Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature System Speakers by drseid

Model:	Linbrook Signature System
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$5500
Description:	Full range speaker system using all SEAS Excel series drivers
Manufacturer URL:	Tyler Acoustics
Model Picture:	View

Review by drseid ( A ) on February 15, 2005 at 08:52:13
IP Address: 63.78.31.23

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I was first introduced to Tyler Acoustics speakers when I took a chance and bought some used Taylo Reference Monitors to replace my previous mains of 7-8 years (Legacy Audio Studios). Low bass was handled by an ACI Titan II subwoofer. After using the Taylos for a few months, I was so impressed, I decided to upgrade within the Tyler line...
I first upgraded direct through Tyler Acoustics to their Linbrook Signature Monitor for use with my front three channels (the center channel being magnetically shielded), while moving the Taylos to the rear three channels (I could not part with the Taylos, as they are just an unbelievable value). The Linbrook Signature Monitor features two 7 inch Seas Excel Magnesium mid/bass drivers and the excellent Millenium tweeter in an MTM formation (all of these drivers are super pricey).
When I did this, I noticed the Linbrook Signature Monitors had better bass extension than the more diminuitive Taylos. Midrange was about the same with a slight edge to the Linbrooks (possibly due to the 2 Seas Excel drivers as opposed to the 1 7 inch Excel Magnesium mid/bass driver used in the Taylos), and the highs were possibly a hair in favor of the Taylos (the Taylos use the Scanspeak Revelator tweeter that is a bit more detailed, IMO).
While I was quite happy with the Linbrooks overall, I was not completely satisfied with using them full-range without a sub for some pieces of music, as they did not get quite low enough for my taste by themselves on music with very low bass. The Taylos *always* needed a sub, but I felt that if I was going to upgrade to a speaker that cost 75 percent more money, I would like to avoid using the subwoofer at all, as it can cause minor integration issues (even though the ACI Titan II used is a great musical sub)...
That slight lack of low bass regret led me to "bite the bullet," so to speak, and pony up for the Linbrook Bass Modules to complete the front L/R speaker "System." Each Linbrook Bass Module takes the place of the Linbrook Signature monitor stand, and contains 2 8 inch Seas Excel Magnesium bass drivers in a very deep, but attractive housing (that lines up perfectly with the Linbrook Monitor for a seamless look). You hook your amp up to the bass unit (unpowered), and then the bass module hooks up to the Linbrook monitor through high-quality jumper cables (DH Labs). The bass unit has a crossover built in, and filters out the high frequencies from its section, also freeing up the monitors from low bass duties. This in effect makes the Linbrook System a three-way system.
Before describing the sound, I should mention the build quality on all Tyler speakers is phenominal... I bought mine in real Rosewood (including the bass modules) to match my other Tyler speakers I own, and they all look superb... 1 inch MDF is used on all Tyler speakers, and both the Linbrooks and Taylos use internal DH Labs wiring and Hovland caps, Alpha-core inductors, as well as many other high quality crossover components... Very impressive inside and out!
Now for the sound...
With the bass modules dialed into the system, I can honestly say the Linbrooks go from being an "excellent monitor" to a world-class killer full-range speaker.
Imaging is spot-on accurate, soundstage depth is quite impressive, as is height. The midrange effortlessly puts out pure notes, while the highs seem better balanced with the bass modules included as well... Then there is the bass...
The bass is just absolutely fabulous. Not only is there plenty of it, but it is low, can get loud if needed without audible distortion, and it is super tight and clean. The Linbrook System has by far the best sounding bass I have heard in the 10K and lower price range. The only speaker giving them a run for their money that I have heard is the Von Schweikert DB99s mkII. The DB99s, just for reference, list at 10K.
The end result is that the Tyler Linbrook System is one of the true values in audio... It is very natural sounding, has the tight clean low bass to deliver the complete audio performance (conservatively down to 25 hz), highs that never fatigue your ears, but capture all of the detail, and has a pure midrange that can make you cry.
Needless to say, I am a very happy customer, and like the wonderful Taylos they replace in the front, my Linbrook System speakers aren't going anywhere! They are true full-range speakers that allow music lovers on a budget (I realize that 5K still is a lot to spend for most) to feel like they are not compromising in the least, but instead get everything they could ask for at a very reasonable price (considering the high performance level and cost of the SEAS drivers alone).
Also, I should mention that Ty Lashbrook (the builder) is as honest and easy to deal with as they come. Anyone who fears dealing with an Internet only company, should have absolutely *no* worries here. Ty has given me lots of good advice... Many times that advice has saved me money (frequently at his expense). What more can you ask for from a business vendor/partner?

Product Weakness: Soundstage width could be a hair better (I had better width when I used the Taylos and Linbrooks as monitors on stands). These guys are *heavy* (155 pounds each)... I am not sure if I would call that a weakness, but it does make moving them around a bit difficult. Also, while fabulous looking, the Linbrook System is a big speaker... very small listening areas need not apply.
Product Strengths: Ty Lashbrook is the easiest person I have dealt with in high-end audio, build quality, driver quality and cost, midrange performance, tight accurate low bass, soundtage height and depth, imaging and value for the money.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Aragon 3002 (front L/R channels)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Cary Cinema 6 Pre/Pro
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Consonance CD-120
Speakers:	Linbrook Signature System (L/R)
Cables/Interconnects:	DH Labs Silver Sonic
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical (various selections), Allison Kraus, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Cirque du Soleil (various soundtracks) etc...
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4+ months of ownership
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Soundstage width could be a hair better (I had better width when I used the Taylos and Linbrooks as monitors on stands). These guys are heavy (155 pounds each)... I am not sure if I would call that a weakness, but it does make moving them around a bit difficult. Also, while fabulous looking, the Linbrook System is a big speaker... very small listening areas need not apply.
Product Strengths:	Ty Lashbrook is the easiest person I have dealt with in high-end audio, build quality, driver quality and cost, midrange performance, tight accurate low bass, soundtage height and depth, imaging and value for the money.