[Jwilly019]

I'm getting ready to make my first venture into HT, although to begin I'll be starting with a two channel set-up (maybe a center too). I'll be using an Onkyo 605 with them as well. I've narrowed my choices down to three options:


Energy RC-30

Jamo E680

Infinity Primus P362BK

Polk Monitor 60/70

Mirage Omni 550


Unforunately, the only one I can demo is Jamo (I'm not sure if they even have the E680's, I know they have a pair of E660's though), which is why I'm asking you guys. I could demo the TSI400 at ABC Warehouse, but I try to avoid that place as much as I can.


One possible problem is it's becoming increasingly harder to find an RC center for a good price. I want a speaker that's on the neutral side too.


If I could find the P362 for $99 apiece I would probably go with those, but I missed the last sale at Fry's.


I'm open to other suggestions too.

 

[quadriverfalls]

Jwilly.... It can be difficult to audition speakers any more due to the lack of available shops in which to do so. But, with some diligence, you CAN find some places. I would suggest looking up custom installation companies, whole house automation/distribution type companies, used shops etc. Many of those firms have small demo rooms so potential customers have a place to audition their products prior to purchase. Really high end custom builders are also a great place to start. Sometimes the subcontractors they use for HT imstallations are independent dealers that work out of their home. Even THEY sometimes have a home office where stuff can be demoed. They're a little harder to find these days, but you can find places to audition speakers.


With that being said, getting recommendations are fine. But, IMHO.... they're only a place to start. All of us hear things differently and you really should, if at all possible, audition as much as you can and let your own ears decide.


Good luck.

 

[Jwilly019]

^^Thanks, I hadn't thought about custom installation companies, I'll spend some time trying to get in touch with them and see if they have demo rooms.

 

[quadriverfalls]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwilly019 /forum/post/16841173


^^Thanks, I hadn't thought about custom installation companies, I'll spend some time trying to get in touch with them and see if they have demo rooms.

Yeah.... you would be surprised. I spent about six years on the wholesale side of home improvements. I worked for a building products distributor that catered to custom builders and high end remodelors. Two of my really high end builders (typically in the million $ plus range) had guys that did their HT installations that worked from their homes. Both of those guys had more $$$ wrapped up in demo stuff than I've spent in my life on electronics gear. Both, were happy to audition whatever they had.


So like I said.... it may take a little time and effort, but places to demo gear CAN be found.

 

[Jwilly019]

Okay, well I just got back from the Jamo dealer.


They had the E770 and the E660 set up to demo. I was hoping they would have the E680, but they had sold out. Both sounded very good, I honestly think the E660 sounded a little better though. I thought it was the more detailed of the two. Not enough bass, but that was expected.


They also had Paradigm up for demo and despite being out of my budget, I thought I would give them a listen too. I immediately noticed that the highs were more crisp than the Jamo's and they were more detailed all around, but they were also too bright/forward for my liking. After just 5-10 minutes I could feel the beginning of a headache forming. This was something I didn't get from over 30 minutes of listening to the Jamo's while talking with the salesman.


They used to be an Energy dealer as well, but that was a couple years ago. Too bad as they were the only one in the area.

 

[afrogt]

The E680 has quite a bit more bass than the E660. I have both in my home and the overall sound is better on the E680. Dual 8" woofers v single 6" woofer makes the difference.


Where are you located that you actually have a Jamo dealer in town?

 

[Jwilly019]



Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/16843672


The E680 has quite a bit more bass than the E660. I have both in my home and the overall sound is better on the E680. Dual 8" woofers v single 6" woofer makes the difference.


Where are you located that you actually have a Jamo dealer in town?

I know, just an observation I made. Eventually, I'll end up with a sub anyway, so a lack of bass wouldn't be a deal breaker.


I'm in Grand Rapids, MI. We actually have two dealers in town. One only carries in-wall speakers. The other had the entire S line, a pair of D590's (I think this is what they were, I know they were from the D line), a pair of E770's and E700's, a pair of E8 surrounds, a pair of E660's, the entire C line minus the floorstanders (and perhaps the subs, didn't really pay attention to those), and some in-wall speakers too, but I didn't pay close attention to those either.

 

[Jwilly019]

Something I thought of tonight. The E770 is rear ported, but also has a rear woofer for added bass when placed near a wall. I thought that a rear ported speaker should ideally be placed away from a wall. Wouldn't putting the rear-firing woofer on the E770 be counterproductive?

 

[Jwilly019]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwilly019 /forum/post/16845296


Something I thought of tonight. The E770 is rear ported, but also has a rear woofer for added bass when placed near a wall. I thought that a rear ported speaker should ideally be placed away from a wall. Wouldn't putting the rear-firing woofer on the E770 be counterproductive?

Anyone?

 

[Jwilly019]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwilly019 /forum/post/16849723


Anyone?

Someone has to know, help a new guy out.

 

[Jwilly019]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwilly019 /forum/post/16845296


Something I thought of tonight. The E770 is rear ported, but also has a rear woofer for added bass when placed near a wall. I thought that a rear ported speaker should ideally be placed away from a wall. Wouldn't putting the rear-firing woofer on the E770 be counterproductive?

Still looking for clarification. Anyone?

 

[Jay1]

If the speaker was measured and designed to be placed close to the rear wall then that is how it will sound best. You only need a few inches of clearance for a port's tuning to not be effected by boundaries.

 

[afrogt]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jwilly019 /forum/post/16845296


Something I thought of tonight. The E770 is rear ported, but also has a rear woofer for added bass when placed near a wall. I thought that a rear ported speaker should ideally be placed away from a wall. Wouldn't putting the rear-firing woofer on the E770 be counterproductive?

Since you have two Jamo dealers in town, including one that carries the E770 I would ask them how far the E770 should be placed from the wall. They probably know.

 

[Jwilly019]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay1 /forum/post/16855233


If the speaker was measured and designed to be placed close to the rear wall then that is how it will sound best. You only need a few inches of clearance for a port's tuning to not be effected by boundaries.

Thank you, I had thought you needed closer to a foot of clearance.

Quote:
Originally Posted by afrogt /forum/post/16855679


Since you have two Jamo dealers in town, including one that carries the E770 I would ask them how far the E770 should be placed from the wall. They probably know.

I plan on it. I'll probably stop in tomorrow with some movies to test both the E770 and E660 out. When I was there last week I didn't bring anything with me and just listened to music.