Bought these speakers at Best Buy over the weekend as there has been a good amount of chatter about them on the audioasylum.com speakers forum. The model number is NS-B2111.

I have played various types of music on these speakers with budget equipment ($100 Sony SACD/DVD player and a $200 Sony AVR 100 WPC). Very impressed so far!

Hop on over to the audioasylum and read the impressions by folks who have bought them. Especially good for a system in an office, bedroom, den, etc. I have far better equipment in my main system but these will do quite nicely in my bedroom system.

Bought these speakers at Best Buy over the weekend as there has been a good amount of chatter about them on the audioasylum.com speakers forum. The model number is NS-B2111.

I have played various types of music on these speakers with budget equipment ($100 Sony SACD/DVD player and a $200 Sony AVR 100 WPC). Very impressed so far!

Hop on over to the audioasylum and read the impressions by folks who have bought them. Especially good for a system in an office, bedroom, den, etc. I have far better equipment in my main system but these will do quite nicely in my bedroom system.

I like shopping budget speakers myself, so enjoy seeing posts about budget solutions.

From some posts I read, these are not shielded, so right there, thats a weakness for myself. It takes out the possibilty of fronts for SS setup.

If they go on sale, I may pick up a pair for kicks and listen to them in stereo channel in the bedroom. No matter how cheap they are currently, I need them cheaper. :D

From some posts I read, these are not shielded, so right there, thats a weakness for myself. It takes out the possibilty of fronts for SS setup.

Not sure just how much of a factor the lack of shielding really is...most folks don't put their front L/R speakers smack next to their TV unless you have some mammoth 62" projection TV. If your speakers are at least 1-2 feet away from the sides of your TV it should be fine.

Was wondering when the Insignia speakers will show up over here. Finally. . . :)

partsexpress, audiokarma, audioasylum, diyaudio....all have threads about these speakers. Nice bang for the buck. GR Research has already marketed crossover upgrade kit for them.

The tweeter can sound a little harsh at first, IMHO. Mine smoothed out a little after 4 days of 8-10 hrs per day of play. Some tell me that they will smooth out even more at about 8 days.

I've had my pair for over a week. I'm going to break them in a bit further, through. Seriously, not a bad speaker for the money.

About the only negative thing I'll say is that I prefer the sound of my X-LS speakers a bit more.

Also, as mentioned above, there is a kit of reviesed crossover components and sound material inserts for the speakers, which runs about $95 from GR Research. For $150 total, they could make some very impressive speakers.

Seriously, not a bad speaker for the money. About the only negative thing I'll say is that I prefer the sound of my X-LS speakers a bit more.


Nothing wrong with that. But aren't those X-LS speakers like $150-$200? If so, that's 3-4 times more expensive. For some people to even mention these cheap Insignia's in the same sentence with some of these higher grade speakers is impressive...IMHO.

I have some 3-way Acoustic Research speakers that I prefer and I know they were multiple times more expensive. (Well, at least for the original owner. I got them used for $20. :) ) Nevertheless, I can still find joy in listening to these Insignia's. They are going into day 7 of their intense break in. I think I'll need to cut the upper treble a little if I plan on listening to higher volume. But for low to moderate volume, they sound fine to me. I doubt I'll be investing another $95 into upgrades. Not when I have so many other speakers already.

I have the day off and was close to a BB today, so of course I picked these up for $50. They do sound good. I was suprised by sleek design as well.

The only problem is my %@^%$ wall brackets are not deep enough to hold this speaker and I have a long and sturdy mounting bracket.

I don`t know an audiophile technical term from a hole in the ground. Bright, neutral, muddy, forward etc. In my own language, I hear each instrument, even change in vocal tone, distinctly, with this speaker. I can`t compare it too anything too expensive cause I`m cheap, but, it sure sounds like its worth more than $50. Where have I heard that before? Of course, from every manufacturer in the speaker world. LOL

Since I have speakers I like, I doubt I will drop $50 on these. Still, I am always impressed by speakers that "punch above their weight".

Thanks for posting these speakers here. I spend too much time on this site as it is, and don`t go to other sites so much. I would never have even heard of these. After listening to them most of the day, these are incredible speakers. Just finished listening to a Nora Jones Cd after listening to some classical music, and I am really impressed.

I was looking for some quality speakers for the bedroom, and now I am content. :) They sound great and are I am not getting any listening fatigue whatsoever. Thumbs up!

Anyone have any idea how these compare to Polk R15s and the Polk Monitor 30s? I would expect them to beat out the R15s...

No competition IMHO. The R15s practically have no bass, whereas the Insignia's are quite punchy. Like Rabbit97, I also don't exactly know how to describe the Insignia's in audiophile terms, but they sound "exciting and lively" to me.

Personal opinion, for sake of comparison between the two in a totally unscientific manner :D :
Insignia's are worth more than $50/pr
R15s are worth NO more than $40/pr

Hmm, I wonder how the rest of Insignia's products are, this one in particular:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7600955&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03002&id=1130981752759

Some related threads:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=81277&perpage=10&pagenumber=1
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/227420.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/227064.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/226807.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/226776.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/226639.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/226415.html
http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/discuss.cgi?read=381452
http://av123forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14232

Hmm, I wonder how the rest of Insignia's products are, this one in particular:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7600955&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03002&id=1130981752759


I think it all depends on whose products are being rebadged under the BB house brand.

I bought a pair of the speakers, a used Panny digital receiver, and an open box Toshiba 3990 DVDP for a bedroom system under $175.

The Insignia cabinet has a good bit of resonance. I agree the tweeters need some time to "come alive." I can't see the $100 tweak kit for them but I can definately see finding some Durham's Rock Hard water putty for them and maybe some Sonic Barrier (http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&SO=2&DID=7&CATID=29&ObjectGroup_ID=137&filter=sonic&raid=44&rak=sonic_barrier) from partsexpress and deadening that cabinet.

The Insignia speakers are now on sale at Best Buy. I'm going back to the store to get the better price. If one feels these speakers are highway robbery at $50, then grand larceny now! :)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7705307&type=product&id=1138085354138

I'm not sue if the price for these speakers on the website is if only one orders them online. I plan to get the better price regardless but I really don't want to have to return the pair I have as I have a decent amount of time on them now. Yep, I'm impressed even more now! I really wasn't planning to try them in my main system but eventually I probably will do so.

Enjoy!!

Let us know if you were able to pricematch online. I just bought these and will pricematch as well, plus buy another pair since they are so cheap. Too bad shipping is so much online.

Updated: Nevermind. I see you can do an instore pickup, no shipping charges. Pretty sweet. :)

The Insignia speakers look identical to the Europa's without the bullet tweeter on top. Someone mentioned at Audio Asylum that Radiient makes these for the BB Insignia brand name.

http://www.radiient.com/s.nl/it.A/id.5/.f?sc=2&category=32

hot dang!!!! I was going to grab some Polk M10's as my rears but it looks like I may have to snag these instead !!!!! glad to see some speakers that are MORE bang for your buck :)

Here's an Audioholics review of a surround set of Radiient speakers:

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/RadiientElarap1.php

Here's one from Ecoustics on the bookshelves with some good photos:

http://www.ecoustics.com/secrets/volume_13_2/radiient-technologies-europa-speakers-5-2006.html

Nice sale find. I think my kids are about to get some Insignia speakers, sonic T-amps, and $40dvd-players to replace their boom boxes in thier rooms.

Hmm, let me know when you get it and I'll have to come by for a listen...

There is something screwy in the Best Buy listing for these. They are described as 12" wide and 18" tall. That just can't be right!
(Of course, they also say the Insignia outdoor speaker has a "4 inch subwoofer".)

Hmm, let me know when you get it and I'll have to come by for a listen...

They are on sale for $35 and BestBuy has a 30 day return policy just grap a pair and play with them for a few weeks.

I ordered a pair for pickup today. I'm hoping that they'll work well with my Sonic Impact T-amp and my iPod for a little system for my patio.

I went back to BB to ask for PM to the sales price. Got back the difference without much hassle. Awesome :).

There is something screwy in the Best Buy listing for these. They are described as 12" wide and 18" tall. That just can't be right!
(Of course, they also say the Insignia outdoor speaker has a "4 inch subwoofer".)

The Radiient surround speakers from the Audioholics review are spec'd as follows:

Surround Channels (cont’d)

* Frequency response 60Hz - 20kHz
* Power handling 150 Wrms
* Impedance 8 Ω nominal
* Sensitivity 90dB/w/m
* Weight (net each) 16 lbs.
* Dimensions 14.38"h x 8.75"w x 12.5"d

Best Buy's specs for the Insignia's are:

Product Height 18-3/10"
Product Width 12-1/5"
Product Weight 13.3 lbs.
Number of Speakers per Package 2
Speaker Type Bass-reflex
Maximum Power Handling 120W
Frequency Response 50Hz - 20kHz
Tweeter Size 1" Silk dome
Subwoofer 6-1/2"
Subwoofer Driver Carbon fiber
Sensitivity 90dB
Impedance 8 ohms

Width is 9"
depth is 12 1/2" (this is measuring binding posts that stick out as well)
height is 13 1/2"

They are on sale for $35 and BestBuy has a 30 day return policy just grap a pair and play with them for a few weeks.

I know, I was just being lazy. Plus I never got around to hooking up the T-Amp you loaned me for all that time. :o

The Insignia speakers look identical to the Europa's without the bullet tweeter on top. Someone mentioned at Audio Asylum that Radiient makes these for the BB Insignia brand name.

http://www.radiient.com/s.nl/it.A/id.5/.f?sc=2&category=32
Actually, they are not designed after the Europas, but, rather, the suround speakers that come with the Elara set which does have the Europas for the front L/R, a center channel - and, of course the speakers badged as Insignias for the rear/surrounds.

Here's a picture: http://www.radiient.com/s.nl/it.A/id.27/.f?sc=2&category=40

Edit: I should also point out that the complete set of Elaras sells for just $499 and I believe Radiiant ships via ground for free.

Finally, I thought the Audioholics review pointed out some flaws in which the veneer was done king of cheaply. Not sure how this fits into the equation. I know from experience, that the Insignias have a much better veneer job on them than the Axiom speakers that I owned for a very short time.

The price match was no problem. This nearest Best Buy to where I live is now out of stock. Guess the word got around a bit but who knows how many pairs the store had in the first place.

