Polk, Martin logan, Definitive, Which floorstanding speakers best for this receiver?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by jsr

I got to audition the Motion 12s, 2 different ML Sources, and Jamo 426s. Of these, I liked the motions the most. However they weren't what I expected. The highs were more forward than I like. Otherwise the mids were nice, midbass was what I epxted for the drivers it had, and it was much smaller than I had expected. It has a unique look too and I liked the slim cab. But the forward highs and what sounds like incompatibility with my receiver all but killed my desire for them.

I don't know what your total budget is, but Im sure I could help you come up with some alternatives to look into based on what youre saying about the sound of both the Motions and Jamos.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

I believe you meant 2.83 volts and not 2.83 watts. Moreover, a sensitivity of 92dB isn't bad at all. There are many speakers that have a sensitivity in the mid 80s.

Yep, slip of terminology, thanks for catching that...

[jsr]

Originally Posted by callas01

I don't know what your total budget is, but Im sure I could help you come up with some alternatives to look into based on what youre saying about the sound of both the Motions and Jamos.

I went there to audition the Motions. The others just happened to be set up near the motions so I listened to those too. I was considering the motions for a more musical speaker plus it has the unique folded tweeter and I was going to get them for $660 a pair to my door. But after hearing them, I think I'll wait on purchasing more speakers.
I've been trying to find a local dealer that carries Paradigm and PSB so I can see what $2000 per pair gets me with the Studios and Imagine T towers. Not that I can afford those, but I want to see what that level sounds like.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by jsr

I went there to audition the Motions. The others just happened to be set up near the motions so I listened to those too. I was considering the motions for a more musical speaker plus it has the unique folded tweeter and I was going to get them for $660 a pair to my door. But after hearing them, I think I'll wait on purchasing more speakers.
I've been trying to find a local dealer that carries Paradigm and PSB so I can see what $2000 per pair gets me with the Studios and Imagine T towers. Not that I can afford those, but I want to see what that level sounds like.

Where do u live? If you prefer to pm me, I understand, the motions are not very musical at all. There are lots of speakers is take over them at their price range. Also, for $2k both the digs and PSBs are nice, there is a lot more available at that price tho, I wouldn't limit yourself in your auditioning. Dali, totem, focal, dynaudio, amphion, revel, salk, all have speakers in that range that are incredibly musical and great with HT as well.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by jsr

I got to audition the Motion 12s, 2 different ML Sources, and Jamo 426s. Of these, I liked the motions the most. However they weren't what I expected. The highs were more forward than I like. Otherwise the mids were nice, midbass was what I epxted for the drivers it had, and it was much smaller than I had expected. It has a unique look too and I liked the slim cab. But the forward highs and what sounds like incompatibility with my receiver all but killed my desire for them.

I'm a little surprised that you liked the Motions over the Source. Granted...the Motions do have some pretty good bass output which is a bit of a surprise since they are a smaller speaker than what I expected when I went to go check them out. My Prefaces look huge in comparison.

The top-end is very forward like you say and I found it to be a bit fatiguing after listening to them for awhile, but the Source has a much smoother top-end...its very airy. What receivers did you demo these speakers on?

I found that the Marantz SR6005 and Pioneer VSX-33 were my favorite matches when I demoed the Motion 10 and 12. The Denon AVR-2311ci was nice with them too, but I would move up to AVR-3311ci or higher if I went with Denon. They seem to have better control in that range. If you really want to tame the top-end then the Yamaha's do a very good job.

One of the best matches I got with the electrostats was with the Pioneer SC series receivers which is what I've heard Sources and Purity's on. My recent demo with the ElectroMotions was with an SC-35 and it just sounded absolutely wonderful. Callas has some good suggestions for other speakers to check out in this price range too.

[jsr]

Yes, the sources have smoother top end, but the mids sounded muffled. I did find the motions tiring after a while also. I didn't have much time there to audition, about 25 minutes, so I didn't ask to change receivers. The guy was using a Yamaha, but I don't recall what model.
I was primarily interested in the motions because I found them for $300 each. At normal price, I probably wouldn't have spent time looking for a new speaker. The $2k/pair range is just a dream and curiosity for me. If I were to look for more musical speakers, I'd cap my price at about $500/pair. Probably can't find much there though.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by jsr

Yes, the sources have smoother top end, but the mids sounded muffled. I did find the motions tiring after a while also. I didn't have much time there to audition, about 25 minutes, so I didn't ask to change receivers. The guy was using a Yamaha, but I don't recall what model.
I was primarily interested in the motions because I found them for $300 each. At normal price, I probably wouldn't have spent time looking for a new speaker. The $2k/pair range is just a dream and curiosity for me. If I were to look for more musical speakers, I'd cap my price at about $500/pair. Probably can't find much there though.

