Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 68
  1. #1
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    16

    Anyone heard of BIC America Acoustech Series

    I have found only one review
    http://audaud.com/audaud/MAR04/component/comp1.html

    They came out this year and Costco has the whole set for $699

  2. #2
    Suspended markw's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Noo Joisey. Youse got a problem wit dat?
    Posts
    4,659

    British Industries Corporation, otherwise known as BIC...

    Started in the early 70's as importers of British goods such as Wharfedale speakers and I believe Garrard changers. I know there were other brands, but their names escape me.

    Later in the 70's, they stopped importing and came out with products their own products under the BIC brand. I distinctly hearing their "BIC Venturi" speakers back then. Simply another variation of a ported design which didn't impress me too much. I believe they also had record changers and, if I recall correctly, a two speed cassette deck back then.

    Can't say I've heard much of that brand since then. Bot to say thay haven't been around but who knows the name of the company that owns McIntosh, Marantz, Denon Clarion and a bunch of other famous brands?

    I've never heard them so I can'y say yea or nay though. That does look like a lot of speaker. Compared to the "suggest list price" in the article, this is almost a 50% savings. I can't really recall seeing that deep a cut on current merchandise.

    There are other speakers out there but, on sheer quantity alone, few can rival that package.

    Good luck if you take the leap. Let us know what you think.
    Last edited by markw; 03-18-2004 at 06:42 AM.

  3. #3
    Sgt. At Arms Worf101's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Troy, New York
    Posts
    4,288

    Not sure of the history of BIC then...

    but BIC America sells speakers designed here but manufactured in China. They make decent entry level stuff, but nothing to kill anyone over...

    Da Worfster

  4. #4
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    16
    I was just supprised that this reviewer picked them over the Klipsch Reference line...

  5. #5
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23
    OK, I'll fess up - I bought a set of these.

    I'd been looking at speaker packages in the $750 price range, but hadn't seen anything that made me pull the trigger yet (I've been using a pieced together collection of JBL stuff that has been adequate, so I wasn't in any great hurry). Saw these at Costco last weekend, Googled the name and found the review you cited. But I was suspicious that there wasn't anything on the BIC site. So on Monday I called BIC and talked to their customer service person. I told her I read that review, and she said they are still in the process of setting up distribution, things should be ready in April (more on this in a bit).

    Knowing that they were at least a legit BIC product I went back to Costo and piced up a set. Obviously you can't audtion stuff in a warehouse, but Costco's return policy is unmatched. I've had to return three laptops there in the past year, and never had the slightest problem - even on one that was over 4 months old.

    Now I don't claim to be an audiophile (can't afford to be one!), but I'm a music and movie fanatic and I can tell the difference between good speakers and dreck. These speakers are not dreck. They are indeed made in China, but nothing about the construction says "cheap". They don't have those little flexy clips for the speaker wire connections, but have nice solid binding posts. As the reviewer noted the tops and bottoms of the cabinets are a beautiful lacquered finish. And they do sound very good. For $750 I think they're a bargain.

    Now, why Costco and why such a discount off the list price? This is pure speculation, but based on what BIC said about having distribution set up in April I'm guessing that manufacturing got ahead of marketing here, and rather than pay the cost of warehousing these until their distribution arrangments were complete, they passed these on to Costco instead. Costco's buyers are notorius for taking advantage of those kinds of situations.

    Anyway, given Costco's return policy I'd say go grab a set and audition them at home for a week or two. If you don't like them, box 'em up and take 'em back.

  6. #6
    Sgt. At Arms Worf101's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Troy, New York
    Posts
    4,288

    Talking I wasn't knocking BIC stuff... I OWN BIC stuff...

    I just use it in my secondary, bedroom system... where I'm not looking for musical or sonic fidelity. I use there small surrounds and 53CLR center on my bedroom system... Not bad gear just nothing to write to Congress about. If it fits your budget and ears... that's all I care about... good listening..

    Da Worfster

  7. #7
    Suspended markw's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    Noo Joisey. Youse got a problem wit dat?
    Posts
    4,659
    Quote Originally Posted by erics0531
    OK, I'll fess up - I bought a set of these....

    Now I don't claim to be an audiophile (can't afford to be one!), but I'm a music and movie fanatic and I can tell the difference between good speakers and dreck. These speakers are not dreck. They are indeed made in China, but nothing about the construction says "cheap". .... And they do sound very good. For $750 I think they're a bargain.
    ...

    Anyway, given Costco's return policy I'd say go grab a set and audition them at home for a week or two. If you don't like them, box 'em up and take 'em back.
    I'm glad someone had the cojones to actually try these buggers. I was curious. Construction seems fairly solid? Good sign.. ...can't tell by pictures y'know.

    All we were doing was babbling on and going on pure speculation.

    I'm glad you like 'em. You don't have to be an awdeeofile to know what you like.

    Oh, and thanks for taking the plunge and sharing. Let us know what's up after the honeymoon is over. good luck...

    P.S.. your last sentence is pure gold. That goes for ANY speaker.

