Newest member of the Altec club here - I just picked up a pair of 605A’s in big cabinets (9cu ft). It's unfathomable to me that these speakers could be considered "dogs" or "dull". Maybe these folks just prefer something different, or heard a really bad example, or all the highs were attenuated out. I will say that my experience with super high end speakers is not vast, but I have pretty good ears, and I think that these sound AMAZING. I can hear how the high end could be a bit soft, but it's also very smooth while still being crisp and clear. It comes across as very natural and gives you that 'in the room' feeling with whoever you're listening to. The smooth highs and those famous technicolor mids give a lot of context to the tone and character profile of each instrument. The low end is nice too - icing on the cake. It's there where you want it and when you want it (to me, anyways ...). They were demo'd to me with a pair of Fairchild mono amps and Audio Research tube pre and they sounded even better than they do with my Sherwood S8000 (which still sounds very, very good). They exceeded all expectations. I have not heard a pair of 604’s, but I'd think 605's should at least be afforded the same consideration. If you ever have a chance to listen to a pair, RUN, don't walk…. Just my .02
