Boston Acoustics CR8 vs Boston A40/A60
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Would I get better sound with vintage A40 or A60s vs ported CR8s? I've always preferred non ported speakers but I must say the CR8s are a great speaker and can handle much more power than the A40 or A60. Maybe I'd be better off to keep what speakers I have and upgrade my amps instead.
The CR8s handle 15-125 WPC, the A40 handle 5-40 WPC, and the A60s handle 10-60 WPC.
The CR8s handle 15-125 WPC, the A40 handle 5-40 WPC, and the A60s handle 10-60 WPC.
kbott
Addicted Member
I've had a lot of experience with the Boston line - several pairs of A40's, A70's, A100's, A150's (2 pair), a400 (2 pair), CR7, CR8, and T830
I currently have a pair of A40's and the only reason it's still here is that it didn't sell at the garage sale this weekend
Not to say that the Boston's are a bad speaker, in many respects they're really nice sounding. Just not keeper sounding to me and when you factor in things like looks, vinyl veneer for the most part, it's an easy decision to part with them. It's probably me, but I've always found the Boston tweeter to be a little too hot and fatiguing for my ear
Soundwise nothing memorable sticks out as to the differences between the CR8's and the A40's If you like the sound of the CR's I'd keep them as a move to the A series would just be lateral (unless of course you came into A400's) But if you're trying to stay in a particular size range like the choices you've mentioned maybe look at an EPI 100 (walnut) - JBL L20T's L1's (I like the t35 tweeter but to others it screeches)
Ampwise I don't think an upgrade will have much of an affect on what you currently use Sounds to me like you just have an itch to try something new Speakerwise I would look outside the Boston line and ampwise I can't give advise that way
I currently have a pair of A40's and the only reason it's still here is that it didn't sell at the garage sale this weekend
Not to say that the Boston's are a bad speaker, in many respects they're really nice sounding. Just not keeper sounding to me and when you factor in things like looks, vinyl veneer for the most part, it's an easy decision to part with them. It's probably me, but I've always found the Boston tweeter to be a little too hot and fatiguing for my ear
Soundwise nothing memorable sticks out as to the differences between the CR8's and the A40's If you like the sound of the CR's I'd keep them as a move to the A series would just be lateral (unless of course you came into A400's) But if you're trying to stay in a particular size range like the choices you've mentioned maybe look at an EPI 100 (walnut) - JBL L20T's L1's (I like the t35 tweeter but to others it screeches)
Ampwise I don't think an upgrade will have much of an affect on what you currently use Sounds to me like you just have an itch to try something new Speakerwise I would look outside the Boston line and ampwise I can't give advise that way
No, it's not just you.
HTHMAN
Super Member
I have had a lot of speakers through the years including the A70's. I still have the A70's because I find them quite pleasant and non-fatiguing for extended listening. Granted, they are not the prettiest speakers out there, but then, the price is also quite reasonable on them. Personal preference plays a big part in our opinions. The only way you will know if you like them better is to A:B them.
I appreciate and respect your opinions but I wonder where the Boston Acoustics fans are. I like both pair of mine. I'm sure there are better speakers out there but I don't find them to be too hard on my own ears. Maybe if I had more access to other speakers I'd find others I liked more than BA.
I think I'd like to at least try a pair of the A Jones designed Pioneer 22s as we talk about here :
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=538818
I think I'd like to at least try a pair of the A Jones designed Pioneer 22s as we talk about here :
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=538818
TitaniumMan
Helpful Hardware Man
I sold all my A series stuff years ago, and I don't miss any of'em. I have heard some newer Bostons I liked much better. Missed out on hearing the CR series, though.
kbott
Addicted Member
my point was not that they're bad sounding, but really that the move from the CR8 to say an A40 or 60 is really not a move at all soundwise more just a different box and pretty plain vinyl veneered ones at that I personally like the looks of the CR cabinets better with their metal grill.
natesly
New Member
Posting on an old thread but...
Have owned the cr8s for 15 years. Used to drive them with a marantz receiver until I got tired of repairing solder joints. Damn thing was in the shop more than hooked up. Recently drove them with an Acurus dia100. They are very honest speakers that do reflect on your power choice greatly. Although bass depends heavily on your proximity to the wall, they always pleased my ears. I have done a lot of playing along with them with alto and tenor sax as improve practice and I loved how they spoke over my playing so I could hear clearly. Others in easy listening might not look for this trait but...
All in all as a bookshelf speaker I think they stack up well but as others have said moving to the A series would be horizontal. I may use them in a 5.1 setup someday.
Have owned the cr8s for 15 years. Used to drive them with a marantz receiver until I got tired of repairing solder joints. Damn thing was in the shop more than hooked up. Recently drove them with an Acurus dia100. They are very honest speakers that do reflect on your power choice greatly. Although bass depends heavily on your proximity to the wall, they always pleased my ears. I have done a lot of playing along with them with alto and tenor sax as improve practice and I loved how they spoke over my playing so I could hear clearly. Others in easy listening might not look for this trait but...
All in all as a bookshelf speaker I think they stack up well but as others have said moving to the A series would be horizontal. I may use them in a 5.1 setup someday.
Drumolator
Super Member
My opinion is that the newer Boston are better than the A series from the 80s, but not much. I really like my CS26's, a 6.5" two way. I have a pair of A40's that hardly ever get used.
I also have a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22LR's, and I prefer the Boston CS26's because I prefer the how the highs sound. Peace and goodwill.
I also have a pair of Pioneer SP-BS22LR's, and I prefer the Boston CS26's because I prefer the how the highs sound. Peace and goodwill.
mars_volta
Super Member
I own A60 series II and CR9s. I just got the CR9s so I haven't put them up to the A60s yet. But comparing mental notes the CR9s have stronger bass but the A60s tweeter is more sparkly and sweet. I also just finished listening to some newly foamed A120s. WOW I am totally surprised by these. Especially after all the comments on the net. they completely wipe the floor with the A60s. On the floor, on stands, up close, they sound great!
I like my Boston CR9. Bought new back in early 2000s. They were my only speakers for many years before I started really getting interested in audio. Now they're doing duty as HT surround speakers behind BA VR30 fronts and VR10 center. I don't use them for music at all anymore as I've just evolved toward JBL for that. Not that I don't like the CR9...I do very much....which is why I still own them some 12 years later and why I built my HT around BA speakers. I think they have a very clean sound. Tweeters are not too hot for me and they do benefit from a subwoofer.
I wouldn't feel any need to replace CR8 if I had them...unless I was desiring bigger woofers and more power...which is what happened to me.
I wouldn't feel any need to replace CR8 if I had them...unless I was desiring bigger woofers and more power...which is what happened to me.
