Opinions on R50

[concealer404]

I can't seem to find much on them through searching, unfortunatley. :(

I have a chance to get these for $100, in great cosmetic shape, all drivers intact and undamaged.

However, they don't work. Pass? Or get and hope for a simple fix, and maybe do some upgrading in the process?

How do you all feel about these?

[MLZ]

I was happy with my R50s in my den system until I heard the RTI8s and Fry's had them at a closeout price.

I live in Indy (Kessler & New Jersey) and will sell you a 2 cherry R50s that are in excellent cosmetic shape and work well for the same $100 you would have to pay for those that do not work.

[concealer404]

I was happy with my R50s in my den system until I heard the RTI8s and Fry's had them at a closeout price.

I live in Indy (Kessler & New Jersey) and will sell you a 2 cherry R50s that are in excellent cosmetic shape and work well for the same $100 you would have to pay for those that do not work.


Well hell, i like those odds. :D

I'm out of town starting in 15 minutes until late late Sunday, though.

PM me when is good this coming week for me to pick them up.

This place rules!

[MLZ]

I sent you a private message with my contact so call me & we will set something up

[Kchill]

I have 2 r30's and 2 r'15s to match if you like. But I'm in Atlanta.

[maximillian]

How do you all feel about these?

There are some people who build an entire system around the R series and are perfectly happy. Others quickly get bored and upgrade. I have a pair and am in the later camp. I went to RTi6's and now LSi9's. My 50's are still being used in a secondary system though, but I would sell to someone local if they wanted them. For me, I have come to like bookshelf speakers since they are easier to move around.

Whether you should get these depends on how much money you want to spend, what you listen to, and what type of sound you are looking for. Biggest advice is to try them out and if you like them then go for it. They are easy to drive and inexpensive. Also, try to avoid upgraditis.

[NewHTguy]

I started out with the r50s. Although I later upgraded to Rti10's I still think that r50s from Frys are the best "value" out there (I paid about 160/pair shipped). These days I'm using them as surrounds. In the event you did get "upgraditis" could you use them as surounds? If so, I would say try them. Not much at risk since you could always sell them and lose just a few bucks.

[sdschwendener]

It was a sick deal also. However, three months later I bought RTI6s and was stunned as to how much better they sound.

I'm considering selling mine but I think they will do nicely as channel 6 and 7.

[CallingMrBenzo]

if anybody has black r50s for sale i would be very interested ... i can only find cherry...but my system is all black as it is

[sponger]

From what I've seen on the web, some people will defend the honor of those speakers tooth and nail. So, what I have to say about the R50's might not go over very well with some people, but then again my opinion of them is more good than bad.

For the money, you just can't go wrong with the R50's. I've used both the R15 and the R30 as mains, and the R50's have a much greater "presence" than those other models.

However, in terms of detail and accuracy, I would have to say it's hard to discern between the R30 and the R50.

They get loud and stay clean with minimal power. I ran them off an entry-level yammy and they sounded terrific in terms of bass response and their overall "dynamic" attributes.

They have a smooth, natural sound to them that gives them a unique sense of realism that I wouldn't have expected from a pair of budget towers.

If you're going to buy them used, make sure they come with carpet spikes. Those do make a noticeable difference in how the R50's perform. I know there are many people who are of the notion that the supposed acoustic benefits of carpet spikes are a matter of the listener's imagination coming to life, but I experienced otherwise.

When I first bought the R50's, I didn't even realize they came with carpet spikes. I had been listening to them for a couple of weeks with the default feet when I later found the spikes in the box.

I just couldn't believe how much the imaging had improved after installing the spikes. The instruments seemed better centered and more defined all of the sudden.

What you may notice after giving them a listen is that the highs are a little splashy, and the midrange can sound a little subdued at times.

The positive trade-off is they are never fatiguing, and the sonic ambiguities actually contribute to an ambience of transparency that will again make you feel as though you really got your money's worth.

[mrbigbluelight]

The occasional R50 deals at Frys are good; just make sure to order them one at a time (save a lot on shipping that way).

Are they the best speaker ever put on the planet ? No, but for the price, you absolutely can't go wrong.
I think (and can hear) a difference in the R30's and the R50's and my hearing ain't what it used to be.
They make nice fronts; while you won't want to necessarily put up a 4 x 8 sign in your front yard bragging that you have R50's, you won't have to turn out the lights in the house and hope the neighbors don't notice them when you play them.

I'd give them a "6.6" on the 8-Octave Scale (which I just made up).

[Kchill]

They are great as fronts for a budget speaker.....in my climb to the Rti's , I had these set up for 2 months and could not believe how well they handled. I heard clear sound..much like the r15's and well better then the 30's....now like others they pull surrounds which is great because they are at ear level...fills up the room for music.