mav52 Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 4 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I have my shortlist done. Here it in alphabetical order. Focal Maestro Utopia Evo Rockport Technologies Cygnus Wilson Audio Alexia Series 2 All can recommend are the ones that I have heard more than once. Magico M2 Avantgarde Duo Mezzo XD Kef Blade 2 Focal Utopia Scala V2 The Truth Is Out There Link to comment
k-man Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 From a non-expert perspective (but hear me out please..) Since you review lots of gear, particularly the source end (DACs and transports) I will suggest from your list of 3 to pick the most 'unforgiving' one. This will help differentiate or reveal the best and worst characteristics of your reviewed items, whereas one set of speakers that play nice with anything, or impart a particular characteristic will likely shadow over what you need to review. I have the Focal Utopia Scala V1, and the one before that (Alto Utopia Be), so I believe the Maestro EVOs should serve you well as ideal 'monitors' for the purposes as outlined above. The Computer Audiophile 1 Link to comment
jtwrace Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 4 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I believe I have, but can't remember exactly where and when. Probably at Audio Advice in Raleigh. The Computer Audiophile 1 W10 NUC i7 (Gen 10) > Roon (Audiolense FIR) > Motu UltraLite mk5 > (4) Hypex NCore NC502MP > JBL M2 Master Reference +4 subs Watch my Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMw_bZWBMtRWNJQfTJ38kA/videos Link to comment
Account Closed Posted March 6, 2019 Share Posted March 6, 2019 7 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I have my shortlist done. Here it in alphabetical order. Focal Maestro Utopia Evo Rockport Technologies Cygnus Wilson Audio Alexia Series 2 What a kick-ass selection. Be sure to take into account the room treatments you are doing and the room size as well. It is very easy to overwhelm any space. I know that with speakers of this size an in-home demo is probably not going to happen but I would try for a "whoops, it doesn't work in this room" return or in-store credit period. Link to comment
Popular Post The Computer Audiophile Posted March 8, 2019 Author Popular Post Share Posted March 8, 2019 I must say, the last couple weeks I’ve really been thinking about electrostatics. I miss the sound of these more than any sound in HiFi. 4est, Jud, STC and 3 others 4 1 1 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Hugo9000 Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 On 3/6/2019 at 9:21 AM, The Computer Audiophile said: I have my shortlist done. Here it in alphabetical order. Focal Maestro Utopia Evo Rockport Technologies Cygnus Wilson Audio Alexia Series 2 I don't envy whomever will have the task of getting those up the stairs. Heavy and awkward due to size. 😧 请教别人一次是5分钟的傻子,从不请教别人是一辈子的傻子 Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 9, 2019 Author Share Posted March 9, 2019 19 minutes ago, Hugo9000 said: I don't envy whomever will have the task of getting those up the stairs. Heavy and awkward due to size. 😧 I found a great local piano moving company. Hugo9000 1 Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 34 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I must say, the last couple weeks I’ve really been thinking about electrostatics. I miss the sound of these more than any sound in HiFi. Therefore... Link to comment
Jud Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 7 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I must say, the last couple weeks I’ve really been thinking about electrostatics. I miss the sound of these more than any sound in HiFi. I always wonder with the electrostats that use dynamic drivers on the low end how good the integration might be. And with full range electrostats, I wonder about the volume capability. @esldude has SoundLabs (or at least had them last I inquired), so he may be a source of information. One never knows, do one? - Fats Waller The fairest thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. - Einstein Computer, Audirvana -> optical Ethernet to Fitlet3 -> Fibbr Alpha Optical USB -> iFi NEO iDSD DAC -> Apollon Audio 1ET400A Mini (Purifi based) -> Vandersteen 3A Signature. Link to comment
