Boston Acoustics: Opinions Wanted
Jay Crawford
NAD 7225PE receiver. I've listened to Boston Acoustics A40, A60, and
A70 and they all sound pretty good. I am looking for any comments, good or
bad, from anyone with experience with Boston Acoustic speakers. Also,
if you can recommend your favorite speaker in the $400 or less price
range, I am always willing to audition another pair. Thanks!
--
Jay Crawford
ja...@hubcap.clemson.edu
grat...@ohstpy.mps.ohio-state.edu
I recently bought a similar system. Primary source was the Dual CS-505-3
turntable with the same receiver, the NAD 7225PE. I already knew these
equipment so I didn't have to audition them. Speaker selection was a bit more
tricky. I tried the local stores and listened to the Boston Acoustics A40 and
A60, some Polk speakers in the same price range and another brand that I now
can't recall. All these speakers sounded really awfull!! The worst speakers
that I've heard for years! Specifically, the B.A. A40 had a thumpy and
uncontrollable bass, muddled midrange and jangly highs. Awfull! The salesman
said that if I wanted better sound I should significantly increase my price
range. Obviously he has never listened to any decent British speakers.
The other store suggested the Infinity RS-2001. I knew how their predecessor
(RS-2000) sounded like and these ones kept the tradition: dynamic and lively
without any loss of detail, although once again the highs were a bit on the
offensive side. Overall of course they were far better than the previous bunch
but not up to my standards.
I finally opted for the Mission 761; once again due to prior experience with
these speakers I didn't have to audition them, which was fortunate of course
since there is no dealer here in Columbus. In terms of clarity, dynamic range,
imaging and bass extension these speakers top their price range. Combining
these features with a natural sweetness and low fatigue factor make them a
pleasure to listen to for hours. The best speakers that I have found in the
last two years (in their price range that is).
I bought them for $240. Give them a try if you can find a dealer in your area.
Try also the Infinities to see if they sound better to you than the Boston
Acoustics.
Have fun and good luck!
Johnny "Mudman" G
GRATSIAS@OHSTPY
Michael G. Rother
I went through this about two years ago. Bought a 7225 and tried to
find some good speakers to go with it. My turntable cartridge is a
fairly high-level (don't recall the numbers) Stanton.
First I brought home a pair of Boston A40's (I prefer small equipment -
stereo's that are heard, not seen). I didn't like the sound of the
A40's at all: not much clarity and definition, which when added to the
(expected) lack of bass made me return them. Next up was a pair of
Boston A60's. I kept those for about six months. Not bad, but over
time something was amiss. The highs were a bit harsh or "crashing,"
and the bass seemed "cardboardy" or innacurate. I did experiment with
different cartridges, and the A60's seemed to sound best with an
inexpensive Audio Technica. I also messed around with speaker
placement, opting for concrete blocks that place the speakers about two
feet above the carpeted floor. Overall the A60's did sound good, but
were not satisfying over time. I traded them for a TREK bicycle. To
be fair, the A60's might have performed better if I had placed them in
an appropriate bookshelf, which is probably their natural "home."
Well, by then I had saved up a few more dollars and began to look for
some more expensive speakers. To make a long story shorter, I listened
to a whole bunch of Polk Monitor-this's and Junior-that's when I
happened to see (at the same shop) an ADS 8" two-way for about $500.
Speaker leads were connected, a credit card was handed, and my wife
helped me schlepp the ADS's home. I've never looked back. The sound
is such that I forget the stereo is there. In many months of listening
to rock (have to turn up the treble just a hair), blues, jazz, BeBop,
folk, and rockabilly, I've experienced no listener fatigue. I was
advised that the ADS's are typically supported with more power than
my 7225 delivers, but in practice that has not been a problem at
all.
Roger Knopf 5502
I used to own a pair of A100's. Extremely decent speaker and looks
nice too. I sold them when I got my Dahlquists and I understand the
new owner is happy.
BAs are pretty efficient, ie you don't need much wattage to drive.
I never had a problem with them. If they sound good to you, arrange
to take them home on trial.
Another speaker, a little more pricey but very nice, is the Ryan
Acoustics. They are small and need stands and have less bass than
my A100s but they are very neutral and seem quite accurate.
--
Roger Knopf <standard disclaimer applies>
SCO Consulting Services
uunet!sco!rogerk or rog...@sco.com "...and he's got bare feet, too."
408-425-7222 (voice) 408-458-4227 (fax) --Charley Watkins