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Infinity RS1B ? Buy or runaway

I have an opportunity to buy a set of RS1B in excellent condition. They have been well taken care of and are very close to home. Years ago at a Stereophile show, I heard them, wow! The sound and their presence were fantastic! My fear is that like a lot of other things I look back on and lust after look ALOT greater in my memory than they actually perform. Given my current set up and room, I wanted to get some opinions about buying. Or will I be disappointed, maybe due to equipment or the room limitations? I don't think I would get rid of the Apogees unless the RS1B's surpass them in sound quality. Very nervous laying out over 4k for something that won't move quickly if I end up not enjoying them.
My room dimensions are 13' 9" X 25' (Converted garage)
All equipment is located on the front (13' 9") wall with an entry door at the front right corner. Listening position is approximately 13' from the front wall
Current equipment
VPI HW 19 MKIII
Rotel RSX1067 ( for HT)
Audio Research SP4 (lightly modded)
Audire Forte amps x 2 (bi-amp)
Apogee Caliper Signatures
McIntosh MVP891


drf24
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,987 posts
 
This is a tough call. I had an RS1-B system for years until Infinity replaced it with the IRS Beta, which is a much better system. Still, the RS-1B is no slouch. $4k seems like a steep price, though, even if it's in very good shape. Is the x-over/servo included in the price and does it work properly? If not, I'd walk away.

You might also want to consider that if you get the RS-1B, you'll need to upgrade some of your other gear to get the best out of it, especially your preamp. If you need parts in the future - other than refoaming the woofers - you should know they are rather rare and pricey.
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bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,874 posts
 
$4000 is too much. I bought a mint pair from Brooks Berdan in the late-90's for $2000.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,969 posts
 
Pass , so many great, repeat great used speakers for 4k
brauser
526 posts
 
I had the RS1-B(s) for a number of years. They were interesting with respect to their sonic and visual impact in a room. I used both solid state and/or tube electronics. I did some tweaking which made a positive difference. Since then I have had a few other speakers and currently have found my final set in the Dunlavy SC-5(s). The difference between the older RS1-B(s) and the Dunlavy(s), is at least an order of magnitude.

There are many really fine speakers out there in this price range which are much better in virtually every way. My advice is to take the time to get acquainted with newer high end speakers and buy used. There's lots of good guidance found on this website.
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