what are the best cheap speakers for under 400. i use them for games and movies.

www.radiient.com, the calypso's
-Rich

i like how it comes with 5 speakers. do u have them, are u happy with them. does anyone have the X-CS X-LS speakers from av123, and are they good speakers. please reply

I'd like to suggest the Acculines

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/products_new.php?cPath=21_32&osCsid=e2e8f3ccf62bb3b5fe81b9e00f66e275

I own a pair of A1's and an A2 in a 3.1 set up and like them a lot

Spica TC 50s or TC60s (used)

Insignias (new)...

- Steve O.

i like how it comes with 5 speakers. do u have them, are u happy with them. does anyone have the X-CS X-LS speakers from av123, and are they good speakers. please reply

I own the calypso's and I think for the price they are very good speakers. I think the av123 speakers would be better but you asked for the best cheap speakers and I think as far as cheap speakers go the calypsos are pretty darn good for 199.00.
-Rich

why not just shop Agon? Or local used dealers, even pawn shops?
If you cant demo, or dont want to, at least you know your getting a better speaker for the money. And, if you dont like em, you then sell em, and try something new, with little, or no loss.
I sure wouldnt buy new without at least hearing them, I know your not spending a fortune, but, a dollar IS a dollar.

www.radiient.com, the calypso's
-Rich

For $399 go with the Helios. The Helios has a better cabinet than the Calypso's. IMO the best $399 you'll spend (and yes I own them).;)

wow these are great speakers. right now i really like the speakers from av123 and radient technologies. does anyone here have the elaras helios,or calypsos from radient and do u guys like them. do u guys think the x-cs and x-ls from ********** are good or better than the ones from radient.:D

hmmmmm i am also interested in this question. I was looking to spend about a grand, however as these speakers are only temporarly for a year or so, i wanted to keep my budget low. and 199 is very low (and it looks pretty good for the s.o. factor). Anybody have any reviews on these speakers? and is it worth the upgrade for the helios or the av123 speakers?

wow these are great speakers. right now i really like the speakers from av123 and radient technologies. does anyone here have the elaras helios,or calypsos from radient and do u guys like them. do u guys think the x-cs and x-ls from ********** are good or better than the ones from radient.:DDo searches on both manufacturers, check out the search results on both, pretty sure you'll have your mind made up within a minute ;)

i already did i have been researchign a lotttttttttttttttttttttttttt. but i want sum of ur opinions. do u guys reccomend any other good speakers.

http://www.averagejoeavreviews.com/reviews/speakers/0001calypso/review.htm

This is a pretty good and accurate review of the Calypso speakers. And yes I own them and agree 100% with what this guy says about the speaker.
-Rich

I'm enjoying my AV123 LCR set up. Best bang for the buck.

anyone else have an op[inion on the x-series.

No, but ill have an opinion on the Radiient speakers, The 5 speaker Helios system and the 2 Speaker Europa system, I have been wanting to try em out for awhile now. They will be placed with my Onkyo605 and Jbl sub.12
Ill let you guys know how I feel after Wednesday the 17th, If they sound good they stay, if not back they go (30 day guarantee) kinda hard to go wrong, especially for 7 speakers shipped to my door for 488 bucks

I have the Radiient Calypso's along with a BIC H100 12" sub and I gotta tell you I love them! The radiients easily perform as well as setups that are 3-4 times the price and the H100 sub fills the low end perfectly. Also there customer service is amazing, I had a damged tower delivered and left a message the same day for them, they returned my call within an hour and had a replacement pair shipped the same day. I also emailed a question concerning mounting the center speaker and they called me directly within an hour to answer all my questions! You would have thought I spent $1000+ by the way they have treated me. For the price the Calapyso's can't be beat:)

JBL Studio L-series. L890's under $400/pr at HarmanAudio (ebay seller). Unbeatable in this price range!

KLH speakers might be Ok.

I have the Radiient Calypso's along with a BIC H100 12" sub and I gotta tell you I love them! The radiients easily perform as well as setups that are 3-4 times the price and the H100 sub fills the low end perfectly. Also there customer service is amazing, I had a damged tower delivered and left a message the same day for them, they returned my call within an hour and had a replacement pair shipped the same day. I also emailed a question concerning mounting the center speaker and they called me directly within an hour to answer all my questions! You would have thought I spent $1000+ by the way they have treated me. For the price the Calapyso's can't be beat:)

How large is your room? I'm looking to fill a 18x30 room and am wondering if a 7.1 Radiient setup would work for me...calypso or helios.

The BEST value (I refuse to call them cheap) are a pair of Infinity Beta 20 (factory refurbs) for $199 + s/h from The Audio Video Source http://www.theaudiovideosource.com/1BetaSeries.html , IMHO.

As good, if not better all around, than most speakers I've listened to under $1000.

They image beautifully, huge effortless bass, very coherent & non fatiguing.

How large is your room? I'm looking to fill a 18x30 room and am wondering if a 7.1 Radiient setup would work for me...calypso or helios.

I got the Helios 5.0 package plus the europa bookshelves so for 488 bucks i had a great 7 speaker system delivered to my door, hard to beat

Better act fast if you want those Radiients, it looks like Radiient is biting the dust and once the current inventory is gone so is the company.

Better act fast if you want those Radiients, it looks like Radiient is biting the dust and once the current inventory is gone so is the company

Link please.

Oh and I have the Calypso's, lots of bang for the buck, but very lacking on the low end you will NEED a sub.

Link please.

Oh and I have the Calypso's, lots of bang for the buck, but very lacking on the low end you will NEED a sub.

I heard from a very big industry insider (who shall remain nameless), who x-plained to me a few months ago that Radiient would be closing it's doors soon. Shortly after, products were deeply discounted and several have been out of stock for some time.

http://www.radiient.com/Elara-Compact-5-Channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System?sc=2&category=6

http://www.radiient.com/Europa-SACD-Capable-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers?sc=2&category=6

A phone call would settle the issue.

I heard from a very big industry insider (who shall remain nameless), who x-plained to me a few months ago that Radiient would be closing it's doors soon. Shortly after, products were deeply discounted and several have been out of stock for some time.

http://www.radiient.com/Elara-Compact-5-Channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System?sc=2&category=6

http://www.radiient.com/Europa-SACD-Capable-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers?sc=2&category=6

A phone call would settle the issue.
With such a highly regarded system, why would they be closing their doors? Not a perfect system, but for $199???? Knowing this, who would still want to buy a system from a company going under?

With such a highly regarded system, why would they be closing their doors? Not a perfect system, but for $199???? Knowing this, who would still want to buy a system from a company going under?

It's a nice system, it's an expensive system, especially at these closeout prices, but Radiient is not, nor has it ever been, highly regarded, in any way, shape, or form.

Over the few years Radiient existed it has had perhaps 1-2 pro reviews and a little-bit of buzz on a few of the boards, that's it.

I have an email out to Radiient, and will get back to you on the closing thing.
-Rich

Richard,

Where did you hear that rumor??

No worries Radiient Technologies is alive and strong, we our not going anywhere. We have exciting new technology coming in 2008, stay tuned!!!

Sincerely,

Support
Radiient Technologies
www.radiient.com

exerciseguy please get your facts straight before spreading rumors. Thanks.

I stand corrected & sincerely apologize, I was clearly mislead by this "x-pert", he more or less stated it as fact, so I believed him.

That is good news, as I stated Radiient makes some nice products at nice prices.

Are the current products being closed-out?

Will the Europas & other models return to stock?

haha funny i did the same thing when i read that post about radiient and got a very similar response

I gave the rep the link for this thread, so maybe they will join and defend the speakers. I think they are a bang for the buck thing that everyone is looking for. I wish more of the naysayers would listen to them before passing judgement.
-Rich

Has anyone bad-mouthed the speakers themselves?

Now for the record, I've not listened to any Radiient speakers, but I have listened to their cousin, the Insignia NS-B2111, which I thought were pretty good for the $40 they were selling for at that time. I imagine a model like the Radiient Helios might sound even better than the Insignia, how much better? Well I only have had the occasional review to get an idea.

In the sub $100 category, they have little competition, and I imagine they're quite competitive with many models up to the $250 price range, which makes them quite a value.

I've recommended them several times on this board & elsewhere when I thought they fit the bill for someone with a limited budget. They are a logical step up from the likes of Pioneer & Sony.

But I'm fairly certain that Monitor Audio they ain't.

Has anyone bad-mouthed the speakers themselves?

Now for the record, I've not listened to any Radiient speakers, but I have listened to their cousin, the Insignia NS-B2111, which I thought were pretty good for the $40 they were selling for at that time. I imagine a model like the Radiient Helios might sound even better than the Insignia, how much better? Well I only have had the occasional review to get an idea.

In the sub $100 category, they have little competition, and I imagine they're quite competitive with many models up to the $250 price range, which makes them quite a value.

I've recommended them several times on this board & elsewhere when I thought they fit the bill for someone with a limited budget. They are a logical step up from the likes of Pioneer & Sony.

But I'm fairly certain that Monitor Audio they ain't.

In this thread noone has badmouthed these speakers, but there have been other posts on these boards bad mouthing them without a listen. I have yet to find anyone who has had a bad experience that owns these speakers.
I know these aren't monitor quality speakers, but for the price they are damn good. How much do monitors cost? I am guessing quite a bit more than the radiients'. So they better sound better.
Enough about this, I am sorry for partaking in the hijacking of the OP's thread.
-Rich

In addition to the Helios, if it is indeed still available, there are several other sub-$100/pair speakers worth considering, IMHO:

Acoustic Research ARXP62 $99
Athena Audition AS-B1.2 $99
Boston Acoustics CR57 $49
Insignia NS-B1111 $59
Mission M70 $69
Polk R150 $49

I think a discussion as to whether a recommended speaker is still available is consistent with the OP.

I thought that the Average Joe review was very informative. I'm a little concerned to buy knowing that the cc speaker is the weak link in the system. As we all know, cc is critical in listening. Everyone, please post your thoughts on the systems, as well as other cc options should this one not fit the bill.

I thought that the Average Joe review was very informative. I'm a little concerned to buy knowing that the cc speaker is the weak link in the system. As we all know, cc is critical in listening. Everyone, please post your thoughts on the systems, as well as other cc options should this one not fit the bill.

the center channel is the weakest link of most systems,
many companies use an MTM design for the center, its not like this center is the worst center out there, nor is it the best but it works and most people need an MTM center to go with their setup, they are very common,
Martin Logan, M&K, Definitive Technology, Paradigm, Klipsch, Energy, ADS, Polk, and JBL are just a few of the well regarded names that all have MTM center channel designs

I thought that the Average Joe review was very informative. I'm a little concerned to buy knowing that the cc speaker is the weak link in the system. As we all know, cc is critical in listening. Everyone, please post your thoughts on the systems, as well as other cc options should this one not fit the bill.

The center channel is the weak link in the system. What I had to do during calibration was to increase the center channel output to match the fronts. After doing this there is not much problem with the center channel, it has become a non issue.
-Rich

The center channel is the weak link in the system. What I had to do during calibration was to increase the center channel output to match the fronts. After doing this there is not much problem with the center channel, it has become a non issue.
-Rich
Thanks for the info. Almost ready to pull the trigger..... Are you completely satisfied with what you got for the price you paid? That is one of my criteria for buying anything - knowing I got "a deal" on it makes it all the more sweeter!

I was pleasantly surprised and I think you will be also. Enjoy!
-Rich

One problem with the Elara system is they handicapped their center channel by not taking advantage of those neat coaxial drivers used in the front bookshelf speakers. Instead they went with an MTM design. By doing this, they threw away the primary advantages of coaxial speakers: no lobing and wide dispersion of sound.

For their center channel they'd have been better off using the same drivers as their front left & right bookshelves. The only difference would be they would relocate the dome tweeter to the top of the center channel's cabinet. This would have avoided lobing and ensured good sound from off-axis.

The only reason I can think of for not doing this is they probably wanted to keep the center channel profile low and sleek. So they sacrificed performance for looks.

An alternative to the (flawed) $350 Elara system would be to just buy three pairs of Insignia bookshelves at Best Buy for $180. This is the exact same speaker as used for the Elara and Helios surrounds, and works just fine turned sideways. Plus you get an extra speaker for 6.1 if desired.

The center channel is the weak link in the system.

I also have the Calypso's and have not noticed the center as being a weak link, I let my receiver do its automatic set-up and the center sounds great to me.

This seems as good a place as any to post this question, so here goes. I recently joined the ranks of HD plasma owners and I am now thinking that little upgrades here and there in my "system" are in my future. I believe my first and most glaring need for upgrade is my speaker system. The speakers I have, I primarily got because I wanted surround speakers and I got them fairly cheap.

That said, they are Harman Kardon HKTS-5 system. If you are familiar with this package, the "center channel speaker" is the exact same speaker as all 4 satellites. So I have 5 identical satellite speakers and a subwoofer. Needless to say the center channel is...lacking. I also have never been what you would call pleased with the sound of my music coming through these. A few months ago a buddy gave me a couple of his old klipsch speakers to replace my 2 fronts (sorry, don't know the model number). That improved things somewhat, but the totality is still not up to snuff.

The Receiver I am running is a Harman Kardon AVR-310. I may someday get a new receiver, but I think that is probably the least of my worries at this point. Having now read up now on these Radiient Calypso speakers, it seems like I could be very happy moving there for my 5 speakers, then scrape up some more to ultimately replace the sub. I am on a limited budget (unless I go on a real tear at the poker table), so bang for buck is a huge consideration. Does this seem like a reasonable plan?

I also have the Calypso's and have not noticed the center as being a weak link, I let my receiver do its automatic set-up and the center sounds great to me.

Renob101, please post your impressions after you receive your sub. For some reason these speakers appeal to me as well (probably the look and price) so I may pick up a set and match them up to a sub as well.

One question, for anyone else as well, do these speakers have enough bass on their own for music listening? For HT use I can understand they may be lacking but for music I generally use the direct mode which bypasses the sub and all other processing and directs full range sound to the front speakers. The reviewer at averagejoe's seemed impressed with their music only performance, just wondering what the impressions were of those who have them. Thanks

Seems like a good plan. I think your hk receiver will last you a bit longer. Also in your budget you will need to think about a subwoofer. A couple of good subwoofers for a low price are the Bic H-100 and the av123 subs. Both of these are priced ~200.00. If you purchase the Calypso system you will need a sub to complete the sound. I am running my calypsos with a bic h 100 and an Onkyo 604. And I couldnt be happier for music or HT.
-Rich

The current Radiient speaker lines ARE being closed-out and will, according to a company representative who I spoke to on the phone, be replaced with an entirely new line of products sometime next year.

Radiient Technologies MAY not be going out of business, but ALL of it's current speakers lines are being liquidated & discontinued.

So as I stated, act fast, because once they're gone, they are gone for good.

Now I feel better.

I can recommend the Polk R series that are almost always on sale at outpost. The R50's in cherry are probably the best deal. I have R300's and R150's as well as a CSi25. I got them all ubercheap from them. I love em for the price. It has allowed me to have an $850 sub:D

Pat

I can recommend the Polk R series that are almost always on sale at outpost. The R50's in cherry are probably the best deal. I have R300's and R150's as well as a CSi25. I got them all ubercheap from them. I love em for the price. It has allowed me to have an $850 sub:D

Pat

Mind if I ask which $850 sub you matched with the other $200 worth of speakers you own?

Let me guess, War of the Worlds is a favorite DVD?
http://www.moviecitynews.com/columnists/pratt/2005/war_worlds.html

Mind if I ask which $850 sub you matched with the other $200 worth of speakers you own?

Let me guess, War of the Worlds is a favorite DVD?
http://www.moviecitynews.com/columnists/pratt/2005/war_worlds.html

SVS 25-31 PC Plus:D I had aspirations of going with AV123 or ascend for speakers, but with the price of these I thought I'd give them a try. I would have only been out $200 if I didn't like them. It turns out that I do really like them. I may upgrade the front 3 down the road, but for now they do well.
I have HTD middies for side surround and HTD in ceilings for rears to make a complete picture in your mind:) An RXV-661 powers them.

I like Matrix and Master and Commander for bass. I have a feeling Transformers in HD may take my new #1:D

Thanks,

Pat

Seems like a good plan. I think your hk receiver will last you a bit longer. Also in your budget you will need to think about a subwoofer. A couple of good subwoofers for a low price are the Bic H-100 and the av123 subs. Both of these are priced ~200.00. If you purchase the Calypso system you will need a sub to complete the sound. I am running my calypsos with a bic h 100 and an Onkyo 604. And I couldnt be happier for music or HT.
-Rich


Thank you for the feedback. Yes, upgrading the sub would be step 2. The HK sub isn't too bad and I think I could live with it for the time it takes me to scrape up the money for the upgrade. The only way I can slip these purchases past the boss is to pay for it with my own money (read that, disposable money). Fortunately, the sub upgrade does not seem like it will cost much either; whether it's one that you have listed or something like the Velodyne VX-10.

Snakster here is an option for ya.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=921444

Snakster here is an option for ya.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=921444

Thank you very much. Too bad the piano black isn't also on sale (apparently). Still might be worth considering.

Can't help but wonder if the $200 difference for the Helios system isn't well worth the price. I, for one, do not like the looks of the Helios, but love the look of the Calypso - matches my Sammy black gloss DLP beautifully! Any thoughts...

I can second that the Polks from outpost are a great deal. I have the R50s and R150s and am very happy w/them.

Right now the RTis are being cleared out as the new RTi A series is here...the RTi4's are consequently around $180/pr which is a fantastic deal. If you want bookshelves I would go for those. Pair them up to a CSI center ($130ish) and you have a great combo.

what are the best cheap speakers for under 400. i use them for games and movies.

check these out (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASF2.2) they are actually going to be audiophile grade and come in right on your price.

Since we're all recommending what we own, I'll chip in the Dana 630. They're still selling for $350. While I suppose it's conceivable there could be something better below $400, I certainly haven't heard it.

I have been looking for a good set of budget speakers for about a month. The AVS forum has been confusing and helpful with all of the various posts in the Speaker and HTIB forums. I wanted floor standing front speakers and was down to the AV123 x-sls (on sale for $239 a pair w/o grills or +$20 for cloth or metal grills & center for $139 + shipping) or the Radiient Helios (on sale $399 for entire surround system + free shipping). Since I live in Cincinnati, I did not have the opportunity to listen to either speaker. So, I relied on this forum and internet reviews to get advice on these speakers.

The AV123's appeared to be very good speakers but the price on the Helios was too good to pass up. On Wednesday, I called and ordered the Helios system. Will at Radiient, was extremely helpful and confirmed that Radiient dropped the price on the Helios system as they were not continuing this line in 2008 but would be coming out with a new speaker line(s). I will get the speakers Wednesday the 24th and hope they are as good as the reviews. I'll post back once I get them setup and calibrated.

I have been looking for a good set of budget speakers for about a month. The AVS forum has been confusing and helpful with all of the various posts in the Speaker and HTIB forums. I wanted floor standing front speakers and was down to the AV123 x-sls (on sale for $239 a pair w/o grills or +$20 for cloth or metal grills & center for $139 + shipping) or the Radiient Helios (on sale $399 for entire surround system + free shipping). Since I live in Cincinnati, I did not have the opportunity to listen to either speaker. So, I relied on this forum and internet reviews to get advice on these speakers.

The AV123's appeared to be very good speakers but the price on the Helios was too good to pass up. On Wednesday, I called and ordered the Helios system. Will at Radiient, was extremely helpful and confirmed that Radiient dropped the price on the Helios system as they were not continuing this line in 2008 but would be coming out with a new speaker line(s). I will get the speakers Wednesday the 24th and hope they are as good as the reviews. I'll post back once I get them setup and calibrated.

Wow, sounds like I have a distant twin, as I have done the exact same thing except I will be getting mine on the 23rd. I also talked to Will (very helpful) and ordered the Helios, but I also had him throw in a set of the Europas to make mine a 7.1 setup.

Only thing is (and this is purely my fault) I didn't look closely at the surround speakers size before ordering . I went to Best Buy yesterday for something and I just happened to stop by and listen to the Insignias (same surrounds). They sound good, but damn man...these things are HUGE for surrounds. I have NO idea how I am going to mount these on my walls.

Make sure you get back with a review.

Wow, sounds like I have a distant twin, as I have done the exact same thing except I will be getting mine on the 23rd. I also talked to Will (very helpful) and ordered the Helios, but I also had him throw in a set of the Europas to make mine a 7.1 setup.

Only thing is (and this is purely my fault) I didn't look closely at the surround speakers size before ordering . I went to Best Buy yesterday for something and I just happened to stop by and listen to the Insignias (same surrounds). They sound good, but damn man...these things are HUGE for surrounds. I have NO idea how I am going to mount these on my walls.

We must be distant twins as I had the same idea with the Europa's but decided my family room was too small for a 7.1 setup. I was even thinking about using the Europa as the center channel to have the same look across the front speakers but decided it was best to use the matched center speaker. I see where the Helio's and Europa's are now out of stock on the web site.

I asked Will about mounting the Helios surrounds to the wall and he said the speakers can not be directly mounted to the wall without drilling into the speaker cabinet (which is not a good idea). Initially, I will place them on existing bookcases that are opposite each other. Once, I get the speakers and see what I am dealing with, my plan is to go to Lowes or HD and buy shelves and mount them to the side walls 2' - 3' feet above the main listening area.

Good luck with your setup and we'll have to give reviews after we get our systems installed.

I will also be receiving a set of Helios on the 23rd and will chime in with a review

Wow, sounds like I have a distant twin, as I have done the exact same thing except I will be getting mine on the 23rd. I also talked to Will (very helpful) and ordered the Helios, but I also had him throw in a set of the Europas to make mine a 7.1 setup.

Only thing is (and this is purely my fault) I didn't look closely at the surround speakers size before ordering . I went to Best Buy yesterday for something and I just happened to stop by and listen to the Insignias (same surrounds). They sound good, but damn man...these things are HUGE for surrounds. I have NO idea how I am going to mount these on my walls.

Thats the same setup i got, it sounds awesome, i ended up having to build some really tall stands for the surrounds. And now im working on getting the center channel mounted which is just as big

We must be distant twins as I had the same idea with the Europa's but decided my family room was too small for a 7.1 setup. I was even thinking about using the Europa as the center channel to have the same look across the front speakers but decided it was best to use the matched center speaker. I see where the Helio's and Europa's are now out of stock on the web site.

I asked Will about mounting the Helios surrounds to the wall and he said the speakers can not be directly mounted to the wall without drilling into the speaker cabinet (which is not a good idea). Initially, I will place them on existing bookcases that are opposite each other. Once, I get the speakers and see what I am dealing with, my plan is to go to Lowes or HD and buy shelves and mount them to the side walls 2' - 3' feet above the main listening area.

Good luck with your setup and we'll have to give reviews after we get our systems installed.

Lol...well...I know you aren't supposed to drill into em, andI like the idea of mounting a shelf to place them on, but if I can't, oh well...I'll screw into the back of them and seal them somehow. I just don't know how we can find shelves to fit them...they are really big man.

I will definitely give a review after I break them in for 48 hours'ish.

PS...good luck back at cha

Chris

I just ordered the Calypso's. The price is unbelievable! :eek:

I know I will be thoroughly satisfied, cause anything is a step up from the little speakers I have right now.

I want to mate this system with a JBL s120p II sub. Any word about this sub?

I just pulled the trigger on the Calypsos, seems like a great deal. So, is it a good or bad idea to upgrade the center channel to a Polk CSi3? Can you mix and match like this?

Also, I'm still on the fence between an sr605 and h/k 247, I know this isn't the proper forum/thread for that decision, but since I'm buying the speakers here, just thought I'd throw that in to see if anyone has an opinion. FWIW, mostly PS3 gaming/blu-ray with a little SD tv (no HD currently offered at my apartment complex..)

I just pulled the trigger on the Calypsos, seems like a great deal. So, is it a good or bad idea to upgrade the center channel to a Polk CSi3?

Wait till you hear them, I have the Calypsos and think the center sounds just fine, oh and by the way these are a killer deal for the price I have had them a few weeks now and they just keep sounding better and better, cant wait my h-100 sub shows up on the 24th WOOT!

Wait till you hear them, I have the Calypsos and think the center sounds just fine, oh and by the way these are a killer deal for the price I have had them a few weeks now and they just keep sounded better and better, cant wait my h-100 sub shows up on the 24th WOOT!

Thanks, I'll hold off on the center speaker. I'm assuming you bought 12 gauge wire? I want to do this right.

H-100 eh? I'm thinking about the VX-10, maybe I should do some research..

I currently have the av123 x-ls, x-cs, and x-mtm. I love them. I have no complaints about them at all other than they are on sale right now and I wish that I could have waited and saved some money.

I would recommend them to anyone who asked me.

Todd

I'll be receiving a pair of JBL Arenas, next week the Voice and Tours and an HSU STF-1. Those are all relatively cheap ways to go, speaker wise, and I'll be sure to report in on how they sound next week. Superman Returns on HD DVD will be up first. I can't wait to hear the audio.

H-100 eh? I'm thinking about the VX-10, maybe I should do some research..

Well i did lots of research and if you want your system more for music then the VX-10 is better but for HT its my understanding the H-100 is the way to go, got it for $240 shipped.

I tried the Calypso set several months ago and ended up returning it. I was impressed by the build quality and aesthetics, but the sound left a lot to be desired. I only tried the towers, and did an A/B with the Insignia bookshelf. To my ears, the two did not appear to have any similarity in terms of tonal character. In comparison, the Calypso sounded overly bright and brittle, with a distinct lack of mid-bass and highs that became shrill.

Also, I recall that the frequency response advertised on the web site did not match the label on the back of the speaker (the low end was about 20Hz lower on the advertisement.) I don't remember the numbers, so I'm not sure if this has been corrected.

Personally, I would not trade a single pair of Insignias (which I am now using all around) for the entire Calypso set. The Insignias are by no means perfect, but I find them less fatiguing, even if they aren't as attractive.

Of course, this is all IMHO.

i got a pair of Mirage Omni 350s the other day(along w/ CC and surrounds).
The 350s are 40" towers and are only 7" wide. Small footprint.
They will go down to 40Hz.
I paid $300 from Crutchfield, shiipping was free and original MSRP was $600.
So far I am really enjoying them.
I am finding the bass to be slightly overripe and am used to a little moe extension and air in the treble. Voice and guitar are produced very well. Good detail.
For $300 they are a great value.

Harmonfan hmm I felt that way during the first hour but now that I have had them for about a month, I have found they have warmed up nicely and I’m now loving them, now my last set of speakers I had for HT were the Cambridge Sound Works flagship set of speaker I purchased about 9 years ago, I sold them 5 years ago when I moved at the time they cost over 3k, do my Calypso speakers sound as nice NO, but that being said I listened to many many speaker combos in the under $500 range and have yet to hear anything that I thought sounded as nice, I would say they are the best deal I have gotten in years.

On a side note I got my H-100 yesterday and it has taken my system to a new level I'm so pleased with my budget system.

I was curious about the Radiient Calypso's in the fact that they say what 65w continuous with 120 peak.

I have an Onkyo 939 5.1 which pushes 100w to each speaker continuous. Now I never crank it up, but I want speakers that won't blow on the parts of movies that really pop... am I at risk with these?

Also thoughts on setting up two sets in parrallel? or tandem? I mean at the price it could be easily done.

Other then that I'm close to jumping on these. I do like the AV123's but like the black finish as everything in my 600 foot condo is black finish.

Thanks for your help and hope I did not hijack the thread!

Sunin,

You are more likely to blow speakers w/ 2 little power, not w/ a clean 100wpc receiver.

Sunin,

You are more likely to blow speakers w/ 2 little power, not w/ a clean 100wpc receiver.

