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Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?

74.4.247.113

Posted on April 9, 2017 at 13:25:55
ph5y
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Posts: 178
Location: DC
Joined: October 30, 2010
What's a good vintage model for orchestral music? It should have transients, imaging AND tight extended bass. (not to be picky.) I was wondering if a beat-up Klipsch Heresy with an old tube amp would be cost-effective. I considered Celestion 6xx with a subwoofer or even old Cambridge Soundworks Model 6 since I was impressed by their 17s which do some amazing things even though they are obviously compromised in the bass. The large Advents sound a bit slow to me -- used to own a pair. Maybe a KEF model would be most cost-effective. Ref One though now we're getting over a kilobuck which is a lot for moi. What about old DCM Time Windows? They go pretty cheap. I like cj Synthesis but they are very rare and the ported bass can be a little iffy. Just fishing for ideas. I might not buy anything for a while. Thanx!
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

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RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 9, 2017 at 13:45:56
Kingshead
Audiophile

Posts: 574
Location: Florida
Joined: September 14, 2016



Heresys should fill the bill down to about 50hz, and there's good output below that. But if you feel the need for that last octave after hearing them you could always add a couple of inexpensive Dayton SUB 1200's, they make great speaker stands putting the mid and tweets at the perfect height. Picture above of my living rm system. The Heresys are being vertically biamped by the Dynacos, I made a couple of changes to the crossover.

I also have a pair in the bedroom running off a small vintage Kenwood integrated amp without any subs and feel like I'm missing nothing, they're a great speaker that's stood the test of time, and then some.






 

No speaker I have heard -- vintage or current -- "does it all". nt, posted on April 9, 2017 at 14:27:40
briggs
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Posts: 1674
Location: Connecticut
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nt

 

RE: Klipschorn , posted on April 9, 2017 at 14:36:35

.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 9, 2017 at 15:33:14
Bill Way
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Contributor
  Since:
December 14, 2012
Heresy's will give you fast transients, good midrange, and tight response to their bottom limit, which I'd guess is somewhere in the high 40's at best. (Paul Klipsch once told me the Klipschorns "don't do much of anything below 40.") Heresy's are certainly a good place to start, and they can really sing with a good 30-watt tube amp. I've lived with Heresys and LaScalas, and enjoyed them both for years.

Another option is Spica TC-50's with a good powered subwoofer. You can find Spicas for $300 or less. Not the last word in resolving and detail, but hugely musical, great imaging, and easy to integrate with a sub (set at 6dB/octave at 80 Hz.)

Or.. Braun. Their L710 especially was quite special. They made lots of them, and A/D/S made more of the same in the U.S. under license, so finding a spare somewhat-working "parts" pair is doable.

The little Maggies (SMG, MMG, et al.) have great midrange, transients, and imaging, but not much down low.

One oddball: the Sequerra Met 7 Mk II. More extended up top than the Spicas, if not as smooth, and *very* surprising bottom end, which no one expects from small speakers. Superb imaging and transients. I lived with a pair for many years, without a sub, and was very happy. They are, sadly, very hard to find.

Yes, the Advent Loudspeaker is whumpy down low, but they do go *very* low. Stacked double Advents tighten up the bass a lot, and even bring out something of a decent midrange. Bring lots of high-damping-factor solid-state power - the more the better. They will never be the last word in transients or imaging.

Don't forget Vandersteen. They are all musical, and it's easy to find used pairs.

Good luck.

WW


"Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.

 

Question about the Klipsch recommendations, posted on April 9, 2017 at 16:16:41
hesson11
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Posts: 2277
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This isn't critical of Klipsch because I've never seriously listened to any in many years. So I'm just curious. I've read in various places that the Klipsch sound can tend toward brightness. Given the variable recording quality of massed violins in orchestral recordings, could the Klipsches tend toward glare or stridency?
-Bob

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 9, 2017 at 18:07:24
Grinnell
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Location: Front Range
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Instead of the Heresey try the Quartets- fuller range and with tubes probably not too bright

 

RE: Question about the Klipsch recommendations, posted on April 9, 2017 at 18:52:13
airtime
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Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
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I think the best way to put it is they are a "taste". The reason people like them for tubes is because they have a brighter top end. Now some vintage tube amps begin to roll off in just that range that the Klipsch are more forward in. Me personally - can't stand them. But like I said they are a taste.

