|
|
Post by johnigel on Dec 23, 2009 10:37:23 GMT -5
I'm debating whether to go with a pair of 8.3's or 6.3's with dual subs for strictly 2-channel listening. My room is 16 x 20 with a cathedral ceiling. I listen to a variety of music: classic rock, pop, jazz and classical. I'm thinking that the 6.3's with dual subs, like Martin Logan Dynamo's just might be the ticket. The reviews on both speakers are great, making the choice that much more difficult. The dual subs would give me some more placement options but would need to be carefully integrated with the mains. The 8.3's, on the other hand, are designed as a single coherent unit already.
Has anyone compared these setups?
Whatcha ya think?
|
|
|
|
Post by bigred7078 on Dec 23, 2009 12:07:24 GMT -5
|
|
ntrain42
Emo VIPs 
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be home before breakfast!
Posts: 2,969
|
Post by ntrain42 on Dec 23, 2009 17:50:02 GMT -5
I'm debating whether to go with a pair of 8.3's or 6.3's with dual subs for strictly 2-channel listening. My room is 16 x 20 with a cathedral ceiling. I listen to a variety of music: classic rock, pop, jazz and classical. I'm thinking that the 6.3's with dual subs, like Martin Logan Dynamo's just might be the ticket. The reviews on both speakers are great, making the choice that much more difficult. The dual subs would give me some more placement options but would need to be carefully integrated with the mains. The 8.3's, on the other hand, are designed as a single coherent unit already. Has anyone compared these setups? Whatcha ya think? If you have to do Emotiva for 2 channel listening I would do a pair of 6.2's with a pair of subs....... |
|
jlafrenz
Global Moderator 
I don't want to jump in, unless this music's thumping
Posts: 7,722
|
Post by jlafrenz on Dec 23, 2009 17:57:54 GMT -5
The 6.2's seem to be the crowd favorite for 2 channel listening. Almost everyone at Emofest stated that they preferred them with a sub over the towers.
|
|
|
|
Post by johnigel on Dec 23, 2009 21:27:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback guys...6.2's? Hmmm, could save me some coin!
|
|
jlafrenz
Global Moderator
I don't want to jump in, unless this music's thumping
Posts: 7,722
|
Post by jlafrenz on Dec 23, 2009 21:34:52 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback guys...6.2's? Hmmm, could save me some coin! Put that savings into a good sub. |
|
|
|
Post by doug0617 on Dec 24, 2009 1:25:55 GMT -5
I have not heard the 8.3's to comment on them. I can comment on the 6.2's with a sub.
AWSOME!!! I also sent my crossovers to the skiing ninja for upgrades. I can say that it's money well spent. I can't see you doing better for 2 channel mains than this setup for the price. As for a sub of course the rythmik f-12 is great. Two of them even better. I have two MFW-15's and they are WICKED. Have fun.
|
|
|
|
Post by Nemesis.ie on Dec 24, 2009 11:26:26 GMT -5
I have 6.3s but for 2 channel and keeping the budget down I agree with the other posts, 6.2 + sub(s).
And as mentioned, the savings could go into upgraded crossovers or better sub(s).
|
|
|
|
Post by RayoVac on Dec 24, 2009 14:12:50 GMT -5
HiJacking a bit here... but for all those in the know... do you still feel good about the the 8.3, 6.3 ERD for HT? I have been sitting on the fence waiting to pull the trigger for some time now. When I read comments about the 6.2, I like to clarify whether you guys feel they are better all the way around, or just in this example... for 2 Channel listening.
