Infinity RS1B ? Buy or runaway


I have an opportunity to buy a set of RS1B in excellent condition. They have been well taken care of and are very close to home. Years ago at a Stereophile show, I heard them, wow! The sound and their presence were fantastic! My fear is that like a lot of other things I look back on and lust after look ALOT greater in my memory than they actually perform. Given my current set up and room, I wanted to get some opinions about buying. Or will I be disappointed, maybe due to equipment or the room limitations? I don't think I would get rid of the Apogees unless the RS1B's surpass them in sound quality. Very nervous laying out over 4k for something that won't move quickly if I end up not enjoying them.
My room dimensions are 13' 9" X 25' (Converted garage)
All equipment is located on the front (13' 9") wall with an entry door at the front right corner. Listening position is approximately 13' from the front wall
Current equipment
VPI HW 19 MKIII
Rotel RSX1067 ( for HT)
Audio Research SP4 (lightly modded)
Audire Forte amps x 2 (bi-amp)
Apogee Caliper Signatures
McIntosh MVP891


drf24
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There are a lot of people here with an opionion who have never heard these or have no idea the pedigree of these speakers.  I can assure you if these speakers are in good condition then these are not over priced.  I own the INFINITY RS IIIb I purchased new in 1986 for $1200/pr.  I've had the crossovers recapped  and refoamed.  I also own and the succession to Infinity,  the Genesis 2.2 Jr speakers purchased new in 2012 for $102,000 and the Genesis G300 I purchased new in 1999 for $25,000.  I'd love to have the Holy Grail-- Genesis 1.2's. They're $350,000+; depending on the finish.  Carbon fiber I believe are ~500,000.  You can call Gary Koh, the current owner of Genesis.  My speakers all sound excellent.  They all have they're faults.  My point---  you cannot go wrong with any of these.  You can find used G300's for ~$6,000.  There is a guy on EBay who refurbishes the RSIB & RSII's--- he's out of Bowling Green, KY.  They're in the 5,000 range- he will tell you he likes the infinity over Genesis.  I would agree to a degree; I guess that's why I can't & won't part with mine.  One thing-  you will want good gear with this stuff- no integrated here.  Annie Nudell's intent with his line of RS speakers-  the best realistic sound at an affordable price.  His intent with the IRS V and Genesis-  best sound regardless of cost.  It's all about your ear and budget.  I can assure you you can't go wrong.  You are on the right path.  Another source for information--- Paul McGowen of PS Audio--  he was co-founder of Infinity along with late Arnie Nudell.  
Have the rs1b's and rs2b's in house. Bought the 2bs new in the 80s and 1bs in 2004.  I have had many speakers over the years and auditioned many others in house but have yet to hear anything at anywhere near the price that can make my hair stand on end like either of the 2 pairs I own. 

Yes they are older and may require recaps...but I have found that even with that cost in mind, they are worth it to me. Bob S. at PS audio has a complete redo of the mid-tweeter xover that is on my agenda this month.

I will say that the 2bs are easier to position in most rooms.  But once properly positioned in the right room...the 1bs with the right ancillary equipment are breathtaking.


A quick update, I went ahead and bought the RS1B's, scared the heck out of me doing so. It is the most money I have ever put into a piece of equipment! I usually buy high-end audio gear in need of repair to keep it affordable, but I couldn't pass these up because they were so well taken care of. Now I just need to tear out that wall, move that door 6' and install some acoustic panels and I will be ready to listen to them! Well maybe not that drastic but I will need to move and situate some things to get them set up. Thanks for all of the opinions and advice, greatly appreciated!
Nice. Enjoy! Be careful with room treatments.  IMO rs1bs sound much better with no absorbing treatments directly behind the mid-tweeter panels. I highly recommend tubes to power the mid-high and SS for the woofers.