Best looking (first) and great sounding (second) bookshelf for $1000

[ptoomey]

So,
I have been hunting for a great bookshelf for $1000 (plus or minus 10-15%). This is going to be a pseudo lifestyle system, as it will be front and center in our main living space. So, while I do want the speakers to sound great, I also require they look great as well.

I've posted in other threads about the Von Schweikert VR-1, as I thought I had found the perfect speaker for me. The speaker cabinet finish is drop dead gorgeous and they sound great. Finally, I am considering going with a tube amp, and thus that was also part of why the VR-1s were such a find...looks great, sounds great, and efficient. Alas, they have been discontinued. While I might consider used I wanted to buy new. So, what are your bookshelf speaker picks for right about $1000 that look great and sound great as well. To give you and idea of what I mean by "looks great" here are a few other options I have been through.

1. Von Schweikert VR-1 - perfect, but discontinued.
2. Totem Rainmaker - looks good, didn't love the sound, not so sure about efficiency for tube amp.
3. Onix reference Monitor 1 - looks pretty good, nervous about buying online from a company that has not been around that long (but maybe I could get over this). Also, at 4 ohms, would these be a reasonable match for a tube amp?

So, the traits shared by the above are a wonderful cabinet finish, good full range sound reproduction, and a relatively petite bookshelf design. So, what other speakers are out there that are in the same category as the above speakers.

[basite]

welcome to the forums :)

Monitor audio GS 10, preferably in piano black :)
or Dali Mentor 2
or Dynaudio Focus 140?
or some kef's higher priced series...
B&W 705's
Sonus Faber concertino domus...

you could start with them :D

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[GMichael]

Don't be afraid to try any of the speakers you like from Onix (AV123). They are a great company to deal with. If you end up not liking anything about the speakers you buy, you can return them within 30 days for a full refund.
I love the speakers I bought from them, but they are not bookshelf types. Did you look into the Rockes?

[Feanor]

So,
I have been hunting for a great bookshelf for $1000 (plus or minus 10-15%). This is going to be a pseudo lifestyle system, as it will be front and center in our main living space. So, while I do want the speakers to sound great, I also require they look great as well.

I've posted in other threads about the Von Schweikert VR-1, as I thought I had found the perfect speaker for me. The speaker cabinet finish is drop dead gorgeous and they sound great. Finally, I am considering going with a tube amp, and thus that was also part of why the VR-1s were such a find...looks great, sounds great, and efficient. Alas, they have been discontinued. While I might consider used I wanted to buy new. So, what are your bookshelf speaker picks for right about $1000 that look great and sound great as well. To give you and idea of what I mean by "looks great" here are a few other options I have been through.

1. Von Schweikert VR-1 - perfect, but discontinued.
2. Totem Rainmaker - looks good, didn't love the sound, not so sure about efficiency for tube amp.
3. Onix reference Monitor 1 - looks pretty good, nervous about buying online from a company that has not been around that long (but maybe I could get over this). Also, at 4 ohms, would these be a reasonable match for a tube amp?

So, the traits shared by the above are a wonderful cabinet finish, good full range sound reproduction, and a relatively petite bookshelf design. So, what other speakers are out there that are in the same category as the above speakers.

For with a tube amp you probably want 89+dB sensitivity which would rule out any of the Totems and many other bookshelve speakers, since that format tends to be inefficient. Of course, if you expect to keep the volume relatively low, there are a lot that come in around 86-87dB and are under or around $1K and look quite nice. Just few examples:

Paradigm Studio 20
PSB G-Design GB1
NHT Classic 3

[jim goulding]

Are you gonna stand mount these? What is the output of the amp you've got your eye on? Is this for audio only or A/V. The higher the output the more flexibilty you will have in the speakers you choose. Robert Harley seemed very impressed with the Focal Chorus 706V in the most recent issue of The Absolute Sound. They are a two-way design using a 6.5" mid/bass driver so you will get respectible full range and have 90db sensitivity. And they are just $595 a pair.

The Metronome 7.7 Mark 5 would be my choice for under $1k (they are $850.00 direct from the manufacturer) but they have an eniqmatic look that might not have enough appeal for you but they're sure to be a conversation piece. They are physically time aligned for a seemless transition between dirvers and they are also a sealed box enclosure design which will give you tighter bass with more timbre than their ported contemporaries.

There are lots of tube intergrated amplifiers out there that will give you 50 watts a channel or so. I'm partial to the Prima Luna Prologue Two based on all of the wonderful reviews this thing is getting here and overseas and the price. I'm interested to know why you are interested in tubes. The Prologue is self biasing, by the way.

