Acoustic Zen Adagios help.


OK, this was a surprise.  I picked up a pair of Acoustic Zen Adagios yesterday to replace my Klipsch RF-83's.  I thought the AZA's would blow the 83's away.  Not so much.

Let me begin with a disclaimer.  I spent a lot of time placing the 83's and getting the toed in just right.  Haven't done that with the AZA's yet, neither have I installed the outriggers.  Tonight I will spend time tweaking them.  So my initial reactions are based on the AZA's setting where the Klipsch sat.

Initial reaction: AZA's are pristine in the top end.  They truly sparkle.  The soundstage has deepened over my Klipsch. They definitely provide incredible detail.   The bass is fast and tight, but I find it lacking a bit.  Again, I will have to lay around with placement, but if I keep the AZA's I will likely add a sub or two.  

I think I prefer the AZA's, but I am surprised they didn't knock my socks off.  The 
Klipsch lack the finesse of the AZA's, but seem to fill the room better especially in the lower end. My room 17' x 21' and is treated with bass traps and some absorption.  I was using Cambridge Audio 840w 840e separates.

Tonight I will fiddle with placement toe in, etc.  Any advice from AZA owners about placement?  Will the outriggers make a substantial difference?  So far, only moderately impressed.

Thanks, Chip
chipbyrd
Hello Teajay,

It was great meeting you, too. When I got home and hooked up the Adagios they sounded good, but not a vast improvement over my Klipsch RF-83’s. I was a little frustrated because I heard the Adagios and thought they were awesome. Well… to make a long story short I called Acoustic Zen and talked to Mr. Lee (what a gentleman). He asked me how far apart my speakers were and I told him about 8 ½’. He said to move them closer. With a little playing and listening, they ended up just inside 7’ apart and 40” from the wall and a slight toe in. I also attached the outriggers. Now, all I can say is wow! Wow!

Teajay, you were spot on with the Klipsch. I definitely love them, but part of what I like about them is the “slam.” They sound great, and the sheer power is almost addictive. But the Adagios bring definition, clarity, soundstage, that I have never had in a speaker. They will definitely be staying for a while. I mentioned when I was there that I get concerned when reviewers use too much hyperbole. But I have to say, for the price I paid for the Adagios, hyperbole seelms spot on. The sound is “breathtaking.”

I have also decided when my piggy bank fills up again I am going on the hunt for a couple subs. I will let you know how that goes

If you ever get up Holland way, give me a shout.

Thanks all for the comments,
Chip
Hi Bogeybuster,

I bought the Adagios used and Tom was kind enough to include them, in addition to giving me a great deal. They do make a difference.

Chip
Chip,
I run two subs with my Adagios and the combo works really well in my setup. When I first got the Adagios I thought I was going to run them w/o subs (I already had the subs that I used with my BE-718's) but after a while was missing something-on electronic music in particular but overall as well. When I added the subs everything came together. Interesting for me is that while the system will play very loud, since I got the AZs I get much more out of the music without playing it so loud. Hope yours work out for you but if you bought them new be sure to give them time to break in. I got mine used but have read that they take a while before they are at their best.

Chris