Upgraded to PSB GB1's [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

PDA

View Full Version : Upgraded to PSB GB1's



anamorphic96
04-18-2007, 06:05 PM
Took the plunge today and upgraded to the PSB GB1's. I was using the PSB B25's but happed to be passing by my dealer and stopped in to sit down and take a listen to the GB1's.

Boy is the this one hell of a speaker. It is definite improvement over the B25's in all areas. The biggest thing I notice was the scale of the image and how open, focused, and detailed voices where. The B25's had a sorta smeared image that lacked focus. The midrange was dead neutral accompanied by a much smoother top end compared to the B25's. Bass is tighter and more defined. But does not seem to have the extension that the B25's had. Seems like they gave some extension for accuracy.

So far I'm EXTREMELY pleased with what I'm hearing. I will report more in a week or two after they have broken in.

Here are some pics to look at in the mean time.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture017.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture017.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture016.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture016.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture014.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture014.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture012-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture012-1.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture008-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture008-1.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture006-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture006-1.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture004-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture004-1.jpg)

Luvin Da Blues
04-18-2007, 06:13 PM
:cornut: Are you using them for your mains?

anamorphic96
04-18-2007, 06:17 PM
It's a 2 channel only system. The sub you see is used on occasion for movies. But is actually getting sold to help finance the upgrade.

Luvin Da Blues
04-18-2007, 06:18 PM
Hey Peruvian Skies...NOW ya gotta hear the G Series ASAP. Been a few converts here lately.

Luvin Da Blues
04-18-2007, 06:24 PM
Well...Congrates man. Got my GT-1s a few weeks back and they are truly an amazing speaker line and totally impress me with every different album.

I still need to get the GC-1 for the center channel and will probably get the GBs in the near future. Will be waiting for your promised report.


ENJOY!!!

RuSsMaN
04-18-2007, 06:50 PM
What are you driving them with? I've always been a fan of PSB, I've got an Alpha setup in place right now for the video rig.

Cheers,
Russ

PeruvianSkies
04-18-2007, 07:37 PM
Tonight I decided to try something different...

So I took my old PSB 7PT's and swapped out my Polk Monitor 40 surrounds using the 7PT's as surrounds with the PSB Platinum T6's as my fronts. What a strange thing to have floorstanders as surrounds, which I know some people do and even recommend, but this was my first experience first-hand. I think I'll keep them in this setup for awhile. I will comment later on my findings, but my initial reaction is...strange, but good.

PeruvianSkies
04-18-2007, 07:39 PM
Took the plunge today and upgraded to the PSB GB1's. I was using the PSB B25's but happed to be passing by my dealer and stopped in to sit down and take a listen to the GB1's.

Boy is the this one hell of a speaker. It is definite improvement over the B25's in all areas. The biggest thing I notice was the scale of the image and how open, focused, and detailed voices where. The B25's had a sorta smeared image that lacked focus. The midrange was dead neutral accompanied by a much smoother top end compared to the B25's. Bass is tighter and more defined. But does not seem to have the extension that the B25's had. Seems like they gave some extension for accuracy.

So far I'm EXTREMELY pleased with what I'm hearing. I will report more in a week or two after they have broken in.

Here are some pics to look at in the mean time.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture017.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture017.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture016.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture016.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture014.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture014.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture012-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture012-1.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture008-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture008-1.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture006-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture006-1.jpg)
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture004-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture004-1.jpg)


SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET.

anamorphic96
04-18-2007, 08:38 PM
What are you driving them with? I've always been a fan of PSB, I've got an Alpha setup in place right now for the video rig.

Cheers,
Russ

NAD C352 - Integrated Amp
NAD C542 - CD Player

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 04:53 AM
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture004-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture004-1.jpg)[/QUOTE]

Just curious, are those grills gray or is that just the photo? My GT-1s came with black grills and when I get the GB-1's for my rears I think I would want them black to match.

Thanks

:16:

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 06:15 AM
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/th_Picture004-1.jpg (http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w41/anamorphic96/Picture004-1.jpg)

Just curious, are those grills gray or is that just the photo? My GT-1s came with black grills and when I get the GB-1's for my rears I think I would want them black to match.

Thanks

:16:[/QUOTE]

When I first got my PSB Platinum's I wasn't so sure about the gray grilles. Then again, there are few grilles that ARE grey, most are black. So they were unique. Now, after several months I really love the sporty, cool look of the gray, actually more silver than anything as they shine in the light.

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 06:46 AM
I usually like to listen sans grills but my better half has talked me into leaving them on. Me thinks that they are a good looking speaker without tho

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 07:43 AM
I usually like to listen sans grills but my better half has talked me into leaving them on. Me thinks that they are a good looking speaker without tho


I usually go back and forth with them on then off then on...can't make up my mind. However, recently I realized that with them ON it usually takes away some of the really penetrating high-end, which I prefer becuase on certain recordings this can be a little ear-piercing at higher volumes. So I am leaving them on...I don't notice much difference in performance with any of the other ranges.

anamorphic96
04-19-2007, 01:30 PM
The grills are black. It's just the light causing them to look gray.

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 06:33 PM
The grills are black. It's just the light causing them to look gray.

I still like the silver/gray. Nothing against black, but I think the silver can be classy. Important thing though is the sweet sound.

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 06:35 PM
I still like the silver/gray. Nothing against black, but I think the silver can be classy. Important thing though is the sweet sound.

Ya...I wouldn't mind silver but I already have black. Actually i would prefer no grills but I have to live with the little lady too.

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 06:40 PM
I bet that high gloss shows bug's breath it's so shiny. I'd be wiping it every second to keep it glossing like a piano.

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 06:42 PM
I bet that high gloss shows bug's breath it's so shiny. I'd be wiping it every second to keep it glossing like a piano.

:ihih:

anamorphic96
04-19-2007, 07:47 PM
These GB1's are definitely showing off the flaws in some recordings. More so than the B25's.
But the good ones definitely sound better. The focus and resolution they have with voices is downright scary.

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 08:01 PM
These GB1's are definitely showing off the flaws in some recordings. More so than the B25's.
But the good ones definitely sound better. The focus and resolution they have with voices is downright scary.

Not to mention the "texture" of every instrument is so easy discern. Like I mentioned in a previous thread, I am finding even more appreciation for my Jazz and Classical recordings and am listening more the this genre (or is it gender?), I guess 'cause with this type of music the subtle textures are SO important.:17:

PS; note to mention a great Blues guitar solo sounds so great with these speakers.:5:

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 08:11 PM
Not to mention the "texture" of every instrument is so easy discern. Like I mentioned in a previous thread, I am finding even more appreciation for my Jazz and Classical recordings and am listening more the this genre (or is it gender?), I guess 'cause with this type of music the subtle textures are SO important.:17:

PS; note to mention a great Blues guitar solo sounds so great with these speakers.:5:

Well, if the G-Design series is anything close to the Platinum's ...it's insane. What I love about PSB and have always been attracted to (as I have said many times before) is their neutrality that they have with music. If the recording is good...it'll sound great, if the recording sucks...well, it ain't gonna get better. I have found that going from the Image line to the Platinum line is just leaps and bounds above and beyond what the Image could ever come close to delivering. It's not even close. The Image series is certainly capable of many great things, but they are limited when it comes to a truly 3-D experience with the soundstage, depth, and overall lively feel of the music. Not to say that they are bad, they are truly awesome, but again...have some limitations. Now if the G-Design is as good as they look...wow. I really need to hear these babies. The Stratus line was insane. I remember the first time I heard the Goldi's and was like...whoa! The speakers disappeared! This is another leap that you get when going up from the Image series. You really start to feel like the speaker is gone and the music becomes the room. The Platinum's are off-the-hook in that regard, which is precisely what I wanted. If I can tell where the speaker is...I don't like it...if the music is all around and the speakers disappear because the soundstage as enclosed me...I'm a happy camper.

I'm curious to hear more guys...keep postin' away.

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 08:20 PM
"The speakers disappeared! "

What...I have speakers?????


Actually PS...I can't wait till you hear these and hear your feedback as it compares to your Plats...I have never heard the Plats but I can try to imagine..Time to start a movement to have Paul Barton for our Prime Minister :-) What a genius and what a great price he's selling them for

anamorphic96
04-19-2007, 08:27 PM
I have heard the previous Stratus line but don't remember much. The biggest difference my dealer noticed is the scale of the image with the new Stratus models. Especially the height of the image in comparison to the Stratus Mini and the GB1

Another thing to note is PSB is supposed to be coming out with some new speakers that are supposed to exceed the performance of the Platinum line. But the price points will be where the Platinums start. Don't have anymore info it's just what my dealer mentioned to me.

