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Anyone still running Infinity Speakers like me? - Page 2

post #31 of 154
3/8/10 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aboroth00 View Post

The Rabos was great back in the day, but it doesn't replace proper calibration with proper software and mic. Even newer receivers and pres have eq capability to adjust your sub.

I agree it doesn't replace professional calibration. R.A.B.O.S. is just a single band parametric equalization system, so it won't fix everything, but it can fix the common room-induced bass humps. Maybe Audessey does this now, I don't know.

Quote:
Originally Posted by aboroth00 View Post

However, i have noticed Infinity subs don't go very low. I've owned a couple and they've sounded great, but they never really dug into the 20hz-30hz range you really need for movies. But if you can find one for a very cheap price, they're a great value.

Isn't this an overgeneralization? There's a wide range of capabilities in Infinity's recent and current models. Here's a lab report on the SW-12 and some competitors' models: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/ass...micsubslab.pdf. Definitely not top of the heap, but respectable.
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post #32 of 154
3/8/10 at 4:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

I just completed my set last night from Harman's ebay auctions. I'll have three of the 3v's up front with a pair of 5's doing surround duty. Should be set for a few years (yeah right!).

Congrats on the new system, Knucklehead. I'm surprised you've let go of the Emotivas--but not surprised considering the Cascades utilize the CMMD tweeter. Hopefully you'll keep visiting the Beta owner's thread
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post #33 of 154
3/9/10 at 5:14am
I am still running my Interludes. I got them back in 2002 or thereabouts from Ubid back when they were clearing them out. I have two IL50s front mains, an IL36c center, and IL30 rears. I am in the market for two more bookshelf speakers to go to a 7.1 setup and will probably pickup a Beta or Classia pair of bookshelf speakers since they seem a good match. All the IL10s that I can find still seem to go high and their size makes them a bit harder for me to use. I also have an MFW-15 sub to assist the 10" subs in the IL50s. I love my Interludes, they may not be the best but they bring a smile to my face every time I use them (really).

The only problem I have is one of the subs went out on my IL50s. Turned out to be a bad resistor and a few dollars later (a few cents for the resistor and a few dollars for shipping) I was back up and running.
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post #34 of 154
3/13/10 at 8:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by amicusterrae View Post

Congrats on the new system, Knucklehead. I'm surprised you've let go of the Emotivas--but not surprised considering the Cascades utilize the CMMD tweeter. Hopefully you'll keep visiting the Beta owner's thread

I still look in on the Beta thread now and then. Not much going on there.

The Emotiva ERT speakers are a great sounding speaker - and I really did like them - but having $1500 tied up in a pair of front L/R speakers that could be matched by a pair of $250 ERM-1s and a decent sub just didn't sit well with me. When the opportunity to sell them came along I sold them. Got most of my money out of them too. The Emo 6.2s are no better sounding than the ERM-1s so I sent them back for a refund. The ERM-1s I just sold so I could move my much beloved IL40s into the bedroom 2 channel setup. The ERM-1s are a very decent bookshelf - for anyone looking for a pair of inexpensive speakers for a 2 channel setup paired with a sub I'd heartily recommend them. The rest of the Emo speaker line? The ERM 6.3 is a wonderful center channel - but the Beta C360 is just as good IMO - and less money. Speaking of C360s - I have on for sale in the classified section if anyone is looking for one.

The Cascades aren't an earth shattering difference over the Interludes or Betas - but they are very tight on the mid bass response. As quick as I've heard any speaker in the mids. They do roll off hard - the 3v's are virtually the same as the 9's with the dual woofer - I doubt these play all the way down to 80hz before rolling off. Maybe 90hz. Thats ok - I have a pair of M&K dual driver push-pull subs that cover from 120hz down to 30hz - and for movies I fire up the ED A5-350 to shake the floor a bit. For a setup that should cost over $3K msrp but I've got less than $1k into - well thats just fine with me.

My Cascades are silver - and I don't put the grilles on - looks way cool this way. After having large towers for so many years to look at these skinny silver flat panel speakers took some getting used to. The way they sound they could look like toad stools and I'd get used to them!
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post #35 of 154
3/13/10 at 10:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by amicusterrae View Post

I agree it doesn't replace professional calibration. R.A.B.O.S. is just a single band parametric equalization system, so it won't fix everything, but it can fix the common room-induced bass humps. Maybe Audessey does this now, I don't know.



Isn't this an overgeneralization? There's a wide range of capabilities in Infinity's recent and current models. Here's a lab report on the SW-12 and some competitors' models: http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/ass...micsubslab.pdf. Definitely not top of the heap, but respectable.

Newer AVRs and prepros have many more bands of EQ. So Rabos has definitely become a thing of the past. While it's simplicity can help you reduce humps, it won't surpass more modern eqs.

While i am generalizing about Infinity subs, I believe it is true. As you posted, Infinity subs compared to most other large brands don't dig into the 20-30hz. I owned a couple of Infinity subs such as the IL120 and the Ps-8. While they have good midbass capabilities for music, I did not know what I was missing out on until i tried a good SVS sub that actually dug into the 20hz area.

I believe most ID brands have trumped big box brands just due to overhead due to shipping costs. Infinity has a vested interest in keeping their subwoofers smaller and lighter, while still producing a good product, it loses some performance.
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post #36 of 154
3/13/10 at 10:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

I still look in on the Beta thread now and then. Not much going on there.

The Emotiva ERT speakers are a great sounding speaker - and I really did like them - but having $1500 tied up in a pair of front L/R speakers that could be matched by a pair of $250 ERM-1s and a decent sub just didn't sit well with me. When the opportunity to sell them came along I sold them. Got most of my money out of them too. The Emo 6.2s are no better sounding than the ERM-1s so I sent them back for a refund. The ERM-1s I just sold so I could move my much beloved IL40s into the bedroom 2 channel setup. The ERM-1s are a very decent bookshelf - for anyone looking for a pair of inexpensive speakers for a 2 channel setup paired with a sub I'd heartily recommend them. The rest of the Emo speaker line? The ERM 6.3 is a wonderful center channel - but the Beta C360 is just as good IMO - and less money. Speaking of C360s - I have on for sale in the classified section if anyone is looking for one.

The Cascades aren't an earth shattering difference over the Interludes or Betas - but they are very tight on the mid bass response. As quick as I've heard any speaker in the mids. They do roll off hard - the 3v's are virtually the same as the 9's with the dual woofer - I doubt these play all the way down to 80hz before rolling off. Maybe 90hz. Thats ok - I have a pair of M&K dual driver push-pull subs that cover from 120hz down to 30hz - and for movies I fire up the ED A5-350 to shake the floor a bit. For a setup that should cost over $3K msrp but I've got less than $1k into - well thats just fine with me.

My Cascades are silver - and I don't put the grilles on - looks way cool this way. After having large towers for so many years to look at these skinny silver flat panel speakers took some getting used to. The way they sound they could look like toad stools and I'd get used to them!

Nice to hear you're enjoying your setup. The soundstage the Cascades put up has to be unbelievable.
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post #37 of 154
3/13/10 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aboroth00 View Post

Infinity has a vested interest in keeping their subwoofers smaller and lighter, while still producing a good product, it loses some performance.

I'm not so sure Infinity is trying to keep weight down - the Cascade 15 sub is not light - it weighs 95 pounds! But you are right in one respect - it only plays down to 30hz. Rather disappointing for what they are asking for one. It uses four 6" drivers and an 800 watt amp.
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post #38 of 154
3/13/10 at 10:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

I'm not so sure Infinity is trying to keep weight down - the Cascade 15 sub is not light - it weighs 95 pounds! But you are right in one respect - it only plays down to 30hz. Rather disappointing for what they are asking for one. It uses four 6" drivers and an 800 watt amp.

I believe lighter smaller subwoofers are a trend in bigger non-ID brands. While there may be some exceptions. All across their line are smaller, light subwoofers. Now if we compare it to the SVS top of the line sub, it comes in at a whopping 160 pounds. In perspective, the relative weights are relative to their prices. The top of the end Infinity sub is neither has big or heavy as a top of the line ID brand which passes its shipping costs onto the consumer. While infinity has to pass on its dealer costs, manf costs, shipping costs while still trying to make an affordable product.

If the Cascade 15's enclosure was bigger, I'm sure it'd play down to 20hz. This however is just my theory on it all, and highly subjective to interpretation. But as fuel costs go up, Infinity and other big name brand's subs have gotten smaller.
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post #39 of 154
3/13/10 at 11:00am
I have a set of Infinity RS400 3 ways with the Emit tweeter I use for the rear channels on my 5.1 system.
I got them at a garage sale quite a few years ago for like 60 or 80 bucks after hearing my lil sisters hubbies Kappa 9 monsters.
The foam surround on the woofers and mids finally gave up sp I replaced them with some cheaper drivers that still seem to mesh well with the tweeters and crosover and I still think they sound nice.
I was offered the 9's when he upgraded to some excellent sounding Aeriel 3 ways that have 2 8" drivers, a cone midrange and a really nice dome tweeter but I didn't have the room to use or store them so he gave them to another friend who really needed some nice speakers.
I told him that they shouldn't just be parted out or given away to somebody who wouldn't appreciate them, but I just don't have the space or I'd take them.
The friend had to replace his cheap 5.1 receiver and I guess he can now listen to them and loves them to death and is thrilled to have them.
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post #40 of 154
3/27/10 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by karlsaudio View Post

What are those? I saw a listing for them on Craigs and they just had the "woofer stack" They didn't state the model. They look awesome!

The mains were the Infinity IRS V. I had an Infinity IRS Gamma laying on its side as the center channel and a couple pairs of IRS Betas for the surrounds.
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post #41 of 154
3/27/10 at 11:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Poindexter View Post

The mains were the Infinity IRS V. I had an Infinity IRS Gamma laying on its side as the center channel and a couple pairs of IRS Betas for the surrounds.

WOW! It would be nice to see Infinity make stuff like that again. I have become a fan of newer Polk models but, I like the older Infinities. I picked up some SL50s to complement the SL20s I had. While not huge or of stereophile sound quality, I like them a lot.
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post #42 of 154
4/17/10 at 2:25pm
Running Beta 40s as my 3 fronts for movies (use L&R in 2 channel for music).
Enjoy them very much. The Betas were a great line IHMO.
I grabbed them at the very end when they were on fire-sale -- no more desire to upgrade.
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post #43 of 154
4/17/10 at 5:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by FLBeachGuy View Post

-- no more desire to upgrade.

Then be very careful not to hear the Cascades.
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post #44 of 154
4/19/10 at 5:23pm
I'm running a pair of Prelude MTS in a 2 channel system. They're as good as anything I've encountered in quite awhile, and although rabos is low-tech these days, that one band makes a difference in my room.

I've listed to (or owned) Wilson WP, Revel Salon, Energy Veritas, Vienna Mahler etc. The MTS are right there....
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post #45 of 154
4/19/10 at 7:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by matti View Post

I'm running a pair of Prelude MTS in a 2 channel system. They're as good as anything I've encountered in quite awhile, and although rabos is low-tech these days, that one band makes a difference in my room.

I've listed to (or owned) Wilson WP, Revel Salon, Energy Veritas, Vienna Mahler etc. The MTS are right there....

Put up some pictures matti! We want to see!
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post #46 of 154
4/19/10 at 7:59pm
The RABOS system does work well. I've owned 2 Infinity RABOS systems - the Interlude IL50s (since sold) which have a built in 250w sub in each tower - a la the MTS design - and now have the Cascade 15 sub also with RABOS. It works quite well in smoothing out the booming bass. The four 6" square drivers do very well with music. For movies I turn on the ED A5-350 for some shake.

