Apples and Oranges?

Sean_P_O'Brien · 12-06-2003, 04:14 PM

This may be an unfair question, and certainly reliant upon those who have experienced several brands of speaker systems, but let me give it a try....

After months of research and demonstrations I have narrowed down my choice for my 5.1 HT system with the following components (that will perform in a 12' x 20' x 8' family room)

Scenario One: Integra TR-5.4 receiver with B&W series 600 speakers (DM 601 S3 for the fronts, LCR60 S3 for the center and DM 600 S3 for the surrounds) along with an Infinity Alpha 1200 (500 Watt) sub.

Scenario Two: Either the same Integra or it's little brother, the Onkyo TX SR601 recevier and the Aperion Audio Intimus 5.1 system with 12" (250 watt) Aperion sub

I have had the opportunity to listen to scenario one (with a B&W 10" sub - that I was not overly impressed with). For my budget (roughly $2K) the system sounded beautiful and is available locally at a high end audio store. My only objection is that I feel the audio store charges too much of a markup)

While I have not actually listened to the Aperion Audio system yet, they do offer a 30-day no risk audition period, charge no tax, and offer free shipping, even if I return the product. My experience with their online assistance has been nothing short of professional, courteous and extremely helpful.

This could very well be comparing apples with oranges, but I was wondering if anyone had thoughts and/or experience with either systems, and would like to offer some advice.

As you evaluate the two proposed systems, I'd also love to hear if the Infinity sub is overkill, given the wattage limitations of my proposed receiver(s). Both receivers offer 85 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 115 watts at 6 ohms. Granted, the Infinity will be more flexible if I ever upgrade receivers down the road, however I tend to stay with systems for a long time as long as I remain pleased with the available sound and technology.

Similarly, I posted a question earlier on the Recievers forum asking for a comparison between the two receivers. I did recieve one helpful response, but would welcome any additional thoughts. I fully realize that Integra is to Onkyo, what Lexus is to Toyota. Same (Onkyo) company, however (supposedly) better components. The cost difference between the two (nearly identical) receivers is about $100 more for the Integra.

Again, the speaker systems may be apples to oranges, however I welcome your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

Bill Polley · 12-07-2003, 09:40 AM

Most here will tell you to buy what makes you happy. I agree with that, but I also feel there are better values out there. A receiver is the center hub of a system. It controls the entire setup. However, if it has enough power to drive the speakers, it will have very little impact on the overall sound when compared to the differences obtained with different speakers. That said, you would do yourself a big favor by listening to internet brands such as Axiom, Ascend Acoustics and Rocket. For subs, consider SVS and Rutledge Audio. In my opinion, each of these brands represents a much better value than brands sold at B&M stores, and have better product support and service to boot! For $2K you could get 5 Ascend CBM-170s and an SVS sub, and have about $600 left for a receiver. Axiom is my favorite of the bunch, but the Ascends have a big following and are a fantastic value for the incredible sound they produce. SVS, Hsu, and Rutledge are in a different league than Sony and Infinity subs, and outperform most anything in their price range other than DIY subs.



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