I mostly listen to instrumental music. The detail and air around instruments (for lack of better terminology) is unbelievable at this price. These are quite addicting to listen to. The more recordings I try, the more impressed I am. In fact, it is almost like the speakers are begging for me to try more to show me what they can do. :)

I have gotten some very good deals on audio equipment in the past but I'm not sure anything like this for the ratio of quality for the dollar spent!!

I just ordered a pair - hopefully they'll make music listenable on my my Onkyo HTS 570. I suspect they'll overwhelm the center though, so, does anybody have any suggestions for a cheap center that might come close to matching these insignia's?

Thanks

Buy another 2 pairs and you will have a 6 identical speaker set up :). Just be careful not to put it on top of any CRT TVs since they are supposedly not shielded.

I just ordered a pair - hopefully they'll make music listenable on my my Onkyo HTS 570. I suspect they'll overwhelm the center though, so, does anybody have any suggestions for a cheap center that might come close to matching these insignia's?

Thanks
At this price, why not buy two pair and use one of the second pair as a center? I dont know how narrow or wide the sound field is on the insignia's but it might be worth a shot.

I just ordered a pair - hopefully they'll make music listenable on my my Onkyo HTS 570. I suspect they'll overwhelm the center though, so, does anybody have any suggestions for a cheap center that might come close to matching these insignia's?

I would agree with bitpoh's advice to buy 3 pairs of them and use one as the center in a 6.1 setup --- the extra 2 pairs would still be cheaper than the most decent low-cost center, the $120 Athena AS-C1.2

I see people talking about needing shielding for CRT tv`s. What about LCD tv`s?

LCDs shouldn't be affected. . .

I see people talking about needing shielding for CRT tv`s. What about LCD tv`s?

No ill-effects on LCDs.

At this price, why not buy two pair and use one of the second pair as a center? I dont know how narrow or wide the sound field is on the insignia's but it might be worth a shot.


I've always been curious about this solution. Aren't center speakers typically twice as big? So if you use a single front as a center, won't you end up with an underpowered center?

I've always been curious about this solution. Aren't center speakers typically twice as big? So if you use a single front as a center, won't you end up with an underpowered center?

No.

I've always been curious about this solution. Aren't center speakers typically twice as big? So if you use a single front as a center, won't you end up with an underpowered center?
I'm sure B&W wouldn't agree with you.
http://www.bwspeakers.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.models/label/MODEL%20HTM7

I've always been curious about this solution. Aren't center speakers typically twice as big? So if you use a single front as a center, won't you end up with an underpowered center?
Actually, 3 identical speakers across the front is the ideal solution if you can fit it. Makes for a seamless soundstage.

I've always been curious about this solution. Aren't center speakers typically twice as big? So if you use a single front as a center, won't you end up with an underpowered center?

Depends on the quality of the single front...if it's an already weak speaker like a Polk R15, yeah you'd be better off with a typical M-T-M design center. If these Insignias are as good as people are saying, you should be fine.

And for surround music, having the identical front as center should give you an even more seamless soundstage.

hello, I just jumped on the bandwagon and ordered 3 pair for a 5.1 setup. Impulse shopping is usually not my style, but at this price point, I figured what the heck, it's worth a demo :)

From my understanding there isn't a hole in the cabinet to mount as rear surrounds, with their unusually deep shape and large binding post. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions as far as mounting these?
P.S. I am somewhat against drilling into speaker cabinets, but will consider it.

they're back up to 50 bones a pair :(. Missed the $34.95 :(

Looks like the sale at BB is off and price is "normal" $50 that I can find.

Question - if I bought these for 7.1 system and used one or two for center, is that a problem wrt no shielding for sitting on top off a rear projection CRT?

If you sat them directly down on top of the CRT TV there would be a very large chance of the speakers having the "warp" affect on your TV. What I did was put a shelf a few feet over my TV (the shelf was drilled into the wall). That gave me the necessary room needed between speaker and tv picture

Looks like the sale at BB is off and price is "normal" $50 that I can find.

I wouldn't worry too much, because:

1) They are worth the $50 price, but it's better when they are on sale.

2) Since this is a "house brand" for Best Buy, they seem to have more flexibility in playing with the prices. Over the past 2-3 weeks since I've been following these speakers, the prices have been played around with by BB. I'm sure we'll see some good prices on these again, soon.

I'm thinking of going with 4 or 5 of these and using 1 as a center...but the whole not shielded thing is making me nervous...I have a 30 inch widescreen CRT TV....

The TV is on a stand, maybe I put the center under the TV on the lowest shelf of the stand. about 1 1/2 below the tV? would this be far enough?

If you sat them directly down on top of the CRT TV there would be a very large chance of the speakers having the "warp" affect on your TV. What I did was put a shelf a few feet over my TV (the shelf was drilled into the wall). That gave me the necessary room needed between speaker and tv picture
jlsrpierce was referring to a projection CRT, and there should be no problem with an unshielded speaker on top of one. The tubes are in the very bottom of the unit, several feet below where the speaker would be located, and almost certainly would cause no problem.

Anyone have any thoughts on how they would compare to Onkyo HTIB speakers (specifically the 760 series, but I think most of the various 7xx's series are similar)?

Hoping to replace those speakers with these and was curious. Thanks.

Anyone have any thoughts on how they would compare to Onkyo HTIB speakers (specifically the 760 series, but I think most of the various 7xx's series are similar)?

Much better, I'd think. Heck even those Polk R15s are much better.

Off the suggestions in this thread, I bought two pairs of these speakers saturday night while the sale was still on, and after picking them up today, hooking them up in my bedroom and testing them out some, I have to say, thanks for the suggestion. :D For $35 these are impressive little speakers. They have a good amount of clarity and have a surprising amount of punchy bass. Of course, coming from my Ascend 340SEs, they are a little harsh, a little bright, and a little thin, but after listening for a few minutes, the uncomfortableness went away and I was left with the impression that these are great little speakers for the price.

I never would have come across these speakers if it wasn't for this forum. Hell, I didn't even know Best Buy sold speakers! ;) So thanks avsforum for again turning me on to a great deal. :)

We having fun yet? :)

Didn't get much of a chance yesterday to listen since I had to work but I had them going much of the day with a recording I had on repeat. So far, so good! I think you folks have got more hours on your pair than I do but it's scary what I've heard today may get even better!

I tried some classical musical today listening to orchestral works and these speakers just keep making me shake my head. I nice full sound and no problems encountered at moderate volume. Also tried some big band jazz recordings. You know the result! :)

I played them for about an hour yesterday and I thought that they were very good for the $. They seem to lack some detail in the midrange, but the overall balance is very good. I don't know if it has been mentioned in this thread yet, but Danny from GR-Research has a mod kit available for these:

http://www.gr-research.com/insignia.htm

jdcrox

Thanks for the update and good news that no problem unshielded on top of rear projection CRT as all the electrinics in the bottom several feet away . . . cheers.

So for those of you who have picked up the Insignia speakers but haven't given your feedback here, how are you liking them so far? :)

It has been three weeks since the Audiophile world has been turned on its ear by the Insignia's. Here are the reasons why.
1) Appearance. They don't look like $35-$50 speakers. You are first drawn to them by their appearance.
2) Sound. What more can be said. Unbelievable for the money.
3) Acceptance by audiophiles and hi-end manufacturers such as Danny from GR and the countless other audio boards that have caught wind of them.
4) Accessability. Best Buy's are all over. And they have a liberal return policy which makes they easy to try out.
5) Free Marketing by us.
6) Numerous modifications which will soon be available.
7) In this age of hi gas prices and hi property taxes(I live in NJ), it's refreshing to stumble accross something that is so much fun for practically nothing.
8) Some guy who owns Vandersteen 5's is currently enjoying the sound of these speakers.
9) It's kept the hifi juices going, much like the Sharp ex-111, Panasonic and JVC digi receivers, and Toshiba DVD player from a few years back.

Consequently, I returned the Insignia's. I liked, them but ultimatley didn't have room for them in my condo. In fact I don't think that they ever really broke in.

I think the A-Asylum may need to set-up an Insignia Asylum.

Dennis

Stopped by BB today to demo these speakers. They didn't have them. :mad:

I did play around with the new Blu-ray player which was hooked up to a new Samsung 40" 1080p LCD. They had several movies and a few shorts showing the difference between DVD and Blu-ray. :cool:

I was unimpressed to say the least. The user menu is cool, and the unit responds about 100x faster than HD-DVD.

I like them so much that I am gonna replace my Polk setup (monitor 40s and 30s) with these. I am going to have 2 fronts and 2 surrounds, sans center channel.

Depending how it sounds, I will stick with it (sans center). If not, I will try to do what a reviewer reported doing with Radiient, and ask if they will just sell me a center channel. Worse thing they could do is say no, and I would just get another box of these for $50 and use one as a center.

I just picked up a pair of these Insignias today. Really nice cabinets for the price. Sound-wise, they're not as detailed and don't have as much low-end as my Monitor Audio B2s, but then they don't cost $300 either. These Insignias will look kind of huge next to my 17" PC monitor, but at least they'll match in color. :)

I like them so much that I am gonna replace my Polk setup (monitor 40s and 30s) with these.

wow, quite a price difference there!

Anybody else replacing more expensive speakers with these Insignias?

LOL Pete so you got yourself a pair of these as well! :)

Yeah, I need some serious help. My 1br apt is full of speakers and my g/f is beginning to give me strange looks...

Tell her yeah you need many speakers but you will always only have 1 g/f :D

Hi,

Someone asked how the Insignia's compared to the Onkyo HTIB speakers. From my listening, there are pretty much the same. I had to take the Onkyo's out of retirement for this comparision. This is not a review.

My Onkyo set is the SKS-HT500 (5.1 speaker set) that I purchased for ~ $100.00 on sale @ Fry's. These are 2-way bass reflex with 2 - 5.25 woofers and a 1" tweeter. Dimensions are approx 7.5 x 16.5 x 10 (WxHxD).

My current setup uses an Ascend 170/340/170 setup (all se's) and they were added into the comparision just for giggles.


Size:
The Insignia's are large and deep. Not sure how you could mount them to a wall or ceiling. So, from largest to smallest is Insignia, Onkyo, Ascend.
I must say that the 170's are an excellent size and are easily mounted.


Fit & Finish:
The fit and finish on the Insignia ranges from good to excellent. The front is very well done with a nice piano black finish. The rest of the cabinet is good but not great veneer. The 170 appears to have a better veneer but does not have piano black front while the Onkyo's have a slightly lower quality veneer. The Insignia looks great with the grill off.
From a looks perspective its a tie between the Insignia and Ascend followed by a distant Onkyo. The Insignia does have more flash than the Ascend's but I like the Ascend's understated look.


Sound:
As for sound, there is no comparision to the 170. Its is light years ahead.

Between the Insignia and Onkyo, my nod currently goes to the Onkyo's. They are smoother and have less of a mid-bass loss. YMMV.

All listening was conducted with a Pioneer 1014 and identical positioning for the speakers with same source material. The Insignia's had about 30 hours of break-in prior.

/// Motu

Sound:
As for sound, there is no comparision to the 170. Its is light years ahead.

Can you be more specific? You haven't said a thing here.

Can you be more specific? You haven't said a thing here.

heh, for those of us who've heard or owned the Ascends, he's said plenty. It's like saying a Lexus is light years ahead of a Kia...not real specific but very self-explanatory.

heh, for those of us who've heard or owned the Ascends, he's said plenty. It's like saying a Lexus is light years ahead of a Kia...not real specific but very self-explanatory.
Ascends have been so over-hyped on this forum that if I ever hear a pair and they are merely excellent, rather than mind-blowingly jaw-droppingly awesome, I will be quite disappointed. :D

Hi,

Someone asked how the Insignia's compared to the Onkyo HTIB speakers. From my listening, there are pretty much the same. I had to take the Onkyo's out of retirement for this comparision. This is not a review.



Sound:
As for sound, there is no comparision to the 170. Its is light years ahead.

Between the Insignia and Onkyo, my nod currently goes to the Onkyo's. They are smoother and have less of a mid-bass loss. YMMV.

All listening was conducted with a Pioneer 1014 and identical positioning for the speakers with same source material. The Insignia's had about 30 hours of break-in prior.

/// Motu

As someone asked me when I posted a lame budget blind test, did you use a SPL meter? You were sure they were playing at the same decibel level? It made a difference when I did it. If the test is not blind, you think you hear things different. Of course that is just my opinion.

Ascends have been so over-hyped on this forum that if I ever hear a pair and they are merely excellent, rather than mind-blowingly jaw-droppingly awesome, I will be quite disappointed. :D

Ditto with Onix, Axiom and *particularly* SVS. :p

Ascends have been so over-hyped on this forum that if I ever hear a pair and they are merely excellent, rather than mind-blowingly jaw-droppingly awesome, I will be quite disappointed. :D


haha, so very true...they'd better be THAT good

I'd be interested if these were available in canada. The coax thing intrigues me: as I appreciate the benefits on my old tannoy dual concentrics. Very few speakers are concentric and I have no idea why: I don't really see a big downside and if the industry pushed it into mass production, drivers would be cheap. Clearly it can be done affordably. Of course, I have absolutely no need for more speakers, but that often goes without saying on this forum ;)

The concentric design is often used in car speakers. Not sure why it's rarely used in home speakers... would it have something to do with magnet placement (often very large magnets of the woofer somehow negatively affecting the tweeter's)?

What are the benefits of concentric design in home speakers? In traditional design (non-concentric), assuming you're sitting a decent distance from the speakers, you probably still can't tell that the very high frequencies are reproduced several inches above/below the rest.

The concentric design is often used in car speakers. Not sure why it's rarely used in home speakers... would it have something to do with magnet placement (often very large magnets of the woofer somehow negatively affecting the tweeter's)?

well I've never owned any concentric home speakers, but I do have concentric car speakers in one car and non-concentric (component) speakers in another, both systems run off identical amps---and there is absolutely no comparison, the non-concentric design has light years better clarity and soundstage while the concentric design has everything smeared together.

well I've never owned any concentric home speakers, but I do have concentric car speakers in one car and non-concentric (component) speakers in another, both systems run off identical amps---and there is absolutely no comparison, the non-concentric design has light years better clarity and soundstage while the concentric design has everything smeared together.

That may be the case with your car speakers, it is not the case with these Insignia bookshelf speakers. Clarity and soundstage are there in spades.

well I've never owned any concentric home speakers, but I do have concentric car speakers in one car and non-concentric (component) speakers in another, both systems run off identical amps---and there is absolutely no comparison, the non-concentric design has light years better clarity and soundstage while the concentric design has everything smeared together.
But this is mostly due to limited placement options inside a car. If you put a tweeter in the bottom of your door, what reaches your ears will sound worse than if you put a tweeter closer to your ear level (in the A pillar). So, if you took your component speakers and put the tweeter down below it'd probably sound as bad as the concentrics.

If it was possible to put the entire concentric speaker (tweeter + woofer) in the A pillar, maybe it would have sounded as good as component.

These speakers don't offer near the level of cost put into the tannoy drivers, but if they sound good, then they sound good. My coax pioneer car speakers are nothing spectacular, but doesn't mean the concept is bad. I'm curious why the coax design was chosen for these cheap speakers???

Some info on tannoy dual concentrics.

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/tannoyspeakers.html

They sound great from almost any listening position it seems (one of them would make a perfect center channel IMHO). The crossover design is supposed to be simple given the way they are designed, which is a nice advantage.

side note: I had no idea there was a horn in my speakers when I got them for free: it took a while to figure out what was going on, because they sounded so good with only a single visible 12" driver - I was young and knew little at the time. I always liked them, then I found out from the internet that they actually are quite good.

i saw where someone asked about a matching center and couldn't find an answer,anyone have any ideas?

i saw where someone asked about a matching center and couldn't find an answer,anyone have any ideas?

Try contacting Radiient at radieent.com. Someone there said they bought a few pieces out of a set, so maybe they will just sell the center for around a $100. I am guessing, but I may try that at some point. Apparently they will not confirm these are the same (insignia/radiient) but it looks fairly obvious they are.

i saw where someone asked about a matching center and couldn't find an answer,anyone have any ideas?

Do what I and many others do....use the same speaker for the center as the fronts, especially given the price. Hard to match speakers much better then identical, and centers are often a compromise for space so they are wide and not tall (MTM), which means they are often inferior AND more expensive then the matching bookshelf. Given the somewhat unusual coax arrangement, these speakers should not be noticeably compromised when used on their side, unlike normal tweeter-woofer 2 way arrangements.

So, do you guys think I went overboard with these? :D

I don't care! They sound awesome! I'm not returning them! :p And the little Onkyo receiver I picked up, which I was worried whether it would have enough juice to power these speakers, is doing a great job, too!

That may be the case with your car speakers, it is not the case with these Insignia bookshelf speakers. Clarity and soundstage are there in spades.

Funny, until your post I didn't even realize that these Insignias were a concentric design. :o

ANOTHER reason for me to go pick up a pair!

But this is mostly due to limited placement options inside a car. If you put a tweeter in the bottom of your door, what reaches your ears will sound worse than if you put a tweeter closer to your ear level (in the A pillar). So, if you took your component speakers and put the tweeter down below it'd probably sound as bad as the concentrics.

Interesting point.

The component speakers I have, the tweeter is not in the A-pillar but in the stock spot near the top of the doors close to the side view mirrors. It must be expensive to install tweeters in the A-pillars in that case!

So, do you guys think I went overboard with these? :D


well, they ARE a little oversized next to your monitor but I'll bet they sound much better than any computer speakers!

I'd be sorely tempted to do the same except I don't know what to do with the single-RCA plug connection that my Logitech Z-2200 sats have...have never seen an adapter to turn +/- speaker wire into single RCA. :(

btw, I found this on coaxial ("concentric") vs. component speakers:

http://www.caraudiohelp.com/newsletter/coaxials_versus_components.htm

So it looks like Pete might be right.

So, do you guys think I went overboard with these? :D

I don't care! They sound awesome! I'm not returning them! :p And the little Onkyo receiver I picked up, which I was worried whether it would have enough juice to power these speakers, is doing a great job, too!

LOL, at least the color is matching!

edster don't you have a Sonic T-amp with you?

Hmm, more reading up at the Radiient website... So these speakers claim to be "time-aligned" and "phase coherent!" LOL I wonder if my crappy Infinity Kappa coaxials are TA/PC too?

http://www.radiient.com/s.nl;jsessionid=ac112b6b1f438efc6d8a1c5746f9bfb9dfa2cda76f5b .e3eTa3aSaxmTe34Lch8LbxiSbNb0n6jAmljGr5XDqQLvpAe?sc=2&category=40&it=I&id=19

and are used in both their entry-level Elara and top-of-the-line Helios speaker systems:

http://www.radiient.com/s.nl;jsessionid=ac112b6b1f438efc6d8a1c5746f9bfb9dfa2cda76f5b .e3eTa3aSaxmTe34Lch8LbxiSbNb0n6jAmljGr5XDqQLvpAe?sc=2&category=30&it=A&id=23

edster don't you have a Sonic T-amp with you?

nope, I borrowed one for several weeks and never got around to hooking it up, silly me... :rolleyes:

well, they ARE a little oversized next to your monitor but I'll bet they sound much better than any computer speakers!

I'd be sorely tempted to do the same except I don't know what to do with the single-RCA plug connection that my Logitech Z-2200 sats have...have never seen an adapter to turn +/- speaker wire into single RCA. :(

Would something like this work for you?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102955&cp

Some more discussion here:
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/5/6251.html

I can't believe you can buy cheap and crappy name brand speakers from Best Buy that are dual concentric AND sound good.

What I find odd from the audioholics review of the radiient elara speakers, is they had poor off axis response - I thought off axis response was the advantage of concentric? My tannoys are fantastic in this regard.

I ordered a pair of these last nite online after reading the comments on them in this thread. These things are huge! For $50 you can't go wrong...tried some critical listening with these and I would give them a C+...only because I'm spoiled by my paradigm studio 20 v.3's...but of course those run around $800. I replaced some speakers in the kids room... These are rather handsome.

Mike P

[QUOTE=bitpoh]Would something like this work for you?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102955&cp/QUOTE]

woo-hoo! I'll pick up a pair from RS and try it first with an old pair of Mordaunt Shorts I have lying around...thanks a bunch!

