Pictures of your dream speakers

[sgt bass08]

Hi guys i wanted to do a thread about what would be your dream speaker if money wasnt a issue .There are loads off speakers out there worth thousands but if you had to choose your favorite speakers what would it be .my would be the B&W 802D this speakers uses the same midrange and tweeter layout as the larger 800D and 801D, but its twin 200mm (8 in) bass drivers are housed in a narrower and more compact cabinet, making it ideal for those listeners that value the detail and imaging of the larger systems, but prefer a smaller aspect.



Description
3-way vented-box system

Freq. Response
34Hz - 28kHz ±3dB on reference axis

Freq. Range
-6dB at 27Hz and 33kHz

Sensitivity
90dB spl (2.83V, 1m)

Normal Impedance
8ohms (minimum 3.5 ohms)

Power Handling
50W - 500W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme

Drive Units
Unit 1: 1x 25mm (1 in) diamond dome high-frequency
Unit 2: 1x 150mm (6 in) woven Kevlar® cone FST midrange
Unit 3: 2x 200mm (8 in) Rohacell® cone bass

Dispersion
Description: Within 2dB of reference response
Horizontal: over 60º arc
Vertical: over 10º arc

Harmonic Distortion
2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<1% 40Hz - 100kHz
<0.5% 70Hz - 100kHz

Crossover Frequency
350Hz, 4kHz

Max. Recommended Cable Impedance
0.1 ohms

Dimensions
Height: 1135mm (44.7in) (not including feet)
Width: 368mm (14.5in)
Depth: 563mm (22.2in)

Net Weight
80kg (176 lb)

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/313077945.jpg

[Ajani]

http://ryanandsusie.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/monitor-audio-pl300.PNG

Monitor Audio Platinum PL300

Either those or some electrostats.

[Feanor]

So many great speakers out there that I don't think I can give definitive answer. Let me accept my current stereo listening room as a constraint -- that's a biggie. For sure I like planars, and Magneplanar MG 3.6R is most likely what I'd get if I have that much spare change.

On the other hand, I'd love to try full-range ribbons. Florian's Apogee Grandes would be fabulous but won't fit in my listening room. A realistic alternative might be these Analysis Omegas
...

[filecat13]

Given my predilections, this is what I'd like: Revel Ultima2 Salon. This four-way design runs from 24Hz (-3dB) to 45kHz, but plan on lots of power as its sensitivity is 86dB.

[sgt bass08]

Hey guys there some nice speakers im liking feanor they look crazy.i caint wait to see basite and audio amateur speakers Lol.but yeah guys keep them coming .

[basite]

A pair of Thiel CS3.7's, which might be a realistic future vision :)

http://www.avplaza.co.kr/images/userdif/photo/01(1117174001).jpg


or if money was totally no object:

http://www.audiofederation.com/hifiing/2006/FSI2006/report/report1500/part4/IMG_2634.jpg

a pair of Verity Audio Lohengrin's, or Avalon Isis' or Eidilon diamonds...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[sgt bass08]

basite im liking the Thiel CS3.7's not to sure about the Verity Audio Lohengrin's they look weak.

[basite]

not to sure about the Verity Audio Lohengrin's they look weak.


yeah, I should have mentioned the 15" woofer on the back and the €104000 price ticket :D

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[blackraven]

See Florians Acoustic Grand Apogee's! If I could afford these and the amps to drive them, I'd build a room to fit them!

[Ajani]

Given my predilections, this is what I'd like: Revel Ultima2 Salon. This four-way design runs from 24Hz (-3dB) to 45kHz, but plan on lots of power as its sensitivity is 86dB.

Nice choice. Based on my auditions of Revel's Concerta and Performa lines, I really should have mentioned the Ultima 2s in addition to the Monitor Audios and Electrostats....

[sgt bass08]

yeah, I should have mentioned the 15" woofer on the back and the €104000 price ticket :D

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

WoW them Verity Audio Lohengrin's are realy kool 15" woofer i think that would suit my style more.:ihih: but the B&W 802D cost a whooping $13,999.98 .

[E-Stat]

Hi guys i wanted to do a thread about what would be your dream speaker if money wasnt a issue
Double pair of Sound LAB 945s. Whereas my U-1s have 30 square feet of radiating area, they have nearly 90 for higher output. For my musical tastes, I value the utter coherency of full range designs. No crossovers or transition between woofers, tweeters, etc. Driver mass less than the air around them.

http://www.audiofederation.com/hifiing/2008/CES2008/report/1000/floor_34/MEDIUM_RELEASE_IMG_2569.jpg

This is a picture of Ray Kimber's setup for his Iso-Mike recordings (at least the front). I'd keep the EMM Labs front end, but would prefer using VTL Sigfrieds over the Pass Labs 350.5s.

rw

[nightflier]

I guess all my choices lie across the pond (things seem to be more curvaceous, there):

http://www.avantgarde-acoustic.de/img/global/duoo_bild1.jpg

I'd probably opt for the metallic blue horns, though.


-------------------------------

Or served with a fine Chianti:

http://www.zingali.it/_templates/home/hi-fi-products/hi-fiproducts_01.jpg

Horn-loading carved out of solid wood, you gota love that.


-------------------------------

Or how about this pickled herring entree:

http://www.hansenaudio.com/images/theking.jpg

Although I'd have a hard time plunking down $50K+ for a speaker made of composite plastic.

[jrhymeammo]

I've always had my eyes on these. They are all very expensive, but not outradiously priced.



http://www.tannoy-speakers.com/products/116/small-1.jpg

TD-12 @ $10K

http://www.harbeth.co.uk/hifispeakers/monitor40domestic/images/M40-220-320.jpg

M40.1@ $11K

http://www.authentic-fidelity.ch/02_marken_produkte/02_lautsprecher/01_dynaudio/icon/confidence_c4.jpg

C-4 @ $16K

http://home.broadpark.no/%7Esjlarsen/hifi/proac.jpg

D80 @ $14K

http://www.coincidentspeaker.com/images/speakers/totalvictory-2008/Total-Victory-sm.jpg

Total Victory @ $15K


JRA

[O'Shag]

This is one of my favourites

[Florian]

Well, i already own my dream speakers BUT i wish i had this room

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/3099_3099_wallpaper.JPG

[sgt bass08]

hey guys there some nice speakers i really like the horn style speakers speacial the ones that O,shag and nighflier picked.e-stats and florian are silly huge speakers and you would need a room the size off a football pitch Lol.

[E-Stat]

e-stats and florian are silly huge speakers...
It takes a lot of sandwich wrap to reproduce a full symphony. :)

rw

[audio amateur]

I have to say the crossover-less nature of these new Podium speakers appeals to me:
3502

A pair of 3.6 maggies would be nice, as would the beautiful nautilus’ by B&W, although I’ve heard bad things about them:
3503
3504

The Megalines have intrigued me ever since I had the opportunity to see a pair thanks to Florian:
3505

[O'Shag]

Hiro,

I've heard the Tannoy TD-12 extensively. My friend had a pair in situ until recently. He got the Acapella Campanella to replace them. I can tell you this. The TD-12 is one heckuva speaker. Its got all the sonic fireworks, but on top of that it sounds very believable ie tone is true. Imaging is world class, and it can through a full scale image - no surprise given the dual concentric driver. Most speakers cannot deliver the scale the way these tannoys can. Also, the TD-12 has that rare quality of aliveness without generating fatigue. My friend loves the Campanella's but I think he really misses the Tannoys. I think the TD-12 truely excels with voice and also violin is to die for.

[filecat13]

Well, if I wanted to have some horns in the house, here's what I'd desire:

[f0rge]

there's some seriously badass speakers in this thread...

[E-Stat]

Well, if I wanted to have some horns in the house, here's what I'd desire:
I confess that I've not been a big JBL fan over the years (I remember the colored L100s from my 'yout), but from what I've read, the Everest is a wonderfully neutral speaker.

rw

[O'Shag]

The Everest is awesome indeed. Well named by JBL.

[jrhymeammo]

Hiro,

I've heard the Tannoy TD-12 extensively. My friend had a pair in situ until recently. He got the Acapella Campanella to replace them. I can tell you this. The TD-12 is one heckuva speaker. Its got all the sonic fireworks, but on top of that it sounds very believable ie tone is true. Imaging is world class, and it can through a full scale image - no surprise given the dual concentric driver. Most speakers cannot deliver the scale the way these tannoys can. Also, the TD-12 has that rare quality of aliveness without generating fatigue. My friend loves the Campanella's but I think he really misses the Tannoys. I think the TD-12 truely excels with voice and also violin is to die for.

Thanks for your insight, Shaggy. I've always been fascinated by Tannoy products. Have you heard any of Prestige series?

I've never seen or heard of JBL Everest until now. Very cool.

http://www.jbl.com/home/products/images/products/K2.S9800WG.jpg

K2 S9800 @ $25K?.

I've heard these beatiful speakers with SET monoblocks, and thought it was one of the best sound I've heard in my life. Large relaxed sound with sparkling highs when called upon. Defintely far from JBL that often end up as a garage system.

[sgt bass08]

Right guys i finally found my dream speakers it was hard just to pick one so these speakers would be on my shopping list if money wasnt a issue.

The B&W 802D

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/313077945.jpg

Description
3-way vented-box system

Freq. Response
34Hz - 28kHz ±3dB on reference axis

Freq. Range
-6dB at 27Hz and 33kHz

Sensitivity
90dB spl (2.83V, 1m)

Normal Impedance
8ohms (minimum 3.5 ohms)

Power Handling
50W - 500W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme

Drive Units
Unit 1: 1x 25mm (1 in) diamond dome high-frequency
Unit 2: 1x 150mm (6 in) woven Kevlar® cone FST midrange
Unit 3: 2x 200mm (8 in) Rohacell® cone bass

Dispersion
Description: Within 2dB of reference response
Horizontal: over 60º arc
Vertical: over 10º arc

Harmonic Distortion
2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<1% 40Hz - 100kHz
<0.5% 70Hz - 100kHz

Crossover Frequency
350Hz, 4kHz

Max. Recommended Cable Impedance
0.1 ohms

Dimensions
Height: 1135mm (44.7in) (not including feet)
Width: 368mm (14.5in)
Depth: 563mm (22.2in)

Net Weight
80kg (176 lb)




. PBN’s Montana

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/313474821.jpg

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS (HxWxD) 76 x 24 x 26
WEIGHT (lbs./ea.) 390
FREQUENCY RANGE 18Hz - 22kHz
SENSITIVITY (db/2.83V@1m) 93
POWER HANDLING 800W
CROSSOVER POINTS (Hz) 80/500/3500
WOOFER(S) 2 ea./15" 2 ea./9"
MID RANGE 2 ea./5.25"
TWEETER 1" Montana Revelator


like i said i love my speakers with big woofers:14:

[Florian]

I heard the Everest at last years High End show in Munich. What a Godawfull speaker! Screetchy, no driver integration, agressive and no tonality. Juck! Seriously, id rather take a Nautilus 801

[sgt bass08]

yer i hear JBL are in par with cerwin vega not really i nice sounding speaker.but the Everest looks a mighty speaker speacial for $30,000 .

[Florian]

yer i hear JBL are in par with cerwin vega not really i nice sounding speaker.but the Everest looks a mighty speaker speacial for $30,000 .

I was shocked too when i was told the price. Seriously, its rubbish.

[E-Stat]

I heard the Everest at last years High End show in Munich. What a Godawfull speaker! Screetchy, no driver integration, agressive and no tonality. Juck! Seriously, id rather take a Nautilus 801
I had high hopes for their supposed return to the high end. With what were they driving it? Not to be an apologist, but many shows just don't do [fill in the blank] components well.

rw

[drseid]

Here's mine... The Von Schweikert VR-11, AKA "the Vanquish"

http://www.vonschweikert.com/vr11/vr11_LG.jpg

I am sure I will never be able to afford them at about $165K/pr., but I do love listening to them. :-)

---Dave

[bobsticks]

Well, look what the cat dragged in. Good to see ya Dave.

