Hpm 100

[needforspeed]

So what have we learned here;

And they'll do what ole Bart intended.

Bart Simpson? Ok that explains it!!

:headscrat Hardly, Go to the LANSING HERITAGE site, And get educated. That kid is pretty friggin smart though.:yes:

 

[RayW]

So what have we learned here;

A. The numbers stink.
B. They sound like ****.
C. You can, And need to tweak on them a little(Or alot)
D. It's a touchy issue
E. After owning 6 pairs of This'n That, There still the Rock'nest, Coolest looking, Durable, Abusable, Fun Loudspeaker around. Throw some power at them, And they'll do what ole Bart intended. Blast out some kick ass Classic Rock. And that, They do very well.

A. I've seen worse.

B. Depends on what you're looking for. I don't particularly like them but some people do. That's cool. It's up to the end user.

C. You can, but I think the need depends on your ears, your brain, your room, your equipment, your wallet, and your GSL

D. fer sure

E. Dude!! :guitar:

Ray

 

[Mark W.]

There is no 'sin' in tweaking the controls. Trying to acheive a overall flat response with eq/ etc is usually not practical, or possible, unless it's very small. They are usually best suited for poor source material (and really why tone/eq controls were put there in the first place). Aside from having a realisitic listening experience, is listening fatique.
In my experience, constantly having to fiddle with eq/tone always seems to bring listening fatique on after awhile, regardless of how it might sound at that moment. When that happens, I'm done for the evening, or what time it may be. And I think that in reality is the reasoning behind leaving the tone/eq flat.
Remeber a favorite concert or live performance?-you could have listen to for hours on end- that's how I know a great set of loudspeakers when I hear them, that feeling!

Automojo, In my case I set my SG-50(M) about 6 months ago and the only time I change it is if I make a change in my system that could effect the sound.

As to remembering a favorite concert Well I have been to a number and I can't possibly think of a single one that I would want to reproduce that kind of crappy sound in living room. From the Moody Blues to a Celtic 3 pc. Band the sound in live performances has IMHO sucked. Bob Seger at the Portland Rose Garden this last year was so bad at a couple points I had to leave my seat as the distortion was hurting my ears.

We saw Heart at the Oregon Fair Grounds at the LBJ amphitheater an outdoor venue. And while it didn't suck even with seats in a very good position I thought that sound was very off.

So as we have repeated here a number of times we all got different ears and tastes.

 

[RayW]

Gettin' jiggy

I figured since I rebuilt the motor on this thing that I'd post a pic of the woofer in the jig. The first mention I heard of this type jig was by Merrylander and then I saw pics from Scootchu which were helpful. This is my version and it worked well.

I did the adjustment with the woofer facing up and I would tweak a little and then run a paper feeler guage around the core until I got it as even as I could. I used a 30 minute, 2 ton epoxy to put things together so I had plenty of time to get it set. Full cure time was 8 hours.

Ray

 

[needforspeed]

A. I've seen worse.

B. Depends on what you're looking for. I don't particularly like them but some people do. That's cool. It's up to the end user.

C. You can, but I think the need depends on your ears, your brain, your room, your equipment, your wallet, and your GSL

D. fer sure

E. Dude!! :guitar:

Ray

Well put Ray, BTW, Thanks for taking the time for the break down. I've been thinking about taking my pair to Zilchlab, For some sweep tests, And maybe a Zilch tweak or two. (Had a sudden influx of cash). I've changed my pair a bit, Moved the tweeter, Changed to tweeter/mid from second gen HPM 900's, Recap Etc, etc. I have cut some of the freqs with the on-board eq in the pre-pro. They sound, I guess the word is "Blended" better. The second gen tweeter is much less "Bright". It was worth the effort. Again, Thanks for the test work.:thmbsp:

 

[needforspeed]

I figured since I rebuilt the motor on this thing that I'd post a pic of the woofer in the jig. The first mention I heard of this type jig was by Merrylander and then I saw pics from Scootchu which were helpful. This is my version and it worked well.

I did the adjustment with the woofer facing up and I would tweak a little and then run a paper feeler guage around the core until I got it as even as I could. I used a 30 minute, 2 ton epoxy to put things together so I had plenty of time to get it set. Full cure time was 8 hours.

Ray

Very clever, Because of the material used in these drivers, I thought once they were damaged, That was it, Thats why I bought a spare. Guess I was wrong. There certainly are some smart guys on this website. I learn something new here daily.

 

[RayW]

I've been thinking about taking my pair to Zilchlab, For some sweep tests, And maybe a Zilch tweak or two. (Had a sudden influx of cash).

Careful or you'll end up with a compression driver/horn in there and something that bears very little resemblance to an HPM-100.

(just seeing if Z's paying attention)

Ray

 

[Zilch]

I've been thinking about taking my pair to Zilchlab, For some sweep tests, And maybe a Zilch tweak or two. (Had a sudden influx of cash).

Heh.

Cash and beer are always welcome here. :thmbsp:

[Can't be lettin' Ray get ahead of me in the beer department.... ]

 

[needforspeed]

Cash and beer are always welcome here. :thmbsp:

[Can't be lettin' Ray get ahead of me in the beer department.... ]

Sweet, Two of my favorite things! Gonna nail down a day, And Haul the speakers and the amp thats used. Would love for you to have a listen. Will PM to set a date. Robert

 

[Veegoss]

Entertaining

I just spent some time reading this thread from the beginnning and have been thoroughly entertained by the passion and making up exhited by each side over the HPM 100s. It always strikes me as funny how people can compare a speakers run in different environments on different equipment and come to completely different conclusions, imagine... and not even taking into account the age and abuse some may have over others in the hearing department. It's always fun to see though, kind of the way people rubberneck at a car wreck on the road. It looks like there is a ton of beer drinking and music listening to be had by a bunch of you. Cheers to that! I'll be openign one shortly.

FWIW, I have to admit that I love the speakers. Have been running two of my sets off of a Marantz 2270 for a little while now and just love the combination. Maybe I got lucky? I just picked up a fourth set of them to play around with on my 4400, as I plan to experiment with the quad set up and tackle some of the tediousness I hear playing with that set up comes with. I love a good challenge I suppose.

Needless to say that having 4 sets makes me a little fanatical about them but I also know that not everything I put on my turntable or CDP sounds awesome through them. Sometimes I have realized it's just a crappy recording which wasn't noticeable in the car with the windows open and passing traffic in the background. Can't have it all... but doesn't keep me from experimenting with them and passing time enjoying the hunt for that sweet spot when you just sit back close the eyes and forget about what you are hearing being played through and find yourself just being lost in the music. I find myself experiencing that a lot with these speakers which is why I listen to music in the first place. I also guess it's why I always catch myself looking at them selling on-line somewhere even though I have not a need in the world for more. Or maybe that's just a problem I refuse to address as something bad. :scratch2:

Thanks for letting me share my 2 cents and enjoy 'em if you got 'em.

 

[needforspeed]

I just spent some time reading this thread from the beginnning and have been thoroughly entertained by the passion and making up exhited by each side over the HPM 100s. It always strikes me as funny how people can compare a speakers run in different environments on different equipment and come to completely different conclusions, imagine... and not even taking into account the age and abuse some may have over others in the hearing department. It's always fun to see though, kind of the way people rubberneck at a car wreck on the road. It looks like there is a ton of beer drinking and music listening to be had by a bunch of you. Cheers to that! I'll be openign one shortly.

FWIW, I have to admit that I love the speakers. Have been running two of my sets off of a Marantz 2270 for a little while now and just love the combination. Maybe I got lucky? I just picked up a fourth set of them to play around with on my 4400, as I plan to experiment with the quad set up and tackle some of the tediousness I hear playing with that set up comes with. I love a good challenge I suppose.

