The Def-Tech CLR 2500 Center... Thoughts?

[zachd73]

I currently have 2 systems, a HT system and a turntable/cd/mp3 system. The HT system has energy E:XLR bookshelves and Center (getting older, but still sound awesome) with a sony subwoofer (cheap, but great crunch for the $$$). I have a Marantz amp that is a few years old - can't remember the model number off hand but it has plenty of power and sounds great also for my 10x16 room (the speakers are at the end of the long end).

In my other room I have def tech BP8B speakers and a def-tech sub with a NAD352C amp. I recently upgraded from some older NHT tower speakers which were still sounding good, but I think the def techs are a little better.

Recently though it occurred to me maybe I need to try the BP8B speakers in the HT room... what do you think? Good call over the Energies? I've heard the bi-poles are particularly great for HT fronts.

If I did that and I liked them, I'd probably get a matching center speaker for them... it seems people rave about the CLR 2500 with sub woofer. That does sound pretty cool to have a second sub. I read the sticky thread on subs and how having 2 can put more bass in a room and eliminate the dead spots. Also, it just seems like a great speaker.

I guess I'd also have to hope that the energies were capable and sounded good when hooked to the NAD amp. It seems there is some kind of mojo with the energies and my AV amps... when I did try my old denon out with the NHT towers to compare them with the NAD amp with straight music.. it lost out big time... I kept the NAD and sold the Denon on craigslist as it did not make a very good 2 channel amp.

Worst case - I love the def tech BP8Bs in the home theater.. thus forcing me to change centers if the energy center doesn't sound matched. And if the energies don't work out then I'd be looking at new speakers there also!

I am having a bad case of the upgrades. Mainly, I think I'm really intrigued by the CLR 2500 center speaker and how it would sound to have a sub front and center!

Or maybe having matching fronts and center isn't important as some say??

I know this is repeated constantly to have matched fronts and center, but sometimes I wonder how much is 'truth' and how much has just been repeated so many times that people believe it when few people have probably even tried it for themselves??

I have a related question with the bi-pole def tech surrounds.. I have a huge window behind my couch where you would typically put bi-pole speakers behind your listening area. I do have maybe 1 foot of wall on either side of the window. I wonder if they could live there which would put them pretty close to the wall.. probably closer than reccomended.. but since they are bi-poles they are already designed to disperse sound in both directions so maybe they could live a little bit close to the walls?

I do love my energies, but some day I might go all out with the def-techs as I have been really impressed with them so far.

[sydney]

just replace the tweet with one from VIFA

[Erik E. Erik]

Originally Posted by zachd73

I currently have 2 systems, a HT system and a turntable/cd/mp3 system. The HT system has energy E:XLR bookshelves and Center (getting older, but still sound awesome) with a sony subwoofer (cheap, but great crunch for the $$$). I have a Marantz amp that is a few years old - can't remember the model number off hand but it has plenty of power and sounds great also for my 10x16 room (the speakers are at the end of the long end).

In my other room I have def tech BP8B speakers and a def-tech sub with a NAD352C amp. I recently upgraded from some older NHT tower speakers which were still sounding good, but I think the def techs are a little better.

Recently though it occurred to me maybe I need to try the BP8B speakers in the HT room... what do you think? Good call over the Energies? I've heard the bi-poles are particularly great for HT fronts.

If I did that and I liked them, I'd probably get a matching center speaker for them... it seems people rave about the CLR 2500 with sub woofer. That does sound pretty cool to have a second sub. I read the sticky thread on subs and how having 2 can put more bass in a room and eliminate the dead spots. Also, it just seems like a great speaker.

I guess I'd also have to hope that the energies were capable and sounded good when hooked to the NAD amp. It seems there is some kind of mojo with the energies and my AV amps... when I did try my old denon out with the NHT towers to compare them with the NAD amp with straight music.. it lost out big time... I kept the NAD and sold the Denon on craigslist as it did not make a very good 2 channel amp.

Worst case - I love the def tech BP8Bs in the home theater.. thus forcing me to change centers if the energy center doesn't sound matched. And if the energies don't work out then I'd be looking at new speakers there also!

I am having a bad case of the upgrades. Mainly, I think I'm really intrigued by the CLR 2500 center speaker and how it would sound to have a sub front and center!

Or maybe having matching fronts and center isn't important as some say??

I know this is repeated constantly to have matched fronts and center, but sometimes I wonder how much is 'truth' and how much has just been repeated so many times that people believe it when few people have probably even tried it for themselves??

I have a related question with the bi-pole def tech surrounds.. I have a huge window behind my couch where you would typically put bi-pole speakers behind your listening area. I do have maybe 1 foot of wall on either side of the window. I wonder if they could live there which would put them pretty close to the wall.. probably closer than reccomended.. but since they are bi-poles they are already designed to disperse sound in both directions so maybe they could live a little bit close to the walls?

I do love my energies, but some day I might go all out with the def-techs as I have been really impressed with them so far.

It probably doesn't help you if someone raves about the Def Techs in general or the 2500 in particular, but I went to an all-Def Tech system (with a 2500) several years ago, and it was a great investment, because they are still making nearly identical speakers today. I put a lot of cash into it, but after updating TV, receiver and adding a PS3 within the past year, I didn't touch the speakers, and am still extremely pleased.

[aramis109]

I just upgraded to the BP6b's and a CLR2002. I love it. I get such a spacious, full sound, and the center is much clearer than my Polk CS2. Given, it's a different, more expensive line but I really appreciate it. While I was in the middle of the upgrade, I was using the Polk as my center. It certainly didn't sound bad, but panning was bloody obvious. Watching "Nightmare Before Christmas" tonight with my kid was an absolute treat. Besides the great soundtrack and open sound of the BP's, there was some great panning that was seamless.

I don't think you can go wrong with Def Tech's BP series.

[greyrocket]

def tec all the way

[zachd73]

Originally Posted by aramis109

I just upgraded to the BP6b's and a CLR2002. I love it. I get such a spacious, full sound, and the center is much clearer than my Polk CS2. Given, it's a different, more expensive line but I really appreciate it. While I was in the middle of the upgrade, I was using the Polk as my center. It certainly didn't sound bad, but panning was bloody obvious. Watching "Nightmare Before Christmas" tonight with my kid was an absolute treat. Besides the great soundtrack and open sound of the BP's, there was some great panning that was seamless.

I don't think you can go wrong with Def Tech's BP series.

The CLR 2002 - is it identical to the 2500 but without subwoofer? Or are they basically different speakers all together?

I saw a 2002 really cheap on 6th ave.com If I do move my Def Tecs and like them way more than the energies in there, I might go for the 2002 and get a 2500 later.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by zachd73

The CLR 2002 - is it identical to the 2500 but without subwoofer? Or are they basically different speakers all together?

I saw a 2002 really cheap on 6th ave.com If I do move my Def Tecs and like them way more than the energies in there, I might go for the 2002 and get a 2500 later.

They appear to be the same drivers, and I'm pretty sure they are. I haven't listened to a 2500 though in person.

Yeah, 6ave does have some good deals, especially on the open box DT's. Kinda frustrating since I paid that much for a 2002 on ebay. It's in 95% condition though. Love the speaker, seriously.

I've not had the DT's long, but they're easily my favorite speakers thus far. My biggest complaint with them is the blasted sock- you have to be careful with it. However, it's my understanding that if you purchase from an authorized dealer, you can get a replacement sock for free. Can't beat that.

[zachd73]

Originally Posted by aramis109

They appear to be the same drivers, and I'm pretty sure they are. I haven't listened to a 2500 though in person.

Yeah, 6ave does have some good deals, especially on the open box DT's. Kinda frustrating since I paid that much for a 2002 on ebay. It's in 95% condition though. Love the speaker, seriously.

I've not had the DT's long, but they're easily my favorite speakers thus far. My biggest complaint with them is the blasted sock- you have to be careful with it. However, it's my understanding that if you purchase from an authorized dealer, you can get a replacement sock for free. Can't beat that.

Thanks for the info!! yeah I was looking at the open box price on 6th ave.
The only thing holding me back is I need to switch out my speakers and try them out in opposite rooms to see if it all works out!

