Cadence Speakers

I bought a pair of new F-17's for $89 shipped off ebay and they were the worst speakers I've ever seen. The cabinets were actually kind of attractive and they did have an actual two-way cross-over but the drivers are super cheap and the tweeter is even cheaper. These things weren't worth 89 cents. I threw them away.

Sorry for being so blunt but...

Edit: I almost forgot. There is a Cadence speaker by O S Services based out of India. These appear to be excellent speakers and should not be confused with the ones I referred to earlier.
Edited by gene c - 3/21/10 at 8:10pm

I don't know much about CV speakers. I had a CV center several years ago and it was certainly better than the HTIB center it replaced. CV speakers are more known for their ability to play very loud instead of accurate. But for around $75 it should be a decent value.

What are your front speakers and how much do you want to spend? Maybe we can recommend some other choices as well.

Well, I see from your other thread (which is starting to over-lap this one. Forum Moderaters get nervous when that starts to happen  ) that your front speakers are from a Yamaha htib so I think you should stick to the same brand unless you plan on replacing all the speakers eventually.

It's called timbre matching. Often times the audio will pan from one side of the room to the other and if the front three speakers aren't from the same series and the same brand it will sound different as it goes thru the center channel.

Bottom line is, the closer all 5 (or 7) speakers are to each other the more cohesive the sound will be. If one speaker, especially the center channel, is too different from the others then the over-all sound quality will suffer.

On the other hand, a better center channel speaker, even one from a different brand, may improve the all important vocals in movies and television. But I bet you would notice the difference in timber every now and then.

First, let me state for the forum that I do not or am not in any way affiliated with Cadence as an employee or sales peson. I, too, purchased the Cadence F17 Loudspeakers and in my opinion they are one of the best deals on the Internet!

 

The speakers (I am listening to them now) serve up sound that is immersive, detailed, and precise. How anyone can criticize a speaker that is selling for $79.50 FOR THE PAIR and sounds this good is beyond me.

 

To the person who posted that he threw them in the trash after listening to them - all I can say is wow. I don't know if yours were damaged in shipment, or perhaps you just did not give the speakers a true listen. Why didn't you send them back?

If you were that disatisified with the speakers - I am sure Cadence would have worked with you.

 

These are seriously  a fantastic bargain. I do not see a down side here. If you can find a better PAIR of speakers for the money...well you can't and won't. For those members of this forum who are strapped for cash, yet want quality sound - these are a must buy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No they're not. They're garbage, so that's where I put them. That way they couldn't re-sell them to someone else. And not only did I give them a serious listen (for as long as I could stand it  ) I took them apart as best I could since the tweeters were glued in   . The mid-bass drivers look like they came from a large box of Cracker Jack and the tweeters are the biggest piece of junk I've ever seen in a home theater speaker. These people should be ashamed of themselves. If you like them then good for you. But I think you deserve better. I sure do.

 

BTW, I've purchased maybe 35-50 pairs of speakers (as well as other HT components) over the last few years ( mostly used off craigslist/ebay but many were bought new) for evaluation purposes including JBL, Infinity, Energy, Mourdant-Short, Jamo, Polk, etc. If I'm going to recommend things around here the least I can do is own them, listen to them, and see what they're made of. I then re-sell them again on the used market but I never return them to the seller. These are the first and only speakers I simply threw away. Good riddance.

I purchased a pair of these. I agree, these speakers are not worth the time. One of the speakers that I received were distorted and had a crackling sound when playing the highs. I emailed customer service last night but no email response from them today. According to the warranty I would have to pay shipping to get them there and pay them $20.00 to ship the product back to me. The speakers cost $35.00 a piece so it wouldn't make sense to return them for repair. I agree they look very nice on the outside and professional but has a 1974 Ford Pinto engine in it.