  8. #8
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23

    Understood What You Were Saying

    Quote Originally Posted by Worf101
    I just use it in my secondary, bedroom system... where I'm not looking for musical or sonic fidelity. I use there small surrounds and 53CLR center on my bedroom system... Not bad gear just nothing to write to Congress about. If it fits your budget and ears... that's all I care about... good listening..

    Da Worfster
    Yeah, I would agree that BIC are clearly in the entry level category, although maybe a notch above some others like KLH and what not. Actually they have a line called RtR which would be their lower end stuff, maybe they are trying to have an entry more towards the mid-range with this new Acoustech line.

  9. #9
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23
    Quote Originally Posted by markw
    I'm glad someone had the cojones to actually try these buggers. I was curious. Construction seems fairly solid? Good sign.. ...can't tell by pictures y'know.
    Yes, they do seem quite solid. If I have the time I may unscrew one of the drivers today and check it out. Or I might just listen to a Pat Metheny DVD instead

  10. #10
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    16
    Quote Originally Posted by erics0531
    Yes, they do seem quite solid. If I have the time I may unscrew one of the drivers today and check it out. Or I might just listen to a Pat Metheny DVD instead
    I have a good sized room...how is the sub from a bass perspective?

  11. #11
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23
    Quote Originally Posted by Matthus
    I have a good sized room...how is the sub from a bass perspective?
    The bass is pretty decent. What I particularly like about it is the absense of boominess, it's got a nice under control sound to it compared to some subs I've heard. Haven't really gone for the whack you upside the head volume test with it, although my wife cranked up Blue Crush pretty loud the other night (a little too loud in point of fact) and you could definitely feel the bass in the chest as the waves were breaking.

    For reference our room is about 17' x 17', and the back wall is open from about 4.5 ft up into the kitchen level. I've got the sub about 1.5' away from the front wall, and about 4' from the nearest side wall.

  12. #12
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    4

    Talking

    erics0531,

    How do the fully-assembled front channel towers look? At the Costco I visited today they had them laying on their sides and I noticed two holes drilled in the lacquered base of each tower. I've got hardwood floors and I'm wondering if maybe there's some sort of pad that attaches into those holes to keep the lacquer from just resting directly on the floor.

    Also, was the finish in pretty good shape out of the box? The ones I saw today were chipped in a couple of places and I wasn't sure if that was due to Costco or BIC.

    (not directed to you erics0531 but to the thread in general)
    As for all the comparisons to KLH being tossed around, I don't think that's accurate or fair. I've owned a couple of BIC speakers (my BIC center has an audioreview score of 4.87 with 70 votes) and although made in China as are many other respected speaker brands, they are in a totally different league. Having not even heard the Acoustech system, I challenge anyone to buy the "top-of-the-line" KLH system (if there is such a thing), A/B it with the Acoustech, and say that they're both "entry level" and essentially the same

  13. #13
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23
    Quote Originally Posted by DerProfi
    erics0531,

    How do the fully-assembled front channel towers look? At the Costco I visited today they had them laying on their sides and I noticed two holes drilled in the lacquered base of each tower. I've got hardwood floors and I'm wondering if maybe there's some sort of pad that attaches into those holes to keep the lacquer from just resting directly on the floor.
    The towers (really all of the speakers) look fantastic. Those drilled holes in the bottom of the towers puzzled me, as there was nothing in the box to put in them. Curious indeed, especially since there were only two! I put four small felt type pads on the bottom of each speaker as we have laminate flooring where the speakers sit.

    Quote Originally Posted by DerProfi

    Also, was the finish in pretty good shape out of the box? The ones I saw today were chipped in a couple of places and I wasn't sure if that was due to Costco or BIC.
    There were no cosmetic issues on any of the speakers I got - I did swap the center channel box that had been strapped to the others in my set for one that looked less abused when I picked mine up. There was a little slip in each box with a number to call regarding any cosmetic damage from shipping - different from the warranty number on the back of the speakers. They were well packed, so I would guess that the ones you saw took some abuse there at Costco.

    Quote Originally Posted by DerProfi

    (not directed to you erics0531 but to the thread in general)
    As for all the comparisons to KLH being tossed around, I don't think that's accurate or fair. I've owned a couple of BIC speakers (my BIC center has an audioreview score of 4.87 with 70 votes) and although made in China as are many other respected speaker brands, they are in a totally different league. Having not even heard the Acoustech system, I challenge anyone to buy the "top-of-the-line" KLH system (if there is such a thing), A/B it with the Acoustech, and say that they're both "entry level" and essentially the same
    Actually I think I was the one that brought up KLH . BIC does have a line called RtR which proobably *is* pretty close to KLH. Kind of off topic, but what happened with KLH? My dad still has a pair of vintage KLH speakers that must be circa late 50's, haven't heard them recently but I remember they sure still sounded good when I was in college in the late '70s early 80's. Now KLH has the dubious distinction of being sold at Fred Meyer stores (think Target with groceries).

