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Feedback QLN Prestige Three Speakers Requested

Forum Members -

While I have another thread asking for general advice on speakers & preamps/power amps, I was hoping to hear feedback specific to the QLN Prestige Three speakers. I am close to purchasing a used pair and would welcome input from folks who own and/or have heard the speaker in-person. 

Based on their reviews and sound clips I've found, they appear to be what I'm looking for: 

 

  • Laid back, yet immersive sound 
  • Musical vs. analytical presentation 
  • Sounds good with tube amplification 
  • Great base for a smaller floor standing speaker 
  • On the warmer and smooth side 

At the end of the day, I'm looking for a speaker that is warm, laid back and musical. After work, while making dinner, or relaxing in the living room, I'd love the speaker to help create a relaxing and comforting environment in my household. 

Musical taste: Classical piano and cello sonatas, acoustic guitar, slowcore/shoegaze rock, bossa nova, electronica/techno and lots of 90's English guitar bands. In brief, I'd like to be able to play lots of different styles of music. I'm finding that's not the case with my existing system, unfortunately. 

I'd replace the Dynaudio Heritage that just fall short on base response... 
 

The Current System 

  • Dynaudio Heritage Special Speakers 
  • Innuous Zenith Music Server
  • Merason DAC1 
  • Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp
  • Qualiton/Audio Hungary 100 Watt Power Amp
  • Cardas Clear Interconnect and Cardas Cygnus Speaker Cables 
  • Lessloss Power Cable for Power Amp 


**I've got a Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamp on the way to replace the Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp 

My Question for Forum Members: 
What are your impressions of the QLN Prestige Three? Based on what I'm looking for, do you recommend the QLN Prestige Three? If not, what else might you recommend that fits what I'm looking for? 

THANK YOU! 
 

bluethinker66
bluethinker66 OP
42 posts
 

@char2 - Appreciate the feedback! I plan on driving them with a 100 watt Tube Amp (Qualiton/Audio Hungary). That said, I bet they'd sound great with a higher powered SS amp. Good to hear you and your audio buddies appreciate the QLN Prestige Threes. My instincts are telling me it's a really good speaker for me. 

@wjob - I was listening to the Dynaudio HS last night and pondering what you wrote. They are really good speakers! I'm going to consider adding subs, perhaps in a few months when some other things settle down in my life. I might end up purchasing the QLN speakers and keeping the Dynaudio HS speakers for awhile. I guess I wouldn't be the first guy around here to start hoarding gear... Not sure it's the wisest move, but I do really appreciate the special qualities of the Heritage Specials. 

@gdnrbob - Thanks, Bob. Appreciate your guidance. 

@grislybutter - I'm on the opposite end! My wife and I have a midcentury modern vibe going on in our home, so aesthetically they fit right into our living room. Some of the speakers that have been suggested in a related forum would look a bit out of place in our home, unfortunately. 

@arafiq - Thanks for providing this feedback! Yes, I'm absolutely looking for some warmth. I appreciate you taking a moment to provide this perspective. 
 

grislybutter
3,460 posts
 

re: mid-century vibe -  I am a big fan of it. The QLN does have that look.

taste is a funny thing, for months I couldn't understand the Hegel look. And then suddenly it clicked, now I think it's one of the coolest designs. 

jeffstrick's avatar
jeffstrick
176 posts
 

I have the QLN and AH combo. Lovely. 

bluethinker66 OP
42 posts
 

@jeffstrick - Hi Jeff - Amazing! If you don't mind me asking, how did you arrive at that combination - Audio Hungary tubes and QLN Prestige Three? 

What are your impressions of the combination? And what sources and cables might you be using? Also, how well do you find the Audio Hungary 100 Watt amp drives the QLN Prestige Three speakers? Would LOVE to hear your feedback. 

I'm using a Innuos ZENith and Merason DAC1 with Cardas Clear Interconnect and Cardas Cygnus Speaker cables.  

ronboco
867 posts
 

@bluethinker66 

Your room will have as much to do with the bass or more than anything else. Have you measured your rooms frequency response  at the listening position to check for room modes? 

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