Hi Gene,

 

I understand that you certainly have a right to an opinion...you threw the speakers in the trash. Must be nice to have literally "disposable" money! My pair sound good to me. I was not expecting audiophile grade speakers for $79.50 a pair! I wanted a pair of speakers that played music well...these do that to my satisfaction. Usually, if I am disatisfied with a purchase, I contact the seller and ask to RMA the product to them. I am certain Cadence would have worked with you and refunded your money. No one should have to feel like they got screwed. You obviously feel this way.

 

I know I don't speak for everybody, only myself. Again, How could you possibly expect "audiophile sound" from $79.50 a PAIR loudspeaker? I guess if I am going to trash a company's product, I usually give the company a chance to make me happy or satisfied. You did not do this - you simply throw them in the garbage and proceed to malign the product and company.

 

I think when a product is being evaluated there are a number of things that need to be considered: price, build quality, shipping costs (none in this case) are just a few. I have owned the F-17 loudspeakers for about 6 months and they sound good to me. Perhaps, you have golden ears. Still, let's get real ...Did you really expect speakers that cost less than $40.00 each to be audiophile grade?

 

Just for fun... Can you name me where you can purchase brand new audiophile grade speakers for $79.50 a pair? I seriously doubt you can! The simple truth is you were expecting the impossible...and were pissed when that was not delivered. I stand by my assertion that the product that Cadence is selling is a great bargain. These speakers do sound good and at a price that simply cannot be beat. If you're recommendation is that readers of this forum should perhaps save their money (say $200.00) to purchase a better speaker. I guess I can agree with that recommendation - they will probably get a better speaker.

 

Perhaps, in the end, we can agree to disagree on what constitutes a fair price for a product. I think Cadence is selling a great product at a great price. You think the product is crapolla. I noticed you never admit that $79.50 for a pair of speakers, shipped free to your door obviously are worth a try. You tried them and hated the product. Still, you don't return them to the company for a refund. Instead, you tear the speakers apart and comment on the quality of the drivers the comany uses. What the hell were you expecting Morel, Scanspeak, Eton? If you were then quite simply you're a dreamer! 

 

I totally understand that the purpose of a forum such as this is that people who enjoy hobbies share ideas and opinions. I also know that getting nasty is certainly unacceptable behavior from adults. I as well have owned a number of products in this arena (stereo and home theatre). I cannot say that I am an official tester of products, but I do know what I like and what I don't like. I like the Cadence F-17 speaker for what it is....a good sounding pair of speakers for the incredibly low price of $79.50 with free shipping, double boxed to your door. I was never expecting "audiophile grade" speakers. I did get speakers that sound pretty good. 

Hi Joe,

 

I know where you are coming from. I didn't expect a highly competitive speaker for $79.95. I at least expected from their sales pitch on their site that these would at the very least be durable upon arrival. I got a dud right out of the box and would have thought that there was some kind of quality control in place? I guess you were much luckier than I was. If I had gotten a pair of speakers that were both in working condition I might be writing a different review. More than likely I would have been promoting the speakers on this website. I'm now stuck with a useless speaker that was defective right out of the box. I didn't torture them with power either. There's an old saying that if it's too good to be true it must be. Glad that your experience was different than mine. If customer service finds time to email me back and remedy the problem I'll be sure to do a repost on what options were offered to me.     

Hi, Joe.

 

I never expected "audiophile grade sound". Although Cadence does use the term in their website.

 

I had to throw them away. I destroyed one of them trying to get the tweeter out (they're glued in).

 

I wasn't expecting Morel, Scanspeak, Eton. But come on. Get a screwdriver out and remove one of the drivers, then tell me you still think you got your money's worth.

 

I agree that getting nasty is un-acceptable behavior for adults. Never said I was perfect. My apologies.

 

Selling these speakers for $79 a pair, even double-boxed to your door, is un-acceptable behavior for a company.

 

Newegg.com was selling the Polk Monitor 30's for $69 a pair shipped. They now have the Monitor30-SeriesII for $89 a pair/2.99 shipping.