As someone asked me when I posted a lame budget blind test, did you use a SPL meter? You were sure they were playing at the same decibel level? It made a difference when I did it. If the test is not blind, you think you hear things different. Of course that is just my opinion.

I calibrated using the autoEq (MCACC ?) on my 1014 for each speaker set.

/// Motu

Hi,

Anyone have any suggestions / idea's on how to mount these monsters to a wall. I would like to try them as surrounds but they are huge and deep.

/// Motu

Hi,

Anyone have any suggestions / idea's on how to mount these monsters to a wall. I would like to try them as surrounds but they are huge and deep.

/// Motu

Ran across this while doing a search on wall mounting speakers. Looks like a cheap way to mount your speakers. His LOOK big and heavy.

Cheap to buy/make wall mount (http://www.overclockers.com/articles818/index.asp)

It is difficult for me to express the degree to which I do not need another pair of speakers!
Nonetheless, I may pick up a pair of these just to hear for myself what all the fuss is about.

Would the best way to use these as computer speakers be to use them with something like a T-Amp? Also how would I connect them to my PC? Thanks.

It is difficult for me to express the degree to which I do not need another pair of speakers!
Nonetheless, I may pick up a pair of these just to hear for myself what all the fuss is about.

As soon as I walked thru the door carrying the box, my daughter says "why do you need more speakers?". Aaaaaaaahhhhh teenagers...... :rolleyes:

Mike P

Would the best way to use these as computer speakers be to use them with something like a T-Amp? Also how would I connect them to my PC? Thanks.
If you'd like something a little more solid and better looking than the T-Amp, may I suggest THIS (http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=ONKR805XT).
Then you just run a "mini-jack to 2 RCA" cable (available at most electronics stores) in order to connect your PC to the amp, and then connect the speakers to the amp/receiver.

Great, thanks...

Ran across this while doing a search on wall mounting speakers. Looks like a cheap way to mount your speakers. His LOOK big and heavy.

Cheap to buy/make wall mount (http://www.overclockers.com/articles818/index.asp)

Nice !, I will have to bookmark that url. The only problem is that the Insignia's taper towards the rear. There is only about 1/2 an inch of space availabe on the rear.


/// Motu

As soon as I walked thru the door carrying the box, my daughter says "why do you need more speakers?". Aaaaaaaahhhhh teenagers...... :rolleyes:



My wife had the same reaction :-)


/// Motu

Nevermind. Found the answer to my question.

I'm looking to set up a 3.1 system for some outdoor movie projections. The speakers would be mounted under the eaves of my detached garage. I wonder: would these work? They won't be exposed to direct moisture, but will be subject to temperature change and humidity.

i saw where someone asked about a matching center and couldn't find an answer,anyone have any ideas?


I'm going to try setting my receiver to no center, so it does the "phantom center" thing. The more I think about it, the more I can't understand the need for a center speaker to begin with. And considering what I'm replacing (the crappy speakers that came with my Onkyo HTS-570), I'm sure this will be a significant improvement any way you look at it.

I'm going to try setting my receiver to no center, so it does the "phantom center" thing. The more I think about it, the more I can't understand the need for a center speaker to begin with. And considering what I'm replacing (the crappy speakers that came with my Onkyo HTS-570), I'm sure this will be a significant improvement any way you look at it.
Not only do I not think that having a center is an enhancement, I clearly prefer my system without it. (Of course, I also always sit on-axis.)

Anyone find some good cheap speaker stands for these?

I need something around 36" high.

i made my own out of 3\4 in. plywood for the top and base,and used a 4by 4 as the stand. painted it gloss black works great for me.

I am building a 5.1 setup to run off of my computer with 3 bookshelfs across the front, some small sattellites in the rear, and a dayton 12" for the sub. I have been leaning towards the inifinity primus 150s, but then I saw this thread. The 150s can be had from Circuit City for about $105 a pair. So for half the cost are these Insignias a better option. I will be playing games, music and movies on these, so I do want decent quality and volume output. They will be running off of an Onkyo HTR-510. It's a 6.1 receiver from a HTIB setup.

I am building a 5.1 setup to run off of my computer with 3 bookshelfs across the front, some small sattellites in the rear, and a dayton 12" for the sub. I have been leaning towards the inifinity primus 150s, but then I saw this thread. The 150s can be had from Circuit City for about $105 a pair. So for half the cost are these Insignias a better option. I will be playing games, music and movies on these, so I do want decent quality and volume output. They will be running off of an Onkyo HTR-510. It's a 6.1 receiver from a HTIB setup.

I have not heard the Primus speakers, so cannot comment on face off.

I get the impression you are worried the Insignia speakers are somehow cheap sounding/quality. They are not. In fact, the clarity is amazing, even at higher volume.

As has been mentioned before, you can try them and return them for a full refund.

Just let us know what you think after trying them. ;)

I am almost afraid to try the Insignias because it is too late for me to get a refund on my Infinity Betas, and I will feel like a fool if it turns out I like the Insignias better.
(Someone said in an earlier post that they preferred the Insignias to Polk Monitor 40's, which are about the same price ads my Beta 20's.)

I am almost afraid to try the Insignias because it is too late for me to get a refund on my Infinity Betas, and I will feel like a fool if it turns out I like the Insignias better.
(Someone said in an earlier post that they preferred the Insignias to Polk Monitor 40's, which are about the same price ads my Beta 20's.)
I think you should feel happy with your Beta 20s. If they provide the sound you want, then that's all that matters. Heaven knows, they're built like tanks.

While the Insignias are good speakers, their cabinets are not built anywhere near as well as the Betas. The Insignias do sound good, but those who are opting to make them sound better have to invest a bit more money and some elbow grease.

Additionally, while I do enjoy "playing" with my Insignias, I don't forsee them taking the place of my X-LS speakers - because, to me, the X-LS speakers are a real treat to listen to.

I think you should feel happy with your Beta 20s. If they provide the sound you want, then that's all that matters. Heaven knows, they're built like tanks.

While the Insignias are good speakers, their cabinets are not built anywhere near as well as the Betas. The Insignias do sound good, but those who are opting to make them sound better have to invest a bit more money and some elbow grease.

Additionally, while I do enjoy "playing" with my Insignias, I don't forsee them taking the place of my X-LS speakers - because, to me, the X-LS speakers are a real treat to listen to.
Thanks. Yes, I do absolutely love the Betas. I just didn't want to have the upsetting experience of thinking "Geez, I could have gotten these for 1/6 the (sale) price, and they sound just as good!" :o

I have not heard the Primus speakers, so cannot comment on face off.

I get the impression you are worried the Insignia speakers are somehow cheap sounding/quality. They are not. In fact, the clarity is amazing, even at higher volume.

As has been mentioned before, you can try them and return them for a full refund.

Just let us know what you think after trying them. ;)
I am going to get a pair of prius and a pair of these insignias and just compare head to head. Seems like the best way to get the real info.

Anybody compare these to the $40 Radio Shack Presidian speakers? They also have had lots of activity on the forums, and I have a pair as my surrounds right now. I havent bothered to set em up as front LT/RT however.

I am going to get a pair of prius and a pair of these insignias and just compare head to head. Seems like the best way to get the real info.
You'll find that the Insignias have better/more pronounced bass, as compared to Primus 150. I had the Primus 160 for a while, and I think the Insignias were still better in that respect. However, in a 5.1 setup (with a sub), where you'll have them set to "small", it'll most likely not matter.

Anybody compare these to the $40 Radio Shack Presidian speakers? They also have had lots of activity on the forums, and I have a pair as my surrounds right now. I havent bothered to set em up as front LT/RT however.


I owned both. The Insignia, despite it's faults, was the better speaker IMHO. Better looking, better sounding, better all around. The only plus the Presidian had was the small size. BUT, it did have potential in the midrange.

I eventually used the Presidian woofer as a midrange replacement in a 3-way project. It's performing quite well in it's new home. I used the Presidian boxes to make compact Dayton/Vifa monitors...which is peforming well.

Bottom line...I basically couldn't listen to the Presidian's in stock form, though they were useful for other projects. The Insignia's are good enough (after being broken in) to remain in tact. Especially for a small room.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I did put the Presidians back together for an A/B test to the Insignia's. It only took 60 seconds for me to decide to dismantle the Presidians again.

Has anyone compared these Advents with the Insignias? Free shipping from Accessories 4 less also. Dual binding posts, video shielded and can also be bi-amped.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/ADVH200

The only review I found was here.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002L598K/103-2314162-0930255?v=glance&n=172282

I am going to get a pair of prius and a pair of these insignias and just compare head to head. Seems like the best way to get the real info.

Yes, definitely do an AB in your home...that's *always* the best way to go regardless of budget.

I have not heard the Insignias but did hear the Primus 150s. From what I've read here, I would expect the Insignias to have stronger bass and a brighter top end whereas the Primus 150s probably would win in the midrange department. The 150s are not suited for high volumes though, probably less so than the Insignias.

Two questions:

1) How do they compare to the Athena Point5 Mk II system which are slightly more expensive?

2) As mynym asked, are there good matching stands or have to buy brand X from ie Walmart, it's important as I'll need 4-5 stands.

Thx

jlsrpierce,

I was actually going to post the same question.

I'm too am also curious how the Insignia would compare to the Athena Point 5 system?

Also I'm considering placing Insignia speaker on it's side and using as a center speaker. The height of speaker won't allow me to place upright with L & R.

How much should this affect the quality of sound?

Also I'm considering placing Insignia speaker on it's side and using as a center speaker. The height of speaker won't allow me to place upright with L & R.

How much should this affect the quality of sound?
Thats an interesting thought...........being a coaxial speaker, one would think it wouldnt affect the dispersion they way a normal 2-way would.

jlsrpierce,

I was actually going to post the same question.

I'm too am also curious how the Insignia would compare to the Athena Point 5 system?

Also I'm considering placing Insignia speaker on it's side and using as a center speaker. The height of speaker won't allow me to place upright with L & R.

How much should this affect the quality of sound?

Just remember they are not shielded, (so I've read ???) although we have a pair 1' away from a 27" HD CRT, with no problem.

has anyone compared them to HTIB offerings yet?

has anyone compared them to HTIB offerings yet?

First I will say I am not an audiophile by any means.

But I replaced my Onkyo HTIB 760 speakers with 4 of these insignia's and could immediately notice a difference w/o any calibration. It basically sounded "clearer" is the best way I can describe, whereas the Onkyos always had a muddy sound to me.

Sorry I can't give a more technical review.

I replaced a pair of Athena B1's with these Insignia's two days ago. I ran them @ 90db/m for 8 hours in the garage, then installed them and let them run in again for another 8, 90db@2m.

They are quite a bit more forward in the midrange. Acoustic guitars really show it - you can very much hear the pick on the strings, immediate and a bit too clearly etched. Image is getting better, but the two year old Athena's are better so far.

I opened them today. Well built except for the methods used on the side walls. I removed the very thin egg-crate (transparently thin) foam and put in fiberglass instead. Immediate improvement, the sound balanced out and now fatigue doesn't set in within the first 20 minutes. Bass improved dramatically, reducing a midbass/lower midrange hump and extending the F10 or whatever.

I'll certainly fill the voids in the walls soon, using the method prescribed by GR. I don't think I'll invest in the XO upgrade. If the dead cabinet treatment doesn't make them kill the Athenas, I'll repackage and return them. Won't the new owner be suprised...

Not as sensitive as the Athenas, not as smooth (yet), built about as well, doesn't play as loud, but when you do play it loud, it sounds pretty good. Excellent strong bass, on my test CD I get response all the way down into the low 40's. Extreme port noise on test tones, not on music, but you can tell there's modulation distortion or port noise going on somewhere.

Athena 1, Insignia 0, but close. Too soon to draw a conclusion.

I removed the very thin egg-crate (transparently thin) foam and put in fiberglass instead.
A noob question, but is there a specific type of fiberglass that is required for this and where can I purchase it? Local home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's?

A noob question, but is there a specific type of fiberglass that is required for this and where can I purchase it? Local home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's?
You can buy fiberglass insulation at the places you've listed. People are just using regular wall insulation. But, about the minimum amount you can buy is a bundle for about $15.00 - and enough for about 30 pr. of speakers.

A noob question, but is there a specific type of fiberglass that is required for this and where can I purchase it? Local home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's?
I've been into speakers, building sub boxes for cars, improving and tweaking home speakers for ten years now. Although I haven't done anything in car audio for about seven years, I have always filled my enclosures, home or car, with white poly-fil. Just the cheap bag of white fiber stuffing you can find at any craft store, wal-mart, etc. It does a great job, is cheap, and easy to add or take-out based on how you like the sound changes.

-K

Does one just stuff the interior of the cabinet with fiberglass or polyfill ?
Are there any guidelines as to how much or how little ?

/// MOtu

Does one just stuff the interior of the cabinet with fiberglass or polyfill ?
Are there any guidelines as to how much or how little ?

/// MOtu
For speaker cabinets, just line the walls and surfaces with the insulation. 1-1.5 inches should suffice. Sub cabinets are different. In those situations, people tend to stuff the sub with the insulation vs. lining the walls.

Hopefully, this is the answer you're looking for.

Noob here...

I think i'm gonna pick up 3 pairs of these today, if they are in stock.

Also I'm gonna pick up the Onkyo 304S receiver from Circuit City. What do you guys think of using the Insignia's as fronts, surround, and center?

Also, it was posted that being unshielded poses no threat to LCDs. What about plasmas?

Also, it was posted that being unshielded poses no threat to LCDs. What about plasmas?
No problem with plasma sets, either. Only the tube or CRT screen TVs will have issues.

I think you couldn't do better for $150 than buying 3 pr. of these speakers. Sure, there's better out there - but, not for the money.

:)

I have always filled my enclosures, home or car, with white poly-fil. Just the cheap bag of white fiber stuffing you can find at any craft store, wal-mart, etc.
Thanks for the suggestion. Is this it?

http://www.fabricdepot.com/product.aspx?ItemKey=12175

ummm. I was wonderin (being that I'm a newb) could someone post a link to a step by step pictures included instructions on how to install the fiber board insulation into the Insignia's??.
If so that would be awesome. I have no desire to F---- up my speakers by putting insulation into the wrong area. :)

Pete, some more options here:
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?webpage_id=3&SO=2&DID=7&CATID=29&ObjectGroup_ID=137

Thanks, man! :)

I am curious how these compare to my favorite bargain speakers. From what I can determine from reading here is that the Insignias are good but not as good as Omage AV21s (http://www.midsouth-wire.com/OmageAV-Select.htm) and to get them to sound as good you need to spend more than the Omages are worth. Anyone?

P.S. my response graph on the first revisions of AV21s, new ones have been made to this new spec. http://www.atsi.ca/omage/

Well, I bought a pair on a whim and wow!
They are not going to permanantly replace my Infinity Betas (which were 6X the price on sale and 8X MSRP), but they come a lot closer than I expected. Really, the only areas in which they fall short are slightly excessive brightness and slightly compressed dynamics. Imaging, in particular, is fantastic. They also have that "where are you hiding the sub" bass capability. (Insignia owners: check out Bill Lasswells "Dub Transmission" subtitled "Bass, the Final Frontier.")
One area in which they blow away the Infinitys is looks. These things are gorgeous, especially with the grills removed. (The carbon-fiber cones, in particular, are purrty :D )
Long-term, I will go back to my Infinitys. For now, however, I will continue to enjoy the Insignias for what they can do for a while and also see if they really do improve with "break-in".
I really do think that what I got for my $50 is an almost perfect clone of KEF Q1's (the originals, not the newer iQ3's), which list at $450.

Bought these speakers at Best Buy over the weekend as there has been a good amount of chatter about them on the audioasylum.com speakers forum. The model number is NS-B2111.

I have played various types of music on these speakers with budget equipment ($100 Sony SACD/DVD player and a $200 Sony AVR 100 WPC). Very impressed so far!

Hop on over to the audioasylum and read the impressions by folks who have bought them. Especially good for a system in an office, bedroom, den, etc. I have far better equipment in my main system but these will do quite nicely in my bedroom system.
Looking at those other forums made me appreciate AVS more. Audioasylum, in particular, is really hard to follow.

...wonder if Best Buy will ever offer them at $35/pair again, or if they're now aware of all the Internet buzz behind them!

Not that $50/pair is a terrible price, heh.

While following a few links, I discovered 2 things:
1) These are identical to the Radiient Technologies Helios surround speakers (pair + center = $329.)
2) They feature "Advanced Oblate Quasitriangular Antiresonant" cabinet design! :D (Heck, and here I just thought they were curved.)

if i was to turn one of these on it's side to use as my center would that work? i have enough room to stand it upright on top of my tv but the tweeter would be pointed WAY over my head.right now i use a rubber door stop to aim my curent center towards my ears but not sure if i have room to do that with this speaker.

It would be hard to turn the Insigna on its side since the side isn't exactly flat.

Flip it upside down maybe? :D

I am curious how these compare to my favorite bargain speakers. From what I can determine from reading here is that the Insignias are good but not as good as Omage AV21s and to get them to sound as good you need to spend more than the Omages are worth. Anyone?

P.S. my response graph on the first revisions of AV21s, new ones have been made to this new spec. ...


$99.00/PAIR vs $35.00/PAIR ($50 Now)

For the previous sale price, I don't think that many speakers can touch the sound quality in that range. Now the the price is back to $50, I might disagree.

I bought four pair and hardly miss the Polk RM7600 package I had a couple of years back in my home theater. (I do miss the PSW650 sub from that package though.)

Hi guys,

Fry's has a wall / ceiling mount that works for these Insignia's. Its the Orbital Surround Sound Speaker Wall Mount, model # 42221. They are $17.99 @ the store.

/// Motu

Well I decided to try these speakers in my main system after all. I played all kinds of music and still haven't been turned off by anything I listened to which is the most important thing. To say these speakers are a bargain doesn't quite cut it. To me, they are much more than that.

It isn't how good these speakers sound for the price but how bad they DON'T look or sound for the buck! :) To be able to listen to most anything in my music collection and very much enjoy what I'm hearing for this price is astounding. Joe can do much worse than this walking out of Best Buy, Circuit City, PC Richards, etc purchasing something else.

I replaced the "egg crate" in mine with some poly-fil, but so far I'm not sure I noticed much difference. If anything, the bass seems slightly weaker, but honestly, it's hard to tell.

Thanks for the comparison!

I hooked up the Insignia to Super T-Amp, using Toshiba 3960 DVD as the source.

The Insignia appeared not so good out of the box. But after 3 days (more than 20 hours, normal sound level), they are getting better.

I did a short comparison with Athena B1 that I have been using for about year. The Insignia did a little better in bass, not surprising since it has a bigger woofer. As for the mid and high, both Athena and Insignia are very close, maybe the Insignia sounds a little clearer.

Same as your conclusion, although the Insignia is said to be 90 db, a little sensitive than Athena B1, which is 89db, I found the Insignia is not as loud as the Athena.

I will try a more detailed comparison later.

I replaced a pair of Athena B1's with these Insignia's two days ago. I ran them @ 90db/m for 8 hours in the garage, then installed them and let them run in again for another 8, 90db@2m.

They are quite a bit more forward in the midrange. Acoustic guitars really show it - you can very much hear the pick on the strings, immediate and a bit too clearly etched. Image is getting better, but the two year old Athena's are better so far.

I opened them today. Well built except for the methods used on the side walls. I removed the very thin egg-crate (transparently thin) foam and put in fiberglass instead. Immediate improvement, the sound balanced out and now fatigue doesn't set in within the first 20 minutes. Bass improved dramatically, reducing a midbass/lower midrange hump and extending the F10 or whatever.

I'll certainly fill the voids in the walls soon, using the method prescribed by GR. I don't think I'll invest in the XO upgrade. If the dead cabinet treatment doesn't make them kill the Athenas, I'll repackage and return them. Won't the new owner be suprised...

Not as sensitive as the Athenas, not as smooth (yet), built about as well, doesn't play as loud, but when you do play it loud, it sounds pretty good. Excellent strong bass, on my test CD I get response all the way down into the low 40's. Extreme port noise on test tones, not on music, but you can tell there's modulation distortion or port noise going on somewhere.

Athena 1, Insignia 0, but close. Too soon to draw a conclusion.

How large are these? The Best Buy ad and Insignai web page says:

Product Height: 18-3/10"
Product Width: 12-1/5"
Product Weight: 13.3 lbs.