I saw two other models of DT centers on craigslist local for good prices but I think I am going to wait and go for 2002 or 2500. One listed was a lower end model DT and the other was a mythos 7 I believe which from the looks of it is meant to be a low profile speaker.. I'd rather have a regular sized center that matched up more with the towers I have.

Haven't had any sock problems... yet. I do have two cats but they haven't seem to noticed that the sock is a sock yet.

[ozzman]

My thoughts?
Iam a Mirage fan, Now being that i was told by a wise person on this forum that Def-Tech was the closest to the Mirage sound.Not hearing Def-tech speakers myself i trust this person.
All i hear is good things about this company.

[Lanfear]

Originally Posted by zachd73

The CLR 2002 - is it identical to the 2500 but without subwoofer? Or are they basically different speakers all together?

I saw a 2002 really cheap on 6th ave.com If I do move my Def Tecs and like them way more than the energies in there, I might go for the 2002 and get a 2500 later.

Here's the comparison between the 2 from the official site: http://www.definitivetech.com/Compar...2500,C/L/R2002

I can tell you one thing, it blends really well with my BP7002s. Sounds great during movies. I'm happy

[zachd73]

Originally Posted by Lanfear

Here's the comparison between the 2 from the official site: http://www.definitivetech.com/Compar...2500,C/L/R2002

I can tell you one thing, it blends really well with my BP7002s. Sounds great during movies. I'm happy

Thanks for the info!

I would really like the 2500 more if I can find it close to $500. I think I saw one on ebay once for $400.

QUestion: Do you have to connect the amp to all three binding posts?? DO you run two sets of wires from your amp to your mains and to the 2500??

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by zachd73

Thanks for the info!

I would really like the 2500 more if I can find it close to $500. I think I saw one on ebay once for $400.

QUestion: Do you have to connect the amp to all three binding posts?? DO you run two sets of wires from your amp to your mains and to the 2500??

I don't own the 2500, but you can just run one set of speaker wire to them. That's what the shims are for- to bridge the connection across. I've read people saying to avoid tri-amping/wiring them.

[Lanfear]

Originally Posted by zachd73

Thanks for the info!

I would really like the 2500 more if I can find it close to $500. I think I saw one on ebay once for $400.

QUestion: Do you have to connect the amp to all three binding posts?? DO you run two sets of wires from your amp to your mains and to the 2500??

As aramis109 has stated, you only need to use 1 set of speaker wires to them.

[zachd73]

Originally Posted by Lanfear

Here's the comparison between the 2 from the official site: http://www.definitivetech.com/Compar...2500,C/L/R2002

I can tell you one thing, it blends really well with my BP7002s. Sounds great during movies. I'm happy

Lanfear ... do you have a separate subwoofer with the BP7002's???

I am thinking about getting a pair of 7004's but wondering how well they go with a separate sub... is having three subs good?! I don't want bass overkill!

As mentioned if I did eventually get the 2500 center, I'd have 4 subs!

I don't have a very big space, it seems somewhat like overkill.. but, maybe I just lower the level on the sub and get better overall quality and "coverage" for the low end??

[Lanfear]

Originally Posted by zachd73

Lanfear ... do you have a separate subwoofer with the BP7002's???

I am thinking about getting a pair of 7004's but wondering how well they go with a separate sub... is having three subs good?! I don't want bass overkill!

As mentioned if I did eventually get the 2500 center, I'd have 4 subs!

I don't have a very big space, it seems somewhat like overkill.. but, maybe I just lower the level on the sub and get better overall quality and "coverage" for the low end??

C'mon, you can never have enough bass

Actually, I do plan on getting a separate sub sometime down the road but currently I just have the ones in the 7002s. They are more than adequate during movie night. I'm satisfied.

My advice would be to get the system without the sub first. Set it up and go through the motions. Try your favorite movies, music and games.

Once you "test drive" them for a bit then you can decide if it's enough bass for you. If it's not enough or you think that you would benefit from getting another sub, then go for it.

Sound is a really subjective topic. I really can't say that you will definitely benefit from having a separate in your situation. Let us know what you decide. Good luck to you man.

[zachd73]

Originally Posted by Lanfear

C'mon, you can never have enough bass

Actually, I do plan on getting a separate sub sometime down the road but currently I just have the ones in the 7002s. They are more than adequate during movie night. I'm satisfied.

My advice would be to get the system without the sub first. Set it up and go through the motions. Try your favorite movies, music and games.

Once you "test drive" them for a bit then you can decide if it's enough bass for you. If it's not enough or you think that you would benefit from getting another sub, then go for it.

Sound is a really subjective topic. I really can't say that you will definitely benefit from having a separate in your situation. Let us know what you decide. Good luck to you man.

So I made a huge score last night to get some more def-tech speakers!
I got all the gear below for $1400:

2 BP7004 Front Speakers
1 C/L/R 2002 Center Channel Speaker
2 BP1.2X Rear Speakers

Pioneer Elite:
VSX 92TXH Surround Sound Receiver

The guy worked at Magnolia in Best Buy and it was all very nice and like new.

So now I have three subs! I'm sure I'll be happy with the 2002 for some time to come but maybe I'll be on the lookout for a 2300 or higher with the sub built in also.

I'm excited about the receiver because now I can do ALL the HD formats. Before I was using analog 7.1 so I couldn't really do all of them.


I'll report back on the bass and how much is too much. I was thinking of maybe passing out earplugs for the next movie night like in Rushmore before his play opens.

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by zachd73

So I made a huge score last night to get some more def-tech speakers!
I got all the gear below for $1400:

2 BP7004 Front Speakers
1 C/L/R 2002 Center Channel Speaker
2 BP1.2X Rear Speakers

Pioneer Elite:
VSX 92TXH Surround Sound Receiver

The guy worked at Magnolia in Best Buy and it was all very nice and like new.

So now I have three subs! I'm sure I'll be happy with the 2002 for some time to come but maybe I'll be on the lookout for a 2300 or higher with the sub built in also.

I'm excited about the receiver because now I can do ALL the HD formats. Before I was using analog 7.1 so I couldn't really do all of them.


I'll report back on the bass and how much is too much. I was thinking of maybe passing out earplugs for the next movie night like in Rushmore before his play opens.

GAH, I am so jealous! Let me know how well you feel the BP1.2X meshes with your fronts. I've been debating on those or the BP2X's to go with my BP6b fronts.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by aramis109

GAH, I am so jealous! Let me know how well you feel the BP1.2X meshes with your fronts. I've been debating on those or the BP2X's to go with my BP6b fronts.

They will mesh very well Aramis109, I even have BP1's and BP2's in my system - I thought about going to Snell, but for my generation of Snell speakers - the BP's are actually a better match- they use some of the same Vifa drivers as my current Snell speakers do. My son and I watched the Director's cut of Fearless last night and my son couldn't stop talking about how the system just blends together (birds actually sound like they where coming from beyond the walls - actually outside ect) He enjoyed himself alot!!!

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by prerich

They will mesh very well Aramis109, I even have BP1's and BP2's in my system - I thought about going to Snell, but for my generation of Snell speakers - the BP's are actually a better match- they use some of the same Vifa drivers as my current Snell speakers do. My son and I watched the Director's cut of Fearless last night and my son couldn't stop talking about how the system just blends together (birds actually sound like they where coming from beyond the walls - actually outside ect) He enjoyed himself alot!!!

So I could go with the 1.2x's and you think it'd mesh ok? There are some definite (no pun intended) advantages- they're smaller, and they're cheaper. My wife has been after me to spend less money.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by aramis109

So I could go with the 1.2x's and you think it'd mesh ok? There are some definite (no pun intended) advantages- they're smaller, and they're cheaper. My wife has been after me to spend less money.

As I always say, I'm prejudiced to Bipole or dipole rears (although the BP series are all bipoles). The convenence factor and the soundfield that they generate is exceptional!!! I would use the 1.2's over another Def Tech tower in the rear for the sake of the soundfield. That's just my personal opinion. I don't mind towers in the rear and for those that can afford it - go for it, but I do like specilalized surround speakers also. You won't go wrong with the 1.2x's