True dat! I had a Carver 500 Watt per channel amp driving my Cerwin Vega VX350's at nearly continuous 2x of their rated wattage, but it was from the Onkyo to the Carver.

I called the Cerwin Vega Tech Support and they said um, you have what setup... yeah go ahead and crank it... no worries... Now that I'm in a smaller condo I'm looking for some smaller footprint, but big sound speakers. P.S. I hate Bose.... over priced imho

I received my Radiient Helios on Tuesday (day early) and set up the front & center speakers. The surrounds were too big to fit on existing furniture and the wife said no to the shelf idea. The fit and finish on the Helios speakers is excellent and as described they come with 2 red/black connections (configured in a line of Red, Red, Black, Black) on the front speakers and surrounds for bi-amping the speakers.

On Wednesday, the wife and I went looking for stands for the surrounds to sit on. We went to several stores but found stands at Walmart that were 4-tier and stood 46" tall. They worked very well and the wife was okay with how they looked in the family room.

I calibrated the system on Wednesday and had a problem with the surround speakers. In the speaker setup instruction from Radiient, it indicated that either of the red/black connections for the surround speakers could be used even though the picture shows the speaker wire connected to the bottom red/black connection posts. I selected the top red/black connection but when calibrating the speakers, I could not get much sound from the surrounds. After pumping the volume on the receiver to +10db, I decided to change the connection to what was shown in the picture and this fixed the sound problem. I then when and changed the 2 front speakers to use the same connections. I plan to call Radiient today to ask them why this happened.

I used a Sound & Vision dvd with a sound meter and calibrated each speaker to the same decibel level at the listening position. As expected, the speakers have much richer and clearer sound than what I had with my Onkyo HTIB speakers. I put in Star Wars III DVD with DD 5.1 sound and watched the chapter with the battle over Caloren and the sound was fantastic. I then put in a Blue Ray version of POTC Search for the Black Pearl and used uncompressed 5.1 sound and the speakers came alive. I watched the scene with Will & Jack going to Tortuga and you could hear the waves against the ship out of the surrounds, the ship creaking, the boom moving etc.. All the sound was extremely clear and the bass from the speakers was very deep. I am still using a Sony HTIB sub and will have to change that out next year for Hsu or Bic speaker for a mid-sized room. I think this will improve the listening experience (of course to enjoy it the wife will have to be out as she hates deep bass).

I am very please with the speakers I received from Radiient and will provide an update next month once the speakers have completed their break-in period.

LOL I just ordered two of the calypso's 5.0 set. I did 2 sets, cuz the price is just too good. I figured worst case I gift a set away. I might try running all 10 off my onkyo to see if that fills the listening area more. I really like the size.. going from Cerwin Vega VX350's which are huge!!!

I would have never thought I would get 2 sets for under 400. wow.. Worst case I turn them into my gaming speakers :)

Renob101, how do the Calypso's perform with imaging and detail? Do you feel they are able to present all the information in a track without masking any of it?

Efjay, I’m not going to try to answer your question like I’m a knowledgeable audiophile when Im not, but I will say the speakers sound nice, when I sit on the couch and close my eyes while music is playing I cant tell where the speakers are, there is lots of sound coming at me, and I don’t mean volume lots of little noises I pick up on that were not there when the sound was just coming from my TV. Sorry I don’t even have a clue what your asking when you say “masking” I wish I could give ya more information.

Like I said in an earlier post my last system that I had the speakers cost more then 3k do these sound as good no, do they sound like the cost more then $200 HELL YES!

Just got a set of Calypso's yesterday afternoon. One of my old Bostons blew and not having money for another set of those due to four children and the basement remodel, I went this route in hopes of upgrading down the road.

Hopefully this weekend I will get them going and will post my thoughts on the set. The build quality appears to be good and the finish on them is excellent. Now I just have to see how they sound.

the center channel is the weakest link of most systems,
many companies use an MTM design for the center, its not like this center is the worst center out there, nor is it the best but it works and most people need an MTM center to go with their setup, they are very common,
Martin Logan, M&K, Definitive Technology, Paradigm, Klipsch, Energy, ADS, Polk, and JBL are just a few of the well regarded names that all have MTM center channel designs

Although describing centers, all of these companies with the exception of maybe Martin Logan and M&K offer sub $400 speakers that should get you off to a good start. Have a listen before you decide anything. Good luck.

P.S. I own, and would vote for Paradigms.

I bit the bullet and bought these yesterday and glad I did, they are all sold out on relliiant's site.

I bit the bullet and bought these yesterday and glad I did, they are all sold out on relliiant's site.

You are a lucky man :) and will be very happy after you break them in!

I bit the bullet and bought these yesterday and glad I did, they are all sold out on relliiant's site.

I also did the same thing, last night I placed an order for Calypso with Radiient at 12:08am EST, and now they show it's out of stock on their website. Hope that my order goes through :(
I was thinking with lots of yes and no last night , did a hell lot of googling and on this forum for Calypso and finally made my mind, I hope that was worth doing :rolleyes:

Funny I must have been in the same boat with the last poster... I ordered at 5:30 central and picked up 2 sets of the 5.0.

woot! What timing!

Any thoughts on Phoenix Gold in-ceiling speakers? They seem to win on the cheapest side, but I have no idea on the quality side. Does any have any experience with the AS6C?

LOL they magically are back in stock...

http://www.radiient.com/Calypso-5-Channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System?sc=2&category=6

Gone again

Yep.. one second there and then BAM! Gone..:(

Anyone here know when they plan to release the 08 products?

I ordered a set of the Calypso's last night and are set out for delivery today.

I'm glad I dind't snooze on these any longer!

Man, here one second, gone the next. It just doesn't seem very promising that they are going to have them in stock again. At least not on a consistent basis.

Does anyone know of any places I could buy a set of the Calypsos? I mean, I've tried Amazon, and Ebay, and can't find em anywhere. Is there some kind of speaker supplier I could buy a set of these from?

Any thoughts on Phoenix Gold in-ceiling speakers? They seem to win on the cheapest side, but I have no idea on the quality side. Does any have any experience with the AS6C?

They're not bad for the price and are comparable to the sonance ones.

For you guys who are here but didn't get in on the deal for the Calypsos, here are two more sites you ma want to look at.

http://www.yambekaaudio.com/products.html

http://www.fluance.com/centerspeakers.html

I personally do not own either of these 2 speakers but have heard good things.

For you guys who are here but didn't get in on the deal for the Calypsos, here are two more sites you ma want to look at.

http://www.yambekaaudio.com/products.html

http://www.fluance.com/centerspeakers.html

I personally do not own either of these 2 speakers but have heard good things.


I had heard about the Fluance brand a few weeks ago, but after doing some more research, I found that the crossover on their speakers is quite high. that kind of scares me. I dont want bass coming through my speakers when it should be going thru my subwoofer.

I dont know, I really kinda wanted the Calypsos. They look absolutely great, and would match the FP-T5084 I'm gonna get pretty soon :)

Hopefully they will get a set in soon, I emailed Radiient a little bit ago to ask if they would be getting them in stock again soon, but I'm not going to hold my breath. If they do tho, I'm gonna be all over that like white on rice!

OK, so I got an e-mail back from Radiient. That was quick! About 30 minutes before I got a response back.

Anyways, here is the e-mail they sent me.........

Nick, Thank you for your interest in Radiient Technologies

Radiient's Home Theater Speaker systems are completely Sold Out!! Radiient will not be replenishing this Home Theater Line.

Radiient Technologies is by no means in jeopardy of going out of business, we are alive and strong. Look for the new and groundbreaking technologies for 2008!

Visit us often and STAY TUNED!!!

Support
Radiient Technologies
www.radiient.com


So it doesn't look like they are going to be getting any more of these in stock :( Hopefully they release their 2008 line soon, if I can get the piano glossy black, I would be in heaven!

OK, so I got an e-mail back from Radiient. That was quick! About 30 minutes before I got a response back.

Anyways, here is the e-mail they sent me.........

Nick, Thank you for your interest in Radiient Technologies

Radiient's Home Theater Speaker systems are completely Sold Out!! Radiient will not be replenishing this Home Theater Line.

Radiient Technologies is by no means in jeopardy of going out of business, we are alive and strong. Look for the new and groundbreaking technologies for 2008!

Visit us often and STAY TUNED!!!

Support
Radiient Technologies
www.radiient.com


So it doesn't look like they are going to be getting any more of these in stock :( Hopefully they release their 2008 line soon, if I can get the piano glossy black, I would be in heaven!


I emailed them to ask when their 08 products are coming and they emailed me back pretty much saying they do not know:(

Oh yeahhhh!!! Just got my tracking number.

***Do not reply to this e-mail. UPS and Radiient Technologies will not receive your reply.

This message was sent to you at the request of Radiient Technologies to notify you that the package information below has been transmitted to UPS. The package(s) may not have actually been placed with UPS for shipment. To verify when and if the shipment is tendered to UPS and its actual transit status, click on the tracking link below or contact Radiient Technologies directly.

Important Delivery Information


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scheduled Delivery: 30-October-2007

Efjay, I’m not going to try to answer your question like I’m a knowledgeable audiophile when Im not, but I will say the speakers sound nice, when I sit on the couch and close my eyes while music is playing I cant tell where the speakers are, there is lots of sound coming at me, and I don’t mean volume lots of little noises I pick up on that were not there when the sound was just coming from my TV. Sorry I don’t even have a clue what your asking when you say “masking” I wish I could give ya more information.

