Infinity RS 1B - How does the 'old dream speaker' compare to today's speakers?


Just saw again a photo of the 4 RS 1B towers, which 40+ years ago was my 'best speaker in the world' (yet never heard one). 

I know there a quite a few owners still out there, and would assume they had a chance to compare them side by side to modern "Audiophile" (say $10k or more if needed) speakers. 

How do they compare? 

Or maybe links to source material where that question is discussed? 

 

kraftwerkturbo

Have several irs infinity have rebuilt some of the ribbons rewired and changed to electronic crossovers.they are tri amped.that is one amp for woofers ...

The planar drivers in the Infinity IRS systems (IRS 1-V, Beta, Delta, Gamma) were not ribbons. All of the IRS systems were intended to be biamplified and were shipped with electronic crossovers that included an active servo system for the bass. Maintaining the servo is essential to get the bass performance for which these speakers are famous.

I love line source speakers.  Keep in mind you must have a room they will work well with. Expansive sound means a larger room.

I have only heard the irs reference speakers modded by ps audio at the ps audio factory.

Their listening room was on the small side for these speakers. If you have a large listening room, they could keep up with today’s flagship speakers or beat many of them.

Paul McGowan’s new Aspen FR30 ain’t beating that infinity, no matter what his sales pitch is.

Just in case you want to buy a pair of IRS speakers (IRSV fully refurbished and updated): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXU9xIgv_DI

Interesting video by Paul McGowan of PS Audio.

 

I bought Brooks Berdan’s personal pair of RS-1b’s in the late-90’s for $2,000, and sold them back to him in 2008.

Anyone contemplating buying any of the Infinity’s that contain the EMIT/EMIM drivers should be prepared to have some restoration done. Paul McGowan spent a LOT of money fixing his IRS’es.

From one who’s been there, before you buy a pair of RS-1b’s, give a listen to the Eminent Technology LFT-8b (and/or -8c). Imo a better loudspeaker employing planar-magnetic drivers, one whose drivers don’t fail. Infinity's were not built to high end standards.