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Post by kuch569 on Nov 13, 2015 18:35:43 GMT -5
I've been thinking about picking up a pair to use as a secondary 2 channel system in my main listening area. My main HT system consists of GE Triton 1s powered by a Denon 4520 and Emotiva XPA5. Sometime I like to watch video on the main system, but listen to music on my zone 2. And then sometimes its nice to listen to some bookshelves instead of the Tritons. And plus its always good to have some more speakers to listen too....
The Stealth 8s got some great reviews a couple of years ago when they debuted but now I don't see much on them. I like the fact they are powered because I suspect the internal amps are better than powering off my Denon's internal amps. I'm also checking out the KEF LS50 which are supposedly incredible but passive which would make me feel obligated to buy another 2 channel amp to power them and realize their potential. I'm currently using some DefTech Studio Monitor 450s but not thrilled with their performance compared to the Tritons. So perhaps the Stealth 8s will offer 90% of the quality of the LS50s for a cheaper price?
Anyway just hoping someone has some opinions on them for use in a 2 channel stereo set up.
Thanks
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Post by garbulky on Nov 13, 2015 18:41:18 GMT -5
I haven't heard either. But...if you area really looking for an improvement with your alrady top notch system...the XMC-1 is what I would be looking towards. Your speakers and amp are just fine  |
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Post by copperpipe on Nov 13, 2015 20:39:04 GMT -5
I suspect the stealth 8's will totally crush the LS50 when it comes to bass and pure volume; comparing an 8 inch woofer to a 5.25 inch, not really fair. But the LS50 have a reputation for being incredibly accurate (studio monitors) and they apparently throw an incredible sound stage. I have the Kef R300's and love them. Both the stealths and kefs are probably great speakers, just different.
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Post by creimes on Nov 13, 2015 22:52:56 GMT -5
I've been thinking about picking up a pair to use as a secondary 2 channel system in my main listening area. My main HT system consists of GE Triton 1s powered by a Denon 4520 and Emotiva XPA5. Sometime I like to watch video on the main system, but listen to music on my zone 2. And then sometimes its nice to listen to some bookshelves instead of the Tritons. And plus its always good to have some more speakers to listen too.... The Stealth 8s got some great reviews a couple of years ago when they debuted but now I don't see much on them. I like the fact they are powered because I suspect the internal amps are better than powering off my Denon's internal amps. I'm also checking out the KEF LS50 which are supposedly incredible but passive which would make me feel obligated to buy another 2 channel amp to power them and realize their potential. I'm currently using some DefTech Studio Monitor 450s but not thrilled with their performance compared to the Tritons. So perhaps the Stealth 8s will offer 90% of the quality of the LS50s for a cheaper price? Anyway just hoping someone has some opinions on them for use in a 2 channel stereo set up. Thanks here has some Stealth 6`s for sale, I have owned them and they are incredible speakers and throw a real nice amount of bass for a 6.5" driver, the Stealth 8 is a very large bookshelf, even the Stealth 6 is a good size |
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Post by kuch569 on Nov 13, 2015 23:05:54 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses. These will most often be played at low to moderate volume when the boss and kids are away for the night. I think I'm looking for great detail and good low volume full bass. Something good for late nights with some Jackson Browne on the turntable. I once had a separate system of old Boston Acoustics VR M60s running off an Outlaw 2150. That was really a great sound for me but sold off to buy the Tritons. I'm thinking the Stealth 8's will have the detail and bottom end I'm looking for without the need for a sub or separate amp. I suppose with the return policy I can ship them back if I don't like them. Just really looking for some one to say they have them and love them.
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Post by pop on Nov 14, 2015 0:44:24 GMT -5
Yes. I have stealth 6 for sale. I am very impressed by their bass response. I am sure the 8s have a better lower end, but I have heard that it is at a sacrifice of the smooth transition from tweeter to driver the 6 possesses. Either choice is a great choice. If I had to do it all over again, I would still go with the 6 based on their incredible value. I do very much recommend the stealth series. |
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Post by pop on Nov 14, 2015 0:45:04 GMT -5
And yes the Stealth 8 are HUGE. The stealth 6 are even very large.
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Post by Porscheguy on Nov 14, 2015 10:33:13 GMT -5
They are good.
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klinemj
Emo VIPs 
Honorary Emofest Scribe
Posts: 14,762
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Post by klinemj on Nov 14, 2015 14:56:34 GMT -5
I have heard the 8's at Emotiva several times...impressive.
Mark
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Post by Poodleluvr on Nov 14, 2015 15:33:53 GMT -5
kuch569:
For a specific 2-channel set-up, IMO, I prefer the Stealth 6s versus the 8s. Unfortunately, the Steath 6s are not available new, but are available on the secondary market with factory warranty remaining....
FWIW,I first purchased the Stealth 8s. Afterwards, I purchased the Stealth 6s, then returned the 8s under the Emo home trial offer.
I found the 8s not as "stealthy" as the 6s. In my room, the Stealth 6s disappeared in the room much better for a 2 channel music app.
In a home theater 5.1 application in a large room I believe I would be very satisfied with a quantity of 5 active Stealth 8 speakers.
To my recollection, Mr. Andrew Robinson demoed both the 6s and the 8s. To my understanding, he preferred the Stealth 6s over the 8s. After the fact, I wholeheartedly agree with Andrew. (especially when I had to pay the return shipping.)
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Post by Perpendicular on Nov 14, 2015 16:44:21 GMT -5
I own and use three (3) Stealth 6's in a 5.2 system. I've never heard the 8's but I've read that they are very similar and close in sound quality except for some added bass frequency heft on the Stealth 8. My personal opinion after living with their sound for a couple of years is that I find them very smooth and laid back. So much so that a lot of times I'm wishing for some more bite from them but it ain't happening with that Air Motion tweeter. One of the things I find that I do like about that AM tweeter is how scarily realistic it can sound compared to dome type tweeters. Hope this helps! If I think of anything else, I'll Post again. Btw, search out this Forum. You should find a lot of reviews and comparisons done between the Stealth and Airmotiv series. I know I started one comparing the Stealth 6 to the Airmotiv 4 and 5 second generation series. I still own the Airmotiv 4s and I feel it has the better detail between the three models. Though, I favor the Stealth 6 for it's fullness, even at higher bass management crossover settings using a subwoofer. I've experimented with crossover settings up to 200 Hz and can still hear a fullness with the Stealth model. So, bottom line and depending on room size, your Stealth 8 choice may be appropriate.
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Post by Perpendicular on Nov 14, 2015 17:03:27 GMT -5
Another thing I remembered. If I had to do it all over again, I would get the Airmotiv 4s (or maybe the 6s even though I dislike the heatsink on the backside) because I favor the separate balanced and unbalanced inputs better. I use both in testing and it can be a real pain going back and forth with using an adapter on the Stealth. I use a 1/4" to RCA female adapter and it doesn't want to pull out very easily.
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Post by esquire on Nov 17, 2015 16:55:59 GMT -5
I have had the 8's for about two months. They image suprisingly well even at low volumes. I am using them as midfield speakers, 6-7 feet or so from listening position. These speakers can really thump without any apparent strain with plenty of heft and do not sacrifice in the upper end. The folded transformers are amazing tweeters. The more I listen the more I'm enjoying the experience. Could be because they are getting broken in or I am just appreciating all the nuances these speakers deliver. I have mated them with a JL Audio E-112 sub and I do not believe I'll be looking for a another set up anytime soon. I'm very pleased.
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Post by yves on Nov 18, 2015 12:54:55 GMT -5
Better than Mackie HR824 Mk2, which says one heck of a lot IMO.
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