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Cambridge SoundWorks HT setups - Page 11

post #301 of 390
1/15/11 at 11:08pm
A pair of my favorite CSW speakers. - Ambiance - Oak, they look even better on the original CSW tripod stands. I'd love to have some cabinets like this made for a set of M&K bookshelf 75's that I have.


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post #302 of 390
1/17/11 at 10:28am
Looks freaking sweet.
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post #303 of 390
1/17/11 at 5:22pm
I wonder how much I could get for my T500s...

Just curious what the value of these are today.
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post #304 of 390
1/17/11 at 5:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamHandMan View Post

Looks freaking sweet.

Here's another shot from the fronts with grills on. I've toyed with the idea of wrapping the grills in cloth or just making a pair of custom cloth grills. Its on my list of projects. the pair of black ambiance I have are prime for experimentation.


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post #305 of 390
1/17/11 at 6:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by FantaXP7 View Post

I wonder how much I could get for my T500s...

Just curious what the value of these are today.

I've seen T500's go for as low as $300 locally. seems crazy but when people are moving big speakers are the first thing on the "gotta go" list. In fact There was actually a pair listed once for $160 in Boston ( 2 left or maybe it was 2 right speakers). I almost bought them but quickly regained my senses. They are awesome speakers. But you really need room for them. not to mention a good lower back and a sizable vehicle to pick them up.

CSW resale values are really poor, not for any other reason other than the fact that they positioned themselves as a "value" brand and that is a negative stigma in the minds of people for some reason. Folks will pay well over $100 for a pair of ADS L300's or $700 for a pair of M&K S-1c satellites ( thet're not even full range speakers) but a pair of CSW Tower, Tower II , Ambiance, or Newton T500/300 sell for pennies on the dollar?

Same for the craziness over the KLH Model 8 radio. $200+? seriously? I'm bound to find one at a garage sale at some point. No rush. it'll happen.

I'm all set to pick up a set of original Ensembles for a "Functional Art" project. To hell with the "reviewers" and expert opinions . Sound is like Taste, what's salty to one person is just right for another person so why do we care so much what "the expert" has to say about what they think about audio gear. Unfortunately it's a nasty reality in Audio. Opinions (for many) matter. CSW has quite a few slam dunks and if folks want to put them out on the curb for the new whiz bang blah blah blah that some "expert" dude says is great, that's fine with me. I'll pick them up, dust them off and give them some TLC and a happy new life.
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post #306 of 390
1/17/11 at 6:24pm
I own the highly sought after M&K SS-150THX surrounds. Yeah, they sound good. but clearly not $600+ dollars better ( used market prices) than the original CSW Surround -
The Surrounds are so overlooked that it's a crime. - They are a killer "tri-pole" surround speaker. I've told the story previously of how they were approved for THX certification and on the cover of one of the old CSW catalogs they actually have a rather large THX logo on the front of the speaker visible behind the grill. The Certification cost were going to add considerable cost to the speaker and so despite meeting ( probably exceeding THX spec) the company decided to scrap the certification. They were released without the THX logo and sold for the still ( for the time) hefty sum of $399.99 and were worth every penny - The M&K SS-150THX retailed for over a grand.

Green apple / Red Apple That was my experience. I've heard quite a few dipole/bipole surrounds and I'm still confused what all the fuss is over the M&K and again, I own and use a set ( thank god I got them cheap).

In any case here's a shot of my pick for most underrated surround speaker.
Good move for CSW to give the finger to THX. maybe it hurt them a bit in sales, but there's something to be said about sticking to the values and mission of your organization. Well made, good sounding speakers, at affordable prices. and that's just what they delivered.

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post #307 of 390
1/18/11 at 5:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bostown View Post

I've seen T500's go for as low as $300 locally. seems crazy but when people are moving big speakers are the first thing on the "gotta go" list. In fact There was actually a pair listed once for $160 in Boston ( 2 left or maybe it was 2 right speakers). I almost bought them but quickly regained my senses. They are awesome speakers. But you really need room for them. not to mention a good lower back and a sizable vehicle to pick them up.

CSW resale values are really poor, not for any other reason other than the fact that they positioned themselves as a "value" brand and that is a negative stigma in the minds of people for some reason. Folks will pay well over $100 for a pair of ADS L300's or $700 for a pair of M&K S-1c satellites ( thet're not even full range speakers) but a pair of CSW Tower, Tower II , Ambiance, or Newton T500/300 sell for pennies on the dollar?

