Opinions re: Acoustat Spectra 22's vs. Model 3

[R. Mallow]

Hi all,

I am hoping to crowdsource opinions about Acoustat Spectra 22's vs. Model 3's (early model, i think? they have the wood base that extends up about a foot and, i think, blue medallions). A pair of each have cropped up near me and I've long heard great things of Acoustat.

I know my own ears are the gold standard for what I think sounds good, but given the drive time to each seller, I'd love to hear some perspectives if either model is clearly superior to the other. I'd also love to hear what each does or doesn't do well. If you've heard both, that would be great, but I'm definitely interested in opinions about either model's overall merits compared with other speakers you've heard, too.

For the purpose of discussion, assume that we are talking about both sets of speakers in ideal conditions (e.g., price is the same, both in mint condition, the room they'll be playing in is large enough to accommodate either, and using an appropriately powerful amp which suits their sonic profile, etc.). In short: which would you prefer given the chance to build a system around them?

Thank you for your input!

*Edit: I've also got my eye on a pair of Boston Acoustics A400s that have been professionally restored, but I would assume either Acoustat model is superior to these based on what I've read on AK and elsewhere. Maybe I'm wrong?

 

[JoeESP9]

I've owned both models. Currently I have a pair of Spectra 22's and a pair of Model 1's. The Model 3's (my first esl's in 1983) with the higher wood bases are a much older model than the Spectra's. The Model 3's will play louder and deeper with less power than the 22's. OTOH the 22's have a wider sweet spot and IMO better treble. The Spectra's need a subwoofer to have what I consider to be adequate bass. The Model 3's in the right room will reproduce the 32Hz organ pedals from Thus Spake Zarathustra with real authority. With the SPW-1 (stereo passive woofer) added to the Spectra's you'll get roughly equivalent bass. If the Spectra's don't include the SPW-1 a decent powered subwoofer is IMO almost a necessity. IME/O the model 3's work better in a larger room than the Spectra's. Three panels per side versus 2 makes a difference.

IMO/E Boston A400's are not in the same league as either pair of Acoustats. This is regardless to what's been done to them.

 

[R. Mallow]

Thanks, Joe! That is great information to have. My guess is that I'll be in a relatively small room (moving soon, so it's not certain), so that pretty much settles it. Also, hypothetical situation aside, the spectra 22's are actually listed at a significantly cheaper price than the 3's currently--650 and 900, respectively. Personally, I think they're unlikely to sell due to size and I can get them for significantly less with a bit of patience, but if I end up snagging them it sounds like I'll have a really killer set of panels.

Good to know, also, about the A400s--that was certainly my sense, but it's nice to hear it from someone who is surely more knowledgeable than I. I will say this, though: the A400s are listed for a pretty damn good price. I think he wants $300 right now--bearing in mind they've been refoamed, recapped, and the cabinets are in pristine condition. They've been listed for ages, though, so I'll bet he'd take 200 for them pretty easily. Not sure about the sound, though. I have heard they sound very different depending on the pre/amp in front of them, so it's hard to get a read on whether I'd like them. They seem a little bit harsh to me (not sure if I'm using the right terminology here, but that's the best way I can describe it). Granted, I'm used to KLH, which I would say are much less so--though not very detailed, which is maybe what I'm really hearing.

 

[jberger]

I concur with Joe's assessment down the line.