Also... I know I could do 3-6.3s for the front... but I am leaning towards the 8.3/6.3 combo for one fairly lame reason. Stands... putting the 6.3 on stands without a good way to lock them down... scares me. My Klipsch RB-75s have an integrated threaded hole in the bottom just for this purpose. And I absolutely would not want to screw ANYTHING into the base or back of a brand new 6.3. If I just set 6.3s on a stand, I could see my stupid little cats standing up to them (de-clawed) to check them out, and crash... they go toppling over. Sooo that is why I am thinking 8.3s.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2009 17:23:42 GMT -5
HiJacking a bit here... but for all those in the know... do you still feel good about the the 8.3, 6.3 ERD for HT? I have been sitting on the fence waiting to pull the trigger for some time now. When I read comments about the 6.2, I like to clarify whether you guys feel they are better all the way around, or just in this example... for 2 Channel listening. Also... I know I could do 3-6.3s for the front... but I am leaning towards the 8.3/6.3 combo for one fairly lame reason. Stands... putting the 6.3 on stands without a good way to lock them down... scares me. My Klipsch RB-75s have an integrated threaded hole in the bottom just for this purpose. And I absolutely would not want to screw ANYTHING into the base or back of a brand new 6.3. If I just set 6.3s on a stand, I could see my stupid little cats standing up to them (de-clawed) to check them out, and crash... they go toppling over. Sooo that is why I am thinking 8.3s. Rayo, I have another thought here. I believe a lot of those with the towers like the 8.3 run them at full range (not good IMO) or cross them over at 40-50Hz (too low IMO). With the sub covering some of the same bass area perhaps they tend to get some doubling and boomy sounding. Setting up the 6.2's with a sub they usually set the 6.2's to small and avoid this problem. The bass crossing over at 80Hz to the sub produces a very clean and defined bass. I have the ERM-1's which are a slightly smaller brother to the 6.2's and sound great with my sub. However, I hear your thoughts about the floorstanding advantages over the smaller 6.3 or 6.2 on stands. I think if your budget can handle it you will be very happy with the 8.3's. I would suggest with the excellent sub you have that you consider crossing the 8.3's (set as small) to the sub at 70-80Hz (no lower than 60) and see how it sounds. This will keep the bass response of the 8.3's very defined and free from room problems that can tend to muddy up the 8.3's in the area from 80Hz and down when set to full range or crossed over too low. The SVS placed correctly will keep the lowest bass well defined. Many here will disagree, but an alternative method, see how your ears like it. Just some miscellaneous ramblings on Christmas Eve Day. Enjoy your new speakers whatever you decide. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by RayoVac on Dec 24, 2009 17:40:28 GMT -5
chuckienet, Thanks for the ideas... I do appreciate it. I am also just hanging out here on Christmas Eve... we were suppose to go over to some friends... but I am still Hacking and Coughing all over the place (Asthmatic Bronchitis)... so the Wifey-Poo and I are in for the evening. I know it probably sounds a bit silly to some to spend the extra $$$ on the ERTs for the sake of stability especially if I cross them over at 70-80hz... but to me it would be worth it. One because they look pretty awesome, and two... my crazy cats would not likely cause any mishaps. For me... easily worth the extra $$$. Hoping your at least having some good food tonight. Sorry I did not get that fruitcake to you, I know how much you were looking forward to it.  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2009 19:06:55 GMT -5
chuckienet, Thanks for the ideas... I do appreciate it. I am also just hanging out here on Christmas Eve... we were suppose to go over to some friends... but I am still Hacking and Coughing all over the place (Asthmatic Bronchitis)... so the Wifey-Poo and I are in for the evening. I know it probably sounds a bit silly to some to spend the extra $$$ on the ERTs for the sake of stability especially if I cross them over at 70-80hz... but to me it would be worth it. One because they look pretty awesome, and two... my crazy cats would not likely cause any mishaps. For me... easily worth the extra $$$. Hoping your at least having some good food tonight. Sorry I did not get that fruitcake to you, I know how much you were looking forward to it. The photos of the 8.3's I've seen look very nice. They are great speakers for a pittance. Hope you feel better soon, Rayo. Be careful, all that coughing might scare the reindeer away! ;D Yeah, I am disappointed about the fruitcake not arriving. Oh well, I'll just go put the hack saw away.  My wife is in Japan and won't be home for another week and a half. I'm starving to death! I'm spending tomorrow with my sister for Christmas dinner. Take care of yourself good man. Merry Christmas, Chuck |
|
|
|
Post by why1504 on Dec 24, 2009 22:11:24 GMT -5
I have the towers. I am a large speaker guy. I have a large room and find that the sound from large speakers to pressurize large rooms better than smaller speakers regardless of if you have a sub or not. Right now I have the 8.3's in my theater room and have the sub crossed at 40 hertz. Right now, the speakers have about 50 hours on them and they have loosened up a good bit. I am planning to re balance the everything next week including the sub crossover. Now, I also am a big power guy, and I believe if you want speakers to open up, you need to exceed the max power rating. The other considerations you should consider are listening environment, listening habits, etc. Also, after this speaker position has the next biggest impact.
After owning Meridian and lsitening to lots and lots of high end audio over the years, I am really really happy with how this system sounds.
