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General Asylum General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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Model: Alon IV Category: Speakers Suggested Retail Price: $ 3900 Description: Floor standing full range speaker Manufacturer URL: Acarian Systems, Ltd. Model Picture: View
Review by tomtom58 on March 08, 2017 at 07:34:52
IP Address: 161.185.150.85Add Your Review
for the Alon IVI have had the Alon IV for about 18 months now. I purchased used for $750.
First a quick review of speakers I have had over the last 15 years: Dahlquist DQ20 (same designer as the Alon IV, Carl Marchisotto), Legacy Focus, Magnepan MGIII, Eminent Technology LFT8b, Klipsch Forte, and a few other lesser speakers.
The Legacies had great dynamics and punch with the 95db efficiency and three 12" woofers, but after I heard the Magnepans I fell in love with the larger than life dipole sound. That led me to the LFT8b because I wanted the greater bass output. These have been my main speakers for the past 4 years until I picked up the Alon IV. Having had (and still have as a main reference speaker) the DQ20, and being that the Alon is also designed by Carl Marchisotto, I had to try them. After picking them up for $750 18 months ago, they are now my new main speakers. I went back and forth many times hooking up the LFT8bs against the Alons and every time I ended up with the Alons in place. This is largely due to their superior dynamics and bass slam and ease to drive over the LFT8b. They just have more dynamics but also retain the air, though not quite as much as the LFT8b. The 12" woofer and sealed cabinet (acoustic suspension) make the room shake on low notes like the organ notes form Also Sprach Zarathustra. The crossover to the midrange is at 200hz so the smallish 5" midrange does seem to get overlapped by the upper bass of the 12" at times depending on type of music but mostly the drivers integrate well. The 1" metal dome tweeter is very smooth without being harsh in my opinion. The midrange and tweeter are mounted on an open baffle which gives the speaker a wide soundstage and airy sound.
One caveat I think is room size, placement, and treatments. I have experienced a dead spot in the bass depending on where I place the speakers. I have not tried room treatments but suspect they may help in the corners.
The Alons are rated at 87db efficiency so although not highly efficient, they play very loudly with my 120 wpc Quicksilver V4's. This is one reason why I like them better than the LFT8b which are rated at 83db; they just come to life that much easier and shake the room better!
Product Weakness: Heavy with grills. 100 lbs.<br>For optimum performance, they need to be tri-wired.<br>Sound a little bass heavy at times but this can be remedied through proper placement and room treatments.<br> Product Strengths: Bass dynamics.<br>Wide soundstage.<br>Nice highs.<br>Airy sound of dipoles. Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Quicksilver V4 monoblocks, 120 wpc Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Audio Research SP-9 Mkiii Sources (CDP/Turntable): Marantz 9600 SACD, VPI Classic 2 Speakers: ET LFT8b, Legacy Focus, Dahlquist DQ20 Cables/Interconnects: Anticables Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Fusion, Acoustic Jazz, Classic Rock Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 12 x 8 Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
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Topic - REVIEW: Acarian Systems, Ltd. Alon IV Speakers - tomtom58 07:34:52 03/08/17 (0)
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