...and, yes, the VR-11 are pretty amazing. Let's both keep playing the lottery.

[GMichael]

I kind of like the Whisper from Legacy.

[sgt bass08]

sorry guys i needed a 3rd one :) but i promise these are my finally choice .

The B&W 802D

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/313077945.jpg

Description
3-way vented-box system

Freq. Response
34Hz - 28kHz ±3dB on reference axis

Freq. Range
-6dB at 27Hz and 33kHz

Sensitivity
90dB spl (2.83V, 1m)

Normal Impedance
8ohms (minimum 3.5 ohms)

Power Handling
50W - 500W into 8 ohms on unclipped programme

Drive Units
Unit 1: 1x 25mm (1 in) diamond dome high-frequency
Unit 2: 1x 150mm (6 in) woven Kevlar® cone FST midrange
Unit 3: 2x 200mm (8 in) Rohacell® cone bass

Dispersion
Description: Within 2dB of reference response
Horizontal: over 60º arc
Vertical: over 10º arc

Harmonic Distortion
2nd and 3rd harmonics (90dB, 1m)
<1% 40Hz - 100kHz
<0.5% 70Hz - 100kHz

Crossover Frequency
350Hz, 4kHz

Max. Recommended Cable Impedance
0.1 ohms

Dimensions
Height: 1135mm (44.7in) (not including feet)
Width: 368mm (14.5in)
Depth: 563mm (22.2in)

Net Weight
80kg (176 lb)




. PBN’s Montana

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/313474821.jpg

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS (HxWxD) 76 x 24 x 26
WEIGHT (lbs./ea.) 390
FREQUENCY RANGE 18Hz - 22kHz
SENSITIVITY (db/2.83V@1m) 93
POWER HANDLING 800W
CROSSOVER POINTS (Hz) 80/500/3500
WOOFER(S) 2 ea./15" 2 ea./9"
MID RANGE 2 ea./5.25"
TWEETER 1" Montana Revelator


Alexandria X-2

http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/313620558.jpg

Specs
Enclosure Type Woofer: Front Ported
Enclosure Type Midrange: Rear Ported
Enclosure Type Tweeter: Sealed
Woofers: One - 13 inch (33.0 cm)
One - 15 inch (38.2 cm)
Midrange: Two - 6 ¾ (17.78 cm)
Tweeter: One - 1 inch inverted dome (2.54 cm)
Super Tweeter: One - 1 inch rear firing (2.54 cm)
Sensitivity: 95 db @ 1 watt (2.83V at one meter)
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms, 3 ohms minimal
Minimum Amplifier Power: 7 watts per channel
Frequency Rexponse: +0, -3 dB 19.5 Hz - 22.5 kHz
:14:

[Feanor]

So many great speakers out there that I don't think I can give definitive answer. Let me accept my current stereo listening room as a constraint -- that's a biggie. For sure I like planars, and Magneplanar MG 3.6R is most likely what I'd get if I have that much spare change.

On the other hand, I'd love to try full-range ribbons. Florian's Apogee Grandes would be fabulous but won't fit in my listening room. A realistic alternative might be these Analysis Omegas
...

Come to think of it, there are a few "box speakers" I could probably settle for. One might be this Kharma Ceramique 3.2.2 (for my current listening room)
...

[basite]

Come to think of it, there are a few "box speakers" I could probably settle for. One might be this Kharma Ceramique 3.2.2 (for my current listening room)
...


very nice one, heard Kharma once, I will never forget that moment.

unfortunately, they are 'pretty' expensive :)

What about a pair of Avalons for your listening room?

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[RoadRunner6]

For my dream (and for me FUN) speaker I was going to show the new JBL Everest but Filecat 13 beat me too it. No, I don't think it is the best speaker (the top Wilson Alexandria is probably better but I wouldn't want it unless I lived in a flying saucer). However, the Everest has one thing that just gets the old ticker pumping and that is dynamic range. Yes the Wilson has it but it is out of my price range. On certain sources it is just essential for real world reproduction. For my dream/fun speaker I'll give up the slight edges in other characteristcis for a system like the Everest with that explosive realism.

It's spec of 96dB's and RMS power handling of 500 watts give it the same output that a superior sounding system with a 84dB's spec (no grand names here) would need 8000 watts RMS to achieve the same output levels. No, I wouldn't use it to listen to my string quartet recordings but for knocking my friends and neighbirs on there ass it would be my choice if money was no object.

Anyway that aside, I picked a ported speaker that has beautiful speaker cloth and a very nice lower end as well as dual mids and explosive highs. Although she actually lip-synced the song she sang as the "Obama Girl" she is an actress as well as a model so I know she is an articulate speaker. She certainly gets my amplifier going. Amber Lee Ettinger is my choice for my "dream speaker."

RR6 :devil:

http://www.modelvolume.com/amber_lee_ettinger/amber_lee_ettinger_photo.jpg

[blackraven]

Very nice speaker RR, I want one too! Does it come in a Blonde model?

[RoadRunner6]

Blackraven, available in blonde by special order only. Not available in bipolar.

[audio amateur]

Anyway that aside, I picked a ported speaker that has beautiful speaker cloth and a very nice lower end as well as dual mids and explosive highs. Although she actually lip-synced the song she sang as the "Obama Girl" she is an actress as well as a model so I know she is an articulate speaker. She certainly gets my amplifier going. Amber Lee Ettinger is my choice for my "dream speaker."

RR6 :devil:

Yeah, I could definitely do with one of those:yesnod:

[audio amateur]

Very nice speaker RR, I want one too! Does it come in a Blonde model?
I believe you already own a similar type?