I like big speakers and big power.
|
|
|
|
Post by roadrunner on Dec 25, 2009 5:17:59 GMT -5
RayO
I have listened, at length, to the 8.3, 6.3, 6.2 in the HT environment, and I think the 8.3 for the mains are the most satisfying was to go. I can't imagine a better sounding HT system than the 8.3 Fronts, the 6.3 Center and the ERD-1 for surround duty. This is a totally awesome combo for any Home Theater. Enjoy.
For 2-channel set up, it is a really tough call. I have not heard any combination of Emo speakers that did not sound wonderful for stereo music. I don't think you can go wrong with selecting any of the recommended choices--they all have their place, if you also use them with a good musical sub. If you do not want to go 2.1, preferring to stay with a strict two channel setup, the 8.3 is fully capable of handling any music other than the lowest notes from a pipe organ. The 8.3 has excellent, realistic sounding reproduction of all genre of music.
This is probably why Emotiva always demos its 2-channel systems using the 8.3's driven by the XPA-1 or xPA-2 -- totally awesome!
|
|
|
|
Post by mariof16 on Dec 25, 2009 8:56:16 GMT -5
HiJacking a bit here... but for all those in the know... do you still feel good about the the 8.3, 6.3 ERD for HT? I have been sitting on the fence waiting to pull the trigger for some time now. When I read comments about the 6.2, I like to clarify whether you guys feel they are better all the way around, or just in this example... for 2 Channel listening. Also... I know I could do 3-6.3s for the front... but I am leaning towards the 8.3/6.3 combo for one fairly lame reason. Stands... putting the 6.3 on stands without a good way to lock them down... scares me. My Klipsch RB-75s have an integrated threaded hole in the bottom just for this purpose. And I absolutely would not want to screw ANYTHING into the base or back of a brand new 6.3. If I just set 6.3s on a stand, I could see my stupid little cats standing up to them (de-clawed) to check them out, and crash... they go toppling over. Sooo that is why I am thinking 8.3s. I feel the same way you do about the stands. Eventually I want to move my 104.2s to a dedicated 2 channel set-up and replace them with Emo. I was thinking 6.3s to match the center but I am worried about my new little one or one of the other 2 kids knocking them over. If I did do 6.3s I would put them on 16-18" stands so they would hopefully be pretty stable, but I am still leaning towards the 8.3s. I think I may just be a tower guy. Either way- 6.2,6.3, or 8.3- I think you cannot go wrong. |
|
|
|
Post by vincedog3 on Dec 25, 2009 11:05:19 GMT -5
My vote for the 6.2s too. They sound so darn good, and with a good sub, you would be set to enjoy. |
|
|
|
Post by rygher3 on Dec 25, 2009 11:33:25 GMT -5
What is it that makes people like the 6.2s over the 6.3s?
|
|
|
|
Post by iketremonti8 on Dec 25, 2009 12:28:47 GMT -5
I had the same opinion as most everyone else at Emofest: That the 6.2's with a sub sounded better that the 8.3's (on music especially). I think the 6.2's had a better, smoother, crisper (running out of words) high end than the 8.3's. Probably because both were being ran by the same amp. It seems to me that if you hook an XPA-2 to the 6.2's then they can use the entire amount of the amps power to produce an awesome top end and mids which is what they were made to do. No power is being eaten up by large woofers. However, when you hook the XPA-2 up to the 8.3's they have to distribute some of that same power to the dual 8 inch woofers which MAY (and I do say MAY) just barely knock down the top end quality of the 8.3's enough to allow the 6.2's to shine more in that area. Hope that made sense, and maybe that is not even the reason why people like them more! lol. Just something I thought that MIGHT be the reason.
Maybe if they had the 8.3's running from 2 XPA-1's maybe our minds would have been changed. Don't know though.
|
|
|
|
Post by iketremonti8 on Dec 25, 2009 12:48:18 GMT -5
sorry guys, I just realized that he was asking about the 6.2 vs. the 6.3 (not the 8.3) sorry about that!! scratch my response
|
|
|
|
Post by RayoVac on Dec 25, 2009 15:32:21 GMT -5
sorry guys, I just realized that he was asking about the 6.2 vs. the 6.3 (not the 8.3) sorry about that!! scratch my response For those of us contemplating an entire Emo Speaker setup (including the 8.3s)... your response was of great interest. Thanks!!!!  |
|
