Home audio/theater deals.

[Looneybomber]

They go quite a bit cheaper on ebay, and that sub is not worth the money at all! Not near the extension one would expect for that price. But, the bookshelfs and towers are worth looking at on ebay (refurbished).

[Looneybomber]

Looks like the Monitor Audio Radius series must be discontinued because Amazon has them for up to 75% off.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... dio+radius

Monitor Audio Radius RS225 (ea) for $99
http://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Radius-22 ... 82&sr=1-10


RS225 with a wood veneer (ea) for $119
http://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Radius-22 ... 73&sr=1-19


Monitor Audio Radius RS270 (pair) for $299
http://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Radius-27 ... B003AIL4E0

[Looneybomber]

***Just ranting***

Right before bed last night I saw a deal on amps that was unbelievable. There were seven fairly new Emotiva XPA-1's(1kw class-AB monoblocks) for sale on AVS for 400/ea + 100/ea shipping, located in NY, with 3.5yrs of the warranty remaining. They normally sell for 1025/ea shipped. Being that shipping would be so high, it would be cheaper for me to rent a high MPG car and drive the ~1300 miles to NY to get them.


(for those not familiar with "monoblocks", they're over priced, single channel amps, that exude quality and elitism. Like Rolls Royce)

I went to bed and talked with the Mrs. about it. Knowing that the deal is awesome and I could easily resell the amps for 6-700/ea, I went to contact the seller this morning letting him know I have cash in hand and could come pick them up...but they were already sold!?

The buyer is in Iowa, and has been buying/selling Emotiva amps quite a bit for the past year, so I'm sure he's planning on doing the same thing I was. Either that or he's going to keep 'em and sell off some of his other amps. Either way, I doubt he'll back out of the deal, so I'll never see those amps.

Oh well. My wife is nearly 38wks prego and my son has a chemo treatment on Tuesday, so maybe traveling halfway across the country isn't such a good idea...Although I could have gone there and back by myself in 36hrs and been well rested.

***end rant***

[PoorManQ45]

Wow, you convinced your wife even with the circumstances! Damn!

I can understand and appreciate finer devices, especially when there is a great deal, but amps are something that I have a hard time justifying.

From hanging out on AVS and the S&V forum I learned that unless there is something seriously wrong with the amp, they should sound pretty much identical. This lead me to my love of pro-audio equipment, especially the Behringer lines. Nothing like a 4000w two channel amp for >$400 new!!! Stick them in a rack in a centralized room, to keep fan noise away, and you're set!

[Looneybomber]

I think it was the possibility of making nearly $2k reselling them that sold her. Sure the road trip would have cut into the profits, but we could have seen a few things while we were out. Plus, she's the most awesome wife to have when it comes to home audio.

Ex 1. I bought some Infinity Beta-20's, a pair of Beta-50's, and was looking for a Beta-c360. But once I showed her pictures of the 3-way center with twin 6.5" woofers, she said it was too small, so now I'm doing a DIY kit speaker about twice the size.

Ex 2. I finally put a finish on my 4ft^3 subwoofer for my SDX-15 and she loves it. Told me I need to build another one to match. (too bad I sold my 2nd SDX-15)

Ex 3. My tv stand is kind'a small and won't carry a lot of gear (receiver and UPS on bottom, DVD and one other thing in middle). She wants me to build a bigger one that will hold 8 pieces of equipment. That way, as my HT expands, I will have enough room to tastefully hold my equipment.

The thing with monoblocks or other "audiophile" amps is they’re also a bit of a status symbol. Sitting on top of short stands with granite tops and water hose sized cables running to and from, they’re as much meant to be seen as they are to power a speaker…a far cry from equally capable, yet drastically cheaper, pro amps.

Anyhow, 400 bucks for 1kw @ 4ohms and absolutely silent (no fan noise) is a deal to me! But I would have resold at least 4 of them so long as the wife would let me keep 3 for the mains.