Popular Post esldude Posted March 9, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted March 9, 2019 10 minutes ago, Jud said: I always wonder with the electrostats that use dynamic drivers on the low end how good the integration might be. And with full range electrostats, I wonder about the volume capability. @esldude has SoundLabs (or at least had them last I inquired), so he may be a source of information. Electrostats aren't likely to be rock and shake the house. But in a reasonably large room and adequate power amps can be good rock speakers. I've not heard commercial ESL's with woofers that worked in my opinion. I've not heard the latest from Martin-Logan, but had that opinion of them in their past efforts. For a long time I didn't believe you could integrate subs with ESL's. This after hearing or helping people attempt to do it. I don't think that is the situation anymore. I've heard Rhythmik's servo controlled subs work in a way they add what you wish and don't draw attention to themselves with Soundlabs. Some DSP helps subs mesh with ESLs. Using distributed multiple subs (more than two for stereo) is also beneficial (beneficial for box speakers too). You also can purchase good inexpensive measuring microphones and combine with REW to help getting it all working in a way that wasn't possible in the past. Or you can work with Dirac by getting things close and letting it help with fine tuning. The things mitchco writes about using room correction software and subs for box or horn speakers will work for using them on ESLs. So simple version: a pair of large ESL's with a plenty capable amp and nothing beyond good room setup can be good on all kinds of music. Using subs with them helps in the areas they are weak and relieves them of some burden of reproducing the low end making them better elsewhere. Using at least some Room EQ or correction software for at least 500 hz and lower improves things quite a substantial amount. They do still have their own sound which is not quite like anything else. The Computer Audiophile, Hugo9000 and Jud 1 1 1 And always keep in mind: Cognitive biases, like seeing optical illusions are a sign of a normally functioning brain. We all have them, it’s nothing to be ashamed about, but it is something that affects our objective evaluation of reality. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 9, 2019 Author Share Posted March 9, 2019 31 minutes ago, Jud said: I always wonder with the electrostats that use dynamic drivers on the low end how good the integration might be. And with full range electrostats, I wonder about the volume capability. @esldude has SoundLabs (or at least had them last I inquired), so he may be a source of information. Those are the two things going through my mind as well. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
STC Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 All speakers benefit from a good subwoofer except for a few full range speakers. Even then, LF reproduction accurately for music is more of an art then science. Sound Lab with subwoofer works fine like any other full range speakers. 4est 1 ST My Ambiophonics System with Virtual Concert Hall Ambience Link to comment
R1200CL Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 I must say after I got my Theta Prometheus to power my Martin Logan Odyssey’s, I’ve stopped looking for new speakers 😀 It’s also possible to upgrade the crossover, but it’s quite expensive, considering you can get a used pair relatively cheap. I’m using a dual set of B&W subs. The Computer Audiophile 1 Link to comment
Popular Post Paul R Posted March 9, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted March 9, 2019 I would point out you are in Minnesota. If you have not already done so, you should go listen to a set of Magnepan 30.7s. The Computer Audiophile and Mordikai 1 1 Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat DAC. Robert A. Heinlein Link to comment
4est Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 13 hours ago, Jud said: I always wonder with the electrostats that use dynamic drivers on the low end how good the integration might be. And with full range electrostats, I wonder about the volume capability. @esldude has SoundLabs (or at least had them last I inquired), so he may be a source of information. You are likely thinking of the original Quad 57s or the 63s, but even a 63 can play incredibly loud if you remove the low bass and use a sub ala Gradient. When over driven the upper bass panels have a bad habit of arcing. My Sound Lab A3s will play as loud as I can handle with my Parasound JC1s. The only real issue with them is the flabby "dipole" bass. Some like it, some it leaves them with blue nads wanting more. I'm actually in the latter category, but refuse to give up the extreme detail and life size presentation. I have debated on Duke Lejeune's "Swarm", but think that a properly done dipole servo sub may be just the ticket if I get the chance to build one. There are some sweet drivers available these days. OK, yeah, call me an ESL fanboi. The Computer Audiophile 1 Forrest: Win10 i9 9900KS/GTX1060 HQPlayer4>Win10 NAA DSD>Pavel's DSC2.6>Bent Audio TAP> Parasound JC1>"Naked" Quad ESL63/Tannoy PS350B subs<100Hz Link to comment
4est Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 9 hours ago, Paul R said: I would point out you are in Minnesota. If you have not already done so, you should go listen to a set of Magnepan 30.7s. I am sorry to say that Magnepans will never compete with Sound Labs for detail, or possibly even dynamics IMHO. They just aren't there. The wires and glue on the diaphragm simply make it too heavy for the weak magnetic coupling they have. I seriously wish this were not the case or I'd own them. Forrest: Win10 i9 9900KS/GTX1060 HQPlayer4>Win10 NAA DSD>Pavel's DSC2.6>Bent Audio TAP> Parasound JC1>"Naked" Quad ESL63/Tannoy PS350B subs<100Hz Link to comment
4est Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 13 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: Those are the two things going through my mind as well. Talk to Duke Lejeune of Audio Kinesis... The Computer Audiophile 1 Forrest: Win10 i9 9900KS/GTX1060 HQPlayer4>Win10 NAA DSD>Pavel's DSC2.6>Bent Audio TAP> Parasound JC1>"Naked" Quad ESL63/Tannoy PS350B subs<100Hz Link to comment
#Yoda# Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 14 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: Those are the two things going through my mind as well. Therefore you should have a serious listening to the Manger speakers. I don't want to anticipate the upcoming review on Twittering Machines of the "stunning" active S1 model, but the Manger "transducer" in combination with a well integrated bass driver solution are a serious alternative to common electrostats to reproduce something that comes very close to real natural sound at a comparatively fair price. Presumably the successor S2 will be presented at the HighEnd Show in May with an advanced bass driver solution, equivalent to the already available passive P2 speakers. Link to comment
The Computer Audiophile Posted March 10, 2019 Author Share Posted March 10, 2019 I’m really looking forward to Axpona and Munich so I can hear some additional speakers. Founder of Audiophile Style | My Audio Systems Link to comment
Paul R Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 4 hours ago, 4est said: I am sorry to say that Magnepans will never compete with Sound Labs for detail, or possibly even dynamics IMHO. They just aren't there. The wires and glue on the diaphragm simply make it too heavy for the weak magnetic coupling they have. I seriously wish this were not the case or I'd own them. Oh, phooey on youie!! 4est 1 Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat DAC. Robert A. Heinlein Link to comment
Ralf11 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 just listen to the Maggies - nobody will force you to buy them instead of Soundlabs (not that I disagree with the post above) both are eons above the conehead speakers, even the best ones, in the respects posted Link to comment
Popular Post TubeLover Posted March 10, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted March 10, 2019 A friend of mine, and one of the most knowledgeable audiophiles I know was struggling with this same question. For many years, he was a brick and mortar audio store owner representing Conrad Johnson and many other fine audio equipment producers. This guy has heard most, if not all of the truly exceptional speakers. He also has a soft spot for planar speakers and had the same concerns you do. Recently, after two entire years auditioning speakers, he found one that checked every box, and he is absolutely thrilled with them. They also saved him 4-50% over some of the other finalists, and he is absolutely certain that he has found the speaker of his dreams, and for the long run, the Martin Logan CLX Art: https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/clx-art JC jventer and The Computer Audiophile 1 1 Link to comment
audiobomber Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 3 hours ago, Ralf11 said: just listen to the Maggies - nobody will force you to buy them instead of Soundlabs (not that I disagree with the post above) both are eons above the conehead speakers, even the best ones, in the respects posted Bah! According to Seas, the Excel magnesium cones in my speakers are lighter than an ESL panel. There's no way to cross over from a main speaker to a sub without a midrange penalty. Main System: QNAP TS-451+ NAS > Silent Angel Bonn N8 > Sonore opticalModule Deluxe v2 > Corning SMF with Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL SFPs > Uptone EtherREGEN > exaSound PlayPoint and e32 Mk-II DAC > Meitner MTR-101 Plus monoblocks > Bamberg S5-MTM sealed standmount speakers. Crown XLi 1500 powering AV123 Rocket UFW10 stereo subwoofers Upgraded power on all switches, renderer and DAC. Link to comment
bobfa Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 6 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said: I’m really looking forward to Axpona and Munich so I can hear some additional speakers. One of the local audio dealers has the new Magnepans setup in the store and will have an open house Friday night of Axpona. I spent a couple of hours with them before they were really broken in. I was pretty impressed. They have them setup with the big boy Boulder and OPUS speaker cables. The Computer Audiophile 1 My Audio Systems Link to comment
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