I also bought a pair of Energy C-50's for $69 a pair with about $12 for shipping. And here's what Vanns.com has left from their closeout of Jamo's Concert Series speakers. They had 2-3 different bookshelves for around $79-$99 a pair but are apparently sold out. These were great deals. And there are many other speakers in that price range that represent a good value. BIC, Fluance, even Yamaha has had a nice sounding pair of 8" 3-way speakers  for under $100.

 

Yes, we can certainly disagree on what represents a good value. In my opinion, the F-17's were not worth anywhere near the price. 

 

Hi Jeff,

 

Any speaker or piece of electronics equipment can be DOA regardless of the price. It happens. That's the chance you take when you buy something over the internet. You might get a great deal but it can sometimes end up costing more in the long run. That's why I was so blunt with my review of these speakers. I wanted to make sure the OP had a better idea of what he would get if he decided to purchase them anyway. But in doing so it looks like a ruffled a couple of feathers.

Edited by gene c - 10/17/10 at 8:21am

Hi Gene,

 

I appreciate your critique of the Candence speakers. I have to agree it's always a risk when making a purchase over the internet. I usually base my opinion on other people's experience with the product and wouldn't worry about ruffling other people's feathers. You had no purpose to degrade the product and was just voicing your personal opinion and experience. I have both speakers in storage now and will probably end up tossing them out as well since I can't use the pair because one is broke. Why pay for shipping to return them if it's going to cost me anything above $15.00? that's close to 50% of the purchase price of the speaker and then run the risk of taking a second gamble at the quality. No offense at bettercheddar, as I said before I'm glad that you had a positive experience with your purchase. I'm now looking at the MTX. Any opinions on the MTX Audio ThunderPro II TP1200 2-Way Loudspeaker Gene ?      

Hi Jeff,

 

Thank you for responding to my post. I do think Cadence will make things right for you. I am sorry that you got a dud. I really do like my speakers! I have them hooked up to a Yamaha surround receiver. I also am using a Cadence subwoofer with the F-17 speakers. It sounds very good to me. I am very happy with my purchase.

 

These are not audiophile grade speakers - I totally "get that". Still, I am happy with what $79.50 delivered to my door. I am listening to jazz as I am writing this and Earl Klugh sounds great!

 

Again, I hope that Cadence handles your problem pronto! I do think that once you have a matched/functioning pair, you'll be a happy camper too.

 

Keep listening,

 

Joe

Hi Gene,

 

Thank you for your response. I suppose I did take your criticism a bit personally (my bad). I just feel that the F-17 speakers are what they are - a $79.50 pair of speakers. I like the way they sound paired with my Cadence sub (that was cheap too . It sounds wonderful to me and I am happy.

 

I have not taken out the drivers to inspect them - truthfully, I don't need to because I already know they are ulitarian at best and generic at the least. Translation - as you point out they are cheap. But here's the thing - they work! I like the sound they make. Perhaps, I do have wooden ears. LOL

 

I also want to say thank you for taking the high road in response to my sarcasm - you name a number of name-brand speakers that can be had for under $79.50 a pair! I am seriously shocked at this revelation. Polk, Energy, Jamo, Yamaha are all name brand companies, all well known companies. I, sir, sit corrected!

 

This is the great thing about having a forum like this...we can exchange ideas in a mature and thoughtful manner. I want to again thank you for your honesty and maturity regarding this topic.

 

Keep on listening,

 

Joe

Civility beats Nasty anyday!

 

And apparently Cadence has a good reutation in the car stereo field. I just think they could have done better with HT.

 

There are good deals to be had out there. You just need to be patient, and lucky, and you know where to look.

Sorry Jeff, but I don't have any experience with MTX. And those are Professional DJ type speakers so I'm not sure how they would work in the home. Probably losts of volume! Partsexpress is a good company to deal with, I know that much.

Thank you Gene and Joe for your feedback on my experience. I hope that customer service makes it right. I'll keep you both posted on the outcome should I get a response.How many watts are you pushing through your speaker Joe? Initially when I hooked it up I was getting some great lows from it (2 Speaker Stereo and sub). It wasn't until I played a movie was the distortion detectable. I think it was coming through the middle woofer? Either way this is a great site and I appreciate listening to both of your experiences. Thanks for your feedbacks.        

Thanks Gene. I appreciate the feedback. Seems like a lot of people rate them pretty high from all the reviews I've run across. Thanks for the website link, I will check it out.  

Hi Jeff,

 

Sorry about the delay in my reply. The Yamaha receiver I am using is the HTR - 5750 model. The specs state 100 X 6 watts. Of course, this figure does not specify all channels driven so I am guessing that is in 1 channel at 8ohms. Regardless, music sounds powerful and clean. I must admit most of the music I listen to on a regular basis is classical, jazz and jazz fusion. Al Dimeola plays a mean axe (guitar) blazing fast! His album Kiss My Axe has bass that will drop you to your knees. The speakers sound fantastic...and I do crank 'em occasionally. I am doing so now. Southbound Traveler sounds excellent!

 

Just youtube Al Dimeola - you'll see and hear what I am talking about. Seriously, I would call Cadence sound directly and tell them what happened. Surely, they would want to make you happy. Please let me know how this whole thing turns out. I have purchased two subs and these speakers and they shipped all of my orders at warp speed. Still, every product I have ordered from this company has worked flawlessly.

 

Another album by Dimeola is his Elegant Gypsy - Blistering guitar work!

 

 

Keep listening,

 

Joe

 

Hi Joe,

 

No problem on the delayed response, I appreciate you getting back to me when you could. I will checked Al Dimeola out. Sounds great, reminds me a little of Jeff Beck, thanks for the share. You know when I first got mine I was blown away with the bass and thought that this is going to be a cool ride until I heard the DVD. I was worried that maybe I blew the speaker so I moved the other one to the left just to be sure. It seems okay so far. I ended up having to call the company. They told me to ship it back to them and they will test it before sending it to me. I'll let you know how it goes. It seems like you have plenty to crank out on your stereo system so if you aren't having a problem I might have just got that one bad apple. Thanks for sharing great music on here, I can see why you are a fan of Al Dimeola. I usually interview many native american music. If you like the Blues a great band to check out is Sir Harrison and the Blues Kings: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sirharrisonatbk Peace.

 

Hi Jeff,

 

Sorry about the delay in my reply. The Yamaha receiver I am using is the HTR - 5750 model. The specs state 100 X 6 watts. Of course, this figure does not specify all channels driven so I am guessing that is in 1 channel at 8ohms. Regardless, music sounds powerful and clean. I must admit most of the music I listen to on a regular basis is classical, jazz and jazz fusion. Al Dimeola plays a mean axe (guitar) blazing fast! His album Kiss My Axe has bass that will drop you to your knees. The speakers sound fantastic...and I do crank 'em occasionally. I am doing so now. Southbound Traveler sounds excellent!

 

Just youtube Al Dimeola - you'll see and hear what I am talking about. Seriously, I would call Cadence sound directly and tell them what happened. Surely, they would want to make you happy. Please let me know how this whole thing turns out. I have purchased two subs and these speakers and they shipped all of my orders at warp speed. Still, every product I have ordered from this company has worked flawlessly.

 

Another album by Dimeola is his Elegant Gypsy - Blistering guitar work! 

great reply I have 7 Cadence speakers paid under 300 for all of them mated them with the TX-SR608 with a Yamaha YST-SW215 sub it sounds great in my theater room, I have a friend with 2000 in Klipsch speakers and it not that much better if you are in to name brand and the best of everthing then buy the equipment that makes you happy.. But some of us are on a budget and these speaker are budget speaker with a plus they sound good and work..