Same for the craziness over the KLH Model 8 radio. $200+? seriously? I'm bound to find one at a garage sale at some point. No rush. it'll happen.

I'm all set to pick up a set of original Ensembles for a "Functional Art" project. To hell with the "reviewers" and expert opinions . Sound is like Taste, what's salty to one person is just right for another person so why do we care so much what "the expert" has to say about what they think about audio gear. Unfortunately it's a nasty reality in Audio. Opinions (for many) matter. CSW has quite a few slam dunks and if folks want to put them out on the curb for the new whiz bang blah blah blah that some "expert" dude says is great, that's fine with me. I'll pick them up, dust them off and give them some TLC and a happy new life.

Truly is sad isn't it? I am a cambridge soundworks junkie as I live in the Boston area too and grew up with those retail store in the mall.

I actually picked up my T500's on craigslist for about $400 and was psyched because I remember them being the top dog in the store. I thought "wow! What a deal! And if I ever want to re-sell them I'll make a huge profit!"

But oh well. I was toying around with the idea of selling them because when I move I may not have a ton of room for them.
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post #308 of 390
1/18/11 at 5:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bostown View Post

I own the highly sought after M&K SS-150THX surrounds. Yeah, they sound good. but clearly not $600+ dollars better ( used market prices) than the original CSW Surround -
The Surrounds are so overlooked that it's a crime. - They are a killer "tri-pole" surround speaker. I've told the story previously of how they were approved for THX certification and on the cover of one of the old CSW catalogs they actually have a rather large THX logo on the front of the speaker visible behind the grill. The Certification cost were going to add considerable cost to the speaker and so despite meeting ( probably exceeding THX spec) the company decided to scrap the certification. They were released without the THX logo and sold for the still ( for the time) hefty sum of $399.99 and were worth every penny - The M&K SS-150THX retailed for over a grand.

Green apple / Red Apple That was my experience. I've heard quite a few dipole/bipole surrounds and I'm still confused what all the fuss is over the M&K and again, I own and use a set ( thank god I got them cheap).

In any case here's a shot of my pick for most underrated surround speaker.
Good move for CSW to give the finger to THX. maybe it hurt them a bit in sales, but there's something to be said about sticking to the values and mission of your organization. Well made, good sounding speakers, at affordable prices. and that's just what they delivered.


I got some S300's, how do those compare?
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post #309 of 390
1/18/11 at 8:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by FantaXP7 View Post

I got some S300's, how do those compare?

I ran a set of S300s in my system for a couple of years and they did an awesome job. They were far better than the Surround 5.1 ( the "updated" ABS version of the original surround speakers with the giant rocker switch on the front - yuuuuuck!) . the design of the Newton S300 was solid and incorporated a more stylish look than other CSW speakers. Not to mention a bipole/direct/dipole switch that was functional without being an eyesore.

The Newton line in general was a good line of products. If I'm not mistaken Bob Hazelwood was the person in charge of speaker development during this time. There may have been others involved but I remember him as the chief engineer behind the Newton series.

The Newton S300's closest rivals that I've owned are the Definitive Technology BP2X and the Polk LS/FX you really couldn't go wrong with any of these though. - S300's are definitely keepers not to mention more visually appealing which raises the spousal approval factor. Some of us have to factor that in as well.
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post #310 of 390
1/19/11 at 12:47pm
Yeah wish I had a set of S300s or that s305s were even made to match my current MC305s. I normally just use a pair of Ensemble IVs for the rear and they sound great, just lacking bass.
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post #311 of 390
1/19/11 at 1:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bostown View Post

I ran a set of S300s in my system for a couple of years and they did an awesome job. . . Not to mention a bipole/direct/dipole switch that was functional without being an eyesore.

I'm sorry I didn't pick up a pair or two of the S305 "bipole|dipole|direct selectable" surrounds when they were available. Hopefully CSW will offer a similar speaker in the future.

With likely increased consumer acceptance of speaker layouts containing more than two or four surrounds, there is a greater need to acquire Wide, Height, Surround, and Rear speakers which are both visually and acoustically matched. The S305 offered the opportunity to install (say) four pairs of matching 'surround' speakers in an 11.x configuration . . . and to choose the best mode (bipole, dipole, or direct) for each speaker pair. [Plus, the S305 would allow such selections to be changed in order to better accommodate, e.g., changes in the steering or diffusion characteristics of future upmixers/post-processors...]