Like I said in an earlier post my last system that I had the speakers cost more then 3k do these sound as good no, do they sound like the cost more then $200 HELL YES!

Thanks for the feedback, looks like I missed them though. The search continues...

boooooooooo I was about to order them why didnt I do it yesterday arrrrgghhh

I also got the delivery confirmation with tracking#, those are coming on 2nd Nov. I wonder how much they paid for shipping, it shows 83 lbs. My nerves were on hold when I saw out of stock.

Cant wait to see what comes in ?



Oh yeahhhh!!! Just got my tracking number.

***Do not reply to this e-mail. UPS and Radiient Technologies will not receive your reply.

This message was sent to you at the request of Radiient Technologies to notify you that the package information below has been transmitted to UPS. The package(s) may not have actually been placed with UPS for shipment. To verify when and if the shipment is tendered to UPS and its actual transit status, click on the tracking link below or contact Radiient Technologies directly.

Important Delivery Information


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Scheduled Delivery: 30-October-2007

I've got a set coming as well.

These will be replacing some mediocre HTiB speakers.

I got one of those Aural Exctasy 12" subs that were blown out for $129 too.

So, $328 shipped for a complete 5.1 speaker set that just HAS to kill my old junk.

:mad: I was looking at the set for two days while they were in stock... the only reason I hesitated was that my new tv stand (corner unit) had not arrived yet nor has my 6070HD... so I was not certain how much room I was going to have for the front speakers and center... I currently have some huge floor standing BAs and some cheap Sony Surrounds and center... all not matched up well with a JBL SUB.... (and a 52 inch RPTV that is 15 years old... so are the speakers)

The Wife Acceptance Factor demanded that I "pretty things up..." with the new TV, stand, and speaker setup...

I got home the other day and showed her the Calypso set and she said "Order them!".. I brought up the site and they were in stock... I stopped for about 15 minutes to make some measurements and such... brought the site back up.. OUT OF STOCK!!! ARGGGHhhhh!!!!! :mad:

I got my Calypsos in and set up. Not much time to run them through their paces, but sounded good on initial set up. Will post more later. Though these are no longer available, maybe it will help someone decide on the 08 line.

I ordered my Calypso set Friday 26 around 10 a.m.
They were showing "Out of Stock" but I called Radiient, and talked to Will. He knew of two sets somwhere around, so I asked him to check for me and I went ahead with registering and paying just in case.

I got billed a couple of hours later, and by the end of the day I received the e-mail notification from UPS that the packages (two) are on the way.
Right now they are somewhere between Richmond BC and Edmonton AB.
I am more then pleased with the Radiient service.

Liviu.

P.S. Whoever ordered a set Friday before noon, you might be happy to learn that got one of the last sets.

Glad that I din't stop for a second to consider the SO Factor. Better ask for forgivness, and all that crap :D

I received my set of Calypso last week. I have them set up and you can barely hear the rear surrounds. I pumped up my received to +10, and still they are very faint. I will call Radiient today to see what they can come up with.

Second, maybe it is because I didn't actually calibrate my receiver (Sony STR-DG910) yet, but the bass from all speakers is pretty weak (this could also be the cause for concern with the surrounds). Again, it could be the receiver, but my 7 year old HTIB speakers from JVC sounded a lot deeper and more natural. I will plug those in to my new receiver to test the difference to see it is the receiver to blame or the actual speakers.

I received my set of Calypso last week. I have them set up and you can barely hear the rear surrounds. I pumped up my received to +10, and still they are very faint. I will call Radiient today to see what they can come up with.

Second, maybe it is because I didn't actually calibrate my receiver (Sony STR-DG910) yet, but the bass from all speakers is pretty weak (this could also be the cause for concern with the surrounds). Again, it could be the receiver, but my 7 year old HTIB speakers from JVC sounded a lot deeper and more natural. I will plug those in to my new receiver to test the difference to see it is the receiver to blame or the actual speakers.

It may be the receiver I don't know. I am running my setup using an Onkyo 705 and my rears are very clear and bassy. I had to turn them about -2 lower than my fronts because they were so clear and loud.

I received my set of Calypso last week. I have them set up and you can barely hear the rear surrounds. I pumped up my received to +10, and still they are very faint. I will call Radiient today to see what they can come up with.

Sounds like user error! :) I find it hard to believe that both those speakes would have an issue.

They're not bad for the price and are comparable to the sonance ones.

Thanks Inspirit! I figure for well under $100 I can't be disappointed. Thanks again, and I'll let you know how they sound when I get them installed.

There is no user error!

I am using Gladiator in DTS-ES to test the speakers and they are very faint - any scene in the Colissium should have the rears shaking. Like I said, I did not run the speaker setup on my receiver, maybe that will fix the issue (but I personally don't think that would make a difference in this case).

I think it might be the speakers for one reason: I think I may have received a return or something of the sort. The speakers came with missing felt covers for the front speakers and it sounds like something rattling around inside the center.

So, like I said, I will run the auto setup on the receiver and if that doesn't work I will call Radiient and let you all know what they have to say.

There is no user error!

I am using Gladiator in DTS-ES to test the speakers and they are very faint - any scene in the Colissium should have the rears shaking. Like I said, I did not run the speaker setup on my receiver, maybe that will fix the issue (but I personally don't think that would make a difference in this case).

I think it might be the speakers for one reason: I think I may have received a return or something of the sort. The speakers came with missing felt covers for the front speakers and it sounds like something rattling around inside the center.

So, like I said, I will run the auto setup on the receiver and if that doesn't work I will call Radiient and let you all know what they have to say.


I have bought two sets of these. One for my brother. Both came packaged flawlessly. I can't beleive they would send you something like that. I have heard nothing but great things about their customer service dpt.

I have bought two sets of these. One for my brother. Both came packaged flawlessly. I can't beleive they would send you something like that. I have heard nothing but great things about their customer service dpt.

This is why I think there might be something wrong with the rear speakers. I hope I am wrong since they are now sold out on them :o

This is why I think there might be something wrong with the rear speakers. I hope I am wrong since they are now sold out on them :o

Well keep us updated on what happens....

I would have loved to get in on these speakers, it sounds like they're exactly the kind and price I've been looking for. :sigh:

ike I said, I did not run the speaker setup on my receiver

If you have not done this then you have not set them up right, again sounds like user error.

As far as the felt goes mine had worked its way down the bottom of the box and under one of the cardboard flaps, you might want to give it a second look.

There is no user error!

I am using Gladiator in DTS-ES to test the speakers and they are very faint - any scene in the Colissium should have the rears shaking. Like I said, I did not run the speaker setup on my receiver, maybe that will fix the issue (but I personally don't think that would make a difference in this case).

I think it might be the speakers for one reason: I think I may have received a return or something of the sort. The speakers came with missing felt covers for the front speakers and it sounds like something rattling around inside the center.

So, like I said, I will run the auto setup on the receiver and if that doesn't work I will call Radiient and let you all know what they have to say.

Do you have them set as "surrounds" or "rear surrounds?"

Do you have them set as "surrounds" or "rear surrounds?"

I have tried both options as I have a 7.1 receiver.

But in general, which is correct?

I have tried both options as I have a 7.1 receiver.

But in general, which is correct?

Set them as surrounds.

While I don't have much to add to the discussion just yet, I wanted to say thanks to the forum. I was lucky enough to get what was likely one of the last sets of the Calypsos last week. I'd been searching for a couple of weeks for a decent set of speakers for my new TV when I stumbled upon this forum.

After about three months of listening to movies on the TV speakers :eek: I just couldn't stand it anymore. I'm in awe of the wealth of information here!
Besides my Calypsos I've got a Reciever (Onkyo TX-SR505) and Subwoofer (AV123 X-Sub) on the way and will glady post a noob-review on a *very* budget system (just under $650)

Anyway, just got my Radiient order today, these speakers are a lot prettier than I was expecting. The GF is going to like 'em ;) While home audio is still very new to me. I'm impressed by the build quality, especially for the price. Everything feels solid and the connections look good. Looking forward to the weekend install!

Wow this is the most incredible noobie thread I have ever seen on AVS? Just about every poster has 10 posts or less and so many of you bought the Calypso speakers! Amazing!

I hope you enjoy them. At the risk of offending anyone - the best advice I can give anyone reading this thread - is - compare the speakers for yourself after you've done the research. There are several companies that offer a risk free trial - I suggest taking them up on it. The lowest price is not always the best deal.

In this price range quality can vary by a huge amount and just because Joeblow3214 says he likes his Calypso speakers doesn't mean you will.

There are several companies that offer a risk free trial

Mucho when you say risk free are you saying the company will give you and full refund and cover all shipping costs? If so thats a killer deal!

PhilMan,

Connect the speakers that you are using for the fronts, and that are currenty working properly, to the rear and see if the sound is still faint. If it is then there is a setting on your receiver that is incorrect.
Or maybe one of your interconnects is not plugged in firmly.

Another Calypso purchase because of this thread. Thanks. They came two days ago.

I didn't get a new receiver yet and we've been using an old, but ok Panasonic SA-HT700 HTIB. I wanted to check them out so I hooked them up to the old system.

Now, I'm not an audiophile, obviously, and was planning on spending much more, but I've been lurking for a while. I have noticed some differences in checking out speakers at local stores. Our biggest complaint with our current system and even some demo systems is that the music in a movie was too much and you couldn't hear voices.

