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
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
Hello Bizango1,

Are there any other subs you would refer as musical and compatible with the Adagios? Here's my dilemma:

Spend $1600-1800 on one sub and live with it.

Buy once sub for $1200 and save up for a second.

Buy two reasonably expensive subs,re: Epik Empires.

Just curious, which route would you go?