AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › PSB Speakers Owners thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

PSB Speakers Owners thread - Page 115

post #3421 of 4588
9/11/11 at 5:36pm
1st time poster, long time lurker...My System:

front l/r - PSB Platinium T6 Tower Speakers
Center - Axiom VP180
surrounds - Paradigm Atoms or whatever the little ones are called..Titans?
subwoofer - Paradigm Active Servo 15"

Electronics:
Pre-amp - Integra 9.8
Main Amp - NAD 218 THX
Front/Rear Amp - Rotel
DVD Player - Oppo BDP-93 with 2TB LaCie eSata hard disk with Flac audio files

Room is small. Before I bought the T6's i had Stratus Gold's and before that i had the Silver's. I like the T6's for 'critical' listening as voices, piano, acoustic guitar etc all sound very realistic. I am very happy with the Axiom center channel and it integrates flawlessly with the T6's (after some minor adjustments). Future plans are to replace the small paradigm rears with the Axiom Q series and the nad/rotel amps with a 5 channel D-Sonic amp.

I have a system connected to the macbook that has Edirol ma-7a powered monitors and a PSB alpha sub zero and it rocks for near-field listening. It used to have the KRK2 powered monitors but they were just too much overkill for 2-3 feet away. IMHO active monitors have a much 'punchier' sound...less accurate perhaps but more involving for electronic music...
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #3422 of 4588
9/11/11 at 6:49pm
Hello to all,
I am considering PSB Image B6's, three of them for my front stage, my room is 14'W X 26'L X 8'H, my setup is along the long wall which opens up to hallway and computer room, so I have no left wall, front wall has no damping and is bare, rear has heavy drapes and carpeting with furniture, I have big boxy mains right now Athena F2's and would like to go with monitors, three identical B6's, I am not a big fan of horizontal MTM centers. I am a 50% music and HT person, I have some (I think good ) front end sources including a vintage Sota Sapphire table with outboard phono pre, PS3 Slim and Panny BD player and rotel CD player, I have never owned PSB nor have I heard them, the mains will be driven with an EMO amp, center and side surrounds with Onkyo 809. I have received an offer to purchase four new cherry B6's because they are not sold separately to use as the front stage, I can keep the extra B6 for awhile and use a pair of Infinity primus 162's that I have and use them for surround duty, if I like the B6's I will purchase two more for a 6.1 system. The B6's will be crossed over to an Epik Legend sub. So that's it guys, want do you think? The quoted price for two new pairs with five year warranty is $798 delivered, I'm relying soley on reviews and your opinions as to purchase or not. Thank you for the time, I look forward to the replies and thanks in advance to all that do.
Best regards, Jeff
Reply
Reply
post #3423 of 4588
9/12/11 at 5:27pm
That's an excellent price for two pairs of B6s!

I'm sure you will enjoy them. My first PSB speakers were Image B5s and I liked their sound so much that my room is now full of nothing but PSB speakers. I have never heard B6s but imagine they would sound even better than my B5s.

And I like your idea of possibly getting another set and expanding to 6.1. That would make an awesome soundfield having 6 identical speakers.

I don't think you can go wrong with the B6s.
Reply
Reply
post #3424 of 4588
9/13/11 at 7:31pm
If any Canadian's in southern Ontario ....GTA area is interested in splitting a pair of (second gen) T65's or T55's for use as centre channel speakers, let me know and we can both look for a pair.
Reply
Reply
post #3425 of 4588
9/16/11 at 11:36pm
Hello, I currently own the PSB Century 800i's (Pair). I've had these for 3 months and am loving these speakers. I know they're not new, but they're in immaculate condition. I auditioned them before I purchased them. I am more and more impressed everytime I hear them. I use them for TV, Blue Ray and Music. I currently have and older receiver as well (Carver HR-752) which can rock these speakers. I'm going to purchase a new receiver and like the Onkyo TX-NR5008/9, but I don't see much about Onkyo here, is there something I need to know about Onkyo that's not being discussed here? From what I've been reading here, I don't think there is anywhere else on the internet to get such straight answers on pairing PSB Speakers with any other equipment. I bought these speakers after reading many, many reviews. If I couldn't buy these used, I wouldn't be able to afford them at all. I feel that if I can get quality used speakers, I would be able to afford the Onkyo TX-NR5008 or TX-NR5009. In that light, I've already purchased (1) PSB Century 200i Center Channel Speaker and a pair of Alpha T Towers to use as Surrounds (haven't received them yet). I'm also looking at a pair of Subsonic 5i's (also used). So what is the feeling here about the Onkyo part? Onkyo has alot of the features I believe I want-Push Pull Output, Internet Radio, Home Network Streaming Audio (including lossless-flac files, not just mp3's), Quality Video Upconverting, Quality DAC's (Burr Brown), etc. At some of the best pricing, the Onkyo would be just affordable to me, Denon's AVR-5308 and AVR-4810 are out of my league. I am beyond happy with the PSB Century 800's and I trust the others will exceed my expectations as well. So what about Onkyo? Thanks in advance for any replies.
Reply
Reply
post #3426 of 4588
9/18/11 at 3:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwi2 View Post

That's an excellent price for two pairs of B6s!

I'm sure you will enjoy them. My first PSB speakers were Image B5s and I liked their sound so much that my room is now full of nothing but PSB speakers. I have never heard B6s but imagine they would sound even better than my B5s.

And I like your idea of possibly getting another set and expanding to 6.1. That would make an awesome soundfield having 6 identical speakers.

I don't think you can go wrong with the B6s.

kiwi, thanks for the reply, I am really confused now, I have two other brands that I can get real good deals on, I realize this is a PSB owner's thread but I have to mention the other two, please do not take offense, I'm serious and realize there is bias here towards PSB, and rightly so. The other speakers are three Ascends Acoustics 340SE's upfront or three Aperion Audio Verus grand monitors as front stage. Thanks to all who chime in here.
Jeff
Reply
Reply
post #3427 of 4588
9/19/11 at 6:31am
I am thinking of the Image B4/5/6 to use in a 2.0 setup with my new Denon 1612 receiver (I know this is an AVR but I could not find a stereo receiver with optical input which is the only audio out my TV has).

Would the B6 be the best choice? I can get a pair for $560+tax

Mainly to be used for music/movies/TV
Reply
Reply
post #3428 of 4588
9/19/11 at 4:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by samsung51p View Post

I am thinking of the Image B4/5/6 to use in a 2.0 setup with my new Denon 1612 receiver (I know this is an AVR but I could not find a stereo receiver with optical input which is the only audio out my TV has).

Would the B6 be the best choice? I can get a pair for $560+tax

Mainly to be used for music/movies/TV

Definitely. I have the older version B25's and they sound geat with music. The smaller B5's are also nice but you'll miss the bass extension that you'll hear from the B6.

Good luck
Reply
Reply
post #3429 of 4588
9/19/11 at 6:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by heatman5 View Post

Hello, I currently own the PSB Century 800i's (Pair). I've had these for 3 months and am loving these speakers. I know they're not new, but they're in immaculate condition. I auditioned them before I purchased them. I am more and more impressed everytime I hear them. I use them for TV, Blue Ray and Music. I currently have and older receiver as well (Carver HR-752) which can rock these speakers. I'm going to purchase a new receiver and like the Onkyo TX-NR5008/9, but I don't see much about Onkyo here, is there something I need to know about Onkyo that's not being discussed here? From what I've been reading here, I don't think there is anywhere else on the internet to get such straight answers on pairing PSB Speakers with any other equipment. I bought these speakers after reading many, many reviews. If I couldn't buy these used, I wouldn't be able to afford them at all. I feel that if I can get quality used speakers, I would be able to afford the Onkyo TX-NR5008 or TX-NR5009. In that light, I've already purchased (1) PSB Century 200i Center Channel Speaker and a pair of Alpha T Towers to use as Surrounds (haven't received them yet). I'm also looking at a pair of Subsonic 5i's (also used). So what is the feeling here about the Onkyo part? Onkyo has alot of the features I believe I want-Push Pull Output, Internet Radio, Home Network Streaming Audio (including lossless-flac files, not just mp3's), Quality Video Upconverting, Quality DAC's (Burr Brown), etc. At some of the best pricing, the Onkyo would be just affordable to me, Denon's AVR-5308 and AVR-4810 are out of my league. I am beyond happy with the PSB Century 800's and I trust the others will exceed my expectations as well. So what about Onkyo? Thanks in advance for any replies.

I have a nr5008 driving 9.1
2 Imagine T
an Imagine Center
and 4 in-wall cw262s (All PSB)
I also have 2-6" in-ceiling surround backs that are not PSB.
oh ya and a PSB sub


Beautiful combination, the Onkyo nr5008 has no trouble driving the Imagines.
Reference is crystal clear.
I also have 2 quiet/low speed computer fans that sit on top of the 5008 to keep its heat down to extend its life.
see the 5008/3008 thread http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1261548

I am happy with the Onkyo
tom
Reply
Reply
post #3430 of 4588
9/19/11 at 7:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tgutwin View Post

I have a nr5008 driving 9.1
2 Imagine T
an Imagine Center
and 4 in-wall cw262s (All PSB)
I also have 2-6" in-ceiling surround backs that are not PSB.
oh ya and a PSB sub


Beautiful combination, the Onkyo nr5008 has no trouble driving the Imagines.
Reference is crystal clear.
I also have 2 quiet/low speed computer fans that sit on top of the 5008 to keep its heat down to extend its life.
see the 5008/3008 thread [url]

I am happy with the Onkyo
tom


tom,

Thanks for the reply. In the next few weeks, I will definitely be doing this (Onkyo TX-NR5008/5009). I'll post my results as well. I have a really good feeling about this. I have a brand new Denon Wired\\Wireless Ipod Dock that I was using for Network Streaming and Internet Radio. The GUI is outdated and it is really buggy. I also had one of Denon's lesser Ipod Docks as well. I thought I was upgrading, but no. I was resetting these things more than once per night. (This was Denon's solution). I don't see the point in releasing these devices that are not ready for Prime Time. Making Customers mad. Do they really think I would spend $ 5000 when the $ 275 devices won't work properly. They told me I'm covered under warranty, but they don't issue RMA's. Just bring it to our Service Center they told me. And when I get there, what proof will I have that they authorized the Repair or Replacement. I would really be better off selling them, but without a Major Software Revision I woulden't do that to the next person. So I guess i have $ 550 worth of paperweights.

John
Reply
Reply
post #3431 of 4588
9/21/11 at 9:28am
I need some advice here, guys. I have the Synchrony One Towers & One Center across the front, and am using Synchrony Two Towers as surrounds.

My listening position is only about 3 feet from the rear wall, so I guess using rear surrounds is out. I would, however, be able to accomodate front height speakers. So I have 2 questions:

1). In your experiences, is it worth it? I listen to music on this system, as well as watch movies and TV.

2). Will the Image B4 be good enough for front heights, or should the Imagine Minis be a better match with my Synchronys?

Thanks for any opinions!
Reply
Reply
post #3432 of 4588
9/21/11 at 9:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TL5 View Post

I need some advice here, guys. I have the Synchrony One Towers & One Center across the front, and am using Synchrony Two Towers as surrounds.

My listening position is only about 3 feet from the rear wall, so I guess using rear surrounds is out. I would, however, be able to accomodate front height speakers. So I have 2 questions:

1). In your experiences, is it worth it? I listen to music on this system, as well as watch movies and TV.

2). Will the Image B4 be good enough for front heights, or should the Imagine Minis be a better match with my Synchronys?

Thanks for any opinions!

People do rear surrounds even when they are jammed right up against the rear wall, three feet might actually get you some pretty realistic effects. The main thing is that you don't want the rears to be localized. If you're not using dipoles you can play with things like putting them behind the rear seating aimed up at the ceiling or on the side wall aimed at the back wall etc. However, I personally don't see the need for 7.1 in a small room, but 5.1 means rear surrounds, not side surrounds so you may want to play around with what you have.

I don't have the equipment to do front height or width so can't help there other than to suggest that if you don't want to pay for more of the Synchrony line I wouldn't step down to the Image line, rather I'd want to go with the Imagine line.
Reply
Reply
post #3433 of 4588
9/21/11 at 10:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by scientest View Post

People do rear surrounds even when they are jammed right up against the rear wall, three feet might actually get you some pretty realistic effects. The main thing is that you don't want the rears to be localized. If you're not using dipoles you can play with things like putting them behind the rear seating aimed up at the ceiling or on the side wall aimed at the back wall etc. However, I personally don't see the need for 7.1 in a small room, but 5.1 means rear surrounds, not side surrounds so you may want to play around with what you have.

I don't have the equipment to do front height or width so can't help there other than to suggest that if you don't want to pay for more of the Synchrony line I wouldn't step down to the Image line, rather I'd want to go with the Imagine line.

Thanks for the reply!

Funny thing - I was actually thinking of putting a pair of PSB all-weather speakers on brackets underneath my windowsill facing up. Would this work well for 7.1? I'm concerned that when I calibrate with Audyessey the mic won't "see" the speakers as they will be below the back of the couch. Think this will be OK?
Reply
Reply
post #3434 of 4588
9/21/11 at 1:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by TL5 View Post

Thanks for the reply!

