Aerial Acoustics Owners Thread - Page 28

Class A

You make reference that the 7T's are easier to drive, how much more difficult is the 5cc to drive in comparison to the 7T's, I am looking for a 5cc in the cherry finish to go with the 7T's but I'm now a little worried about the existing Anthem Statement 5 channel amp that I'm using.

If you have the A-5 it should be more than enough power. Currently I' m running my CC-3 w/a Forte 4A 50wpc Class A amp. I doubles to 100wpc at 4 ohms. The 5 is a huge center. I'm just wondering if you really need something that big. Both the 3 & the 5 are very competitive w/the best centers on the market. By the way Mudslide I thought you sold those 7B's for some Salks. Or are the Salks your HT?? Glad your still enjoying the 7B's. Also the 7T's do have a more open and detailed top end but still very smooth and non-fatiguing.

C A,

I now have a pair of Philharmonic 2's that replaced the Aerials in the main HT/2-channel living room. They seem to integrate much better with my room and system. They also have the clarity and openness that I was craving. Once my wife and I finally got the 7B's hauled into my office, I was amazed at their improvement. Perhaps it's like Mark Twain said..."It was amazing how much my father learned between my 16th and 21st birthdays" (or something like that). So I decided not to sell 'em.

I still think Salk SoundScapes are truly to die for. Maybe in a different life I'll be able to afford them. I sure hope Hindus are right about rebirth....

Mud

Yes it is the A5 and the only reason for the cc5 is that it is the only centre that comes in the cherry finish and the "big boss" if you get my drift she says that black is not open for discussion, so it will have to be the 5cc, pretty hard to come buy a used one. Thanks again for the info.


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The CC-5 is one of the best centers out there. The reason they are hard to find used is that their so good nobody wants to give them up. Hope you find one soon. Mudslide excellent setup you must find it hard to leave the house. As far as keeping the Aerials sometimes the best move you make is not making one.

Whitl...I've seen several cc5's available in cherry over the last year on Audiogon. If it were me, I'd patiently wait for one to pop up. I understand about the "Big Boss"....that's why my name is ... "Mud".

C A...being an ancient, retired, ex-rocker dude, full of decrepitude, I DON'T leave the house much. LOL...I can enjoy fine audio in most rooms now!! I have a nice 2.1 in the BR, and terrific 9.2 in the great room, and of course, command central......



Next mission....THE GARAGE!

The speaker stands on your 7B's are interesting what are they?? Also what's your power source,

Those are the standard Sound Anchor stands that Michael sold with the 7B's. 'Twas an 500 buck add-on, if you can believe that. Yikes.

I'm using a wonderful integrated to power the 7B's, an under-the-radar Denon PMA200IVR. It puts out 80 wpc @ 8 ohms and 160 into 4. Isolated, dual-mono treatment. It's a beast and was, IMO, Denon's best amp ever. Great reviews everywhere. Here's a look at the unit w/ specs....http://www.crutchfield.com/S-15CAzs5wszs/p_033PMA2KIV/Denon-PMA-2000IVR.html

Heckuva desktop system, eh?!

Very impressive. That Denon has plenty of muscle.Too bad it was discontinued. I went old school and contacted Linn LP12 disease. I've got a 1986 TT and just changed the the Tonearm form a Basik plus to an Ittok LVII w/a Dynavector 10x5 cart. Also put in a Cirkus upgrade. The last addition will be a used Lingo if I can find one. It goes through a Project Tube box II and an ARC SP-16. Tubes and TT's I'm going back to the audio womb. But the Aerials match up very well w/the pure analog sound. W/the HT pass through the system has a totally different personality for HT. Funny how so few people on the Aerial thread mention 2 channel music.

I'm with you, C A. I MOST enjoyed the Aerials when I had them in the other room when they were playing my vinyl. Rich, full, lovely, and took me back to my nefarious youth. No TT in the office tho'...just cd, tuner, and computer. (Well, and cassette...)

You like that Linn, eh?! Your system sounds dynamite! There used to be some fine pieces out there that were affordable. No more. I sold my old Thorens years ago, and couldn't afford to buy it back, now. I'm just running a cheapo old Yamaha P320 and some middle of the road cart.

Look around for a Yahmaha PF-800. I had one about 10yrs back. It's a Micro Seiki design and can keep up w/TT's in the $1500 range.

Hi Guys,

Relatively new to AVS, mostly a lurker on the TV side. Found this great thread about one of my favorite speaker companies. I own a pair of 10Ts which I absolutely love, but all this talk about the 7T has me thinking if it's time for an upgrade. Curious if anyone has had the opportunity to compare the 10T vs the 7T and what their impression was?

Obtw, talked to Michael Kelly today (to replace a damaged woofer) and asked about a center channel that matched the 7Ts - he said some time in the future, but no imminent time in the future has been set yet.

allen

Here's a question for folks who have heard the 7B, 9 and 7T.

When I auditioned Aerials originally, I adored the mellow sound of the 7B. The 9's vocals were a bit more "forward", but I chose them because of the deeper bass extension and the close match with the CC-5, which I preferred to the CC-3B, especially for male voices.

I'm wondering whether the 7T's midrange is more mellow, like the 7B, or more forward like the 9. If it were more mellow, I would consider a future trade for the 9s in my theater, provided that the eventual matching center would fit where the CC-5 is going.

Welcome. This is not the most active thread on AVS but there are a few Aerial owners out there. We're just not very vocal. The 7T has a faster and tighter bass also the top end is more open and cleaner but it is not harsh. Still has that non fatiguing sound but w/better pace. I head it w/a 200wpc Bryston and it was more than enough power to get the most out of these speakers. This model is more efficient than past models and more room friendly.

Haha, that's ok, that just means we're enjoying our speakers, too busy to be on the forums.

Thx for the info Class A. I'm lucky to have a dealer that hands them in their show room for demo, so I'll be sure to demo them over the coming weeks.

cheers

I read threw the first 8 pages and didn't find anyone talking about the price? Monday I have an appointment to listen to Paradignm and B+W speakers. I currently only have a TV; no audio equipment at all.

So Living room is 22ft X23 ft X 9ft ceiling at the top of the walls but, they vault up about 3 addtional feet in the middle. Want to listen to music + movies, but priority is music. Not sure I need 5.1 or 7.1 and 9.1 is out of the question.

I am kind of flexable on my budget. I'm thinking I'll spend $2500 - $4000 on speakers and $1000 - $2000 on a sub. At these prices they sound better really impress me. I'd really like to spend less if possable.

My guesstimate is base off Paradignm Studio series.. 590 center (12.ish) and 60's or 100's tower were $25.ish a pair.

So back to the Aerials, can some one give me an ideal of the price range for similar quality equipment from Aerial?

I not completely familiar with US pricing (I'm in the UK) but I don't believe you will find ANY pair of Aerial speakers within that budget, possibly a pair of the smallest Model 5B's, but certainly not a 5.1 set.

The performance of the Aerials is well above that if the Paradigm Signature series, so will be even further above that of the Studio series. However, likewise, the pice reflects this difference also.

Your best chance for Aerials within that budget is the second hand market. I believe there are a pair of Model 8's and CC3 centre for that kind of money on US Audio Mart currently - I know this only because I have just bought the SR3's off the guy selling them.

- Gareth

New 5B's will set you back around $2200 new not including stands. The 6's (which I have) about $3800. I bought mine used for $1800. The 7T is $9900, 9B $13,000 and the 20T around $30,000. I went the used route picking up 5's for rears for $500 and an older CC-3 for $300.

Hi, and welcome.

I've had a pair of Aerial 7B's for a number of years and really like them for music. For movies...not so much. I had them doing service as the main speakers of a living room home theater setup in a room of similar size as yours. They were fine, but not satisfying. I'd suggest something a little more transparent and/or efficient for double HT/2-channel use. Further, unless you buy used, any Aerial floorstanding speaker is out of your price range.

So, what to do? I replaced the Aerials in the living room with a pair of Philharmonic 2 speakers. They are a little more efficient and a offer a lot more clarity thanks to the renowned RAAL tweeter and spectacular driver integration by Dennis Murphy. These are right in the middle of your budget range. Murphy is currently remodeling the cabinets for the Philharmonic line to a more standard look. You'll not find a fancy cabinet, but you will get the most coherent and accurate loudspeakers you can find for the money. These are the kind that do the disappearing act when listening to music.

(FWIW, I couldn't stand any of the Paradigm speakers I auditioned (along with dozens of others)...way too resonant for me. YMMV.)

Here is what one of each looks like when being compared in my house....good luck with your search. That's the fun part of this hobby!



PS: For subwoofer work....SVS is hard to beat for tight, controled bass for both HT and 2-channel. Price is also in your wheelhouse.

I just found this thread and just had to post a couple pictues of my Aerial speakers. I'm running a 9.2 system using an Integra 80.3 A/V Receiver, Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Amplifier fed from the pre-outs of the 80.3 and two Onkyo Integra power amps fed from a Parasound pre-amp for 2 channel. I'm using Audio Quest Valcano speaker cables.

Aerial SR3 with DIY acoustic panels



Aerial CC3 and Aerial 10T's in Santos Rosewood




Newer picture, I'm waiting for my screen

Further to my earlier post above, I am soon to become a fully fledged Aerial owner. I have now ordered a pair of ex-demo LR5's with CC5 centre with a pair of SR3's, and a pair of LR3's which I am going to be installing as front height speakers.

As mentioned above, I have also secured a second pair of SR3's for rear surround duties. I can't wait to get the speakers all in and set-up.

I listened to a variety of speakers before making the decision, and it came down to a choice between PMC's MB2i's and the LR5/CC5 combo. I couldn't demo the LR5's at home, but managed to get hold of a pair of Model 9's for home demo to compare side by side with the MB2i's, to give me an idea of how the LR5's might perform in my room - I also listened to the LR5's/CC5 in situ where they are currently installed. Needless to say, whilst music performance was a close call, movie performance was no contest, the sheer scale and dynamics, and that forward detailed treble are just perfect for movies.

Incidentally, I'm still looking for an additional 3 x SR3's, so if anyone has any gathering dust that they want to get rid of, let me know!!

- Gareth

That's a huge system your building w/the LR-5's. How big is your room and what are you going to power it with. This system is going to need plenty of juice.

Its not a massive room (well, in fact it is probably considered tiny by US standards!); 18.5ft x 10.5ft.- but its all I have, and sadly it can't be extended, but I'm just feel lucky to be able to have a dedicated cinema room.

Yeah, I have custom made AB Systems amps; 3 x 1000w monoblocs for the front three, and a 500Wp/c 6 channel amp for the rears and front heights. I will then add a fourth 4 channel 500Wp/c amp the the rear heights and VOG speaker when Auro3D is made available later this year. So 8kW total.

You are going to love your LR5's and CC5 combo. I have them (I actually have 3 LR5's) and can't even imagine ever feeling a need to upgrade. My room is also fairly small only allowing me room for 5.1 setup; I wish I had room to go 7.1 or 9.1.

What are you using for a pre/pro?

David

Hi David,

Yes, I can't wait - my second set of SR3's arrived from the US today, so I'm even more excited now (just three more to try and source!!) - I demoed the LR5's three times, and they are just amazing speakers. The Model 9's that I have demoed at home are also awesome, they give an incredible sound even in my relatively narrow room - in fact they have the ability make the room seem much bigger than it is, such is the size of the sound stage they produce.

I originally wanted three LR5's across the front too, but the LR'5's and CC5 combo were available ex-demo for a decent price, so hopefully the CC5 won't give too much away to vertically aligned LR5?!

My pre-pro is the Datasat RS20i, which is simply an amazing sounding bit of kit, and will bring out the best in the Aerials I'm sure.

- Gareth

AB System Amps have a great reputation. Built like tanks and last forever. They are a great match for your Aerials. You'll get 100% out of that setup. How was it dealing w/AB Systems I've heard some very positive feedback on their customer service. From what I've heard they also make amps for Skywalker Studios, Sony and Pixar. When you get this all hooked up make sure you have seat belts on your couch your in for some serious high octane audio.

Wow...what a wonderful kit you have there, mate. My first surround system audition was setup much like yours, only using Krell front end components. It was an awesome experience. I know you're going to enjoy your setup immensely. Congratulations and enjoy, Gareth.

Yeah, they are fantastic amps - and incredible value for money - its certainly a big benefit buying direct from the manufacturer. I thought they would be perfect for the Aerials - massive current, high damping factor, and incredibly low noise floor (124dB on the monoblocs).

AB Systems, and Bob, the owner, are great to deal with. I loved the fact that I could specify various components and designs myself - I had SE versions, and had them all with Teflon V-Caps throughout, and Clarity caps on the power supply, plus pure silver wiring throughout. They are not the best looking amps out there, but it is somehow reassuring that all the production costs go into the internal components rather than fancy casework.

There is an extensive thread on them on AVForum - have a look at page 28 as I have posted quite a few pics of the amps:

AVForum Custom AB Amps

Yes, AB Amps are used in quite a high level pro-studios as you have listed. They also manufacture the internals for quite a few brand name manufacturers I believe - they used to make the amps for Cinepro, which were based on a similar design to the current amps.

Cheers Mudslide, yeah I'm very much looking forward to getting the room set-up and everything in there - just ordered my Screen Excellence Enlightor 4K Screen - now I've just got to figure out how to mount the LR3's up near the ceiling - time to make some seriously heavy duty metal brackets me thinks!

Gareth-

Thank you for posting in our Aerial Acoustics speaker forum. We don't get a lot of traffic here as most of us are very content with our purchases and don't feel the need to constantly seek approval from others to justify our purchases, or, we don't feel the need to seek out a way to improve on our brand. The only way I can think to improve on my aerials are to add more of them like you are doing

Whenever I see a new post on this thread it makes my day!

David