This seems WAY big for a $25 speaker. Think I'll pick up a pair on my way home and compare to my Paradigm Cinema 70's, and Orbs that will be arriving Monday.

How large are these? The Best Buy ad and Insignai web page says:

Product Height: 18-3/10"
Product Width: 12-1/5"
Product Weight: 13.3 lbs.

This seems WAY big for a $25 speaker. Think I'll pick up a pair on my way home and compare to my Paradigm Cinema 70's, and Orbs that will be arriving Monday.
I think that size is for both speakers together. The weight is right, though. They are great for the $, but don't expect miracles. Your Paradigms and Orbs will blow them away.

I think that size is for both speakers together. The weight is right, though. They are great for the $, but don't expect miracles. Your Paradigms and Orbs will blow them away.


I don't know about that. Those could be the real numbers......These things are deceptively large. I actually wish they were smaller so I could pick up a pair and use them as surrounds. Too big for my needs. Still want them though (for $35 of course).

Thanks. 12" is way too wide for the 6" space I have between my plasma and fireplace, so I won't bother. And since the Orbs will "blow them away", it's not worth the time. I'm hoping the Orbs will blow away my Paradigms.

The actual dimensions are (for a single speaker):

Height: 13-1/4"
Width: 8-3/4"
Depth: 12" (incl. grille and binding posts)

Weight: 12 lbs.

I think that size is for both speakers together. The weight is right, though. They are great for the $, but don't expect miracles. Your Paradigms and Orbs will blow them away.

How does a speaker with a single 3" full range driver blow away another speaker with a 1" tweeter and 6.5" woofer along with 10 times (exageration?) the volume. At the very least you would expect the latter to have better bass and mid-range.


/// Motu.

The actual dimensions are (for a single speaker):

Height: 13-1/4"
Width: 8-3/4"
Depth: 12" (incl. grille and binding posts)

Weight: 12 lbs.


Well there you go. Still large though, I wish they were a bit smaller. Damned good looking speakers. Wish they would have been around a year ago. If you have the space, I think they would make fine back speakers for a 7.1 system.

Yup, they're quite big, espcially as far as width goes. I wish they were slimmer. FYI, I posted a pic of them next to my 17" PC LCD on PAGE 3 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7910820&&#post7910820) of this thread. I am slowly getting used to their size. :)

I picked up a pair of the Insignia speakers for my daughters system, as she will be heading off to college in a couple months. Here are some simple modifications that I made which improved the sound:

1) I removed the egg crate grey foam. Treated all interior walls with Xtreme dynamat to reduce resonances. Rolled the egg crate foam tightly and stuffed the front ports. The open ports IMHO produces some tubby bass.

2) I applied a generous coating of JB Weld (two tube mix) to the stamped metal speaker baskets. This stiffened the baskets significantly reducing resonance at higher volume levels.

3) I applied some silicone to the inside speaker outer rims before screwing them back into the speaker cabinet to provide an air tight seal. Also applied some to the backside of the gloss black mdf front plate before reattaching.

These all provided a noticable improvement in the sound quality. I picked up an open box pair at BB for $40.

While these speakers are decent, they simply don't touch my Applied Research Technologies SLM-1 studio monitors modified by Don Nance. Great sounding in stock form, exceptional when modified. These run $199 at BSW online.

Regards,

How does a speaker with a single 3" full range driver blow away another speaker with a 1" tweeter and 6.5" woofer along with 10 times (exageration?) the volume. At the very least you would expect the latter to have better bass and mid-range.


/// Motu.

Apparently Orb has rewritten the laws of physics, at least according to their owners and make-believe customers (see the 2 threads by "Brittany" the cheerleader-cum-lawyer) around here, heh. :D

In all fairness I will be ordering their 2.1 system to evaluate it myself in a few weeks, will post a detailed review...

I picked up a pair of the Insignia speakers for my daughters system, as she will be heading off to college in a couple months. Here are some simple modifications that I made which improved the sound:
....

These all provided a noticable improvement in the sound quality. I picked up an open box pair at BB for $40.

Regards,

Do you mean you picked up another set (open box) to do an A/B comparison to your modded speakers?

Do you mean you picked up another set (open box) to do an A/B comparison to your modded speakers?

I compared the modded Insignia's to another stock pair I purchased. I put about 40 hours of high volume music through each pair before A-B'ing.

I compared the modded Insignia's to another stock pair I purchased. I put about 40 hours of high volume music through each pair before A-B'ing.

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing that.

I wouldn't get $50 dollar speakers if they were free! Every speaker i buy is Bose. They have the best true to life reproduction of sound.

I wouldn't get $50 dollar speakers if they were free! Every speaker i buy is Bose. They have the best true to life reproduction of sound.
Rather than buy bose, go to your local supermarket. Buy a package of foam cups, and a ball of twine. Ok, no you poke a hole in bottom of 3 cups. Run 2 strings from one cup, one to each of the other cups. Now put the first cup in front of cheapest clock radio you can find. Now listen the sound coming out of the other cups. Instant Acoustimass! ;)

I wouldn't get $50 dollar speakers if they were free! Every speaker i buy is Bose. They have the best true to life reproduction of sound.
ROFL!!! If you're deaf maybe.

I wouldn't get $50 dollar speakers if they were free! Every speaker i buy is Bose. They have the best true to life reproduction of sound.

Please tell me you're joking?!!! my heart couldn't handle the strain if you weren't

Was in BB today Sunday July 9, on sale for $5 off, ie USD44.99, but only had 2 pair and I want 3 for 6.1 system.

Anyone have a recommendation on stands, looking for reasonable ones as don;t want to spend more on them than speakers ! !

Maybe the Sanus basic stands, $32 shipped?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006JQ5N/sr=8-3/qid=1152496273/ref=pd_bbs_3/002-2670829-1155253?ie=UTF8

I used the Omnimount 31" basic wood stands. I paid around $75 after tax @ Circuit City. I didn't want to wait for delivery, basically.

How does a speaker with a single 3" full range driver blow away another speaker with a 1" tweeter and 6.5" woofer along with 10 times (exageration?) the volume. At the very least you would expect the latter to have better bass and mid-range.


/// Motu.
The Orbs are not intended to be used without a sub, and they come with one.

I used the Omnimount 31" basic wood stands. I paid around $75 after tax @ Circuit City. I didn't want to wait for delivery, basically.
$75 stands for $50 speakers?! :rolleyes:

When you guys are talking about the Orb speakers, are you referring to this?

http://www.orbaudio.com/ProductImages/300white.jpg

I'd call that a satellite, not a real speaker. It's going to have severely reduced top end and midbass, as a subwoofer is only going to fill in so high. If these blow away the Insignias, yikes :p

I'd call that a satellite, not a real speaker. It's going to have severely reduced top end and midbass, as a subwoofer is only going to fill in so high. If these blow away the Insignias, yikes :p

Exactly my thoughts, lol.

The inevitable response you'll get is "don't knock 'em till you try 'em"---I will be auditioning a 2.1 config in a few weeks. I'm auditioning them with the Orb sub because it apparently covers that midrange hole very well, by all accounts.

I admit that I have not personally heard the Orbs, but I have read several glowing reviews of them by owners on this forum.
(As for Paradigm, I have owned the Atoms. These don't go as low as the Insignias, but have much smoother and less fatiguing mids/highs, though I prefer Athena B1's.)

The inevitable response you'll get is "don't knock 'em till you try 'em"
I haven't heard Orb's implementation, but really all it comes down to is the 3" driver being used. I can't imagine it sounds much different than my computer speaker system:
http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B00000JHW5.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.gif
which I think is great for close range listening at my computer desk, but just wouldn't be able to compete with real stereo speakers in my listening room 8' back.

I will be auditioning a 2.1 config in a few weeks
I will keep an eye out for your impressions. Should be.....interesting.

I may be the only person on AVS who auditioned Orbs and wasn't impressed. I found them to sound very very similar to my Klipsch Promedia 2.1 satellites. That isn't saying they sound bad. I actually like the Promedia system a lot for my desktop listening, but c'mon, those satellites are available for $20 each from Klipsch. I felt the Orbs were slightly clearer whereas the Klipsch had a little more low-end. Overall they sounded much more similar than different.

I'll post my opinion on the Orbs tomorrow. I got them yesterday to compare to Paradigm Cinema 70's. So far they seem to tire my ears pretty fast..., and are lacking in the highs. Lows are fine with a Sub. I am not impressed with stands and wiring. The holes in the mounts aren't large enough for the knobs provided (takes pliers to tighten), and the speaker holes aren't large enough (for anything). Real pain to wire! Have some drill bits handy, and if you bought "Mod2's", plan on splicing wires so that only one wire has to go into each terminal.

And while I thought they'd look cool, they really "stand out" more than I'd like - my wife says they look like balls on the walls, oh I think she meant eyeballs, ;o)

I'll post my opinion on the Orbs tomorrow. I got them yesterday to compare to Paradigm Cinema 70's. So far they seem to tire my ears pretty fast..., and are lacking in the highs. Lows are fine with a Sub. I am not impressed with stands and wiring. The holes in the mounts aren't large enough for the knobs provided (takes pliers to tighten), and the speaker holes aren't large enough (for anything). Real pain to wire! Have some drill bits handy, and if you bought "Mod2's", plan on splicing wires so that only one wire has to go into each terminal.

And while I thought they'd look cool, they really "stand out" more than I'd like - my wife says they look like balls on the walls, oh I think she meant eyeballs, ;o)
In this case, I retract my earlier statement. Maybe they don't blow the Insignias away. Maybe Insignia blows them away, instead.

I compared the modded Insignia's to another stock pair I purchased. I put about 40 hours of high volume music through each pair before A-B'ing.

Whats the B'ing your talking about. Also, what is a speaker break-in period?

I compared the modded Insignia's to another stock pair I purchased. I put about 40 hours of high volume music through each pair before A-B'ing.
Um, and did this have any results? That is, what was the outcome of your A/B comparison?

B stands for Bose. A-B'ing a speaker means to compare it to Bose speakers; this is a good way to reveal a speaker's shortcomings. Break-in isn't necessary for Bose speakers, so don't worry about it. They sound great out of the box.

This SpectralD guy is obviously some sort of bizarre bose troll and should be ignored and/or moderated.

