Alternatives to JBL Cinema 300

[ach82002]

Hi All,

I am considering JBL cinema 300 with Yamaha rx-v375 (rejected Marantz nr1402 on the ground that no authorized service center in Bangalore).
Auditioned JBL cinema 300 at Phoenix mall and liked both in movies as well as music. The low frequencies were good and the mid range too was nice. The Sub was able to produce decent lows (32Hz-150Hz -6db rated 150W 8") and satellites (120Hz 3"). Want to go separates but budget increases that way :sad:
Thinking of spending about 35K on speakers. Music:Movies 50:50
Please suggest other alternatives in same price range:sos:.

 

[yogeshtulsiani]

I don't really understand much about pairing. I'm using the Cinema 300 with Yamaha RX-V465, it sounds good. But the price for the set has gone up recently. The MRP when I bought it was 20k and has gone up to 30k now. The JBL SCS200.5 BK is available for around 21k (MRP 25k) with similar specs, you can try that out. Else Boston Acoustics Soundware XS 5.1 is available for 23.5k on hifimart.

 

[ach82002]

Thanks Yogesh,
Yes the prices have gone up by 10K in 2013 for JBL cinema 300, it was quoted for 35K and no discounts:annoyed: (all other models which i said i am not interested was told have discounts ).
This forced me to think again.
The JBL scs200.5 BK seem good in budget, will audition these.

Has anyone auditioned/ is using Boston Acoustics A 2310HTS (available at hifimart)?

 

[yogeshtulsiani]

The MRP for the Cinema 300 set is 30k. You might get it for 25k. I bought it for 18k less than 3 years back when the MRP was less.

 

[ach82002]

Thanks yogesh, I will check it out this weekend. I guess it should go well with Yamaha rx-v375. Coz i was impressed with the cinema 300 along with HK avr in JBL shop (considering all other packaged 5.1 in the price range). But I am not willing to take HK avr.

 

[efernand1]

Hi ach82002

I use the Boston Acoustics Soundware XS 5.1 with a Marantz NR 1402 and it does indeed rock...Music never sounded so better and warmer with a Marantz be it Stereo mode or PL II modes.....Movies are excellent....I have used over the past 11 years Denon, Pioneer, Yamaha and even Harman Kardon...not seen a better performer than Marantz till date. Besides the suite of Music / Movie / Gaming modes. Audyssey auto setup makes life simple. If you are a purist, Bass + Treble controls along with 9 band adjustable EQ for each channel makes this AVR stand apart from the rest not forgetting its slim looks....

Bostons are better than the Bose or JBLs as the cube speakers are 2 way having a mini woofer to deliver mids and a done tweeter for sharp highs.....been a year now with no issues in performance....

The most important thing to remember is that Home Theatre dealers have a special sound proof room for their demos so naturally everything sounds good to any customer....you need to read reviews or see online video blogs on performance of the Marantz AVR or the Bostons....I did a good 3 months research before finalising ......

The NR 1504 + Bostons are available on HiFi Mart for 51k odd as a package.....I am sure there would be some authorised Marantz service centre in Bangalore....The A2310HTS should be good and you can easily find reviews on the net...most imp aspects is to see the Frequency response of speakers, (20hz - 20Khz) and the sensitivity levels....the higher the better...

Hope this helps

 

[yogeshtulsiani]

these are the prices from Alfa Mumbai (with bill & warranty)
Marantz NR1504 + Boston XS 5.1 - 47k
Boston XS 5.1 - 21.2k
Pioneer VSX-523K + Boston XS 5.1 - 41.2k

Boston XS 5.1 without bill is for 19k

Hope this helps

 

[efernand1]

Hi

I got a friend who purchased the same Bostons like me and connected them to a Pioneer VSX 523k which you would technically say would be a better AVR as it is around 110w per channel in terms of output.....let me clarify that my friend regrets his AVR as my Marantz NR 1402 with the same set of speakers outperforms his system only using 50w per channel...the secret is that Marantz guarantees continuous power across all frequencies (20hz - 20khz)..this is important...music is more punchier and warm on a Marantz.

Read the below link which is true in today's world of AVR manufacturers

AV Receiver and Amplifier Power Ratings Trends: How and Why Wattage Ratings are Manipulated | Audioholics

Hope this helps

 

[ach82002]

Hey Yogesh and efernand1 thank you for suggestions.
A new development in my ht story yesterday, got a very good deal on yamaha rx-v375. In clearance at 15.5k and yamaha ns-p60 (centre and surrounds) at 5k. Now will allocate rest of the budget to a pair of good bookshelf and a sub
Than you again for your valuable suggestions