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Nagaoka Swan - Impressions

70.82.38.92
Posted on January 28, 2009 at 10:09:27
Lambda
Audiophile

Posts: 243
Location: Quebec
Joined: June 6, 2005
 I built the Nagaoka version for the Fostex FE108EZ and used it with a SET amp from Decware.

I think it's a great speaker for acoustic jazz. The bass is full and kinda woody ; percusions are tight with just enough high frequency extension ; horns and piano are both realistic and smooth, without any harshness. The integration between the bass and the midrange is not really good (reminded me of previous Martin Logan's models). Voices are great. The soundstage is ok.

For everything else, it's a big deception. The lack of high and bass extensions become obvious with modern recordings. The drivers collapse if you push them too hard, which is not very hard to do, even with a string quartet. Instruments sound small. Dynamics are poor. Can't handle anything remotely complex. So yes, it's a little girl with guitar speaker.


If you like acoustic jazz, in a small to medium room, at moderate level, with a SET amp, there is some magic happening. But that's about it.




 

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RE: Nagaoka Swan - Impressions, posted on January 28, 2009 at 11:02:55
Greg W
Audiophile

Posts: 189
Location: Wyoming
Joined: March 4, 2001
 Have you tried it with a different amp?

 

RE: Nagaoka Swan - Impressions, posted on January 28, 2009 at 11:35:40
Lambda
Audiophile

Posts: 243
Location: Quebec
Joined: June 6, 2005
 I tried my regular ss amp - YBA Delta 45W. More punch, more headroom, but not enough to overcome the characteristics of the speaker. With a tube amp you play on the strenghts of the design, with a ss amp you're fighting a losing battle. Just my humble opinion.

 

RE: Nagaoka Swan - Impressions, posted on January 29, 2009 at 12:04:30
Godzilla.
Dealer

Posts: 1828
Joined: July 1, 2002
 >>> If you like acoustic jazz, in a small to medium room, at moderate level, with a SET amp, there is some magic happening. But that's about it.

This is why many fullrange driver fans like larger drivers. 6.5 and 8 inch full rangers handle more power, sound more relaxed, extend deeper into the bass (in many cases) and roll off their high's and are less trebbly. I have heard this driver in other back horns and basically agree with your comments but also point out the magic you refer to... there is a magic with many of these fullrange drivers. There are more modern box designs that probably sound better than the classic one you built. I think that box tries to make more bass than there really is and that's why it sounds the way it does. Enjoy it for what it does well. Once you get used to the sound it makes you may have a difficult time going back to more traditional speakers.

 

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