Newform Research R645 ribbon hybrids go down to 32Hz with seemless bass integration and oh so effortlessly (they're 91dB efficient). For $2,265 delivered to your door, it's a tough deal to beat. They look like big black goalposts, but sound fabulous with the lights out!
Box speakers that sound like Electrostats?
Has anyone found a monitor or full range speaker that compares to an electrostat?
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Dennis- I agree with those who have stated that there is a fundamental difference on how the two produce sound. I've not heard any box speaker that "sounds like" an esl. However, that doesn't mean that box speakers can't be equally outstanding, but in different areas. I've owned esl speakers (ML CLSII, Monoliths, Audiostatics) for many years. I enjoyed them immensely, especially when you find the right amplification. For me, that meant tubes - OTL amps and their attendent headaches and peculiarities. I found a box speaker in which I'm equally impressed, but with different sonic strengths. I'll always miss certain aspects of the best esl sound. However, if I switched back to esls, I'm quite sure that I would miss some of the things my Venture speakers do so well. After a time, "the grass is always greener" syndrome is bound to kick in. The desire to re-experience the joys of esls will likely pull on me again. However, I lived with esls for 15 years. I've only had the Ventures for about 4 years. I owe them a little more time, at least;-) Rhyno- Quads and CLSIIzs are examples of "restricted" full range esls, I'm sure you'd agree. The full range (multi-panel) Audiostatics could produce excellent bass down to a little below 30Hz in-room response, and play quite loud when required. I'm sure there are other brands that will perform similarly. I do tend to agree with your generalizations, but remember, there are always exceptions. As always, just one man's opinion. Enjoy! |
my comments were exactly that: macrodynamics: impact and the ability to play LOUD (or to a lesser extent, the transition from soft to loud effortlessly), which stat's cannot. microdynamics: the ability to hold a note into the black recesses...really, its all decay. stats do it better than anything...great boxes meet the standard stats set. bass: stats dont do bass worth a damn. yeah, they "do" full range, and its about the equivalent of internet porn to real sex. there's no impact. get some good subs under 100hz if you're running stats. (i realize i'm saying this having just put my entecs for sale earlier today, but i'd have said it regardless). dont take my word for it. talk to those who own stats. quads, ML CLS2zs, etc. all the serious guys end up getting subs. |
Take the best of both worlds in one design: The Imagine ESL spaker system made by Monitor-db. http://www.monitor-db.de My brother has bought the system and now I cannot listen to my Martin Logan Prodigy anymore. A world of difference. The chief violinist of the Berlin Symphonic orchestra found these speakers to be superior to the $250k ML Statements and I have mentioned before, that Placido Domingo has bought these speakers also. Their transducer foils are being made at the Fraunhofer Institute in Munich, Germany, the same institute, where Avalon has the diamond tweeters made for their Eidolon speakers. These speakers are guaranteed for defects for 5 years. |
How about a round speaker? Try a pair of Gallo Acoustics Solo or Reference speakers. The CDT tweeter will give you electrostatic speed on the top end and a panoramic sound stage. The bass is handled by dynamic drivers mounted in spheres that lack any boxy or woody sound. They are no longer made, but they can be found on the used market. The new Gallo Due has a mini version of the CDT tweeter, but it does not have the mid and bottom end performance of the original Solo or Reference. These work well for sub-sat systems. |
Maybe you should consider hearing the new, active Innersound Eros Mk3 speakers. They are a Hybrid stat/transmission line woofer that is said to have the most seamless stat/woofer blend in the industry. They have the best of what stats do and a killer bass line. Roger Sangers is the man responsible for this achievement. He has a pretty intense 30 day return policy. He'll says he'll even pay the return shipping if they don't smoke whatever else you have on hand. Regards, Tony |
"lets see, stats are wonderfully fast, excellent microdynamics, very holographic in imaging, but no macrodynamics or bass." Don't know what you are listening to to make this statement. Some of the best bass I ever had was from stats. If you mean there is no bass hangover and will only go down to 30Hz instead of 25, then yes that is true. Back to the topic. Try Dynaudio Contour series. Superb detail and speed, tight deep punchy bass, great imaging (with the right equip feeding it) Just as picky about being away from walls! |
lets see, stats are wonderfully fast, excellent microdynamics, very holographic in imaging, but no macrodynamics or bass. not many boxes can keep up w/ the speed. having heard lots of stats (and i do love what they do, but they're limitations prevent them from making the grade for me). i'd say box speakers you should consider would be merlins, rockports. maybe the VMPS ribbon-based speakers (but havent heard them). best rhyno |