[In the meantime, I guess I'll continue to use my existing CSW Ambiance speakers as the surrounds on two systems! ]
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post #312 of 390
1/19/11 at 5:28pm
I consider myself lucky I was able to get the S300's in a package with three MC300's AND an old Harmon Kardon receiver, maybe about a 9 year old, that I JUST replaced as I was inbetween receivers for some time...all for...wait for it....$150...
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post #313 of 390
1/20/11 at 8:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by FantaXP7 View Post

I consider myself lucky I was able to get the S300's in a package with three MC300's AND an old Harmon Kardon receiver, maybe about a 9 year old, that I JUST replaced as I was inbetween receivers for some time...all for...wait for it....$150...


That was a smoking deal. the receiver was just a freebie in that package.

Does anyone have any of the old CSW catalogs ? After visiting the radioshack catalog site, it would be cool to build a site around the work of Henry Kloss that INCLUDES Cambridge Soundworks and the products he designed for Tivoli. I know that there are several sites that highlight AR KLH and ADVENT but there isn't one site that covers all of the Kloss brands and products. ( including the NOVABEAM projectors etc).

I'm no web developer but it wouldn't be a bad project to put together with some help. I'd think that there are plenty of former employees of the various brands who may be willing to contribute. ... just a thought. CSW could be revived as a cult brand if it had a place on the web that brought users together. The company lasted quite some time in the retail world and sold a boatload of products.
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post #314 of 390
1/20/11 at 8:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoundChex View Post

I'm sorry I didn't pick up a pair or two of the S305 "bipole|dipole|direct selectable" surrounds when they were available. Hopefully CSW will offer a similar speaker in the future.

With likely increased consumer acceptance of speaker layouts containing more than two or four surrounds, there is a greater need to acquire Wide, Height, Surround, and Rear speakers which are both visually and acoustically matched. The S305 offered the opportunity to install (say) four pairs of matching 'surround' speakers in an 11.x configuration . . . and to choose the best mode (bipole, dipole, or direct) for each speaker pair. [Plus, the S305 would allow such selections to be changed in order to better accommodate, e.g., changes in the steering or diffusion characteristics of future upmixers/post-processors...]

[In the meantime, I guess I'll continue to use my existing CSW Ambiance speakers as the surrounds on two systems! ]

Oddly enough, I saw a pair of black S300's up for sale locally for under $100. -

Audio like the music industry is in pure disarray. They are pulling consumers in multiple directions with single speaker options, Ipod docks, ipad music systems , hometheater in a box etc. They need to pull together and get folks ( young and old) back into traditional audio and hometheater gear. - It's been falling off big time with the demise of mid level chain stores ( tech hifi, Tweeter, CSW etc) a few custom design places are popping up but that stuff is far outside of my scope ( KRELL, FOCAL and other brands that drain wallets faster than liquid drano on a clogged sink).

Best buy and Ultimate electronics have little to offer, so there are fewer outlets for good stereo and home theater gear that won't cost you as much as buying family vehicle. Maybe there's a market for UPcycled (used audio) in a retail setting. again not the super high end stuff, but more modest priced systems. first thing would be to get folks interested in audio again otherwise it will be a headphone , dock and Hometheater in a box world. at least for the average consumer which is where I position myself. $700 cables ? No matter how much money I earn in my lifetime I think that's a NO DEAL for me. I'd rather go to a live show or 3.
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post #315 of 390
1/24/11 at 11:17am
I don't know what to say, but this thread may be the only place to show case CSW speakers
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post #316 of 390
1/24/11 at 1:02pm
Does anyone know if it is possible to swap drivers in CSW Newton series speakers? I've got a white pair of MC100s and one of them is acting up. I've also got an extra pair of MC100s in black that work fine (the wife doesn't want me to swap because the white set matches our walls/trim and the black would stand out).

With most speakers, it would be easy to take out a few screws and swap components, but there's no obvious way to do it here. Anyone else tried something like this with any success?
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post #317 of 390
1/24/11 at 1:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedbump View Post

Does anyone know if it is possible to swap drivers in CSW Newton series speakers? I've got a white pair of MC100s and one of them is acting up. I've also got an extra pair of MC100s in black that work fine (the wife doesn't want me to swap because the white set matches our walls/trim and the black would stand out).

With most speakers, it would be easy to take out a few screws and swap components, but there's no obvious way to do it here. Anyone else tried something like this with any success?

