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Model: | Peregrine |
Category: | Speakers |
Suggested Retail Price: | $6800.00 |
Description: | Two Way Ported Monitor |
Manufacturer URL: | Talon Audio |
Review by J-PMatt@Comcast.Net (D) on May 22, 2003 at 21:04:17 IP Address: 68.45.82.147 | Add Your Review for the Peregrine |
I heard the Talon's at the Stereophile show in New York at the Hilton back in 2001. The Peregrine version 2's were being driven by Electrocompaniet components, which I had fallen in love with at the Stereophile show in Chicago back in 99'. I walked into the Talon/Electro room looking to hear the "NEMO" mono blocks again, and at the time had never heard of Talon Audio before. The gentlemen working the room were quite nice and willing to let listeners hear their own music. I had just purchased the remastered "Yellow Submarine" CD and was very interested to hear what the Electro gear would do with some of my favorite music that had really gotten the sonic overhaul. Also, if looks were any indication of sound quality, I was optimistic regarding these speakers because in my opinion they were beautiful.Flash forward a few months and understand that I was really bummed out about the Peregrines. I wanted them, but they were just beyond the point of affordability for me at the time. Then after doing mucho homework and investigation on the internet, I found a dealer who was having a nice sale on the original Peregrines at a more affordable price. That gentleman was also very nice and informed me that the older model was nearly identical sound wise although the cosmetics were not of the same caliber. Also, if I was not happy after my audition, I could send them back for a full refund.
I bought them. They arrived and I set them up and allowed them to run for a full week while I was on vacation. At the time, they were being driven by Monarchy Audio SE-100 delux mono blocks,(I bought 5 more of them for a song for my Home Theater system) a well reviewed and often reviewed pair of amps in their own right and deservedly so. My preamp was the Monarchy Model 18B Preamp/DAC combo with piggy back upgrades. My transport is the Wadia Model 8 that I would later have modified. I had two Monarchy DIPS between the transport and DAC. Overall a pretty decent little set-up. Interconnects at the time were Transparent RCA digital from Trans. to DAC. Kimber HERO's from DAC to amps, and Straightwire Black Silc from the amps to the Peregrines.
When I returned a week later, I checked to make sure nothing had melted and sat down to listen to music. First off, they image like a son of a gun. Or if you prefer, they image like B&W's, which should be a compliment in any audio enthusiasts book. Vocals were spot on, but I expect that at these prices. Depth of soundstage was also very good, but seemed to change depending on the recording which is typical of any speaker with fine resolving power. After about an hour, it became obvious to me that these speakers were excellent and capable of all the audiophile tricks that are comensurate with equipment that carry prices like the Peregrines.
But there was something lacking. At the time I couldn't put my finger on it precisely, although I was sure I was missing impact. They just weren't grabbing me in the way I hoped. And of course, it didn't escape me that my components were possibly lacking as well, and so the hunt began. Within months, all but two components were replaced in my system. You can read what those components are in the associated equipment section of this review.
I will say this. Only the Wadia transport and the Peregrines still remain in my system, and the Wadia was sent out for modifications. Damn good ones too. So why do these two remain after all this time? As for the Wadia, I like many of you am waiting for a transport that can read SACD and DVD Audio. Until then, I'm sticking with redbook, upsampled though it is. And I can't complain. I'm happy with that little tank.
As for the Peregrines, they only got better with better gear, and never failed to let me know that they were aware of every upstream move I made in the rest of the system. (Not always with approval) They definetly appreciate power, and the Electro amp I drive them with gives them plenty. Sometimes I think I need a sub, and I've tried them. The Velodyne HGS-12 was a nice fit, but frustrating as all get out. I'm sure you know the drill. Just when you think you've got it dialed in right and everything sounds great, you put on another disc, or change source, or it rains, or the Dow drops......you understand? I'm sure some of you do.
I've thought about replacing them. If for no other reason than because I get bored and speakers can offer so much bang for the buck as far as upgrades or component changes go. I don't know what I'll go with instead, and I'm in no rush to change. I don't think I'll sell them either. My little girl loves violin, and has told me on occasion while listening to a soloist through the Peregrines that it sounds like the player is in the room with us. In her words, "Daddy, I can see where he is standing"! She also wants to know why the Home Theater speakers DON'T sound like THAT.
Yeah, I think she'll get the Peregrines.
Product Weakness: | Not the last word in low frequency reproduction, but damn good for a speaker of it's size. |
Product Strengths: | Read the review. |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | Electrocompaniet AW 250DMB 250 watts per channel, pure class A topology |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Electrocompaniet E-4.7 |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Basis 1400 with modified Rega RB-300 and Benz Micro ACE low output MC. Modified Wadia Model 8 transport feeding modified Perpetual Technologies P!A/P3A dig. to dig.-dig. to analog convertors. |
Speakers: | Talon Audio Peregrines |
Cables/Interconnects: | Stealth silver all the way around |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Usual suspects |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 40 x 30 x 8 |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | owned since 2001 |
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | MIT Z-Center |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Follow Ups:
$6800 (assuming its a real price; I've seen a lot of "used" Talon gear sold at substantial discounts on audiogon) is a LOT of money for a two-way monitor.The B&W n805, n805signatures cost substantially less.
The Joseph RM 7si signature costs substantially less.
The Revel M20 costs substantially less.I mention these candidates because I've heard them (or own them) and because they all have been generally well-reviewed. But there are many other candidates for being on this list that I have omitted because I don't have first-hand experience with them.
The $6800.00 price was the MSRP of those speakers when they were introduced. I did not pay $6800.00 for them. Also, how much I paid was information not requested by the Asylum, and hence was not posted. With regard to used Talon speakers on Audiogon sold at substantial discounts, it's my experience that all used audio gear is sold at substantial discounts. If it wasn't, why would anyone buy used gear?The other speakers you mentioned are no doubt excellent speakers, and I've heard them, albeit in different systems and different rooms. What the Peregrines offer over the others, in my opinion is a truly full range monitor. And since it makes no sense to me personally to go as far as I have with my system, only to drive speakers that are not capable in and of themselves to reproduce ALL of the frequencies wherein music lives and operates, my decision to purchase a full range speaker was cut and dry.
My question to you is, have you heard the speakers that I have reviewed and what did you like or dislike about their performance? Specifics regarding the upsteam components used during your experience with them would be appreciated.
"What do the Talons, at 3 times the price, offer over these?"
The personal satisfaction you obtain from knowing you could afford them and telling your audiobuddies how much they cost!
Merle,My satisfaction with these speakers has been documented by my review of them. In the price range they were in when I purchased them, I certainly had other choices and did my homework regarding those choices. What I spend on my components is my business, and not my buddies. That question among "Friends" is one that doesn't come up in my circles. That's one of many reasons why they are my friends in the first place. We don't suffer from trivial things like "Speaker Envy".
IMO,The Peregrine is a much better sounding, larger, and more full range speaker. I'm not saying that it's cheap, - but it the price is worth it in the same way that the N805 and the Joseph and Revel are "worth it." In that, - there are "better" bookshelf speakers out there for the same price as those models.....
The Peregrine is cheaper than the Revel Ultima Gem and I think that they sound better, - I would rather own the Peregrine than its closer competition, - the Gem....
Value has different meaning to different people.... I certainly disagree with your definition...
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