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Review 4 of 20
Price Paid:
$1030.00
from Sound City Summary:
When it came time to replace my old stereo system, I wanted a excellent home theater/hi fi set that wasn't going to have me dipping in my 401k and selling off my stock.
I had narrowed my choice down to the MK 750, Infiniti IL 10's with IL 25 center, with Velodyne C-120 or M&K Mark II 125 (if I was willing to shell out the cash)or one of the HSU subs). I also looked at Atlantic Tech 270. I was able to audition all of them one way or the other.
I read all the reviews of this product on this site (and others on the internet). Needless to say this speaker had a lot to live up to.
When I compared the price to the listening experience with the others, the system 170 really stood out. I didn't bother to listen to the others as much anymore (M&K was missing rears)for the $1000 extra dollars (that includes infinit set up). The 170 sounded good enough for me. Why go through the torture of comparison. The AT 170's kept seducing me. I went to Sound City several times after with my own CD and DVD's to further audition. At that point I focused on the 170 to see if I could live with it.
My main concern (before purchase)was, would the satelites (90hz crossover)integrate with the subwoofer, compared to the lower infiniti's (56hz) and M&K and 270 system (crossover at 80hz).
Yes they do. I'm happy to say. This system is clear and loud. The speakers sound mature, their not bright or agressive for 90hz handling. They sound very composed as if they're actually larger. The P172(sub) picks up seamlessly where the satelites crossover. I did mention on high out put, heavy bass music, you may want to lower the sub for localization. But most people may not care or notice, and I'm telling you I was playing some very bassy Reggae very loud to notice (and that's only because I sit in front of the sub and I was looking for it(it's behind the couch) I felt it. Nothing a -1-3db adjustemtnt or enjoying the music and not nitpicking couldn't fix. It's a Beast.
For stereo The imaging is excellent. MY satelites are 9' a part, and I sit 9' away. Sometimes I forget that I'm in stereo mode and not five chanel or some DSP.
The sound stage is wide, full and deep. You can pick out instruments clearly vertically and horizonitally. My Sarah Vaughn Verve and Blue note CD compilations sounded down right intimate. It's as if she was their. The more you play them, the more expansive they become. These aren't boxy speakers.
When your receiver is properly calibrated the 5 channel stereo sounds excellent with the Dipoles. My other concern with this unit (before purchase)was, would the dipoles defuse too much of the 5 channel audio. It sounds good to me. The great thing with dipoles, depending on how you position them, you can get a more direct radiating sound, and always turn them back for diffusement (or find a sweet angle for both as I did).
This thing sounds great in 5 Channel audio and Matrix on the Denon 3801.
The system sounds probably even better in home theater. The speakers hit hard and fast and keep up with the action on the screen. The center is clear and intelligble. The LR speakers offer expansiveness and proper intergration with the fronts. The Dipoles create both a immersive sound field and provide excellent panning. The sub is quiet when it needs to and hits hard then dissapears. This all seems to come from the appropiate speakers as well. The front back pans are seamless as well.
Maybe in the future another P172 sub (for the far corner of my irregular shaped basenent) further away from the optimized listening position. But that's another quibble.
My room is 15'x20x7'.
The speakers sound Great. They sounded great when I first got them (the center may of been a little tight knowing how much use it was going to get)and it seemed to loosen up also with further use. They seem to become more expansive with further use. Great clean sounding system for music and movies.
Note: Wagner and the guys at Sound City gave me excellent service and advice. Check them out.
My system is
Denon 3801 AV receiver-Great unit
Atlantic Technology System 170
Bell Ogetti 39" curved metal stands
Pioneer DV 603 DVD-excellent performer
RCA 715 32'' So far excellent as well
Audio Quest type 4 hyperlitz 16gauge cable
Audio Quest Silver Plated Componet imputs
Audio Quest silver plated Digital Coaxial
Audio Quest Digital Optical interconnects
Scientific Atlanta 900 channel Digital Cable Box
Strengths:
Clear, Flat, relaxed response. Subwoofer integration and peformance. Dipoles and value Weaknesses:
May have to lower subwoofer at high volumes(with heavy bass music) -1-3db, to re-integrate. Not a big deal Similar Products Used:
M&K 750, Infiniti IL 10,30's, Atlantic Technology 270
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