Any comment on Opera Audio Consonance M15 speakers

Mrjstark, thank you for your detailed observations about M15
I think my 40 watts tube amp might be good match with M15 and my SS Accustic Arts preamplifier is also fine for me, I am curious mostly about image
height and lowest bass region which my Total Eclipse speakers have very good
(real sized)images and deep enough bass.

I think the best advice that I can give you is,
to talk to your dealer about in home audition (if he is "OK" it should not be a problem). It is the only way to be sure. Trelia (importer of Consoance) is a very nice guy. If you call him, he might be able to help you with that.
How do M-15 (image size & aquracy) compare to your Total Eclipse....I am not in position to help you. Heard them ones in my friend's system (hard to tell).
M-15 bass is very well define with many shades and very tuneful and musical (for 15ich woofer). Low level detail and dynamics are also very good.

Hello, Ben!

Let me first thank you for your interest in our product, as well as the kind words offered up by Duke and Mariusz.

Despite what a lot of people think, I believe a horn speaker such as this benefits from a bit of power in order to be able to control the large voice coil inherent in most 15" woofers. While a lot of folks talk about using very lower power SET amplification, I don't feel that is the ideal match for this type of product.

So, I'm in the camp of your 40 watts of tube being a potentially good partner for this loudspeaker. The question I have is, what is the tonal character of the Leben, specifically, is it more on the rosy and euphonic or insightful and engaging side of things?

Of course, the ultimate answer as to whether or not this is the right product for you can only be answered via an audition. And, to that end, if I can assist in that, I would be more than happy to help in that.

Thank you again,
Joe

The man him self.......thanks Joe for outstanding service and always there when someone needs advice.
Mariusz

P.S
Joe have you heard about new Cybers 800 ???

Ben,
Sorry for question not on topic but could not help it.

Hello, Mariusz, I wish you and your family the happiest of holiday seasons. Actually, you were far more informative than I about the M15.

I wasn't aware there is a new Consonance Cyber 800, unless it is the product I am currently representing. This will be the amplifier we feature at CES 2008, we will be at THE Show.

One thing I neglected to mention to Ben is that my own longtime reference loudspeakers are Coincidents. It is a model that has not been manufactured for a while, the Digital Master w/Troubass subwoofers. Think of a lower power tube friendly WATT/Puppy design. My very close friend, Bill Legall of Millersound, modified them for me. They'll probably be with me forever.

At any rate, I am quite familiar with Coincident loudspeakers, and can compare/contrast them the to M15, which I also own. In my opinion, along with the Triumph, the Total Eclipse is the best of Israel Blume's newer (2000 - present) designs. For what it's worth, I've not heard the Grand Victory or newer, much higher priced Total Victory ($24K Reference?) models, so please factor that into things.

More or less, it comes down to the classic differences inherent in both front horn-loaded and dynamic loudspeakers. Both speakers give their best in larger rooms, and despite what most say, I believe both benefit from a bit of power - particularly, transformer coupled tube amplification. The M15 is richer, warmer, and a bit more forgiving. The Coincidents have a more open, detailed sound, with more precise image placement. The Coincidents will produce tighter, more extended low frequencies, while the M15 offers a bigger, more grandiose presentation. You have to be a bit careful with amplification, cable, and the room (especially) so as to avoid the Coincidents coming off as overly forward or bright in the presence region. Provided you do that, you'll also enjoy the Coincidents producing a sweet treble for you. Likewise, as we discussed previously, I believe you need to be cognizant of providing enough power to get the M15 to come alive. Otherwise, they can sound sluggish, and in my opinion, fall behind the pace of the music. And, the room - loudspeaker interface being especially critical with both of these products, the need to ensure the M15 have enough breathing room to play is most important.

All the best to everyone this Christmas and New Year,
Joe