Speaker Shootout

[newworld]

Some questions and comments as I am in the process of a speaker hunt as well-
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Did you happen to listen to the KEF R500? these are on my short list at the moment.
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I am trying hard not to get sucked into the hype surrounding the LS-50- although my demo tomorrow in Chicago should confirm or deny any notions. Based on my room, musical tastes and volume preference there can be no way a single 5-1/4" bass driver will satisfy, especially when the F3 is 79Hz- with or without subwoofer.
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Listened to Revel Concerta F12. Had high expectations given the pedigree and driver configuration. Some of the flattest, dullest speakers I have ever heard.
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B&W 683. Once the sales rep turned off the sub there was no hiding the fact that these are ordinary speakers with a high price. Very strained high midrange (harsh) on challenging recordings.
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B&W 684. I liked these a little better than the 683s. Lack of high frequency air and sparkle ruled them out though.
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Klipsch Hersey iii. Liked these a lot. Still on the list.
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Paradigm Monitor 9. Much maligned or praised in the audio world- no in between or so it seems. They are "veiled" and tend to reduce midrange / high frequency detail BUT the bass response was very good and the kicker for me was that there was zero harshness even with the most challenging of my recordings. Everything I threw at it -and I brought my thinnest, most harsh if not fingernails on the chalkboard grating material- sounded pleasant and listenable at the highest of volume settings. Here is an example-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaes2MGql0U&list=PLECDB47550A392B56&index=11
The Paradigms made this song sound good. However I am not yet sold and have others to audition in addition to the KEFs including PSB T6, Imagine T; Monitor Audio Bronze and Silver floorstanders and the curious Golden Ear Triton 7.

I was really interested in the Kef R500, and thought it could be a top contender, but there was only the R300 for me to audition. It was a very different sound signature to that of LS50's, so there is no way for me to guess how the R500 sounds, with differently sized woofers and configurations.

I haven't listened to any of the mentioned speakers except for the B&W's, but I imagine they are all fairly competent. If you need to rock out with the kind of music in the link, I bet the Klipsch would be fun.

 

[newworld]

Thats the reason I've been reticent to buy a pair of LS50's, about 85% of my collection is classical and it sometimes feels as if reviewers loose their objectivity so bowled over are they by other aspects of its performance. I have a small room with a very good basic acoustic that is sympathetic to smaller monitors but the cabinet dimensions of the KEF really have me wondering.

I know you are mini-monitor crazed and have gone through many. If the Proac Tablette Anniversary worked ok in your room, you could be happy with the LS50's. Dynaudio X14 is more dynamic than the LS50, but smoother and pleasantly colored.

Had no idea you are into classical. Found another friend, then. (Not implying that the rest of the forum members is not)

 

[Spektre]

I know you are mini-monitor crazed and have gone through many. If the Proac Tablette Anniversary worked ok in your room, you could be happy with the LS50's. Dynaudio X14 is more dynamic than the LS50, but smoother and pleasantly colored.

Had no idea you are into classical. Found another friend, then. (Not implying that the rest of the forum members is not)

The Tablette Anniversary had decent quantities of bass in my room although it was a bit lacking in leading edge definition particularly with timps and double basses. The main problem was violins didn't sound at all natural and very thin, rich classical recordings sounded like second violins hadn't turned up and only half the of first violins, other music genres it was fine. I can live with the smiley voicing of my X12's because music has body.

 

[newworld]

The Tablette Anniversary had decent quantities of bass in my room although it was a bit lacking in leading edge definition particularly with timps and double basses. The main problem was violins didn't sound at all natural and very thin, rich classical recordings sounded like second violins hadn't turned up and only half the of first violins, other music genres it was fine. I can live with the smiley voicing of my X12's because music has body.

I agree. I wasn't impressed with the Tablette Anniversary at all. It was quite a shocking contrast to the previous iterations that had smooth balance and softer edges, which I liked very much. Perhaps the new carbon fiber woofer has very distinct sound.