Funny thing - I was actually thinking of putting a pair of PSB all-weather speakers on brackets underneath my windowsill facing up. Would this work well for 7.1? I'm concerned that when I calibrate with Audyessey the mic won't "see" the speakers as they will be below the back of the couch. Think this will be OK?

That should be ok as you put the Audyessey mic in a bunch of different places to get the right measurements. So just make sure that the mic sits right where your ears will be. The CS1000 Indoor / outdoor speakers are close in performance to the Image B5 Bookshelf speakers. but for your application where mounting is an issue I think they will work great!
Reply
Reply
post #3435 of 4588
9/21/11 at 2:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by firebook23 View Post

That should be ok as you put the Audyessey mic in a bunch of different places to get the right measurements. So just make sure that the mic sits right where your ears will be. The CS1000 Indoor / outdoor speakers are close in performance to the Image B5 Bookshelf speakers. but for your application where mounting is an issue I think they will work great!

Thanks. I was looking at the CS1000. PSB also introduced a smaller version, the CS500, at CEDIA. It uses a smaller woofer (5.25) and the same tweeter.
Reply
Reply
post #3436 of 4588
9/21/11 at 8:12pm
I have a question for all of you. My current speaker setup is as follows:

Front L/R: PSB Alpha C (vertical)
Center: PSB Image C8
Surround L/R: PSB Alpha C (vertical)

I am looking at adding one or two more speakers in either the Rear Center or Surround Back L/R position, respectively, to complete either a 6.1 or a 7.1 setup and I have a few different options.

Option 1: For a 6.1 setup simply add another Alpha C in the Rear Center position and be done.

Option 2: For a 7.1 setup, purchase two more Alpha C (vertical) in the Surround Back L/R position.

Option 3: For another 7.1 setup, just use Alpha B in the Surround Back positions.

Option 4: Final 7.1 setup, I have found a pair of Image 4T for really good price and they still sound great. So I could purchase these and simply move my Front L/R Alpha Cs to the Surround Back positions and use the Image 4Ts at my Front L/R.

What do all of you think?
Reply
Reply
post #3437 of 4588
9/24/11 at 4:30pm
Thread Starter 
@ddjenson

I would go with 2 or 3.
Or sell your front LRC and get image speakers. And keep your set up 5.1.
Reply
Reply
post #3438 of 4588
9/24/11 at 8:53pm
speaker placement diagrams per Dolby

http://www.dolby.com/consumer/setup/...ide/index.html
Reply
Reply
post #3439 of 4588
9/29/11 at 1:47pm
Hello all, its my first post.

I just buy PSB Image B6 (Dark Cherry), No one in Poland never hear about PSB Speakers . Only one shop in Poland can order PSB speakers. I wait 2 months for my speakers.

But i dont have amp for this speakers. I have only 550 $ (400 Euro) for amp.
Is Onkyo TX-NR509 its good choice?. USB in front and Internet Radio, realy turn me on . But I woried about sound quality.
I also think about NAD 316BEE but its with out USB and internet radio. NAD and PSB is the same company so sound quality its perfect.

My question is.... Onkyo TX-NR509 its good choice ? or search something difrent? Denon, HK , Marantz ?

Thx for help.
Reply
Reply
post #3440 of 4588
9/29/11 at 10:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fabiomaster View Post

Hello all, its my first post.

I just buy PSB Image B6 (Dark Cherry), No one in Poland never hear about PSB Speakers . Only one shop in Poland can order PSB speakers. I wait 2 months for my speakers.

But i dont have amp for this speakers. I have only 550 $ (400 Euro) for amp.
Is Onkyo TX-NR509 its good choice?. USB in front and Internet Radio, realy turn me on . But I woried about sound quality.
I also think about NAD 316BEE but its with out USB and internet radio. NAD and PSB is the same company so sound quality its perfect.

My question is.... Onkyo TX-NR509 its good choice ? or search something difrent? Denon, HK , Marantz ?

Thx for help.

Hi Fabiomaster,

First of all, my congratulations on the speakers. B6 are nice bookshelves.

Second, I must point out that Onkyo TX-NR 509 is a multi-channel receiver and NAD 316BBE is just a stereo amplifier. If you do not have plans for home-theater and movies, then NAD is definitely a nice option. If you need multi-channel sound (DVDs, BDs... ) then you should go with Onkyo.
Reply
Reply
post #3441 of 4588
9/29/11 at 11:11pm
NAD will be only for stereo, When I buy Onkyo I can connect more speakers for the future.

