UNISOUND Speakers Again this Sunday the 29th $150 shipped a pair.

[Macgyversite]

I got this from an email by ThingFling.

11/29/2009 - Sunday on ThingFling !!!

Unisound Golden Series Home Theater Speakers
150W of Handling Power and 4 ohm impedance to rock your world!
Only $149.99 w/ Free Shipping.

They were already on sale before and I got a pair. They are worth well more than $150. Remember this is a PER PAIR Price shipped.

They have high end drivers and weigh in excess of 55 pounds each. They come with screw in spikes as well.

Discussed here last sale: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2023287&highlight=unisound

 

[EliteRetard]

Whats up with the 4 ohm thing? I see most are like 8. And are those RCA inputs on them? 4 RCA inputs? Im a complete n00b when it comes to sound but I might give these a try. Id just need to know if I can actually use them. I know this is gonna sound retarded, but would they hook up to something like a Z-5500? Ive also got an old wood grain receiver type dealio...its a 4 channel (or more like a 2 channel with 2 outputs each?) and only takes RCA input. Im actually using it for the sound on one of my computers...converted a standard 3.5MM jack to 2 RCA and play sound in stereo on the 4 speakers. I actually like the sound it produces and the fact that it has a 5 channel equalizer so I can change the sound to the way I WANT it. Thats why I havnt tossed it yet...Ive never run into anything else that sounds as good or has an equalizer. The speakers seem to be wigging out though...(or maybe it is the unit?) Anywho, more details would be appreciated.

 

[mikeford]

Speaker ohm ratings are nominal. Typical speakers with more than one driver and crossover elements could have impedance from maybe 2 ohms to 30+ ohms at different frequencies and still be rated 8 ohm. Some amps are more sensitive and might pop fuses etc. with some 4 ohm speakers, and not others. Can't be sure til you give it a try.

 

[ericlp]

have you broke these speakers in yet? Still impressed by the sound? I wish they had MORE information on the speakers spec sheet or something.

Those 4 RCA inputs are not RCA inputs, those are Bi-Wire - binding posts - so you can hookup 2 different amps.

That is just my guess since I haven't looked at the picture in awhile.

 

[Slick5150]

4 ohms is not a positive. Some receivers will seriously struggle to power them and could potentially overheat.

 

[Macgyversite]

Yup. Broken in and they sound great. You just cant beat the sound for the money spent. I was in BB for some stuff yesterday and there honestly isnt a better pair of speakers there. Thats not saying a whole lot but still worth noting.

You can check out my pics here.

http://s854.photobucket.com/albums/ab103/macgyversite/

Get them you wont be disappointed.

The black is nice. I would ge the cherry if I would do it again. Nice color from what others said on thefling forums.

 

[blamus]

I wonder how they compare to the other set with side firing woofers which were $50 less. also on the fling a week before these were on sale.

 

[Macgyversite]

From those who bought the others you are talking about. They posted on the fling forums and other forums. They sound good but these are better speakers for the money so they say. However those were $99 shipped and that is a KILLER deal too.

For $150 a pair shipped or if they bring the others back for $99. You just cant go wrong. These are NOT white van speakers.

My Denon reciever hasnt had a problem yet with the 4ohm load. It is warmer than usual but that is expected.

 

[blamus]

This is very embarrassing. I was the one posted here on this deal, I didnt get the first time round, but I did on the second time round (last sunday)

I just got my pair, I ordered a pair of red, I received one black one red.......

I tried to contact thingfling via "sending a ticket", I wonder what they can do about this.

I red their FAQ, looks like even for faulty products, the customer has to pay for return shipping, needless to say, I am not going to ship anything back if I have to pay it, 60lb each! Even if I don't, it'd be a total pain in the back side. I am quite upset, I can only hope for a good outcome now. I hope I will be compensated appropriately, otherwise I won't get anything from here again, I mean, even the boxes are marked CLEARLY on the outside - one black, one red. If they can't get this right, and wont be able to fix this, well......need i say more....

They look really really good, both black and red, but the black has a wood grain texture to the finish and the red is smooth.

I think I'll take one apart and show some pictures if anyone is interested.

 

[blamus]

double post

 

[rdrunner]

@blamus

oh no. i feel for ya especially as you started this post too. i was able to get an additional pair this past Sunday. It was for another light oak pair. The first pair came with slight blemishes on the finish. I figured for $6 shipping, i wouldn't complain. I did expect the 2nd pair to be delivered similarly. However, it came intact for the full pair without any blemishes or dents! As you know, the speakers are in originally boxing, with a 1 inch sliver of Styrofoam corner and side packing. A single drop especially at an angle could put a noticeable dent. I would have gladly paid more for double boxing if that were even an option.

Not sure why, but when you open the boxes, the 4 metal spikes are always free rolling at the bottom after coming out of their tiny ziplock bags. Also, the plastic tuning port at the back of the speaker always seem to be sticking out about half an inch from the cabinets. But it's just a simple push to put them back flushed with the otherwise impeccably nice finish.

I hope ThingFling gets back to you soon. It would be nice to see how their customer support is post-purchase.

2 pairs of these wonderful speakers is all i can handle right about now. There are far too many devices at home already.

 

[Macgyversite]

Well at least some people are enjoying these speakers.

I cant believe how we got BASHED for this the first time around.

These speakers are just Outstanding. Quality Quality Quality.

Oh and Blamus thanks for the Origional post. With out you I would not have found this SWEET deal.

I feel for you. Your Situtation sucks. One thing you can do if they dont respond is get: 1 can of flat black. 2 cans of that textured speckled spray paint, and 1 can of Matte clear coat. Spray the Cherry cabinet with the flat black as a base color changer. Then spray the textured stuff on both. After that dries. Clear Coat them for added durabilty. I have refurbed old speakers and the like with this method and it works great. Plus its fairly easy to do. They will look sweet and sound just as good.

I'll take these any day over Polk or the Speaker Company deal. Yeah yeah I havent heard the Speaker company products I know. But what do they use for components again? Glass tops? Exactly. I have heard Polks at this price point and Yuk.

Man a lot of people missed out on this deal here.

 

[frostedflakes]

Wonder if they'll have these for sale again anytime soon. Look like pretty good speakers for the money, but I've missed them the last two times.

 

[blamus]

Thanks for the remodelling tips! However, I normally would prefer to build my own speakers, and the reason I am BUYING premade speakers this time round is because of the incredible price for the beautiful finish. I'll be honest. I don't care much for the drivers - although they are pretty good, probably around $20 each if you find them on parts express, but what got me is the absolutely top notch cabinets - no one can build speaker boxes like these in their garage, fully braced, with CNC 3/4 mdf and veneer finish to such professional quality, for $150. So I'm just really buying these boxes, if I wanted some spray paint job I could have made my own. I was thinking, for $150, even if the drivers aren't that great, I can pick some high end drivers with custom crossovers and just use the boxes. So I'm really just buying the boxes. So in that sense I am extra upset.

But I guess one thing about my situation, is that I get to see what black AND the red ones look like. I was VERY skeptical about the red cherry option, which looked very bright in the photo, and I have too many black speaker boxes. If I only got both reds, then i'd probably be thinking "oh maybe the black look even better!" So, now I at least I KNOW that the black one is really beautiful, nice texture etc. while the red is equally pleasing, if not better. Now if I get to choose, I'd choose the red, it really is beautiful. Its alot darker in real life. If only they sent me TWO red ones....

I wouldn't bash the TSC deal either, I've spent today reading up on the forums and reviews etc. They really seem to be good speakers, their TST2s comparable to $1k speakers, in real testing/comparison. The topology is similar to the unisound DAC2.6 with side 8" woofers, which were on thingfling for $100, but looks like with better mid drivers. They do look beautiful too. In fact, I also wish I got some DAC2.6 for testing, I mean, they are only $100!!!! and to me, nothing substitute surface area - with a 8"/10" side woofer it must have some serious bass. Someone must have bought both unisound models, I wish he can give us some reviews. Well, afterall, you nor I have heard the TSC speakers, from what I can see they should be pretty solid, and I wont doubt that they maybe better than the unisounds, but from a price point of view, I think we do have the better deal......IF ONLY I GOT MATCHING PAIRS.


btw mine arrived perfectly, no dents or scratches. If only they were matching! Honestly, I am so frustrated. i didn't even care what colour they are, give me pink ones if only they are matching pairs!!! Actually, I don't even mind if they were different colours, if at least they have the same textured (or smooth) finish. now I have one black, textured, one red, smooth......omg......

I'll keep you guys updated on the situation

 

[blamus]

Wonder if they'll have these for sale again anytime soon. Look like pretty good speakers for the money, but I've missed them the last two times.

Thanks to Macgyversite's digging efforts, You can still get these for $200 from another site

www.thecloseoutguys.com

search unisound

 

[mobly99]

I got in on this deal as well and must say that I am really impressed with these speakers. I had mine held at FedEx so I could pick them up at lunch and not have them sitting outside all day and they survived shipping mostly intact, the only casualty was one of the spikes was missing as the tape on the bottom of the box was broken on one side and as rdrunner said the spikes were all out of the bag at the bottom and floating around in the box.

I did put in a ticket at thingfling and they said they would be shipping out a replacement spike (their expense), so hopefully they take care of blamus on the mismatched pair you got. Here was the response I got back:

Dear Flinger:

We are sorry to hear about the problem with your order.

We have processed an order to replace the missing spike.

You will be notified as shipping updates, please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Returns and Cancellations
ThingFling

 

[mobly99]

does anyone have a good idea for a center that would match up well with these?

 

[Macgyversite]

Good suggestion. If one of us removes the tweeter and finds the Vifa model used that would be a start.

On the other hand. I am using a Radioshack center channel with those Linaeum tweeters. It sounds fine when I sweep the white noise from L to C to R.

Looks sorta like this but better quality. http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ele/1492973701.html

Just an example I found on how much money you can save. I listened to these at a local shop. Since I cant A/B them etc. I found these to be a decent match. Not better but similar in sound. http://www.wwstereo.com/website/ecommerce/productdetail.aspx?product=RC-50

By the way what bass driver is used? I know its a Vifa tweeter but I doubt its a $20 driver. The closest thing I could find by looking at pics is a Scan Speak at Madisound. I doubt thats it since they are uber expensive.

 

[blamus]

oh hohohohoho!!!!

ok, where shall i start!

1. I *WILL* be taking the tweeters and woofers out, as well as the crossover. I will post pics and show u what drivers/components are used, I want to find out exactly what crossover topology is used (should be simple 2.5way). Before that, here is some insight:

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showpost.php?p=1601653&postcount=6

The tweeter is the Vifa BC25SG15-04.
The woofs dont have any markings on them but appear to be solidly built high quality units.They have a cast frame with very large magnets.

http://www.tymphany.com/datasheet/printview.php?id=222

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=279-182

So, if my source is accurate, then you can start by looking at any center channels that uses the same tweeter or equivalent. But thats probably not going to be easy, nor is it going to be cheap. If I was disparate to keep everything "matching" (and I can't think of a reason why I would) then I'd buy another set (remember they can still be bought for $200 a pair), take out the drivers, and use them to build a center channel - I'd probably build the CC as a sealed box, which should need about half the current ported box's volume. That way I can probably reuse the crossover too, and the result would be as matching as it gets (acoustically not cosmetically!) Obviously if you do that there are also limitations, e.g. the crossover is a 2.5way, so the CC cannot be an MTM unless a different crossover is designed, and if u plan to do that, u'd have to measure the response and impedance of the woofers. I know you won't do that

2. very interesting that u mention the energy speakers, seems like we have been looking at the same speakers lately, first the TSC and now energy. Energy is probably the most neutral sounding consumer (not audiophile) speakers you can get from the shop. And pretty good value. I myself have the C-100 bookshelves. You can usually find them at half price somewhere on the net. They are actually good speakers for what they are supposed to be, with their associated discounted price. And yes I have seen the guts of the energies (even the towers), and again, not audiophile, but good for the discounted price.

http://www.zaphaudio.com/blog.html

scroll down to the mid-bottom to see the C-500

3. As i said I will take the drivers out and tell you what I find, and when I say $20 drivers, I think thats a good guess. $20 from partsexpress can get you something pretty decent, if not audiophile grade - if you know when/how to look. I'm talking about buyouts of course. Looking at RRP, the average good quality woofers with carbonfibre and aluminium phase plug, non-buyout, would probably be around $40. Most DIY audiophile speaker designs use woofers between $40-60 - which, will be $20 if you find it in a PE buyout! And the fact that they are chinese made, and comes in a consumer speakers package, $20 is a good guess. with $40 I'd be looking at peerless/seas/tangbang, etc. And that brings us to the obvious conclusion, there is no way these woofers are anywhere NEAR ANYTHING from scanspeaks. I can pull the drivers out and run a WT3 test and find the T/S specs etc, but you definately can't compare them to SS woofers - even if the specs are similar. If they have same Freq. response graph then that means these woofers have a very smooth and flat response, if the T/S are the same then that means they have the same freq extension in the same size box. But that tells us nothing about harmonic distortion, which is what SS woofers are all about - super low distortion.

Usually cheap chinese woofers frond in consumer ready made speakers have a cliff in the response at 1-2kHz, thats what I'd expect from these, and hope that the crossover makes everything flat.

Anyway. I got an answer from thingfling - my second red speaker is on the way, and they sent me a "shipping label" - I am a little confused as to what to do with it. I got an email from fedex telling me to go print the label off. Does that mean the return shipping is already paid for, and I'll have to print the label off, and stick it onto the black speaker's box, and then dump it at the nearest fedex site? Last time when I had to return something to amazon, someone from fedex just came and picked it up, I guess I am asking too much....

 

[Macgyversite]

Yeah you have to box it and return it. But at least its paid for and off your back so to speak.

I was thinking if the Chinese did anything. It might be just a simple 2 way x-over. Use 2 8ohm woofs and the 4 ohm Vifa. If so then the CC MTM could be done with parts on hand. I doubt they actually did that but ya never know.

I am glad you found these neutral sounding as I did. I am curious as to what x-over design they did actually use. From what I read the Chinese guys design things to sound a little different than what we are used to x-over wise so I was sceptical. Now that I think of it. I dont want to do any software, t/s parameter checks. Knowing what the x-over design is might color my judgment if indeed they did do things a little funky. They sound great and I couldnt be happier.

Anyhow. What drivers does Energy use? Are they like Bose/Boston Acstc and use in house designs?

Is the Red Cherry that good as I have read about?

 

[Macgyversite]

http://www.thecloseoutguys.com/Prod...link&utm_campaign=TFSponsorAd&search=unisound

http://www.thecloseoutguys.com/Prod...gn=TFSponsorAd&search=unisound&productid=2557

Check out the New Unisound speakers they have. 95 POUNDS EACH. $450 shipped a pair.

Crap. I will have to brace my floor. Better go to Lowes for 2 Floor jacks.

 

[Macgyversite]

Found some more info on Unisound. The last link has some good pics of their Small 2 way Spreakers. The Cherry looks awesome. I think they are the 5" drivers not sure.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/...ce-off-iv/budget-bookshelf-speaker-conclusion

http://www.audioholics.com/news/tra...dspeakers-redesigned-for-improved-performance

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/where-buy-audition-silverline-audio-minuets-334499/

<<<<<<<<<<< THE BELOW IS A QUOTE FROM THE ABOVE LINK >>>>>>>>>>>>

I hope/plan to get the ELT525's as well, to "shoot out" for desktop speakers with a pair of speakers I just boguht off eBay.

The seller was "fritzspeakers," a VERY nice gent who builds his own and usually sells on Audiogon. Some beautiful woodworkk, and he does single-driver as well as multi-driver designs.

Anyway, he bought some excess inventory, including several speakers from a company called Unisound. They had a 6.5" and 5" based speakers, both using a Vifa soft dome tweeter and a Kevlar woofer with copper phase plug (Fritz said they were similar to Focal drivers he used to use, @ $100 each wholesale). He said he looke dto mod them, but held off because they were very good as is.

Anyway....I bought a pair of 5" Uni Mini's from Fritz, hope to get them early next week. They have the 5" driver going full range, with the tweeter crossed by a cap or so. Sounds very promising. Fritz brought them around to friends and drove them nicely with various equipment, tubed and SS.

I'm going to use them for a while, and will hopefully grab the ELT 525's to compare. NuForce Icon to start, then a Tweak City Audio "Gizmo" when they become available. This hobby is a ton of fun at the lower prices....

EDIT: the 6.5" I believe are on the Unisound website, the AU162's; and the AU265S's look like the 5"-driver I got. The pair I bought looks to be a darker cherry.
__________________

 

[blamus]

as promised: scroll to bottom, post #14

http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=214186

 

[Macgyversite]

Holy crap. Nice crossover. Well designed. Way better than I thought.

Guess a scavanged MTM center is out of the question with the 2.5 way design.

No ideas as to the woofer make huh? It might help some get over the hurdle of not buying.

 

[blamus]

Actually, the fact that its a 2.5 way means that one can make a TM center very easily - just take out the 0.5 bottom woofer! This way you won't get the MTM alignment that most people are used to - but many speaker builders will tell you that TM centers are actually better from a sound dispersion/sweet spot point of view. You simply sacrifice output.

Having read your links on the woofers, I would not be surprised that they are custom woofers made as clones to some focal offerings, nothing bad with taking something good and copying it - but copy it well! the Chinese love doing that. if thats the case, we have something quite special in our rooms!