Infinity RS1B ? Buy or runaway

Realize that when you first heard the RS1B’s they were in new condition and likely demo’ed under optimal conditions by Stereophile, ie. room and equipment.

The RS1B’s were introduced in 1982 so even if all the drivers are in perfect condition, the internal capacitor components and servo internals are now over 35 years old. Infinity used LOTS of electrolytic capacitors in ALL their speakers which after 35 years need replacing. Do you know if someone has already refurbished the speakers? If so, I would view that as a NEGATIVE not a positive because you never know what exactly was done, right or wrong.

You don’t just buy Infinity vintage speakers like these, you marry or adopt them. Are you up to that?

And finally, in the research I did on vintage Infinities I noticed a lot of lukewarm comments on the RS1B’s because generally they were not held in very high regard compared to the other models in the upper end of the Infinity line.

If you want to go vintage Infinity that are not too old, have outstanding sound, with readily available parts and are easy to flip if/when you want to sell them I would start searching for Infinity Renaissance 90’s. They are probably the best Infinity bang for the buck. Want to go higher end and still have the Infinity sound? Then I would recommend jumping up into the Genesis Speaker line which Arnie Nudell formed after he sold Infinity so Genesis also has that big open Infinity Sound. Only downside is everyone knows this so prices are much higher.

Unless you have a real technical ability to take care of these, run. If you feel comfortable working on these,  you need to be below $2000.  I'd rather see $1500

There are a lot of people here with an opionion who have never heard these or have no idea the pedigree of these speakers.  I can assure you if these speakers are in good condition then these are not over priced.  I own the INFINITY RS IIIb I purchased new in 1986 for $1200/pr.  I've had the crossovers recapped  and refoamed.  I also own and the succession to Infinity,  the Genesis 2.2 Jr speakers purchased new in 2012 for $102,000 and the Genesis G300 I purchased new in 1999 for $25,000.  I'd love to have the Holy Grail-- Genesis 1.2's. They're $350,000+; depending on the finish.  Carbon fiber I believe are ~500,000.  You can call Gary Koh, the current owner of Genesis.  My speakers all sound excellent.  They all have they're faults.  My point---  you cannot go wrong with any of these.  You can find used G300's for ~$6,000.  There is a guy on EBay who refurbishes the RSIB & RSII's--- he's out of Bowling Green, KY.  They're in the 5,000 range- he will tell you he likes the infinity over Genesis.  I would agree to a degree; I guess that's why I can't & won't part with mine.  One thing-  you will want good gear with this stuff- no integrated here.  Annie Nudell's intent with his line of RS speakers-  the best realistic sound at an affordable price.  His intent with the IRS V and Genesis-  best sound regardless of cost.  It's all about your ear and budget.  I can assure you you can't go wrong.  You are on the right path.  Another source for information--- Paul McGowen of PS Audio--  he was co-founder of Infinity along with late Arnie Nudell.