I dont see why that would be a problem. They are the same model speakers. Even among different speaker models Im pretty sure the drivers are interchangable. The cross over network it where the audible differences are made. i.e. you could swap a 6.5" driver out of a T500 tower to put in a MC500. I believe they are the same driver with the same specs.
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post #318 of 390
1/24/11 at 2:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by FoSheezy View Post

I dont see why that would be a problem. They are the same model speakers. Even among different speaker models Im pretty sure the drivers are interchangable. The cross over network it where the audible differences are made. i.e. you could swap a 6.5" driver out of a T500 tower to put in a MC500. I believe they are the same driver with the same specs.

I guess I should have been more specific. I'm not asking if it will work or if it will sound OK, but how the #%*& do you get these things open and get the drivers out!
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post #319 of 390
1/24/11 at 3:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by speedbump View Post

I guess I should have been more specific. I'm not asking if it will work or if it will sound OK, but how the #%*& do you get these things open and get the drivers out!

Post some photos if you can. I'm having the same issue with a Boston Acoustics Micro 90xII satellite. I posted a thread asking for some ideas to get the case open on another site. 3 days later, I still haven't gotten the driver out hahha. I'll wind up shipping the thing to Boston Acoustics if I can't get it open by the weekend. No idea what they did to seal the baffle but if your speaker is anything close to this thing, you're in for a world of frustration hopefully it's easier than the petrified coconut cabinet that my Micro 90 sat is apparently made of.
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post #320 of 390
1/25/11 at 10:23am
I'm not sure how to open the Ensemble IVs and I've seen the MC305s, not sure hot to open then either. I think you need a book or something. who wants to work at the RMA facility for a week to learn how?
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post #321 of 390
1/28/11 at 3:42pm
I have four CSW S300 surround speakers, and was wondering what is the best mode to put them in. The Dipole/Bipole use three out of the four drivers, but doesn't use the tweeters. The Direct mode uses the front facing tweeter and midrange, but not the sides for dispersion. I am wondering if maybe the surround sides should be on direct to have a more accurate and localized sound, but the back to be on dipole or bipole (what is the difference??) for better dispersion. Any ideas? And is there any way to mod the speakers to get them to work as tripole by making custom circuitry? Worth trying?
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post #322 of 390
1/28/11 at 5:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bostown View Post

... the original CSW Surround -
The Surrounds are so overlooked that it's a crime. - They are a killer "tri-pole" surround speaker. I've told the story previously of how they were approved for THX certification and on the cover of one of the old CSW catalogs they actually have a rather large THX logo on the front of the speaker visible behind the grill. The Certification cost were going to add considerable cost to the speaker and so despite meeting ( probably exceeding THX spec) the company decided to scrap the certification. They were released without the THX logo and sold for the still ( for the time) hefty sum of $399.99 and were worth every penny...


In any case here's a shot of my pick for most underrated surround speaker.
Good move for CSW to give the finger to THX. maybe it hurt them a bit in sales, but there's something to be said about sticking to the values and mission of your organization. Well made, good sounding speakers, at affordable prices. and that's just what they delivered.


Desite the eyesore rocker switch I doubt that these two speakers differ much. The side speakers are at the bottom, and yes, ABS is the container of choice. They've served me well. CSW Surround 5.1.

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post #323 of 390
2/2/11 at 2:26pm
New here, and glad to see a CSW Forum. Have had CSW speakers for years.
Current setup is
2 M50s for Front L/R, a Center Channel Plus, 5.1 IIs for L/R surrounds, and a BassCube 10 sub.
In the process of upgrading AVR from an old Kenwood 5.1 to Onkyo TX-NR708.
Want to add L/R rear surrounds, since Onkyo 708 is 7.1
I have a pair of Ensemble IIIs (little bookshelf speakers) that were part of my original 5.1 system, but haven't used them in a while.
Would it be better to leave the 5.1 IIs as my L/R surrounds and use the Ensemble IIIs for the rear surrounds, or use the Ensemble IIIs as L/R surrounds, and move the 5.1 IIs to rear?
I can obviously experiment myself, but sny thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks
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post #324 of 390
2/4/11 at 11:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmlynn View Post

New here, and glad to see a CSW Forum. Have had CSW speakers for years.
Current setup is
2 M50s for Front L/R, a Center Channel Plus, 5.1 IIs for L/R surrounds, and a BassCube 10 sub.
In the process of upgrading AVR from an old Kenwood 5.1 to Onkyo TX-NR708.
Want to add L/R rear surrounds, since Onkyo 708 is 7.1
I have a pair of Ensemble IIIs (little bookshelf speakers) that were part of my original 5.1 system, but haven't used them in a while.
Would it be better to leave the 5.1 IIs as my L/R surrounds and use the Ensemble IIIs for the rear surrounds, or use the Ensemble IIIs as L/R surrounds, and move the 5.1 IIs to rear?
I can obviously experiment myself, but sny thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks

III's for the rear are ok, but I would suggest the current surrounds by CSW. I love mine and there is a 30 percent off valentines sale going on now. Having dipole/bipole as side speakers really makes a difference, IMHO.
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post #325 of 390
2/7/11 at 7:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmlynn View Post

New here, and glad to see a CSW Forum. Have had CSW speakers for years.
Current setup is
2 M50s for Front L/R, a Center Channel Plus, 5.1 IIs for L/R surrounds, and a BassCube 10 sub.
In the process of upgrading AVR from an old Kenwood 5.1 to Onkyo TX-NR708.
Want to add L/R rear surrounds, since Onkyo 708 is 7.1
I have a pair of Ensemble IIIs (little bookshelf speakers) that were part of my original 5.1 system, but haven't used them in a while.
Would it be better to leave the 5.1 IIs as my L/R surrounds and use the Ensemble IIIs for the rear surrounds, or use the Ensemble IIIs as L/R surrounds, and move the 5.1 IIs to rear?
I can obviously experiment myself, but sny thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks


I would use the 5.1s where the sound is more important. I feel that the ensemble IIIs are not as good You should really try to match, check e-bay for a set of the 5.1s the more all of the surrounds match the better it will sound.
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post #326 of 390
3/11/11 at 6:44am
I've posted in the Speaker Thread but haven't received any responses, so I'll try here.

Just purchased a new Yamaha RX-V1065 and need help with speaker setup.
I have some old CSW Ensamble II 5.1 speakers. I've been using them for 12 years and they still sound good. The fronts came with a passive sub, but I do have a powered CSW 8" sub.

I have both subs hooked up. My question is should I eliminate the passive sub and just use the powered sub or use both?

The receivers auto setup YPAO set the crossover at 160hz. I thought that was a little high.

Any help or comments are appreciated.
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post #327 of 390
3/11/11 at 7:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jdtuttle View Post

I've posted in the Speaker Thread but haven't received any responses, so I'll try here.

Just purchased a new Yamaha RX-V1065 and need help with speaker setup.
I have some old CSW Ensamble II 5.1 speakers. I've been using them for 12 years and they still sound good. The fronts came with a passive sub, but I do have a powered CSW 8" sub.

I have both subs hooked up. My question is should I eliminate the passive sub and just use the powered sub or use both?

The receivers auto setup YPAO set the crossover at 160hz. I thought that was a little high.

Any help or comments are appreciated.

I'd use the passive and powered together. the lower frequencies (generally below 120hz and under) are harder to localize. if you use the powered sub and sats alone it might be much easier to localize the sounds coming from the powered sub. .. So..... Let the main ensemble system with the passive woofer, get down as low as it can and have the powered sub augment the system just on the sounds below that. My guess is Ensembles can get down around 50hz, I'd set the powered sub to 55hz .

If the receiver is controlling bass management, then open the choke on the woofer all the way, it's only going to produce whatever the receiver spits out of that "sub output" and lower. so if the high pass in the receiver is keeping the ensembles at 100hz and higher, the subwoofer output will be sending signals of 100hz and lower to the powered sub. ( even if your sub is set to 140hz).

the powered sub is better at doing lower frequencies, having it play the "upper bass/mid bass" information is not it's specialty, let the passive handle that stuff.

Just a suggestion and one potential solution for you.
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post #328 of 390
3/11/11 at 7:17am
Thanks so much, You've been a big help
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post #329 of 390
3/14/11 at 12:01pm
I agree with having the passive subs in place, but keep in mind driving the mains with a lot of bass from the receiver will put more strain on your AMP. I would recommend setting the cross over no loner then 80Hz on the receiver for the mains. The power sub should take over from there. No reason to put the extra strain on the AMP module in your receiver.


Pics of your setup?
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post #330 of 390
3/14/11 at 12:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamHandMan View Post

I agree with having the passive subs in place, but keep in mind driving the mains with a lot of bass from the receiver will put more strain on your AMP. I would recommend setting the cross over no loner then 80Hz on the receiver for the mains. The power sub should take over from there. No reason to put the extra strain on the AMP module in your receiver.


Pics of your setup?

It could just be a good excuse to go with separates.
There's some decent "pre-owned" deals to be had out there that brings the price into the realm of some receivers.
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