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$300 dollars to spend on speakers(HK 3490 driven) - Page 2

post #31 of 58
1/4/12 at 2:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post

Wasn't that thread mainly debating about tje mk1 and mk2 ? Lol

No it wasn't...

I personally still feel I brought up a valid point and since they were testing budget speakers it would have been interesting to hear from the testers if they feel the Mk2's have improved on their faults listed in the review of the Mk1's (HSU still uses reviews of their Mk1's to sell the MK2's but ignores that one less favorable review, red flag to me. What do they have to hide?) and then we can fully put that review to rest.
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post #32 of 58
1/4/12 at 2:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by crazyrob425 View Post

No it wasn't...

I personally still feel I brought up a valid point and since they were testing budget speakers it would have been interesting to hear from the testers if they feel the Mk2's have improved on their faults listed in the review of the Mk1's (HSU still uses reviews of their Mk1's to sell the MK2's but ignores that one less favorable review, red flag to me. What do they have to hide?) and then we can fully put that review to rest.

Haha I was just teasing you. Great thread to read though
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post #33 of 58
1/4/12 at 3:14pm
Got these on newegg yesterday for 130 shipped, LOVING THE HELL OUT OF THEM..

wait for the deals my freind

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...t-_-82-269-036
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post #34 of 58
1/4/12 at 3:49pm
I've never heard Behringer 2031P before, but people with much speaker building experience think they are terrific - their measurements are impressive. The only factor stopping me from getting them right now are my 2 young kids. The Behringers don't have grills, and I know kids won't be able to resist the urge
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post #35 of 58
1/4/12 at 5:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by peck1234 View Post

Got these on newegg yesterday for 130 shipped, LOVING THE HELL OUT OF THEM..

wait for the deals my freind

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...t-_-82-269-036

That's a Jamo s426 speaker rebadged as the Energy EF-500. If you have a Fry's nearby you can get the Jamo version for $99/pr or the 5.0 setup for $150 when on sale.
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post #36 of 58
1/4/12 at 6:08pm
Thread Starter 
Well, it seems that no matter what choice I go with, I'll be happy sound wise.

So that leaves aesthetics.

Imo, the RC-10's look the best, and they can be had for $270.

So I'm going to go with the RC-10's. I believe they will be a killer setup with my Harman Kardon 3490.

Thanks for all the help guys, and I hope to report my thoughts.

Connor
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post #37 of 58
1/4/12 at 6:34pm
I'd definitely look at ascend acoustics and their 'lower end' speakers. Ascendacoustics.com

I own the Sierra-1, their top of the like bookshelf, as well as two f the HTM-200s which are these end. Those are my surrounds. They are great. Actually got them barely used in eBay for $150. I think you can find a used pair of the step up- forget the model- for $300...
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post #38 of 58
1/4/12 at 6:58pm
Why hasn't anyone recommended the SVS bookshelves. Wait I just did

Check them out at svsound.

Sbs-02. - 249$
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post #39 of 58
1/4/12 at 10:26pm
Thread Starter 
Alright, instead of starting a whole new thread, i'm just going to post some more questions ITT.

First off, speaker wire and banana plugs.

I'm thinking 12AWG speaker wire from Monoprice and banana plugs from GLS Audio.

Is this sufficient?



Oh... and i'm going with the RC-10's.
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post #40 of 58
1/4/12 at 10:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanatorx View Post

Alright, instead of starting a whole new thread, i'm just going to post some more questions ITT.

First off, speaker wire and banana plugs.

I'm thinking 12AWG speaker wire from Monoprice and banana plugs from GLS Audio.

Is this sufficient?

Oh... and i'm going with the RC-10's.

Wiring is about right, that's what energy recommends. As for bananna plugs...never really used em as I am a believer in the normal clamp design. Ill let others chime in on that
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post #41 of 58
1/4/12 at 10:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pokekevin View Post

Wiring is about right, that's what energy recommends. As for bananna plugs...never really used em as I am a believer in the normal clamp design. Ill let others chime in on that

Regarding banana plugs, I realize there is not added sound quality benefit.

The convenience interests me.
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post #42 of 58
1/5/12 at 8:36am
Also consider the Wharfedale Evo2-8 for $300.
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post #43 of 58
1/5/12 at 8:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanatorx View Post

Regarding banana plugs, I realize there is not added sound quality benefit.

The convenience interests me.

All it is in a convenience but I recommend banana plugs because to plug in the back of the receiver and speakers than bare wire. And if you unplug or move around your speakers often it really saves time.

You really don't need 12ga speaker wire but if you like thicker wire it will be fine. I use 14ga on my RC-10s.
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post #44 of 58
1/5/12 at 8:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by alphaiii View Post

Also consider the Wharfedale Evo2-8 for $300.


And the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s if he adds a little more to the pot (~$350). Amazing speakers for the money and very highly regarded.
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post #45 of 58
1/5/12 at 9:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ClarkeBar View Post

And the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s if he adds a little more to the pot (~$350). Amazing speakers for the money and very highly regarded.

The Evo2 is a higher end series in Wharfedale's lineup... Prices are low because they're discontinued and the remaining stock is being cleared out. Retail price for the Evo2-8 is $800, although that is pretty inflated since street price has been alot lower for quite awhile.

That said, the Diamond 10.1 has impressed several reviewers, and is certainly an option too...

The folks at Music Direct seem to favor the Evo2 line over the Diamond 10... but others may disagree. I haven't heard the Diamond 10.1, and only heard the Evo2-8 briefly, so I can't comment on how they compare.
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post #46 of 58
1/5/12 at 9:34am
I would recommend 14-16 Guage wire. Seriously. I ran my whole Dedicated HT with 14 IIRC, with Long Runs to the speakers 25+ feet.

You may want to seriously consider this as you might have a hard time using 12 AWG with the banana plugs. (I also used banana plugs). Trust me.
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post #47 of 58
1/5/12 at 10:09am
Thread Starter 
The banana plugs I'm looking at go up to 10 gauge wire.

I see no harm in getting 12 gauge.

Question about banana plugs though. I am stuck between two types that GLS audio offers, their pics are below.

"Wave flex":





Regular banana plug:





They are the same price, but they say the "wave" ones are better. Is there any science to this, or is it just marketing?
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post #48 of 58
1/5/12 at 1:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alphaiii View Post

The Evo2 is a higher end series in Wharfedale's lineup... Prices are low because they're discontinued and the remaining stock is being cleared out. Retail price for the Evo2-8 is $800, although that is pretty inflated since street price has been alot lower for quite awhile.

That said, the Diamond 10.1 has impressed several reviewers, and is certainly an option too...

The folks at Music Direct seem to favor the Evo2 line over the Diamond 10... but others may disagree. I haven't heard the Diamond 10.1, and only heard the Evo2-8 briefly, so I can't comment on how they compare.

Without a doubt the Evos are a higher series and I'm sure they are quite a buy if the OP can get them anywhere near his stated budget.

I know all about the benefits of grabbing Wharfies on closeout. Back in 2002, the Emerald 97s towers were on closeout and I grabbed two pair in Walnut and still own them, one pair still my main system FL-FR. I love those speakers so much I'd probably only trade them out for something like the PSB Synchrony Ones. At their asking price though, that ain't gonna happen anytime soon.
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post #49 of 58
1/5/12 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanatorx View Post

The banana plugs I'm looking at go up to 10 gauge wire.

I see no harm in getting 12 gauge.

Question about banana plugs though. I am stuck between two types that GLS audio offers, their pics are below.

"Wave flex":





Regular banana plug:





They are the same price, but they say the "wave" ones are better. Is there any science to this, or is it just marketing?

I've got both style plugs that are Nakamichi branded. They all work as well as any other brand I've purchased. Go with whichever one appeals to you the most.
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post #50 of 58
1/5/12 at 2:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shadyJ View Post

I have run some Hsu HB-1s and some Behringer 2031p monitors with the HK 3490, both were terrific. If you aren't going to use a subwoofer, either are ideal since they both have pretty good bass for bookshelf speakers, we are talking very good output down to 60 hz. I think the Behringers were a bit more detailed, but if you wanted to run the speakers at louder volumes, I think I would trust the Hsu speakers more, since I have blasted them so hard, and they have rocked high volumes like a champ. Also, they can run with any receiver which furthers their usefulness, whereas the 4 ohm Behringers would work with the HK 3490, but I wouldn't run that load on any entry or mid level receiver. Still, I think you would be very pleased with either speaker.

+1 for the hsus. Excellent speakers, great imaging and bass that hsu is known for.
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post #51 of 58
1/5/12 at 3:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt View Post

I've got both style plugs that are Nakamichi branded. They all work as well as any other brand I've purchased. Go with whichever one appeals to you the most.

Alright, sounds good.

Do I have this forums approval to pick up some 12 gauge Monoprice speaker wire too?
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post #52 of 58
1/5/12 at 4:33pm
yeah, it's good wire!
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post #53 of 58
1/6/12 at 12:38pm
Thread Starter 
Looks like my HK 3490 will be here to today somehow.

What are peoples thoughts on bi-wiring? Is there any increase in sound quality?

I'm trying to determine if I should bi-wire my RTi4's, and later, the RC-10's.
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post #54 of 58
1/6/12 at 1:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by shermanatorx View Post

Looks like my HK 3490 will be here to today somehow.

What are peoples thoughts on bi-wiring? Is there any increase in sound quality?

I'm trying to determine if I should bi-wire my RTi4's, and later, the RC-10's.

If you do it, do so for fun, not because you expect anything. The benefits of bi-wiring are highly debatable.
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post #55 of 58
1/6/12 at 2:56pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

If you do it, do so for fun, not because you expect anything. The benefits of bi-wiring are highly debatable.

Well, I figure it's a better connection than the terminal connectors on the speakers...right?
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post #56 of 58
1/6/12 at 5:12pm
Thread Starter 
How would I bi-wire with the 3490? As in, what connections would go where(receiver to speaker terminals)?

Here is a pic of the back:

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post #57 of 58
1/6/12 at 5:13pm
There is no point bi-wiring. Just connect them normally.

Here is a 10 foot pair for $300 if you really feel like wasting your money.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-BNUAXmE...foot-pair.html

or some for $77
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Legend-Audio...item1e69f17f10
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post #58 of 58
1/6/12 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

The Behringer B2030P did very well in this Audioholics budget speaker shootout: "Performed well in a large room . . ." The bigger model, the Behringer TRUTH B2031P, falls within your budget, has an 8 3/4" driver, and is 150 watts at 4 ohms. They have slot ports in front, so you can hang them right up against a wall. Might be worth adding them to your list with the HB-1s.

I bought the Yamaha NS-6490 based on that shootout. For $120 I'm quite amazed. They have good bass (sealed 8" woofer) and good mids - highs get a bit bright if you turn it up. I use them for 'put me to sleep' music. I have much more expensive speakers that sound better - but not by that much!
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