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ADS L8e vs. older ADS?

lossfound

lossfound

Active Member
So I've had several sets of older ADSes-- mostly the smaller 2-ways, the L470s and L520s-- though I currently do not own any others to make a direct comparison. I picked up a set of L8es and I am a little surprised. They seem markedly brighter than the classic ADS sound I remember... not accentuated adversely, just a lot farther forward than what I remember from my ostensibly comparable 520s. In particular, they seem almost intolerant of brickwall limiting / "loudness war" sorts of modern material; any bit of digitally-generated grit in the mix (intentionally included or otherwise) really stands out like on no other speakers I've owned, kind of to the point of being displeasing in some cases.

I know there are at least a few ADS collectors lurking around AK, so I wondered if anyone could comment on having had the same experience with the L8e or other L-series later models. I'm going to try switching out my power amp later today to see if that helps mellow them a bit. It could very well be my current amp (a TA2020-based thing, the only 4-ohm capable amp I have around the house right now) or the room or something, but my DCM TF400s sound just great in the same space.
 
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I run L7e's in one of my systems and I really like the neutrality of the speakers. They have great bass response for their size and very clear highs.
 
AK'er Onepixel has/had a pair of those and preferred them to other ADS' he has owned. perhaps he'll chime in. never heard them myself.
 
The ADS L8e speakers are my favorite "vintage" bookshelf sized speakers and has worked very well in various systems. They beat out the ADS 710s, 580 II, 780 II, 620, and some Brauns all of which I have owned and I prefer them over several tower type ADSs. Being a smallish 2-way, they are heavy bass shy, but the bass that's there is tight and articulate. The highs shimmer and the mids do a wonderful job on vocals. I also like them more that the Large Advents, Dynaco A-25s, AR-2ax, and a number of other vintage speakers in overall sound and presentation.

Try listening to some acoustic or jazz music. All the instruments sound like what they should and the vocals sound real. In really loud rock and pumped up digital music, the missing lower bass can make it seem bright. They are not Cerwin Vegas with 15" bass drivers.
 
Yeah, I know the L8es seem to be a particular favorite of AK folks... one big reason I picked 'em up. I'm looking for a pair of 710s to compare directly for the moment. I think the bass on the 8es is just fine-- understated, perhaps, but very articulate and they can go lower than I would have expected for the size. They do sound very good on classical, acoustic and lighter-treading recordings so far-- not as holographic as the image from my DCMs, but noticeably more detailed. I'm just surprised at how they so readily bring out the nasties on some of my harder / heavier and lower-fi stuff, because one thing I always liked about the older ADSes I had is that they made pretty much *anything* I ran through 'em sound pretty decent.

...Also, I would not describe them as *bright* per se-- but when waveform clipping of any kind is present, be it from an overdriven microphone or an overworked master-bus limiter, it's just insanely naked and harsh compared to not only my prior ADSes (in my recollection), but any of the speakers I have sitting around the house right now-- no slouches, any of 'em.
 
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I just got one :cry: L7e

I was shocked at the bass out it! Sounded great, and balanced.

I own L730s or something too.
 
The L8e in a head to head comparison with the 580 IIs and 780 IIs sound immensely bland and forward. No definition at all. The 3rd generation 710s I had were much better with a strong bass, but were missing that high end sparkle. The 620s are probably my 2nd favorite ADSs that I've heard.

Btw... the ADS L8e sound incredibly similar to these... http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=160535
 
onepixel said:
The L8e in a head to head comparison with the 580 IIs and 780 IIs sound immensely bland and forward. No definition at all.
Click to expand...

You mean the 580/IIs and 780/IIs came up short, I think? Yeah, I have been purposely staying away from the series II speakers.

onepixel said:
The 620s are probably my 2nd favorite ADSs that I've heard.
Click to expand...

I have a lead on a local pair of these, but they are FrankenADSes (cobbled out of two half-functioning pairs) and he wants $150 for them. I haven't bothered to go listen to them accordingly.

onepixel said:
Btw... the ADS L8e sound incredibly similar to these... http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=160535
Click to expand...

Heh, wild... I already have a pair of NS-B2111s in my office, although they've been temporarily displaced by an ancient pair of Celestion Ditton 110s for the moment. If the Indignias sound like the L8es, they have far less to do with the NS-B2111s than the project name would suggest :)
 
More bass than the L8es? How is that possible in that tiny cabinet?

...Oh, that's a 7" woofer? It looks like a 5.25" from the pics :)
 
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I have L9e's I will look tonight and see if I can lay my hands on the manual. They are really nice speakers.
 
I own both L8’s & L9’s. Some of the best sounding speakers in my collection, Perfectly balanced to my ears.
 
Just picked up a pair of L8e in piano black. I have 200, 300, 400, and 620. Looking for a pair of 570 but @onepixel seems to prefer the L8e.

One is missing a grill standoff and has a bit of water damage along the bottom. I'm hoping a bit of glue will fix that.

A few chips and scratches. I quick black stain wipe should improve the looks.

I did a quick listen and liked the sound.

Here is one pic.
 

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I was able to spend some time listening to these. More bass than I expect (I do have them on the floor) but I'm used to Maggies.

I listened to a few different things (Coltrane, WYWH, Reggae/Dub comp, ...) and like these a lot. Not really sure what I'll do with them but they are nice. Might be my best ADS speakers.
 

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