The Cascades use the same tweeter as the MTS - very good tweeter IMO.
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post #47 of 154
4/19/10 at 8:44pm
I had a pair of RS-3000 speakers and liked them for their highs. They had the "polycell" tweeter. They had hardly any bass at all but I had hoped to use a sub with them. I ended up giving them to a friend when I got my BICs which were a lot more precise in their reproduction. The clarity was much better. My friend eventually blew the Infinitys.
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post #48 of 154
4/20/10 at 7:36am
I'm an Infinity owner still. Purchased my first home theater setup around 10 years ago.

Overture Composition 3s up front, 1s in the rear and a CC-3 center. Subwoofer is a B&W ASW2000. Powered by a Denon AVR-5700. This setup has served me very well to date.

I have my heart set on a Pioneer SC-27 to replace my trusty Denon as I really need something with all of today's bells and whistles and maintain the same "oomph" my Denon has. I constantly thing of replacing the Infinitys... just not sure with what. Vandersteen 2ce SigIIs would be nice. Or some nice Martin Logans. So many speakers, so little time (and money).
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post #49 of 154
4/21/10 at 8:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aboroth00 View Post

Put up some pictures matti! We want to see!

No we want to see your pic's...
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post #50 of 154
8/9/10 at 10:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

The Cascades aren't an earth shattering difference over the Interludes or Betas - but they are very tight on the mid bass response. As quick as I've heard any speaker in the mids. They do roll off hard - the 3v's are virtually the same as the 9's with the dual woofer - I doubt these play all the way down to 80hz before rolling off. Maybe 90hz. Thats ok - I have a pair of M&K dual driver push-pull subs that cover from 120hz down to 30hz - and for movies I fire up the ED A5-350 to shake the floor a bit. For a setup that should cost over $3K msrp but I've got less than $1k into - well thats just fine with me.

How did you decide to drive the 3v's? And you completed your fronts with a Cascade 3 C? What do you use for a sub? I have an all Infinity Cascade front with 9's and 3 C, including the 15 sub.
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post #51 of 154
8/13/10 at 9:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fookoo_2010 View Post

How did you decide to drive the 3v's? And you completed your fronts with a Cascade 3 C? What do you use for a sub? I have an all Infinity Cascade front with 9's and 3 C, including the 15 sub.

I have three of the 3Vs across the front with a pair of fives for surrounds. I'm using an Integra DHC 40.1 prepro and Emotiva UPA-7 amp to drive the Cascades. I have the model 15 sub as well - and an Elemental Designs A5-350 for movies. I use both for movies but the 15 alone for music. Sound quality for music is excellent with the 15. At $320 it was (almost) a steal! And it was brand new. I see no reason to turn the M&K subs on any more.
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post #52 of 154
8/14/10 at 6:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Knucklehead90 View Post

I have three of the 3Vs across the front with a pair of fives for surrounds. I'm using an Integra DHC 40.1 prepro and Emotiva UPA-7 amp to drive the Cascades. I have the model 15 sub as well - and an Elemental Designs A5-350 for movies. I use both for movies but the 15 alone for music. Sound quality for music is excellent with the 15. At $320 it was (almost) a steal! And it was brand new. I see no reason to turn the M&K subs on any more.

Why do you think that the 15 never became popular? There does not seem to be much written about it.
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post #53 of 154
8/14/10 at 7:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fookoo_2010 View Post

Why do you think that the 15 never became popular? There does not seem to be much written about it.

Performance/dollar (MSRP) is lousy.
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post #54 of 154
8/14/10 at 8:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Looneybomber View Post

Performance/dollar (MSRP) is lousy.

But not for < $400.
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post #55 of 154
8/14/10 at 12:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fookoo_2010 View Post

But not for < $400.

But 400 is far from it's 1500 MSRP.
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post #56 of 154
8/14/10 at 12:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Looneybomber View Post

But 400 is far from it's 1500 MSRP.

These are deflationary times and sometimes one can pick up some incredible bargains that almost cannot be passed up. Aside from MSRP (few pay that anyway), the only drawback that I could see would be that it only goes down to 30hz. There have been some incredible buys for Infinity Cascades for those lucky enough to take advantage of them.
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post #57 of 154
8/14/10 at 10:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Looneybomber View Post

But 400 is far from it's 1500 MSRP.

I'd never have bought the Model 15 for anywhere near MSRP. I got it for $320 shipped. One of the lowest priced 15s on ebay to sell. If I didn't already have a good HT sub I would have bought something else - the 30hz is a big limit - and it drops off fast after that. I can't even get a test tome out of it at 26hz and below - nothing. Must be a subsonic filter built in.

Anyone looking for a sub that kicks ass for music should seriously consider one if they can find it for under $400. It's better for music than my eD A5-350 - by a goodly margin.
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post #58 of 154
9/22/10 at 6:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by secstate View Post

I am still running my Interludes. I got them back in 2002 or thereabouts from Ubid back when they were clearing them out. I have two IL50s front mains, an IL36c center, and IL30 rears. I am in the market for two more bookshelf speakers to go to a 7.1 setup and will probably pickup a Beta or Classia pair of bookshelf speakers since they seem a good match. All the IL10s that I can find still seem to go high and their size makes them a bit harder for me to use. I also have an MFW-15 sub to assist the 10" subs in the IL50s. I love my Interludes, they may not be the best but they bring a smile to my face every time I use them (really).

The only problem I have is one of the subs went out on my IL50s. Turned out to be a bad resistor and a few dollars later (a few cents for the resistor and a few dollars for shipping) I was back up and running.

I'm sitting on a pair of IL40's (front), an IL26c (weakest part of the system, center) a pair of IL30's (closet, but used to be rears), and an IL120 Sub. Still love the way they sound. Using the three fronts in my bedroom now and I find myself wishing I could use them in my home theatre. My home theatre uses satellite sized fronts and I really miss the fullness from the front stage of the IL40's. There's just not room to get them up there. The IL120 might not get as low as modern subs, but it can still shake your chest. Great speakers.
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post #59 of 154
9/22/10 at 7:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JackOften View Post

I'm sitting on a pair of IL40's (front), an IL26c (weakest part of the system, center) a pair of IL30's (closet, but used to be rears), and an IL120 Sub. Still love the way they sound. Using the three fronts in my bedroom now and I find myself wishing I could use them in my home theatre. My home theatre uses satellite sized fronts and I really miss the fullness from the front stage of the IL40's. There's just not room to get them up there. The IL120 might not get as low as modern subs, but it can still shake your chest. Great speakers.

I have IL40s too. Wonderful sounding speakers! Simply some of the best speakers made. I moved the Cascades back out of the HT setup and have moved the IL40s back in. Got tired of not having full range speakers for music. The Cascade Three Vs are in the bedroom now - and I'm waiting on an IL36c to show up that I bought off ebay last week. I think I'm done experimenting with speakers - the Interludes are too good to stick in the bedroom IMO. I had them there for quite a while. No longer.
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post #60 of 154
9/29/10 at 4:54pm
Great to hear the Interludes getting their due!

As you can tell by my signature line I have the full compliment...

Pair IL60s for fronts (shown);
Single IL36C for center;
Pair IL50s for rears (shown);
Pair IL10s for the rear surrounds

I LOVE my Interludes!

As a matter of fact they just came back about two weeks ago from being completely "checked out".

They are in mint condition and now have a 100% excellent bill of health, lol.



I just purchased a brand new pair of Infinity Prelude Forty speakers today and they should be here next week! (shown)
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