[sgt bass08]

For my dream (and for me FUN) speaker I was going to show the new JBL Everest but Filecat 13 beat me too it. No, I don't think it is the best speaker (the top Wilson Alexandria is probably better but I wouldn't want it unless I lived in a flying saucer). However, the Everest has one thing that just gets the old ticker pumping and that is dynamic range. Yes the Wilson has it but it is out of my price range. On certain sources it is just essential for real world reproduction. For my dream/fun speaker I'll give up the slight edges in other characteristcis for a system like the Everest with that explosive realism.

It's spec of 96dB's and RMS power handling of 500 watts give it the same output that a superior sounding system with a 84dB's spec (no grand names here) would need 8000 watts RMS to achieve the same output levels. No, I wouldn't use it to listen to my string quartet recordings but for knocking my friends and neighbirs on there ass it would be my choice if money was no object.

Anyway that aside, I picked a ported speaker that has beautiful speaker cloth and a very nice lower end as well as dual mids and explosive highs. Although she actually lip-synced the song she sang as the "Obama Girl" she is an actress as well as a model so I know she is an articulate speaker. She certainly gets my amplifier going. Amber Lee Ettinger is my choice for my "dream speaker."

RR6 :devil:

http://www.modelvolume.com/amber_lee_ettinger/amber_lee_ettinger_photo.jpg


dam shes hot :ihih:

[E-Stat]

Amber Lee Ettinger is my choice for my "dream speaker."
Nice, um driver alignment and acoustically transparent grill cloth. Probably has excellent bottom end response to match the top. :)

rw

[Rich-n-Texas]

For my dream (and for me FUN) speaker I was going to show the new JBL Everest but Filecat 13 beat me too it. No, I don't think it is the best speaker (the top Wilson Alexandria is probably better but I wouldn't want it unless I lived in a flying saucer). However, the Everest has one thing that just gets the old ticker pumping and that is dynamic range. Yes the Wilson has it but it is out of my price range. On certain sources it is just essential for real world reproduction. For my dream/fun speaker I'll give up the slight edges in other characteristcis for a system like the Everest with that explosive realism.

It's spec of 96dB's and RMS power handling of 500 watts give it the same output that a superior sounding system with a 84dB's spec (no grand names here) would need 8000 watts RMS to achieve the same output levels. No, I wouldn't use it to listen to my string quartet recordings but for knocking my friends and neighbirs on there ass it would be my choice if money was no object.

Anyway that aside, I picked a ported speaker that has beautiful speaker cloth and a very nice lower end as well as dual mids and explosive highs. Although she actually lip-synced the song she sang as the "Obama Girl" she is an actress as well as a model so I know she is an articulate speaker. She certainly gets my amplifier going. Amber Lee Ettinger is my choice for my "dream speaker."

RR6 :devil:

http://www.modelvolume.com/amber_lee_ettinger/amber_lee_ettinger_photo.jpg
WHOA!!! Where the heck was I when this one popped up? :yikes:

[Rich-n-Texas]

No need to double post E. We know where you're coming from. :lol:

[E-Stat]

No need to double post E. We know where you're coming from. :lol:
Got a bit of double vision there. :) Seriously, sometimes the website seems to go off in the weeds during a post and I'm not sure if it was successful. Oops.

rw

[RoadRunner6]

Sorry, I didn't mean to cause any distraction in this thread. However, it seems obvious that some of you like the see through horn type speakers. This speaker from Ferguson Hill, the model FH001, might fit the bill. It needs a base unit and sub below 150Hz. I feel a little horny just looking at it.





http://www.geekologie.com/2007/09/20/big-speaker.jpg



http://www.fergusonhill.co.uk/products.php

RR6

[sgt bass08]

roadrunner6 im sorry but thats a ugly speaker it looks fragile and weak i perfer box speakers myself speacial the Alexandria X-2 every time i look at it it makes me horny Lol .Have any off you guys heard horn speakers do they sound good what kind of range do they do are they sensitive.

[basite]

roadrunner6 im sorry but thats a ugly speaker it looks fragile and weak i perfer box speakers myself speacial the Alexandria X-2 every time i look at it it makes me horny Lol .Have any off you guys heard horn speakers do they sound good what kind of range do they do are they sensitive.


remember that weak and fragile doesn't nessecarily mean 'bad'..

[sgt bass08]

remember that weak and fragile doesn't nessecarily mean 'bad'..


Dude i know what you mean but we all been there when we come in from a heavy night off drinking and you got your speakers in your house in the room and your eyes are seen double vision you think your speaker is a meter away but then you start to feel something japping your thigh and the next minute your speaker as fallen over thats what i mean by fragile and weak ;)

[jrhymeammo]

you start to feel something japping your thigh ;)

I have never heard this expression before. Please enlighten me on this one because it sounds hilarious. Seriously.

JRA

[E-Stat]

Have any off you guys heard horn speakers do they sound good what kind of range do they do are they sensitive.
Oh yes, quite a few. It seems that you either like them or you don't - very little middle ground exists. Horns or waveguide designs are extremely efficient and consequently can offer very low distortion. Horn enthusiasts stress their wide dynamic range - translation: they can play LOUDLY! You want 120 db? No problemo. Due to the efficiency, they can be driven by flea sized power amplifiers which are easier and cheaper to sound good than high power amps.

From my perspective, however, all is not well. To one degree or another, all in my experience have some sort of hollow, steely, or honky colorations in the midrange. Proper driver blending requires very long distances. They are NOT for near field use. Decent bass response requires using horns of heroic proportions. Most, however, use conventional dynamic drivers that usually sound like they belong to a different speaker because of their different efficiency, "jump factor" and radiation pattern. That's what I find to be the case with the Avant-Gardes. They are the antithesis to the coherency I value most with full range electrostats. Here's an approach to solve that issue that more closely resembles HVAC ductwork :

http://usr.audioasylum.com/images/3/39364/IMGP4833.JPG

I think one's musical preferences help determine their popularity. Rock or jazz is *produced* through large horn based sound reinforcement systems, so the "live" experience includes their sonic signature. Acoustical music fans like me, on the other hand, typically prefer greater neutrality. To each his own! There are many horn fanciers with a special forum over at AA.

rw

[sgt bass08]

I have never heard this expression before. Please enlighten me on this one because it sounds hilarious. Seriously.