I hooked them up to the shady receiver and put on Monsters Inc. Within 20 minutes, the wife was commenting regularly on things she heard now that we never heard before and that the music wasn't overbearing anymore.

It is likely that our old speakers were so bad that anything sounds better, but to make my wife notice, who doesn't care at all about electronics for home theater, well, that's not too bad. Not bad at all. Plus, I have friends and neighbors that have mid range systems, but they seem to lack clarity, for lack of a better term. The speakers are decent, but the sounds seems muddy. These had the clarity for us. Put it this way. This kids watched Monsters enough times that they usually play if we throw it on. With the speakers, they sat quiet and watched intently like it was a new movie. My 7 year old daughter even commented on the "neat sounds"...but what the hell does she know. :)

I paid the $200 price, but after getting them, I would have paid the $500 price. They just sound really good for that price range. Thanks again.

I paid the $200 price, but after getting them, I would have paid the $500 price. They just sound really good for that price range. Thanks again.

You can always send Radiient the extra $300.

There is no user error!

I am using Gladiator in DTS-ES to test the speakers and they are very faint - any scene in the Colissium should have the rears shaking. Like I said, I did not run the speaker setup on my receiver, maybe that will fix the issue (but I personally don't think that would make a difference in this case).

I think it might be the speakers for one reason: I think I may have received a return or something of the sort. The speakers came with missing felt covers for the front speakers and it sounds like something rattling around inside the center.

So, like I said, I will run the auto setup on the receiver and if that doesn't work I will call Radiient and let you all know what they have to say.

I received my set of Calypso last week. I have them set up and you can barely hear the rear surrounds. I pumped up my received to +10, and still they are very faint. I will call Radiient today to see what they can come up with.

Second, maybe it is because I didn't actually calibrate my receiver (Sony STR-DG910) yet, but the bass from all speakers is pretty weak (this could also be the cause for concern with the surrounds). Again, it could be the receiver, but my 7 year old HTIB speakers from JVC sounded a lot deeper and more natural. I will plug those in to my new receiver to test the difference to see it is the receiver to blame or the actual speakers.

I have the Sony STR-DG910 and recently connected it to my Radiient Helios speakers. Running the auto calculation will set the speaker size, distance and the surround speaker location. It will not have any impact on the sound coming out of the rear speakers. Does the Calypso speakers come with 2 sets of Red & Black connection posts on the front and rear speakers? The connections are in a straight line with 2 Red first then 2 Black.

If so, I had a similar problem with the Helios surrounds. These speakers come with 2 Red & Black connections on the front towers and the surround speakers. The Radiient manual indicated you could connect the speaker wire to either top Red & Black or bottom Red & Black speaker posts. I used the top Red & Black posts on the surrounds and received little sound. I eventually switched the speaker wires to the bottom posts on the surrounds and the sound came out normal volume. I called Will at Radiient and he said the manual was incorrect and he indicated that the bottom Red & Black post should always be used on the front and rear speakers as the top Red & Black posts are for bi-wiring only and will produce minimal sound with cracking and popping.

As for bass, do you have a sub connected to your receiver? If not, set all the speakers size to Large as that will deliver more bass to all the speakers. If you have a sub, I found that setting all the speaker sizes to small, setting the auto calc load setting to NO and changing the cross reference to 80 on the receiver delivered more bass to my HTIB Sony sub. The cross reference indicator in System settings will not active if the auto calc load is set to YES.

None of this may help as you could just have defective speakers. Either way, I would call Radiient and discuss the problem. I have found that calling between 2 - 3pm PST is a good time to have someone available to answer the phone.

Good luck and let us know what whether you are able to fix your problem.

FYI,

I have played around with about every setting on the Sony STR-DG910 if you have any questions or cannot get something to work let me know on this forum or a PM.

Mucho,

There is a saying: Don't judge a book by its covers!
Just as well: don't judge a person by the number of posts.

Liviu

You can always send Radiient the extra $300.

Sure. I'll get right on that. I like them, not in love with them. I just would have thought that the $500 was a fair price as well.

Plus, I'm going to need it for the receiver and sub, maybe the Onkyo 605. I'm still looking for 2 satellites to make it 7.1. 7.1 because I already wired it that way and not because I really care about 5.1 vs 7.1.

I'm still not sure what to get for that.

Running the auto calculation will set the speaker size, distance and the surround speaker location. It will not have any impact on the sound coming out of the rear speakers.

Hmm, mine had a very big impact on the sound coming from my rear speakers, my guess is it also adjusts the volume.

Wow this is the most incredible noobie thread I have ever seen on AVS? Just about every poster has 10 posts or less and so many of you bought the Calypso speakers! Amazing!

I hope you enjoy them. At the risk of offending anyone - the best advice I can give anyone reading this thread - is - compare the speakers for yourself after you've done the research. There are several companies that offer a risk free trial - I suggest taking them up on it. The lowest price is not always the best deal.

In this price range quality can vary by a huge amount and just because Joeblow3214 says he likes his Calypso speakers doesn't mean you will.

:rolleyes:The only thing offensive is your snobbish post. Just another typical reply from the army of AVS "elitists" who think their **** doesn't stink. And just how do you know who's a newbie and whose not? By their post counts? What a joke. You're tagged as an advanced member yet you think that you can tell anything about a person by his/her post count.
Ever think that just maybe these were a smoking deal and actually sound good? And once these went on sale the word got out on just how good they sound for even more then they sell for. I guess we all need to spend ten grand on our speakers or they just won't cut it, right?? Give me a break.

The 803SD by TAD (Tube Audio Design) are supposed to be worth substantially more than they are selling for but I can't get them to return my emails or my phone messages...Wonder what the deal is with them???:confused:

:rolleyes:The only thing offensive is your snobbish post. Just another typical reply from the army of AVS "elitists" who think their **** doesn't stink. And just how do you know who's a newbie and whose not? By their post counts? What a joke. You're tagged as an advanced member yet you think that you can tell anything about a person by his/her post count.
Ever think that just maybe these were a smoking deal and actually sound good? And once these went on sale the word got out on just how good they sound for even more then they sell for. I guess we all need to spend ten grand on our speakers or they just won't cut it, right?? Give me a break.

Ahh no - you have missed the mark completely. It is understandable you would want to defend your decision. Open your mind a bit here ...

The only reason for my posting was how remarkable it was that a large number of relatively new posters were on this thread and how many had bought this system and were all very happy with it. Maybe they are all fatwallet posters come here seeking validation. Maybe they are employees of said speaker company. Maybe they just google searched and found this thread. Who knows?

Is it a smoking deal?? Beats me. Certainly I wouldn't take the opinions of the people in this thread's opinion - not because of low post count - but because not one has mentioned other speakers auditioned or compared before arriving at their conclusion or spoken with any kind of intelligence about their systems. All I've heard is OMFG I LOVE THIS SYSTEM WHAT A DEAL! (Exageration is my own and I am not quoting anyone)

I am a pretty new myself to audio. I have a very inexpensive setup. The one thing I have come to learn is how 2 different people can feel quite different about the same pair of speakers - and the best way to determine what you like is to listen yourself.

Hope this clears things up a bit - and I truly hope you are enjoying your new speakers.

I own the calypso's and I think for the price they are very good speakers. I think the av123 speakers would be better but you asked for the best cheap speakers and I think as far as cheap speakers go the calypsos are pretty darn good for 199.00.
-Rich

This was like the 5th or 6th post on this thread. I own the calypsos, and I in no way think they are better than the av123's. But for the price they are very worthwhile speakers. I really wish that you could hear them before calling us newbies. I however do not care as you can see up by my name I am a novice with audio. I think for the price the calypsos were a heck of a find. I have yet hear anyone complain about their purchase, except for renob and the weight of the speakers. Before coming in and flaming the thread please either listen to what we bought or move along to another thread.
I have no ties to the company, I am an Athletic Trainer at a high school in Dallas Texas. As with all teachers I do not make alot of money, and spending it on such things as surround sound stretches my budget. So I will never be buying "high end" speakers. Kudos to thoise of you that can. But for me, these speakers fit very well in my system and also within my budget.
YMMV,
-Rich

I understand where you are coming from Mucho. I personally purchased these speakers due to budget restraints and the return policy. Plus looking on line the build seemed to be better then the Fluances and other such speakers. These replaced mismatched fronts in my system Boston VR20 mains and a Yamaha center. The center was not very good and I fear that one of the BA's has a blown speaker (crackles at moderately high volumes). While the Calypso sound is much brighter than the BA's the center channel is far superior (in my ears) to the Yamaha.

I also auditioned Infinities in my space (have some in a different location). The Infinity was a warmer sound which I like, but by routing lows to the main towers and the sub at the same time the Calypso's were pretty impressive and much less bright. Are they B&W caliber? No way, but for their price point are well worth the money and when the kids are older I can upgrade to what I want.

I am glad I found this thread here, not so much to affirm that I made a wise purchase, but to verify that they were worth listening to. The set is worth the original $500 price tag. I just happened to get a good deal.

I also would like to mention that though I am a noob to this site, I am not a noob to audio. I was an installer for a while dealing with B&W, Jamo, Rotel, Integra Research and the like. I have auditioned many different brands and have spent uncountless hours in HiFi shops listening to speakers or checking out equipment. I am not sure where everyone else falls in at, nor do I care. I am just hear to give honest opinions and gain honest opinions from others.

Certainly I wouldn't take the opinions of the people in this thread's opinion

lol what a fool!

but because not one has mentioned other speakers auditioned or compared before arriving at their conclusion

here was a post of mine on the 4th page of this thread

I have found they have warmed up nicely and I’m now loving them, now my last set of speakers I had for HT were the Cambridge Sound Works flagship set of speaker I purchased about 9 years ago, I sold them 5 years ago when I moved at the time they cost over 3k, do my Calypso speakers sound as nice NO, but that being said I listened to many many speaker combos in the under $500 range and have yet to hear anything that I thought sounded as nice, I would say they are the best deal I have gotten in years.

What a audio snob you are my freind both your posts reak of elietism lol but thats ok we are all for the most part loving our $199speakers

I received the speakers last evening, (83 lbs shipped for free all the way to "Deadmonton" Canada) and I didn't go to sleep till I mounted new wall plates and build new cables.
My old speakers (and wall plates for surrounds) were with spring clamp connections, that did not accept "anything larger then dental floss" (there is 14GA wiring throughout the walls).
I went only through the YPAO quick set-up with the RX-V659 Yammi, as it was well past midnight, just to hear them.
I popped in "Tubular Bells" (one of my favourite) and I just fell asleep within 5 minutes, sitting on the carpet in the middle of the room. Excellent warm sound for the $200US.
I showed my wife a handfull of Monster banana terminals and said: this is about $200, and this (sweeping motion to show the entire speaker set) is about the same.
She was sold... and they go so good together with the Sharp Aquos, having the same black piano finish.

Thank you Pablito for starting this thread, and Rich for first mentioning Radiient name. It seems that they are dropping the speaker part of the business.

Liviu.

P.S. Mucho, this was a smoking deal: a $200 set, that sounds like a $500+ one, looks like an $600+ one, and free shipping. Very rare find indeed. I bought these speakers just to replace the old ones in the living room. I wouldn't call this an HT system, that's still to come in the dedicated basement area.

From what Radiient has told me through emails and phone calls, they arent dropping their speaker line, they are just clearing out old stock to make room for their 2008 speaker line.
-Rich

Yes Rich,
I read your old posts, but check their website. You'll see it's changed completely.
No mention whatsoever about speakers anymore. Of any kind.
It's November already, and one would expect some sort of information (even vague) about a "new and exciting" 2008 line, as they put it not so long ago.

Thanks...again,
Liviu

I will call them on Mon and check up with them. I will find out an answer and post my findings.
-Rich

What a audio snob you are my freind both your posts reak of elietism lol but thats ok we are all for the most part loving our $199speakers

I'm hardly an audio snob - I think you protest too much. Hmmm?

As I said - entirely possible it was google that has brought you all here together. Also - other things are possible. Either way it doesn't matter as this point as they are sold out.

Please, enjoy the music.

So what if by google or yahoo or whatever we r here ? if few people bought and they are happy with that then why is it bothering you ?
And what's wrong if someone is praising what system he has. I just don't see a point in your post. And of course they are enjoying and will keep enjoying the music that's why they wrote here.

I'm hardly an audio snob - I think you protest too much. Hmmm?

As I said - entirely possible it was google that has brought you all here together. Also - other things are possible. Either way it doesn't matter as this point as they are sold out.

Please, enjoy the music.

I'm hardly an audio snob

You are a funny one, look at my last post and you will see that you were Pwnd in the face! "Snob" is the shoe thats fits.

So I ordered a set of 7 speakers from Yambeka Audio the other day. Unfortunately, they are all sold out now. They sent me an email offering me a refund, or simply to wait for the new 2008 line to come out (he said roughly 45 days). The 2008 line will cost $299, but he offered them to me at the price I already paid (roughly $250)

I opted to take him up on the offer, and he sent me a pic of what the new ones are going to look like. He also claimed they were better speakers than the current model, but I guess I'll have to wait and see. I would post a pic of what the new ones would look like, but he sent it to me in a Word document, and I don't know how to save it as a jpeg.

The new models are basically shaped the same as the current models, but the styling will be a glossy black this time! :)

If anyone wanted a pic of the speakers, feel free to PM me, and I'll just email ya the Word document he sent me.

I got my speakers installed over the past weekend and all i have to say is wow! As someone else posted they are $500 speakers or more. My Onkyo 939 is making them come alive! I watched several movies with them now and enjoy them greatly. My Sunfire Truesub helps compensate for the lack of bass, as that 2500 watt monster pushes out some window breaking bass! The quality is good, not superb, the sound accurate. That was my biggest concern is they would sound off... just not right, but the sound was solid. Now if you compare them to a $2k speaker setup like Polk or JBL I would say they are probably 90% as good, so the fact that they cost 1/10 the price I can live with. The best cost to value I've ever seen in speakers.

Pictures:

My Setup (http://www.600hpmiata.com/Aquos/IMG_3304.jpg)

Skeelo emailed me the word doc picture of the speakers but I was unable to figure out how to get the pictures here...But I can say this...Those are some niceass looking speakers with impressive specs to match...Had I not just purchased some new speakers, I would definately be looking at getting a set of these...Really gorgeous looking...:)

Well, I also set up my new radiient speakers and those are some good pieces to listen. I am not that great audiotech freak to check for all small details but at least can make out what a good sound is ;) I was in CC last week to check for standing speakers they had for close to 200 each and I can confidently say that these are noway less than those. The center is kind of weak but I used my receiver to kick up the level a little more and that's also great now. My check was with "Lord of the rings III The return of the king", my all time favorite and the movie was all different now, superb quality surround sound through these speakers, even those small and low sound which I never heard using my old system but now I can hear those small level sounds also. I am using Onkyo SR304, the sub is a low quality one but I have ordered one 10" from Yamaha and it's on its way which should definitely rock my little living room. :)
I got the cable (16 gauge) and banana plugs from Monoprice.

In one sentence, I am very happy with my purchase with these sleek and eye sliding speakers. I will post my set up pics soon.

After much speculation here on AVS I decided to put these speakers to the test. I have heard great things about KEF speakers. My neighbor Greg has the KEF 3005 5.1 speaker system. So I had Greg bring them over so we could test the difference. I own an Onkyo 705 receiver so naturally thats what I had the Calypsos and 3005's hooked up too. I kept my same sound settings and even tweeked to try and make the KEFs sound better. From me listening to the movies I own with TrueHD and DTSHDMSTR audio formats, I can tell you the Radiients hold their own. They were just as clear as the KEFs. The Calypsos rumbled my apt more which is surprising because I had them hooked up to a 230 watt Onkyo, not the KEF 250 watt sub. I really could not discern really a big difference between the two sets of speakers. Definitely made a believer out of my neighbor Greg. So I think I found a great deal and am very happy about purchasing these speakers from Radiient. I am definately glad I did not purchase the KEF system which I was close to doing before I found the deal from Radiient. I bought the Radiients because for $200 if they were junk, I would just toss them. I bought them to replace some 8-9 ear old Infinity floor standing speakers.

The equipment I used for the test was a Toshiba A-35 HD DVD player and a Samsung BDP-1400 Blu-Ray player. The movies I used were The Matrix, Transformers, Batman Begins on HD. On Blu-Ray I listened to Spiderman 3, Gone in 60 Seconds, NIN Beside You In Time, House of 1000 corpses, and both Pirates movies.

Anyone in the Lowountry area who wants to hear these, I invite you. Maybe that will put an end to posts about noobs buying crap because they didn't spend 1000+.

I would agree on that with you. I just hooked up one 10" sub and the quality is amazing from these speakers. Definitely a good investment.

You know what I wonder if now these kind of people will doubt on Toshiba's HD DVD players also bcoz they were sold at $100 last week. "That's so cheap so definitely not good " GOD rest their minds.



Anyone in the Lowountry area who wants to hear these, I invite you. Maybe that will put an end to posts about noobs buying crap because they didn't spend 1000+.

I would agree on that with you. I just hooked up one 10" sub and the quality is amazing from these speakers. Definitely a good investment.

You know what I wonder if now these kind of people will doubt on Toshiba's HD DVD players also bcoz they were sold at $100 last week. "That's so cheap so definitely not good " GOD rest their minds.

Damn who was selling HD-DVD players for $100?

Edit: Nevermind I found the 1 day Wal-Mart deal. I am sure some are on eBay now.

FYI : Best buy, Walmart, Bestbuy for business,Frys $99. CC,Crutchfield,Amazon had a lill more 110-130 range.
And as you found ebay has tons of those right now. I think Costco is selling for 170 now.



Damn who was selling HD-DVD players for $100?

Edit: Nevermind I found the 1 day Wal-Mart deal. I am sure some are on eBay now.

FYI : Best buy, Walmart, Bestbuy for business,Frys $99. CC,Crutchfield,Amazon had a lill more 110-130 range.
And as you found ebay has tons of those right now. I think Costco is selling for 170 now.

Thanks I will probably wait on a 1080p unit even though the eBay deals are tempting.

MIRAGE OMNIS:

Are quickly selling out. Crutchfield has already sold all of their 150 bookshelves at $140pr. shipped They still have the 350 towers at $300pr shipped,and some others.
Vanns still has the 150 bookshelves.

Skeelo also emailed me the pics of the new Yambeka's. They appear to be an upgrade from the previous version that Yambeka had out there. Looking at the pictures closely they appear to be a rebadged Dyanaquest DQ-T353 (sold in Taiwan I believe). Couldn't find much on those either.

I will be curious to see what Skeelo thinks of them when they are received.

Good sale on WS-60s and WS-100s at compusa right now. Energy/Athena.

To those who have the Calypso tower speakers:

Did yours come with a set of stick-on felt pads? The instructions mention to forgo using the spikes and to use the included stick-on felt pads if you're going to use it on something other than carpet. I don't see the pads anywhere.

Mine came with one set of stick-on which have 4 of those. But not 8 as I would have expected. In any case, I have my speakers on carpet so I am not using those.
You could give them a call and ask them to send.

To those who have the Calypso tower speakers:

Did yours come with a set of stick-on felt pads? The instructions mention to forgo using the spikes and to use the included stick-on felt pads if you're going to use it on something other than carpet. I don't see the pads anywhere.

The felt pads on many were stuck under the folds of the box. I believe those gray pads were for the center channel. I'd double check the box, if not there, they should send some out.

I don't recall getting any pads with the Calypso's. Pads are cheap though. Any grocery store or hardware store should have them.

I got the Calypsos but wanted 7.1.

I ended up picking up a couple pair of Spherex Satellite Speakers from parts express. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=309-400

I just got them and they don't seem bad at all, particularly for $36 to $39 a pair. My wife affectionately calls them my booby speakers....I bought a second set.

It's not a bad price and the reviews are decent.

Thanks I will probably wait on a 1080p unit even though the eBay deals are tempting.

There is no difference between 1080i and 1080p jump on a deal if you see one!


1080i v. 1080p (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=12156163)

Put to the test!

I just watched back to back 300 and Transformers and all I can say is WOW the Calypsos performed flawlessly! Up to this point I hadn’t really pushed them well this morning they got pushed, I’m shocked I’m getting so much performance from $200 speakers.

I feel bad for you all who didn’t get in on the deal, but as with all deals they come and go and I’m sure there is another one just around the corner.

Just an FYI below is my system.

42in Samsung HD TV
Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K
Acoustech H100
Radiient Calypsos

There is no difference between 1080i and 1080p jump on a deal if you see one!


1080i v. 1080p (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=12156163)


wrong

wrong


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768167

read this post Conan and you will see that 1080p isnt the end all, and that there are more important things to consider when getting a TV.
-Rich

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=768167

read this post Conan and you will see that 1080p isnt the end all, and that there are more important things to consider when getting a TV.
-Rich

i agree it is in no way the end all, i said he was wrong, you cant go around saying there is absolutely no difference between the two (1080i & 1080p)

Edit: That thread is great and i agree with it, but it discusses 720p vs 1080p, not 1080i vs 1080p, and also issues he may run into buying a 1080i set (some wont accept a 720p signal)

I received my set of Calypso last week. I have them set up and you can barely hear the rear surrounds. I pumped up my received to +10, and still they are very faint. I will call Radiient today to see what they can come up with.

Second, maybe it is because I didn't actually calibrate my receiver (Sony STR-DG910) yet, but the bass from all speakers is pretty weak (this could also be the cause for concern with the surrounds). Again, it could be the receiver, but my 7 year old HTIB speakers from JVC sounded a lot deeper and more natural. I will plug those in to my new receiver to test the difference to see it is the receiver to blame or the actual speakers.

That's interesting, I've had mine for several weeks now and have observed the sound is a little lacking to me as well. I don't hear anything from the surrounds unless I walk up to them.

I have the 5 speakers connected to a Denon AVR-1707, no subwoofer and I did run the auto-setup with included mic. This system is mainly for video games (PS3/PS2/Wii/GameCube), and some TV. When I play the Wii I set the reciever to Pro Logic II, then the Denon also has profiles so I set it to the Pro Logic II "game" profile. Music in game lacks punch i.e. no bass and things like dialogue and effects that come from the center are overpowered by the front towers. I can't hear the surrounds at all.

Then, when I watch TV if I set it to Pro Logic II the center overpowers the towers! TV in general sounds like absolute crap for some reason. What surround mode (or normal mode) should I set the reciever to when watching regular broadcast cable? (No cable box, coax cable into TV and sound looped back into reciever via RCA out on TV)

I've been considering the BIC H-100 since it's praised so much here. Is that really going to add a huge dimension to this set? All I want to do is play my games in the surround mode they were developed in. I really don't get why the reciever has all these DSP modes that sound more or less the same or make things worse.

I will admit I haven't tried any DVDs, but shouldn't the audio on games be moving these speakers?

Where to buy Radiient Calypso speakers? Sold out from the vendor and not listed on ebay. So I need advice for alternatives or any other private vendors selling calypso speakers?

Thanks

Where to buy Radiient Calypso speakers? Sold out from the vendor and not listed on ebay. So I need advice for alternatives or any other private vendors selling calypso speakers?

Thanks


The Radiients Calypsos are gone for good.

There are several models from Polk at a similar price-point:

http://shop3.outpost.com/%7B45SKGy7Xx1BBpCJS2rf40A**.node1%7D/search?search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=polk&cat=

The R50 for $140/pr.
The R300 for $100/pr.

There are others too...

I am looking something similar to Calypso's 5.1 speakers and found Flaunce speakers. Not many reviews on that one. Please post your opinions.

Thanks

[QUOTE][I've been considering the BIC H-100 since it's praised so much here/QUOTE]

Thats what I have with my Calypsos and it rocks!

By the way my Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K did a great job setting up the speakers I have not had to adjust the surounds or the center, Im getting tons of output from them.l

[QUOTE][I've been considering the BIC H-100 since it's praised so much here/QUOTE]

Thats what I have with my Calypsos and it rock!

By the way my Pioneer VSX-1017TXV-K did a great job setting up the speakers I have not had to adjust the surounds or the center, Im getting tons of output from them.l

Let me ask this then, how do they sound without the sub? I'm finding that if I give them some more volume they start to sound good, but I'm getting hardly any bass.

Let me ask this then, how do they sound without the sub?

The dont have much low end, they NEED a sub!

Ah okay so it isn't the way I have them setup. Hopefully that H-100 gets here quick!

EDIT: Also just realized I'm a friggin' moron, my Wii games were hosed up because I didn't set surround mode in the Wii's setup. D'OH!!!

So I finally got my new 7 speaker set from Yambeka Audio today. And boy, let me say, they sure do look purdy :)

The sound on them is awesome too. The 8" midrange drivers can reproduce the mid-bass quite well. Overall I would say the speakers are excellent, and for 250 bucks, ya can't go wrong.

I would recommend them to anybody looking for a nice set of cheap speakers. Trust me, the sound quality is amazing.

Pictures???

So I finally got my new 7 speaker set from Yambeka Audio today. And boy, let me say, they sure do look purdy :)

The sound on them is awesome too. The 8" midrange drivers can reproduce the mid-bass quite well. Overall I would say the speakers are excellent, and for 250 bucks, ya can't go wrong.

I would recommend them to anybody looking for a nice set of cheap speakers. Trust me, the sound quality is amazing.


Since these have hardly any info on most forums (yes I know there are reasons), can you add a lil more detail to your suggestion. They just started shipping their 2008 line and their website leaves much to be desired.

Info many would like, if possible. (well me at least):
Detailed Pics
Receiver / Amp you are using
Room size and how well the sound fills it
Can you bi-amp the fronts
Weight of each
Are the towers set up for carpet spikes?
Finish quality


others will probably have more questions, but that's a good start if you don't mind helping out a few of us.

thanks

So I finally got my new 7 speaker set from Yambeka Audio today. And boy, let me say, they sure do look purdy :)

The sound on them is awesome too. The 8" midrange drivers can reproduce the mid-bass quite well. Overall I would say the speakers are excellent, and for 250 bucks, ya can't go wrong.

I would recommend them to anybody looking for a nice set of cheap speakers. Trust me, the sound quality is amazing.

I am very interested in more info also. Receiver, size of room, and possibly pics.

Info many would like, if possible. (well me at least):
Detailed Pics
Receiver / Amp you are using
Room size and how well the sound fills it
Can you bi-amp the fronts
Weight of each
Are the towers set up for carpet spikes?
Finish quality



thanks

I will post pics as quickly as possible. Until then, the finish on them is a glossy black on the fronts, and black wood cabinetry on the sides. The speaker grilles are removable to reveal 3 white speakers behind them (I chose to leave my grilles on)

I am using the Onkyo 605 receiver, and it sounds great. The size of the room is not very big at all, only about 12x15 or so, but the sound fills the room much, much better than my old speakers do. I can even distinguish right and left sounds alot better now.

The front towers weigh 20 pounds each, The center channel is about 8 pounds, and the 4 bookshelf speakers weigh in at about 3 pounds each. The finish quality is surprisingly good. I took one look at them and said "wow"

They truly do look awesome on both sides of my setup.

And about the bi-amping, unfortunately that is not possible with these speakers. There is only 1 set of wire terminals on each speaker, so bi-amping is out of the question. And to be honest I couldn't tell ya bout the speaker spikes yet. I guess I didnt even bother to look at the bottom of the towers. I'm not at home right now, but when I get home later, I'll try post on here to let ya know bout the speaker spikes.

Good sale on WS-60s and WS-100s at compusa right now. Energy/Athena.
I got a whole 5.1 speaker setup for $550 there! I got Jamo fronts, center, and surrounds, and an Athena sub, all brand new.