Line Arrays - Competitive with best dynanics, ESL?

I am into Maggies, but, based on listening experience, the only dynamic system that I might buy would be a line array. "Line array" is a better description than "Planar" for Maggies, since the panel is much higher than wide. Because a line array has so many drivers, they don't need to have the long cone excursion capability and powerful magnet that is necessary for a conentional box. Therefore, while high quality (expensive) drivers can't hurt, they may not contribute much. I am interested in the potential of an "open" line array using full range drivers (which don't have much bass anyway). Augmented with a SW of course. Next DIY project.

Todd: Check out the Selah forum at audiocircle.com. Haven't heard any but read many super raves of Rick's speakers. I'm sure you can have a killer line array for under 15k. I've always wanted to hear some line arrays since they seem like a great idea but all I've read. It surprises me they're not more common. They are expensive and large though.

Albertporter - What dynamic speakers did you own? What compelled you to move to the Sound Labs? Can you compare/contrast the pros/cons of the Dalis relative to the Soundlabs?

Since the late 1960's when I was still in school, until now:

Bozak B-4000, Bozak Concert Grand, JBL S7R (vertical), ESS Trans Static, Crown ES 224, Snell type A, Dale Pitchers Essence reference 10, Vandersteen 2C, Vandersteen 4A, and ProAc Future Ones.

During the time I owned these, I auditioned almost every speaker made as I spent several years running three high end audio stores and then took a job as the factory representative for a group of audio manufacturers. I travelled a five state area calling on and setting up high end retail stores.

The lines I carried as factory representative were: Kirksaeter, JBL Commercial, Infinity Systems, Yamaha, Denon, Crown International, Ampex USA, ESS Systems and MB Electronics (Germany).

I listen frequently to speakers owned by friends and members of my audio group. Combined, they owned (and I've listened to at length): Magneplanar 3.6, Magneplanar 20, Vandersteen 2C, Vandersteen 5's, Kharma Exquisite 1De, Sound-Labs A1, Sound-Labs A3, JM Labs Mini Utopia, Wilson Watt Puppies, Wilson Grand Slams and Quad 989.

As for pros and cons of Dali Megaline versus Sound-Labs.

Sound-Labs is still the winner for ABSOLUTE perfection in phase accuracy, the ability to combine midrange, sweet treble and kick butt bass into one perfect, coherent package.

The Dali is more efficient, much greater dynamics and contrasts, larger soundstage with the ability to play complex classic passages with ZERO compression and without volume limit (should you choose loud :^).

I am still working on the coherency thing.

The new tube crossover resolved most of the issues I had and I suspect the next step will be exact matching of the four mono block amplifiers. Frankly I and members of my group are stunned at how good coherency is now and I'm running mixed design amps. VTL (6550 output tubes) from 1100 HZ down and Air-Tight ATM3 (EL34 output tubes) from 1100 HZ up.

Everyone knows how sensitive the human ear is at 1000HZ, and I'm accomplishing what I have with these two amps "shifting" duty right in the sweet spot.

More tests forthcoming as the crossover continues to break in. I hope to try four Air Tight ATM-3, four VTL 750's and possible four Atma-Sphere MA1's.

As for budget minded lovers of line source designs, the GR Research line by Danny Ritchie is a wonderful speaker. Danny is working on two new line source speakers and a well known cabinet maker is teaming up to deliver finished product. The two line sources will be available in two heights and corresponding quantities of newly designed BG ribbons and Peerless 6.5" woofers.

I would almost warn anyone to wait for these before buying. Estimated (high side) price is $4995.00.

Albertporter - I am familliar with GR Research, though not with any of Danny's line arrays. I bought a pair of Paradox 1s from him a while back. I don't have them any more, as I sold them to a friend when I moved to my Dynaudios. (I have plans to go visit them and see how they're doing at some point) But man... what an awesome pair of speakers for $500 dollars.

Albert - I take it you prefer your Dalis to the advanced Kharmas and Wilson Grans Slamms? The Wilson Maxx's I find quite amazing. I have heard the Exquisites, but I don't think the system was setup properly, my demo with them was less than stunning.