JRA


yea i meant to say jabbing :)

E-stat nice speakers there are really big like the idea of separation of the low ends to the high ends on the horns.I know this as got nothing to do with the speakers but the room needs decorating and a new light bulb and what are them holes at the back of the room it looks like a crack heads house :crazy:

[basite]

E-stat nice speakers there are really big like the idea of separation of the low ends to the high ends on the horns.I know this as got nothing to do with the speakers but the room needs decorating and a new light bulb and what are them holes at the back of the room it looks like a crack heads house :crazy:


I figured the small holes are windows, looks like this system is placed in a basement...

[E-Stat]

I figured the small holes are windows, looks like this system is placed in a basement...
That's my guess, too.

rw

[audio amateur]

yea i meant to say jabbing :)

E-stat nice speakers there are really big like the idea of separation of the low ends to the high ends on the horns.I know this as got nothing to do with the speakers but the room needs decorating and a new light bulb and what are them holes at the back of the room it looks like a crack heads house :crazy:
looooool!

[Florian]

Well i ordered new bass panels for my Grands, looks like i am back up again in like 8 to 12 weeks with my babys. Yippi!

[johnny p]

well.... My "dream" setup is just that..... a "dream" I want beutiful clean accurate sound with no wires, no panels, no electronics, no cones, no domes, no enclosure........

"invisible sound" if you will!

[O'Shag]

Another one of the Acapella Triolon Excaliburs. the tweeter is Ion Plasma, i.e. zero mass.

[E-Stat]

well.... My "dream" setup is just that..... a "dream" I want beutiful clean accurate sound with no wires, no panels, no electronics, no cones, no domes, no enclosure...
There have been a number of zero mass plasma based tweeters, but I'm aware of only one attempt to make a full range version. Nelson Pass created a full range "ion cloud" speaker but it had some environmental drawbacks, i.e. creation of unhealthy levels of ozone.

Ion Cloud (http://www.stereophile.com/interviews/1191pass/)

It will be nice when we can be like Captain Picard and simply ask our computer to play our favorites using an invisible force field sound projector. :)

rw

[O'Shag]

I heard the Everest at last years High End show in Munich. What a Godawfull speaker! Screetchy, no driver integration, agressive and no tonality. Juck! Seriously, id rather take a Nautilus 801

Florian, it could have been the room at the show, or perhaps the wrong electronics driving the speakers. With a speaker that is so sensitive, even the cables make a difference. Problem with very sensitive speakers is that its easy for them to sound bad.
Sgt Bass - With respect to performance, I do assure you there is not a Cerwin Vega on the planet could come within a country mile of the JBL Everest. Given you likin g for bass, I'm sure you'd love the Everests. They do have excellent bass definition, extension and dynamics.

[O'Shag]

I deleted the previous message because I got the picture upload wrong. Here is the correct picture. These were my dream speaker for many years and now I do own them. They live up to my expectations. The KEF reference 109 - Maidstone. They are the wierd and wonderful looking ones on the left. They wiegh 247lbs each, are 4ft tall and 2 ft wide. The midrange and tweeter are a co-incident source unit like the TAD Model 1 ie the tweeter sits 'inside' the midrange unit. :9:

[O'Shag]

A bad picture of the backside of The Maidstone. there are 20 terminals/binding posts per side.Gold enough for the Flying Dutchman (24kt Gold-plated). Can be quad-amped with total bypass of internal xovers. In person, The Maidstone has got a real purdy backside, it would be a real toss-up between it and Heather Locklear's. One thing fo' sho' The Maidstone sounds purdier.

[O'Shag]

The Maidstone Supertweeter

[blackraven]

I'll take Heather Locklears backside any day, you can keep the speakers!:devil:

[O'Shag]

I'll take Heather Locklears backside any day, you can keep the speakers!:devil:

Mate, she is vey fine indeed! LOL:thumbsup: I bet though as an MD, you've seen a fair old range of derriere-s. My son btw is studying to be a doctor.

E-Stat,

I heard that Nelson Pass was actually admitted to the hospital with breathing problems when at CES he exposed himself too long near that full-range plasma speaker.

Thing is, if you ever hear the Acapella ION plasma tweeter, it is arresting -not so much for the flash and fireworks, but for the eery naturalness of its reproduction. When you listen to it at length, you begin to realize that other tweeters (possibly with the exception of the best diamond or beryllium tweeters) have some artifacts or sound cues that give them away. The Acapella Ion is sensational with voice - to the point where you can be fooled into believing there is a real person singing in the room. I've heard the Acapella Violon High on many occasions. I would have to agree with the notion that it is the finest tweeter in the world bar none. The rest of the Violon though, is not on the same level as the tweeter. I came close to buying that speaker, but ultimately I felt is wasn't worth the money. The speaker I have now is a better transducer overall, ion tweeter or not.

[bobsticks]

Another one of the Acapella Triolon Excaliburs. the tweeter is Ion Plasma, i.e. zero mass.

I've seen this room with a view before, albeit with a vast array of different speakers. This guy is either a dealer or a SERIOUS hobbyist...and, yes, I'd love to hear those.

[O'Shag]

Bobsticks, I think its the Audio Federation, and he has some incredible stuff there. The Triolon Excaliburs are gone now, poor sods. I guess the manufacturer took them back.

[sgt bass08]

hey guys just thought i show you another picture off the Alexandria X-2 i was just wondering as any one heard this speaker play as the more i see it the more it makes me wanna rob a bank :p



http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/314270947.jpg

[basite]

hey guys just thought i show you another picture off the Alexandria X-2 i was just wondering as any one heard this speaker play as the more i see it the more it makes me wanna rob a bank :p



http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2216/9856034/18567112/314270947.jpg


I've heard it's 'little' brother (the Maxx 2, which is big too :))
impressive, big, LOUD (no, wait, make that crazy loud), but yet I've heard much better in it's price range.

Take a pair of Avalon's or so, much better IMO...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[O'Shag]

I hear the X2s quite regularly as a friend of mine has them. They are very good indeed. To be honest, The Maidstone sound better though...

