Down side of speaker swop from AZ to Tonian Labs ?


Guys,

I have had my Acoustic Zen Crescendos for 5 years and love them but with the type of music I typically listen to, Cello, Acoustic Guitar and Violins, wondering if this make sense for a tube based system. Tonian Labs are more efficient and from what I have heard/read are they are much more transparent but hopefully that doesn't mean forward or bright.

Let me know what you think and my components are updated under my virtual system.

Thanks,
Wig

128x128wig
Yes the 12" driver model I heard (12S?) was incredible. The source was an Acurus CD player and the amp was a non-descript integrated, and demoed in a hotel room with little in the way of room treatments. Tony played some drum tracks which certainly left me with the impression the musicians were in the room (my Jazz Modules did the same, and my ESLs I use now are a small step above). Vocals were also very realistic. Unfortunately I did not hear them on more complex tracks.
Tony used to demo the Tonians with an Audiolab 8000 and he still swears by them. Only one output device per channel made for great speed.

All the best,
Nonoise
Wig,
How much you want to spend? I think Horning Aristoteles would be excellent for what you listen to.

I have the Horning Eufrodite Ellipse which are the next speaker up and love them. They ended my speaker search after over 40 years of being in this hobby.
When I had AZ Crescendos, I preferred McIntosh MC601 SS monos over McIntosh MC275 tube monos but it was close. I loved the Crescendos but I did get the fever to switch things around. I have never heard the Tonian Lab speakers so I can't compare.