I think a well balanced system should start with your amps and not need to be compensated for by your speakers.

 

RE: Question about the Klipsch recommendations, posted on April 9, 2017 at 19:54:36
fantja
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Posts: 15486
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Nice pics!
Infinity speakers would be a consideration as well.

 

RE: Question about the Klipsch recommendations, posted on April 9, 2017 at 20:06:47
russ69
Audiophile

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The Heresy is a very flat sounding loudspeaker, surprisingly so. It doesn't tolerate cheap equipment though so if you think a vintage 70s receiver is going to sound as sweet as a good tube amp, it ain't.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 9, 2017 at 20:09:04
russ69
Audiophile

Posts: 951
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A used pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8Bs.

 

I had the Spicas., posted on April 9, 2017 at 22:40:27
Harmonia
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They did many things well but IMO big orchestral was not one of them.

 

+1 on the ADS 710 ...810 even better yet. (nt), posted on April 10, 2017 at 06:43:36
reelsmith.
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.


reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 07:11:35
D960
Audiophile

Posts: 85
Joined: April 16, 2002
I bought a pair of Quad esl 63 last year and I am absolutely
happy with them. I mostly listen to classical music. Contrary to what many say they deliver enough clean bass and can be listened to outside the famous "sweet spot" without any major changes in sound.

 

Magnepan Tympanis, posted on April 10, 2017 at 07:15:16
E-Stat
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provide wonderfully tight bass and realistic scale for classical works.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 08:27:06
AudioSoul
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Posts: 4594
Location: north central AZ
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You don't mention the size of your room or what the power rating is on your amp but in a small to medium sized room my KEF 103.2 are great with classical and human voice.....I am using a Forte 1a 50 watt class A amp with mine....

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 12:31:06
fredtr
Audiophile

Posts: 1973
Location: Phoenix
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Same, ESl63's with Gradient like subs. I use them primarily to listen to classical at low to mid level volume. They don't do as well with other types of music, but I am very happy with them for classical.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 14:11:05
Kingshead
Audiophile

Posts: 574
Location: Florida
Joined: September 14, 2016



Someone mentioned Infinity, and I agree, especially if it's sporting the Emit-K tweet. I'm a real fan, my man cave sports the original Modulus System with a pair of Belles I amps biamping the sats lol. Kind of overkill I know, but they never run out of steam. And the speakers are deserving of the best amplification I can afford, they're that good.

As long as I'm on the subject why not let you here be the first to see the newly setup mancave. It's still only stereo which of course is paramount, but soon the two Carver TFM 15cb amps will see duty for movie watching driving the rear channels, with one bridged driving the center channel.

You asked specifically about the Heresy so why I commented on those first. Infinity and Klipsch couldn't be further apart in their aproach, one a highly sensitive easy to drive load, the other not so much. That's not to say Infinity didn't make some sensitive easy to drive speakers after Arnie left, the RS-325 for one, but it's not really their thing when you look at the higher end models. So good powerful amplification is kind of a must, flea watt amps shouldn't apply for the job.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 14:32:38
David Yost
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Posts: 959
Location: Atlanta
Joined: May 12, 2006
I think any of the McIntosh XRT speakers are good for this purpose. They image well, have low distortion, and have great dynamic range.

 

Orchestral adds a huge upgrade in requirements, posted on April 10, 2017 at 15:50:27
DrChaos
Audiophile

Posts: 2063
Location: San Diego
Joined: July 13, 2009
I personally don't think that many vintage speakers could really do full orchestral as well as good modern ones, especially for < a kilobuck.

Of course, smaller satellites & Quads could do chamber and limited dynamics orchestral extremely well, but there's still a limit.

I would look for large planars or planar-like, which will not be under a kilobuck.

Magnepan Tympani (will need expert checking & refurb)
B&W Matrix 801 for conventional with big bass. They had more even frequency response back then in the 80's than they do now, and that's why they were used in mastering studios.

and then the really rare magic ones

Infinity IRS
Apogee Diva/Grand (!)


Personally I would not go quite so vintage if you don't want project---you could get a Magnepan 3 series, like 3.6 for $2000, add in a subwoofer or two and good crossover or even better room correction like Anti-Mode, Anthem or Dirac.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 18:03:50
George S. Roland
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Location: N W Pennsylvania
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I have owned quite a few loudspeakers in my time including two Klipsch models (Cornwalls and Klipschorns). My experience with the Klipsch speakers is that they are quite colored. Horn colorations that make orchestral strings screechy and that obscure delicate timbral differences in orchestral instruments. If you want a high-efficiency speaker, used, at a reasonable price, I would recommend Altec Lansing Model 19s. I owned a pair of these on two different occasions and found them less colored and harsh than Klipsch's products. I bought one pair for $1,800 and another for $1,200. Current listings on e-Bay asking $4,000 + are way too high, which would explain why they haven't sold despite being on offer for months.

For dynamic speakers, I have enjoyed PSB products. I used to have Stratus Golds which I thought excellent, so much so that when I went looking for a pair of small speakers for a second system, I went for Stratus Minis--a really nice little stand-mounted two-way.

Currently, I have B&W Matrix 801 Series II which are, by a fairly significant margin the best dynamic speakers I have heard. Clean, detailed and articulate with excellent bass, I think for a used price of about $2,000-$2,500, you could do a lot worse.

In the planar area, I have owned Magnepan 1.6s, which were very nice speakers, but my final vote would go for Quad ESL-63s, which play plenty loudly enough for me, even on big classical works like those of Mahler or Bruckner, have quite acceptable bass, and are extremely free of colorations. The diaphragms in these are so large and light that they respond nearly instantly to the starts and stops of musical sounds. Transients are thus so naturally reproduced that they are uncannily real. Ravishing orchestral string tone, no squealing tenors and sopranos, no listener fatigue.

Hope this helps.

 

RE: Question about the Klipsch recommendations, posted on April 10, 2017 at 19:32:58
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
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Another way to think of it is that Klipsch were designed in the early tube era and simply designed to the equipment in use at that time. Having said that their current bookshelf models are also aggressive in the treble. I wonder if it's a consequence of their high efficiency somehow.
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 19:38:02
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
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Nice rig! I like the finish. This is the first time I have heard a sub recommended for its brilliance as a speaker stand! But what you say makes sense.
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 19:46:57
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
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Quad ESLs are probably beyond my budget. But isn't it dangerous to buy them used? I think of them as delicate speakers that nobody can repair except Quad, at a very high cost. Like buying a used sports car. Am I wrong?
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

Agree., posted on April 10, 2017 at 19:53:41
Harmonia
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Posts: 1930
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Although they need space and some serious amplification.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 19:53:47
ph5y
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Posts: 178
Location: DC
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I have 50 wpc NAD in a room around 15 feet square, but am hoping to go tube someday. I have been wondering about the 103.2. They are affordable, well-made, and a simple 2-way design that can retain its performance over time and compete with current speakers. Would you agree?
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 19:58:49
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: April 14, 2009
Are you Serious about this??
IF so save up... and Buy a Firstwatt amp and a Pair of Tannoy dual concentric speakers.
You will Never want to upgrade again.. for as long as you shall live.

Even Nelson Pass uses this.. which should be ample endorsement :-)

Don't believe? Not my problem Mate.

 

Dynacos !??, posted on April 10, 2017 at 20:02:13
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1877
Joined: April 14, 2009
Inarguably THE worst sounding Amps sold to Naive Audio wannabees.. ever.
Small credence given when those are in one's system.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 20:20:21
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
Joined: October 30, 2010
Thanks for input! I have always wanted to own Quads, but even used they are pricey, and expensive to ship. Do you find them reliable? I imagine repairs are very expensive. How do you find the detailing on PSBs?
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

Are you into large scale orchestral?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 20:59:57
Harmonia
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Posts: 1930
Location: Midwestern USA
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Because if you are, having gone down this road a couple times , I find it's not that easy to do big classical well - at least not on the cheap.

I don't like horns. But I do like planars, and owned various Maggies for a few years. What I replaced them with, that truly satisfied my ears, were Alon IVs Mk II. They were $1200 used back in 1999, so they're probably selling for around 1K or maybe less now. They want some juice from the amp, at least 200 watts, and current too. But they will fill a large room with glorious, dynamic, large scale classical music, and be just as good on vocals and chamber. They are dipoles, so they need to be away from the back wall. But the Alon open baffle speakers are very open and unboxy sounding. (With the Alons, I felt like I was getting most of what I iked about planars but with better bass and dynamics.) If you have a smallish/medium sized room, Alon IIs would work, and they might be easier to find and cost less than the IVs. (There's a pair on A-gon now for $500.) See review of the IVs from TAS below.

A different path could be looking at something newer, like the GoldenEar Triton 7s. They don't come up used very often, but they do get traded in as folks upgrade to the newer model Tritons. They retail for only $1400 new so they are a steal used.

BTW, if you think vintage Quads are scary, Apogee Divas are truly terrifying! (But they sound wonderful.)

 

KEF 107, Acoustat spectra 22, Infinity Kappa 9, all hard to good..., posted on April 10, 2017 at 21:33:59
cktc
Audiophile

Posts: 287
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as long as you have matching amp.

 

Does this include the Tannoy System 800 speakers?? Could you say, posted on April 10, 2017 at 21:40:24
alaskahiatt
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which Tannoy model or models you are referring to. Thanks.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 10, 2017 at 21:54:00
George S. Roland
Audiophile

Posts: 1464
Location: N W Pennsylvania
Joined: March 20, 2004
I paid $1,800 for my first pair of Quads (ESL-63) and $1,300 for the second pair--those I have presently. I spent about $600-800 on the second pair because, though they were working, I wanted them gone over and some minor problems resolved. I do not consider that excessive. I think maybe the best strategy is to buy a pair cheap ($800 or so) that are in decent cosmetic condition but aren't playing, and have them fully restored--often ca. $2-3K depending on what needs to be done. Anything can break--foam driver surrounds rot, crossovers go out of spec., etc.
Quads are not for arena-rock volumes--they will break, but at reasonable listening levels, I would consider them reliable. One thing I would be cautious about is buying one of the newer Quads (Made in China). I believe there are genuine quality control problems with them, and they are not substantially different from the ESL-63s, so I'd stick with the older ones. Otherwise, I found them pretty reliable. The first pair I had for about eight years. Regrettably I sold them. The present owner is very pleased with them, "magical" he said, and they are still going strong. For example:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/planars-quad-esl-63-fully-refurbished-2013-by-electrostatic-solutions-2017-04-04-speakers-63017-town-and-country-mo

I really think PSBs are excellent. If I were looking for a full range dynamic speaker used, at ca. $800 a pair, I would probably buy a pair of Stratus Gold i. Nice looking, smooth, low coloration speakers with robust bass. Paul Barton builds really outstanding-sounding speakers at bargain prices.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 11, 2017 at 01:05:15
Baranyi
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I like many of the suggestions made but an obvious one would be Shahinians. The obelisk definitely has a slice of magic with classical music. Amazing bass for a little speaker. I find the omnidirectional approach well suited for classical.

 

RE: Dynacos !??, posted on April 11, 2017 at 02:37:44
Kingshead
Audiophile

Posts: 574
Location: Florida
Joined: September 14, 2016



The new caps that went into my Dynacos when refurbished.