 

[slippers-on]

The Tablette Anniversary had decent quantities of bass in my room although it was a bit lacking in leading edge definition particularly with timps and double basses. The main problem was violins didn't sound at all natural and very thin, rich classical recordings sounded like second violins hadn't turned up and only half the of first violins, other music genres it was fine. I can live with the smiley voicing of my X12's because music has body.

Gavin...you think it was more of a system mis-match with the Tablette's and your gear...or you think the Tablets are just not that good?

 

[Negotiableterms]

I'm amazed at this thread... 188 posts and no one has mentioned vintage. Well, I'm not going to suggest real vintage speakers, but it does occur to me that you (the OP) should consider used modern gear. Just for fun, I did a scan on Audiogon of full-range speakers between $3-4K. A ton of stuff comes up, ranging from pairs of Focal 1027Be, to Legacy Focus 20/20 to SoundLab A1s (...and you thought the Magnepans were large!).

I insert this because it seems like you're trying hard to get the deep bass dynamics of a true full-range speaker, with the mid-range focus and sweetness of a monitor, together with smooth, liquid treble. You're at a price point where all of that together is rare and usually involves other compromises, but you might get past that barrier in used gear.

Just a thought before you plunk down your hard-earned cash.

 

[canuckaudiog]

Just read this thread from start to finish. Really enjoyed it - I hope you continue to visit speakers and post your impressions for us. It's a great read. :yes:

It's too bad the LS-50s aren't quite up to snuff for what you want. I agree with Negotiableterms that you should take a look at used gear. Of course, I think the only real problem there is with a good dealer they are usually willing to let you try it out first before you buy, or at least if you buy you can return it. After my experience with the LS50s I can certainly see the value in being able to do that.

 

[newworld]

Just read this thread from start to finish. Really enjoyed it - I hope you continue to visit speakers and post your impressions for us. It's a great read. :yes:

It's too bad the LS-50s aren't quite up to snuff for what you want. I agree with Negotiableterms that you should take a look at used gear. Of course, I think the only real problem there is with a good dealer they are usually willing to let you try it out first before you buy, or at least if you buy you can return it. After my experience with the LS50s I can certainly see the value in being able to do that.

You need to find better things to do than read this thread from start to finish...like listening to your new prized possessions!

One of the rules I set for myself was to buy only what I can audition. There are some speakers that I'm really interested in such as Spendor A5, Stirling SB 88, and Kef R500. On paper they could work well for me, but I'm just not making the same mistake again. Also, most of the dealers have been extremely helpful, not to mention patient. It just makes a lot of difference in terms of purchase experience and ultimately, satisfaction.

Glad you enjoyed the thread! I enjoy reading yours.

 

[canuckaudiog]

You need to find better things to do than read this thread from start to finish...like listening to your new prized possessions!

One of the rules I set for myself was to buy only what I can audition. There are some speakers that I'm really interested in such as Spendor A5, Stirling SB 88, and Kef R500. On paper they could work well for me, but I'm just not making the same mistake again. Also, most of the dealers have been extremely helpful, not to mention patient. It just makes a lot of difference in terms of purchase experience and ultimately, satisfaction.

Glad you enjoyed the thread! I enjoy reading yours.

Hah, touche!

That's a good rule to live by, at least you know how your money is being spent. I've been buying based on what others have said and while it has gone well, the main thing you miss the mark on is what you want and not what other people want. Used is a good bargain but yeah when you consider that you can't audition it at home, that certainly makes it a gamble.

I'm not familiar with any of those speakers, but those are good brands. The Kef R500 received good praise from some hi-fi magazines. The dealer I am buying my LS50s from is actually getting some R500s in - if I have a chance to I'll see if I can have a listen to them. I'm kind of interested by Kefs other offerings considering what I have heard from the LS50s.

 

[Spektre]

Gavin...you think it was more of a system mis-match with the Tablette's and your gear...or you think the Tablets are just not that good?

I actually thought the Tablette's were very entertaining with certain kinds of music, better value for money that the Response D1 and I don't think there was any synergy problem with my gear, they were fun. If you never listened to any classical I would recommend them over the D1 but I think they had more potential as a more versatile performer, I just couldn't access that with my current system.

 

[newworld]

I actually thought the Tablette's were very entertaining with certain kinds of music, better value for money that the Response D1 and I don't think there was any synergy problem with my gear, they were fun. If you never listened to any classical I would recommend them over the D1 but I think they had more potential as a more versatile performer, I just couldn't access that with my current system.

I absolutely agree. For anything other than classical they can be really fun.

 

[Art K.]

Classical is the music that I have the second most in my collection. At one time I had more classical than anything. I lean toward 21st century composers. I often listen to classical on Sunday. When you don't see me posting on the Jazz playlist thread (or the daily playlist thread) I am listening to classical music. Today that is all I have played and the Spendor's really do well with orchestral music. Cheers!

 

[newworld]

Classical is the music that I have the second most in my collection. At one time I had more classical than anything. I lean toward 21st century composers. I often listen to classical on Sunday. When you don't see me posting on the Jazz playlist thread (or the daily playlist thread) I am listening to classical music. Today that is all I have played and the Spendor's really do well with orchestral music. Cheers!

I bet they do. Where did you listen to the A6R's?

 

[Art K.]

I bet they do. Where did you listen to the A6R's?

I never heard the A6R before I bought them. I had heard the A5 at the Portland dealer but only while looking at other pieces. I saw a set of A6 on Agon that Gene Rubin was selling for a recently deceased customer and they had not been used. They were a great price so I called Gene. He had sold them and had not yet updated Agon. He had also ordered a pair of A6R in Cherry. The customer didn't want Cherry so he was stuck with them and offered them to me at a significant discount. Sucker that I am, I bit. I'm glad I did.

 

[newworld]

I never heard the A6R before I bought them. I had heard the A5 at the Portland dealer but only while looking at other pieces. I saw a set of A6 on Agon that Gene Rubin was selling for a recently deceased customer and they had not been used. They were a great price so I called Gene. He had sold them and had not yet updated Agon. He had also ordered a pair of A6R in Cherry. The customer didn't want Cherry so he was stuck with them and offered them to me at a significant discount. Sucker that I am, I bit. I'm glad I did.

I see...I'm not as brave as you are...or lucky!

 

[Art K.]

I see...I'm not as brave as you are...or lucky!

I have listened to so many speakers and have a pretty good idea what is not for me so it was a matter of choosing from ones that I was confident were for me...and yeah I also got lucky.

 

[newworld]

Seriously, people are making some sweet purchases on this forum. I need to lock down and get on with this!

 

[Spektre]

I once heard someone talk about being how he came to be an expert in is field and he jokingly said it was by making more mistakes than anyone else. I've definitely made plenty of mistakes but perhaps not enough to become an expert

 

[mnilan]

Nola Boxers

newworld:
I was in the market for $1.5K speakers recently and listened to many of the ones you have listened to. My music interests are broad, mostly jazz but classical and more popular music as well. I was wavering between the Kef LS50, the Dynaudio X-14 and the Nola Boxers. I ultimately chose the boxers and have no regrets. So, I'm just curious if you have given them a listen.
Mike

 

[crouse]

newworld:
I was in the market for $1.5K speakers recently and listened to many of the ones you have listened to. My music interests are broad, mostly jazz but classical and more popular music as well. I was wavering between the Kef LS50, the Dynaudio X-14 and the Nola Boxers. I ultimately chose the boxers and have no regrets. So, I'm just curious if you have given them a listen.
Mike

I heard the Boxers a while back in a less-than-ideal environment and was still impressed. If I ever go to stand mounts, they will be on my short list.