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Planar/panel speakers to replace Carver Amazings

Hi All,

a while back, I posted a question titled “Secondary/“vintage” system speaker replacement options?” in this section. However, it didn’t get many responses.

However, perhaps the above simpler title will elicit more responses. Just trying again.

if you’d like more background info, please see the above titled post.

All the best and many thanks.
arsh
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
The LFT-8B is a great speaker at the price point. I reviewed it and use a pair of LFT-VI in my office with HSU subs. Imo the upper mid and treble of the LFT-8B is not in the same class as better ESL speakers. 

I also reviewed and own the Kingsound King III electrostatic. I called it a line source ESL, a different configuration than is typically seen in ESL. I find it to be marvelous and exquisite when set up well. It does take a lot of power/current, and responds readily to the upgraded VAC Royal Power Supply (also in review of the speaker), as well as power cords and speaker cables. To explain, I use Kevin Hay's Royal Power Supply as a regulated PSU to the external power supply/X-over of the King III. 

I run the King III with a pair of Legacy Audio XTREME XD Subwoofers, and most often send the signal to the subs from the preamp (bypassing the mains amplification) to the subs directly. If I need to use splitters to accomplish this, I will. FYI, I much prefer the nearly mid-room subwoofer placement as opposed to tucked in behind the speakers near the front corners. 

Imo, the King III is more advanced sonically than Quads (However, I believe there is finally now a truly large model of Quad) and has a greater frequency range. FYI, Magnepan 30.7 is not the only four panel game in town; Kingsound has this as well. If my room were not a bit small for that, no doubt I would review it. 

I have had some poor experiences with classic/vintage speakers and I would not pursue them at any cost. I know others find the value proposition and exploration enjoyable. 
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks all. A lot of valuable input here. I don’t know anything about Kingsound, but I will do some reading about them. I was listening to the Carvers last night, and they really sound good on most music. But I think repairing the problem speaker is just not going to be possible. I’m grateful for all the helpful advice as I seek an appropriate replacement.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,893 posts
 

@ctsooner, the problem with the Vandersteen sub(s) with the LFT-8’s is that the LFT m-p panels are good to only just below 200Hz (the x/o is at 180Hz, 1st order), so any sub used with them must play that high. Few do, but the OB/Dipole Sub plays up to 400Hz! And being a dipole, the blend with dipole speakers is superb.

Douglas, I agree---ESL’s are king of the hill to me. Unequalled liquid transparency and low-level detail, and natural timbre reproduction. The reproduction of vocals---solo, harmony, and counterpoint, is extremely important to me, and nothing else equals ESL’s in that regard. I’ve had Quad 57’s for a quarter century, but they, as everyone knows, are SPL and bass limited. The LFT-8 provides an acceptable compromise for lots of Pop music, the recording quality of which is often really, really bad. The transparent reproduction of it’s sound often leads to less musical enjoyment and involvement, not more.

Damn Doug, you have a pair of LFT-6's?! I looked for a few years, but gave up and bought some LFT-4's. Cute little speakers. I've heard the Sanders and loved them (the Sound Labs too), and am planning on hearing Roger Modjeski's ESL's with direct-drive tube amps (no power amp output transformers, no ESL input transformers!) real soon.

douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 

bdp24, thanks for the complement and perspective. Yes, I happened across the LFT-VI when I was looking for something else. A guy had them in the background of an Ad to sell LFT-4's. I contacted him and asked about the LFT-VI. He seemed happy enough to get to sell them, too. That was several years ago. I don't see them around much now.

I guess the nomenclature and style is changed; my model is now the KS17. If you want a close approximation of the King III, the Prince III is seriously good. The new version, the KS16, looks like it's full range line source type.

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,893 posts
 
Well Doug, if you ever decide to sell the LFT-6's let me know! Have you seen the posting from the guy who, like you, doubled-up two pair of LFT-8's? But instead of placing them side-by-side, he removed the LFT drivers from ET's panels, and installed them in his own steel frames. He arranged the midrange drivers two-wide and two-high, with a pair of the tweeters right next to the mid panels, one atop the other. Under each frame is an ET woofer cube. Brilliant!
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