Acoustic Zen Adagio, How Good Are They?

Hi 2100.

Got my modified Almarro 318Bn. Burning both units in now ( The amp and the Adagio.)

Im particularly taken back by the bass this combination provides. It goes fantastically low but is at the same time taut. The ribbon tweeters are something else as well, detailed and airy.

But what really impresses me the most is the ability for the Almarro and Adagio to tackle almost all types of music. I've tried chamber music to large scale orchestra ( Mahler anyone ? ), Hiphop to Electronica ( Think cut chemist / Public enemy / Fourtet ), and some indie and death metal ( Belle & Sebastian, Weezer and some Converge ). Jazz is to DIE for imo. I spinned some Coltrane and Hartman just yesterday ( vinyl! )and Hartman's voice was palpable and so lush. Coltrane's sax just made me want to melt, that rich baritone and tonality of it all...man.

However, i do find that the music DOES compress alittle during very loud or intricate passages ( depends on the volume tho. ), but not in an entirely noticable way. I think it clips rather gracefully.

Ultimately, im very very statisfied with the pairing and i couldnt ask for more. S.E.T midrange and intimacy coupled with deep, ballsy S.S type bass and the ability to play almost all types of music..( well unless 16hz organ tones are your kinda thing...) Im a happy camper!

Merelyok, yeah I know what you mean, geez we have the same combo.

You know what, if Robert could just spec up the cabinet of the Adagio ver.2 (2" MDF + extra bracing anyone?!), that would probably make it nearly perfect. Right now I still think the cabinet is not that DEAD. Ok, I admit I am a extremely anal in this aspect, I like to do kunckle tests and a solid cabinet means as if i am knocking on a cement pillar..heh heh. Actually a lot of more expensive speakers like Dynaudio Contour S5.4 cabinet is not that dead either. However, if Robert specs this up and still maintains the price, it will probably kill a whole lot more speakers. :)

Keith,

Last I looked, both Upscale and Katli had the Adagios for audition. If you decide that you're gonna schlep an hour east of LA to listen at Upscale, you might as well hit Katli on the way back (or vice versa) as these dealers are almost due north/south of each other and make for a more efficient auditioning trip. The 2 visits will allow compaison to different competition. If you do Upscale on the return, you'll also pass Brooks Berdan in Monrovia on the way home (he's due west of Upscale). He has Wilson which may allow you to get a fresh feel for the Sophias vs your Adagio auditioning.

Best of luck on the listening and the CFA.

Marty

I live near Acoustic Zen and I was recently at their office where Robert played the Adagios through a Tri 50w tube amp, Hologram speaker cables, Silver Reference ICs, Gargantua power cable. This setup had amazingly clean extension and power (especially considering the amp used). They were playing out back in a very large space, and when we were in the front office rooms with the door open the bottom end sounded absolutely live and clean, about 20 feet away. My brother was initially fooled and thought a live instrument was playing when the system started and he was in front still (he knew that Robert is a musician). The high end was pristine with no hint of glare or harshness from the silver cables. The dynamics are awesome.

I have been puzzled that my kids, 18 & 21 would sit in front of their computers and listen to i-tunes through cheap computer speakers. Although I've had pricier speakers, when the Adagios went in, the kids and wife all mentioned, I have never heard it sound so great. Now they come in on their own and listen to music. It helps that I hooked up an apple airport to my dac so they can run their songs off their hard drives. The Adagios are the first time this has happened. Very involving musical experience.