Next question is... what wires I should use for connect speakers to amp.

I can buy Ultralink Matrix 2 or Ultralink Challenger, whitch will be better for PSB and Onkyo ?

Maybe someone have experience with this wires.?
Reply
Reply
post #3442 of 4588
9/30/11 at 3:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fabiomaster View Post

NAD will be only for stereo, When I buy Onkyo I can connect more speakers for the future.

Next question is... what wires I should use for connect speakers to amp.

I can buy Ultralink Matrix 2 or Ultralink Challenger, whitch will be better for PSB and Onkyo ?

Maybe someone have experience with this wires.?

Check the wires on monoprice.com, good quality for really cheap price.
Reply
Reply
post #3443 of 4588
9/30/11 at 3:46pm
Hello! I'm curious.. I found two different images of PSB Subseries 5i. Are there any differences besides the design???



Reply
Reply
post #3444 of 4588
9/30/11 at 8:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fabiomaster View Post

NAD will be only for stereo, When I buy Onkyo I can connect more speakers for the future.

Next question is... what wires I should use for connect speakers to amp.

I can buy Ultralink Matrix 2 or Ultralink Challenger, whitch will be better for PSB and Onkyo ?

Maybe someone have experience with this wires.?

Don't be fooled into buying high priced speaker cable. The gauge is most important and a #14AWG should be large enough unless your running speakers over 75'.
Reply
Reply
post #3445 of 4588
9/30/11 at 8:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by walmat View Post

Don't be fooled into buying high priced speaker cable. The gauge is most important and a #14AWG should be large enough unless your running speakers over 75'.

What he said!
Reply
Reply
post #3446 of 4588
10/1/11 at 6:04am
Thanks walmat for sugestion.

I thinking about Denon AVR 1612, people say, Denon have very nice sound quality and hdmi, usb also internet radio.

Please help me which AV receiver will be better sound quality for my B6 ?
Reply
Reply
post #3447 of 4588
10/3/11 at 4:29pm
Looks like some price increases have hit the U.S. for October:

PSB Imagine T pair went from $2k to $2.2k
PSB Imagine B pair went from $1k to $1.1k
PSB Synchrony One T went from $5k to $5.5k
Others went up as well.

Interestingly, it looks like the Synchrony Two tower stayed at $3.5k/pair.

Edit: Looks like several NAD products have gone up in price as well. NAD and PSB are both Lenbrook Group Companies.
Reply
Reply
post #3448 of 4588
10/3/11 at 7:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by beaveav View Post

Looks like some price increases have hit the U.S. for October:

PSB Imagine T pair went from $2k to $2.2k
PSB Imagine B pair went from $1k to $1.1k
PSB Synchrony One T went from $5k to $5.5k
Others went up as well.

Interestingly, it looks like the Synchrony Two tower stayed at $3.5k/pair.

Edit: Looks like several NAD products have gone up in price as well. NAD and PSB are both Lenbrook Group Companies.

Bummer... I see the entire Image line went up as well.

I (harshly) criticized NHT a couple months back for hiking prices (again)... but I've now seen several other brands following suit. NHT's and PSB's price hikes are a bit steeper than some of the others I've seen, such as Energy...

A major contributing factor is the skyrocketing prices of neodymium, which PSB uses for their tweeter magnets (as does NHT and Energy)... but labor costs in China have gone up as well...

The net result is that we've gotta pay more for the same product, or pay the same for a lesser product... The US dollar just keeps buying us less and less every day it seems...
Reply
Reply
post #3449 of 4588
10/11/11 at 3:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fabiomaster View Post

Thanks walmat for sugestion.

I thinking about Denon AVR 1612, people say, Denon have very nice sound quality and hdmi, usb also internet radio.

Please help me which AV receiver will be better sound quality for my B6 ?

Denon is a good choice. I'd move up to the 1912 though if you can afford it. I use a Harman Kardon which also sounds great.
Good Luck
Reply
Reply
post #3450 of 4588
10/12/11 at 2:46am
walmat You have 100% right. I was in monday in audio shop and I connect B6 to 1912 and sound superb ! clear ang good quality !. Realy good amp, also have enough power to driver with B6`s. I also test Denon 510 stereo amp, in my opinion sound the same like 1912 and 2311. Usb, internet radio, 6 x HDMI, FLAC format player, DLNA, AirPlay etc.... and Bi-Amping (B6 can play Bi-Amping)!!!.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Speakers

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Audio › Speakers › PSB Speakers Owners thread