Any thoughts on these speakers?

jackman · « **on:** 27 Jul 2010, 09:05 pm »

I'm looking for something inexpensive for my office. Must be very small, inexpensive and fit on a small shelf or on wall. Not concerned about audiophile quality at this point but must be able to play loud (once in a while). I've got a small sub so I don't care about deep bass. Need something narrow and now too deep.

What do you guys think about these? Kind've futuristic looking.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542699643?v_c=em-072410-48AudioSale

Atlplasma · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 09:13 pm »

You might also want to consider these Hsu speakers. They are about the same price.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

jackman · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 09:51 pm »

Quote from: Atlplasma on 27 Jul 2010, 09:13 pm

You might also want to consider these Hsu speakers. They are about the same price.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

I think that Hsu pricing is per speaker. These are $179 for the pair, shipped. Not saying it's a better deal but I'm looking for something inexpensive and compact to play around with in my office.

Mariusz · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 10:36 pm »

If you do not mind some diy and its size, I would recommend these curved .25 liter enclosure from parts express (on sale $125 with coupon) and your choice of drivers - Fostex 126 and Jordan drivers sounded pretty good in those boxes.
http://twitpic.com/1v6qxz

If you use Fostex drivers - low power amp -3 to 20wpc- would be enough. Planty choices on the cheap side of spectrum.
If you want to invest some more, Jordans would fit the bill perfectly. You would need a bit more muscle tho. Virtue or DIY Class-D amp would be perfect.

Mariusz

saisunil · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 10:43 pm »

Looks like a real good deal to me -- how they sound? that's a different question ...

Kevin Haskins · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 11:02 pm »

They look like something from a Pixar movie.

ebag4 · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 11:37 pm »

This may be too small for your application but I have read a couple of positive mentions of this unit here on AC. I seem to recall Laura (Vinyl Lady 1) and jwtrace(?) mentioning how good this unit is.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=foxl&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=3997397905&ref=pd_sl_82lleo3den_b

Best,
Ed

Atlplasma · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Jul 2010, 11:50 pm »

Quote from: Atlplasma on 27 Jul 2010, 09:13 pm

You might also want to consider these Hsu speakers. They are about the same price.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html

Sorry. I posted without thinking.

You might want to check out Audiogon or even your local Craig's List for more bang for the buck.

Steve

eclein · « **Reply #8 on:** 28 Jul 2010, 12:12 am »

+1 on CL..thats where I got mine for almost nothing

Doublej · « **Reply #9 on:** 28 Jul 2010, 01:14 am »

Are you sure they are $179 for the pair? The linked page says "speakers priced and sold individually"

I have an earlier version of these Teac LS-H100 speakers hooked up to my computer via an old Pioneer integrated amplifier using single strands of cat 5 network cable as speaker wires. Sounds darn good to me. I opened them up and was amazed at how complex the crossover was.

Unfortunately Overstock is showing them as out of stock at the moment.

http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Teac-Book-Shelf-Wood-Trim-Speakers/2929384/product.html?AID=10654383&PID=1796839&SID=6080622

www.orangechimp.com has some other small Teac speakers for under $40/pair including a LS-H300.

dvenardos · « **Reply #10 on:** 28 Jul 2010, 04:55 am »

How small do you need?
These speakers on close-out are a fabulous deal.
http://tweakcityaudio.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=21&category_id=7&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

srb · « **Reply #11 on:** 28 Jul 2010, 05:27 am »

How about a pair of Jamo C401 on closeout from Vann's for $80/pair shipped. Although in the reviews, many were replacing and comparing to their Sony, Bose, multimedia and HTIB speakers, a number of others compared them to smaller B&W, Paradigm and Epos.

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542471827/jamo-c401

You didn't say what you are powering them with; these are 6 ohm, 86dB. Dimensions: 5.7" W x 9.3" H x 8.3" D

Steve

planet10 · « **Reply #12 on:** 28 Jul 2010, 05:52 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 27 Jul 2010, 10:36 pm

If you do not mind some diy and its size, I would recommend these curved .25 liter enclosure from parts express (on sale $125 with coupon)

Mariusz,

You mean the 7 litre box? FE126 gets down to 125 Hz in it. A better all round performer in this box is the Mark Audio CHR-70 Mk2. Madisound now has them at an obscenely low price. For near field use 5-20w is recommended.

(note that despite what they say CHR & A7 are nominal 4" and A12 is nominal 6.5")

dave

Mariusz · « **Reply #13 on:** 28 Jul 2010, 06:20 am »

Quote from: planet10 on 28 Jul 2010, 05:52 am

Mariusz,

You mean the 7 litre box? FE126 gets down to 125 Hz in it. A better all round performer in this box is the Mark Audio CHR-70 Mk2. Madisound now has them at an obscenely low price. For near field use 5-20w is recommended.

(note that despite what they say CHR & A7 are nominal 4" and A12 is nominal 6.5")

dave

Thanks Dave
Around $70 a pair is tempting and I might try it out to see how it does in this enclosure.
You're right - it is 0.25 ft³ not liter.

Mariusz

planet10 · « **Reply #14 on:** 29 Jul 2010, 07:18 am »

They respond well to being souped up too...

dave

Mariusz · « **Reply #15 on:** 29 Jul 2010, 08:10 am »

I need one of those magician's hats

Nice work Dave

Wish I could do it on all of my drivers.......just for fun that is.

As to decent sounding and not too expensive monitors ideas..... here is what I use in my bedroom:
cabs sells for $149 a pair ( cheaper if you got saving coupons), drivers - Fostex I bought used here for

not 100% sure...$60 or close to it. Jordans are more expensive but as David said,.... you can use those $70 Mark Audio drivers.

Certainly worth trying but you might also check out Tekton offerings. Word of the mouth is, that those are great little speakers that won't break a bank.

Mariusz

or these

planet10 · « **Reply #16 on:** 29 Jul 2010, 03:22 pm »

Quote from: Mariusz on 29 Jul 2010, 08:10 am

Jordans are more expensive but as David said,.... you can use those $70 Mark Audio drivers.

Check out Stew Nelles' latest "from the Pulpit" Page 28 of the latest AffordableAudio mag. (he has the older, CHR70 Mk1)

dave

silver_strings · « **Reply #17 on:** 29 Jul 2010, 10:56 pm »

I would also go with some single drivers paired with a small amp, check out the tekton 3.1s, these wont play super loud though but they can get to loud for a small room

stigs · « **Reply #18 on:** 4 Aug 2010, 03:27 pm »

I concur with SRB regarding the JAMO C410 as I own a pair myself purchased through Vann's and they sound great.

bundee1 · « **Reply #19 on:** 4 Aug 2010, 03:51 pm »

What are you powering the Jamos with?