Attention all Legacy Whisper owners ??

Sthomas, very impressive to have conducted so many direct comparisons between speakers. What is your system like, specifically amplification, but also source, cables, etc. if you don't mind sharing. I'd be curious to know what amps you use with the Focus, and which you feel were among the best.

The Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro is a very affordable mono block design which is quite nice with the Focus HD. It's incredible how far along toward very high end sound one can move today with the affordable equipment options available from many manufacturers.

You might want to hear the Focus HD version, as Bill Dudleston has done a complete redesign; I enjoy the planar mid and neo-ribbon tweeter which gives the speaker elements of a planar presentation, yet with the authority of a dynamic speaker in the low end. I would think that many more companies would be trying to move in this direction than are currently. I can imagine it to be difficult to integrate these drivers, but when it's done well it's quite nice.

Regarding specs, the HD version is listed as 16Hz - 25kHz. I am not sure if this is +/- 3dB or not. Bill ususally lists response as +/- 2dB on his other speakers. I am assuming that is an indication of usable bass, and that the tight measurement is closer to 20Hz on the low side. I also unhooked the Vandersteen subs; in fact I sold them, because the Focus has such good low end response; adding them just muddied things.

Though I have not reviewed the Whisper, I have heard it and it has the same "house sound" as the other Legacy products. Interestingly, it's bass response is listed as being higher than the Focus HD (not radically, but significantly), however the nature of the bass from the whisper is more controlled/tight, which should be expected from the radically different bass driver configuration.

The best 2 channel amp I have used on them was a Ayre V-5xe. I was worried about power rating after reading other opinions at the time, but this turned out not to be a non issue at all. I tried using a bryston 8bst(400watts x2 bridged), 4bst(250x2), rotel 1095,and a Anthem p2, I found the Ayre to be superior and also to be the best amp Ive heard for my tastes(much more expensive of course).The best Amp Ive used on them for 5.1 sound, is my current Bryston 9bsst. I am amazed at this amp. For its power rating it sure can pound the Legacys at high levels with Dolby Digital/DTS soundtrack levels. Not to mention its around 95% of what I felt the Ayre was doing all around, and Ive gained 3 channels without needing other amps in the system. I wanted to try the Bel Canto ref 1000, but never got the chance, maybe some day.

The best cd player, was my Ayre cx-7e. My best prepro for movies, is a Anthem avm 30. I never put out the money for the Statment D series Anthems because I was so happy with the avm 30. I would like hdmi option, but other then that I am 100% happy. The Ayre k-5xe was a great preamp, superior to the Bryston BP-25 I tried. Less Harsh, more relaxed(for those who like this) and smoother.

A All Ayre balanced system leaves little to be desired in my opinion. They just have a great enjoyable sound.

Ive heard pro's and cons with the Focus HD being better then the 20/20's. But I have no doubt when the day comes I have to replace the 20/20's, Ill give the HD a shot.

Im not huge into power cables, Ive always used the PS Audio power punch at $49.00 each. If you look at these, they do alot and at a price that you couldnt build them for on your own.

I dont like power conditioners, and both Anthem and Ayre recommend not to use one.

I use balanced connections and used a variety of cables. To me, and I know I am in the minority on this, I like the Canare cable/Nuetrik xx setups. I feel they have a very flat response and dont add brightness, or muddy bass. For me, they just sound right. I also see spending thousands of dollars on cables to be a waste of money for me. I found a change in tone doesnt make a cable better, usually it makes it worse as it is changing the source. A cables job is to get out of the way, or no cable at all. Canare has a great line up, with even a complete 75 ohm cable,connector option available for a digital cable that most hi end manufactures cant even produce. Plus a killer crimp on style that eliminates solder use and problems there. For the record, these are what the studio's use, and in many cases these are cost no object studios. This shows I am not alone in my findings with cables. I know plenty of people disagree with this as well, and I can respect that,but just disagree.

..just to underscore the post above by sthomas.. Ayre equipment is quite wonderful but they really have to be run in balanced mode. Single ended Ayre equipment sounds quite below what the units run balanced sounds like.

Some of my statments used in my above posts agree with Stringreen's current comments.

"I use balanced connections and used a variety of cables"

"A All Ayre balanced system leaves little to be desired in my opinion. They just have a great enjoyable sound"

Im not sure I would say just using the V-5xe with other equipment needs a balanced connection to sound great, its amazing in anyway I have heard. That being said, at this price point, why not use balanced, it only makes since, and most of your equipment in these price ranges come standard.

I have noticed a all balanced Ayre system, just seams to run with no background noise, even when my ear is pressed to the high 96db rated Focus 20/20 speakers. Pretty amazing. You will also hear no pops, snaps, or anything in the Ayre system at any time of switching inputs/off or on/ etc.