vintage versus modern speakers

Well it really boils down to each individuals idea of what "better" means. Audiophiles are obviously not on the same page. What is better to one person is not better to another person. Also, many folks confuse "different" for "better".

Overall, I think more modern gear, speakers included, tend to be more articulate and revealing. Some find this to be better, some do not find this to be better. I know folks who are using tube amps from the 50's and say they are more musical than anything out there today. Are they wrong because they enjoy vintage gear? Absolutely not.
Hence, there is no general consensus as to what is "better". Different is different, that's all.
Enjoy whatever it is that brings you closer to the music.

IF one thinks a particular speaker from teh 70's is the best for them then that is what they should buy.

I still have my OHM Ls from 1978. I had to refurb them with some new parts but they can be had newly refurbed from the maker still for about $500 (they cost $400 back then)and would float the boat of many a buyer these days still.

The thing that many box speakers from back then did not do as well as today is soundstage and imaging. If you don't care about that too much, put some old speakers on a good modern amp and most people will be good to go.

While we still haven't found the measurements that will define which loudspeakers we might find ultimately satisfying, we still need them to produce anything resembling accurate transducers. And to put a bit of this comparison of old vs. new speakers in context, especially in regard to technological advancements and/or bias of familiarity some objective measurements might be enlightening.
I would offer that such objective measurements of speakers from the late '80s - '00s from Dunlavy and Thiel for example would compare rather well on a current $ for $ comparison with the latest new offerings.

Hi Mapman,

It has been a while since I heard Ohm/Walsh drivers, but, I would bet that they still sound terrific. Have you had the chance to hear Ohm's latest iteration of the Walsh driver? Of course they claim that their current speakers are vastly superior to their older F series, but I do wonder if this is really the case (current speakers are, after inflation is factored in, much cheaper).

Larryi,

Yes, I own two pair of recent OHM Walsh. You will see them in my system pics. Not most recent X000 but the generation prior from just a couple years back.

YEs, I would agree they do sound terrific, especially when matched to an amp capable of letting them do all they can, which typically means decent power and current delivery.

THe current models are much improved from teh original OHM walsh line from the early 80s though those were no slouches either. The sound is more modern and in line with teh better modern competition in terms of detail and clarity. I've owned various OHMs among others since 1978. My big OHM F5s are my go to speakers currently for uncompromised sound in a larger room.

Fs and As were a much different design, though the newer OHMs leverage the Walsh driver design principle from those.

Each has some unique advantages and disadvantages. Check the forums here and you will find a lot of good discussion.

I live in the DC/Baltimore metro area if you are ever in teh area and want to stop by for a listen.