B doesn't stand for anything Bose or anything else.
A-B'ing speakers refers to comparing two sets of speakers by wiring them to the same receiver at the same time - one on the A channel and one on the B channel - that way you can switch from one set of speakers to the other effortlessly. This is the best way to compare two speakers directly to one another.

Um, and did this have any results? That is, what was the outcome of your A/B comparison?
He provided the writeup earlier on that page. Look back a few posts.


This SpectralD guy is obviously some sort of bizarre bose troll and should be ignored and/or moderated.
I thought he was just playing along with our beloved directvfreak3, but that's just me.

I thought he was just playing along with our beloved directvfreak3, but that's just me.


You're probably right; after posting that, I checked some of the guy's other posts, and he seems fine. But that sort of thing certainly doesn't help a new guy who's asking legitimate questions.

I had planned on buying two pairs of JBL E30's but now that I saw this thread I am wondering if I should just head down to best buy and check them out. Anyone know how they would compare with the E30's?

Edit: Has anyone also tried using a single speaker as a center channel? Or is there another speaker that would match these speakers as a center?

Edit: Has anyone also tried using a single speaker as a center channel? Or is there another speaker that would match these speakers as a center?
If you're talking about the Insignias, then someone in this thread posted a link earlier to what looks like an identical radiiant design that comes with a matching center speaker. However, it'll probably be cheaper and just as good to buy another set of Insignias and use one as a center speaker, especially that they're concentric. You just have to make sure to secure it properly if you're going to place it on its side.

If you're talking about the Insignias, then someone in this thread posted a link earlier to what looks like an identical radiiant design that comes with a matching center speaker. However, it'll probably be cheaper and just as good to buy another set of Insignias and use one as a center speaker, especially that they're concentric. You just have to make sure to secure it properly if you're going to place it on its side.

I have a perfect spot for it where it would sit upright. I think I may just pick up two pairs tonight and see if I like them, then buy another pair if I really like them and set up a 6.1 system (center and surround back).


I still would like to hear someone who has heard both the E30's and the Insignia's too though. Still going to get the Insignia's, but I can always take them back. :D

I just noticed that the Insignias rattle quite a bit when played loud (and not really loud - volume cranked half way on my 2x20W Onkyo receiver). Maybe the front panels aren't sticking properly after I had removed them to replace the egg crates with poly-fil.

Heh... it may be a legitimate question, but directvfreak3 surely can't be taken seriously after what he posted in this and numerous other threads. :D

What? I just asked a simple question. I don't need a smart answer. Can someone please help me? Thanks!

Moderator

please no bashing: if you have a problem with a post, please report it to a moderator

Thanks :)

What? I just asked a simple question. I don't need a smart answer. Can someone please help me? Thanks!

Are you serious? Given that you haven't made a single helpful or informative post besides pushing Bose as the greatest thing ever, and claiming that no speakers even costing 10K will beat them DESPITE the fact that you've also never HEARD speakers in that pricerange, and DESPITE the fact that you've admitted to never comparing Bose speakers to anything else, you shouldn't be surprised that nobody takes you seriously since you continue to thread fart a bunch of ignorant nonsense as if you have any experience to make any statement about audio quality at all. The extent of your experience, from what I've read of your posts and your multiple troll accounts, is that other people have told you that they think Bose sounds good, therefore it's better than anything else out there.

Here's some advice: go out there and actually listen to some high-end systems, and see what you think. And second, stop trolling pro-Bose all over the place. Until then, don't expect much in terms of assistance, since you clearly are not open to any difference of opinion, since anyone who thinks otherwise is 'retarded' etc.

Thanks to this post I whent out and bought myself four of these speakers and damn can I say they sound pretty nice. Since its pretty later I havnt had time to fully test htem out, but I am pleased so far. :D

You're probably right; after posting that, I checked some of the guy's other posts, and he seems fine. But that sort of thing certainly doesn't help a new guy who's asking legitimate questions.

Yeah, I was just goofing on the guy. If any newbies get confused, let me say that B does not stand for Bose.

$75 stands for $50 speakers?! :rolleyes:

Haha, yeah, I know. I saved so much money on the speaker upgrade, though, I decided it would be ok to waste the $25-30 I could've saved getting them or something comparable online. But then I would've had to wait for shipping and I'm notoriously impatient when it comes to my home theater. :D

I had planned on buying two pairs of JBL E30's but now that I saw this thread I am wondering if I should just head down to best buy and check them out. Anyone know how they would compare with the E30's?

Edit: Has anyone also tried using a single speaker as a center channel? Or is there another speaker that would match these speakers as a center?

Yes, you should definitely check them out. They're more neutral than most of the JBL speakers I've heard (I have not heard the E30s however), which tend to have accentuated low and high ends.

And also yes, I am using a single Insignia bookshelf as a center channel speaker right now. I switched back and forth between center/no center last night and while there was little difference, if there was one, it was that the center channel spread the front soundstage out a bit. I've also heard a couple people mention that they bought a center speaker from Radiient, the company that apparently manufactures these speakers for Best Buy.

Hope that helps.

I've also heard a couple people mention that they bought a center speaker from Radiient, the company that apparently manufactures these speakers for Best Buy.

Great idea! I wonder how much Radiient charges for the single center speaker, since their website only lists the prices for combos.

Yes, you should definitely check them out. They're more neutral than most of the JBL speakers I've heard (I have not heard the E30s however), which tend to have accentuated low and high ends.

Um, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but the Insignias have an accentuated low and high end. The highs, especially. :)

Um, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but the Insignias have an accentuated low and high end. The highs, especially. :)


Yea, I can definetly see where they have an accentuated high end, but on the low I dont really see much, but I am also using a sub.

Um, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but the Insignias have an accentuated low and high end. The highs, especially. :)
Agreed on the high end. After a while of music listening, ear fatigue crouches in. For HT applications, it may be OK though.

Um, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but the Insignias have an accentuated low and high end. The highs, especially. :)

Um, yeah, they're a little bright, but not as bad as most of the JBLs I've heard. I don't notice any accentuation of the lows, however, so we do disagree there.

Or is today just your day to mess with me? So far you've hit on how much I spent on my stands and my opinion on JBL E30s vs. the Insignias. Anything else you want to add while I'm still paying attention?

Um, yeah, they're a little bright, but not as bad as most of the JBLs I've heard. I don't notice any accentuation of the lows, however, so we do disagree there.

Or is today just your day to mess with me? So far you've hit on how much I spent on my stands and my opinion on JBL E30s vs. the Insignias. Anything else you want to add while I'm still paying attention?
No, I am not picking on you. I respond to posts based on their content, not who posted them (except for the freak. :D ) I have no love for JBL, particularly, but I also think that the Insignias are merely very good for the price rather than defying physics and economics.

Agreed on the high end. After a while of music listening, ear fatigue crouches in. For HT applications, it may be OK though.


Really? I was listening to them for about an hour straight and I didnt get any sort of listening fatique, and I was playing them pretty loud.

They gave me a headache after about 3 days of use. If you get the open box set at the Edina BB, they'll be mine with fiberglass fill, an improvement over stock.

Really? I was listening to them for about an hour straight and I didnt get any sort of listening fatique, and I was playing them pretty loud.
Yeah. Not sure if the fact that I'm sitting within 1-2 feet from them has antyhing to do with it.

They gave me a headache after about 3 days of use. If you get the open box set at the Edina BB, they'll be mine with fiberglass fill, an improvement over stock.
What are you going to replace them with? Is there anything better that one can get for around $50? I'm starting to think of returning mine, too.

What are you going to replace them with? Is there anything better that one can get for around $50? I'm starting to think of returning mine, too.
No, there is nothing better around $50. There are much better speakers, but you have to spend more to get them. Probably the cheapest big step up would be Polks or Athenas around $120/pr.
I really liked the Insignias for a day or two, and even imagined that they could be a worthy replacement for my (much more expensive) Infinitys. Not long after that, the honeymoon ended.

No, I am not picking on you. I respond to posts based on their content, not who posted them (except for the freak. :D ) I have no love for JBL, particularly, but I also think that the Insignias are merely very good for the price rather than defying physics and economics.

I don't remember ever making any implications towards their ability to overcome physical limitations, but isn't being good for the price (this good, in any case), in a way, overcoming economics? Anyways...

Additionally, I do have access to some graphs on these speakers and using the convential rating method, they're 60Hz to 24kHz +/-4.5dB, and have a slightly depressed midrange (Full credit to Howard Roark @ SoundandVisionmag.com for the testing, measurements, and graphs). That's not bad at all, especially for the price. Do you have any real world measurements for the JBL E30s? I'd like to compare the two.

Yeah, I was just goofing on the guy. If any newbies get confused, let me say that B does not stand for Bose.

Right. I'm the moron. I'll try to keep quiet from now on.

On a related note, though, Best Buy has these for 10% off now, so they're $45 for the pair. I've resigned myself to grabbing another pair, so I can use one as a center, but I'm SOOO cheap that I can't stand to pay more than the earlier sale price ($35). So I'll be waiting for another sale . . .

No, there is nothing better around $50. There are much better speakers, but you have to spend more to get them. Probably the cheapest big step up would be Polks or Athenas around $120/pr.
Which Polks could I get for $120 and where from?
I'm also looking into used stuff, trying to see what about $100 could get me on ebay...

you can get the Polk M10's for around $120 at Circuit city.

What's the difference betw. M10 and R15, which can be had for $50 when on sale from Outpost?
I'm trying to see if I can get some used RTi4s.

I think the M10 gets updated cabinets. I believe the speaker components are the same.

you can get the Polk M10's for around $120 at Circuit city.

The Polk R15 and M10 are practically identical and outpost/fry's has the R15's on sale periodically for $40-50.

/// Motu

What are you going to replace them with? Is there anything better that one can get for around $50? I'm starting to think of returning mine, too.

I've had B1's for about 3 years. Periodically they get rotated out, but they always come back.

Anyone who cares:

Circuit City has the M10s on sale for about $100 per pair.

Anyone who cares:

Circuit City has the M10s on sale for about $100 per pair.
I have a pair of those. They are very nice sounding speakers, especially at that price. Need a sub, though.

Better than Insignias? I'm not planning on using a sub with them, so I'd prefer something that has similar amt of bass as the Insignias.

Better than Insignias? I'm not planning on using a sub with them, so I'd prefer something that has similar amt of bass as the Insignias.
Much better than Insignias on the high end, and somewhat better in the midrange. Definitely not as extended in the bass, though (what there is is cleaner). For that you would need something with a 6 1/2" woofer (such as Athena B2.2 or Polk Monitor 30.)
A lot of music sounds good on them without a sub, but the missing bass is noticeable on things with a lot of deep bass content, such as electronica and reggae.

For that you would need something with a 6 1/2" woofer (such as Athena B2.2 or Polk Monitor 30.)
Thanks. Although according to Polk website, the Monitor 30 only has a 5 1/4" woofer.

Thanks. Although according to Polk website, the Monitor 30 only has a 5 1/4" woofer.
You are right. This is interesting, apparently Polk uses one or more 5 1/4" woofers in all of their speakers, but nothing larger (except for subs.) The Monitor 30's do have good bass for bookshelves, though.
It is hard to do a direct comparison with the Insgnia's bass response, because no limits are specified for it. Also, there is a midbass emphasis that makes them seem more extended than they are.

I ran test tones and was suprised that the Sigs had strong output to 40, albeit below tuning and with some port noise. There's a screen on the interior port opening, which I'm sure contributes. The woofer was pumping wildly, but didn't bottom, even when really kicking hard.

I've had B1's for about 3 years. Periodically they get rotated out, but they always come back.
I think you commented on this before, but I can't find it... would you say that the bass on the B1.2 is almost as good as on the Insignias?

The Athena is cleaner, not as deep, less congested when played loud. Athena wins over time, because pfat bass is attractive, but hard to live with after awhile.

Note, I have the original B1, not the 1.2. I believe the 1.2's cabinet is larger and tuned lower.

Well, I broke off my relationship with the Insignias. They went back to BB. Not sure yet what I'm going to replace them with. It'll definitely be something smaller and less bright. I will possibly get something like a Yamaha SW215 sub to complement the low end a little.

I just got these today and of course, I am impressed for this price. It's on par with my AS-B1s with slightly more bass (and better) but a bit more sibilance.

I will possibly get something like a Yamaha SW215 sub to complement the low end a little.

all the Yamaha subs I've ever heard sounded like complete dog poo. I'd ask around in the subs section for better options within your budget.

That bad, huh? Mind you, this is just for my PC, not any kind of HT setup. It can't possibly be worse than the 6.5" sub that comes with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 set, can it?

haven't heard the Klipsch PM sub, but if I were looking for a decent low-cost sub I'd look at the Athena AS-P4000 for about $150 from amazon.com or audioadvisor.com

Over the weekend I set up a surround sound system at my girfriend's apartment using these Insignia speakers matched to a Pioneer 816 receiver. The setup is currently 6.0 as I have not yet added the subwoofer. Also note that I have not yet calibrated with an SPL meter.

Overall the sound is pretty good for $50/pair speakers. I think that adding the sub and calibrating properly will help as well.

My girlfriend has a CRT television so I needed to magnetically shield the front 3 speakers. I ordered bucking magnet/metal cap combos off the internet to shield the speakers. I took off the piano black baffle, unscrewed the driver and flipped them over. Then I used a hot glue gun to attach the bucking magnet/cap combo to the back of the driver. All told it took about an hour to do for all three speakers. I had three of them right up against the television and there was no interference at all!

Also, the speakers look great with the grills off.

-Eric

One small question. Since these speakers are not shielded, what would they do when they are too close to a CRT TV? Would there just be visual interference (messed up colors and such), then when you take away the speakers it's fine again? Or does it cause some sort of "permanent" damage?

Nonshielded speakers would cause a distortion of the color/picture in a localized area where the speaker and the tv come in closest contact. This will generally look like a green or purple "blob" of color. For instance, if you have one of the speakers sitting on the top of the tv as a center channel, the discoloration will be at the top of the tv.

I do not think that it is permanent, and it should go away when you move the speaker. I am not sure about this, however, and I would not try my luck with an expensive HDTV CRT.

If you are interested in knowing more about how I shielded the speakers, feel free to post here or send me a PM. It really was an easy process, and you can do it without messing up the speakers.

-Eric

I just picked up a set. Will being using it to play Guitar Hero on my PlayStation2. LOL

RAWK ON!

If you are interested in knowing more about how I shielded the speakers, feel free to post here or send me a PM. It really was an easy process, and you can do it without messing up the speakers.

-Eric


I would be interested. I'm thinking of moving mine to the bedroom tv setup.

Thanks.

One small question. Since these speakers are not shielded, what would they do when they are too close to a CRT TV? Would there just be visual interference (messed up colors and such), then when you take away the speakers it's fine again? Or does it cause some sort of "permanent" damage?

If it's a direct view CRT, it can cause permanent damage if it magnetizes the set or the shadowmask overheats and warps permanently. In any case, it's easy to see the effect and not much distance is necessary to eliminate the problem.

In order to shield the Insignia speakers do the following:

1) Order these (http://www.madisound.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?cart_id=6774329.17011&pid=2018) bucking magnets.

2) get a "Torx 15" driver.

3) get a hot glue gun.

4) take the grill off the speaker

5) remove the piano black baffle with the torx 15 driver (note: the baffle is also attached with some glue, so be careful when prying it off.

6) unscrew the driver with a phillips head screw driver.

7) remove the driver and flip it over to rest on the speaker cabinet. Be careful not to damage any of the wire connections.

8) apply some glue from the glue gun to the magnet located inside the shielding cup.

9) cover the back of the driver with the shielding cup so that the magnets glue together. Be very careful to center the sheilding cup over the driver. This can be done by aligning the hole in the shielding cup with the small circle on the back of the driver.

10) let glue dry for a couple of minutes. Note that hot glue gun glue dries quickly, but is not the strongest of bonds. I found this useful for breaking the seal and realigning if necessary, but some might want a stronger bond. I felt this was strong enough for the purpose, however.

11) reattach the driver to the speaker cabinet, once again being mindful of the wires.

12) reattached the baffle over the driver. I used a little hot glue here too in order to prevent any rattle from the baffle during use. I don't know if this was necessary, but I felt that it couldn't hurt.

Overall the speakers look exactly like stock, but now do not interfere with the performance of the CRT TV.

Questions welcome,

-Eric

I've got mine on top of my entertainment center. There's a shelf abve the TV (below the speakers) with my DVD player and receiver, so there's about 12 inches of space between my TV (a 32" CRT HDTV) and the speakers. I haven't has any distortion or interference.

anything more than a couple of inches will be enough to prevent distortion. This is mostly for the center channel setup where the speaker is directly on top of the tv.

Went to Best Buy and bought these speakers after reading this thread. Figured for 50 bucks it`d be something to have fun with. So far I`m impressed with the build and looks of the cabinet. Sound is also decent so far but havent really done any critical listening.I got them hooked to my Panny 55. I`ll try them with my Monster amp this weekend to see how they`ll handle the power. Maybe do a speaker shootout also with my svs sbs speakers and maybe my friend will bring some ascends over.

Im kind of a noob so please pardon my ignorance... If using 3 pairs of these Insignia speakers in 7.1 setup,

1. Would using a different, more capable center speaker be a good idea?

2. If so, any suggestions as to which center channel would work best?

Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks

Most likely not due to timbre-matching issues. You're better off staying with the same speaker for the center channel. But Radient, who appears to be the designer/maker of these Insignia speakers, makes a matching center channel speaker that should work.

What size speaker wire do you use with these speakers?

12-16 gauge would be acceptable.

I just picked up a set of these last night and was blown away by the quality for the $50 price range. I'm using 3 sets of these paired with an H100 and Yamaha 5930 receiver for a budget HT setup. I'm in the process of burning in the speakers right now and I'm enjoying them immensley (I'm not an audiophile so this sounds great in comparison to my Logitech z5300 speakers :) ).

I was able to grab the last pair from my BB and setup a 2.1 setup for now. Now all I need to do is wait another couple weeks before they get another shipment of the BS2111's. All in all I'm very satisfied with the B4$ that they create. Being that I'm in an apartment right now I couldn't justify spending money on better speakers like the Onix's I was looking at. But for just $50 a pair they sound great for watching movies on my 27" sdtv :)

Doesn't it require some rather unique anatomy to be capable of raping a worm? Just wondering. :D

Doesn't it require some rather unique anatomy to be capable of raping a worm? Just wondering. :D

lol :), I got it from a golfing buddy of mine. It's a grass skimming ball in golf slang :). The first time I heard him use the term I thought I was going to fall off the couch laughing. It was unique enough that I used it for my online name :)

I`ll tell u I`m almost ashamed to say I like these speakers. Its like one of those guilty pleasures that u dont want to admit. I went out and bought 2 more pairs and now gonna try a complete setup. I just have the front three setup and got home late. I`ll have to wait til tomm. to really test them. I had a friend over last night and hooked them up to my Monster amp. He couldnt believe they were only 50 bucks and hes going out to buy some to replace his old Infinitys. I`ll tell u they are real overachievers!!!

Send me the old Infinities....

I`ll tell u I`m almost ashamed to say I like these speakers. Its like one of those guilty pleasures that u dont want to admit. I went out and bought 2 more pairs and now gonna try a complete setup. I just have the front three setup and got home late. I`ll have to wait til tomm. to really test them. I had a friend over last night and hooked them up to my Monster amp. He couldnt believe they were only 50 bucks and hes going out to buy some to replace his old Infinitys. I`ll tell u they are real overachievers!!!
Make sure you spend some time with them before you get too committed. I really enjoyed mine too, for about 2 or 3 days, then fatigue started setting in in a big way. I ultimately sold them (and, as it happens, kept my Infinitys.)

Suprised that someone mentions getting sound fatigue from these. The Polks I have were one reason I preferred these (among many other reasons) because the Insignias were less of a problem with regards to sound fatigue. This after several weeks of listening. You throw in the fact of the soundstage and clarity, these are quality speakers at any price.

Suprised that someone mentions getting sound fatigue from these. The Polks I have were one reason I preferred these (among many other reasons) because the Insignias were less of a problem with regards to sound fatigue. This after several weeks of listening. You throw in the fact of the soundstage and clarity, these are quality speakers at any price.

Agreed, I tried the polks and they definitely had some sound fatigue while these are less of an irritation on my ears.