Here are a few things to consider about these speakers and brand, based on tons of reading and online research I've done over the past few months. Admittedly, I moved from not knowing about this brand to having a 3.x setup with them, then 5.x and now 7.x. Obviously, that's based on my impressions so YMMV.
The RC263 is a behemoth of a speaker. It's powerful, has nice bass to it (although it could benefit from a dedicated sub) and delivers clear sounds. It's really of insane value given its price. As mentioned, it's HUGE. make sure you account for its size on all dimensions before making the purchase. Take the measurements and verify it fits your media console or can comfortably sit on top of it. Some people suggested hanging it on a wall, but that sounds too obtrusive too given its size. Here's a review from the fantastic site "Audio Science Review" (link[audiosciencereview.com]): "The Infinity RC263 has excellent objective measurements for a budget center speaker. They have tried hard to hit key aspects of good sound in a horizontal center speaker within a very tough budget. So unless you can afford to spend a ton more, the RC263 makes for a very good center speaker in a home theater, augmented by a subwoofer"
The R162 (I have 4 of those) are amazing for their price. It's really a great speaker. Review[audiosciencereview.com](quote: "The Infinity R162 definitely seems to have benefited from good design. Whether on purpose (to sell better in showroom) or not, the elevated highs are a bit of an issue but fortunately that cam be tamed with equalization. The rest of the performance both objectively and subjective is very good and not at all that of a cheap junk speaker"). Once I got the R253 I actually felt that the R162 are of less value, but given their size they are still great. I use them for surround channels (L/R and back L/R. I put them on "PERLESMITH Universal Floor Speaker Stands 26 Inch for Surround Sound" for $70/pair).
The R152 are supposed to be little brother of the 162. They are smaller, but I don't know if its worth buying those when you can get the R162 for a few $ more.
The R253 tower (I own 2 of those) are fantastic. Review[audiosciencereview.com]: "The Infinity Reference 253 is one hell of a package. You couldn't build one quarter of it for what they are selling it for right now. The new measurements show excellent performance, sans two bits: a dip around 2 kHz and too much treble energy. Both were easily fixable with EQ". That review also reports an issue with the tweeter range, but it's unclear whether that was a one-off or not. I couldn't hear issues with my unit, but I'm far from being an audiophile, and I don't own the relevant equipment to measure the sounds, as was done in the review. I'm happy with my units, to be clear.
The R263 are supposed to be even better than the 253. They are slightly bulkier, so I didn't get/hear them.
Brand/Service/Delivery:
When in stock, they ship super fast - you get it in 3-4 days. Don't think twice - order as IT WILL GO OOS soon.
When things go OOS and backordered, some have us waited ~6 weeks with very poor and conflicting communication from Harman Audio reps regarding the status of orders.
Many report packages arriving banged up. Mine missed a few inches of cardboard. However, I haven't read on someone who got a banged up product. Definitely take photos of the boxes once you get them, instead you need to report an issue.
HA have a 30 days return policy. I haven't tried it, but it sounds good on paper.
Some people report getting coupons codes for a small discount after contacting HA support and complaining about issues with past orders. YMMV.
Good luck!
I have the 263 towers and center channel and I can't say enough good things about these speakers for the money. Crystal clear and they will take all the power you can shoot to them.
I'm legitimately not trying to be a jerk... but if you are asking what's it seems like you are asking, these may not be right for you.
Each of these products are pieces of a sound system setup. You will need space for a receiver to be housed as the control unit for the system. Your TV won't have anything to do with it. I'm no audiophile or technician but I definitely appreciate good sound quality equipment. Based on your question, you may want to find a smaller sound bar or look into what it takes to build a proper sound system before pulling the trigger on anything here.
Hope this helps
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
How often do they come on sale ? Don't think have $$ to buy them would they be back in few months ??
Yes, they do come on sale, like once every month. But, with the last three sales, dating back to black Friday, all of the speakers are on sale. Most of the sale I have seen are just a few speakers on sale at a time.
I need to replace my soundbar for my new OLED LG TV. These look like they would fit on/in my entertainment center. My soundbar will not. Would this work w/that TV?
Is there a good 5.1 setup recommendation someone could make from the speakers on sale?
Without knowing anything regarding what you intend to listen to, the size and shape of your room, any treatments you currently have, how you intend to place the speakers ( anywhere that fits or Cardas placement) I'd suggest spending as much as you are willing too.
Without knowing anything regarding what you intend to listen to, the size and shaoe of your room,
Understood. I have an older infinity all in one box 5.1 bookshelf speaker setup and sub. The tss 450s I think. I'd just like to upgrade those, same form factor and such. 16x16 room - shame the 3 way center is OOS because that's the worst part of this single box system
Understood. I have an older infinity all in one box 5.1 bookshelf speaker setup and sub. The tss 450s I think. I'd just like to upgrade those, same form factor and such. 16x16 room - shame the 3 way center is OOS because that's the worst part of this single box system
Sorry, app gets glitch and I hit send too quickly.
Personally, I'm not a fan of center speakers. If one sets up the mains properly, I don't feel a center is needed. However, I don't blast dialog.
Another suggestion, just get bigger than what you got. I have some early to mid 90s infinity references as my mains on one of my systems, best two-way I've ever heard.
154 Comments
Your comment cannot be blank.
Featured Comments
The RC263 is a behemoth of a speaker. It's powerful, has nice bass to it (although it could benefit from a dedicated sub) and delivers clear sounds. It's really of insane value given its price. As mentioned, it's HUGE. make sure you account for its size on all dimensions before making the purchase. Take the measurements and verify it fits your media console or can comfortably sit on top of it. Some people suggested hanging it on a wall, but that sounds too obtrusive too given its size. Here's a review from the fantastic site "Audio Science Review" (link [audiosciencereview.com]): "The Infinity RC263 has excellent objective measurements for a budget center speaker. They have tried hard to hit key aspects of good sound in a horizontal center speaker within a very tough budget. So unless you can afford to spend a ton more, the RC263 makes for a very good center speaker in a home theater, augmented by a subwoofer"
The R162 (I have 4 of those) are amazing for their price. It's really a great speaker. Review [audiosciencereview.com](quote: "The Infinity R162 definitely seems to have benefited from good design. Whether on purpose (to sell better in showroom) or not, the elevated highs are a bit of an issue but fortunately that cam be tamed with equalization. The rest of the performance both objectively and subjective is very good and not at all that of a cheap junk speaker"). Once I got the R253 I actually felt that the R162 are of less value, but given their size they are still great. I use them for surround channels (L/R and back L/R. I put them on "PERLESMITH Universal Floor Speaker Stands 26 Inch for Surround Sound" for $70/pair).
The R152 are supposed to be little brother of the 162. They are smaller, but I don't know if its worth buying those when you can get the R162 for a few $ more.
The R253 tower (I own 2 of those) are fantastic. Review [audiosciencereview.com]: "The Infinity Reference 253 is one hell of a package. You couldn't build one quarter of it for what they are selling it for right now. The new measurements show excellent performance, sans two bits: a dip around 2 kHz and too much treble energy. Both were easily fixable with EQ". That review also reports an issue with the tweeter range, but it's unclear whether that was a one-off or not. I couldn't hear issues with my unit, but I'm far from being an audiophile, and I don't own the relevant equipment to measure the sounds, as was done in the review. I'm happy with my units, to be clear.
The R263 are supposed to be even better than the 253. They are slightly bulkier, so I didn't get/hear them.
Brand/Service/Delivery:
When in stock, they ship super fast - you get it in 3-4 days. Don't think twice - order as IT WILL GO OOS soon.
When things go OOS and backordered, some have us waited ~6 weeks with very poor and conflicting communication from Harman Audio reps regarding the status of orders.
Many report packages arriving banged up. Mine missed a few inches of cardboard. However, I haven't read on someone who got a banged up product. Definitely take photos of the boxes once you get them, instead you need to report an issue.
HA have a 30 days return policy. I haven't tried it, but it sounds good on paper.
Some people report getting coupons codes for a small discount after contacting HA support and complaining about issues with past orders. YMMV.
Good luck!
Each of these products are pieces of a sound system setup. You will need space for a receiver to be housed as the control unit for the system. Your TV won't have anything to do with it. I'm no audiophile or technician but I definitely appreciate good sound quality equipment. Based on your question, you may want to find a smaller sound bar or look into what it takes to build a proper sound system before pulling the trigger on anything here.
Hope this helps
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Yes, they do come on sale, like once every month. But, with the last three sales, dating back to black Friday, all of the speakers are on sale. Most of the sale I have seen are just a few speakers on sale at a time.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
It appears that they do offer financing.
Without knowing anything regarding what you intend to listen to, the size and shape of your room, any treatments you currently have, how you intend to place the speakers ( anywhere that fits or Cardas placement) I'd suggest spending as much as you are willing too.
Understood. I have an older infinity all in one box 5.1 bookshelf speaker setup and sub. The tss 450s I think. I'd just like to upgrade those, same form factor and such. 16x16 room - shame the 3 way center is OOS because that's the worst part of this single box system
I'm seeing the R263 sold out...and that's about it...so if you mean Everything being those...you're right.
Sorry, app gets glitch and I hit send too quickly.
Personally, I'm not a fan of center speakers. If one sets up the mains properly, I don't feel a center is needed. However, I don't blast dialog.
Another suggestion, just get bigger than what you got. I have some early to mid 90s infinity references as my mains on one of my systems, best two-way I've ever heard.