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 08:28 PM
"The speakers disappeared! "

What...I have speakers?????


Actually PS...I can't wait till you hear these and hear your feedback as it compares to your Plats...I have never heard the Plats but I can try to imagine..Time to start a movement to have Paul Barton for our Prime Minister :-) What a genius and what a great price he's selling them for

It is nice to know that there are still people out there in the world who are willing to offer true craftsmanship and incredible quality at fair prices. I think I said somewhere else on here that if PSB wanted to, they could charge premium prices in order to garner some higher-end attention because sometimes people are only looking at the price tag and they write-off PSB speakers because they don't cost 20K. However, they could go a few rounds with alot of speakers in that bracket for sure. It's great knowing that Paul Barton keeps it real and enables a wide variety of consumers to enjoy a great product. It's sad to see the two dealers within 45 miles of me not carrying PSB anymore. The closest placed carrying PSB is nearly 90 miles away....looks like it might be awhile before I hear the G-Design. My friend who was going to audition them is unable to get the dealer to cooperate now, so who knows what's going on with that. Grrr. They are trying to steer him towards Monitor Audio...maybe has something to do with the dealer making more money from them. I dunno.

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 08:29 PM
I have heard the previous Stratus line but don't remember much. The biggest difference my dealer noticed is the scale of the image with the new Stratus models. Especially the height of the image in comparison to the Stratus Mini and the GB1

Another thing to note is PSB is supposed to be coming out with some new speakers that are supposed to exceed the performance of the Platinum line. But the price points will be where the Platinums start. Don't have anymore info it's just what my dealer mentioned to me.

Hmmmm. That's intersting...am I gonna have to do a trade-in? Lol. Nah, I am quite content.

Luvin Da Blues
04-19-2007, 08:33 PM
Another thing to note is PSB is supposed to be coming out with some new speakers that are supposed to exceed the performance of the Platinum line. But the price points will be where the Platinums start. Don't have anymore info it's just what my dealer mentioned to me.

Sssshhhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't tell PS...He might have to mortgage his first born to get them:)

PeruvianSkies
04-19-2007, 08:37 PM
Another thing to note is PSB is supposed to be coming out with some new speakers that are supposed to exceed the performance of the Platinum line. But the price points will be where the Platinums start. Don't have anymore info it's just what my dealer mentioned to me.

Sssshhhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't tell PS...He might have to mortgage his first born to get them:)

...I'll be able to hear the damn things anyway...since no dealer within states carries anything by PSB. Even the closest dealer doesn't carry the Platinum line, let alone something that they might replace or go above with.

MikeyBC
04-21-2007, 08:03 AM
Another thing to note is PSB is supposed to be coming out with some new speakers that are supposed to exceed the performance of the Platinum line. But the price points will be where the Platinums start. Don't have anymore info it's just what my dealer mentioned to me.

Sssshhhhhhhh!!!!!! Don't tell PS...He might have to mortgage his first born to get them:)


Is this the line you were talking about?

http://blog.stereophile.com/ces2007/011407psb/

anamorphic96
04-21-2007, 10:58 AM
That sounds like the line my dealer was talking about.

MikeyBC
04-21-2007, 04:50 PM
I like the idea of the three 6" drivers being able to play "louder and deeper more cleanly than his Stratus Gold" They also look similar to the original stratus with woodgrain veneer, aluminum edges and tweeter below the woofer. Looks very interesting:)

PeruvianSkies
04-21-2007, 08:23 PM
Recently I swapped out my Polk Monitor 40's that I was using as my surrounds with the PSB floorstanders (Image 7PT's) and now my Polk's are in my secondary system. This is the first time I have ever used these as main speakers, but was always impressed with their performance for surround work. However, they are actually pretty damn good mains too. I was blown away. I had low expectactions of these babies and they proved me wrong in many ways. I think part of the reason is that I bi-amped them through my receiver, which really enabled these speakers to do some incredible bass that I was no expecting at all. They are rear ported speakers and I adjusted them to about 12" away from the rear walls and about 9' away from each other. They are also about 4' from the side walls as well. For $300 these are insane. They obviously are not great at producing the whole spectrum of sound or do alot of the refinement that better speakers like my PSB Platinums can, but they also cost 1/15th the price. For some people the price/performance ratio is not worth it once you get beyond a certain point and I can certainly see why in some cases. For some, it's a difference that is not always worth it and some are not necessarily after the idea of perfect, to them...pretty good will suffice.

