|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
In Reply to: Re: Speaker recommendations needed: detailed, punchy, warm, accurate, efficient???? Help!! posted by gmood1 on May 29, 2003 at 02:32:32:
I have recently added the Soliloquy 6.3s to my system. I think Soliloquys may be what your looking for although the 6.3s are probably too large, the 5.3s should be perfect and are in your price range. Silk tweeter... and the sound is spectacular. Well worth considering.
Sim
Follow Ups:
Really?? I was under the impression that Soliloquy speakers weren't quite up to par and were more of a mid-fi product. I read some reviews that were not too favorable as well. Can you tell me more and elaborate on how you might describe their sound? I was really interested in them at one point, but after reading some negative things, I decided not to consider them.
My compliments to you on generating an interesting and stimulating discussion. Clearly, there is a wide range of opinion, almost as much as there are people listening. This says to me that speaker choice is very subjective and ultimately needs to meet your needs and ears. So, my comments are my perceptions and may not apply to your ears and listening area. Sounds like in-home auditioning will be important for you if you can make that work.
First, my comments are based on my experience with the 6.3s. I would defer comment to others on the 5.3s. Second,I have 54 year old ears and wanted a sound that was not too bright, instead clear, with solid mid range. I listen to rock, acoustical mix, and classical genre. Sources are primarily vinyl but also a fair amount from cds. The soliloquys (which I bought used after research similar to yours) are broken in, an important factor in these speakers. They also met my budget ($1700 used). Finally, my listening area is fairly spacious and open.
The sound is perfect for me. First, the mid range is clear, warm and full ... the most important element to my listening. Second the highs are clear, not harsh or bright. My criteria is based on how the triangle sounds in a classical piece for this. Finally the bass is appropriate ... I mean that in music where it should be present and up-front... it is. My criteria here is the reproduction of the cannons in the Telarc soundstream digital 1812 overture lp which are reproduced in house rattling fashion, actually causing the dogs to head upstairs! But in music where the bass should be subtle, it is. The 6.3s may be too large for your criteria. I can't speak to the issue of mid-fi. I like these speakers and they meet my needs. Good luck with your quest. Please let us allnow how it ends up. Good luck.
Sim
I read some interesting reviews about the Soliloquy 5.3 last night. They seem to be an interesting product and they look good on paper. I heard their bass described as "boomy" on more than one occassion, which makes me hesitate. I hate boomy bass, instead prefering tight, defined musical bass. Other than that, another issue is that they are read ported. I had hoped to find a transmission line or front ported speaker because in my listening space I am forced to have the speakers relatively close to the wall. In any case, the Soliloquys look like a fine product that is worth hearing. I'm going to try to audition them. Thanks for the recommendations.
Yeah I have read the same reviews about boomy bass.But sometimes it's best to findout for yourself. Bass will start off heavy if they are new,but giving them a good 500 hrs of playing and it's another world!The sound will completely change.Even the highs start a little rolled off but the tweeter is designed the same way.I had to sell my nordost blue heaven speaker wires after the Soliloquys broke in.Images are solid and soundstage is wide and deep.These speakers don't like recievers very well.Pair them with quality components and you will be in heaven.I have certain recordings that I have heard many times.But after owning these and going thru several amps.I discovered in the same recordings I could actually hear the singer turn her head and know the direction she turned! No midfi speaker can do this!And some highly regarded can't do this either.One of the guys on audiogons forum who owns the 5.3s upgraded to Aerial T 10s.And found out that it really wasn't an upgrade.Think about it... when is the last time you heard a 5 1/2 or 6 1/2 inch driver sound boomy! I have heard many 8,10 and 12 inch drivers that are so slow it made me nauseas! Good luck to you and trust your ears first.
I spoke with a Soliloquy dealer today and explained that I have a small listening room where I have to place the speakers very close to the wall and he said that in such a configuration, the 5.3s would be a mistake. A friend of mine has offered me a used pair of Jean Marie Reynaud Euterpes. I'm goind to check those out.
I understand...Yeah I suppose 14 inches to 24 inches is the closest you could put them to the wall.I wish you had the room to try them out thou.Good luck with the Reynauds.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: