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What's the most coherent sounding 2-way speakers you've ever heard ?

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vintage4

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If you had to compile a list of the most coherent sounding 2-way loudspeakers you've ever heard what would it consist of ? My list is very short and includes two speaker systems that I currently own , Dynaco a25 and EPI-100 . I've found that even most modern hi fi loudspeakers don't blend and mesh the way the drivers in these speakers do . You seem to always be aware of the tweeter sticking out like a sore thumb or not blending like it should . Give these speakers a nicely recorded jazz lp or CD and they are seamless . Whoever designed these two vintage speaker systems did an excellent job of making sure they were a perfect match to each other . What are some of the most coherent sounding 2-way speakers you've heard from the vintage era ? You would think modern speakers would dust vintage speakers on this aspect but I've found it not to be the case .
 
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Vintage 1970s Fisher XP-56 with new generic capacitor crossover, resistor removed, new generic dome tweeters. I love 'em. Better than my two-way Boston Acoustics, better than, well, all of my 8-inch woofer two-way speakers. Would not give them up for anything. I realize that impresses nobody; but I only care about what I can hear.
 
With the right front end gear Altec model 19, or The nice Tannoy coaxials, or magnepans, or Quads.
 
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Well, a Quad ESL 57 does have a separate tweeter and two bass panels. I guess that sorta makes it a two way full ranger.:D That would be my vote if that counts. A close second would be custom 2-way Altec setups with wood horns and bass bins utilizing 416 woofers. Basically variants of the A5/A7 and Valencias. I've always wanted to try some Tannoy or Stephens TruSonic or Altec 604 15" duplexes too. Ohhh, and the hybrid Acoustats. Those are great too.
 
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I always liked my Epicure 11 speakers. Seem to do pretty much everything well including NOT suffering the ills you described for some more modern speakers.

EPI100 and A25 are always a good choice though I'd probably give the nod (by a slight margin) to the EPI.
 
hatrack71 said:
I've always wanted to try some Tannoy or Stephens TruSonic or Altec 604 15" duplexes too.
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Hmm. I forgot about the Stephens. I've go a pair of old P52A in some Karlson cabinets. To die for really..... for what is there. In reality the high end lacks on those a bit, a problem solved with the later 206ax/axa.
 
Castle Severn 2

oh but they are mid 90's - for vintage Altec Valencia - not quite as cohesive as the castles but much better all rounders. The Castles are more old man speakers
 

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I also like the Dynaco A25's. Other great 2 ways I have heard:
Signet SL280
Advent Legacy
 
Vienna Acoustic Haydn, first generation. Do everything well. Great imaging. Nice natural sounding.
 
Before I chime in, how do we know if the speaker we are listening to is coherent or not?
I mean what we hear may sound great to us but actually may not be coherent.
:confused:
I listen to few 2-ways and they sound great on their own even when their sound characteristics is different. :scratch2:
 
Mystery said:
Before I chime in, how do we know if the speaker we are listening to is coherent or not?
I mean what we hear may sound great to us but actually may not be coherent.
:confused:
I listen to few 2-ways and they sound great on their own even when their sound characteristics is different. :scratch2:
Click to expand...
Sure hope the OP answers this, rather than a bunch of people chiming in.
 
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