Well it could be the match up that you didn't like. Taming the top-end of the Motions can be a bit tricky, but Yamaha does do well in that regard if you look at the RX-V867/A800 or higher up models. Also, the Motions need quite a bit of break-in to settle down, and you may have demoed some that have few hours on them. They need a good 500hrs. of break-in to reach their full potential. It took a few hundred hrs. on my Prefaces to really start opening up.

Also, if the mid-range on the Sources sounded muffled then they were probably being under-powered. They need a good deal of power to open up fully. Not only that, but Yamaha doesn't seem to be a good choice for electrostats in my experience unless you move up to their higher end models. Their lower end models are a bit reserved in the mid-range and low-end.

When you get some time you should go back and spend 2-3 hours demoing again. Try different receiver match ups. I think you would like them more with a Marantz myself. Check out the Sources again as well, but try them with a Pioneer SC series receiver or an 80x series or higher Onkyo if they carry them. A Denon AVR-3311ci/AVR-3312ci or higher should be another good option to look into.

I've seen Newegg's sale on the Motions, and its an absolute steal so thoroughly demo before you decide against them. I still feel that they aren't as good as my own Prefaces, but they are certainly not a bad speaker. The MSRP is a bit high IMO, but for $600/pair they are an absolute bargain. You just need to match them up with the proper receiver to get what you want out of them.

Finding speakers that good for $600/pair is near impossible. The only other deals I've seen pop up this good are the Energy CF-70 that occasionally gets a crazy discount and the sales are always over quickly. Another thing I will suggest when you go back to demo is to check out the Motion 4 bookshelf speakers which from what I've heard and read are the better speakers in the Motion line. They will also be easier to drive and won't require as much of an investment in a receiver.

[jsr]

I actually did try the motion 4s. They weren't as bright as the 12s, but I didn't feel the mids were as good and they didn't so und nearly as full as the 12s. They greatly lacked midbass.
How are the Jamo c803s? I still haven't heard the s606s either.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by jsr

I actually did try the motion 4s. They weren't as bright as the 12s, but I didn't feel the mids were as good and they didn't so und nearly as full as the 12s. They greatly lacked midbass.
How are the Jamo c803s? I still haven't heard the s606s either.

Well, I would imagine that they are an overall better balanced speaker since so many people have talked about them being the best speaker in the lineup, but there are going to be some limitations in the mid and low-end when compared to a tower with much larger drivers. With the correct setup and use of a sub I would expect to get good results from them.

The Motion 12 on the other hand can work well without a sub due to its larger drivers and cabinet. Again, you would want to check all of those speakers out on different receivers because you will get much different results between brands and models. As for the Jamos I can't say I've heard them. Callas is pretty up on Jamos and he can tell you a lot more about them than I can.

[jlaavenger]

Should I get motion 2's or motion 4's for the rear surrounds? And if I eventually add front's for a 7.1 experience do I use motion 2's or motion 4's keeping in mind that the motion 12's will be on each side of the entertainment center with a center above the TV likely the motion 8 but possibly the motion c? The fronts would be where the wall meets the ceiling exact opposite the rears.

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by jlaavenger

Should I get motion 2's or motion 4's for the rear surrounds? And if I eventually add front's for a 7.1 experience do I use motion 2's or motion 4's keeping in mind that the motion 12's will be on each side of the entertainment center with a center above the TV likely the motion 8 but possibly the motion c? The fronts would be where the wall meets the ceiling exact opposite the rears.

I would lean toward the Motion 4's for all of my surrounds, but go for the 2's if you are trying to keep the costs down. I don't think there will be a tremendous difference when used for surround duty. You could always use the saving to get the Motion C instead of the 8. The center channel is super important for home theater, so you want the best one possible.

[jlaavenger]

My current Sub is a Yamaha YST-sw015 70 watt sub, should I consider upgrading to one or perhaps 2 of either the Definitive Technology - Super Cube 2000 or the Martin Logan Dynamo 500 10"?

[lojack1976]

Originally Posted by jlaavenger

My current Sub is a Yamaha YST-sw015 70 watt sub, should I consider upgrading to one or perhaps 2 of either the Definitive Technology - Super Cube 2000 or the Martin Logan Dynamo 500 10"?

Yesssss!!!! Upgrade ASAP. You are missing out on quite a bit with that sub. A pair of either of those subs will open up a whole new world for you. There are other options out there as well. I don't know if you are aware of some of the online companies, but right now I think the best deal out there is a pair of THESE Emotiva Ultra Sub 12's. They're on sale right now for $399/each when you buy two or more with free shipping. Check out the Audioholics review HERE...its an excellent performer.

[jlaavenger]

Originally Posted by lojack1976

Yesssss!!!! Upgrade ASAP. You are missing out on quite a bit with that sub. A pair of either of those subs will open up a whole new world for you. There are other options out there as well. I don't know if you are aware of some of the online companies, but right now I think the best deal out there is a pair of THESE Emotiva Ultra Sub 12's. They're on sale right now for $399/each when you buy two or more with free shipping. Check out the Audioholics review HERE...its an excellent performer.

Looks good. I appreciate all the advice. I've been useing the Yamaha sub and the Pioneer Elite TV speakers for the last few years, well ever since I got it. I just ordered the Onkyo TX-nr709 this morning along with 2 Martin Logan Motion 12 towers. The rest will have to wait awhile. What should I concentrate on first, the center, the sub, the fronts or rears? And do you recommend extended warranties for the receiver or the speakers? My big concern is the receiver over heating.

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by jlaavenger

Looks good. I appreciate all the advice. I've been useing the Yamaha sub and the Pioneer Elite TV speakers for the last few years, well ever since I got it. I just ordered the Onkyo TX-nr709 this morning along with 2 Martin Logan Motion 12 towers. The rest will have to wait awhile. What should I concentrate on first, the center, the sub, the fronts or rears? And do you recommend extended warranties for the receiver or the speakers? My big concern is the receiver over heating.

I'd say the sub, then the center, then the surrounds. That way, you'd start off two-channel with a solid sub, then have a nice 3.1 setup, and finally your rears for ambiance. During the whole process, you'll have great sound.

If you buy all the speakers at 8 ohms, you shouldn't worry about stressing your receiver.

[pacman9270]

I went to Best Buy this weekend and demo'd the 8060STs. They sound really good. I currently have the DefTech ProCinema 600 5.1 surround speakers. I am pushing them with the Pioneer Elite SC-61. The seating postion is 9.5' feet from the front stage. The soundfield is 11'-12' wide. The room is open to the kitchen. I do not know what the ratios are for optimum speaker sizes. Can someone tell me if this is major overkill? I'd be using them for 2-channel music listening and possible 7.1 movie listening.

[Chitownmand80]

Hi guys, I have a couple of questions about the Definitive Technology BP 8060st floor standing speakers, But first i want to just say I'm new to this site and my apologies on a new thread. I'm sure there are threads about this but I'm not familiar with this site yet. On to my question I have a Denon AVR-791 receiver looking to purchase the BP 8060's along with the CS-8040HD and SR-8040BP I was wondering if my current receiver would be enough for them? Also wanted to know what music I should use to break them in? I'm very new to this so my apologies if I'm not clear, but i do appreciate all the information and thank you so much in advance

[josh6113]

Originally Posted by pacman9270

I went to Best Buy this weekend and demo'd the 8060STs. They sound really good. I currently have the DefTech ProCinema 600 5.1 surround speakers. I am pushing them with the Pioneer Elite SC-61. The seating postion is 9.5' feet from the front stage. The soundfield is 11'-12' wide. The room is open to the kitchen. I do not know what the ratios are for optimum speaker sizes. Can someone tell me if this is major overkill? I'd be using them for 2-channel music listening and possible 7.1 movie listening.

Not overkill at all......I own the 8060-st's and they are great for a small or large area...if you can afford them...get them...I love mine...

[josh6113]

Originally Posted by Chitownmand80

Hi guys, I have a couple of questions about the Definitive Technology BP 8060st floor standing speakers, But first i want to just say I'm new to this site and my apologies on a new thread. I'm sure there are threads about this but I'm not familiar with this site yet. On to my question I have a Denon AVR-791 receiver looking to purchase the BP 8060's along with the CS-8040HD and SR-8040BP I was wondering if my current receiver would be enough for them? Also wanted to know what music I should use to break them in? I'm very new to this so my apologies if I'm not clear, but i do appreciate all the information and thank you so much in advance

I own the 8060's and yes your AVR will be just fine...when I bought my towers I used a pioneer elite vsx-31 at 80wpc and I was pushing 2 towers a pro center 1000 and 2 pro monitor 800's just fine.I recently got a new vsx-60 pioneer elite at 90wpc but I use just my towers for music and movies as I feel that's all I need and everything works great...so yes you will be fine...happy listening!