections that I never knew were there, along with some great instruments/sounds that I never noticed before either. Overall the range of frequency is so much improved from my previous setup, I can't help but be impressed by what I hear from the Athena LS series. So other than hearing some things too good, most everything just sounds spectacular, not to mention the speakers look very nice with the rest of my setup.
Audioadvisor.com has made me one happy customer! :)

Here's a pic of everything in front without the covers on:
http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/8421/theater4ab9.jpg

dftkell

07-18-08, 01:51 PM

Looks nice XANJ.

Try tilting your center speaker down a bit so that it is aiming directly at you when you're seated. I think you'll get a nice improvement in sound.

Xanj

07-18-08, 03:01 PM

Thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated! I actually tried to adjust it as low as possible with the stand that comes with the LS-C100, but it wouldn't give me a very low angle. So I just removed the little black stand, used a small piece of folded cloth under the back of the speaker's curved cabinet, and now it is pointing down perfectly.
**Edit** - Ended up putting the center speaker infront of the tv since the shelf above the tv was too short and had the center channels ports less than 1in. away from the wall! This was not good for the sound quality of the center. So I pushed the tv back as far as it could go on the stand and put the speaker right in front of the tv, at least now it has 3-4 inches between it and the tv. Looking into a better stand to put the tv on now, but it's still an improvement over basically blocking the ports on the center, lol.

Sorry if this is off topic, but I have a question about floorspikes... Should I get some for the main towers? They are fairly stable already on the carpet, but would floorspikes be a good idea? I don't know anything about floorspikes, or if there are any that would be compatible with the existing hardware/feet on the LS-500s. Basically, I don't want to bother if I have to modify the speakers in any way, like drilling holes for the new hardware. Thanks a bunch for any info!

dftkell

07-18-08, 03:04 PM

If the speakers are stable, I wouldn't worry about spikes. I highly doubt it would give you an increase in sound quality.

ubcjack

07-21-08, 05:08 PM

afrogt

07-21-08, 08:17 PM

The LS speakers are going to be much better sounding speakers than the thin wall mountable WS Series. The WS is made more for convenience than sound.

ubcjack

07-22-08, 12:03 AM

Hi afrogt,

Thanks for the reply. So would you recommend buying LS series over the WS series? For me, I care sound more than appearance, it's just for the moment I don't have enough space to fit in LS, but if LS would sound a lot better than WS, since they cost around the same, I would wait after I move and get the LS series.

I am trying to decide between a full set of WS + subwoofer and LS set. However, most time I would only leave subwoofer on at very low volumn or leave it off. All I want is to hear some lows, not to shake the house.

If I have WS series + subwoofer, would it sound as nice as LS seires (with subwoofer)? Coz I feel athena speakers all do very well at high. The only shortcomings are at the low part, which could be helped by a subwoofer. Am I right on this? Or there are just more to consider than using a subwoofer to produce bass.

Thanks.

philek9

07-22-08, 11:13 PM

Hi everybody,

I am completely new to sound systems and I was given Athena WS100's speakers as a gift. I would like to complete my sound system at home and know I will need the following:
-Receiver
-Center speaker, left speaker, and right speaker?
-Subwoofer

Can some of you recommend which receiver I should get to accomodate this setup? I would like to spend no more 400 for the receiver and speakers needed. Is this possible? Please provide some recommendations as to which receiver and speakers that I can look into.

Thanks!!

Tulpa

07-23-08, 12:11 AM

$400 for all that is kind of stretching it.

The WS series center is probably the WS-60. Cheapest I see them online is $130 or so. You could pair that with a cheaper Yamaha/Onkyo receiver, like the Onkyo TX-SR505 ($189 shipped from Amazon, maybe cheaper through Shoponkyo.com.) But you're already up to $330 there.

If you forgo the center, you can get a sub/receiver for around $400, like the Velodyne VX-10 paired with the above receiver.

For surround speakers, I see the WS-15s for $110 or so (pair.) You're probably looking at closer to $600-$650 for a complete setup, but you don't have to get it all at once.

ubcjack

07-25-08, 04:02 PM

Hi philek9,

How do you like the ws 100 so far? Is the bass ok or it's like non-exist?

Thanks.

Xanj

07-27-08, 07:28 PM

Hi Xanj,

Can you give me some ideas why you picked ls over ws? Have you ever considered ws series or you just start with ls in the first place?

I think your setup is very close to mine. My main purpose is
PS3
Xbox
wii
HTPC
Movie
Music

but the difference is my room is smaller so I have space issue. (However I am planning to move to a bigger room where space won't be an issue). At the moment I am more clinging to ws series because of the look, but the LS looks awesome after you take out the grill!

How is the bass from LS series? Do they run fine without a subwoofer?

Thanks.

I looked at the ws series, but since space was not an issue for me, there was no point in going with them over the ls. I think they would produce better sound overall from the ws series, but I can't audition them to say for sure.

The bass from the ls-500 towers is great by themselves, but I am still spoiled to having a subwoofer. So even with the ls-500's now, I still run my old HTIB onkyo subwoofer over no sub at all. I would recommend a sub with most HT setups anyway.

In fact, I just ordered an eD A2-300 sub to get the low freq performance I am looking for with this setup. Should get it hopefully around the end of august.

philek9

07-31-08, 02:25 PM

I haven't finalized my setup with the WS100's but once I do, I will post my review for you. Can you guys tell me what you think of Sony's STRDG820 Receiver compared to Onkyo505/575? I have an opportunity to pick one up for $215+tax new from a friend of mine which is much cheaper than I can find on pricegrabber. Your comments are appreciated. I can't wait!!

Sony STRDG820 description:
7.1 channel A/V receiver delivers the Full HD 1080 experience to a home theater system. This 1080p A/V Receiver features HDMI with "Active Intelligence", plus x.v.Color and 1080/24p signal capability. In addition to decoding uncompressed audio (LPCM via HDMI), the STR-DG820 decodes the audio formats from Dolby Labs and DTS making this model fully compatible with Blu-ray Disc. Now, you can hear the original mix of your favorite BD titles regardless of audio format. Because no room is perfect, Sony's Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (and its supplied microphone) simplifies speaker set up and optimizes speaker performance with the push of one button in just 30 seconds. Would you like to listen to satellite radio? The XM Connect-and-Play Ready feature provides the ability to access XM satellite radio programming in surround sound.

benjosevilla

08-01-08, 02:31 AM

My AS-P6000 that I bought Jan 07 just stopped working on me:mad:
The lights are still on and detect audio input via RCA. I could only hear a very low volume crackle. Even when the RCA is unplugged, I still hear a low volume cracke. At a year and 7 months, the unit is out of warrantee.

Is this worth trying to have fixed. The unit is heavy to ship!

3matthew3

08-27-08, 10:10 PM

Are Athena Micras still a decent choice today? I have a 13long x 9 living room with a Sammy 1080P LCD and Onkyo 502 reciever [got many HDMI on TV, so just using reciever for optical and dig coax] hooked up to an Xbox 360, Vista Media Center PC, and Comcast DVR. Been very pleased with my HT room consisting of Athena Auditions F1.2s, C1.2, R1.2s and a Viewsonic DLP projector [about 8 ft WS].... not much room for speakers in my living room... got the Micras for 125 + 38shipping on EBay [one owner, very clean].. good or bad deal? Can I do better these days? Is there any other speaker stand available for the Micras? I'm kinda on a budget... [due to wife...]

My HT Room [kinda bad pics...]
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/3matthew3/theater/ht-room.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/3matthew3/theater/100_0388.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g205/3matthew3/theater/100_0386.jpg

misraha

09-20-08, 11:50 PM

I have one question. its about the compatibility of the center speaker with the front speakers in the following combination.

Rear Surround Speakers: Athena - LS-100 Bookshelf Speakers

Front Speakers: Athena - LS-300 Tower Speaker or Athena - LS-500 Tower Speaker

Sub: Veloydyne VRP 1200.

Center Speaker: Athena LS-C100B Center Channel Speaker (will this match/work)

Thanks

misraha

09-21-08, 02:48 PM

Since i did not get any responses and time was running out for the athena to disapper, i finally took the chnace and orderd the following to make up my 7.1 system

Surround Speakers: (Athena - LS-100 Bookshelf Speakers) * 4

Front Speakers: (LS-500 Tower Speaker) * 2
Center Speaker: Athena LS-C100B Center Channel Speaker
Sub: Veloydyne VRP 1200.
Receiver: Pioneer 1018

Please let me know if i did the right thing. Intitally i thought of going with the athena WS series due to its size but than thought that LS will sound better. I hope i did not made any mistakes. Please share your views.

halog

09-21-08, 05:36 PM

Xanj

09-21-08, 06:09 PM

Yeah you did the right thing, the center you got is as good a match for those as anything you can get. They are all a matched set. I have the same setup minus the 2 extra surrounds as well. Wonderful speakers for the price.

mtavares

09-21-08, 07:06 PM

misraha

09-21-08, 07:41 PM

Hey I have the same setup minus the two extra ls100b's and the sub (mines a vx-10) they sound good and like you I got a great deal. ls series timbre match fine so enjoy until you are ready to upgrade.

Does WS series sound better than LS series?

halog

09-21-08, 07:51 PM

Does WS series sound better than LS series?

Unfortunately i wasn't able to audition the speakers[ws or ls] before i made my purchase.

afrogt

09-21-08, 08:18 PM

As the Athena product line is running out very quickly, we only could find the following configuration:

1) Front: LS-100B
2) Center: AS-C1.2
3) Surround: AS-O6
4) Subwoofer:AS-P4100

We would like to know if the combination LS series and Audition series is timbre match. If not, is it so far?

Any comments regarding this configuration is welcome.

Best Regards,

Marcos

Q.J.A

I would do a couple things if I were you.

1. get the LS-C100B center to match your fronts
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000JE55BQ/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222041739&sr=8-1

or

2. Keep the AS C1.2 and replace the fronts with AS-B2.2 bookshelfs
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/48d6e106001e0a4c2740ac10034105a5/Product/View/2639

3. Skip the AS-P4100 sub because there seem to be many problems with the amp in that unit and the P6000 sub after a period of time. There is a thread about it in the subwoofer forum. Get the Velodyne VX-10 if you're looking for something in the same price range.

4. The AS-06 is designed to be an outdoor speaker with its hard plastic housing, but I guess it would work fine inside. But if it cost more than the B2.2 that I linked, I would just get a second pair of those to go with the AS-C1.2 center.

5. Get 4 of the B2.2 or 4 of the LS-100B and skip the AS-06. Just make sure you get the matching center for each model.

mtavares

09-21-08, 08:46 PM

I would do a couple things if I were you.

1. get the LS-C100B center to match your fronts
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000JE55BQ/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1222041739&sr=8-1

or

2. Keep the AS C1.2 and replace the fronts with AS-B2.2 bookshelfs
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/48d6e106001e0a4c2740ac10034105a5/Product/View/2639

3. Skip the AS-P4100 sub because there seem to be many problems with the amp in that unit and the P6000 sub after a period of time. There is a thread about it in the subwoofer forum. Get the Velodyne VX-10 if you're looking for something in the same price range.

4. The AS-06 is designed to be an outdoor speaker with its hard plastic housing, but I guess it would work fine inside. But if it cost more than the B2.2 that I linked, I would just get a second pair of those to go with the AS-C1.2 center.

5. Get 4 of the B2.2 or 4 of the LS-100B and skip the AS-06. Just make sure you get the matching center for each model.

afrogt,

Thanks by your prompt response.

We will evaluate the possibility 1 or 2 that you mentioned.

We already bought the subwoofer in a sale. Let´s give it a try...

The reason to go to the AS-06 is the fact that in our room, they will be installed in the ceiling and it is white. It is easier to install than the options you mentioned.

To be honest, we heard the Athena Audition product line in the past and we considered that amazing. We have never heard the LS series. We considered the LS product line due to the Athena tradition of good products. How do these two product line compares? We did not find direct comparison of both product lines.

Best Regards,

Marcos

Q.J.A

afrogt

09-21-08, 09:10 PM

I own almost all the audition line speakers. The LS speakers were only available online so I never got to hear them. The outdoor speaker uses the same tweeter as the C1.2 and B2.2 so I'd go with the Auditions up front instead of the LS.

I can verify the good sound of the Audition speakers, the LS is only speculation.

If you can't find the C1 center the C.5 will also work with the B1.2 or B2.2. its a lot less bulky too.
http://vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/548300004/athena-c-5?s_c=site_search

jessecoane

09-22-08, 04:36 PM

misraha

09-23-08, 12:46 AM

I just ordered 2 ls500s for the front and 2 ls100s for the rear. The LS-C100 center channel seems to be out of stock everywhere. Does anyone recommend another center channel that would go well. Maybe the Energy C-C100? Im gonna be powering everything with onkyo 705

thanks

jesse

http://www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com/catalog/12/6325/

keep on checking this website. sometimes its available here. it was available here sat and i ordered mine than. it was available for a short time yesterday also.

afrogt

09-23-08, 03:07 AM

Energy C-C100 might not be a bad choice. I read somewhere a while back that the C100 and LS-100 speakers share the same components but different cabinets so it might work okay. Both have a 5.5" composite fiberglass Cone woofer and 1" aluminum dome tweeter

The drivers do look similar if you take a look. And they are sister companies so it wouldn't be out of the question that they share components.
http://www.athenaspeakers.com/v2/product.php?ident=LS-100+Bookshelf+Speaker&sub=gallery

http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/c-c100-overview/

afrogt

09-23-08, 03:10 AM

As of 12:10am PST the LS-C100 center shows "in stock" on bestpriceaudiovideo.com

better grab it now!

teckademic

09-23-08, 09:21 AM

anyone ever try placing the as-c1 vertically? The center placed vertically made the sweet spot for center channel dialogue a lot wider. Before, the center couch was usually the best place to hear dialogue clearly and decreased when you would sit on either left or right seat off the center couch, but with the speaker vertically, everything evened out.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/allan363/onlyallan007.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/allan363/onlyallan006.jpg

Tulpa

09-23-08, 10:39 AM

That's common among some (most?) center channel speakers. The horizontal orientation is purely for aesthetics, not sound.

BAMAVADER

09-23-08, 11:24 AM

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/allan363/onlyallan007.jpg

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb106/allan363/onlyallan006.jpg

Nice setup...

:cool:

jessecoane

09-23-08, 11:34 AM

As of 12:10am PST the LS-C100 center shows "in stock" on bestpriceaudiovideo.com

better grab it now!

hey thanks for the heads up, but when i try to add it to the cart it says cart is empty. I called them but they said they are out of it and won't get more in. I ended up ordering the energy C-C100. Seems like my best bet.

thanks again

jesse

afrogt

09-23-08, 06:50 PM

got the Micras for 125 + 38shipping on EBay [one owner, very clean].. good or bad deal? Can I do better these days? Is there any other speaker stand available for the Micras?

$163 for a 5.1 system? You can't beat that. Of course, its not gonna sound anything like your F1 setup. I've got a F1 system and had some Point5's which are bigger than the Micras. F1 is much better than the Point5 and Point5 was significanty better than the Micra.

94sw20

09-24-08, 05:29 PM

Hello everyone my first post here. Anyhow I've been reading up on the speakers the last few days and have been intrigued by the Athena line of speakers. I think for the money they are a bargain.

I recently bought a HTIB from costco (Panasonic) and ended up returning it. I then tried out the Onkyo 6100. Although the reciever is nice the speakers are very inadequate for my living room. I have a pretty big living room which opens to the kitchen as well as a hallway into the dining area.

The Onkyo sounded much better than the Panasonic however I've decided that in order to get that full, rich, sound I need to put together my own 5.1 system.

I was thinking of the WS line for their simplicity and lower profile design compared to their other floorstanding speakers however I was a bit discouraged by some of the negative reviews. I've heard some people compare them as "thin" or "lifeless". Its unfortunate I never got a chance to audition them at best buy when they were available.

I may decide to go with the AS line however my question for everyone is how well do floorstanding speakers work as surrounds? I was under the impression that rear surrounds should be at least 2-3' above the listeners head while seated? I was thinking of the following setup.

Front L/R- WS-100 x2
Center- WS-60 x1
Rear- WS-60 x2 (or am I better of using just the WS-15 on stands)

As much as possible I wanted to avoid stands but will use them if necessary.

Another setup i was thinking about is
Front L/R- AS 1.2 or 2.2 x2
Center- AS C1.2
Rear- B1.2 or B2.2

Please let me know what you all think. What kind of stands have people used for the B1.2 or B2.2? I's assume some type of stand with pedestal. Thanks all

misraha

09-24-08, 05:30 PM

hey thanks for the heads up, but when i try to add it to the cart it says cart is empty. I called them but they said they are out of it and won't get more in. I ended up ordering the energy C-C100. Seems like my best bet.

thanks again

jesse

Somebody from this forum suggested the following speaker for the same set up Athena LS 500 as front and LS 100 as back

http://www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com/catalog/14/5948/

Tulpa

09-24-08, 05:40 PM

I may decide to go with the AS line however my question for everyone is how well do floorstanding speakers work as surrounds? I was under the impression that rear surrounds should be at least 2-3' above the listeners head while seated?

It's not a hard and fast rule. Many use floorstanders as surrounds.

The Audition Series speakers are very tough to get, especially a complete set. The floorstanders are particularly sought after. Check eBay. They have a C1 (first gen) with a buy it now and an auction for a pair of B1s.

There's a place called PartStore or something to that effect that seems to have several models, but I can't vouch for them.

94sw20

09-24-08, 06:42 PM

It's not a hard and fast rule. Many use floorstanders as surrounds.

The Audition Series speakers are very tough to get, especially a complete set. The floorstanders are particularly sought after. Check eBay. They have a C1 (first gen) with a buy it now and an auction for a pair of B1s.

There's a place called PartStore or something to that effect that seems to have several models, but I can't vouch for them.

Thanks for the response. I just wasn't too sure if floorstanders would be overkill since the fronts do most of the work.

Yeah ever since Klipsch pulled the plug on the line its been more difficult to find these items.

