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Aerial Acoustic Model 7Bs vs. Model 9s?

I'm trying to cost-justify the more expensive Aerial Acoustic Model 9s for my main stereo listening room. I have auditioned them at the dealer side by side, and found them both to be very exciting; but have not yet been able to drag them to my home for a shootout.

I use tube amplifiers (ASL Hurricanes) and Linn Ninka speakers now, with a Linn Sizmik subwoofer backing them up. This is a nice combination, and performs beyond it's price point, IMO - but using a subwoofer instead of a truly 'full-range' main speaker: I get bass in my feet, instead of in my chest. I know the Model 9 is more efficient then the Model 7b; and that because of it's four bass drivers has alot of surface area to work with.

Bottom line, though - is will I be happier with the 7Bs and my subwoofer or ditch the sub completely and bring on the 9s? Anyone out there with experience or comments on this kind of a trade-off?

Thanks.
david_aitken
david_aitken OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for your comments on the Model 8. Frankly I looked at those, but have not yet listened to them because of two reasons: 1) the dealer said they are primarily designed for theater systems, and 2) they are not offered in a maple finish to match the rest of my furniture in that room.

I know, reason 2 is pretty weak; and I would probably be fine with a pair of 8s in black for example. Let me take that back - strike reason 2: it's silly.

The 8s are side-firing woofers, right? They are also physically larger than the 7bs or even the 9s if I recall. Another question, what's the difference between the 8 and 8B model designation?

Thanks,
gregadd
574 posts
 
Check the aerial website. I have seen the eights in maple with my own eyes. Maybe they stopped offering them in maple.
The eight was introduced as a lower cost version with a smaller footprint of the 10t. Aerial wasn't even into home theater at the time the eights were introduced. It is much more likely that the seven was designed for HT. I don't know about the nine.
Stereophile in its' usual pseudo -science claimed the 8 was showing a bass peak. Reviews being as as important as they are Aerial capitulated and introduced the 8b. For specs and demensions check: http://www.aerialacoustics.com I hope that's right. Side firing woofers are not a problem because low frequencies are generally non-directional.
quicke
35 posts
 
I've got the 8b's and have never been disappointed with their performance on music. I've driven them via Proceed HPA-2's and a Theta Dreadnaught. Heck, I'm even thinking of foregoing the sub for theater applications. The bass is not lacking from my perspective. At this point, I point the woofers inward, but have not played enough with position to totally rule out having them fire towards the outside walls. Bought them used (although couldn't tell from looking at them) in rosewood for $3,800 over a year ago. In a thorough side by side with 3 different amps, they were, IMHO, better than the Revel F50's.
david_aitken OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for all of your remarks: I will arrange to audition the 8s and do some more research on them. They might be just the fill-in between the 7Bs and the 9s. Maybe a second mortgage the the 20Ts would be a better thing?

Anyone out there using the 7Bs with tube amps?
beemer
444 posts
 
Why folks often equate Aerial and HT is a mystery to me.
Michael Kelly has made some lines to cater to the HT crowd, however the 8'a and 9's are quite musical.

As Greggadd said, the 8's were a 10t with a smaller footprint. Musical speaker nontheless.

I've owned 10t's and now have 20t's and the both speakers never ceased to amaze me. They WILL show you every flaw upstream.....work with them and get the synergy and you will be well pleased.

Best,

Paul :-)
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