  14. #14
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    4
    I think the story with KLH is the story with so many other former greats in the audio world like Akai, Sansui, etc. They used to make great stuff but eventually went out of business and now they simply license the name to some manufacturing consortium. In defense of the modern-day Akai, they mostly rebadge Samsung products so they're actually pretty good. KLH and Sansui, however, seem to have been hooked up with the stereotypical slave-labor-powered Chinese junk factories that everyone complains about

    Thanks for the great info on the Acoustechs, by the way. I came this [--] close to picking up a set yesterday but I decided I could wait another day and see if you posted anything else. What are you driving them with, by the way?

  15. #15
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23
    Quote Originally Posted by DerProfi
    Thanks for the great info on the Acoustechs, by the way. I came this [--] close to picking up a set yesterday but I decided I could wait another day and see if you posted anything else. What are you driving them with, by the way?
    Just a Pioneer VSXD711 - nothing special.

  16. #16
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    16
    Quote Originally Posted by erics0531
    Just a Pioneer VSXD711 - nothing special.
    I think that I am going to pull the trigger this week. I will keep you all posted

  17. #17
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    23
    Quote Originally Posted by Matthus
    I think that I am going to pull the trigger this week. I will keep you all posted
    FWIW I see that BIC just registered acoustechspeakers.com last Friday, so perhaps they'll have some more information up on the web before too long.

  18. #18
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Posts
    82

    Acoustech....was gonna say....

    Cant find them anywhere....let us know when the have a site and where to look at them and listen

  19. #19
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    16
    Quote Originally Posted by Debbi
    Cant find them anywhere....let us know when the have a site and where to look at them and listen
    I found them at Costco

  20. #20
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    3

    Demos for Acoustech HT Speakers this weekend at Costco

    Hello all...

    I am working for a company that is going to be conducting demos of the Acoustech HT speakers at select Costcos all weekend (April 3rd & 4th).

    I will be at the Kirkland, WA Costco and have just completed setting up my area and can say that these speakers are a bargain at $1199, not to mention $699. They have a boutique quality fit & finish, audiophile performance and the $699 price tag is.....well, stupid.

    The sub was designed & engineeded by Dr. Hsu (of HSU Reaserch), who has a doctorate from MIT and has been selling his award winning subs on the internet for years.

    The horn tweeters (a key feature of these speakers) were designed by a PhD from Stanford who had Paul Klipsch as a student.

    I invite anyone interested in this system in the Seattle area to come by for a listen this weekend. I might mention that this was a 'special buy' that Costco has made and they will not likely return to Costco once inventories are gone.

  21. #21
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Posts
    82

    Hey Matt..maybe not worded exactly correct...

    ..if the PHD at Stanford had Paul Klipsch as a student....Paul died at about age 98 so his mentor would have to be about 125 years old today.....(I assume Paul taught him)...in any event, let us know when and if these things come to all Costco outlets...Im in Fla...Thanks

  22. #22
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    3

    Good point...I had thought something sounded weird

    ...I'll get clarity on this, but I guess his name is Dr. Bruce Edgar (of Edgarhorn). Who's Titan horn loudspeakers are recognized as a very high quality, low distortion horn. Distortion has long been an issue with horn style speakers, but Dr. Edgar has changed all that and his speakers are known for their wide dynamic range and ability to convey the power of musical instruments.

    Well, I'm off to Costco to move these beauties into the marketplace.

  23. #23
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    4
    Quote Originally Posted by Debbi
    ..if the PHD at Stanford had Paul Klipsch as a student....Paul died at about age 98 so his mentor would have to be about 125 years old today.....(I assume Paul taught him)...in any event, let us know when and if these things come to all Costco outlets...Im in Fla...Thanks
    Yeah, I read "who had Paul Klipsch as a student" as "who studied with Paul Klipsch as a student."

  24. #24
    AR Newbie Registered Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    4
    I picked up a set yesterday and wanted to pass along a little info.

    1. Costco is selling these out fast and I don't think they're getting more.
    The Costco I visited in Fairfax, VA only had 2 sets left + the display. As Matt F said, this past weekend some Costcos had marketers in the store to answer questions and give demonstrations. I asked if the store manager if the reps would be back sometime and when they expected to get more speakers in, and I was told "not" and "never", respectively. If people want to try these out, you'd better grab a set before the $699 price is gone.

    2. Hsu Sub
    For what it's worth, the plate amp on the Acoustech sub is a twin of the one on the Hsu STF-1, the only difference being that it doens't say "HSU" on it.

    3. Sound
    Mine are still breaking in with my $200 Panasonic SA-XR25, but so far I'm very impressed for the price.

  25. #25
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    16

    Smile

    I got them last night. I have not heard any thing for under three times the money that I liked better. They are not as bright as the Klipsch...but that is a good thing....If you are on a budget I say go for them

Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. What album(s) was a musical epiphany for you?
    By Worf101 in forum Rave Recordings
    Replies: 69
    Last Post: 06-17-2015, 03:57 PM
  2. Review of Bose 901s
    By sam_pro in forum Speakers
    Replies: 21
    Last Post: 06-06-2007, 07:31 AM
  3. Replies: 2
    Last Post: 12-24-2003, 09:28 AM
  4. Replies: 32
    Last Post: 12-18-2003, 09:31 AM
  5. Anyone heard MTX's new 9500 series subs?
    By grampi in forum Home Theater/Video
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 12-05-2003, 01:51 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •