High Efficiency Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Decware HDT Speakers by msa

Model:	HDT
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1695.
Description:	Modified Fostex 206e, single driver, transmission line
Manufacturer URL:	Decware
Model Picture:	View

Review by msa ( A ) on December 31, 2004 at 10:34:39
IP Address: 66.67.137.115

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I now have about 100 hours on these speakers and believe that a first review of these would be helpful to prospective buyers. First,let me state how responsive and professional the folks at Decware are. One of the pair of speakers arrived damaged by the shipper. Steve Deckart, et al, immediately arranged to have the damaged speaker picked up, and it was replaced after two weeks (with a customized finish) by express shipping. That is first-class service.
Even out of the box, it was clear that these speakers were truly full-range, sensitive and had great potential. Now at 100 hours, that potential has been realized (with more to come). There is no shout from the high frequencies, which are extended. The midrange is liquid and detailed. The bass is well-controlled and not sloppy. I use a Rel sub from about 43 hz.
I have driven these speakers with 300b, 2A3 and 45 SE tube systems; all do equally well. At the moment I prefer the 2A3 with new Sovteks doing better than old double plate RCA's.
They are easy to set up in my room with only a slight toe-in for a wide and deep soundstage. On large orchestral pieces and small jazz combos, the imaging is precise.
For those of you who like the benefits of SET amps, these speakers are second to none that I have used; even my wife agrees. I rely upon her ears for commentary about the high frequencies since they are female, younger, and she is an oboe player.
Right now Billy Exkstine is singing "Imagination" and my cognac is waiting. Audition these, and you may just buy them. Enjoy!

Product Weakness: The speaker binding posts could be up-graded.
Product Strengths: Frequency balance, detail, sensitivity, soundstage, appearance.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Response Audio-modified Tulip 2A3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Wright-sound WLA12A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Accuphase 75v
Speakers:	HDT's
Cables/Interconnects:	All Nordost Blue heaven
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 18 x 8-14
Room Comments/Treatments:	rugs, soft and hard furniture
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Chang Lightspeed 6400
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	The speaker binding posts could be up-graded.
Product Strengths:	Frequency balance, detail, sensitivity, soundstage, appearance.