Needless to say that having 4 sets makes me a little fanatical about them but I also know that not everything I put on my turntable or CDP sounds awesome through them. Sometimes I have realized it's just a crappy recording which wasn't noticeable in the car with the windows open and passing traffic in the background. Can't have it all... but doesn't keep me from experimenting with them and passing time enjoying the hunt for that sweet spot when you just sit back close the eyes and forget about what you are hearing being played through and find yourself just being lost in the music. I find myself experiencing that a lot with these speakers which is why I listen to music in the first place. I also guess it's why I always catch myself looking at them selling on-line somewhere even though I have not a need in the world for more. Or maybe that's just a problem I refuse to address as something bad. :scratch2:

Thanks for letting me share my 2 cents and enjoy 'em if you got 'em.

Four sets!! Sheesh, Are you married? Told my wife I was getting a second pair, And saw that look. There's members here with 2 sets that they stacked, Haven't heard of more than that. Taking a guess, There's probably around 100-150 members who abuse these speakers, Glad your aboard. A big welcome to the unofficial club.:thmbsp:

 

[dnewma04]

Mark,

Your speakers suck.

I'm sorry for saying that.

I'll take a Guinness.

Thanks.

 

[Mark W.]

Mark,

Your speakers suck.

I'm sorry for saying that.

I'll take a Guinness.

Thanks.

Of course they do silly boy and when they get done sucking they Blow. Kind of how speakers work isn't it?

And I'll buy you a bottle of that syrup if you like. But only if you can catch me.

 

[targeteye]

I've had my HPM-100s for several months now. Originally I had them upstairs in the bedroom listening at low volumes thru my Marantz 2252B reciever. The room is not condusive to doing any "evaluations" due to the layout but I what I heard I liked. I like the bass line of a song to be heard and therefore that mid-bass peak everyone seems to bash to me is pleasing.

Eventually I moved the speakrs downstairs and hooked them up to a HT reciever set the levels and phasing and walked away. The kids have been using them to play Halo three and aclaiming how much they enjoy them. I then began considering that they may need to be sold as The fit neither my upstairs Tube setup nor would they ever be put on the main system.

Well after reading this thread a bit I decided I have to give them another listen in the current configuration. The room they are in is about 11 X 13 and they are hooked up to a Yamaha 7.1 HT reciever (forget the model), about 80 per channel with the sub woofer turned off.

I olnly evaluated via my IPOD. I played various tunes and was glad to hear that the various compression ratios on the MP3s could easily be distinguished to the point that some of the low end encryptions were unlistenable. The higher quality stuff was very enjoyable. However I found myself quickly haveing to back the midrange control off substancially as it was forward to the point of being harsh and fatiguing. Turning it down seemed to cure that problem. After listening awhile I found myself inching the volume up. I can honestly say that these speakers will play louder than anything i've ever had and the bass is almost unbelievable. So chalk one up for probably the best Rock and Roll speaker I have ever heard. The imaging was almost non-existant but i'm not going to blame the speakers at this time as the HT reciever probably contributed to that as well as MP3 compression. Perhaps i'll try these out on the main system with better components soon and I'll report back on the findings from that.

If you like rock pick up a pair of these things. I think that is their strength and I gotta belive exactly what they were built for. The Lpads have enough adjustment in them that you can taylor them to your liking. I could NOT live with these things with the flat settings. However, I was impressed so much with the way they play rock that I doubt I will be getting rid of them anytime soon. Probably one of the best $50 I ever spent.

Steve

 

[dnewma04]

Steve, your speakers are no good.

Sorry.

Now, buy me beer to make up for owning poor speakers.

This is great!

 

[Bogframe]

Four sets!! Sheesh, Are you married? Told my wife I was getting a second pair, And saw that look. There's members here with 2 sets that they stacked, Haven't heard of more than that. Taking a guess, There's probably around 100-150 members who abuse these speakers, Glad your aboard. A big welcome to the unofficial club.:thmbsp:

I'm married, and got that look when I broght the first set home. I got permission to get the second set (for our TV) by letting my wife listen to Donna Summer on them before I put on The Who. FWIW, I think the sound just as good for Iron Butterfly as the do for Beethoven, as good for Motley Crue as for Mozart, and as good for Creedence as they are for Coltraine!

 

[Tripqzon]

targeteye,

My room is about the same size as yours and I find that pointing them straight out instead of toeing in towards my listening position improves the sound considerably. Aiming straight at you the mids can be quite strong.

Paul

 

[targeteye]

Steve, your speakers are no good.

Sorry.

Now, buy me beer to make up for owning poor speakers.

This is great!

Stop by and the beer is on me. But you have to suffer at least one audition of "She Sells Sanctuary" on these babies. I"m confident you'll be a convert by the time you leave.

Now quit looking at those big organ parts!!

Steve

 

[targeteye]

targeteye,

My room is about the same size as yours and I find that pointing them straight out instead of toeing in towards my listening position improves the sound considerably. Aiming straight at you the mids can be quite strong.

Paul

Thanks Paul.. they are facing straight out. They are also on 3 inch risers angled upward. Perhaps I should take them off the stands and see if it makes any difference.

Steve

 

[automojo]

I just spent some time reading this thread from the beginnning and have been thoroughly entertained by the passion and making up exhited by each side over the HPM 100s. It always strikes me as funny how people can compare a speakers run in different environments on different equipment and come to completely different conclusions, imagine... and not even taking into account the age and abuse some may have over others in the hearing department. It's always fun to see though, kind of the way people rubberneck at a car wreck on the road. It looks like there is a ton of beer drinking and music listening to be had by a bunch of you. Cheers to that! I'll be openign one shortly.

FWIW, I have to admit that I love the speakers. Have been running two of my sets off of a Marantz 2270 for a little while now and just love the combination. Maybe I got lucky? I just picked up a fourth set of them to play around with on my 4400, as I plan to experiment with the quad set up and tackle some of the tediousness I hear playing with that set up comes with. I love a good challenge I suppose.

Needless to say that having 4 sets makes me a little fanatical about them but I also know that not everything I put on my turntable or CDP sounds awesome through them. Sometimes I have realized it's just a crappy recording which wasn't noticeable in the car with the windows open and passing traffic in the background. Can't have it all... but doesn't keep me from experimenting with them and passing time enjoying the hunt for that sweet spot when you just sit back close the eyes and forget about what you are hearing being played through and find yourself just being lost in the music. I find myself experiencing that a lot with these speakers which is why I listen to music in the first place. I also guess it's why I always catch myself looking at them selling on-line somewhere even though I have not a need in the world for more. Or maybe that's just a problem I refuse to address as something bad. :scratch2:

Thanks for letting me share my 2 cents and enjoy 'em if you got 'em.

As most of us said, these were our opinions. My first (years ago in the store)and current experience with these were similiar.
It was never a scientific review by any means. I just recorded what I found because I thought it might be useful.
If you enjoy them, awesome, :thmbsp:but don't get upset-"what the hell?"-etc if someone doesn't find them appealing. Don't take it so personal.
Perhaps I didn't give them more of a chance, and that's probablly true, but I went for something I new would perform well, with out a lot of tweeking. And perhaps that was cop out, I agree.
Just because they are Pioneer, Sansui, etc doen't automatically make them good or bad in my eyes. The names are mere potential.
For example, I recently picked up a H/K PA2400, that I think is one of the best sounding amps I have ever heard , period. It totally blows me away. But I know alot of people here pretty much dismiss H/K, and this amp as well, based soley on the name.
I have tried to point the virtues of this amp, but wasn't upset about a couple comments that thought the amp was pretty much trash. I just pointed out they should give it a chance based on my experience, and reiterated my findings.
Perhaps that is a good way to approach disaggrements on equipment- it might make people more receptive to your experiences, give them some weight. We could all benefit from it. Instead of just getting so upset-kind of a turn off, and a tune out as well. And them it seems to turn into a 'you suck', 'your speakers suck' fest. Cheez!
If your looking for that kind of entertainment-there are probaly better web sites then this one.
However, I did find a lot of information-between the lines- that just might make me want to give these speakers another listen-given the chance.