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First round of auditions disappointing

Well, I finally got out and did some actual listening over the weekend, and I can see that I have quite an adventure ahead of me.

I listened to the Focal Profile 928, Polk LSi15 and a couple of Martin Logan's (Vista and Vantage). The Focal was by far the worst of the bunch; as a matter of fact, it was downright awful, and at a price of $5K for the pair?????????? Good grief...

The Polk LSi15 was better, but far and away from what I expected, given the good press. I use to own Martin Logan Sequel II's, and liked them for their midrange qualities. The newer Logan's were pretty nice, but far too dead in the dynamics department. Very nice rendition of vocals though, and great soundstage presentation.

The more I listened to the typical box speaker, the more I believe that design won't satisfy me. My wife, who is really not "in" to music, commented to me that the Focal sounded "like a box," so there you have it.

I'll probably have to wait until CES, because there is little in the way of "high end" in my area.
seadweller
bartokfan
664 posts
 
Tyler/Excel line. You have not heard these yet. Ty might be at the CES show. Also look at his web, he lists folks who will let you demo in their homes. Maybe someomne is in your area. Thats how I got to hear them, I live in BR and drove to NO to hear them. Worked out fine.
btw thanks for your honesty on your reviews. paulbest
seadweller OP
55 posts
 
Thanks again for putting up with my inquiries everyone!

Tvad - I'll look into home auditions, but you're right, it's not easy shipping 100+ lb. containers back and forth. Perhaps there are some local A'goner's that would accommodate.

Boa2 - Amp is a Parasound Halo A-21, pre-amp is a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 Hybrid, CD player is a Rotel RCD-965BX, and cables are Audioquest (don't recall the version).

David12 - Can the Adagio's play loudly in a large room with two 6.5" drivers?

Shadorne - Thanks for the "last piece of advice!" I will certainly check out Atlas. I listened to the PMC MB2 and IB2, and they are incredible systems, but both are well over $10K. Their sound is what I'm looking for in a speaker.

Honestl - I'll check out the Talon's, as I've read how fast and dynamic they are. They might be up my alley as well. I had Magnepan 1.6's, and they only lasted 30 days. They simply don't recreate the "live event" for most program material.

Wwwrecords - Indeed, I used to own the Altec Model 19's, and with all their idiosyncracies, they truly were magnificent speakers. Problem is, I don't have the space for another "washer/dryer." They fall outside of the "reasonable" part of my size limitations clause!

French-fries - I've heard the Eggleston speakers, and they're very similar to my VR-4's. Too "audiophile" for me. I think I owe it to myself to at least listen to the current VR-4jr and VR-4sr.

Thanks again for your tolerance everyone!
gregm
3,409 posts
 
I listened to the PMC MB2 and IB2, and they are incredible systems, but both are well over $10K. Their sound is what I'm looking for in a speaker.
Then search around for top Pro implementations, active even. Given the space restraints none of the usual "audiophile" products will fit the bill.
Of course, go used: Meyer, PMC, Adam, some JBL... Or maybe, a Klipsch (but you'll have to modd certain things). Unfortunately, a Klipschorn won't fit into yr room and it's too expensive - even used. Likewise, horns (that reproduce dynamics with ease) are large. Maybe Earl Geddes' "Summa" are a more conventional type of spkr that would do the job -- but I've only heard OF & about them.
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Thanks for the info, Seadweller.

I don't know how the upper end Totems sound, but I sure have been impressed with the Forests and the Arros. And this coming from a horn fan who finds most box speakers to sound too sequestered with respect to conveying the sparkle and energy of the event. There is a pair of Wind speakers for sale right now. I have no affiliation with the seller.

Others that fit your stated requirements:
Green Mountain Audio
Zu Definition (probably too pricey, even used)
Klipschorn (if slightly modified, and if you have proper corners)
Silverline La Folia (a used pair will be in your price range)
Acoustic Zen Adagio? (I've not heard them)
Oskar Heil Kithara

Based upon your sonic goals, the following will not satisfy you (in my opinion, naturally):
Aerial
Von Schweikert
Tyler
B&W
Gallo
Quad

They are all good speakers, yet they fall into the category of those you have already crossed off your list.

Hope that helps.
bbchem
62 posts
 
I agree with you totally, but happened upon a pair of Omega Super 3 Alnicos. These are Single driver types and although they are in a box, they are the most open and natural speakers I have heard and I have owned 30 pairs different types. Check out Omega line.

Seadweller, there is an Omega dealer in Clearwater
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