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October 8, 2007 - 12:03pm
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Stephen had a few comments on his experience with Aperion and PSB on his blog a few days ago.
An interesting read, Monty.
While the Aperion had real wood finish and an impressive build (1 inch HDF) and cost, about, $80 more (which, as Stephen pointed out, is a significant amount in this price range) the lesser expensive speaker (PSB) was preferred.
Just goes to show....
A friend of mine has the aperions in his home theater setup. The build quality seems phenomenal for the price, but I wasn't impressed by the sound. They seemed a bit dry, lacking air and soundstage and didn't have a great deal of detail. Overall, I would say that they sounded perhaps a bit better than the consumer brands within this price range. I think you can do a lot better with PSB, NHT Monitor and other brands within the price range.
This is the problem I have with some of the reviews I read. The speakers are listened to in a HT set-up, which is fine if you're interested in HT. But how do the speakers sound in a 2 channel, audio only arrangement? I, personally, have only heard 3 speaker brands (PSB, Usher & JBL) in both an HT and stereo set-up. Each time these speakers sounded much better in a audio only set-up. So, it makes me wonder about the quality of HT electronics. Which leeds me back to my original question...are these direct buy speakers (Axiom, Aperion, etc.) as good as speakers (PSB, NHT, Quad, Triangle, etc.) available via retailers?
Stephen seemed to think the same, in the blog Monte refered to (PSB vs Aperion).
When you mention "consumer brands", to which ones do you refer? Aren't PSB, NHT, Monitor consumer brands?
This was my thought but I was curious as to what others thought...beings I have never heard any of the direct from manufacturer speakers.
Thanks for the input.
Mike
I like the Aperions a lot. They're beautiful, and have a sort of simplicity to them. I mean, they play a wide range of music with ease. They also have great dynamic range, able to play very loud without any hint of strain. And Aperion's customer service is absolutely superb. So good, in fact, I'm tempted to urge you to audition the speakers just for the experience. It's totally fun, and there's nothing to lose -- except for some time, I suppose, but it would be time spent with music. For the price, I think the Aperions are very good. It's just that I think the PSBs, for their price, are outstanding.
I have listened to the Aperions using my friend's HT electronics. However, I did listen in stereo mode, using my own CDs.
I don't consider these consumer brands. I consider them entry level audiophile brands. When I refer to consumer brands, I refer to Bose, Infinity, Polk, and other brands you can readily find at your local Best Buy or Circuit City.
I certainly agree with you. It is amazing that brands that once were "audiophile" grade are now being mass-marketed.
When Polk first hit the market they were only available in two stereo shops, here in Baltimore...where they were designed and manufactured. How times change.
Stephen: I certainly understand your comparison between PSB and Aperion. In my search for loudspeakers I have come across many fine speakers but when one is going to do some serious listening it is those minute differences that makes a person choose one over the other. As we all know loudspeakers are such a personal choice.
Thanks, all, for the input.
Mike
Infinity too?
What about the Primus 162 reviewed by Bob Reina in this issue? I had hope!
I never heard Primus. Of the budget speakers, I think that NHT, Paradigm, Monitor Audio and PSB give the best bang for the buck.
It's all consumer stuff....EAW, JBL pro SLS are not consumer stuff, Meyersound..so many pro brands, you will never see at a consumer store....BLOSE Infinity, Polk are just like clock radios, mass fi...onesystem WET use speakers!! neat stuff Adamson, flying high stacks and stacks..so much good stuff, so little time, less hype more performance