• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Audioholics reviews the XLS340....

Register to hide this ad
FWIW, I had a pair of LS-360s, which seemed to have the same need for a sub for deep bass. I had a PS-112, so no problem, but the reason I passed them on was that the treble sound changed dramatically depending on whether I was standing or sitting. This effect was noted by everyone who heard them. I thought that the Bessel array was vertically focused. The review indicates the opposite. So, the results must vary greatly from room to room.
 
The newer models don't go quite as low in the bass as the LS360. My LS360s really don't need a sub with music. The newer models are sleeker and thinner than the older models. Looks like a slight trade-off in bass was part of the making that part happen. In room response of my pair of speakers is flat at 20hz.
 
Read the reveiw. It's a good review. However, the equipment used is not really up to what I would consider the level likely to be used with a speaker in the price range of the XLS340. Also, I find that when I switched to Mcintosh amps with my LS360s, the synergy was excellent and better than with my non-Mcintosh amp. The XLS340 is a not really a large speaker so of course it needs a sub. All of the other companies models of similiar size require one as well. Faulting a speaker of that size for needing a sub seems a useless point. To pick an obviously non-full range speaker and then give it a lower rating because of this, seems outright silly :thumbsdn: .
 
I think the problem lies in the fact....

...that Mcintosh really should have been more up front about what these speakers require inorder to sound good. When I demoed them against the 803s and 705s, my dealer told me that Mcintosh suggests a sub for all speakers in the XLS range. Now, there's no mention of this in the manual and no explanation in any of their literature or the website, so for some this might seem deceptive. Of course, if you're buying high-end gear, you should probably already have an idea of what you're getting into with the XLS, and no one is going to buy a $7000 pair of speakers without hearing them first and finding out what they truly require (e.g. a good sub). It was pretty obvious to me from the first chords of Quadrophenia that a sub was in order.

Kevin M. said:
Read the reveiw. It's a good review. However, the equipment used is not really up to what I would consider the level likely to be used with a speaker in the price range of the XLS340. Also, I find that when I switched to Mcintosh amps with my LS360s, the synergy was excellent and better than with my non-Mcintosh amp. The XLS340 is a not really a large speaker so of course it needs a sub. All of the other companies models of similiar size require one as well. Faulting a speaker of that size for needing a sub seems a useless point. To pick an obviously non-full range speaker and then give it a lower rating because of this, seems outright silly :thumbsdn: .
Click to expand...
 
I've noticed something similar with my XLS340s...

....I suspect if I were taller, I wouldn't have this problem, but I have a cushy sofa and a shorter torso than my 5'11" frame would suggest.

Negotiableterms said:
FWIW, I had a pair of LS-360s, which seemed to have the same need for a sub for deep bass. I had a PS-112, so no problem, but the reason I passed them on was that the treble sound changed dramatically depending on whether I was standing or sitting. This effect was noted by everyone who heard them. I thought that the Bessel array was vertically focused. The review indicates the opposite. So, the results must vary greatly from room to room.
Click to expand...
 
I have not heard the new Mcintosh subs. I had the PS112 which I liked but it had port noise when pushed. The new ones are sealed. Now I have two Martin Logan Descent subs. The ability of that sub to blend with the rest of my speakers really really surprises me. I mean can stand right in front of the subs with them pounding away and still you can not locate the subs. I find that amazing. No other sub I've owned was that good.
 
My dealer told me...

....I was way better off sticking with my B&W ASW 650 rather than going with a Mac sub. I do think I'm going to have to upgrade my sub, though. At what MSRP do the Logans run ?


Kevin M. said:
I have not heard the new Mcintosh subs. I had the PS112 which I liked but it had port noise when pushed. The new ones are sealed. Now I have two Martin Logan Descent subs. The ability of that sub to blend with the rest of my speakers really really surprises me. I mean can stand right in front of the subs with them pounding away and still you can not locate the subs. I find that amazing. No other sub I've owned was that good.
Click to expand...
 
2800.00 for the Martin Logan Descent, the Depth may make you happy. I think it's about 900.00 cheaper? One Descent is enough for most people. Two nearly vibrate the door at the back closet in my room off the hinges. I'm not kidding!You would think the door was hooked up to one of those "butt shakers" the way it vibrates in the frame with the subs going. I'm also running three LS360 full range with one MC252 bridged on one and an MC402 on the left and right which are helping with the bass. I bought the Descent subs used on audiogon. 1800 for one and 2000 for one only a couple of months old. I have had to remove the door from the frame. It's an interior door. I believe I'm going to have to replace it with a heavier door or something?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom