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I Really Like Speakers

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Posted on June 28, 2020 at 21:14:59
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 The more, the merrier.

I like swapping them out once in a while for a totally different flavor. I've tried staying with one, but no matter how good they sound, I still like to change them out.

Is that weird or pretty common?


"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

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RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on July 28, 2020 at 12:57:25
Tom Schuman
Audiophile

Posts: 2632
Location: Bremen
Joined: October 22, 2003
 I love speakers too. At the same time, I hate them :)

My list, in chronological order, going back 30 years:

Onkyo and Acoustic Research knock-offs (white van speakers!) (in college)
Pinnacle monitors
Cambridge Soundworks sub/sat
Mordaunt Short monitors
Castle Isis(incredible midrange)
NHT 2.5
Castle again
Morel Renaissance Preludes
Silverline SR17
Maggie MMG
B&W 303 (backup speakers)
Decware Radials !
epos standmounters
JM Labs /Focal 714
Tannoy active monitors
Naim
Goodmans vintage floorstanders
Image Loudspeakers, monitors from New Zealand
ESS PS5 with the AMT Heil
Mission monitors
JBL pro monitors

etc...
and this is only the speakers I can remmeber owning!

I have to say my favorites were the the Maggies - properly amplified - and the ESS (or the Castles and the Morels)

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on July 26, 2020 at 16:15:59
BIOMAN
Audiophile

Posts: 208
Joined: April 6, 2002
 Currently, own GR Research NXtreme with Open Baffle servo subs. Sitting unused are a pair of GR Research LS-9 line source.

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on July 19, 2020 at 17:41:03
mondial
Audiophile

Posts: 891
Location: S.E. ASIA
Joined: January 14, 2007
 I have 4 pairs of speakers . The Duntech C 5000 Princess , the Magnepan MG3A , the Snell Type A 2 and the JBL 4311B . The last two are still in my parents home . I usually rotate between my Duntech C5000 w/c I use in my not so late model set up and the Magnepan MG3A I used in my Vintage system . All electronics use are vintage and late model ARC

 

"no thanks, I'm trying to cut back....", posted on July 19, 2020 at 08:15:00
Waxxy
Audiophile

Posts: 2648
Joined: July 19, 2011
Contributor
  Since: November 22, 2011
 The big thing keeping me from buying another dozen sets of speakers "to try" is divorce. My wife has been very patient over the years, but if I was to cave in to my every whim, I'd have 30 pairs of speakers in-house! I need to be disciplined!

Currently...

ProAc Studio 140
ProAc D38
Klipsch RB-5
Davis Acoustics Olympia One Master
ELAC 310ce
ElectroVoice SP12b (raw drivers waiting for a baffle)

I'd really like to try electrostats, Maggie's, full range horns, and a gaggle of cool mini-monitors. I'm not done yet, but my new self imposed rule is that I have to sell something before I buy something.

 

Good luck, Waxxy., posted on July 19, 2020 at 10:13:00
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 I've had a ton of speakers at one point and sold everything when I felt I was done with the game.

Fast-forward a few years and I'm back repurchasing many of the speakers I let go, and then some.

I realize that I buy very few speakers on a whim, but only after much thought and patience, as I always buy used. Essentially, I liked them all alot and probably should never have sold them.

I don't have a significant other to keep me in check. I'm sure that is the only reason I have so many speakers again.

Wish you luckk with the one in/one out policy.

Cheers.





"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on July 5, 2020 at 17:00:04
dave123456@mail.com
Audiophile

Posts: 758
Location: Orange County, California
Joined: December 5, 2002
 Pretty common for me to switch out speakers. I recently switched out my psb Stratus Mini's for Dynaudio Audience 42's just because I wanted a change. I also have a pair of Tekton Lores with casters so I can roll them out in the living when I'm home alone. There are a few different speakers I'd pick up if I came across a deal.

 

RE: I also Really Like Speakers, posted on July 1, 2020 at 13:14:40
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 i have three pair that i like to swap in and out.

Spendor S3/5s with sub.

MMGs with sub.

Fried Model RIIs with or without sub but sub preferred.

the frieds are big and heavy so rotate in infrequently. when they do, the transient response keeps these competitive with more modern speakers. without a sub, the frieds impact and extension was handily enhanced with a SLIGHT twist on my arc SP3a1's bass control. a good example of how great equipment simplifies your life and adds a good dose of satisfaction.
...regards...tr

 

I currently own..., posted on July 1, 2020 at 12:36:54
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7956
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Wayne Picquet refurbished original Quads.
Martin Logans.
Proac Tablette 10
Proac Tablette 10 Signature
PSB Alpha 5 (a stunning bargain)
Peachtree D4's
HifiMan Arya (headphone)










'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

It's a good hobby, not weird IMHO, posted on June 30, 2020 at 18:48:29
Jay Buridan
Audiophile

Posts: 10271
Location: Michigan
Joined: January 21, 2004
 Enjoy your hobby :)

"Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. "
― W.C. Fields

 

Thanks., posted on June 30, 2020 at 19:36:09
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Still enjoying your old speakers, although they're out of rotation at the moment. I think I've come closest to being a one speaker guy with them, though.
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 17:22:38
TEA FOR ONE
 I do that. I rotate 3 sets of speakers through my system. I don't think any of them sound better than the others,just different. I like different flavors too.

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 15:29:05
430cruz
Audiophile

Posts: 253
Location: S. E. Pennsylvania
Joined: March 13, 2009
 Common for me since 1982.
I have always loved speakers the most in the audio game. Whether I bought them or built them there has always been a fascination with speakers. As a youngster, 10-12 years old, I was smitten with how different speakers created unique presentations and that was it....addicted to audio. As a trumpet player since 4th grade my ears where tools and speakers offered the greatest range of differential that I could not stop investigating. By the age of 14 I had two or three pairs, mid teens to mid twenties started the heavier rotation of quality speakers still maintaining three or more sets for swapping in/out. At the height of my spending there were times that I had speakers lining the walls of a spare room like a showroom. Large floor standers to stand mounts from Thiel, Paragon, Wilson, ML, Snell, Ariel, B&W, JM Lab, Osborne. Kits from Focal, Dynaudio, North Creek, SEAS....the list goes on. Fascinated does not begin to scratch the surface,
I was up to 20 pairs at one point and my wife said "I think you have an addiction!" to which I replied "I'm a collector of audio art." At least that is what I tried to convince myself of.

Some time down the road it was all sold off to take a break....yeah?
Nope, I count a total of seven pairs spread around the house again. This time I have three systems to justify some of the madness and keep the spares staged in my home office.

So if this is not normal then I am full on nuts for speakers.

Please tell me this is normal ?!?

 

Sorry. I think you're "nuts for speakers", posted on June 30, 2020 at 18:27:19
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Which I support 100%, BTW.

What blows my mind is the speaker cone produces different sounds and frequencies. I mean, it's just a half circle and all these wonderful noises emit from them.

How cool is that!
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: Sorry. I think you're "nuts for speakers", posted on July 27, 2020 at 20:57:45
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8383
Joined: June 3, 2006
 Exactly what I cannot fathom, how a simple cone can make all those frequencies and also how it can exactly reproduce Sinatra and Stevie Wonder. Another thing I still havent believed in spite of flying so often is how a plane can simply take off after a short run. I think we live in a fantasy world.

Cheers
Bill

 

RE: Sorry. I think you're "nuts for speakers", posted on July 2, 2020 at 05:25:40
430cruz
Audiophile

Posts: 253
Location: S. E. Pennsylvania
Joined: March 13, 2009
 Exactly !
Even now that I understand the physics and mechanics it is still intriguing. Far above any other piece of the audio chain.

 

I Forgot to Add, posted on June 30, 2020 at 15:21:55
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 To a 'T' I've said this about the speakers I own: Man, I could really live these for a very long time.

Right now, I'm saying that about the Acoustic Technologies Classic with its 3" drivers. Mind boggling good, IMO.
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 10:04:30
George S. Roland
Audiophile

Posts: 1470
Location: N W Pennsylvania
Joined: March 20, 2004
 I have had many speakers. Let me try to list them
B&O Beovox S60s
Bose 901s
Klipsch Cornwalls
KEF 104aBs
PSB Stratus Golds
Klipsch Klipschorns
Magnepan 1.6 QR (two times)
Altec Lansing Model 19 (two times)
Thiel CS 3.6s
Quad ESL-63s (two times)
Quad ESL (57s)
B&W Matrix 801 IIs

The last three I still have and enjoy swapping them back and forth.

I bet I'm the only one here who bought three pairs of speakers TWICE!

Now that's obsessive!

 

You're not alone, posted on June 30, 2020 at 13:30:04
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 About 9 years ago I started having back pain and couldn't sit and lean back. I realized that I only sat in the sweet spot about an hour a month for several months.

I stupidly decided to sell all my gear. Regretted it a few years later.

I've repurchased: Bose 901, JMR Trente, Dunlavy SC-I, C&C Abby, Merlin Master TSM and AZ Adagios.

I don't think I'm selling my speakers again.





"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: You're not alone, posted on July 1, 2020 at 12:19:21
George S. Roland
Audiophile

Posts: 1470
Location: N W Pennsylvania
Joined: March 20, 2004
 Whoa! You beat me re-buying speakers. I'll have to tell my wife, whose response to my audio "hobby" is, "You're crazy!" Now...maybe not so crazy.

What you and I need to do is buy a couple more houses to equip with systems!

 

RE: You're not alone, posted on July 2, 2020 at 16:56:10
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Before I sold almost all my gear a while back I had three systems in my old rental house. One pretty decent one downstairs, on OK one in a small upstairs TV room, and my bestest in the large bedroom.

This is how dedicated I was: I put a small bed in my walk-in closet so I could use the large bedroom for my stereo. My son had use of the two smaller bedrooms.

In case you were wondering: Yes, I am single.
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 21:43:38
Presto
Audiophile

Posts: 5957
Location: Canada
Joined: November 10, 2004
 Me too.

I've been a speaker nut since I was a kid. I marvelled at raw drivers, even basic full range ones, and hooked all kinds of the wrong speakers up to the wrong equipment. And I learned a lot - of what not to do.

I think speakers are the most complex part of a system, and present the most difficult of challenges, and introduce (by a VAST margin) the kinds of differences, and distortions and variations than any other components in audio.

You can't change your system any more than if you change your speakers.

Bold statement, but I believe it to be true. I've changed sources, amps, you name it.

Speakers are where the rubber hits the road, and the variations of speakers is mind boggling. Many speakers are not even properly designed and add terrible artifacts and tonal errors to music.

I love speakers. I hate speakers.

Speakers are awesome.

Cheers,
Presto

 

I agree, but with the preamplifier a close second, posted on June 30, 2020 at 14:16:35
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 I find the preamp to have more of an impact than source, at least in the digital age.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 10:06:26
George S. Roland
Audiophile

Posts: 1470
Location: N W Pennsylvania
Joined: March 20, 2004
 Bravo. I share your sentiments exactly1

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 04:00:51
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8383
Joined: June 3, 2006
 I remember in the 1980s when I used to read several British audio magazines, the theory among the reviewers was to spend most of the money on the source. Systems like Linn Sondek and Naim amp matched to the small speakers like Linn Kan and a low budget KEF. I still do not understand the logic.

Bill

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 19:17:53
Sboez
Audiophile

Posts: 74
Joined: April 9, 2002
 The logic was that if the music information was lost or not extracted at the source (ie the LP on a Linn Sondek turntable) the best loudspeaker could not make up the lost music.

Alternatively "GIGO" or garbage in, garbage out.

I believe the entry level KEF coda speaker was frequently suggested for these (Linn) turntable heavy systems.

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on July 1, 2020 at 01:31:22
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8383
Joined: June 3, 2006
 Did the Linn man honestly believe that these speakers would make us tap our toes! Kef Coda and Linn Kan? Maybe his Isobarik.

Bill

 

That might have been profit first logic. , posted on June 30, 2020 at 10:47:26
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8475
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 I do remember seeing a very expensive Linn TT rig with a high end Naim (I think) amplification set up driving that M&K Satellite/Sub system that made it into high end stores around the same era and it sounded great. Go figure - the front end was several times more than the speakers. Not that a different formula could not achieve better results for the same $$.

It is funny some systems just stick in your brain fore a long time.
Gsquared

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 30, 2020 at 10:09:17
George S. Roland
Audiophile

Posts: 1470
Location: N W Pennsylvania
Joined: March 20, 2004
 I agree with you. to me, this theory makes no sense. Speakers are the components with the most variations, so choose them first considering you listening media of choice, room characteristics, decor, etc, then choose an amp that will drive them correctly.

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 13:14:34
Kurtle
Audiophile

Posts: 364
Location: Salem Oregon
Joined: December 21, 2002
Contributor
  Since: April 6, 2011
 I am rotating between Maggie 1.7's, Vandersteen 1C's, and A/D/S L570/2's.

I picked up the Vandy 1C's in perfect shape for $200 on Craigslist, and the A/D/S for $100 off Craigslist as well.

The A/D/S still sound great, but seeing as they are about 35 yrs old I am going to send the tweeters and crossovers to Richard So for a rebuild (once he returns from vacation), that will be $180. They should then be good for another 35 yrs...

 

There are some like you in every hobby, posted on June 29, 2020 at 10:00:32
mlsstl
Audiophile

Posts: 1079
Location: Midwest
Joined: September 1, 2015
 I know guys who go through cars at an unbelievable rate -- or tools for their shop, guns, sports equipment, and so on. Same for some women and their shoes and clothing.

Some people just like a constant flow of new and different, even if their current whatever is working great.

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 09:41:41
datman
Audiophile

Posts: 458
Location: South Central
Joined: May 27, 2002
Contributor
  Since: September 12, 2002
 I finally got off the speaker merry-go-round when I got my Audio Nirvana Classic 15s installed in a 5.4 cubic foot enclosure. They are not perfect, but they give me more of what I want than any speaker I have had over the last 50 years.

 

Congrats., posted on June 30, 2020 at 19:38:42
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Do you the you'll miss the journey at all or are you too satisfied for the nonsense?
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: Congrats., posted on June 30, 2020 at 20:00:20
datman
Audiophile

Posts: 458
Location: South Central
Joined: May 27, 2002
Contributor
  Since: September 12, 2002
 I don't miss the journey at all. It is wonderful to be satisfied with what you have.

Now I have to thin out the equipment I have acquired over the years.

 

RE: Congrats., posted on June 30, 2020 at 21:37:08
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 That ought to be fun...not.

Good luck.
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 08:55:54
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3364
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 It's been very common for me as well. Four pairs of speakers in rotation with three different amplifiers. If I put my entire investment into one pair of speakers and one amplifier, I'd miss the ability to rotate gear and keep things fresh. All four pair of speakers are of different design approaches and none are below 88 db in efficiency.

 

RE: Your not Alone..., posted on June 29, 2020 at 11:08:22
jaynemo
Audiophile

Posts: 1881
Location: Connecticut
Joined: February 7, 2003
 Hmmmm, Klipsch Heresy, JBL L100, ADS L570/2, Legacy Focus SE, JSE Model 1, JSE Model 2, German Physiks Borderland MK1, Spica TC-50, Bozak MB-80, AR-2, Ohm Model L, Dahlquist DQ-9, Allison CD-6...your not alone, lol

 

RE: YOUR not Alone ?, posted on July 1, 2020 at 12:03:04
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 Grammar Police here. PLEASE let us be more literate!
...regards...tr

 

RE: Your not Alone..., posted on June 29, 2020 at 12:00:14
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3364
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 Glad to see you've got those JSE's restored. ( I think ) Although I'm far from your total collection, I wouldn't mind picking up a few more.... but alas, I'm actually out of room for both speakers and their boxes in regard to storage :(

 

Ohm Walsh 1000s and Klipsch Heresy 3s. Cool!, posted on June 30, 2020 at 14:11:10
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 That must be a fun combination!
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: Ohm Walsh 1000s and Klipsch Heresy 3s. Cool!, posted on June 30, 2020 at 16:47:09
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3364
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 It's actually a fun change of pace to swap them out. But it requires a generous adjustment period for the ear as they're total opposites in presentation.

 

Funny you mention the "adjustment period", posted on June 30, 2020 at 19:47:30
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 because whenever I've swapped speakers in the past, I'd adjust to the sound pretty quickly. A few hours at most.

My recent change, going from an Acoustic Technologies Classic to a Totem Model One Signatures took a few days to adjust, which I found totally weird. The Totems sounded so bright for a while.

I've since returned to the ATs. But adjusting to the change back was pretty quick, although I had a pair of Dunlavy SC-I's just before the ATs.

"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: Funny you mention the "adjustment period", posted on July 1, 2020 at 08:49:54
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3364
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 In regard to swapping out speakers and adjustment periods. Sometimes I have to reach into my "basket of cables" to get the synergy I'm looking for. Example would be when I swap to the Zu Omen DW's, I'll use Zu Mission IC's and SC's. Needless to say, having 4 amps and 4 pairs of speakers, I've pretty much had to sort out "best fits" in this regard as well.

 

Yep, I can imagine!, posted on June 30, 2020 at 18:54:23
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 Both are iconic and have a rich history, but the approaches they take are totally different.

I have a pair of Heresy II speakers, though they are more or less in storage for now, and have owned KLF 20s. As I posted above, I am considering going the Ohm Walsh route next.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: Yep, I can imagine!, posted on July 1, 2020 at 08:31:32
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3364
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 My only further bits of advice would be to buy new taking advantage of the 120 day audition period offered. Better than spending almost as much on a refurb project only to not like the end result. Use his simple room volume formula to choose the model that's the best fit. And finally, give them enough power with ample headroom to fill that volume.

 

Whatever floats your boat, posted on June 29, 2020 at 07:45:07
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I determined my preference decades ago and find no reason to try out different flavors.

What I like to change out on a regular basis is the choice of music. :)

 

I like speakers too!, posted on June 29, 2020 at 07:14:49
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 13973
Location: 97701
Joined: September 23, 1999
 They make listening to music in the home much easier!

Now seriously, I've never heard a box speaker I really liked and could
tolerate long term, with one exception: Avalon Eidolons. Otherwise, I'm
a planar guy, mostly Magnepans.

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 06:16:19
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8475
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 Currently rotating Maggie LRS and my old ProAc Studio 3.


Gsquared

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 05:35:03
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 When you find an extremely natural and transparent speaker system, it becomes less important to listen to other speakers. I achieved that goal after buying a pair of Thiel CS3.7 speakers in September 2012. These Thiel's sounded better and better each time I played them for the first year-and-a-half. After that, they sounded excellent all the time.

I did get the itch for a change, though, so I decided to buy a new power amplifier. I was using a Parasound Halo A21 that I bought when I bought the Thiel's and it sounded very good with what I thought was sufficient power. Nevertheless, I felt it still might be the weakest link in my system so I bought a new pair of PS Audio Stellar M1200 Monoblocks. That did the trick. My system sounds better than ever. I was never actually dissatisfied, but I'm now more satisfied than ever before. I think these new monoblocks with their 1200-watts of power should keep me happy for many years to come. ;-)

Best regards,
John Elison


 

What About Before the Thiels?, posted on June 30, 2020 at 19:31:50
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 What was your speaker journey before you found the "one"?
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: What About Before the Thiels?, posted on July 1, 2020 at 01:08:48
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 Well, let's see. In 2003 I moved into a new house and bought a pair of Paradigm Active 20's, which I played for almost 8-years. I also used Cambridge Soundworks subwoofers with my Active 20's.



I moved into my present home in 2010 and brought my Paradigm Active 20's with me. I placed my subwoofers behind my listening chair about the same distance to my head as the Paradigm's in front.



Then, in 2011 I bought a pair of Dynaudio BM 6A Mk2 Active Monitors. Again, the Cambridge Soundworks subwoofers remained behind my listening chair against the back wall.



I made friends with a couple of audio enthusiasts in the neighborhood and they convinced me that I should replace my Dynaudio Active Monitors with B&W satellite speakers. I couldn't afford the 805 Diamonds so in 2012 I bought the PM1's instead.



The PM1's were just too small to play as loud as I wanted so I made up my mind to buy larger speakers. My son had made friends with Kathy Gornik and her daughter, Dawn. They gave me a tour of the Thiel factory in 2012 and I bought a pair of Thiel CS3.7 B-stock speakers. They had a slight blemish on one of the front baffles so they offered them to me at half price. That deal was just too good to pass up so I stretched my budget to make the purchase. A year or two later I decided to replace my Cambridge Soundworks subwoofers with a new pair of Rythmik Servo Subs so I could place them next to the Thiel's rather than behind my listening chair. That's where I am today and here's the most recent picture.


 

RE: What About Before the Thiels?, posted on July 1, 2020 at 10:02:15
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Were the monitor transitions you made upgrades or just a different sound? I would have thought the Thiel's bass response would be sufficient without the subs. Are they lacking in bass slam/punch or is your room of a size that needs extra bass reenforceme t?

I spy Mountain Dance, which has been one of my all-time favorites since it first came out. I like it so much that over the years I've purchased many copies of the JVC release just in case. Of what? Not sure.

But I love that record!




"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: What About Before the Thiels?, posted on July 1, 2020 at 11:25:03
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23900
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 Yes, the monitor transitions were all upgrades, but after hearing my audio buddies' systems I wanted even better sound quality. Perhaps if I had bought 805 Diamond's I might have been satisfied a bit longer, but one of my friends had Wilson Sasha's and I wanted something equivalent. When I was offered a brand new pair of Thiel's at half price, I couldn't pass it up.

The Thiel CS3.7 was rated Class "A" in Stereophile but it had slightly insufficient bass. Therefore, I still needed to use subwoofers. However, I needed a better pair of subwoofers to match the improved sound quality of the Thiel's. The Rythmik Servo Subs turned out to be the perfect choice. They just reinforce the bottom octave and that makes all the difference in the world. My system is truly outstanding now. I don't think I've heard anything better. I certainly have never owned anything better.

Good luck,
John Elison

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 29, 2020 at 04:41:19
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2378
Joined: September 27, 2004
 Yes, weird, but in a good way.

Most of us just don't have the space to store all the speakers not currently in use, but I suppose several pairs of relatively small and / light stand-mounts could often be found a home for.

I use Avantgarde Duos that weigh about 90 Kg each, so I'm not inclined to hump them in and out of my listening room. My other speakers (Martin Logan 13As) are almost as awkward to move around but they are for sale and unlikely to be moved until some lucky buyer wants to audition them.

 

ML's, posted on June 29, 2020 at 11:03:22
jimbill
Audiophile

Posts: 3048
Location: Texas
Joined: May 31, 2004
 What is your impression of the 13's?

 

RE: ML's, posted on June 30, 2020 at 03:50:29
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2378
Joined: September 27, 2004
 The ML 13As are great speakers but sadly they don't suit my odd listening room.

I listened at showrooms and was very impressed - enough to place an order, confident they'd be a significant upgrade from my old Avantgarde horn speakers. What I hadn't realised is that MLs project half their sound backwards from the rear of the speakers - panel and bass section. My speakers are placed 12 ft and 15 ft from the wall behind them and this is not a parallel / reflective wall so effectively none of this sound is salvaged or taken advantage of in my room.

We tried adjusting toe-in and tilt (I don't know why this speaker slopes back 5 degrees while it's big brother stands upright) and we ran PBK a couple of times, but again PBK had difficulty in my semi-circular room. It made some improvement, but in the end we decided the old AGs with their very directional horns coped much better in my room.

The MLs do have crystal clear top end and plenty of bass for me without a subwoofer, but overall they suffered from my unhelpful room!

I've since changed the AG Unos for Duos, so the MLs are for sale after only a few hours use - enough to settle in, and evaluate. Now waiting for a buyer with a more conventional listening room.

 

RE: ML's, posted on June 30, 2020 at 10:46:34
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 My speakers are placed 12 ft and 15 ft from the wall behind them and this is not a parallel / reflective wall so effectively none of this sound is salvaged or taken advantage of in my room.

Actually, I use room thirds as a starting point for distance to front wall with dipoles to minimize room modes. 15' makes sense in your vast space. I think the real challenge is using comparatively small M-Ls in your 1600 sq ft room (mine is about a fourth that with an 8' distance to front wall).

Now a double pair of SL 922s or 945s might work exceptionally well. ;)

 

SLs, posted on July 1, 2020 at 12:19:34
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 at one of the THE SHOW Newports there was a big pair that dwarfed the listeners. i expected hugely bloated image size and i was soundly mistaken. a solo guitar sounded exactly right tonally and size-wise.

i have wished for the As since i heard them at Sound Center in Woodland Hills CA somewhere about the mid to late 80sdriven by Audire amplification. they were colorless. these were halcyon days of the Infinity ServoStatiks, Dahlquist DQ-10s, Audio Pulse analog delay processor, etc.

great days.
...regards...tr

 

A friend here in Alaska had the Sound Labs A-1s powered by French, posted on August 4, 2020 at 17:28:40
alaskahiatt
Audiophile

Posts: 7501
Joined: December 9, 2000
Contributor
  Since: November 1, 2005



Audio Matiere amps, and that system was the closest I have ever heard of the performers being in the room with you. My friend is now selling everything, because he moved to the Phillipines.

 

So those are nearfield speakers?, posted on June 30, 2020 at 21:44:54
jimbill
Audiophile

Posts: 3048
Location: Texas
Joined: May 31, 2004
 Could I use them for my laptop?

 

RE: So those are nearfield speakers?, posted on July 1, 2020 at 09:39:51
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2378
Joined: September 27, 2004
 I think there's a kit so you can use them as headphones

 

Why not? ;), posted on July 1, 2020 at 05:42:16
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 As a single driver design, they sound the same at any point on the diaphragm whether in front or behind them.

No distance required for driver blending.

 

Holy Crud!, posted on June 30, 2020 at 19:52:50
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Those things are HUGE!!!

I suspect lifelike sound. Wow!


"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

That is their pro model, posted on July 1, 2020 at 11:40:41
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 The 922 moniker represents height in feet and radiation angle in degrees. With controlled directivity, they are intended to be used in arrays.



The consumer models use 45 or 90 degree panels in heights from 5-9 feet.

 

OMG!!!!, posted on July 2, 2020 at 16:58:16
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 Was that actually a useable speaker?
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: OMG!!!!, posted on July 3, 2020 at 05:02:05
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Sure. They were used for sound reinforcement in a hall in Utah. Stacking required for balcony as vertical dispersion is limited to panel height.

For several years, Ray Kimber used five pair at RMAF to demo his four channel Iso-Mike recordings. Triples in front with doubles in rear driven by eight Pass Labs 350s.

 

Cool. Thanks., posted on July 3, 2020 at 08:31:42
AudioDwebe
Audiophile

Posts: 1910
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: November 12, 2001
 .
"Man, that mouse is Awesome." - Kaemon (referring to Jerry, of Tom and Jerry fame)

 

RE: ML's, posted on June 30, 2020 at 12:52:26
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2378
Joined: September 27, 2004
 > Actually, I use room thirds as a starting point for distance to front wall with dipoles to minimize room modes. 15' makes sense in your vast space. I think the real challenge is using comparatively small M-Ls in your 1600 sq ft room (mine is about a fourth that with an 8' distance to front wall).

My room is about 975 sq ft with low ceilings - see sketch. With 12-15 ft behind the speakers and nothing to reflect the rear-projected sound from, the MLs are simple not suitable. Increasing panel size would encounter the same problem - half the output is effectively wasted.

> Now a double pair of SL 922s or 945s might work exceptionally well. ;)

Not bloody likely! I baulked at Quad 2905s in my room (though they sounded better than the MLs), as barn doors in the middle of my room hardly add to the interior design. Peter

PS - Can't seem to be able to attach a Word or pdf document - any ideas?

 

I have only been able to provide a link or a photo. I have done, posted on August 4, 2020 at 17:16:52
alaskahiatt
Audiophile

Posts: 7501
Joined: December 9, 2000
Contributor
  Since: November 1, 2005
 a lot of screen shots because of these limitations.

 

RE: ML's, posted on June 30, 2020 at 13:38:50
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37584
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 My room is about 975 sq ft with low ceilings - see sketch.

I referenced what is found in your system details:

"Room Size (LxWxH): 31 x 48 x 7 ft 8 ins"

Mine is about 400 sq ft. Since it is a dedicated listening space, I don't worry about interior design in that respect. :)



PS - Can't seem to be able to attach a Word or pdf document - any ideas?

You need to reference a website link where the document can be found. My email provider gives me space to put such stuff.

Click here for an example of an attached document or drawing. Note the directed URL.

 

Wish I could take them off your hands, posted on June 30, 2020 at 08:48:38
jimbill
Audiophile

Posts: 3048
Location: Texas
Joined: May 31, 2004
 Unfortunately, house renovations are draining the bank account.

I got to hear the 15's recently and was blown away by them.

 

RE: I Really Like Speakers, posted on June 28, 2020 at 22:36:10
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8383
Joined: June 3, 2006
 You are a true Audiophile

Take care

Bill

 

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