Hi all! Another newbie to the world of Aperion here, looking for some sage advice before buying...

I'm looking for new speakers to pair with my Outlaw RR2150 receiver and Outlaw LFM-2 sub. My trusty Paradigm 5SE mk3s are showing their age, and the Paradigm Titans in my kitchen aren't up to the job.

Some additional information. Obviously, I'm a 2-channel guy. I've decided to use bookshelves because of the size of the room (about 14' x 18', with an approx. 12 foot distance between speaker and listener)  and my satisfaction with the low end provided by the LFM-2. Usage is almost primarily for listening to music (of all genres) -- I do watch movies, but for some reason I'm not at all demanding about the audio associated with films.

So the question is... would you go with the 5Bs or 6Bs for 2-channel audio w/sub? The savings associated with the 5Bs would help me upgrade my CD/DVD transport sooner rather than later, but I'd opt for the 6Bs if there were a clear advantage.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Regardless of what you choose, YES music will sound fantastic. I love your screen name!

One question to ask...how do you plan to have the speakers placed (on wall, on stands, in cubbies)? If they are not in the open, how much breathing room will you have behind them?

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Scottiemon

Thank you for the reply, Scottiemon. I am excited to hear some old favorites "again for the first time" with new speakers. In fact, whenever I test audio equipment in store, my first choice is the final section of Yes' "Starship Trooper." It's demanding music, and I have a pretty good idea how it's supposed to sound... :-)

The speakers will sit on either side of my LCD TV on top of a wide entertainment console. So, not enclosed, with probably at least 12-14 inches behind them. The console is about 30 inches tall, so I may need some sort of short riser stand for optimal positioning.

Thanks again for your help!

Olias

Hello and welcome to the forum,

For 2 channel listening I really love the 6Bs, they've got a great warm sound to them and will definitely give you fuller mids and a more open sound than the 5Bs as well.

The two concerns with them are that they are low in sensitivity and they have a big back port, but since you've got a great amp with the Outlaw and can give them the recommended 12 inches to the rear, you are covered on both accounts, so I'd say go for the 6Bs and I think you'll be quite pleased.

Hope that helps, thanks!

 

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Jason Hicks
Aperion Audio Guru

Thanks Jason! I just re-measured using the 6B's specs and it looks like I'd be closer to 10 inches from the wall. Something to be concerned about? Thanks again and sorry for the conflicting information.

Once set up, you should get the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe DVD. It is by far my favorite. I have Songs of Tsongas and the Blu Ray of Montreau, but they don't quite measure up to the first. Yes, you might miss Chris Squire, but Jeff Berlin does a great job of standing in (for Tony Levin). Plus, Yes has slowed down quite a bit in tempo in their more recent stuff. Don't get me wrong, I still like it.

On ABWH, they are quite younger, and smoke!!!!!!! It is to bad the video and sound quality sucks on Yessongs.

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Scottiemon

Funny you should mention it -- I just picked up the ABWH DVD a few weeks ago! I've not watched it yet, but you've inspired me to make it the first DVD I pop in once I get the 5B/6B and Oppo BDP-83 combination up and running.

I grew up in Philadelphia, where YES is practically a religion, and I remember the incredible excitement leading up to the ABWH tour and the pay-per-view event that the DVD represents.  It will be nice to re-live some of that.

 

 

Olias of Sunhillow:

Thanks Jason! I just re-measured using the 6B's specs and it looks like I'd be closer to 10 inches from the wall. Something to be concerned about? Thanks again and sorry for the conflicting information.

While we recommend a foot, I think you'll be fine with 10 inches too, actually I believe I only have about 8 or 9 inches to the rear of one of my 632s (the old version of the 6B) at home. 

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Jason Hicks
Aperion Audio Guru

Olias of Sunhillow:

Funny you should mention it -- I just picked up the ABWH DVD a few weeks ago! I've not watched it yet, but you've inspired me to make it the first DVD I pop in once I get the 5B/6B and Oppo BDP-83 combination up and running.

I grew up in Philadelphia, where YES is practically a religion, and I remember the incredible excitement leading up to the ABWH tour and the pay-per-view event that the DVD represents.  It will be nice to re-live some of that.

Two things....One, you MUST report back to me how you liked ABWH on your new system. I have many concert videos, from many different bands, but this is the one I keep coming back to. Perhaps since I was fortunate enough to see this tour from the fifteenth row center, and even shaked Jon Anderson's hand as he made his way up to the stage singing Time and a Word. Two, since you grew up in Philly....don't even think of buying the live in Philly DVD. I have it, and only watched it once. While a good song line up, everything else about it sucks out loud.

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Scottiemon

Thanks Jason. Decision made, I think!

Olias

I will definitely report back with my findings... the new Jethro Tull at MSG 1978 DVD is on my list as well. As for Live at Philly... I've been tempted to pick it up for $5 at Amazon, especially since I love the 78/79 shows I've heard, but now maybe not!

FWIW, I saw the non-Jon Yes in Denver a few months ago. It was great to finally see Drama songs like Machine Messiah, but of course it wasn't the same.

Thanks again.