Would it be possible to use WS-100s as surrounds? I looked up the specs of the WS60 and they are only 23.8" tall while the WS-100s are 41.6 inches tall. At that height the WS-60s would wither need a table, speaker stand, or wall mount which is what I'd like to avoid. Thanks

Tulpa

09-24-08, 06:56 PM

You can use anything as surrounds, theoretically.

For now I use WS-15s as surrounds. They share tweeters with the Audition line.

If I ever get around to it, I'm going to buy some mounts and get my four B1s up to replace them.

afrogt

09-24-08, 08:38 PM

I was thinking of the following setup.

Front L/R- WS-100 x2
Center- WS-60 x1
Rear- WS-60 x2 (or am I better of using just the WS-15 on stands)

As much as possible I wanted to avoid stands but will use them if necessary.

Another setup i was thinking about is
Front L/R- AS 1.2 or 2.2 x2
Center- AS C1.2
Rear- B1.2 or B2.2

Please let me know what you all think. What kind of stands have people used for the B1.2 or B2.2? I's assume some type of stand with pedestal. Thanks all

First thing, the Audition series will blow away the WS series. You didn't specity F or B series for your fronts. I'm guessing you mean F1.2 or F2.2? If you can find all the Audition speakers, by all means get them. If not the LS series would do you well too.

I really think the Athena LS line and the Energy C series are the same components in different cabinets. Take a look at this:
LS-500 and C-500 both have dual composite fiberglass cone 6.5" woofers and 1" dome tweeter

LS-300 and C-300 both have single 6.5" fiberglass cone woofer and 1" dome tweeter

LS-100 and C-100 both have single 5.5" fiberglass cone woofer and 1" dome tweeter

LS-C100 and C-C100 both have dual 5.5" fiberglass cone woofer and 1" dome tweeter.

Energy is the higher end line vs Athena so perhaps the cabinets are little better? But where Energy really shines is the RC and Veritas series whereas Athena's top end appears to be equivalent to Energy's entry level line.

Athenas are a bargain because of the closeout but its hard to find the center now. My guess is the Energy C-C100 would be a good substitute for the LS-C100.

Overall I like the traditional look of the Energy better than the curved Athena LS speakers.

94sw20

09-24-08, 09:11 PM

Afrogt thanks for the response. I've given it some thought and although the WS series looks sleeker I think I'd be much happier with the AS line. I was able to find the b2.2 as well as the c1.2. If I can just find the F2.2 I'll be all set.

Is there a big difference in sound between the 1.2 and 2.2?

Tulpa

09-24-08, 09:48 PM

F2.2 might go a bit deeper, maybe louder. Its got two 8" drivers working for it.

afrogt

09-25-08, 02:25 AM

I've got the F1 and it goes plenty deep for me. F2 will be taller with dual woofers. those are pretty hard to find nowadays.

If you've got a sub, you won't need the F2.2.

misraha

09-25-08, 08:47 AM

So now i have ordered my complete 7.1 speaker system of Athena and my pioneer receiver and i am waiting for them to arrive.

Do i also need to order speaker wire or the speakers will come with the wire. If i have to order, any recommendations from monoprice. SHould i go with a 12 gauge , 14 gauge or higher? will i be also needing the banana clips. please advise

afrogt

09-25-08, 09:45 AM

14ga should be fine unless you plan to have distances over 80 feet from the speaker to receiver.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023902&p_id=2791&seq=1&format=2

Monoprice sell banana plugs on the same page as the wire. You need two plugs per speaker and two per speaker channel on the receiver. So if you have 7 speakers, you'll want 14 pair of banana plugs.

At $1.50 pair, they're very inexpensive.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040115&p_id=2801&seq=1&format=2

Here is a guide of how to install them.
http://www.monoprice.com/manual/INSTALLING%20SOLDER%20TYPE%20BANANA%20PLUGS.pdf

Banana plugs are more of a convenience than a necessity. You don't need them but you'll want them, especially on the receiver.

misraha

09-25-08, 10:25 AM

14ga should be fine unless you plan to have distances over 80 feet from the speaker to receiver.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023902&p_id=2791&seq=1&format=2

Banana plugs are more of a convenience than a necessity. You don't need them but you'll want them, especially on the receiver.

SO that means i need to order cables. Thanks i will do it now.
One more thing. do i need to go with 14 gauge or can i get 16 or 18 gauge too. will there be any audio quality diff. my front speaker will be close to the receiver approx 3 feet and back speakers would be about 20 feet from receiver.

Also do i need to order some kind of cables for sub also? i have ordered velo VRP1200. if yes any recommendations

Tulpa

09-25-08, 10:33 AM

14 gauge is probably best, although 16 might work for the fronts. The higher gauge number is actually thinner wire. Anything above 12 (i.e., 10) might be too thick for the speakers.

You can get it from Monoprice if you order plugs and other cables, but Home Depot/Lowes carries the same stuff if you want it today.

Your sub will probably use this cable:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236

It may or may not be included. Probably not.

misraha

09-25-08, 10:57 AM

14 gauge is probably best, although 16 might work for the fronts. The higher gauge number is actually thinner wire. Anything above 12 (i.e., 10) might be too thick for the speakers.

.

So will thin wire like 16 or 18 gauge not sound good as compared to 14? i was thinking if i get a higer gauge, thins wires will be easy to manage /hide.

but if not recommended i can get 14 too..

Also is the lowes/ homedepot price of wires is higher or same than monoprice (cost + shipping )

Tulpa

09-25-08, 11:02 AM

Well, it's more the amount of work the receiver has to do to push an amplified signal through thinner wire. Sound quality between 14 and 16 gauge is probably minimal. I just use 14 to be sure, but 16 would probably work as well.

Also is the lowes/ homedepot price of wires is higher or same than monoprice (cost + shipping )

I think it's about the same if you include Monoprice's shipping weighed against the cost of gas to truck over to a Lowes, depending on how far one is away.

afrogt

09-25-08, 11:16 AM

Get the wire, sub cable and banana plugs all from monoprice on one order. Shipping isn't that much and you'll never find banana plugs that cheaply at Lowes or Home Depot. They'll be more like $5/pr which would get very expensive if you want 7-14 pair.

Warder45

09-26-08, 11:46 AM

So has anyone tried using the energy CS-100 for the center channel with Athena Speakers?

mtavares

09-27-08, 10:58 AM

So has anyone tried using the energy CS-100 for the center channel with Athena Speakers?

If you are insterested in the Energy speaker it is better to rush. It seems that Klipsch is not interested in this product line also. See the link below.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14727752#post14727752

The Athena CS-100 is not available anymore and the closest product is the Energy C-100 or the Energy C-50. They are on sale in some places.

It is really bad that very good products like Athena and Energy are running out.

Best Regards,

Marcos

Q.J.A

TDI Driver

09-27-08, 12:32 PM

Marcos, thanks for the link to my announcement regarding Energy in your post. While I'm not entirley certain that Klipsch will abandon Energy like they did with Athena, I honestly don't like the direction they are taking API.

With Energy, they are releasing new products, but have left Veritas to seemingly wither away. Even though they announced the development of a new Veritas line in January, still nothing has materialized. Then, they have recently eliminated the rosenut and cherry finishes in the RC series. In my opinion, this is an obvious tactic to steer the "furniture-grade" speaker shopper directly to Klipsch's new WF series speakers.

With Mirage, Klipsch has taken Ian Paisley's and Andrew Welker's pet and railroaded it into a cutsie lifestyle-geared product. Never again will we see a speaker from Mirage like the M-1. The new items being released are seriously uninspiring to me as a longtime Mirage dealer, and as a result, that line is going away in our store as well.

We are/were dealers for all of API's brands, and I am a proud owner of Athena's original SCT series speakers (the ones with the powered subs in them). We sold Athena up until the end and still have a couple demo systems in our showroom (WS and Point 5).

The irony of it all is that we are also Klipsch Reference and Heritage series dealers.

To address Warder45's question, the Energy C-C100 will work quite well with the Athena LS series products since they are basically the same speakers with different name badges. Both lines use the same tweeter, but the fiberglass weave on the woofers is slightly tighter on the Energy than on the LS. Essentially, the LS series was a hybrid of the Energy C series and the long gone Mirage Omni series. All three lines used the same tweeter, but the Mirage and Athena had the same coarse woven fiberglass cones, while the Energy has a smoother woven fiberglass cone. For what it is worth, we have a brand new C-C100 on close-out.

Thanks for your time guys, and I'm sorry to ramble on with my opinions on the state of API.

Happy listening!

Best,
TDI

mtavares

09-27-08, 04:11 PM

TDI,

Thanks by your explanation. It clarified very well the Energy situation that I personally had misunderstood completely the details.

Best Regards,

Marcos

Q.J.A

misraha

09-28-08, 10:28 PM

Hey guys, very happy with my LS-100. I am looking for the stands for this speaker. any recommendations. dont want to spend too much money on these..

misraha

09-29-08, 10:10 AM

AThena owners, based on your experience, pls suggest some stand options for LS-100

Tulpa

09-29-08, 10:12 AM

I can't remember what the back of them look like? Is there a hole for a screw type mount?

If not, just any ol' platform stands at the height you need would work.

misraha

09-29-08, 02:02 PM

I can't remember what the back of them look like? Is there a hole for a screw type mount?

If not, just any ol' platform stands at the height you need would work.

Yes there is a hole for screw type mount in these speakers.. any economical place to buy the stands?

afrogt

09-29-08, 02:31 PM

I've used stands similar to this for my Athena B2 and B1 bookshelf speakers. You can use blu tac or velcro strips/squares on the top plate of the stand and bottom of the speaker to hold them in place. Just make sure you have the right height stand for your listening level.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/PLATM23B/PLATEAU/M23-DELUXE-WOOD-SPEAKER-STAND-23-HIGH-PAIR-BLACK/1.html

Also look at the SANUS SYSTEMS BF-31B and SANUS SYSTEMS BF-24B which can be found cheaply on places like Amazon.com. The 31B is 31" tall while the 24B is 24" tall.

Wood Technology makes some pretty nice stands and decent prices too. I have a pair of their 24" stands.

I also have the Energy C-ST speaker stands but don't know if they're available any more.

vincolo1

10-07-08, 05:06 PM

WS-100......there are a lot of postings in this thread, so sorry if the topic has already been covered.
Got WS-100, WS-60, WS-15, AS-P4100. I see the Athena site touts the 50Hz capabilities of the WS-100...deep bass.....anyone else missing this "deep bass". They have a squeeky amount of bass, but then again how much air is being pushed from a few 3.5" speakers. The sub makes it all good, but without that sub, the system sounds like a mouse.
Powered by Onkyo, no problems on that side, just wondering if I expected too much when buying these. They are clear up top and in the mids. I'm happy with the complete set, but these are not stand alone for stereo by any means.

Tulpa

10-07-08, 05:17 PM

vincolo1

10-07-08, 05:34 PM

The WS have always been a form over function setup, IMO. I own four of them for surrounds (WS-15) as I feel I don't need a huge amount of bass and I don't want to put my bulky AS-B1s up on my walls yet. They do share tweeters with the Audition Series, so I felt that was a plus.
True....they are crisp and clean up top......I guess I'm beating a dead horse.....they are being made anymore anyway. I love the way they look, the sound is very good and with all drivers working....it rocks non-the-less.
I still have a soft spot for AS-F2 though and may invest in a pair of those if they come around sometime.

KittyChan1

10-09-08, 09:23 PM

Hi!

After coming across this thread a year ago, I ended up setting up a speaker system for myself, and a separate one for my bf, composed entirely of Athena speakers. So hahaha, I guess you can tell I really love Athena speakers :)

But I've come across a complication lately...and was wondering if I can ask for some advice and suggestions :)

Recently, I bought three Athena WS-60 speakers to be used as fronts and center for my parent's speaker system (and the WS-15s as rears).

I initially intended to place them all on the TV stand with their DLP TV (2 vertically, the center channel horizontally)...however, due to size constraints, I was unable to buy a TV stand that is wide enough to both accommodate the TV and the two front left/front right channels. So my current TV stand is large enough only for the TV and for the center channel placed in front of the TV...which leaves the question of...where to put my front left/front right WS-60s and how?

I do not want to mount them on the wall, since my TV is on the stand already...and they'd end up a good 2 ft away from the TV screen if I do that.

Can anyone recommend any speaker stands (about 20-21" high, preferably) that would work with the WS-60? They're fairly tall at about 25" high and when I take off the round base, they have that curved frame so they can't just easily sit on top of speaker stands the way most bookshelf and satellite speakers can. So I've been having a lot of trouble trying to find suitable speaker stands for them.

I want to leave the round base off when I mount the WS-60s to the speaker stand, just because it'll look awkward to see the round base and rubber feet between the bottom of the speaker cabinet and the surface of the speaker stand...

As an alternative, I can find some small table stands...but due to the size constraints of the room, I don't want to buy a huge table stand...maybe something that's 8" x 8" at most...? Anything larger and there's no difference between buying these two table stands and buying the larger TV stand...both of which are a no-go.

Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated! I think that my only option really are the speaker stands, but no luck so far...

vincolo1

10-16-08, 12:12 PM

Hi!
Any suggestions would be MUCH appreciated! I think that my only option really are the speaker stands, but no luck so far...
Well if your not going to build new ones...its going to be hard. Might I suggest the silver or black satellite speaker stands available at walmart or Best buy...$39.
they are adjustable..have screws in the back for mounting versitility and the WS-60 has the receiver screw holes or mounting bracket. Thas should cover you and you will not need the base for the ws-60. Otherwise...your going to have to fashion something. If your looking for something unique, try matching flower pots upside down, glue a support bracket to the flower pot that will prop up the ws-60 just under the top of the recessed ridge that runs down the back of the cabinet. I have also seen people use guitar stands to support the speaker. ws-60 fits nicely into the neck support hook. The base tho...you may have to work on something for that.
Or...ideas are running around in my head...get a taller speaker stand and instead of sitting the speaker directly on the stand...mount it to the front so its level with the top, hangs down where the stand supports are and then its off the ground, mounted and you could even remove the top stand base and just screw it to the support posts....problem solved......now I need a nap..

vincolo1

10-16-08, 12:18 PM

here is what I am talking about...

GoCaboNow

11-07-08, 01:29 PM

Anybody using the WS100 as a center channel? I currently use the WS60 for my center to go with the 100's. I am transferring this 7.1 speaker set from family room to a dedicated projection room I am finishing (100's for fronts, 60's for center, surrounds and rears with the Athena 12' sub) I would really like a beefier set of speakers but budget constraints make that not an option at this time. However, I would like to beef up the system where I can and I see the 100's can be had for $200. I am thinking I could get this and sub one of the 100's for my center channel. The receiver will be a Pio 1018a-hk or Onkyo 605 or 705.

Or for $200, is there a better center channel I could get that would still work with my ws100 front speakers?

Tulpa

11-07-08, 02:59 PM

If you mean keeping the WS-100 standing and have three of them like this: ||| That shouldn't be a problem, if the screen can clear the top of them and you don't mind it that high. If you mean tilting it so it is sideways, I think that might run into problems.

The WS-100 puts the tweeter near the top of the speaker, whereas the WS-60 puts it smack in the middle, allowing it to be upright or on its side.

Both the 100 and the 60 have both active woofers and passive radiators. The WS-60 puts two woofers on either side of the tweeter, with the four radiators on the outside. I don't know how the 100 arranges its three active woofers and five passive radiators (I'm guessing at least two woofers straddle the tweeter), but since it has three active woofers, putting it on the side might have a mismatch on one half or the other. In any case, the arrangement of the woofers/tweeter/radiators on its side probably won't have that balanced of a sound.

I also don't know if you can remove the WS-100's stand, but I could be wrong.

GoCaboNow

11-07-08, 06:11 PM

Tupa, thanks for the response. The WS100's would be laying horizontally accross the bottom, below my projection screen as I do not have room to the sides of the screen. There are little screws to remove the base but I had no idea that laying horizontally might affect their performance. I will contact Athena. Thanks for the caution.

GoCaboNow

11-10-08, 11:15 AM

blizzardo

11-15-08, 03:42 PM

how do you take off the grill or cover on the WS series? Just pull?

Tulpa

11-16-08, 02:16 PM

I think I used a small screwdriver as a wedge on my WS-15s (did it to one just to see the construction, and then put it back on.) If you're careful, you shouldn't damage them.

mayhem13

11-16-08, 05:09 PM

for anyone that cares about mounting the WS100's horizontally, Athena tech support confirms there are no issues. I did not realize that Athena was part of Klipsch.

From: Technical support [mailto:Technicalsupport@klipsch.com]
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 6:19 AM
To: Gregg Eidson
Subject: RE: Athena Tech Support: OK to lay WS100 horizontally?

Hello Gregg,

No, I do not see a problem laying the speaker on its side.

Please include all previous messages in your reply.

Robert Land
Tech Support Specialist
Klipsch Group Inc.

________________________________________
Sent: Friday, November 07, 2008 6:20 PM
To: support
Subject: Athena Tech Support: OK to lay WS100 horizontally?

Hello, I am installing a front projecter and do not have room to put my WS100\'s to the side of the screen so i would like to mount them on their side below the screen. Will there be any adverse affects to doing this? I am also looking to buy another pair
of WS100\'s to use one for the center channel and one for a rear. I use a WS60 for my center now and hope a WS100 will give a little beefier sound to the center channel - but it would lay horizontally as well.

I'm sorry to say but the response you received was nonsense. Severe lobing on the horizontal plain will result with horrible off axis response. The driver above the tweeter in the ws100 is a passive radiator...so that places the high freqency output all the way to one side or the other of the center position. The next two drivers below the tweeter are active,then another passive and then another active..spreading the driver to driver center spacing well beyond acceptable limits when used in the horizontal plane. Stick with a ws-60....guests seated to the left and right will love you for it!

vincolo1

11-20-08, 12:39 PM

Two things:
Removing the WS-100 cover, be careful not to bend it. Work it off gently down the sides so you do not bend it. I use a finger nail to just get the edge of one side at the top and start working down. However, I have 2 sets and two of them are darn hard to remove.

Second thing: If your not going to use the WS-60 (ws-100 bad idea as stated reasons above) honesty give a good look at the LS-50 (LS-100 for your projection application) however there is something a big more magical about the LS center. It has a spatial quality that does not exists in the AS, point 5 or WS line. I was blown away when I heard it. I have a large collection of Athena stuff....all but the micro series and I am using WS-100, P4100, 4 WS-15 and LS-50 center. The spatial quality gives it a very wide virtual pattern, clear as heck (clearer than the WS-60 to me) and I found that the voices appear to come not from a speaker, but from the person speaking. The speaker disappears completely.
I like the LS centers I recently received the LS-500 and am looking for a pair of LS-100 bookshelves.
I can easily say that the entire line of Athena differs from each other and has a specific application, however the mix of WS and LS in the right combo, is pure magic.

cam94z28

11-27-08, 03:46 PM

They probably haven't been discussed here for a while, but my AS-F1's are way too harsh/bright/sibilant (whatever you want to call it). They're powered by a Harman Kardon AVR130 connected via 48khz PCM to an Audigy 2 ZS Sound Card. I've had them for a few years now used mainly as a 2 channel stereo setup/oversized PC Speakers. They sure do sound better than 2" tall speakers for games. :)

Anyway, I probably don't listen to them as much as I should because they're overly sibilant. Anything with S, T, Ch, etc... in it pierces my ears, and seems to overpower the mids/highs. I improved it somewhat by turning the treble way down (probably to 20%)on the receiver. Because of the 5hz-130khz bandwidth on this receiver, the music still sounds open, and airy, but the sibilance is killing my ears. Instruments, especially guitar, sound phenomenal on these. That said, i tend to find acoustic versions of my favorite rock songs because they dont turn out as harsh the processed alternative rock version.

Otherwise these speakers sound really good. I have them angled away from me, outward rather than inward to my seating position, to reduce the effect. I know this is probably screwing up the imaging.

Has anyone successfully and without much fabrication replaced the "teteron dome" tweeters with something silk or textile dome? Maybe something from partsexpress that will pop right in? (wishful thinking)

Also if I do improve their sound, would the .2 series be somewhat voice matched with this series? Some day I may want to use these as part of a theater. I don't see the original series anywhere any more.

vincolo1

12-03-08, 05:07 PM

They probably haven't been discussed here for a while, but my AS-F1's are way too harsh/bright/sibilant (whatever you want to call it). They're powered by a Harman Kardon AVR130 connected via 48khz PCM to an Audigy 2 ZS Sound Card. I've had them for a few years now used mainly as a 2 channel stereo setup/oversized PC Speakers. They sure do sound better than 2" tall speakers for games. :)
.........where any more.

Nice receiver, but not knowing how the Audigy details and knowing that with a bright receiver (HK is not according to most)...instead of trying to change out tweeter, just sell and buy something else. you love the sound of the speaker, but then again you want to replace 50% of it. Is the sound too bright with the HK receiver alone...radio...not piping in music from a PC? If that is ok with you, save them off for a great theater setup. There are still deals to be had for the AS series stuff so you could round out the complete set for around $300 more.
I tried running PC games audio output once to a set of MTX via soundblaster Live and they sounded horrible (ok, worse than usual)There just must be something within the PC - Audio stuff that is specialized to present good sound through 2 inch speakers.

afrogt

12-03-08, 05:14 PM

Hmm, I've got an HK 325 receiver with F1 speakers are they sound great, but I'm not using a PC and a sound card. I'm using a Onkyo CD changer for music or a Pioneer DVD player for movies.

cam94z28

12-05-08, 07:28 AM

Nice receiver, but not knowing how the Audigy details and knowing that with a bright receiver (HK is not according to most)...instead of trying to change out tweeter, just sell and buy something else. you love the sound of the speaker, but then again you want to replace 50% of it. Is the sound too bright with the HK receiver alone...radio...not piping in music from a PC? If that is ok with you, save them off for a great theater setup. There are still deals to be had for the AS series stuff so you could round out the complete set for around $300 more.
I tried running PC games audio output once to a set of MTX via soundblaster Live and they sounded horrible (ok, worse than usual)There just must be something within the PC - Audio stuff that is specialized to present good sound through 2 inch speakers.

Vincolo1,
I'm using SPDIF (Digital) output from the Audigy 2, and it's supposed to have very good audio quality. The only thing currently better is probably the X-Fi series. I had a Technics/JVC 5 Disc Tray changer that I used to have hooked up over toslink. As far as I can remember they were still very bright. Radio is somewhere around 64kbps voice quality, so I doubt i would notice the brightness, even if it is there. I don't really notice it playing games on my xbox360 over toslink, or on PC games for that matter, but most games I play (FPS, etc...) are more about bass and ambient sound effects.

I would replace them, but I don't want to relive the days where I kept buying and returning speakers because I just wasn't happy. At the time the Athenas satisfied me enough to keep them. I also doubt I can find anything worthwhile in the price range I ended up getting the F1's for. They were dirt cheap clearance at Best Buy, and I think I paid less than $200 for the pair.

The only thing I can stand as far as locally sourced speakers are some of the Polk Audio line that CC sells. They have a more mellow silk dome tweeter, but don't deliver the bottom end of my F1's. The over hyped Klipsch line that BB sells just sound off to me. Maybe I'm not used to the horn design, but the $480/ea pricetag doesn't help either. I've come to the conclusion that I will probably need a dual 8" tower in most other brands in order to match the bass output of the F1's. ATM I'm just using them as 2 channel towers, so I don't want to buy a bass shy pair of speakers (Polk) and suffer until I get a sub. Any ideas/suggestions?

vincolo1

12-08-08, 04:49 PM

Vincolo1,
I'm using SPDIF I'm just using them as 2 channel towers, so I don't want to buy a bass shy pair of speakers (Polk) and suffer until I get a sub. Any ideas/suggestions?
Well , you hit the nail on the head with your reviews of Klip and Polk. The horn design doesn't fit most people...they just say it sounds great cause the BB guy said so. Most rooms are too small for REAL horns.
Anyway, back to topic. There is a trick a friend used to disperse the high end a bit. He had to leave the grills on the speakers but put a little foil tape on the back of the grill just in front of the tweeter. With the black grill you never knew. He made a cone out of his tape to try and get the direct reflecting feel...it sounded just fine either way. But that could be just what you need to disperse the piercing highs...redirect them...or even try a bit of heavier fabric behind the grill that will tone it down. Granted I am just providing ways to cut down on the harshness for this case alone. I did some searching and your not the first to replace the tweeter...there are a set of F1's on craigslist with the change out....he is throwing in the orig one too.
Try that out and see if that helps. I can't really recommend any other speaker to you as I am completely loaded with Athena speakers. I own three complete lines to date. AS, WS and LS....
I should post a review of the three in contrast.They are all very different beasts.

afrogt

12-08-08, 05:18 PM

I should post a review of the three in contrast.They are all very different beasts.

I'd definitely like to hear a contrast between the AS and LS series as I own all the speakers in the AS series! Will be eagerly awaiting your post.

cam94z28

12-09-08, 02:52 AM

Well , you hit the nail on the head with your reviews of Klip and Polk. The horn design doesn't fit most people...they just say it sounds great cause the BB guy said so. Most rooms are too small for REAL horns.
Anyway, back to topic. There is a trick a friend used to disperse the high end a bit. He had to leave the grills on the speakers but put a little foil tape on the back of the grill just in front of the tweeter. With the black grill you never knew. He made a cone out of his tape to try and get the direct reflecting feel...it sounded just fine either way. But that could be just what you need to disperse the piercing highs...redirect them...or even try a bit of heavier fabric behind the grill that will tone it down. Granted I am just providing ways to cut down on the harshness for this case alone. I did some searching and your not the first to replace the tweeter...there are a set of F1's on craigslist with the change out....he is throwing in the orig one too.
Try that out and see if that helps. I can't really recommend any other speaker to you as I am completely loaded with Athena speakers. I own three complete lines to date. AS, WS and LS....
I should post a review of the three in contrast.They are all very different beasts.

Thanks, I might try your idea. Thicker fabric will probably work better than trying to reflect the sound, in my tiny room.

Do you have the link to that craigslist post? If it includes pictures, I'd like to see what he did to swap them out. I love silk and textile domes. Teteron is some sort of hybrid material. A french high-end company called Niles Audio also uses teteron dome tweets, so maybe it's a design issue? I just did some reading, and teteron is a synthetic polyester fiber. It should sound similar to silk, but obviously doesn't. I even found teteron jackets for sale :P

I would also like to see your comparison of the three. I'm not sure about the LS, but the only series listed on their site that doesn't use teteron tweeters is the Micra series.

The tweeters in the F1's, screw into the baffle, and into the center of the plate they're mounted to. I don't think it would be very hard to find a tweeter with 4 mounting holes, and similar dimensions. I was thinking a pair similar to the ones below might be a direct replacement. I will yank them out and take measurement, but there might be some hope.

Vifa D27TG-05 1" Silk Dome Tweeter (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=264-524)

I think these would sound phenomenal. but I'm not good with measurements. I can't figure out from the .pdf specs how far apart the screw holes are.
Tang Band 25-1719S 1" Ceramic Dome Tweeter (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=264-865)

Star Hawk

12-11-08, 01:48 PM

I bought the Athena AS 5.1 surround system several years ago from Audio Advisor which included: two AS B2s, two AS B1s, and a AS C1 center which gave me fantastic sound from my DVD movies. That is, until I bought a new Blu-ray player on Black Friday, the Sony BDP-S350. I was so blown away by the 5.1 sound from DTS-HD MA 5.1 that I decided to upgrade my system to a 7.1 for DTS-HD MA 7.1 mainly. I was going to buy another pair of AS B2s or B1s for back surrounds for perhaps $100/pr or less on eBay. Then I saw Audio Advisor's clearance sale for the LS-300 towers to use as better fronts. The low end response of those towers (~30 HZ f3) would definitely be what I need to get realistic theater like sound from Blu-ray discs.

However, here's my dilemma. The LS series are aluminum dome tweeters as opposed to the AS series Teteron dome tweeters. So if I add a pair of LS 300s to the front to replace the B2s that are there now and use those as surrounds, would that mismatch L/R fronts aluminum tweeters with the Teteron center tweeter? I mean, would that cause a timbre mismatch that I could hear or dislike? Still, I thought perhaps I wouldn't mind that for the low end bass response of the LS 300s.

The alternative is to pay almost $100 more and buy a pair of AS-F1.2 tower speakers which have Teteron tweeters also on a clearance sale at Audio Advisor. I just did a price check and the total came to $316.02, compared to paying just over $200 for a pair of LS 300s. I am not sure I want to pay more to get timbre matching and not gain that much more in bass response (~40 HZ f3) since the B2s bass response is 50 HZ f3. Unless the F1.2s can extend to 30 HZ or lower, I see no point in purchasing the F1.2s instead of the LS 300 other than to gain timbre matching. Really if I can't use the LS 300s, my best bet might just be to find someone selling an old pair of B2s which I really like anyway.

So, to help me make my decision, I would appreciate any advice you have to offer for expanding my 5.1 Athena AS system to 7.1

My current system:

2 - AS-B2
2 - AS-B1
1 - AS-C1
1 - AS-P400
Yamaha 1800

afrogt

12-11-08, 01:57 PM

vincolo1

12-11-08, 02:08 PM

I could not find the craigslist post. I was searching the whole country and found the altered F2 I believe in Arizona...I don't see it any longer....
But the tweeter you first linked to looks like a winner. That is what that guy did was replace it with silk....sorry I can't find it....
I'll post a review later. Its not going to be one of those deep reviews with tonal qualities, wave patterns and such...just a simple guy's view of each....but there are BIG differences.

Star Hawk

12-11-08, 02:29 PM

My subwoofer is the AS-P400. Actually the F1.2s have better low end response than that sub. The sub does ok with B2s of course but adding the F1.2s and setting them to large would give me more bass than I now have. Wouldn't you agree?

vincolo1

12-11-08, 02:48 PM

Obviously the F1 would be the better match. I have those speakers and love them. Can't say I've heard the LS speakers since they're only available online.

What sub are you using? A good sub can make up for the low frequencies you'd be missing from bookshelf speakers.

Hey a little secret before you buy anything from Audio Advisor. They do not offer free shipping for clearance or demo....HOWEVER...go to Amazon, search for Athena speakers and they will come up from AAdvisor...guess what....Amazon offers free shipping....get them at list price no shipping charge.
Oh and buy the F1 and keep your set intact. I've tried mixing and honestly it just sounds off. Almost like its not full enough...missing an ingredient, not as rich for some reason. You are wasting the spacial quality of the LS series and insulting the pure punch, theater stage presence of the AS line.
I know this sounds like I am starting my review already so I will .....but the AS line is like sitting in an Auditorium at a rock concert...the music moves your bones and almost feels alive. You know the music is coming from the stage and you hear every piece of it, perfect clarity.
The LS series resembles the concerto band shell....acoustically perfect, spacial and the music seems to flow from all directions...close your eyes and you disappear in a shower of music. The speakers disappear in your home...honestly close your eyes and try and pinpoint one...its hard.
OK, the WS line: Form over function indeed. Perfect for the theater setup, however no single WS speaker can suffice on its own. Each speaker is indeed a part of the larger system and a larger system is should always be. WS does not carry the theater stage power of the AS, nor the spacial image of the LS. It is however VERY detailed for voice and theater. Along with an AS subwoofer....I have not found a better matched, more responsive HT set. As far as music, it fills a room with kind of a mix between AS...but not as solid and LS, no where near as spacial.
WS is the all around triathlon athlete - competent in all things, master of none.
AS is the cyclist - speed, power, agility and longevity.
LS is the swimmer - smooth, flowing beauty, but great power and presence.

If you like the old school big ass speaker (15 inch woofer type) screaming highs, all in one pounding (no sub needed) system...go with AS

If you like ambient filling music...solid bass (maybe a sub for theater), smooth accurate highs (they can scream also)....get LS

If you like style (not that the others are ugly by any means...quite the opposite)...ok style to match your Plasma...and your looking for a champion (got to have a sub) that can handle your multi purpose room, wife friendly small foot print, but still impress your friends....get WS.

I have never heard the Micro line. I do have a few pieces of the .5 line and what I have heard sounds good...nice and clear, but much as the WS line or a stand alone B1 or B2 or C1..your going to get your bass from subs. So the clarity is important. I guess Athena never made a bad speaker in my opinion.
Does this help or do I need to go further...?

afrogt

12-11-08, 02:51 PM

Star Hawk

12-11-08, 04:45 PM

Hey a little secret before you buy anything from Audio Advisor. They do not offer free shipping for clearance or demo....HOWEVER...go to Amazon, search for Athena speakers and they will come up from AAdvisor...guess what....Amazon offers free shipping....get them at list price no shipping charge.
Oh and buy the F1 and keep your set intact. I've tried mixing and honestly it just sounds off. Almost like its not full enough...missing an ingredient, not as rich for some reason. You are wasting the spacial quality of the LS series and insulting the pure punch, theater stage presence of the AS line.
I know this sounds like I am starting my review already so I will .....but the AS line is like sitting in an Auditorium at a rock concert...the music moves your bones and almost feels alive. You know the music is coming from the stage and you hear every piece of it, perfect clarity.
The LS series resembles the concerto band shell....acoustically perfect, spacial and the music seems to flow from all directions...close your eyes and you disappear in a shower of music. The speakers disappear in your home...honestly close your eyes and try and pinpoint one...its hard.
OK, the WS line: Form over function indeed. Perfect for the theater setup, however no single WS speaker can suffice on its own. Each speaker is indeed a part of the larger system and a larger system is should always be. WS does not carry the theater stage power of the AS, nor the spacial image of the LS. It is however VERY detailed for voice and theater. Along with an AS subwoofer....I have not found a better matched, more responsive HT set. As far as music, it fills a room with kind of a mix between AS...but not as solid and LS, no where near as spacial.
WS is the all around triathlon athlete - competent in all things, master of none.
AS is the cyclist - speed, power, agility and longevity.
LS is the swimmer - smooth, flowing beauty, but great power and presence.

If you like the old school big ass speaker (15 inch woofer type) screaming highs, all in one pounding (no sub needed) system...go with AS

If you like ambient filling music...solid bass (maybe a sub for theater), smooth accurate highs (they can scream also)....get LS

If you like style (not that the others are ugly by any means...quite the opposite)...ok style to match your Plasma...and your looking for a champion (got to have a sub) that can handle your multi purpose room, wife friendly small foot print, but still impress your friends....get WS.

I have never heard the Micro line. I do have a few pieces of the .5 line and what I have heard sounds good...nice and clear, but much as the WS line or a stand alone B1 or B2 or C1..your going to get your bass from subs. So the clarity is important. I guess Athena never made a bad speaker in my opinion.
Does this help or do I need to go further...?
Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't list any F1.2s for sale. They can order used F2.2s from a 3rd party dealer. The cheapest pair listed were $380/pr with the shipping included. :mad:

Thanks for the review on how the Audition Series compares with the new Athena products. Ok, I will forget about mismatching with the LS 300. :)

However, I will get the F1.2 but it's going to be from AudioAdvisor unless I can find it somewhere else cheaper. I want new speakers though. The AS speakers need to be broken in. When I buy used, I don't know until I get them if they were broken in right or not.

You know it's a rotten shame that Athena ditched a good speaker series and replaced it with something like the LS line. Well, speakers are like cars I guess. They keep changing the style, but still only get you from point A to point B just like the old ones did. The old ones are still around too. In this case, old is better IMHO.

Star Hawk

12-11-08, 05:00 PM

You should definitely get a fuller sound with the F1 than with the B2. I have B2's in another room and the F1 is much better to me.

I'm not that big on the AS-400 sub though. For home theater you might want to look at something like the BIC H100 or equivalent. The AS-400 doesn't go deep enough despite its published frequency response.
Thanks for the advice. I am going to get the F1.2s.

Yes, I noticed the bass shyness of the P400 sub. In fact, although I run the B2s as small in my AVR speaker setup, I set the crossover to 40 HZ. When I do that I notice I get more bass. I have used a DVD that has audio spectrum covered in test tones. I can actually hear the B2s down to 30 HZ, with 35 HZ definitely filling the room. The B2s have almost as good bass response as the P400. After setting the 40 HZ crossover, the P400 hasn't been bottoming out as much on demanding bass in movies. If the B2s are that good, I can imagine how much better the F1.2s will be. In fact, I plan on running the F1.2s as large and set the Yamaha bass out to both (sub and fronts). Yes, that sub sure nees some help. Someday I will replace it.

afrogt

12-11-08, 05:28 PM

Hey a little secret before you buy anything from Audio Advisor. They do not offer free shipping for clearance or demo....HOWEVER...go to Amazon, search for Athena speakers and they will come up from AAdvisor...guess what....Amazon offers free shipping....get them at list price no shipping charge.
Oh and buy the F1 and keep your set intact. I've tried mixing and honestly it just sounds off. Almost like its not full enough...missing an ingredient, not as rich for some reason. You are wasting the spacial quality of the LS series and insulting the pure punch, theater stage presence of the AS line.
I know this sounds like I am starting my review already so I will .....but the AS line is like sitting in an Auditorium at a rock concert...the music moves your bones and almost feels alive. You know the music is coming from the stage and you hear every piece of it, perfect clarity.
The LS series resembles the concerto band shell....acoustically perfect, spacial and the music seems to flow from all directions...close your eyes and you disappear in a shower of music. The speakers disappear in your home...honestly close your eyes and try and pinpoint one...its hard.
OK, the WS line: Form over function indeed. Perfect for the theater setup, however no single WS speaker can suffice on its own. Each speaker is indeed a part of the larger system and a larger system is should always be. WS does not carry the theater stage power of the AS, nor the spacial image of the LS. It is however VERY detailed for voice and theater. Along with an AS subwoofer....I have not found a better matched, more responsive HT set. As far as music, it fills a room with kind of a mix between AS...but not as solid and LS, no where near as spacial.
WS is the all around triathlon athlete - competent in all things, master of none.
AS is the cyclist - speed, power, agility and longevity.
LS is the swimmer - smooth, flowing beauty, but great power and presence.

If you like the old school big ass speaker (15 inch woofer type) screaming highs, all in one pounding (no sub needed) system...go with AS

If you like ambient filling music...solid bass (maybe a sub for theater), smooth accurate highs (they can scream also)....get LS

This confirms what I could have expected.

Your AS vs LS comparison is similar to the Athena AS vs Energy C-series comparison. Energy speakers are smoother and more well rounded, while the Athena AS is more punchy. And since the newer Athena LS and Energy C series use the same drivers, I'd expect them to sound the same, just with different enclosures.

Definitely a different sound from the original Athena AS speakers which I own.

Thanks for the quick review.

I knew about buying Athena thru Amazon instead of Audio Advisor to save on shipping. Unfortunately many of the items from Audio Advisor are not available thru Amazon. I paid more for shipping on speaker stands than the item actually cost. But it was such a great deal I couldn't find anything comparable.

vincolo1

12-12-08, 03:46 PM

benjosevilla

12-12-08, 05:27 PM

AS-P6000 does anyone have one of these....know where I can get one.
I am running all AS-P4100 and AS-P4000 .....same sub really.
But I am curious about the P6000 and is it that much better than the P4's?
I realized that I am over working it in my main theater room, but it works well as the room configuration lends to a very punchy response, however what am I missing...not having the P6?

No longer manufactured and not easy to find. The sub works well but the AMP dies as soon as the warrantee expires. I replaced the AMP for $120 since I hate to throw away the unit. It has a 12 inch woof. I suggest get another brand. Velodyne has a 10 in sub that Vann's sells fo $179 shipped. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/539813201/velodyne-vx-10

DavidParker

12-13-08, 06:50 PM

I have an ASP6000 sub that I purchased in early 2006. Worked great for awhile, but now, nothing. The one year warranty is expired.

Usually keep it on 'auto' which shows a red light till a signal is received, then it turns to green and we are in business. I used to keep the volume (on sub) at about '4' which was enough, but had to eventually turn it up to '10' to even hear it.

Now, the light always stays red, unless I switch it from 'auto' to 'on', but regardless, there is no sound.

What do you think? Amp go out...or something else? Anyway to test?

Any help is appreciated....

vincolo1

12-15-08, 12:26 PM

I picked up a P4100 from someone that was dead also. Fuse was blown....but that would mean no lights.....So sounds to me like the amp itself is toast. The crossover is a part of that assembly so unless your handy with a voltage tester and can fix board components.....its over. You could order a replacement amp/crossover....there are some listed on ebay I believe. Search Athena in electronics and they list a large number of parts. Also check with Athena...they do respond via email for parts. I am in the process of getting a new ws-60 grill cover from them.
Good luck getting it apart as Athena only gives minimum room for work to be done. the speaker wires going to the sub are tight and just long enough to allow about an three inches of extension for the power board to separate from the box. In other words, I could not get my hand inside to disconnect the wires from the sub so I could remove the whole panel...that was on the 4100 so hopefully the P6 has more room to work.
I am also looking at a Dayton sub for the basement. This is going to go with the LS series in the basement....bass is already good, but I want to reach down into the lower areas more.

DavidParker

12-15-08, 01:27 PM

benjosevilla

12-15-08, 03:57 PM

Thank you. That is what I have suspected. Too bad really...the sub sounded fantastic when it was working. I'll check for parts, but I read that just the amp is ~$200. I assume the crossover is extra.

As to replacement, I'm leaning toward the ED A2-300. Have read good things about them.

The amp and x-over is one unit. You get a 1 year warrantee when u get it from Athena. Only 30 or 90 days from parts suppliers.

Star Hawk

12-15-08, 09:21 PM

cam94z28

12-16-08, 07:57 AM

Ok, I was looking for the AS F1 or AS F2. Found AS F1.2 at Audio Advisor but they only had 1 in stock after placing my order. Amazon has the AS F2 used for 299.99/pr which in my opinion is ridiculously high for a used pair when they used to cost 400.00/pr new.

So, I have ordered two Energy C300 from Futureshop for $99.00 ea! :D I know it won't be timbre matched with the rest of my Audition Series speakers. But Energy's are a notch higher in SQ. So, I plan on next getting the CC 100 or CC 50 center from Energy. In the mean time the AS C1 center will just have to do.

Eventually I will replace all my Athena AS speakers with the Energy C series.
Would you mind comparing them with your AS series speakers when you get them? Specifically whether the highs are smoother (less bright). I've always known Energy to make great speakers, but never seen them this cheap. The specs claim they also have a frequency response equivalent to the AS-F1's with a smaller woofer. Aluminum tweets can sound good if properly crossed over.

I have been looking for a cheap, decently bassy replacement for my overly bright as-f1's. These may be it. Any idea if they're available locally in the US. I don't happen to be in canada.

afrogt

12-16-08, 10:23 AM

Would you mind comparing them with your AS series speakers when you get them? Specifically whether the highs are smoother (less bright). I've always known Energy to make great speakers, but never seen them this cheap. The specs claim they also have a frequency response equivalent to the AS-F1's with a smaller woofer. Aluminum tweets can sound good if properly crossed over.

I have been looking for a cheap, decently bassy replacement for my overly bright as-f1's. These may be it. Any idea if they're available locally in the US. I don't happen to be in canada.

The Energy C-300 and Athena LS-300 are essentially the same speaker in different cabinets. Both use the same 6.5" composite Fiberglass cone woofer and 1" aluminum dome tweeter. So they would both give you the smooth sound you're looking for. Not bright like the Athena AS-F1 with the Teteron tweeter which I own and really enjoy. Both can be found for decent pricing in the US.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS300

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC300

p.s. if you buy the LS300 from Amazon site instead of Audio Advisor, you get free shipping.

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 11:51 AM

Originally Posted by cam94z28:
"Would you mind comparing them with your AS series speakers when you get them? Specifically whether the highs are smoother (less bright). I've always known Energy to make great speakers, but never seen them this cheap. The specs claim they also have a frequency response equivalent to the AS-F1's with a smaller woofer. Aluminum tweets can sound good if properly crossed over.

I have been looking for a cheap, decently bassy replacement for my overly bright as-f1's. These may be it. Any idea if they're available locally in the US. I don't happen to be in canada."

Ok, I will do that.

Unfortunately they only ship within Canada which is no problem for me. Only thing was that the piano black finish was the one sale. :mad:

However, Audio Advisor has the C300s, with the much nicer cherry cabinets, for $129.99 which is still an excellent price. So in the end I ended up ordering from them because I like the cherry color better than piano black. The AS F1.2s were going to be $66.08 shipping. The C300s weigh a few pounds more. So figuring in $70 for shipping, that came to only about $329 for two shipped. Which isn't a bad deal since the C300s retail at $275 each. That's getting two for less than the price of one.

The C300's like the AS-F1s need a 50 - 100 hour break-in period according to my cousin in BC who has the C300s. I will report on how they sound compared to the AS series before and after.

When the Energy CC100 comes down to the 100 - 150 price range, then I will replace the AS-C1. But I'll wait until I listen to how well the C300s blend in with the AS-C1 before I do.