First, tell that to the late great J Gordon Holt. Second, until you've heard my setup you know not of what you speak padawan.

Here's an excerpt from one of Gordon's reviews:

Listening
We compared the SAE Mark II with four other amplifiers: a Dynaco Stereo 70 and a pair of Marantz Model 9s (two of the best tube-type amps), the top-rated (to date) Dynaco Stereo 120 transistor amp, and one of the costliest and most highly-rated Marantz solid-state units, the Model 15. Listening tests were made using a variety of representative loudspeaker systems.

The above came from a review 3 yrs after the ST120'S debut and it was still Stereophile's top rated SS amp, go figure. Not bad for the worst sounding amp ever.

But you keep shouting how bad they are along with the other ill informed, it helps to keep the prices down for those who know better, he says laughing all the way to the bank.

 

Magnepan 1.6, posted on April 11, 2017 at 05:03:09
Green Lantern
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Your question falls under the category of "ask a hundred people, you'll get a hundred different answers".

Anyway-provided you have an adequate room and high current amp you can't go wrong with the MG1.6.

these days they hover around $800-$900.











 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 11, 2017 at 06:35:54
fredtr
Audiophile

Posts: 1973
Location: Phoenix
Joined: January 4, 2005
The glue used to attach the stator's to the grid frames deteriorates over time. Besides for re-glueing, my experience is that augmenting them with a sub and crossing them over at few hundred Hz relieves a lot of the stress, increasing reliability.

 

Good one., posted on April 11, 2017 at 06:58:05
Harmonia
Audiophile

Posts: 1930
Location: Midwestern USA
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Totally forgot about this speaker. I would takes the Obelisks over the Maggie 1.6s. But I would stear clear of the Compass.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 11, 2017 at 09:47:32
AudioSoul
Audiophile

Posts: 4594
Location: north central AZ
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I totally agree. That's why I own some....

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 11, 2017 at 12:46:19



My choice

 

RE: Are you into large scale orchestral?, posted on April 11, 2017 at 14:51:13
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
Joined: October 30, 2010
Thanks for the ideas and the link. I've heard Alons back in the 90s and thought they were good speakers albeit bulky. I like Maggies so that's a thought. There's a Golden Ear dealer a half mile away so I should go listen to some of those models. They make a $700 bookshelf model and I think it has a passive radiator. Not sure if it does bass well. I don't need pipe organ bass, but just a good solid foundation. Thanks again!
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Are you into large scale orchestral?, posted on April 11, 2017 at 16:51:21
Kingshead
Audiophile

Posts: 574
Location: Florida
Joined: September 14, 2016



If considering speakers with passive radiators and want a big sound for little money Klipsch could still be on your radar. The KG 3.2 won't break your bank, looks awesome, doesn't need a sub, and will fill a large room.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 12, 2017 at 04:11:01
fin1bxn@msn.com
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Posts: 2215
Location: new jersey
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ADS L910 they were used in classical master labs and can rock too. They can also be placed against the wall if needed. If you can find them they go for under a 1000

I have a pr in my bedroom system.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 12, 2017 at 05:23:06
BillH
Audiophile

Posts: 3913
Location: Baton Rouge
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First, there is probably no speaker that "does it all," especially with regard to classical, but some of the classic speakers mentioned, such as QUAD, Tannoy, and Stratus Gold, do most of it very well.

Less commonly mentioned these days, but less expensive, is the Spendor BC1, which did it all in its day.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 12, 2017 at 05:58:14
BigguyinATL
Manufacturer

Posts: 3475
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Yes tyhe Obelisk is a good "does it all speaker - though because it is still available does it qualify as "vintage" I bought my pair in 1980 - sold for engagement ring money in 1982. Still married, Still remember excellent listening sessions (and parties) where the Shahinian's served up their "Polyradial" sound!


"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius

 

QUAD FREDs (any of the smaller models) plus stereo subs / swarms. , posted on April 12, 2017 at 17:57:47
Timbo in Oz
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Plus Eq OR DSP for time/phase and FR Eq - when you can afford it.

I can't, yet.


Warmest

Tim Bailey

Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger


 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 13, 2017 at 06:22:33
Dave Billinge
Audiophile

Posts: 1008
Location: Hampshire
Joined: June 7, 2005
A friend has a pair of modded Celestion SL600s with the 6000 dipole subs and his system is the best I know on orchestral music and indeed on anything else. Surrounding kit is also good of course.

Dave

 

RE: Magnepan 1.6, posted on April 13, 2017 at 07:44:05
delaney@rea-alp.com
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Posts: 955
Location: Minnesota
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Yep, and add a small REL sub and you'll have magic.

 

RE: Magnepan Tympanis, posted on April 13, 2017 at 10:49:20
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
Joined: October 30, 2010
Which are the Tympanis? I vaguely recall they had a number of models called Tympani. Are those better than later ones or what is the operative distinction? Thanks.
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Magnepan Tympanis, posted on April 13, 2017 at 11:16:01
E-Stat
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They were the earliest (and largest) models dating back to the early 70s. The current models are more coherent and have higher transparency, but the big T-IIIs were superior at the low end, IMHO.

In simplified terms there was the 1-U and its updates, the III and the IV. It was hearing the eight panel IIIs in '74 that introduced me to them using Audio Research electronics. I had never before heard anything that realistic sounding with large scale symphonic content.

Click here for a list of the models. Here's the T-III:



It uses a pair of two-panel midrange/tweeters and a single four panel woofer.

 

This should do it !!, posted on April 13, 2017 at 11:45:07
jtpzenith
Audiophile

Posts: 607
Joined: November 4, 2002



nt

 

correction: all hard to beat (nt), posted on April 13, 2017 at 12:35:56
cktc
Audiophile

Posts: 287
Location: So Cal.
Joined: May 7, 2005
.

 

Have Paragon..., posted on April 13, 2017 at 12:37:36
E-Stat
Audiophile

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April 5, 2002
will travel! :)

 

RE: This should do it !!, posted on April 13, 2017 at 13:31:38
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
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That is SO 50s / early 60s. Good old days in most ways.

I remember listening to giant Bozaks and Empire whatever they were calleds. And AR's live versus recorded concerts.
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 13, 2017 at 13:34:39
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
Joined: October 30, 2010
Thanks for the info! Can't yet afford Quads but there is a PSB dealer nearby!
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

That looks like Richard Boone [nt], posted on April 13, 2017 at 13:35:13
steve.ott@kctcs.edu
Audiophile

Posts: 795
Joined: January 16, 2009
nt

 

Here ya go Thanks for the memories . . ., posted on April 13, 2017 at 13:38:31
alaskahiatt
Audiophile

Posts: 7483
Joined: December 9, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
November 1, 2005
nt

 

Thiel CS 2.2, posted on April 13, 2017 at 13:41:20
steve.ott@kctcs.edu
Audiophile

Posts: 795
Joined: January 16, 2009
Can be found for under a grand, have superlative imaging and soundstaging, natural timbres and are easier to drive than later thiels, and not as bright. Don't know your amp capabilities or how big you room is, but I'm driving mine with 40w/ch class A triode(push-pull) in a 17x15x10 ft room, and they sound fabulous. Very good, tight bass down into the 30's. I listen to classical 99% of the time.

 

Actually, a loudspeaker should do nothing. nt, posted on April 14, 2017 at 13:09:27
briggs
Audiophile

Posts: 1674
Location: Connecticut
Joined: April 16, 2002
nt

 

RE: Magnepan Tympanis interesting fact(?), posted on April 15, 2017 at 14:26:54
ph5y
Audiophile

Posts: 178
Location: DC
Joined: October 30, 2010
I'd love to hear it but not to ship it? I guess you would have to hire a train! One interesting thing I heard about Mags is that the design works best if the space behind them is infinite. That being impossible, a very large room works best, with the Mags out in the middle. Or so somebody was claiming.
It's never too late to turn back the clock.

