Boston Acoustics Owners Thread - Page 60

That would be awesome if live in the US, but im from Argentina, so here, Boston Acoustic isnt that easy to buy. At least not that easy as Jamo, Klipsch, etc....

For now, those are the choises...

One thing im not quite sure about the Boston CS23 is that the frecuency gos from 120hz to 20khz, while the other ones goes from 70/80hz to 20khz

Quick, albeit slightly unorthodox question.

I am currently running the following setup:

2x Boston VR40 Towers as mains
Boston VR10 as center
2x Boston VRS Pro as wall mount dipolar surrounds
No subwoofer (relatively small room and the VR40s get low enough)
Yamaha RX-V663 Receiver/Amp
Mitsubishi HC-1500 720p projector and 100" drop down screen

I use 16g wire for all speakers and banana plugs on both ends whenever possible. I have had the VR-40s bi-amped (the V663 can use the 7.1 plugs to bi-amp mains), but they are not at present. Sources range from broadcast HDTV, PS3 (games, Blu-Ray, and downloaded media), iPod (2 channel line out), and my desktop PC (HDMI PCM output).

Overall, I have been very satisfied with this setup. However, the VR-10 center is somewhat underpowered compared to my VR-40 mains. For this reason, I am considering upgrading my center. I am torn between two options and would appreciate some advice:

Option 1:
Replace the VR-10 with a VR-12 or VR-14
This would give me a dedicated and purpose built center that is a great match for the VR-40s. My parents have a VR-12 (it's what prompted me to assemble this set of older Bostons last year) and I am immensely impressed by its quality. This would seem to be the most natural option. Note, I would also likely need a stand or table to bring the VR-12/14 up to the appropriate height.

Option 2:
Source a spare set of VR-40 mains. Retire the most worn of the four to a closet and set up a matched set of VR-40s for the front soundstage (L, C, R) with VRS Pro for surround support. Because I use a front projection setup the height of a VR-40 for a center should not be a problem, although it may look slightly odd.

Is there any reason NOT to use a VR-40 as a center (i.e. is the VR-12 or VR-14 better optimized for dialogue than the VR-40)?

If I do use three VR-40s for the front stage, should I bi-amp the left and right speaker (I don't have the ability to bi-amp all three)? Would this cause the speakers to be unbalanced (I would run an auto level optimizer mic to set the dB levels)? Note that I tend to run broadcast HDTV in Pro Logic (ATSC receiver lacks digital audio output), PS3 in either 5.1 LPCM or ProLogic depending on source, iPod and other music in 2 channel (L/R VR-40 only), and PC in 5.1 or 2.0 LPCM depending on source.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated (the auction I found for a pair of VR-40s closes Sunday).

Go with the vr12 for a center. Had mad mine for close to 12 years and it handles everything. I have vr970 towers as wells as 2x vrs pros paired with it.

There is a new Refurbished section on the Boston Acoustics Site. It is different from the regular Outlet section. Finally snagged a Boston E50 that I needed for center duty, which was the last one. FINALLY!

Hello, I am a new member of the Boston Acoustics family. Bought a pair of the CS226, CS225C center and am now debating on the surrounds. Would I be OK with a pair of the CS23's, or should I go with the CS26's? Acoustech H100 also on the way. Thanks in advance.

If you have room for the CS26's then why not go for those? They aren't that much more expensive.

Glad to find this thread!

I am a BA owner as well. After getting used to some VR960s I realized I wanted to continue listening to this great 'old school' sound. After searching for a few weeks I have landed:

Fronts: VR975
Center: VR12

I am bidding on a pair of Bravos for surround. A Onkyo TX-NR808 has been ordered to replace an ancient Sony receiver we are currently using. The 975s had blown woofers when I bought them, but were replaced with a surround kit and sound *fantastic*.

All I have to say about Boston Acoustics is: WOW. The sound delivered from their speakers always put a smile to my face.


Is there a major difference between Bravos and Bravo IIs?

Hello,
I'm contemplating purchasing an older 70's/80's Boston Acoustics model speakers, they measure 21" wide by 38" tall, but I don't see a model anywhere...anyone have a guess what these are?

thank...

Rick

The friendly folks over at AudioKarma should be able to help you with this.

I'm looking on setting up a nice music listening set. How good are the E100s for music (classic rock and classical music) listening? What kind of amp (power wise) would I need to drive these? Is $3500 (including bases) a decent price for NIB set?

Also, on the same topic, how do the E100s compare to the new VS336? Which would you get and why?

Thanks for reading.

Hiya,

First, my apologies for a long post. Lots of variables, and I am seeking to give the many knowing folks on this forum something to work with.

Contemplating buying speakers locally to provide frontstage in Living Rm/theater. I've been using Paradigm Atoms (v.3) and CC-170 as 3.1 system and am looking for a new FL/FR plus probably center to improve system to 5.1. Atoms will go to LS/RS. Need some reasoned opinion and advice.

Using a Yamaha rx-v765,(95wpc 20hz-20Khz) which does very nicely with Paradigms, as did predecessor rx-v450, are there certain brands/models of speaker that tend to sound "better" with Yamaha than others? I have run across many mentions that Yamaha receivers sound "warm" and thus pair well with "bright" speakers. Other receivers are characterized using different terms, and pair better with different speakers. Speaker voices or, just voices in our heads? Is there anything to this? Or, is it all just hoo-ha?

I am considering a local source for a pair of Boston Acoustics VR-3's and the VR-Center. Money seems to be about right, but I have never heard the speakers, only read reviews of them against Paradigm Studio 20's, and Ascend units. Reputedly, the VR's did some very nice things for depth and discrimination of soundstage. So, I am thinking about this. Boston VR-3 Frontstage, Paradigm atoms for surrounds, little old PDR-10 as subwoofer in corner behind Piano. At least for now. Other option is pair of Paradigm Studio 40's v.2. I am open to suggestions.

Room is hardwood floors, minimal furnishings. 16' x 24'wide. Seating is @10 ft from screen/fronts. Soundstage is centered about 10' from north end of room width, leaving @15' of "other" space in room south of viewing/sound area. Rt Surround will be approx 7' from this southern wall. Lt Surround will be 1.5 ft from northern most wall. 22ft ceiling above screen, slopes down to 9ft high behind viewing seats. Cellular window coverings on wall behind viewing seating, and covering most of that 24ft wall (width as stated above).

Any thoughts on this kind of a frontstage/surround set-up in this kind of environment? Any better ideas than I have had so far? (shouldn't be hard!) What am I missing in my considerations?

I am paying attention, and looking forward to hearing from you.

Mike

I just retired my VR3s. I loved them but my room was just too small for them. VR3s are long discontinued and anybody selling them better be discounting the heck out of them. For a reference you can check prices from OneCall.

In a lively room like that I'd place the VR3s on some sort of isolation pad to get it off off the floor. You could use Auralex SpeakerDudes or some cork vibration pads from supersoundproofing. You want them at least 2 feet from the front wall to give that port room to work. You'll also want to snag a VRC center while you still can. The VR3s are super easy to drive and sound great but with minimal furnishings and a hardwood floor you may want to consider acoustic treatments sometime in the future.

Thanks for the response "sholling"

Private party sale. Again, L + R, + VR center. Less than 5 large. I understand the VR3's are about vintage 2006/7.

The isolation issue. Hardwood engineered floor is free-floating on "bubble"pad on two layers of 3/4" plywood secured to standing 2x4's over concrete on ground floor. I was thinking of using 3/8 felt pads under speakers. It sounds as though you think that might not do it. I'll look into specialized isolation pads, bearing in mind the WAF!! The pictures I've seen are pretty nice with the VR3's in cherry. Wife's floors are rosewood.

sholling, any thoughts on the posited "warm/bright" thing? I have tried klipsch with our yamahas, (in 2004 and in 2010) and didn't like it either time. Boston's might play better with our receiver? Characteristics a little more like conventional design Paradigms? Your thinking please.