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 02:24 PM

C300[/url]

p.s. if you buy the LS300 from Amazon site instead of Audio Advisor, you get free shipping.
Audio Advisor also gives free shipping on speakers. However, neither Amazon nor Audio Advisor give you free shipping on items marked for clearance, demo price reduction, etc.

vincolo1

12-16-08, 02:31 PM

Audio Advisor also gives free shipping on speakers. However, neither Amazon nor Audio Advisor give you free shipping on items marked for clearance, demo price reduction, etc.
Not true....I just ordered a pair of LS-100B bookshelves for the garage due to arrive tomorrow...$99 clear....no shipping from Amazon and they were in the clearance section of AA.
I am about to order another set of LS-500's for a relative...no shipping on those either.

afrogt

12-16-08, 02:33 PM

Star Hawk
Audio Advisor also gives free shipping on speakers. However, neither Amazon nor Audio Advisor give you free shipping on items marked for clearance, demo price reduction, etc.

Look again at the LS300 on Amazon. its clearly says $0.00 for shipping from Audio Advisor. That's $88 shipped for one speaker. Great deal!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000JE9PXK/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229455925&sr=8-1

vincolo1

12-16-08, 03:03 PM

Look again at the LS300 on Amazon. its clearly says $0.00 for shipping from Audio Advisor. That's $88 shipped for one speaker. Great deal!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000JE9PXK/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229455925&sr=8-1

Also if you call Audio Advisor, they will lower the shipping cost for you..if you ask. For Athena LS-500's $35 is their bottom line for a pair.

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 03:08 PM

vincolo1

12-16-08, 03:20 PM

<quote>The LS-300s have curved cabinets which is definitely going alter the timbre of the speaker.</quote>
How does this affect the timbre? I thought curved cabinets were to reduce the standing waves internally of the woofers?

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 03:23 PM

Not true....I just ordered a pair of LS-100B bookshelves for the garage due to arrive tomorrow...$99 clear....no shipping from Amazon and they were in the clearance section of AA.
I am about to order another set of LS-500's for a relative...no shipping on those either.
Amazon didn't offer me free shipping because in live in Canada then. I guess you guys in the States are lucky. :mad:

vincolo1

12-16-08, 03:29 PM

Amazon didn't offer me free shipping because in live in Canada then. I guess you guys in the States are lucky. :mad:

But you guys have way hot babes.....your the lucky one...:)

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 03:30 PM

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 03:31 PM

But you guys have way hot babes.....your the lucky one...:)
Yep, I got one cuddled up to me now. :)

Tulpa

12-16-08, 03:31 PM

vincolo1

12-16-08, 03:50 PM

Yep, I got one cuddled up to me now. :)
I'm bowing.....:D

Star Hawk

12-16-08, 03:56 PM

Kind of ironic that you can't get better shipping in Canada for speakers made by a Canadian company. :p

(Of course, I think most of the Athena stuff has been made in China for years now, but still...)
Even more ironic is that the Chinese aren't capitalists yet they capitalising off of them. They are real opportunists.

Tulpa

12-16-08, 04:08 PM

Yeah, but that goes for just about everything now.

vincolo1

12-18-08, 10:40 AM

OK, I have questions about the break in period. I have played by the rules on all Athena's with the recommended break in period up to 100 hours. My question is I have heard people talk about the speakers getting better with break in, or sounding tinny at first and becoming richer as time goes. So I thought I would try an experiment. I hooked up a brand new set of LS-100B's where I had previously had AS-B1's. Played a few tracks of some music with good bass and really subtle back notes to hear the difference. The AS was as expected, nice and clear and punchy (these are well used speakers), then the new LS. First round, the LS was a little more boomy on the base, not as punchy and not as clear (bright). So I went to a used set of LS-100s that I have broken in for awhile. A little better sound, but not certainly not night and day. Then back to the AS....expected results and then to the new set of LS...they seemed to open up a little after about 10 minutes, but now sound like the used pair...still good,
So, have you guys found that after the break in period...the speakers REALLY do sound better? I am not seeing a dramatic change like I have read from others.....

afrogt

12-18-08, 11:36 AM

vincolo1

12-18-08, 12:19 PM

I don't believe in the 100 hour break in myself. Maybe a few minutes or hours which might loosen the drivers a little. But the sound isn't going to change dramatically. The speaker has its natural sound, whatever that is. To expect the sound quality to have a significant change highly doubtful.

I think break in is mainly for the listeners ears, not the speakers.

So which do you like better, the LS-100 or AS-B1?
Hard question really. As I was sitting there listening to each, they both have their "flavor"....If I had to choose for my ONLY system...I would have to go with the AS line. The reason, it that they leave nothing behind. Hard, loud and always showing your ears something you never heard before in your old favorites. The LS...while damn good, only really adds the spatial-ness to the music. Leaves a little dullness on the bright highs that the AS gives. You can get the spatial quality with adding more speakers in the AS line and with a correct balance. My problem is that I want it all....so while Athena claims the LS is an improvement over the AS.....its a change, not an improvement.

afrogt

12-18-08, 12:40 PM

so while Athena claims the LS is an improvement over the AS.....its a change, not an improvement.

I like that, good response.

Carphunter

12-18-08, 03:59 PM

I'm replacing a set of Dahlquist ca 1's. I've been watching and missing deals on infinity primus p362, speaker company tst2, etc.

friend pointed out the deals on athena ls-300 and 500's. we've been discussing if i can get by with the 300's in my 13x20 room for my ht (and some music).

He thinks with my sony 500w sub, i should be fine.

sound like a good plan? the 500's would cost me $125 more for the set.

never mind... ordered the 500's through amazon for free shipping.

afrogt

12-18-08, 04:28 PM

Carphunter, where are you buying the LS-300 or 500? Should only be a $100 difference for the pair unless the price got lowered for the ls-300. I think the 500 would be the better of the two if you're doing any stereo listening. Finding a matching center for the LS speakers might be a problem too if you're looking for one.

Carphunter

12-18-08, 04:32 PM

thanks... like i said... just dropped the hammer with AA via amazon... no shipping fee.

now i don't feel so bad about missing the infinity p362 deal at frys, or the tst2 deal with the speaker company

oh... the prices were like 149 for the 500's and 88 for the 300's

cam94z28

12-18-08, 10:40 PM

The Energy C-300 and Athena LS-300 are essentially the same speaker in different cabinets. Both use the same 6.5" composite Fiberglass cone woofer and 1" aluminum dome tweeter. So they would both give you the smooth sound you're looking for. Not bright like the Athena AS-F1 with the Teteron tweeter which I own and really enjoy. Both can be found for decent pricing in the US.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS300

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC300

p.s. if you buy the LS300 from Amazon site instead of Audio Advisor, you get free shipping.

The driver material does look identical, but if you compare the woofer up close and mounted in the cabinet, the mounting flange is different (4 screws vs 6)...

Athena LS-300 (http://www.audioadvisor.com/ViewLargerIMage.asp?title=Athena+-+LS-300+Tower+Speaker&image=images/ATHLS300B_000-Large.jpg)

Energy C-300 (http://www.audioadvisor.com/ViewLargerIMage.asp?title=Energy+-+C+300+-+Tower+Speaker&image=images/ENC300_FRONT-Large.jpg)

The Energy may simply be using some kind of baffle, and the driver is the same, but they definitely are mounted differently in the pictures.

Originally Posted by cam94z28:
"Would you mind comparing them with your AS series speakers when you get them? Specifically whether the highs are smoother (less bright). I've always known Energy to make great speakers, but never seen them this cheap. The specs claim they also have a frequency response equivalent to the AS-F1's with a smaller woofer. Aluminum tweets can sound good if properly crossed over.

I have been looking for a cheap, decently bassy replacement for my overly bright as-f1's. These may be it. Any idea if they're available locally in the US. I don't happen to be in canada."

Ok, I will do that.

Unfortunately they only ship within Canada which is no problem for me. Only thing was that the piano black finish was the one sale. :mad:

However, Audio Advisor has the C300s, with the much nicer cherry cabinets, for $129.99 which is still an excellent price. So in the end I ended up ordering from them because I like the cherry color better than piano black. The AS F1.2s were going to be $66.08 shipping. The C300s weigh a few pounds more. So figuring in $70 for shipping, that came to only about $329 for two shipped. Which isn't a bad deal since the C300s retail at $275 each. That's getting two for less than the price of one.

The C300's like the AS-F1s need a 50 - 100 hour break-in period according to my cousin in BC who has the C300s. I will report on how they sound compared to the AS series before and after.

When the Energy CC100 comes down to the 100 - 150 price range, then I will replace the AS-C1. But I'll wait until I listen to how well the C300s blend in with the AS-C1 before I do.

I would actually prefer the piano black as it would match its surroundings.

Any idea what the major differences are etween the two? Do the Energy use different/better crossovers, or are the internals virtually identical aside from the drivers? I honestly don't need all of the bass the F1's provide (it's boomy at times), but I don't want towers that are bland and lifeless in the bottom end. I don't want to require a sub to listen to Rock/Metal/R&B.

I also just noticed that the Athena's are rated down to 30hz, but the Energy only down to 40. There must be some cabinet differences too.