[O'Shag]

I've heard it's 'little' brother (the Maxx 2, which is big too :))
impressive, big, LOUD (no, wait, make that crazy loud), but yet I've heard much better in it's price range.

Take a pair of Avalon's or so, much better IMO...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

Bert, I wouldn't say that the Avalon Eidelon or Sentinels are much better. The X2s are very good indeed. I think the best Avalons do sound a bit more pure, with that diamond tweeter. The X2 is more dynamic imo, although can sound a wee bit too hard and a little disjointed at times to my ears. But I can see where your coming from.

[E-Stat]

Bert, I wouldn't say that the Avalon Eidelon or Sentinels are much better. The X2s are very good indeed. I think the best Avalons do sound a bit more pure, with that diamond tweeter. The X2 is more dynamic imo, although can sound a wee bit too hard and a little disjointed at times to my ears. But I can see where your coming from.
Speaker choice is highly personalized based upon one's priorities. There really isn't a single best or set of criteria and every one has trade offs of one sort or another. I find all multi-way speakers a bit *disjointed* as you put it as compared to full range single driver systems. :)

rw

[O'Shag]

Good point.... Some will prefer a certain type of presentation, or as you say, consider an aspect of performance more important than someone else might. Well you do have the advantage of a single 'driver' . The Soundlabs U-1 is an excellent speaker :thumbsup: . Yeah, but that disjointedness can sure sound good!!

[E-Stat]

Good point.... Some will prefer a certain type of presentation, or as you say, consider an aspect of performance more important than someone else might.
Exactly. I did some research on your KEFs and found a review by Tony Cordesman. I am intrigued by the coincidental tweeter/midrange arrangement. I would think that would be a great approach to better blend dissimilar drivers.

I've been a fan of dipolar line array planars since I first heard Tympani Is driven by an all Audio Research system when I was 17. And that was a loooonnnng time ago. :) I can tell you the piece of music I first heard - Paul Simon's Kodachrome - not a favorite at all but I immediately heard a kind of realism I had never heard before. A couple years later ('76), I was invited over to hear Dr. Cooledge's Dayton-Wright electrostats. Similarly, I can tell you (one of) the first pieces of music I heard on them - an EMI pressing of Prokofiev's 2nd Piano Concerto by Michel Beroff. The piano sounded so natural and realistic. There was absolutely no notion of "The Bass" or "The Midrange" or "The Top". I have been seduced by that harmonic integrity and coherency ever since.

The first time I heard the Sea Cliff system was back in '80 when Harry had the Infinity IRS sourced by Koetsu - Goldmund T-3 / Goldmund Table / Denneson JC-80 / Conrad-Johnson Premier One. The resolution and image size / specificity redefined my point of reference, but... while the bass was spectacular with all those servo driven woofers and kilowatts driving them, they sounded like they belonged to a different speaker. There was a decided discontinuity between the dipolar EMIMs and the monopole woofer towers.

Fast forward twenty years to when he had the Nola Grand References. I will never forget the first time I heard that system (circa '01 or so). Once again, my point of reference was completely recalibrated with levels of resolution and "make the walls completely disappear" imaging I had never heard before. I heard things on familiar music I had never heard before. Yet, while the ribbon top was super sweet and the mids well defined, the bass still had a different character. Maybe I'm just hyper-sensitive to that aspect of the reproduction.

Given my particular penchant for coherency, I am dumbfounded by Apogee's statement product. Here is a company that produced the finest full range dipolar ribbon speakers on the planet. Incredible. Then they added some monopole dynamic woofers. Huh? By contrast, Ray Kimber chose to augment the output of Sound Lab Majestics by creating a multiple speaker array for demonstrating his Iso Mike multi-channel recording method. The Majestics, BTW are Dr. West's experiment with entering the pro sound reinforcement market. They were specifically designed for creating large arrays. He did a proof-of-concept in Utah's largest auditorium by stacking six pair of nine foot tall 922s (nine foot tall, 22 degree radiation angle) in an 18 foot by 20 foot array per side. Now, that would be my approach to maintain coherency and open up the dynamics and power handling a bit!

Also, I value my hearing and listen at lower levels than many audiophiles. Average levels run in the 70s and peak in the low 90s. I plumb dynamic range at the bottom rather than the top - which is why I appreciate the lower noise floor afforded by better cabling and throwing the preamp out of the loop for my digital source. I've found that the better the system gets, the lower the output level required to sound realistic. I'm over wearing earplugs for "live" amplified concerts.

rw

[O'Shag]

The review by Tony Cordseman was decent enough, but I wonder if he had a chance to hear these speakers when fully broken in. I received these with around 30 hours on them. I have never experienced the level of break-in as is the case here. The Maidstone has been changing for the past several weeks and continues to do so. Could it be the capacitors in the network? Also, the level of transparency is something that is new to me. I have never been able to easily distinguish the small changes I make in the signal chain, until now. It means I've had to think about how my system is set up. The coincident source driver in this iteration is out of the ordinary for the reason you mention - exceptional coherence, and also for the spectacular imaging that results. I'm very familiar with this technology as I''ve owned the 207s but sold them a few years ago. The Maidstone is in a different league of performance compared to the 207. Tannoys dual concentric driver is the same type of technology. Also one of my favs is the TAD Model-1, which also uses a coincident source driver - although of beryllium (both hf and mf).

Here is another review: hifiplus.co.uk/t-rev3-6.html

Those Soundlabs are really something else. The double-paneled prototypes at the most recent CES show were very intriguing; an extreme but uncompromising method to create a fully-coherent full-range sound. They must have sounded spectacular. Did you have a chance to listen to them? In reference to coupling paneled speakers to woofers, that would strike me as a difficult thing to do well, but some speakers, such as the Apogee Grand that Florian owns does use this approach apparently to great effect. I've never heard Apogees, but the Grand and Diva are said to be world-class. I'd like to hear them one day.

Wise indeed to guard the hearing. I do try and be careful of exposing the ears to continual loud noise these days. Its harder to enjoy the music if one's hearing is impared.

[Florian]

The Grand is the absolutly only panel speaker i have ever heard that sounds like a single panel acoustat in terms of coherence. The subwoofers cant be heard, i dont know exactly why.

One possibility is the use of a motion sensor on the ribbon array which syncs with the subwoofers, which are odly shaped, custom build drivers, fully active, acoustic suspension, long throw etc...

Bradly Morrical from "Positive Feedback Magazine" heard my Grands and to this day considers it the best speaker ever build.

This is his list: Source= http://www.audioasylum.com/scripts/t.pl?f=speakers&m=249345

Let's see from what I have heard:
No-holds-barred:
Apogee Grand
Acapella Triolon Excalibur (think that is the right name) or other big Acapellas
Wilson X1 Grand Slamm or X2
Nola Pegasus reference (or extreme or whatever its called)
Genesis 1.1 or 200 models.

Not quite no-holds-barred:
Odeon No. 32 (german horn speaker with wooden horns)
Lansche Goa (german speaker with ion tweeter) 100db/watt
Acapella Violon II (also german speaker with ion tweeter)
Soundlab U1, A1 or M1
Apogee Diva
Analysis Amphytron
Apogee Synergy (new apogee with 95db sensitivity)
Genesis 350se
Von Schweikert VR6 (haven't heard the newer models)
Martin Logan Summit

Affordable and near SOTA:

Acoustat Spectra series (except the smallest 1100 model)
Smaller Apogees
Thiel CS 3.6 (only Thiel I truly love)
Martin Logan Prodigy or Odyssey
Martin Logan CLS I or IIz

[Florian]

Hi E-Stat,

the Grand does not need the subwoofer, the panel does 22Hz flat. It was designed with it, all the active crossovers, Krell MRS subwoofers etc... the Grand is a single pure design where every part is perfectly matched.

The reason for the subwoofer is to allow the panel to do all the midrange power. The lower midrange (70 to 250Hz is only handled be the panel). The system has weight, realistic weight! The midrange ribbon does 250 to 9KHz... it allows each driver to deliver 100% of what its best at. When you hear a pair you will understand. ^^ Many specualte, but those who hear one personally setup in a home know why Apogee chose that design ;-)

[sgt bass08]

hey florian it would be nice if we could hear your Grand speakers have you ever thought off doing a youtube video so we can listen to them .

[Florian]

hey florian it would be nice if we could hear your Grand speakers have you ever thought off doing a youtube video so we can listen to them .

Haha! Actually there is a video about the assembly of it, it comes with the speaker. I dont share much about it anymore, too many negative side effects. I will however throw a party when its all up and operational. Several HIFI Bizz. people already signed up :14:

[audio amateur]

hey florian it would be nice if we could hear your Grand speakers have you ever thought off doing a youtube video so we can listen to them .
Haha, captured with a crappy mic, then filtered with 56kbps compression (i'm being generous), and finally played back with YOUR speakers? Wouldn't exactly be the same experience... But yeah would be nice to see them nonetheless.
BTW, when are you inviting me Florian?:) How's it coming along?

[sgt bass08]

Haha, captured with a crappy mic, then filtered with 56kbps compression (i'm being generous), and finally played back with YOUR speakers? Wouldn't exactly be the same experience... But yeah would be nice to see them nonetheless.
BTW, when are you inviting me Florian?:) How's it coming along?


Lol yea it was just a thought :ihih: yea florian i wouldnt mind a invite would be nice to hear some quality speakers .

[Feanor]

In my 12' x 18' x 7.5' HT room, I'd love seven of these self-powered Genelec 8030A (http://www.genelecusa.com/documents/datasheets/DS8030a.pdf) speakers and a Genelec 7050B (http://www.genelecusa.com/documents/datasheets/DS7000_2.pdf) subwoofer.

Since they're 'active' they can all be driven directly from a prepro with no power amps. The 8030A has build-in bass and treble compensation for room placement

[basite]

Bert, I wouldn't say that the Avalon Eidelon or Sentinels are much better. The X2s are very good indeed. I think the best Avalons do sound a bit more pure, with that diamond tweeter. The X2 is more dynamic imo, although can sound a wee bit too hard and a little disjointed at times to my ears. But I can see where your coming from.


I was comparing the Avalons to the wilson Maxx 2 (not the alexandria)...

never heard the sentinels, I did hear the Isis' though, very impressive...


Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[E-Stat]

Hi E-Stat,

the Grand does not need the subwoofer, the panel does 22Hz flat.
Great. I suspect it would sound more coherent without the subs. Range is not the issue. Monopole bass works best with monopole speakers.

From your other post, it is specifically because I've heard various large tower speakers designed by Arnie Nudell (Infinity/Genesis) and the Nola Grand Reference at length (going back to 1980) on which I made my observations. As I said earlier, each of us has different criteria for what constitutes *best*. I would have something different. To each his own.

rw

[O'Shag]

Like you say E-Stat, there is no absolute best. Each technology has its merits and indeed its pitfalls. Nothing is perfect - except me :thumbsup:
For example, if dynamic driver speakers were perfect, then everyone would pursue that approach. The same goes for ribbons and electrostats.

[bobsticks]

Ducked into A.S. to get out of rush hour traffic and spent about an hour listening to the C-4...wow. I mean seriously, this is a whole lotta speaker for 16k.

I heard them in a dedicated and prepped room with the new Mac tubed prepro, big monos and we switched out sources a bit. At one point playing a Mac Music Server through an outboard DAC (some piece that had won a "Component of the Year" award) I listened to "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beattles. I don't think any salesperson in the history of the world has used the Beattles as a showpiece tune for gear, but you'd be amazed at the information that's on that track when played with the correct system.

Put the nail in the coffin of home theater for this guy.

[O'Shag]

Ducked into A.S. to get out of rush hour traffic and spent about an hour listening to the C-4...wow. I mean seriously, this is a whole lotta speaker for 16k.

I heard them in a dedicated and prepped room with the new Mac tubed prepro, big monos and we switched out sources a bit. At one point playing a Mac Music Server through an outboard DAC (some piece that had won a "Component of the Year" award) I listened to "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beattles. I don't think any salesperson in the history of the world has used the Beattles as a showpiece tune for gear, but you'd be amazed at the information that's on that track when played with the correct system.

Put the nail in the coffin of home theater for this guy.

Hi BobSticks,

sounds cool. Are you talking about the Dynaudio Confidence C4? I have heard they are excellent. You were listening to some good gear there. Where is A.S.? I always love to pop into the audio salon to listen to good gear, and its a great idea to miss the rush hour traffic. I am a dyed-in-the-wool hybrid-tube fan, but I'll tell you what, I've been getting very very impressed by the Class D amp I have lately been listening a lot too. It is so clean and utterly without distortion - this without sounding too lean. Also really really fast and immediate sounding. Bass is strong and with enormous control.

I really want to get a chance to listen to the C4s btw. I think it was Mr. P who heard the Dynaudio Sapphire recently and was very impressed. So you liked the MAC music server?

[jrhymeammo]

Ducked into A.S. to get out of rush hour traffic and spent about an hour listening to the C-4...wow. I mean seriously, this is a whole lotta speaker for 16k.

I heard them in a dedicated and prepped room with the new Mac tubed prepro, big monos and we switched out sources a bit. At one point playing a Mac Music Server through an outboard DAC (some piece that had won a "Component of the Year" award) I listened to "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beattles. I don't think any salesperson in the history of the world has used the Beattles as a showpiece tune for gear, but you'd be amazed at the information that's on that track when played with the correct system.

Put the nail in the coffin of home theater for this guy.

What?

Tell us more on what's going on in 'Napolistonia......
Dude, isn't it about time you got some sub $100 used-TT and play some tunes?

JRA

[bobsticks]

Hi BobSticks,

sounds cool. Are you talking about the Dynaudio Confidence C4? I have heard they are excellent. You were listening to some good gear there. Where is A.S.? I always love to pop into the audio salon to listen to good gear, and its a great idea to miss the rush hour traffic. I am a dyed-in-the-wool hybrid-tube fan, but I'll tell you what, I've been getting very very impressed by the Class D amp I have lately been listening a lot too. It is so clean and utterly without distortion - this without sounding too lean. Also really really fast and immediate sounding. Bass is strong and with enormous control.

I really want to get a chance to listen to the C4s btw. I think it was Mr. P who heard the Dynaudio Sapphire recently and was very impressed. So you liked the MAC music server?

Hey Shaggy,

Yup, the Danes be the C4 in question. Not the best of the best, but easily the best in class...great extension with no sub needed or even desirable. Great imaging and coherence. Can it be beat,? Sure, with alot more money. Can it be picked apart? Maybe, but it was in a pretty solid room backed by some big dogs so it would be tough. Bottom line: anyone that can say they couldn't live with that system is one anal bastage...

I'm pretty happy with my amp right now so I think it's staying but the new Tube Pre may make a dent on the bank account...which serves me right anyway for driving around the city indescriminately and buying a Mustang for no good reason. I walked away from a cherry C32 (at least for the moment) because the tube sound of the C3 somethin'somethin' was otherworldly. I may regret that decision but whatever.

The Mac Server is nice and convenient and ergonomically well laid out. Would I buy it? No.While I feel that the future of audio is with computers and hard drives, I think the same results can be achieved for substantially less. I'm not that concerned with the name oon the faceplate and a good DAC is still required after all that cheese.

A.S. is Audio Solutions located here in Indy. Great guys with great toys who take the time to get to know their customer's needs. Frankly it's everything a hi-end store should be (and so few are anymore). This was one of the few times I have left without a new playmate to demo at home.

Shaggy, in case no one else says it, thanks for all your contributions. You've been posting some very cool threads lately and I've enjoyed reading and seeing your take on the good stuff. Gracias.

[bobsticks]

What?

Tell us more on what's going on in 'Napolistonia......
Dude, isn't it about time you got some sub $100 used-TT and play some tunes?

JRA

Whattup Jayrah,

Man, naptown ain't nothin' to nobody. Nothin' goin' on 'round these parts but work and more work, broken up by the jumping-through-hoops process of multiple interviewing for a job that I was invited to apply for. The juice could be less travel and more money...which, of course, leads to better toys so wish me luck.

My little record hut had one of them there USB TTs and I laughed and thought of you and your cajoling posts. Gotta get a decent pre first, then we'll see. In any case I'm done with the HDMI-upgradeitis-BS-processor-of-the-month kick. Two good channels is enough for this guy so I suppose I'm a step closer.

Hey, this is my crew. They can get just about anything you want including your beloved slabs of vinyl. Check it out: http://www.lunamusic.net/page0/index2.html

Peace,

Arrested Development

[jrhymeammo]

How about.....

Dynaudio Consequence

http://www.dynaudio.de/images/company/milestones/consequence.jpg

Does anybody know how much this pair of monstrosity goes for? $100K+?

Loco,
Where you have been man? I've been thinking about send'n you some CD-R, but I've been focusing much more on LP purchases. Perhaps it's time to send you another package of black discs....


Whatever you end-up with, you may want to make sure your C3 somem somem is capable of playing low output MC cartridge. I hope you best on your job interview.

I'll be updating my resume very soon while sippin' on some beverage under the Florida sun...

We both need more money for this GD hobby and remainder for a night out with the ladies.

Peace to all,

[O'Shag]

Those Dynaudios Consequences are the best speakers money can buy... for people who spend a lot of time during the day doing head stands. Apparently they're all the rage with the Yoga crowd and a few ashrams have already ordered. Thats why the tweeters are at the bottom and the woofer is at the top. :crazy: :cornut: These speakers are also da bomb for when you bring the ladies back to the pad. They will surely enquire about the upside down arrangement, and when they assume the headstand position to listen - and If they have dresses or skirts on - ...well you get the point :ihih:

Payce