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Infinity Reference Studio Monitor vs Altec Lansing Model 8

J

James Zep

Member
Hi everyone,

I have to choose between to pairs of speakers:
- Infinity Reference Studio Monitor
- Altec Lansing Model 8

Both were top of their respective lines and I believe they belong to the same period (late 70’s to early 80’s). Please correct me if I’m wrong…

For now I would lean toward the Infinity because of better bass extension and a greater ribbon tweeter. But all your comments will be appreciated…
They’re asking the same price.

What is your advice? Which ones are the best speakers? (even if we know it’s a matter of taste…)
Thank you.
 
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I have not heard the Altec Lansings so can't give an opinion on them.
I have a pair of the Infinity RSM's (bought them new in 1983) and love them.
One thing about Infinitys from that era, they will need a woofer refoam at some point. The RSM's you are considering may or may not have had that done already. The midranges have rubber surrounds so they should be good.
 
James Zep said:
Hi everyone,

I have to choose between to pairs of speakers:
- Infinity Reference Studio Monitor
- Altec Lansing Model 8

Thank you.
Click to expand...

I'm a big fan of Infinity's RSM as well and the very happy owner of a pair. There was one model, the RS 1.5 that is otherwise identical to the RSM but had a Watkins DVC woofer in place of the conventional 12" driver in the RSM and which would probably be considered the top of the line, but the RSM is still a great speaker in it's own regard. As far as comparing it to the Altec Lansing Model 8 which admittedly I have not heard, not being a fan of peizo tweeters which I understand the Model 8 has, I would much prefer the EMIT tweeters in the RSM's, and it's poly-coned woofer and midrange speakers are also both great drivers. Other than that I can't really speak to the qualities of the Model 8. The fact that the RSM is a sealed (acoustic suspension) speaker and the Altec ported will also make a difference in the way they sound, as well as how much power will be required to drive them properly so my best advice is, if possible audition them both before deciding because I think they will sound very different and as you said, in the end it will come down to personal taste.
 
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Choose the infinity, and forget about it.

Nothing can compare to an EMIT tweeter, even if it's a question of taste, you'll love the Infinitys.
 
I'm not an Infinity guy or anything, but the Altec Model 8's are nothing to write home about. I think more went into the marketing than the design itself.
 
Thank you guys…

Fortunately, both pairs belong to the same dealer so I didn’t have to travel too much to see them (yesterday). Anyway, the seller had two set of Infinity RSM but the nicest one was gone and the other was in poor shape considering what he was asking. On the other hand the Altec let me a feeling of poor quality. I mean wood veneer was ok but for example the treble and midrange knobs seems to be loose. And the seller was also asking too much. Plus their frequency response was not extended enough in the bass segment (55Hz…).

So I think I’ll try a cheaper option I’ve seen before: Boston HD10 from early 90. I don’t really know what to do. In picture they seems nice, but I won’t be able to see them. Sound is not too much a problem as they will perform in a third system. A good point is that they combine with my furniture (oak veneer)…

Any idea how good/bad these speakers could be?

Thank you.
 
@ James

What sort of sound are you looking for with the speakers? What sort of music will you be playing? How big is the room where the speakers will be (and how big of a speaker are you looking for)? Also, what do you plan to use in terms of power for the speakers (What kind of amp/receiver and how many watts), and how loud will you be playing them? The answers to these questions will make it easier to recommend something good in your price-range.

Basically, you want a pair of speakers that are well-suited for your favorite types of music, the room where you listen, the volume-level/s you need, the amp/receiver you have (or plan to have), and of course your budget as well. And if budget is a big concern, then look for the sleeper-type brands. Household names like Altec, JBL, EV, etc. tend to fetch an awful lot of money on the used/vintage market, but there are plenty of speaker-brands out there that still fly under the radar.
 
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Hi,

As I said before it will be for a third system, to use with Tv, Playstation, etc… I just want to avoid anything that could be too harsh and I’m looking for something with enough bass (starting at least around 40 Hz). I would prefer a decent full range speaker than refined bookshelf…
I know there are a lot of options but only the ones I gave are ok for me (pick up, price and color, as it does matter a bit…).
 
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