B.I.C. America venturi Floorstanding Speakers Reviews

Price Paid:  $400.00 from Ed Frias

Summary:
I talked to Ed on the strength of other reviewers in this space. He had a pair of DV64s in stock since a recent customer had not come through. I figured I had very little to lose, so I went for it. These speakers are excellent. They have a great soundstage and are extremely smooth from about 40 hz up. Very very easy on the ears. No fatigue at all, even when played very loud by my Phase Linear 400 amp. Ed is the real thing. He cares and he has good ears. And he does not overcharge. I submit he undercharges.

Strengths:
Soundstage; smooth, accurate midrange and high end. Unbelievable power handling for the price. Good dynamics.

Weaknesses:
I like a lot of oomph in the low end. Fortunately, a subwoofer gives you all you need...Ed says that the 8 inch woofers in the other BIC speaker sacrifices midrange accuracy. I have to believe he is right.

Similar Products Used:
System: Phase Linear 400 Amp Carver 4000 Preamp Carver Tube Output CD Player HSU 1225 Subwoofer

Price Paid:  $112.00 from HypAudio

Summary:
I learned of the BIC dv62si from the Consumer Reports reviews, but had to do more research. I can't believe that CR is the ultimate audio authority. The reviews here on AudioReview.com reinforced the opinion that this was a quality speaker, so I bought a pair, along with the acclaimed dv62clr center channel. Before even listening to these speakers, I sent the crossovers to Ed Frias for his crossover mods. I was not dissapointed. I could hear no over or under emphasized frequencies. Smooth and realistic response. Wow! See Ed's review further below. It was not until I bought a Sony ES surround receiver that I really appreciated what these speakers could do. The clarity is dramatic, limited only by the source material. Although the receiver has an amazing parametric EQ, there is virtually no need to use it with these speakers. I bought two more dv62si and sent the crossovers to Ed again (I have never listened to the unmodified speakers). Back to me in less than a week again! (coast to coast by priority mail) Five speakers (4 dv62si and one dv62clr) cost me under $450 (including shipping & Ed Frias' crossovers). It is my opinion that there is no better value in the budget speaker world.

Strengths:
Value - for $160/pair (w/ Ed's x-over mod), you can't even come close. Flat frequency response. High power handling. Sound great at low or high volume levels.

Weaknesses:
Nothing that I can complain about

Similar Products Used:
Infinity Infinitesimal IV

Price Paid:  $920.00 from Frias Enterprised

Summary:
I discovered Ed Frias and BIC America speakers on the AR.com web site and since he lived close to me I went to see him to talk speakers. I had an old 4-channel surround system that needed upgrading. First of all Ed''s a delight to talk to. Extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. The first time I went to his home I spent three hours talking stereo and listening to his awesome speakers (his own EFE line). I''m telling you if you''re a true audiophile you can''t go wrong with his speakers. Don''t let the bargain prices fool you. You won''t do better for many time more. Ed seems to be offended by speaker companies that overcharge for their equipment. Ed doesn''t! Anyway back to the BICs. I was on a budget and didn''t have a lot to spend on a new system. I got a Toshiba DVD player for Christmas and bought a Kenwood AV receiver (AV-509, actually not a bad unit for the money). I purchased from Ed a complete system that he modified rather then buying something off the net (Ubid, etc and having Ed modify) and not knowing the quality you might get. I''ve heard of people getting blems off the net that were problematic. The system I bought was a Venturi DV62 SI up front, a Center DV 62 CLR-S and two rear Adatto DV 52 SI plus a JBL PB12 sub. WOW. The sound is magic. Crystal clear highs and strong lows. Pianos that sound like pianos, violins that sound like violins, all together. All wonderful. Incredible sound. I bought a Chesky CD and it sound like I''m standing on the sound stage with the artist. I truly can''t believe how good the sound is. My buddy who owns B&W speakers was equally impressed. You can''t not be impressed after hearing these incredible speakers AFTER Ed''s modifications. Plus if you''re looking only for a great stereo speakers on a budget Ed''s 62 conversation is only $250, and that includes the speakers! I just can''t say enough about these BIC speakers and Ed. What a great experience. Oh, by the way, while I was on a budget and didn''t spend a lot, what I got was a system that will compete with any $3000 system you can put together. I know that''s hard to believe and I''m sure some owners of the more expensive stuff will say I''m crazy or don''t know what I''m listening too, but the real proof is in the listening. Seek out Ed. Listen to his stuff. If you''re into stereo at all, it will be like going to Disneyland, except it''s all rea

Strengths:
Incredable sound

Weaknesses:
Price, I feel like I stole something.

Similar Products Used:
Original Advents (the''re for sale now)

Price Paid:  $280.00 from BIC factory

Summary:
Ed Frias was correct about his revised perception of
these speakers. I bought them based on Consumer Report's high ratings (pre-2000). The 2001 magazine reviewing speakers stated that they were on the high side.
So , I built the audio review DIY kit for main speakers
(of one of my systems) and use the unmodified BIC
DV-62si pair for rear (surround) speakers.

At some point I'll probably have Mr. Frias modify them.

This review is for DV 62si
They have potential. For $300 the DIY is better. Way so!!

Strengths:
Good Quality components Handles lows and highs satisfactorily
for a bookshelf speaker.

Weaknesses:
Too high and tinny with female vocals. Bass can sound
too compact. Can cause fatigue.

Similar Products Used:
Boston Acoustics, Bic Venturi Formula 2, Audio Review DIY Kit, Allison 5 .....

Price Paid:  $100.00 from mail order

Summary:
I bought the BIC Venturi floor standing speakers in 1975 as one part of a complete stereo system as wedding gift to my wife. They were everything I hoped for and at a reasonable price. Excellent bass reproduction via the Venturi system, plus great midrange and supurb highs.
Used them daily from June 1975 to 1985. At that point one speaker gave out and the foam cover plates were crumbling to dust when touched. Still, how many speakers can you stand for a full 10 years? The speakers are now gone, but the wife is still here after 26 years, and I'm glad BIC is still in business!

Strengths:
Good sound definition for 1975

Weaknesses:
foam-based speaker covers began to deteriorate over time.

Similar Products Used:
Cerwin Vega AT-10's