NHT Classic Two's would be a speaker recommendation, also.

[topspeed]

Usher X-719 - Likely the most dynamic of this group with real energy in the lower octaves. If you like VSA, you'll likely appreciate Usher. Variable wood and color finishes (even screaming yellow!)
http://www.audiofast.com/prods/u_x719.jpg


Tyler Acoutics - gorgeous wood work and top notch components.
Taylo Mini's (the price is a bit high, but negotiate. It can be done.)
http://161.58.223.97/i/c/f/1099877953.jpg

PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)
http://128.121.219.98/i/c/f/1188260491.jpg

Quad 12L - very fast sound, beautiful fit and finish, excellent coherence top to bottom, legendary name in audio.
http://209.167.103.167/SPEAK_files/quad12L.jpghttp://edu.pudasjarvi.fi/~mokkula/images/Hifi/Quad%2012L.jpg

[dean_martin]

I second both the Focal-JM Lab and Quad recommendations. Also, you might search out a Triangle dealer and audition the Comete. I've seen Vienna Acoustics' Haydns in Best Buy stores that have the Magnolia HT room/dept. I'm not sure if they're as efficient or as good a match with tubes as the other 3.

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/va/prod_haydn.htm#spec

[GMichael]

Usher X-719 - Likely the most dynamic of this group with real energy in the lower octaves. If you like VSA, you'll likely appreciate Usher. Variable wood and color finishes (even screaming yellow!)
http://www.audiofast.com/prods/u_x719.jpg


Tyler Acoutics - gorgeous wood work and top notch components.
Taylo Mini's (the price is a bit high, but negotiate. It can be done.)
http://161.58.223.97/i/c/f/1099877953.jpg

PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)
http://128.121.219.98/i/c/f/1188260491.jpg

Quad 12L - very fast sound, beautiful fit and finish, excellent coherence top to bottom, legendary name in audio.
http://209.167.103.167/SPEAK_files/quad12L.jpghttp://edu.pudasjarvi.fi/~mokkula/images/Hifi/Quad%2012L.jpg

I have a friend who had the Usher X-719 for a few months. I liked them better than the ML's he replaced them with.

[Vardo]

You might take a look at these from Ascend Acoustics. Not the
best looking, but the nataural finish looks pretty good...vardo

http://ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html

[ptoomey]

Ok,
So, the quads look amazing, seem reasonably priced, and look fairly efficient. How do you think these would mate with a Jolida 302B integrated tube amp? In order to demo the pair I'll likely need to purchase at least one (probably the Jolida). Also, I noticed on Quad's site that they have the 12L and the 12L2. A quick call to a dealer leads me to believe the 12L2 is a replacement...correct?

With regards to either of these choices and tube amplification...The quads are rated at 88db efficiency and a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. The Vienna Acoustics are 89db at 4 ohms. The efficiency ratings seem in line with what I've read for more powerful tubes (the Jolida is 50W per channel). However, what about the impedance rating? I don't listen to music at rattling levels...mostly fairly casual listening.

Thanks,
Patrick

[topspeed]

The Soundstage! review (http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/jolida_jd302b.htm) of the 302 noted that while it does provide 4 ohm taps, it sounded better with 8 ohm speakers on the 8 ohm taps. It's not that the amp wasn't stable, it simply wasn't as good. Tubes are fickle and require more thought in matching with speakers, which is why I always suggest picking the speakers first and then finding the right amp. I'd probably pass on the Vienna's. BTW, you'll note in the article one of the reference speakers was the Taylo, a speaker that seemed to lock in with the Jolida. Tyler Acoustics is a brand worth seeking out for audition.

'Course, my vote is still for the used VR-1 :D.

[ptoomey]

So, the Quad's are 6 ohm, and the website says that they are "compatible with 8 ohm amplifier outputs". So, might this be a fine balance? Anyone out there running Quads with a Jolida integrated. If not, anyone else have a good suggestion for an integrated tube amp (at $1000 or less) that would be a good match for the Quads?


The Soundstage! review (http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/jolida_jd302b.htm) of the 302 noted that while it does provide 4 ohm taps, it sounded better with 8 ohm speakers on the 8 ohm taps. It's not that the amp wasn't stable, it simply wasn't as good. Tubes are fickle and require more thought in matching with speakers, which is why I always suggest picking the speakers first and then finding the right amp. I'd probably pass on the Vienna's. BTW, you'll note in the article one of the reference speakers was the Taylo, a speaker that seemed to lock in with the Jolida. Tyler Acoustics is a brand worth seeking out for audition.

'Course, my vote is still for the used VR-1 :D.

[ptoomey]

I am doing tons of googling on the Quads and found a number of people comment that the Quads are great for orchesteral, but may not be your cup of tea if vocalists are your priority. Well, I actually do emphasize vocals over orchesteral music. Any comments about this? What, of the above speakers everyone has mentioned, is known for vocals.

Patrick

[PeruvianSkies]

The Usher X719 is very cool looking, but I have never heard one. If I were going just by what has been recommended thus far in terms of looks, this would be the winner, but again.....I haven't heard it and I consider that to be a higher priority over looks. Obviously you put that second in your priority, so maybe this is a good candidate. Hopefully you can hear a set.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Like Topspeed and GMichael said, the Usher X-719 is my choice. I spent the afternoon with the X-719, the VR1, the Totem Rainmaker, and the Consonance Eric 1. The X-719 just did everything so well. Had the kind of bass you would expect from a floorstander and a soundstage that filled the room. Now this is not to say that the other speakers sounded bad. Each of the other speakers sounded very good and I would be very happy with any one of them in my listening room.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Usher X-719 - Likely the most dynamic of this group with real energy in the lower octaves. If you like VSA, you'll likely appreciate Usher. Variable wood and color finishes (even screaming yellow!)
http://www.audiofast.com/prods/u_x719.jpg


Tyler Acoutics - gorgeous wood work and top notch components.
Taylo Mini's (the price is a bit high, but negotiate. It can be done.)
http://161.58.223.97/i/c/f/1099877953.jpg

PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)
http://128.121.219.98/i/c/f/1188260491.jpg

Quad 12L - very fast sound, beautiful fit and finish, excellent coherence top to bottom, legendary name in audio.
http://209.167.103.167/SPEAK_files/quad12L.jpg
http://edu.pudasjarvi.fi/~mokkula/images/Hifi/Quad%2012L.jpg


Hey Topspeed, If you were getting the X-719's, which color would you go for. The red has me very intrigued, though I would like to see them first. Thanks

[RGA]

Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I have found that if the sound is good the speaker will start to LOOK a heckuva lot better and if the sound is poor then no matter how pretty they are they will soon look ugly.

The Audio Note AX Two was designed for SETs and sounds quite excellent with Jolida -- very popular combination. Now they look utilitarian but come in a different finishes. They sound excellent with all sorts of acoustic music and punch way way beyond the price class. Comparing say the B&W 705, Totem Model One, Paradigm Studio 20, all of which cost a lot more and using piano - a very difficult instrument the AX Two was in our view easily the best at producing the tranisent and the decay of the instrument as well as the vocals without hardness or early compression.

But like I say it is not as pretty as most and I am not sure thatthey come with front grills - so you will see the drivers on Audio Note speakers (because they're meant to be listened to without the grills).

http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/speakers/ax-2_01.shtml

[Feanor]

Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I have found that if the sound is good the speaker will start to LOOK a heckuva lot better and if the sound is poor then no matter how pretty they are they will soon look ugly.
...
But like I say it is not as pretty as most and I am not sure thatthey come with front grills - so you will see the drivers on Audio Note speakers (because they're meant to be listened to without the grills).

http://www.audionote.co.uk/products/speakers/ax-2_01.shtml

IMO, grills are necessary to satisfy the esthetic taste of "wives", (using the term loosely to describe non-audio enthusiasts). That excludes the Audio Note from present consideration along with some others, e.g. the Tylers if I'm not mistaken.

Apart from that, the Audio Notes do resemble plywood boxes, (aren't they plywood boxes?), with Radio Shack drivers. But, hey, handsome is as handsome does.

[GMichael]

IMO, grills are necessary to satisfy the esthetic taste of "wives", (using the term loosely to describe non-audio enthusiasts). That excludes the Audio Note from present consideration along with some others, e.g. the Tylers if I'm not mistaken.

Apart from that, the Audio Notes do resemble plywood boxes, (aren't they plywood boxes?), with Radio Shack drivers. But, hey, handsome is as handsome does.

Doh.....
:arf:

[topspeed]

Hey Topspeed, If you were getting the X-719's, which color would you go for. The red has me very intrigued, though I would like to see them first. ThanksIt depends on your decor and aesthetic sensibilities. If you saw Westcott's room in his thread, I think the red or yellow would match famously with his artwork and new projection screen cover. I prefer much more subdued, classic tones such as dark cherry wood (my B&W's) or African Hazelwood (my Von Schweikerts). My choice would be piano black with natural cherry. Classy yet has enough modern "pop" from the wood appliques. Red and yellow need to be set in modern decor, otherwise they'll simply dominate the room.

[Jack in Wilmington]

It depends on your decor and aesthetic sensibilities. If you saw Westcott's room in his thread, I think the red or yellow would match famously with his artwork and new projection screen cover. I prefer much more subdued, classic tones such as dark cherry wood (my B&W's) or African Hazelwood (my Von Schweikerts). My choice would be piano black with natural cherry. Classy yet has enough modern "pop" from the wood appliques. Red and yellow need to be set in modern decor, otherwise they'll simply dominate the room.

You make a good point. I was thinking of the speakers alone without any regards to my listening room. My accent wall is a deep maroon color and all my equipment is on that wall. I don't think the red would be a good match. Do you know what wood finishes are available? On the Usher website when you click on available finishes you get the red, yellow, etc. I like the Mahogany Birch that is on the "V" series.

[topspeed]

Sorry, I don't. I checked their website as well and they may not offer options on the wood anymore. You'll have to call your dealer on that one. With a maroon background, I'd stick to the gloss black body.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Sorry, I don't. I checked their website as well and they may not offer options on the wood anymore. You'll have to call your dealer on that one. With a maroon background, I'd stick to the gloss black body.

I see that the matching stands (RWS 729) come in Birch and Walnut. That may be the available speaker choices also. I agree with you, the Gloss Black is the way to go. I will make another trip to the dealer just to discuss finishes and of course to listen to the X-719's again. The dealer also carries Von Schweikert. I'd like to know what is taking the place of the VR1's.

[jim goulding]

Those Ushers looked so inviting on Topspeed's reply that I visited their website as you may have, too. I think they meet one of your requirements pretty near hands down but they are a tad higher than the cost window as I read your desription. One of the things they use in their description is a 7" paper mid/bass driver. The size should translate to very respectable in room bass but don't dismiss the paper material for the mid/bass driver. Paper cones are light, quick, and stiff. Improved in some cases with the use of carbon fiber coating or impregnation. The fact that they start with paper makes them all the more interesting in my experience.

Some dealers, perhaps even some online dealers, will let you audition at home, Nothing shabby about that, huh? I've always had to pay them upfront and got my money back when I returned them. I would recommend returning them on time, for sure. I've never paid a penalty- there is usually a 30 day money back anyway, it's just that it's in MY best interest that you do!

I believe Usher's site said they are $1300 a pair. They may be worthy of the stretch. The certainly look like a keeper! See if you can find a reivew for more info. I don't remember if there were any links on Usher's site or not.

[RGA]

Feaner

Yes as a matter of fact the AX Two does use plywood - the particular material costs more than MDF and the Russian Birch models cost far more than ANY MDF currently available by anyone.

The drivers in the AX Two are modest Vifa drivers but at least Vifa is a specialist in the driver making business and has been for decades. The cabinets are hand made in Denmark and matched to very tight tolerances under .3db across their full bandwidth which is critical to get an integrated sound of drivers. This may be a reaosn why the instruments sound coherent unlike speakers like the 705 where the tweeter is heard separate of the woofer. And the 705 is supposedly one of the better standmounts which makes me wonder about so many of them.

However the AX Two is not going to impress in cabinet appearance or how expensive the drivers are, or the technobabble. They use a paper woofer and foam surrounds and the company chose that because it gets the desired sound they want.

Peper typically offers far more advantages for sound reproduction than any of the other materials currently being used with the exception of tweeters.

[PeruvianSkies]

IMO, grills are necessary to satisfy the esthetic taste of "wives", (using the term loosely to describe non-audio enthusiasts). That excludes the Audio Note from present consideration along with some others, e.g. the Tylers if I'm not mistaken.

Apart from that, the Audio Notes do resemble plywood boxes, (aren't they plywood boxes?), with Radio Shack drivers. But, hey, handsome is as handsome does.

You mean like these grills:

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tzTqUlP8uAo"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tzTqUlP8uAo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[drseid]

Like Jack, I have heard many of the same speakers (and I bet at the same place... the excellent Quest for Sound). I personally chose the Consonance Eric-1s for my office system (although I confess I was sold on them previously at THE Show in Vegas in 2005). At $1K for sound I personally would look no further, and I am currently powering them with a Jolida Integrated right now to great effect. I confess that I am also a fan of the VR-1s, and it goes without saying the Tylers are also extremely good speakers (I think my moniker more than gives away my bias there). Tyler demos with Jolida for what its worth, and I believe they make a superb match.

Bottom line is you have a lot of great choices to look at... The Ushers are stunning looking too, not to mention anything from AV123. I'd say you are in the catbird seat here. :-)

---Dave

[topspeed]

The dealer also carries Von Schweikert. I'd like to know what is taking the place of the VR1's.
When you find out, let the rest of us know. Albert has recently upgraded both the VR4jr and VR4sr to Mark II status with new drivers and tweaks to the x-over. They are the top of the "retail" line so hopefully he's going to the let the upgrades trickle down to the VR2 and VR1. Unfortunately, those upgrades to the jr and sr came with a staggering 30%(!) increase in price! If the 1 and 2 come back in Mark II guise, you can bet your lunch money they'll come with a price hike. :sad:

[drseid]

IMO, grills are necessary to satisfy the esthetic taste of "wives", (using the term loosely to describe non-audio enthusiasts). That excludes the Audio Note from present consideration along with some others, e.g. the Tylers if I'm not mistaken.

In the case of the Tylers, Grilles are available, but cost $40/pr. extra if the customer wants them. Personally I can't stand the looks of the Tyler Grilles and never use mine. They have not even left their plastic. :-)

---Dave

[Feanor]

In the case of the Tylers, Grilles are available, but cost $40/pr. extra if the customer wants them. Personally I can't stand the looks of the Tyler Grilles and never use mine. They have not even left their plastic. :-)

---Dave

Personally I love see those Seas drivers, (of course, I'm not a "wife"). :cornut:

[Duds]

As Topspeed knows, i also own the VR-1's. Great speaker and the African Hazelwood finish is awesome.

I heard they are discontinued, but does that mean you cant find them new anywhere?

If you want, send me a message and i will give you the name of the dealer i got mine, maybe he has some left.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Like Jack, I have heard many of the same speakers (and I bet at the same place... the excellent Quest for Sound). I personally chose the Consonance Eric-1s for my office system (although I confess I was sold on them previously at THE Show in Vegas in 2005). At $1K for sound I personally would look no further, and I am currently powering them with a Jolida Integrated right now to great effect. I confess that I am also a fan of the VR-1s, and it goes without saying the Tylers are also extremely good speakers (I think my moniker more than gives away my bias there). Tyler demos with Jolida for what its worth, and I believe they make a superb match.

Bottom line is you have a lot of grat choices to look at... The Ushers are stunning looking too, not to mention anything from AV123. I'd say you are in the catbird seat here. :-)

---Dave

You'd win that bet Dave. Can't wait to go back there. I've got $1000 put away in my vacation club at work so far. Vacation Club my a$$. Future Usher Owners Club is more like it.

[drseid]

You'd win that bet Dave. Can't wait to go back there. I've got $1000 put away in my vacation club at work so far. Vacation Club my a$$. Future Usher Owners Club is more like it.

Good for you Jack. Enjoy those Ushers (better than any vacation club anyway). :-)

Happy listening

---Dave

[GMichael]

Good for you Jack. Enjoy those Ushers (better than any vacation club anyway). :-)

Happy listening

---Dave

You got that right! He'll enjoy those speakers a whole lot longer than any vacation he could take for the same cash.

$1000 for a pair of Ushers that last a conservative 20 years?
$1000/365 days/20 years = < $0.14 per day.

$1000 for a week's vacation?
$1000/7 days = $142.85 per day.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

[PeruvianSkies]

You got that right! He'll enjoy those speakers a whole lot longer than any vacation he could take for the same cash.

$1000 for a pair of Ushers that last a conservative 20 years?
$1000/365 days/20 years = < $0.14 per day.

$1000 for a week's vacation?
$1000/7 days = $142.85 per day.

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

That's some good math, although maybe even more than 20 years??

[superdougiefreshness]

Who the heck makes pd10's ?
I think these can probably sound nice with that large mid/bass driver........
I want a pair.....
2877

These dark wood Quads are really beautiful.
2878




:cornut:

[drseid]

Who the heck makes pd10's ?
I think these can probably sound nice with that large mid/bass driver........
I want a pair.....
2877

These dark wood Quads are really beautiful.
2878




:cornut:

PD-10s are made by Tyler Acoustics ($1600/pr.). They are part of the Tyler ProDynamics line.

---Dave

[Feanor]

PD-10s are made by Tyler Acoustics ($1600/pr.). They are part of the Tyler ProDynamics line.

---Dave

Dave, I hear the Tyler uses Eminence drivers in their Pro Dynamics series: any idea which ones in the PD-10's? Holy cow! Their miminum power requirement is 1 watt, and the handling is 400 watts. I image they'll play pretty LOUD :eek6:

[nightflier]

I'll also put in a plug for the Onix Rocket series, at least based on looks (http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=2.1). I've never heard them, though, but I've read positive reviews about them. I also think that the Usher is a very nice looking speaker, and having heard that one, I can say that it is also a very good sounding speaker, with incredible bass for its size.

The Quads, especially in a finish like birds-eye maple, for example, are still the best looking of the lot. I own a pair of 22L floor-standers in the piano-black, and can't say enough good things about them (see my other posts). That said, I don't think that the Quads will have the slam and crispness of the Ushers. They are smaller, and more refined, I guess is the best way I can put it. However, the Quads will definitely do a better job when driven by a lower-powered amp and I think in your situation they would be the best buy. By the way, the v2 Quads that just came out this year do sound a tad brighter from what I've read, and that may be an improvement for some people, but not in my book. Besides, this also makes it possible to score a pair of the original Quads at a discount.

In one of the other Speaker posts, RGA recommended Omega speakers as a more affordable alternative to the Audio-Notes, and while they still have a similar look, they also use a high-gloss finish that makes them a very attractive and classy-looking speaker for the money (see: http://www.omegaloudspeakers.com/super3.html). They also will play with very low-power amps (as low as 2W). I am very likely to audition a pair as soon as I can free up some space. The higher-end models even use concentric hemp (not paper) drivers and might also be in your budget if bought second-hand.

Anyhow, I hope that helps.

[jrhymeammo]

PD10's are perfect for a lower power tube amp (8ohm, 97dB's)
http://128.121.219.98/i/c/f/1188260491.jpg


Man, that dude on Agon's been trying to sell his pair for almost a year now.LOL. Maybe cuz he wont even drop a dime from his asking price. I know this cuz I've tried buying the pair. I'm still curious to how they'll sound, but they are defintely not he prettiest speakers to my eyes. Just a personal preference.

JRA

[drseid]

Dave, I hear the Tyler uses Eminence drivers in their Pro Dynamics series: any idea which ones in the PD-10's? Holy cow! Their miminum power requirement is 1 watt, and the handling is 400 watts. I image they'll play pretty LOUD :eek6:

They definitely are Eminence, but I don't know the specific model number as I am not up on that driver brand as much as some others...

---Dave

[cleaneduphippy]

" How do you think these would mate with a Jolida 302B integrated tube amp? In order to demo the pair I'll likely need to purchase at least one (probably the Jolida). Also, I noticed on Quad's site that they have the 12L and the 12L2. A quick call to a dealer leads me to believe the 12L2 is a replacement...correct? "

ptoomey,

Actually auditioned both the Quad 11L and 12L with a Jolida 302B tube integrated (I own a Jolida 502A) in a fairly large (I'm guessing 24 x 16 x 8) soundroom (Deja Vu Audio, McLean, Va) and I didn't feel that the Jolida had any problems driving either of these speakers. Remember Jolida does have a 4 ohm tap. Btw, both of these Quads were very nice, somewhat warm (think British) sounding speakers. The music that I used in the auditioning was mostly acoustic based (blues and bluegrass) with artists ranging from Junior Wells to Allison Krauss and the vocals seem to be done well. Now I have to admit that I like a warm sounding speaker. About the only thing I noticed was in auditioning the Quad 11Ls is that on one Taj Mahal track were he has some female back-up singers and horns going on at the same time, that it got a little congested. As far as the difference between the 12L and 12L2, I believe that Quad changed the tweeters. Haven't heard the 12L2, so can't comment on it. . If you could hear both 12L and 12L2, then you would have a better idea of which one sounds best to your ears. But having said that I can't imagine the 12L2 being bad speakers. Also, I think the Quads are very good looking speakers, especially in the Rosewood finish.

[46minaudio]

http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_23&products_id=69
New flavor of the month on avs...

[topspeed]

Wow. I haven't anything about Swan in a loooooooong time. Kex is pretty familiar with their drivers, IIRC. I wonder what he thinks?