 

RE: Magnepan Tympanis interesting fact(?), posted on April 16, 2017 at 05:30:15
E-Stat
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Posts: 37460
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
April 5, 2002
One interesting thing I heard about Mags is that the design works best if the space behind them is infinite.

Nonsense. They would lose some of their bass if the rear wave was totally lost. It is true, however, that large dipoles they need space behind them to breathe. The Rule of Thirds works very well for initial placement.

I've lived with dipoles for over forty years. Using measurements, I get the most neutral bass response with my big stats about eight feet out from the wall.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 19, 2017 at 08:00:55
D960
Audiophile

Posts: 85
Joined: April 16, 2002
More than 30K pairs of Quad esl 63 have been sold and there are numerous experts who are able to repair them. In Germany for example it is the Quad GmbH who had bought the original machines from Quad and is able to repair used models like the 57 and the 63. I bought a used pair which is more than 30 years old and it works fine.

 

RE: Thiel CS 2.2, posted on April 20, 2017 at 07:43:31
Bob Neill
Dealer

Posts: 2953
Location: New England
Joined: October 1, 1999
Only Thiel I could ever listen to, very nice speaker.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on April 23, 2017 at 09:30:12
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001
I used to sell Klipsch and still own a pair of Heresys, but aside from dynamics, I would not recommend them for classical, although a subwoofer or 2 would help considerably. Celestion and KEF are excellent choices. Time Windows never worked for me. I never understood their popularity. Energy is often overlooked, but they did very well with classical, particularly if you go up the line. Spendors can be breathtaking if you don't need to play loud. Big ADS speakers will play loud and have a relatively neutral balance, but are not as transparent as Spendors. As I said ADS will play loud, really loud with the right amplification. There was a reason why Telarc used them.

Dave

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on May 21, 2017 at 22:36:55
ricpan@verizon.net
Audiophile

Posts: 2
Joined: November 17, 2014



I have a set of 1969 Bozak Concert Grands that are bi amped and rebuilt crossovers that is nice with classical music. Maybe one of the best. Need a large room to though.

 

RE: Magnepan Tympanis, posted on May 31, 2017 at 07:38:44
A.Wayne
Audiophile

Posts: 2527
Location: Front row center
Joined: November 30, 2011
Thats a serious setup .....

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on June 2, 2017 at 01:13:38
KanedaK
Audiophile

Posts: 2515
Location: Brussels
Joined: April 27, 2010
Big vintage Bozak: concert grand, symphony,,..

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on June 2, 2017 at 01:16:06
KanedaK
Audiophile

Posts: 2515
Location: Brussels
Joined: April 27, 2010
...

 

RE: Question about the Klipsch recommendations, posted on June 4, 2017 at 10:39:44
Don Reid
Audiophile

Posts: 886
Location: Rural NW Georgia
Joined: February 2, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
April 1, 2010
I owned a pair of K-horns for several years. I listened to them full range briefly then disconnected the mid and high horns and used the bass bins along with my wide range and super tweeter horns. I found the mids and highs to be too harsh for my ears.
I dream of an America where a chicken can cross the road without having it's motives questioned.

 

RE: Vintage speaker for classical that does it all?, posted on March 5, 2018 at 14:55:50
Gidorra
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Location: London
Joined: March 5, 2018
Hi guys! I know I'm asking the world for impossible, but: can you, or anyone, please throw the Modulus documentation on the scanner? I could only find the technical sheet for the satellites, but not the manual, so I am not sure what's with the know on the back of the speakers; and also I'd like the owner's manual for the sub, and possibly the sub's technical sheet... I just pieced together the entire system with original stands on Ebay; I had the satellites since the early 90s, but circumstances dictated that I had locked them away in storage for the past decade. So now I want to badly snuggle up to my beloved Modulus again :)

 

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