Currently, I am running Cambridge Soundworks Model 6 bookshelf speakers paired with a Cambridge Centerstage center channel. I've had them forever, and while they sound good, I'm wondering what I might be missing out on sound quality-wise, while condidering a small upgrade budget.
Would like to keep the cost under $500, but
want to make sure it's worth the difference from my Cambridge set-up. I've read good things about the Pioneer SP-BS22, sp-fs52, and the elac b6. I would purchase a matching center channel too.
I have a Denon AVR 2311CI receiver and running two pinnacle QPS 12" subs. Room size is around 20' x 26'
those are lower end / older speakers so there is plenty of room to upgrade at less than $500... now to more pressing issue .. the pioneer bs22 are probably not much of an upgrade & the center isn't the best... my best recommendation at lower price is the sony core bookshelf speakers from best buy ($120+ center)... although the center is said to be a little weak... a slightly pricier option( since you may like warmer speakers) the Wharfedale 10.1's or 220's.. with a non matching center that's a little less warm.. other options include the q acoustic 3020's w/ matching center.. the 3020's are very highly thought of here... there are lots of options at under $500 .. kef q 100/ or 300... the q 100 goes for $300 a pair .. the center is kinda pricey though , but again you could buy a bic or another brand ... there are other good options as well ...
Cambridge Soundworks made some pretty fine speakers in their day, the company was founded by Henry Kloss of AR and KLH fame.
They probably will not image as well as some newer speakers with narrow fronts, but they should sound pretty darn good. Certainly far better than the Pioneers.
Currently, I am running Cambridge Soundworks Model 6 bookshelf speakers paired with a Cambridge Centerstage center channel. I've had them forever, and while they sound good, I'm wondering what I might be missing out on sound quality-wise, while condidering a small upgrade budget.
Those old Cambridges apparently got decent reviews... so they probably are better than a lot of entry level (or maybe better) speakers. Whatever you do, don't "upgrade" them to Pioneer BS22/F52/C22s.
Thanks for the opinions. I was interested in the 3020s based on reviews and price, maybe the wharfedale 220s, but not sure they're worth the extra cost. I assume either of these would be a significant upgrade.
These speakers are 90% used for movies. Planning on keeping my Cambridge Soundworks surrounds and rears, as I'm not sure the quality is all that critical for these speaker locations.
Thanks for the opinions. I was interested in the 3020s based on reviews and price, maybe the wharfedale 220s, but not sure they're worth the extra cost. I assume either of these would be a significant upgrade.
The QA is a good option and can work for movies. You should notice good detail and definition with a wide soundstage. The same can also be said for Cambridge Audio
So, I stopped at Best Buy, but their Sony Core display was out of order unfortunately. I talk to the salesman for a few minutes, and he personally, really likes the Klipsch 160m, which he owns. And there is an open box for $380.
I am this close to purchasing the JBL 230s, but curious about comparing to the Klipsch.
Center channels are about the same cost between the JBL Studio 235C and Klipsch RC-62 II, so does one of these outperform the other?
Absolutely .. myself , i would start with the cores and keep em unless i didn't like em very much.. that's a great buy for decent speakers.. but a 3 way a/b/c comparison could be fun.. but sometimes value gets left out of the equation in that scenario. .. just me verbalizing my cheap side...
I did listen to the Klipsch for a very short period. Hard to judge in that store atmosphere, but I wasn't all that impressed really. I think I'm going to try the Sony Core towers and center, given the super low price, ease of pick up and return. If I notice a significant difference over my existing, then I may be happy enough. If not, then JBL 230s are on deck. They are on backorder right now anyhow,
Yes, I read the review on the concept 20. Definitely interested. Where does the 10% off come from?
One concern I do have with the Core series, is that it seems the center channel is not that great. Could always use a core bookshelf instead, but If I'm upgrading, I don't really want to skimp on the center channel.
Anyhow, last night I pulled my model 6 speakers off the wall and took the center out of the cabinet. Watched Rogue One thru Netflix. Had the volume up a bit more than normal, but was pretty happy with how the speakers sounded. Will be testing the Core speakers tomorrow, so will be interesting to have a comparison finally. Honestly, I'll be surprised if the Core are much better than the Model 6, but that would be awesome!
If not, then it's onto the JBL or maybe the Concept 20.
I'm also going to be working on adding DIY acoustic panels to the room, and eventually bass traps. Between this and speaker upgrades I'm hoping for exciting changes to my HT experience!
One concern I do have with the Core series, is that it seems the center channel is not that great. Could always use a core bookshelf instead, but If I'm upgrading, I don't really want to skimp on the center channel.
I auditioned the Sony core speakers today, and for the price they were definitely nice speakers. There was nothing remarkably better or worse between the them and my current Cambridge model 6 though. However, the Cambridge centerstage speaker was significantly better than Core center speaker, which felt a little absent, although good clarity.
So, I still have the upgrade bug since I've had the Cambridge speakers for about 15 years, I'm ready for something new and noticeably better with a good center channel speaker. Since they are mainly for home theater, I think I would prefer a wide soundstage that fills my 20' x 25' room, as best as possible.
JBL 230 with 235C $529
Q Acoustics Concept 20 w/ Concept Center $720. Is the extra $ worth it for home theater only use?
Others I should consider?
thanks! Just placed the order along with the 235C, which is on sale too. Ordered thru JBL because of the free return policy, so will have to wait until mid November for the 230s. Will post a follow up after I receive them.
So, I received my JBL speakers. Excited to get them hooked up. However, I am delayed as I decided to hack my long console cabinet underneath my HT screen in order to fit the awesomely huge 235 center channel. I don't want the speaker enclosed in a shelf. Hope to complete set-up this weekend and will post back thoughts on these JBL speakers.
In the meantime, I am wondering about my current surround speakers. Right now, I have Cambridge Soundworks Surround DIPOLE speakers. Pic enclosed. No real concerns with them, but again wondering if I am missing out on much and whether monopole makes more sense in my room. Probably not interested in investing too much right now, but did find JBL B15s ($50 a pair) on Ebay. These apparently are the same as the JBL 130s. I'll enclose a drawing of my home theater set-up. You'll notice the black squares underneath the bulkhead show the positions of the surround speakers.
In the meantime, I am wondering about my current surround speakers. Right now, I have Cambridge Soundworks Surround DIPOLE speakers. Pic enclosed. No real concerns with them, but again wondering if I am missing out on much and whether monopole makes more sense in my room. Probably not interested in investing too much right now, but did find JBL B15s ($50 a pair) on Ebay. These apparently are the same as the JBL 130s. I'll enclose a drawing of my home theater set-up. You'll notice the black squares underneath the bulkhead show the positions of the surround speakers.
I have had the JBL 235C for a few months now and think it puts out incredible sound. It can get really loud if you need to and voices sound clean, crisp, and natural sounding. I also had the JBL 230s for two months for a free audition and had to return them, but when I had them they were light years beyond my Pioneer BS22. I will be getting the 230s to match the 235C this winter. The 230s were so forward and clear sounding, while the BS22s in comparison sounded muddy. And the best part if you want...the 230s can get loud!!!
So, first impressions of the 230s and the 235C is great. Haven?t turned them up a whole lot, but at my normal movie volume these speakers pump out excellent full sounding details at all frequency levels. And they do it effortlessly.
One question is what should I be setting my crossover at? I think I have it at 60db right
now.
The HT bug continues! I am thinking about
upgrading my subs now, but will be looking into a DIY option to get a worthwhile upgrade without breaking the bank. Will be investigating the diy forum soon, I think.
Thanks for all the speaker recommendations, and catching a great sale on these JBLs.
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