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Post by ac2011 on Sept 9, 2016 9:20:44 GMT -5
Hi - I'm on the search for new speakers. There are lots of contenders, but I have an issue with most brands that the matching center channel is too large (specifically too tall) for the cabinet where it NEEDS to reside. Also, I'm in Canada, so the on-line options aren't especially plentiful if you don't want to pay the huge import duties, and basically the only audio shop near me only has Paradigm and Bryston.
One of the strong contenders right now - based on price, availability, reviews - is the PSB Imagine X line (X2T, XC, XB). I'm using 3 x XPA-100 across the front, and I assume these would still be substantial enough for the PSB's. Wondering if anyone else here is using/has used these and your experience?
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Post by teaman on Sept 9, 2016 9:37:25 GMT -5
PSB makes nice sounding speakers ac2011. I can only imagine that the ImagineX line would sound fantastic, as all of the other PSB speakers seem to offer great bang for the buck.
Where in Canada are you located? Just so you know, in case you have not heard them Bryston and Paradigm are fantastic manufacturers, I don't think I can think of anything negative of what they bring to the table.
Have you listened to Klipsch by chance? I prefer the high efficiency and clear sound that Klipsch speakers reproduce. My buddy has a Bryston 4B amp and Klipsch Forte II speakers on Kijiji for a great price
Tim
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FLcanuck
Emo VIPs 
Kind of Blue ....EMO Blue!
Posts: 362
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Post by FLcanuck on Sept 9, 2016 11:36:11 GMT -5
I've had the previous flagship PSB Synchrony One towers and center for years and have been very happy with them - and no plans to change them any time soon either. For me, they just do everything right - very dynamic, great detail but not bright, good imaging and soundstage, never fatiguing - just very enjoyable to listen to no matter what genre. If you need real heavy bass or the type of bass you would get from an old Cerwin Vega 15" speaker, then a sub will be needed for full effect. The XPA-100s should have plenty of power for any of the ImagineX speakers. I used an XPA-2 for the towers and one channel of an XPA-3 for the center for years - loved that set-up. I now run 3 W4S Class D monoblocks (smaller/lighter form factor was needed in new home/location) for them and they still sing beautifully. You've got some nice subs so you could probably get away with the bookshelves and center, although for me, there's just something about a nice dynamic tower that can't be beat (even with subs available).  I would at least check out some Paradigm speakers (if they have the beryllium tweeter you're in for a treat) and several other brands if at all possible - there may be something else out there that your ears/musical tastes prefer. |
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Post by ac2011 on Sept 9, 2016 11:44:53 GMT -5
PSB makes nice sounding speakers ac2011. I can only imagine that the ImagineX line would sound fantastic, as all of the other PSB speakers seem to offer great bang for the buck. Where in Canada are you located? Just so you know, in case you have not heard them Bryston and Paradigm are fantastic manufacturers, I don't think I can think of anything negative of what they bring to the table. Have you listened to Klipsch by chance? I prefer the high efficiency and clear sound that Klipsch speakers reproduce. My buddy has a Bryston 4B amp and Klipsch Forte II speakers on Kijiji for a great price Tim Teaman, I am in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I dropped into my local audio store at lunch time and found out that they are going out of business! Bad news for being able to see anything, other than what Best Buy has  But, potentially good news for me right now as they are going to start their going out of business sale next week!  As I mentioned, they carry Paradigm and Bryston, so this would be my likely one and only opportunity to get some higher end stuff for a slightly less than higher end price. The other store that we had here went out of business about 5 years ago and I got a fantastic deal on my 63" 3D plasma at that time. This time around I might be able to snag some high end connects and cables and stuff too. Need to sit down and consider what I need. |
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Post by Loop 7 on Sept 9, 2016 11:51:44 GMT -5
I like PSB and their cabinet finishing is second to none. However, I think Paradigm and others like ELAC offer more in terms of sonic quality.
I really want to hear the Emotiva passive speakers.
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Post by ac2011 on Sept 9, 2016 12:17:03 GMT -5
I like PSB and their cabinet finishing is second to none. However, I think Paradigm and others like ELAC offer more in terms of sonic quality. I really want to hear the Emotiva passive speakers. I may very well end up going with Paradigm in this closeout, if the price is right. Will have to wait and see. |
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Post by brubacca on Sept 9, 2016 12:39:31 GMT -5
Personally I have been underwhelmed the last several times I heard PSB speakers. This was at 3 different dealer locations. The dealer sat there and raved about how good they sounded and I wasn't impressed.
Canadian speakers that sound really good to me are the Totem Acoustic offerings, Hawk/Forest and Sttaf.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Sept 10, 2016 7:12:12 GMT -5
Ive had the PSB Image B6's and the Imagine B....both were incredible values...yes there are better out there..but I was loving them when I had them
audition IN HOME and decide for yourself
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Post by garbulky on Sept 10, 2016 15:09:52 GMT -5
Sticking a center in a cabinet is not optimal for sound. However, sometimes it is unavoidable.
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Post by ac2011 on Sept 10, 2016 18:26:33 GMT -5
Sticking a center in a cabinet is not optimal for sound. However, sometimes it is unavoidable. It is unavoidable in this case. And it is not an enclosed cabinet, plus I pull the edge of the speaker out beyond the edge of the cabinet to let it "breathe" a bit. |
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But, potentially good news for me right now as they are going to start their going out of business sale next week! 
As I mentioned, they carry Paradigm and Bryston, so this would be my likely one and only opportunity to get some higher end stuff for a slightly less than higher end price. The other store that we had here went out of business about 5 years ago and I got a fantastic deal on my 63" 3D plasma at that time. This time around I might be able to snag some high end connects and cables and stuff too. Need to sit down and consider what I need.
