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Need your help regarding Pioneer HPM 100B speakers!

BilboBaggins

BilboBaggins

Addicted Member
i am in a quandary. I have a McIntosh MC1900 and I've been offered a pair of HPM-100Bs in trade. Here is my quandary.

I currently have a pair of Kef 105s and a pair of Tangent RS8s running on a set of restored Bose 1801s and a Bose 4401 pre. In my other system, I have a pair of Kef Concerto's driven by a MC2205 with a C26 pre.

All the reviews I've read about the HPM-100Bs are very polarized. Some say they are harsh and ear fatiguing, and others say they sound fantastic. I've read that these were designed to take music to a new level from the JBL L100 centuries. They are rock speakers. I'm also wondering if maybe they need a heavier amp, and would the MC2205 or Bose 1801 be a good fit?

I listen to just about everything except country, but the majority of my listening is classic rock, with a leaning towards blues and progressive rock. Are these something that I might like better than the Kef Concertos or the Tangents?

Looking for feedback especially from anyone who has owned Kef's or Tangents. And if you had a big assed amp, how did you like them with it?

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate your responses!
 
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At the time I was using a Pioneer six 750. 50 WPC
I've heard they like lots of power.
I've since downsized to smaller amp and HPM 60's.
I'm in a small room now and they are just right.

A top engineer from JBL went to Pioneer and helped develop the HPM series.
Both brands were considered great Rock speakers back in day.
 
They are relatively efficient, so you might not need new iron. I've got some HPM 900s; they are
definitely brighter and louder than early ARs and Advents.
 
I had some HMP100s mated with a SX1250 thinking same vintage would be a good match. They are accurate and can image well for a older speaker. I remember listen to them for TV material and being impressed on spaciousness. Also when I sold them I pulled them out of normal listening position and was thinking maybe I'm making a mistake here they imaged so well. The BASS is not the best even with the SX1250 tone control. The 200 Watt is no different then the 100 Watt as far as I know. There Pioneer speakers so worth a try for sure. They did not impress me but enough to say I got have pair.
 
As you mentioned, everybody has different opinion on HPM-100s or just about any speaker. I like them but you may not. They are well built and resellable so if you don't overspend can get it back. Most people would be thrilled to get a pair. You don't need a big assed amp to drive them, but if you have one that's fine. I got a bunch of Pioneer speakers so I could hear for myself.

I gave a pair of HPM-100s to a buddy for helping me out. He and his friends were blown away. His girlfriend said to me "oh you're the guy who gave him the big speakers". In my opinion there are only a few people who can tell the difference or care to really find out. Everybody else is like my buddy's friends.
 
Thanks for all the feedback! I think based on the responses that I'll brobably go for it, if the sun, the moon, and the stars align up.

You see the guy is in one city and I'm in another city. I'll be going to his city in about a month, and we've both agreed that if we still have our stuff by then, we'll trade. I think it's a perfect situation!
 
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