*edit* BTW, there's a guy that's been trying to sell two Crown XLS-402's in KC for 275 local pickup, but they're just not near as classy as those Emotiva monoblocks.

[Looneybomber]

Onkyo TX-NR808, $672 shipped. Use coupon BONUSBUY at checkout.
http://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=ONKTXNR808



It's not a fabulous deal (ie. my 50% off or more I wanted for items posted in here), but it's a new receiver and it's the cheapest selling price so far.

Home Theater Mag review on last year's version, the 807.
http://www.hometheatermag.com/receivers ... _receiver/

"Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 105.5 watts
1% distortion at 122.0 watts

Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 29.9 watts
1% distortion at 33.0 watts

with two channels driving 8-ohm loads, reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 143.6 watts and 1 percent distortion at 168.7 watts. Into 4 ohms, the amplifier reaches 0.1 percent distortion at 240.2 watts and 1 percent distortion at 267.9 watts."

Pretty heafty amp for a receiver; the 5 channel driven is certainly above average, but the 7 channel is a little less than others in the price range. But, in my opinion, if a person needs a 7channel setup, they also need a 2 channel amp for the L/R's, or even a 3 channel amp for the LCR's.

In a couple years when I upgrade my antiquated, but still well performing Pioneer AVR, I will likely get an 8xx series Onkyo. They've consistently performed well in 5 channel mode.

[PoorManQ45]

There is something wrong with the power distribution system in that receiver if it can:

Drive 5 channels to 105.5w, but 7 to only 29.9 watts. That's 527.5 vs 209,3!!!

[Looneybomber]

There is something wrong with the power distribution system in that receiver if it can:

Drive 5 channels to 105.5w, but 7 to only 29.9 watts. That's 527.5 vs 209,3!!!

Yeah it's real odd. All receivers drop a bit, some a fair bit, but that Onkyo is substantial! But, I'm only planning on running a 5ch setup and am not worried at all about 7ch because I don't have room for 2 more speakers. Hell, currently I am only using 2ch because I am still building my front three.

Anyway, to help out those 7ch users, Crown is discontinuing their XLS series amplifier and every place is now selling them at least 50% off.



http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigati ... 5wodvUqduQ
http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Crown--3001
http://www.amazon.com/Crown-Two-channel ... B000FLYMBM

Prices go like this,
XLS-202, 149 shipped
402, 199 shipped
602, 249 shipped
802, 299 shipped.

[Looneybomber]

Energy RC-50s. Normal selling price $1600/pr. Sale price $600/pr shipped, no tax.
http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecommer ... LACK%20ASH
or through Amazon but you may have to pay tax.
http://www.amazon.com/Energy-2-way-blac ... B001BYGSJQ



Not my stuff or my picture. I'd never have a room so acoustically reflective being used as a listening/media/HT room. It's a sure fire way of making good speakers sound like crap. I used it for size comparison. (front speakers)


Certainly a good buy and they get a lot of good reviews. Currently that model is being discontinued and a new line is coming out, hence the close-out pricing.

[Looneybomber]

Jamo 5 pc setup.
http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecommer ... HCS3SYSTEM
using promo code 2DAYSALE or EMPLOYEE the price goes down to $407 shipped at checkout.

BIC F12 (subwoofer), $182 shipped
http://www.shopblt.com/cgi-bin/shop/sho ... d=!ORDERID

That sub, while good for the money, is not a strong performer. Two would help ensure output remains high while distortion stays low.

[marlin29311]

6ave.com is having a HUGE paradigm sale...

http://www.6ave.com/shop/searchresults. ... m=PARADIGM

Near 50% off on some stuff...

[Looneybomber]

Been a while since I posted in here...Been busy.

Energy CF70's on sale. Was 499.00, now 199.00 ea/shipped.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... AID=101512



Review at Home Theater Hifi.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/home-the ... ?showall=1

[PoorManQ45]

Been a while since I posted in here...Been busy.

