What towers should I buy? - Page 2

The main thing with the A9 that most people don't realise is that it is only a half bsc design, that means those huge 20" deep cabinets actually need to be pushed back against the wall for proper balance.

I would test the waters, because nothing is guaranteed > there are some nice
speakers out there, for your budget.
Edited by zieglj01 - 9/5/12 at 6:07pm

I would take KEF, Revel, B&W, Dynaudio, & Focal over Polk.

How do the EMP e55ti's rank against the above? I wish someone could get an RTA on them AT LEAST! Why these companies don't publish FR graphs at the very least is beyond me

I'm looking for something that won't break the bank and a step up from my Energy C-500's.

Well, I liked the RBH Signature T2 speakers a lot; they can hang with any of the big companies. RBH makes EMP, but I've never heard EMP.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/emptek-e55ti/e55ti-measurements

Here's the A9 for comparison

http://www.hometheater.com/content/polk-rti-a9-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures

(note the shelf at 500hz of 3 db, making this a half bsc design)
Edited by Jay1 - 9/6/12 at 10:55am

You should try a set of M80/M60v3's from Axiom. You get a 30 day audition period and if you don't like them they'll take them back no questions asked. I just got my M80v3's and they sound/look great bi-amped on a Denon AVR-4311CI. This month I get my Audiocontrol Savoy G3 amp and will be upping the power immensely (140rms/ch > 400rms/ch).

I sold all my Axiom speakers and replaced them with the cheaper Arx speakers, couldn't be happier. The Arx are head and shoulders better than the compariable Axiom models IMO. The Axiom M80s have really bad impedance dips that can over heat and shut down cheaper mid level/low level receivers. IMO there much better options for the price than Axioms.

Of course you shouldn't run a 4ohm driver on an amp not capable of that load, but I've heard just the opposite from ppl on this fourm that the M80's are quite stable and linear @4ohms so a good receiver shouldn't have issues even if they aren't 4ohm rated like lots of Onkyo stuff. I'm far from brand loyal though so use whatever works for you! Speakers are so subjective.

Would you mind elaborating on this? I googled it but still aren't quite sure I understand the concept. Also, when you say "proper balance" I assume you mean tonaly. If I'm wrong please correct me. Thanks!

Read this for a basic explanation of BSC

http://www.salksound.com/wp/?p=42

Polk assumed most people who buy these speakers would shove them up against a wall since they're huge, so they didn't fully compensate for the baffle step loss. Proper balance means that 3db shelf at 500hz will be filled in to an equal level with the mid/treble above. People like to say these speakers are bright, but in actuality it's excess energy at 1-2khz compared to below 500hz. If they are backed up against the wall there wont be an issue.

Not to get off the subject of the OP but the point is that a speaker designer should not design a speaker with such a wild impedance swings. I think the Axiom M80 was tested and there was a very low 2.8ohm dip in the freq range.

Which version? Where is the test? As I said I've heard just the opposite. My 4311CI doesn't even get warm, and my Onkyo HT-510 which is pretty low got quite warm but never went into protection. When I get my iaudiointerface 2 I can do some measurements, but that won't be for awhile.

thanks!

Some others to audition would be the Bowers and Wilkins 683's and 684's (Staying in your budget). If you want to go up a step, audition the CM5's. Their small size might make them seem lacking next to a great quality build of floorstanding speakers, but I assure you, they are quite capable.

Klipsch rf-82. Their sound is perfect.

This. Definitely worth a look.

Yes Arx A5 all the way but I think the OP decided on the Polks. Just got my A5s today definitely deserve a look if anyones in the market for towers.

Well they are fantastic speakers. I've had some Arx bookshelfs for about a year and some of the A2 LCR large monitor speakers and they've been great. FedEx just dropped off the A5s yesterday and they just blow me away. They are not cheaply made, solid solid solid they are a very slim and compact tower but weight as much at the Polk RTi A7 tower which is much larger over all than the Arx tower. The Polk is 2+inches taller, 8" deeper, and almost 2in wider but yet it weight the same as the Arx A5 55lbs. Vinyl finish is similar to Boston Acoustics, Axiom, EMP, Polk, entry level vinyls Black ash. No cheap stamped baskets either, solid cast alloy XBL2 woofers, Midrange and the face plate on the tweeter is all solid cast alloy with a slight texture to it.

I was leary of going with Arx too. Had Axiom Audio system that cost much more than the Arx system and it turned out to be the best audio decision i've made yet. Sold all the Axioms for way less than I paid for them.

So far the shiny looking base that comes with the A5 tower isn't as noticeably different in person as it looks in the pictures.
Edited by gtpsuper24 - 9/19/12 at 12:13pm

You should be wary of every SPEAKER you've never heard before, regardless of brand. Good luck on your search.

If you were in the Central Florida area, I'd have you over for a listen.

The finish is plain. The drivers and crossover are outstanding.

I was comparing the Polk RTi A7 to the Arx A5, the Polk is bigger than the A5 but still weights the same so Polk is hardly a well made no comprimse speakers. If you've listened to the Polk and like them go for it. But if you haven't heard the Polk and have only heard OF them, then that doesn't make your purchase any safer than going with Arx or another ID brand that doesn't spend huge dollars to advertise every where. Polk is also sold in stores so it gets more exposure than the ID brands but that doesn't make them sound any better. If we're going with recognizable brands are a safer bet than Bose is probably the safest bet you can do. Everyone has heard of them but that doesn't make them any good.

I understand. However, that pretty much blows my next suggestion that has a superior finish, the EMP E55ti's. They are ID as well. If finish is a concern, they are a VERY high value speaker.