2. speakers
  3. 1432764084

Has anyone heard System Audio Mantra Speakers?

I was interested in System Audio Mantra Speakers, probably the Mantra 5 or Mantra 10 bookshelf speakers, or the Mantra 50 Floorstander speaker. There are only a couple of retailers in the USA and they are out of state from me. There are also no reviews on System Audio, though I've heard they are really musical and an incredible value. Not sure how they compare against other speakers. Has anyone heard them or own them? Which model? What did you like about them? I listen to all kinds of genres, but mostly jazz, pop/rock, and some classical. My current system is a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated Tube Amp, VPI Prime turntable, and Ortofon Black Quintent cartridge. I expect to add a Herron Audio Phono Stage at some point in the near future as well. Thanks for the advice!
djfst
djfst OP
169 posts
 
Thanks for all the help. Darkstar1, were your comments about the problems with the bass exclusive to the Mantra 10's or across the entire line? I was wondering if the Mantra 50's would provide enough bass. While not a bass heavy listener, I would like to have a full sound consistent with the recordings. I guess one could always supplement the speakers with a subwoofer?
darkstar1
180 posts
 
Honestly when you are looking at speakers the size of 5 and 10 you are not going to get deep bass. Generally speaking smaller speakers don't have low bass.

For the size and money of the 50 you can find something with more bass. Will it be as good or better is a question only you can answer.

If you go with a bookself I would not hesitate going with system audio. They do compare well with bigger and higher priced names. If I was getting bigger speakers I would ask my self if I need more bass in a speaker that cost that much.
IMO.
james37
11 posts
 
I recently bought a pair of System Audio Mantra 50s. I think that mine may still breaking in, but I will offer some observations.

I do not have a wide experience with different equipment (I do not change mine very often). My previous speakers (which I still have) are B&W Matrix 802 S3s. I also owned Acoustat 2+2s for years. I do visit hi-fi dealers every now and then for a listen.

The most distinctive characteristic of the Mantra 50s is that they are fast speakers. They have a speed and delicacy which brings to mind planar speakers.

Their tall slender build mimics a vertical a line source to some extent. Imaging is very good. This type of build should also reduce floor and ceiling interactions.

I would say that they are pretty neutral: neither forward nor laid back; maybe slightly warm. They seem to more forgiving of less than perfect source material than the other speakers I have owned.

As far as bass, mine measure pretty flat to about 40Hz in my relatively small 11’x13’ room. The bass may be a little lacking in weight and scale compared to my B&Ws. It does seem to have plenty of punch, though. I also bought a subwoofer (JL Audio) to supplement the bass; I cross it over at about 45Hz.

They are said to be not very picky about amps. They seem to work fine with my Audio Research 100.2 solid-state amp.

I (and my fiancée) find the speakers very attractive.

As mentioned in other posts, there are only a handful of System Audio dealers in the USA (I bought mine at Wilson Audio in Metairie, LA). I think that they are much better known in Europe (there are a good many listings of used, mostly older SA speakers for sale in Europe on the various websites; only occasional USA listings).

I think that the System Audio Mantra series speakers have recently been discontinued. It looks like they will be succeeded by the Legend series. There are also the less expensive Saxo series and the more expensive Pandion series.


initforthemusic
282 posts
 
@james37  I recently posted about the SA Ranger Masters. They are a pretty big jump up from the Mantra 50's. Amazing Speakers for the $$$. Makes me wonder how good the SA Pandion 50's are?
james37
11 posts
 

This is a follow-up to my earlier post about the System Audio Mantra 50s.

Not really much to change my opinion on them. 

They are open, articulate, and musical.  With a tight, punchy bass.

They work well with just about all types of music; but with their combination of speed and dynamics they come off best with high-energy jazz/ rock/fusion. 

Hey initforthemusic220, I remember now that I listened to a pair of Rangers one time and liking them.  Also, my local dealer has had a pair of Pandion 30s and a pair of Pandion 5s but I don’t think they ever had the Pandion 50s.  I recently read a very favorable English-language review of the Pandion 30 (the vast majority of System Audio speaker reviews out there are not in English).

More to discover