I am thinking now in different terms to what my initial goal was several months ago, which was to have a system that was good at both 2-channel and 5.1. I think now I might pursue 2 systems (1 for HT, 1 for music). For this reason I might think about getting the Platinum M2's and instead of using them as surrounds with my T6's I might use them in a secondary system.

PeruvianSkies
04-21-2007, 08:37 PM
Is this the line you were talking about?

http://blog.stereophile.com/ces2007/011407psb/


I was thinking that if I were allowed to name the next line I would maybe go with ...

PSB Titanium
PSB Optimum
PSB Elite
PSB Emporer
PSB Imperial
PSB Platinum Elite
PSB Platinum Visa

Luvin Da Blues
04-21-2007, 09:32 PM
I was thinking that if I were allowed to name the next line I would maybe go with ...

PSB Titanium
PSB Optimum
PSB Elite
PSB Emporer
PSB Imperial
PSB Platinum Elite
PSB Platinum Visa


How 'bout Control One Xtremes cause they go to 2,000,00hz and the base is good too:ihih:


Seriously tho, wouldn't it be great if they let psb owners choose the name for this line..personally I like "Platinum Elites" :cornut:

Rock&Roll Ninja
04-22-2007, 10:20 AM
Now I'm glad I didn't buy the T8s yet.

PeruvianSkies
04-22-2007, 12:57 PM
Now I'm glad I didn't buy the T8s yet.

Well, it's still too early to tell. I mean they have to hype a new line any way that they can, sometimes even over-exaggerating them. I am sure they are good, but better than the T8? Well, time will only tell.

MikeyBC
04-22-2007, 09:30 PM
I was thinking that if I were allowed to name the next line I would maybe go with ...

PSB Titanium
PSB Optimum
PSB Elite
PSB Emporer
PSB Imperial
PSB Platinum Elite
PSB Platinum Visa

ha ha, as long as they don't go into that v1, v2, v3, v4 nonsense I'll be happy, Design the damned thing right once and leave it alone already!

Carl Reid
04-23-2007, 07:34 AM
ha ha, as long as they don't go into that v1, v2, v3, v4 nonsense I'll be happy, Design the damned thing right once and leave it alone already!

1) I vote for Platinum Elite

2) It's funny you dislike V1- V4 given that use Musical Fidelity gear, which changes version faster than most other manufacturers.... :) seriously though, I think the reason for the V1- V4 is really just about the manufacturer being too lazy to rename a product each time it upgrades the line..... since after awhile they'll just run out of cool names..... So it's probably not about them doing it wrong the first time.....

Carl Reid
04-24-2007, 07:11 AM
Took the plunge today and upgraded to the PSB GB1's. I was using the PSB B25's but happed to be passing by my dealer and stopped in to sit down and take a listen to the GB1's.

Boy is the this one hell of a speaker. It is definite improvement over the B25's in all areas. The biggest thing I notice was the scale of the image and how open, focused, and detailed voices where. The B25's had a sorta smeared image that lacked focus. The midrange was dead neutral accompanied by a much smoother top end compared to the B25's. Bass is tighter and more defined. But does not seem to have the extension that the B25's had. Seems like they gave some extension for accuracy.

So far I'm EXTREMELY pleased with what I'm hearing. I will report more in a week or two after they have broken in.

Thanks for the feedback Anamorphic!!! It really helps me..... Since I've been searching for speakers for quite a while.... and the PSB GB1 is sold for a really good price here in Canada (at least at my local dealer - just checked this morning).... The price is actually good enough that I won't feel ripped off if they don't deliver the world....

MikeyBC
04-24-2007, 06:12 PM
1) I vote for Platinum Elite

2) It's funny you dislike V1- V4 given that use Musical Fidelity gear, which changes version faster than most other manufacturers.... :) seriously though, I think the reason for the V1- V4 is really just about the manufacturer being too lazy to rename a product each time it upgrades the line..... since after awhile they'll just run out of cool names..... So it's probably not about them doing it wrong the first time.....

Yeah i noticed they (MF) change models often after i purchased it, but the 3 to 3.2 doesn't contain a "V" in it so i take that as a completely different model not a slight improvement of an existing model:)



Since everyone want's a version of "Platinum" and they have used "Gold", "Silver" and "Bronze" in the past how about using the name "Palladium" ?

"(IPA: /pəˈleɪdiəm/) is a chemical element with symbol Pd and atomic number 46. It is a rare silver-white transition metal of the platinum group, resembling platinum chemically. It was discovered in platinum ores in 1803, and named after the asteroid Pallas"

PeruvianSkies
04-24-2007, 06:55 PM
This makes sense for several key reasons. First, it would seem that this new speaker line from PSB is going to be in the same bracket as the Platinum series, so it's not really like it's in a different tier altogether. However, it is being hyped as being a better speaker, but around the same price. This leads me to believe that it will be quite similar and therefore should have some element of the Platinum name, but also with something to distinguish it as being superior. Platinum Elite, just like Pioneer Elite...does this well.

I like with keeping along the Bronze, Silver, and Gold metal category. Alpha and Image seem a bit out of place, but that's ok. The new G-Design...I dunno bout that one. The product looks fabulous, but the name leaves me with a lot to desire. For those that also remember there was also the Gold(i) series as well, which was an improved version. Maybe they will do a Platinum(i)??? Who knows? Much to be determined, but I do think that fans and owners should be able to vote for a name. That would be awesome. In fact, I'd even love to design a logo for it...maybe I could win a set of speakers???

Carl Reid
04-24-2007, 07:23 PM
The new G-Design...I dunno bout that one. The product looks fabulous, but the name leaves me with a lot to desire.

I'm guessing that the Craptastic name G-Design is a shortened version Of "Stratus Gold Designer Series".... which is what it seems to be.... Though I think they should have just kept it all simple and done like Monitor Audio and Just named the series Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum rather than Alpha, Image, G-Design and Platinum.....

Luvin Da Blues
04-24-2007, 07:29 PM
I'm guessing that the Craptastic name G-Design is a shortened version Of "Stratus Gold Designer Series".... which is what it seems to be.... Though I think they should have just kept it all simple and done like Monitor Audio and Just named the series Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum rather than Alpha, Image, G-Design and Platinum.....


I concur, especially when the follow it with T for towers, C for centers and B for backs...but a rose by any other name......:)

PeruvianSkies
04-26-2007, 07:46 PM
So I decided to go with a smaller rear surround speaker since I am now using my Polk Monitor 40's in another system. I wanted something that I could mount on the wall to save some space, and went with a pair of Insignia's at BB because they were cheap, but I heard good things. The results:

Well, first off I am truly happy with the Polk's in my second system, especially since they are bi-amped and really deliver some great sound.

The Insignias I had passed off as being a cheap-o speaker that would ...just get the job done. I wasn't expecting the result that I had though. I did some EQ calibration on my entire system and found that the Insignia's actually match the tweeter of the Platinum T6's better than any other speaker that I have tried. These are quite amazing for their price...it's insane. I feel like my entire system compliments itself incredibly well now. I might down the road get the Platinum surrounds to match, but that won't be until I get the Platinum center channel. So, I guess this shows that even inexpensive speakers can still deliver some decent quality at times. I wouldn't exactly say they are superb, but they match my system and that's what's important.

Luvin Da Blues
04-26-2007, 08:04 PM
So I decided to go with a smaller rear surround speaker since I am now using my Polk Monitor 40's in another system. I wanted something that I could mount on the wall to save some space, and went with a pair of Insignia's at BB because they were cheap, but I heard good things. The results:

Well, first off I am truly happy with the Polk's in my second system, especially since they are bi-amped and really deliver some great sound.

The Insignias I had passed off as being a cheap-o speaker that would ...just get the job done. I wasn't expecting the result that I had though. I did some EQ calibration on my entire system and found that the Insignia's actually match the tweeter of the Platinum T6's better than any other speaker that I have tried. These are quite amazing for their price...it's insane. I feel like my entire system compliments itself incredibly well now. I might down the road get the Platinum surrounds to match, but that won't be until I get the Platinum center channel. So, I guess this shows that even inexpensive speakers can still deliver some decent quality at times. I wouldn't exactly say they are superb, but they match my system and that's what's important.


That's awesome...always better to be surprised by your purchases than disappointed.

PeruvianSkies
04-26-2007, 08:23 PM
That's awesome...always better to be surprised by your purchases than disappointed.

Indeed. I didn't have high expectations necessarily, but was really shocked at just how similar the EQ was on them compared to the T6's I felt the same way when I bought my Athena center channel. I don't care much for Athena in general, but they make a superb center channel for some odd reason.