Energy CF70's on sale. Was 499.00, now 199.00 ea/shipped.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... AID=101512



Review at Home Theater Hifi.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/home-the ... ?showall=1

I was looking at that deal yesterday.

5 of those would make a killer setup!

[PoorManQ45]

Pure Acoustics SuperNova Speaker Deals: C 250-Watt Center Speaker $59, Supernova-S 250-Watt Surround Speakers (pair) $77, 8 Home Theater System-H100 $466 & More + Free s/h



http://www.acousticsounddesign.com/pure ... eakers.cfm

Pure Acoustics SuperNova 8 Home Theater System-H100 $466

[audtatious]

Been a while since I posted in here...Been busy.

Energy CF70's on sale. Was 499.00, now 199.00 ea/shipped.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... AID=101512



Review at Home Theater Hifi.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/home-the ... ?showall=1

I was looking at that deal yesterday.

5 of those would make a killer setup!

I'm looking for a smallish 5-way setup for my bedroom and ran across the Energy Take Classic 5.0 set. How good is Energy as a product?

[Looneybomber]

I don't hear a lot of negative comments about Energy. I've never heard those exact speakers, but they get pretty good reviews for the price it looks like. That said, Klipsch speakers tend to get good reviews (along with Bose products) and I'm not a fan of them at all. YMMV.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/spea ... sic-review
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthre ... ke+classic
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthre ... ke+classic

Do you need a sub?

[audtatious]

Not sure. It's the wife's new bedroom system. I have an old Kenwood center channel with a pair of Infiniti bookshelves right now. Receiver is a newer Pioneer VSX-1020: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/ ... VSX-1020-K

I was looking at the Boston Soundware XS 5.1 system which has the smaller cube speakers but I think she wants to upgrade TV's first.

[Looneybomber]

Due to a series of unfortunate events for AV123, they are out of business and have excess subwoofer drivers from their MFW-15.


These drivers are now sold as "new old stock" for around $100 shipped. (They were $90 shipped to my door)
http://www.diysoundgroup.com/MFW_15.htm

The MFW-15 sold for around $600 in satin black, when not on sale. $700 for the finish below.


They've been available for a while now and quite a few in the DIY world have been building pretty nice bass reinforcement systems. I would say they've been building nice subwoofers, but using 8 of these 15's upgrades the term "subwoofer" into an entire bass reinforcement system.

Options for these include:
-Oppose firing sealed design. This means there's one subwoofer in the front and back. Because of Newton's third law, this cancels out vibrations. These pictured are not an opposed firing design, but I couldn't find any generically hosted pics of sealed enclosures.


-Small ported MWF-15 clone.


-Large ported.


-Front loaded horn.


The box is huge, but it results in a lot of clean output.

[Looneybomber]

Looks like M-Audio is closing out the DSM monitors and likely introducing a new model. They're getting clearanced out all over the place.

In case you don't know, these are powered monitors, which means you don't need an amp/receiver for them, just an input signal. They each have their own 180w amp, along with multiple eq/shelving options to better integrate into your room due to varying placement options. Typically they're used for 2ch audio in studios, but they work for home theater use too. Another option is 5 channel gaming like my previous setup.


Either way, you just need a signal source (preamp, mixer, computer, ipod, etc...) and the right connection cable, and you're good to go.

Here's a picture of the DSM1


DSM1 pair with pads. $400 shipped (FBSUMMER for an additional 5% off while it lasts)
DSM2 pair with pads. $500 shipped (FBSUMMER for an additional 5% off while it lasts)
DSM3 pair with pads. $600 shipped (FBSUMMER for an additional 5% off while it lasts)
http://www.audiomidi.com/VP_MAudio_DSM_Monitors.aspx

And the same price can be found at Amazon, but no free pad. (link to DSM1 single)
http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophi ... 993&sr=8-1

Here's a place selling them. (link to the DSM2 single) $500/pr shipped, no free pad.
http://www.pssl.com/!2UKqK5Q-lpBcWxDr6O ... onitors--s

Here's a quick video about them, with list price given at the end ($650 for the DSM1, $750 for DSM2...that's per speaker, not a pair)
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQUXTTkt5Uc[/youtube]

And another quick video that shows the rear mounted amp.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrVsVjphh8g[/youtube]

[PoorManQ45]

When I see a pair of monitors pushing $600 I have to wonder how they compare to the Mackie 824s.