Mike K

I bought mine on clearance in mid 2006. $500 sounds about right to maybe a tad high. I tried to get that for mine on Craigslist and eventually gave up. But the economy is really depressed around here and I'm a long drive from most buyers.


Mine are cherry and are gorgeous. The fit and finish on the black ones that I demoed at Magnolia was just plain poor. I'm not sure how stable towers will be on SpeakerDudes or a pair pf MoPads but they don't look bad at all. The rubber and cork anti-vibration pads from supersoundproofing won't decouple as well but should be stable and look okay if you paint the edges black. I have carpet and it's been years since I've had speakers on bare hardwood. Maybe spikes and disks? I've never tried them on hardwood.


The receiver doesn't matter - Klipsch are just bright speakers. They can be very detailed but they can be fatiguing as heck to. Very much a love them or hate them speaker.

The VR3s are warmer with a rich sound to them and very good imaging. Easy to listen to for hours. I haven't been able to enjoy mine for a few years because they need a bit of room and my family room is way too constricted for rear ported speakers. I suggest at least 2' to their rear and at least 2-3' to the side walls. Otherwise I'd still be using them. But for me it was cheaper to order custom speakers than it was to remodel my house.

Just keep in mind that with any speaker a room like that can be challenging. Treatments can help and can be made reasonably attractive. The photo below is the back wall of my family room. Sorry about the censorship but I'm not sure about forum rules.

Steve

sholling,

Thanks again for the input. I've much to consider here.

Clearance will become an issue for me. I can approach the 2' from front wall behind speakers, the 2-3' from sides is the kicker. I can generate some clearance (1-2') on one side of each speaker, but not more than @4" on other side of each. They will be close to standing decorative shelving unit, typical IKEA thing on inner or outer side as I choose. Current shelf units are also used for bookshelf paradigms. Frame 65" TV and entertainment stand/cabinet.

'Gonna have to give this more thought apparently. I don't want to get nice speakers that can't be set-up properly in the dedicated space. Well, they could be set-up right, but in process it'd lose the WAF! Can we say "Disaster"?

Thanks.

Mike K

Anyone?

It seems like almost no one owns the VS series speakers. I'd like to hear some comments regarding these speakers.

Hi all , fairly new on here , but been enjoying the same, all Boston setup for 7 years now ..

VR M80 X2 - mains
VRC - centre
VR M50 X2 - surrounds L&R
Micro80 X2 surrounds rear
SUBS ( PV900 & Micro 90 pv2 )

AVR - Yamaha RX V1400
My room is 22 X 14 X 10
70 % movies /TV , 30 % music

i've listened to some of newer Bostons and didnt like them as much so QUITE HAPPY to stay with same speakers . BUT its time to upgrade the AVR so I was wondering which of the newer models might work well with these speakers . I'm quite keen on the Pioneer Elite SC 35/37 ,but will wait till I can get a chance to hear some of the other brands new models ..
Any ideas and opinions ...

The thing to keep in mind is Boston doesn't really make huge changes in driver technology and voicing over time, so if you follow the same tier of driver complement from line to line, the main differences (imho) are more in cab design and styling which has varied greatly in the past few years trying to hit on the current trends.

To simplify things there is typically an entry level and high end classic enclosure size lineup and a small enclosure line for wall mounting at any given time.

Since the old models are often sold at huge reductions off MSRP, an experienced BA buyer will not be in a big hurry to jump on a new model line, and quite frankly, my .02 is that Bostons are overpriced at launch prices.

They can be great speakers, but like anything else you have to get them at the right price, and their pricing does tend to swing quite a lot. All brands do this but some tend to be more stable while some vary wildly (KEF does this too).

Before Upgrade
--------------
VR975 - fronts
VR912 - center
CR6 - rears
AVR - Yamaha 2092 (1999 vintage)

After Upgrade
-------------
VR975 - fronts
VR912 - center
VR940 - rears (found used)
AVR - Denon 3310

85% music 15% movies

Hey vic1970 I totally agree. The older Bostons are fine speakers. Regarding your question about a good AVR upgrade. I just went through this and can't speak to the Pioneer Elite sc 35/37 but I can speak to the Denon 3310. Basically talking to people and reading landed me on the Denon 3310. I am amazed how good my old Bostons sound with the new Denon. The Audessy EQ works great, tons of useful features. Take a spin through BatPig's site for details. Upgrading the rears to the VR940 with the same tweeter as the others was a big improvement. Allowed me to go to "large" setting on rears and the "5 channel stereo" mode on the Denon is fantastic for listening to music. For movies I'm also very happy but of less importance to me.

To sum up. Denon and BA are a geat match. (In any case get an AVR with "5 channel stereo" mode.) I stongly encourage you to go for the AVR upgrade as it will make a huge diffence and you won't regret it. Take your time and learn all the different setting so you know how they all work.(I didn't do that with my last AVR and could have got way more out of it)

I almost replaced my Bostons as step one in my upgrade path and I am really, really glad I didn't. These Bostons have never sounded so good and have many more happy listening years left in them.

I also run a Denon receiver with my BA's (CR95/CRC7/CR57) and agree - the "5 channel stereo" mode is great for music!!

Has anyone compared VR12 vs VR14?

Personally, the VR12 and VR14 sound boxy to me. So too the VR10 but not as much. There isn't much of a tonal difference between the three. However, the VR910 and VR920(which I have now) sound revealing. I refrain from using the term bright because they are not fatiguing. I can listen to them all day especially with music. I was shocked when it perfectly matched my VR3s and VRMX surrounds. The front soundstage is seamless. I think it has to do with the 920 crossover being so similar to the VRC(tinny sound). What are you mating them with?

I am currently running Vr3 mains with a vr10 center. Last week a vr12 and 2 vr14's popped up on craigslist for a total of about $200. Picked them up but I am having trouble hearing much of a difference or better yet deciding which one I like better. I really don't know what to listen for. My ears are not trained yet for it. I did notice the vr12 being a lot louder than my vr10. Other than that they seem to be just BIGGER. I was hoping someone can give me some ideas of what to listen for between the vr12 and vr14's.

Whatever you decide I would keep one of the VR14's. VR12's are rare and VR14's in good shape are extremely rare. You could sell off one of the VR14's and be all set.

Is anyone interested in a vr14?

I might be interested in your Vr14 center, how much you selling for?

Hello, I have five micro 100x speakers for home theater that I purchased back in 2003. These speakers were also part of the "System 10K" if that rings any bells. I am looking to purchase some wall mounts for these speakers and would like some input from the forum. Anyone know of these speakers and a suitable mount they can recomend?

Thanks, Garth

I was curious to see if many of you still have your VR3? If yes, what receiver or amp are you using to drive them? How are they with Home Theater & Jazz Classical Music? I am 60/40 Home Theater/Music. Do they acurrately reproduce the music? Are they boomy? I am also considering the Aperion Intimus Series and Paradigm Studio. Have any of you compared the VR3 to them? It appears the VR3 are heavily discounted and seem like a great deal.

Thanks

VR3s are very good speakers for the price. I'd describe them as perhaps a bit warm. Very pleasant to listen to for hours at a time. The only thing in their price class ($1k/pr at the time) that I had the chance to A/B them with was similarly priced DefTech and I preferred the Bostons. I only retired mine because after I moved I found that the big rear ported towers just didn't work as well in my much narrower family room.

One very nice thing about the VR3s is they are super easy to drive. On the other hand the matching VRX surrounds are rare as hen's teeth even on the used market and priced accordingly - when you can find any. Of course you could use something else for a surround.