Agreed with Erik Squires above. I lived on the speaker merry-go-round for many years, owning a number of expensive multi-way speakers. Then I got a book called Speaker Design 101 and ordered drivers, crossover components, and had a friend build cabinets. Then I ordered full-range drivers from Audio Nirvana that don't require crossovers and put them in a cabinet and will never go back to multi-way speakers (well, never is a long time but no current plans). If I can be so forward to suggesting you listen to and/or build some single-driver speakers, I think you will be amazed and they can be made for minimal cost. There are relatively inexpensive drivers from Fostex, Audio Nirvana, Alpair, Hemp, Jordan, and others, even Lowthers. Build a cheap cabinet with polyester batting, get some wire and binding posts, and for less than $1000, some way less, and I think you will find your last speaker love.
Retooling the system upward?? What speakers would be a major upgrade over GET model 7's?
Fishing for opinions about what speakers would represent a major upgrade from the Golden Ear Technology model 7, the rage product of CES 2012. Overall, it is very good speaker. So why so I want to change??. Because, I slowly acquiring much better electronics, and therefore want to experience the sonic improvements of high end separates ( not new but used) So far, the one major change made has been the purchase of a used BAT VK-200 which has made a notable difference in the sound. However, I have as of yet found a suitable pre-amp
Let me cut to the chase, I have considered the "new" Magneplanar point 7 speaker, or possibly the 1.7r ( which may be too big for my 12X15 living room.) I happened to run across an ad on AG yesterday for a pair of the Salk Song Tower QWT speakers which have received good reviews. This model is Salk's entry level speaker (I think) the higher models promise better sound. Therefore, looking for recommendations for speaker that will be a major upgrade over GET's 7 and.not a sideways move. I will address the issue of new speakers only after I find the right pre-amp for the BAT amp.
For the record, I have a Rogue Sphinx integrated amp (whose pre-out connects up the BAT amp), an Ayre CX-7e mp CD player. The interconnect is an older Harmonic Technology "Truth Link" IC, and speaker cable are alternated between Grover Huffman Z series, and Harmonic Technology Pro 11 + speaker cables. In addition, I used a Blue Circle "Thingee" power line condition ( really a stupid name) Thank you!!
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Well, now, I didn't say DIY a single driver speaker! :) However for some that is exactly what would be most satisfying, and that is what matters. I'm not on the one driver team, but any speaker building is fun and informative. One thing that I have found making my own speakers, mind you I have a little background before I did so, was just satisfaction with the end result, and how easily I could change things I didn't like. It's all int he crossover. This is like when you keep eating out and never find quite the right ramen. Then you realize that the problem is YOU need to be making the ramen to make yourself happy. Not to mention, being able to play all I want to with droolicious parts. :) If anyone wants to go that way, I submit the best 2-way speaker kit in the world. Ever. Mainly because i made it, but also because the design is entirely free, as in beer, and the final cost is under $500. :) http://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-lm-1-bookshelf-version.html I guarantee the design is worth more at least what you pay for it. ;-) Best, Erik |
To Erik Squires I really didn't say or even imply that I was dissatisfied with the speaker choices I made. Like many of us, I am always pushing the envelope to find the best sound. Actually, every speaker I owned going as far back to the KEF104ab in 1984 had some aspect of satisfying sound. . Part of the problem is that I keep downgrading, then upgrading, so every component gets kicked a notch. Nevertheless, sorry, but I am not a DIY guy but your suggestion has merit. At least, it would give me something else to do in my "golden years of retirement |
Hi Sunny, I'm afraid that subtlety of language (any) is not my strong suite. To me it sounds like you just told me you weren't dissatisfied, but you were dissatisfied! :) I used to do the same. Then I built my own speakers, like them so much I completely forgot to think about buying or trading them in. I still keep up with models and tech, but I've yet to be compelled to further engage in speaker trading. As always, make yourself happy. Best, Erik |
Erik, I am not the type of person to engage in "subtlety of language" If I find fault or (even some faults) with a speaker system I own or have owned that does not necessarily mean I am dissatisfied. I just may keep the GET 7's and be done with it especially should I find the "right" pre-amp for the BAT amp. I just purchased. The amp has made a difference in the sound. If I had to cite a percentage, 20-25% improvement in the sound would not be an exaggeration. Therefore, the issue of a new speaker will not be even considered until the pre-amp spot is filled in, then I will either proceed choosing a new speaker or just rest my case with the model 7's BTW, a friend from long ago had a pair of speakers built for him which he claimed used all JBL drivers. The year was around 1974. Personally, I thought their sound quality was below average, if not just terrible. At the time I owned a pair of ESS 7's (not the Heil Air Motion version.) Just a Philips tweeter, midrange, and a KEF B139 oval driver. which provided excellent deep bass even by the standards of the day. I don't know how anyone can DIY a speakers without testing it in anechoic chamber to measure distortion and frequency response Since my long response of August 25, and after reading several of member replies, I did a little homework based on those replies. Upgrading to the GET 5's at $1995. really does not offer that much improvement in sound even if the local dealer offered me an upgrade trade-in of the model 7's The GET model 3 at $2200 offers maybe more clout in the bass, but its design goal appears to be more for home theater. Someone mentioned the Tannoy XT-8F's separately reviewed by Neil Gader and Robert Hartley of TAS. They highly praised the speaker, but had some criticism about an overripe bass that could be somewhat corrected using either a pair of rolled up socks in the port of each speaker to control the bass, or getting some plugs from Tannoy. I loathe having to use plugs because it is somewhat of an admission of an unfinished design. Nevertheless, the Tannoy XT-8F speaker deserves an audition, if I can find a dealer within 30 miles of home So there it is;:..... thanks for the comment, I really do not feel I am on a speaker merry go round. Sometimes the search for sonic nirvana can be fun. |
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