Home audio/theater deals.

[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.

[audtatious]

I run a 5.0 because I never turn my sub on. My Advent AS2's were 99-bux a pair 10 years ago. I believe these were pre-Recoton and were sold cheap to get rid of them when Advent was sold? They are great HT mains. I have a matching center channel that happens to be AR (sister to Advent at the time) I got on clearance as well. Works great. Wife has a fit if I turn the sub on (700w to a 12" TL DVC) since my HT setup is in the basement and it all radiates upward due to the concrete.

Now, if only I can find a pair of B&W nautilus for 99-bux

I don't care much for the wife's Boston HT setup...the mains seem to lack midbass to me. Could simply be the way she has it setup. I have a pair of Klipsch Icon KB-15's in the bedroom and after burnin they seem to do quite well. Got to get those Energy cf-30's burned in to see how good they really do.

[PoorManQ45]

Tell the wife to go away...

Turn your sub on as you please.

I'm always amazed at the power that some people feed their subs. Is that in a relatively small enclosure? The reason I say that is that I'm only feeding my 15" Titanic 370w and can hit 110dB across the frequency range.

[audtatious]

I was a car audio guy so feeding lots of power is common

The amp is bridged at 2ohm via the sub so, yes, it can pump out 700w. When I do turn it on i don't turn it up too high. Playing around with it at high levels causes the wood paneling in my basement to vibrate where you can hear it. kinda funny.

Take your 15" Titanic running at 370w and feed it 700w and you have less than a 3db gain. Granted, 3db of bass is nothing to really sneeze at.

[audtatious]

Newegg.com has the Energy Veritas V-6.2 for 299.99 each (list is 1,199.99).



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 1J70FP1490

[Looneybomber]

Oh man, there were a LOT of good black friday deals! Onkyo 818 was $650 at B&H and Amazon dropped as low as $575! Newegg settled in at $699 during the Black friday weekend.

Also, newegg had the Pioneer VSX1222 for $549 and it's currently at $599. I had to pick one up because I have had real good luck with my pioneer 1014, which was the top of the line 2004 non-elite model. This 1222 is 2nd from the top of the 2012 models with an MSRP about twice that of the 1014, but it feels cheaper. This thing arrived on Tuesday and I still have yet to even plug it in...we'll see how I like later. If it doesn't have fantastic performance, I will take it back. If it does have fantastic performance, then I will be excited that I got it for 50% off. Oh, the app for Android is pretty sweet. I like the idea of having a 10" tablet to use as a remote, upstairs in the kitchen, to play music on the speakers in the living room, with the reciever down in the basement.

Just noticed the $599 ends today, but they do have open box ones at $509. MSRP = $1100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6882117412

[audtatious]

Wife has the Pioneer VSX1020 which is a couple years old now but has lots of "bang for the buck". I just need to add the bluetooth adapter to it so I can control it via my ipad. I have the Pioneer SC-05 which is awesome but does not have any bluetooth capability.....I do have it network connected so I can get world-wide internet radio on it.

[Looneybomber]

I'm a big fan of Pioneer. My parents have a Pioneer stereo receiver that still works from right around 1980. My vsx1014 has worked great even listening to music in 5/7ch stereo at near -0db for extended periods of time. I would still use my 1014 since I only run 4.1 channels (soon completing more speakers and will run more), I'm very happy with it, but I want to start doing bit for bit rips onto my HTPC and utilize the lossless audio in the near future.

I really wanted the SC-61 for the 12v triggers to power my amps, but I couldn't find one on sale anywhere. I would have picked up the Onkyo 818 since it had two 12v triggers, but everything I read said they were for zones 2 and 3 and I couldn't find any info on if they were assignable...but maybe the extra $100 would have been worth it for Audessy XT32? Oh well, too late now. I just need a longer HDMI cable (which I somehow lost) so I can hook this new receiver up. It's too tall to fit in my TV stand so I have to relocate it.

At a later date, I want to get all of my equipment relocated to an adjacent closet, so then all controls will be done via home network or bluetooth.

[audtatious]

Pioneer is just so easy to use in comparison to my wife's two Kenwood systems. Those things constantly require fiddling. My issue right now is determining when I want to replace my speakers. The ones I'm running on my system are 10-yo Advent AS2's (with 20yo Infinity Sterling rear's) which I picked up on clearance for $99 a pair!!! Damn things sound great as HT speakers, better than the Boston VR setup my wife has. Great mid-bass, clear mids and highs. It's hard to justify spending money on something new when what I have does such a good job.

I won't look into a real rack system for my audio system until I get my next home...Will probably us some high end "in wall" speakers to save space.

[Looneybomber]

I thought about doing in wall surrounds a while back and picked up 2pairs of in wall infinity speakers for whenever I owned a home. Now that I own a home, I don't want to install them since that would mean a lot of sheetrock work in an already finished basement. So if that's the route you want to go, Find a house with an unfinished basement and do all the work yourself. Running wires and making cutouts is pretty simple. Sweat equity!

[audtatious]

I would not mind a B&W in-wall setup. There's a ebay auction for 5 of them: