[et+kooper]

Please explain the upgrade in sound from Song Towers to Super Charged Song Towers.I have the Song Tower and Song Center and and love them BUT would like to upgrade if the extra money is ok for the upgrade.

[Big Red Machine]

Boy, if you're already in that neighborhood, you might want to think about going to an entirely new neighborhood like the HT2TL.  Is it curiosity, upgraditis, or such joy and happiness with the ST's you want more?!

[Todd_A]

I own both STs and SCSTs, and the SCST is better in every way.  More detailed, smoother highs; more detailed and slightly cooler mids; and more detailed, cleaner, and weightier bass.  Both speakers are excellent, but the SCST is, to my ears, an even better bargain, with better bang for the buck, which is saying something.  I will say, though, the standard STs' slightly warmer sound has its charms with certain types of music. 

[JerryLove]

You get the improved performance of the RAAL tweeter.
The cabinets are smaller.
They go lower (34Hz vs 42Hz).

What I'm having trouble with is finding the advantage of the HT2-TL over the SCST.
Same sensitivity. Same power handling. Same FR range. But the HT2 is larger and more expensive.

[Todd_A]

What I'm having trouble with is finding the advantage of the HT2-TL over the SCST.

Jim explained the biggest difference in another post: more bass weight/authority.  I would guess they can also play louder, given the larger xmax.  I'm actually contemplating getting a third pair of Salks, and this is one of the factors I am considering.

[DMurphy]

You get the improved performance of the RAAL tweeter.
The cabinets are smaller.
They go lower (34Hz vs 42Hz).

What I'm having trouble with is finding the advantage of the HT2-TL over the SCST.
Same sensitivity. Same power handling. Same FR range. But the HT2 is larger and more expensive.

If the specs suggest that both speakers have the same power handling,  then  it's time to call in the editor.   The SCST actually has less power handling than the standard ST--the W15 doesn't have quite as much travel as the ER15.  The HT2 with the larger W18's can play deep bass much louder than the SCST can.   What the W15 offers over the ER15 is deeper extension at normal listening levels, and arguably a more detailed midrange. 

[JerryLove]

If the specs suggest that both speakers have the same power handling,  then  it's time to call in the editor. 

Likely time to do that then. Though neither lists "RMS power handling" or something analogous; both list the same "-250w" recommended amplification.

Thank you for the clarification Dennis.

[AOMH]

So what is the right upgrade path from a Songtower?

[ricardojoa]

Depends on your budget.
You  may want to try the SS m7. Jim can built an open back.

[(W)KRP]

So what is the right upgrade path from a Songtower?

I try to learn from others and get the best (bang for the buck usually) the first time. I'd save my money and get into the SoundScape line if you can afford it. Others have tried to get the best with the HT2 and then HT3 then the TLs etc. Then SoundScape came along, but that was a project years in the planning. At some point you've gotta buy something!

[AOMH]

Would you guys think that upgrading the Songtowers to the new SS8 and using the STs for surround duties will give noticeable 2ch audio and home theater improvements?

[JerryLove]

I have been assured and find credible that the SS8 will go louder than the SCST. This could be very important dealing with reference level HT.

There is some debate in my mind how much improvement there is in the midrange going from the SCST to the SS8. I don't doubt that it's there, but having heard them both side-by-side it didn't stand out.

The SS8's clearly go lower; but I'm not sure how much that improves a HT setup given that the LF duty is being done by subwoofers.

The SS8 can operate bi-pole. That can be an improvement in a properly configured room (where I heard them both was an... unfortunate room acoustically.

That said: I have considered and will continue to consider a similar setup when funding becomes available.

[(W)KRP]

Would you guys think that upgrading the Songtowers to the new SS8 and using the STs for surround duties will give noticeable 2ch audio and home theater improvements?

Please also consider the Supercharged SongTowers as your surrounds, which offer the same RAAL tweeter as the SS8s. A perfect match to handle surround duties. The regular SongTowers are absolutely capable as surrounds, being many members main speakers. Consider front-porting if you want the surrounds close to a wall.

If you want to go with a center, there is a SS8C with 8" bass drivers and side porting (just a little different than the original SSC with 7" drivers and front porting).
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=111518

If I was building a system today, that would be the perfect package (other than adding a matching Rhythmik 15" sub or two for the serious movie bass hound).

I've done this research for a reason.

[Nuance]

Would you guys think that upgrading the Songtowers to the new SS8 and using the STs for surround duties will give noticeable 2ch audio and home theater improvements?

Yes I do.   In fact, that's exactly what I'll be doing.

[Saturn94]

Yes I do.   In fact, that's exactly what I'll be doing.

I also agree it should be a nice upgrade.

Actually Nuance, you need to buy my HT2-TLs to go with those SS8s.

[guf]

Would you guys think that upgrading the Songtowers to the new SS8 and using the STs for surround duties will give noticeable 2ch audio and home theater improvements?

I have/had ht2'tl's up for my 2 channel, bought used song towers locally and used them for my rear surrounds and loved it. soon after a ht2 center channel. Then also bought SS8's to replace the ht2-tl's. It was a very non efficient way to get to where i'm at. Obviously the SS8's are awesome and the ST rears  totally over kill for the little i watch movies. but they look cool..... as do my ht2-tl's sitting in my spare bedroom. 

[Gzerro]

Yes I do.   In fact, that's exactly what I'll be doing.

Do you have your veneer picked out yet?

[Nuance]

I have/had ht2'tl's up for my 2 channel, bought used song towers locally and used them for my rear surrounds and loved it. soon after a ht2 center channel. Then also bought SS8's to replace the ht2-tl's. It was a very non efficient way to get to where i'm at. Obviously the SS8's are awesome and the ST rears  totally over kill for the little i watch movies. but they look cool..... as do my ht2-tl's sitting in my spare bedroom. 

LOL - that's tempting but I'm saving up for the big dogs.

Do you have your veneer picked out yet?

Not yet. I will get my wife involved with that again