- Joined: June 1999
- Location: San Jose, Ca.
- Post Count: 11,130
IMO, the SB2s are better than the B&W 300 series or the Axioms. The Ascends will give them a run for the money though. I like the Ascends, but since you already have the SB2s, I'd probably stick with them. To get a considerable upgrade, you're going to have to go with the CMT-340s, and they are out of your budget. At the $400 price point, you're better off saving up for MUCH better mains than you already have IMO, rather than going for something that is similar or just a small upgrade.
Bass isn't going to be wasted at all with the SB3. They're perfect for an 80Hz x-over.
"The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but that they know so many things that ain't so." - Mark Twain
HT: Marantz SR-8300, MA500 mono, Audiosource Amp300, 5X GR Research A/V-2s, Adire Audio Tempest sub, Oppo BDP-83, RC2000MkII, Panamax 5100, Panamax Max2 sub, PS3 60G (250G)...
- Joined: June 1999
- Location: San Jose, Ca.
- Post Count: 11,130
Like I mentioned, even the SB3 isn't really an upgrade. It sounds basically the same with more bass. Since you already have the SB2s, I wouldn't say the upgrade to the SB3 is worth it unless you got a great deal. The natural roll off of the SBs is pretty steep already, due to their sealed design, so even the SB3 should work with most receivers using an 80Hz (non THX slope, likely less steep) x-over.
I use an 80Hz THX x-over in my system with mains that are -3dB at 55Hz (obviously not THX) and roll off moderately after that. They blend amazingly well with my sub with this scheme.
"The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but that they know so many things that ain't so." - Mark Twain
HT: Marantz SR-8300, MA500 mono, Audiosource Amp300, 5X GR Research A/V-2s, Adire Audio Tempest sub, Oppo BDP-83, RC2000MkII, Panamax 5100, Panamax Max2 sub, PS3 60G (250G)...
- Joined: February 2002
- Post Count: 2,589
Quote:
| Also, how do the offerings from Fluance and HTD compare? |
The HTD level III speakers with the ribbon tweeters were not quite dynamic enough for me. After a good break-in, the treble was still a bit weak. I ended up returning them and now, I'm just waiting on my refund.
\"My reality check ... just bounced\"
- Joined: June 1999
- Location: San Jose, Ca.
- Post Count: 11,130
They are Piano gloss, not likely that you would want to ruin them by painting them.
"The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but that they know so many things that ain't so." - Mark Twain
HT: Marantz SR-8300, MA500 mono, Audiosource Amp300, 5X GR Research A/V-2s, Adire Audio Tempest sub, Oppo BDP-83, RC2000MkII, Panamax 5100, Panamax Max2 sub, PS3 60G (250G)...
- Joined: May 2002
- Post Count: 113
I would take a look at the EPOS EL-3's. These were put on Stereophiles Budget Component of the year list for 2004. They can be had for $299 a pair.
I know the hearse is double parked and the motor\'s running.
It could be worse, it could be me.
- Joined: February 2002
- Post Count: 2,589
Quote:
| I would take a look at the EPOS EL-3's. These were put on Stereophiles Budget Component of the year list for 2004. They can be had for $299 a pair. |
Even less on places like Audiogon.
I don't think of it as used gear, but, rather, gear that someone took the time to break in for me.
\"My reality check ... just bounced\"
- Joined: June 1999
- Location: San Jose, Ca.
- Post Count: 11,130
Quote:
| These were put on Stereophiles Budget Component of the year list for 2004. They can be had for $299 a pair. |
Only problem is, they are 4 Ohm and low sensitivity, so you need a decent amp. I'm not sure if the 335 will handle a 4 Ohm load.
Quote:
| Even less on places like Audiogon. |
Not really, I've been keeping my eyes out for a pair of these just because I want to hear them. They still seem to be up around $250 or better on average.
They can be had for $296 including shipping to continental US from
www.hcmaudio.com
"The trouble with the world is not that people know too little, but that they know so many things that ain't so." - Mark Twain
HT: Marantz SR-8300, MA500 mono, Audiosource Amp300, 5X GR Research A/V-2s, Adire Audio Tempest sub, Oppo BDP-83, RC2000MkII, Panamax 5100, Panamax Max2 sub, PS3 60G (250G)...