[Looneybomber]

Oh, one more good deal for the day.

Onkyo HT-RC180


This model was released Sept. '09 with a list price of $1049. Amazon currently sells it for $950. Here you can get it refurbished for $350. (Shipping to me is about $40)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a- ... ver/1.html

[PoorManQ45]

Oh, one more good deal for the day.

Onkyo HT-RC180


This model was released Sept. '09 with a list price of $1049. Amazon currently sells it for $950. Here you can get it refurbished for $350. (Shipping to me is about $40)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a- ... ver/1.html

I actually bought that a month ago from them when they had free shipping! It's an awesome unit!

It has full preamp outputs. I am using a Behringer A500 for my left and right speakers.

It is a beastly unit. 38 pounds! I will say that when the input signal changes resolution it can take up to 3 seconds for the receiver to lock on and output video again. This is an issue when watching cable as the channels change from 720p to 1080i.

[Looneybomber]

I actually bought that a month ago from them when they had free shipping! It's an awesome unit!

It has full preamp outputs. I am using a Behringer A500 for my left and right speakers.

It is a beastly unit. 38 pounds! I will say that when the input signal changes resolution it can take up to 3 seconds for the receiver to lock on and output video again. This is an issue when watching cable as the channels change from 720p to 1080i.

I was thinking of picking it up even with the shipping...still thinking about it though. I'll have to check my budget again, because I just purchased 4 more 15's (those MFW drivers I posted above) and need to build enclosures for them. I also need to rebuild my enclosures for my L/R's and center. I want curved walls. Rosewood veneer is not cheap either and if money is tight, I'd rather put the $390 towards getting the veneer and the nickle plated steel tops and bases a'la Sonus Faber Amati Futura.


My biggest concern is I want good DAC's. I send digital audio from my computer and have an EP2500 for my L/R's. I primarily listen to 2ch music with the occasional movie. I don't have cable, just internet. Everything goes through the computer, so I don't have to worry about channel changing and the video cutting out.

[Looneybomber]

Ran across this deal on ebay. (If you haven't noticed, I tend to be an Infinity fan) I checked the website and they have the same deal there too. $229/ea shipped. (That free shipping really helps, because boxed, they're pretty big and heavy. Shipping will be a bit high.)



A review of them.
http://www.hometheater.com/floorloudspe ... er_system/

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Infinity-Classi ... 3369869452

And also their website.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... 7009447967

Here are the matching mono/di/bipole surrounds. $149/ea shipped.



http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Infinity-Classi ... 43a8534437

And the matching center channel. $199/ea shipped.



http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Infinity-Classi ... 35b376964e

5.0 surround total = $955 shipped to your door.

Add a sub (or subs) and a receiver and you're looking at about $2000-2400 or so for a full 5.1 or 5.1x2 system that will perform quiet well.

[Looneybomber]

Vann's just put all the speakers on sale for this weekend only. New post below...

Infinity Classia C336. $199/ea shipped. (add it to your cart to see the new updated price till 7/17)



A review of the Infinity Classia surround system.
http://www.hometheater.com/floorloudspe ... er_system/

Vann's website where you buy 'em.
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... sia-c336bk

Here are the matching mono/di/bipole surrounds. $99/ea shipped.



http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... a-c255esbk

And the matching center channel. $149/ea shipped.



http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/ ... ia-cc225bk

5.0 surround total = $745 for this weekend only at Vanns!

Now you need a reciever.

Onkyo HT-RC180


This model was released Sept. '09 with a list price of $1049. Amazon currently sells it for $950. Here you can get it refurbished for $350. (Shipping to me is about $40)
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a- ... ver/1.html

5.0 speakers and reciever total = $1135 shipped this weekend.

At a bit over $1100, it's a hell of a deal. Maybe the best deal I have posted so far...

Add about $800 for a sub, and for less than $2k, you have a killer system. Or just add a cheaper sub for around $400 and for around $1500 you'd have a system that your friends will still be jealous of.

[Looneybomber]

For those that want a good bang-for-their-buck and also like to tinker with things or build things, this site has been put together by a fellow DIY'er on AVSforum.

http://www.diysoundgroup.com/

What he does is order things in large quantity to get qty pricing and store it in his warehouse. He then sells individual pieces at cost. He has "flat packs" made of one speaker kit so far, but plans on carrying a few. They're all CNC cut and require minimal labor to put together.

Here is their first kit. Again, at cost.
http://www.diysoundgroup.com/speaker-ki ... r-kit.html


Just add glue, a finish (paint, wood veneer, or just shellac), and drill a couple holes for binding posts, or cut a hole out for a terminal cup.

Here is a quote from in over at AVSforum.

Thanks guys! There's not much up there right now, but that will be changing very soon. I spent a lot of time getting all the coding and shipping figured out. It turned into a MUCH bigger project than I thought it would be.

I've been getting in samples of bunch of smaller items that the DIY guys use. I just need to go ahead and get them ordered.

The new CNC guys will be starting soon, so that should be good. Once things get rolling, the flat pack designs will really start popping up fast. Seriously hoping for 25-30 designs by the end of November. They'll be cutting smaller numbers of each, so we can have many more designs......even numbers as small as 10 or so.

As mentioned in the other thread, tomorrow the big CNC company will be delivering the Nano Neos and Overnight Sensation MTM's. I think they're around $18.50 each! That's recessed drivers, roundovers, rabbet joints, and even bracing! 3/4" mdf was what the designers wanted on these.

I normally pick them up myself, but there's been a chance of rain and I don't have any enclosed trucks. The delivery charge is minimal and under $100. That will divide out okay because I ordered 300 flat packs!! 75 pair of each one.

And more good news, these both use a Dayton brand tweeter that just doubled in price. But guess what? I bought about 300 of them 4 days before the price went up!!! Oh yeh, you know that low price will get passed on too!

The bad news is that some went for this last run of the smaller Overnight MT version, but I still have a lot left.

And of course the SEOS waveguide pricing will change. The ones listed are directly from Autotech in Poland. There will be cheaper models shortly. Work slows down for me very soon and I can devote a lot more time to these projects.

Because I mentioned I would post the link to his site on here, he replied with this.

I can ask the CNC programmer if he wants to draw up any car audio boxes later on. But this next month or so will be straight focus on DIY home audio gear.

[audtatious]

Purchased a pair of Energy CF-30 for less than 200 bux the other day.....



Today I picked up a Energy Encore center channel for 69.99 via Amazon:



These are for a spare room upstairs which the daughter uses as a TV room...

[Looneybomber]

Just saw this on slickdeals.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6882269036



$80 off w/ promo code EMCJNNE97, ends 10/8
$100/pr shipped!

[audtatious]

That's what I paid for my Advents 10 years ago and they have been a phenomenal front speaker pair in my home theatre system (I never turn my sub on as they have plenty of bass). The CF's are a higher line than the EF series so I'm fine with the deal I got. Still gotta get them all hooked up and get that new center channel delivered.

[Looneybomber]

$100/pr shipped for some towers is just silly cheap. That's darn near free if you had to pay shipping on ebay. I'm super impressed with the deal, but can't speak to the sound of those speakers. I've not heard them in person. Heck, they'd be fantastic mains (minus center) and surrounds for only $200 shipped! Add a sub and bam, 4.1 with a phantom center.

That said, and long story short, I have been running a 4.1 setup since December; Phantom center. A lot of folks say they like it, some say they prefer it, but me, I miss my center channel. 5/7.1 is where it's at.