I.Q. Speakers from Germany ????

Rated 4 ohm, and 87db....thats all I know.

I would be happy to post a picture if someone can advise how.

I found a A/B test in Stereoplay of Sep. 93 (reliable magazine, three decades in the business, tests always accompanied by extensive measurements).

TED 400 was indeed also designed by Manfred Diesterich and cost DM 2k at the time of its release in 1993. A 4 Ohm, 87,5db bass-reflex design as mentioned before with max. SPL quoted at 104db (at 400Hz, distance 1m). Stereoplay ranked it "top class, level 3", with the likes of Dynaudio Contour 1.3 or B&W Matrix 805.

I quote from the Stereoplay test: IQ TED 400 showed many positive aspects: balanced and colourful - as opposed to coloured though; add a powerful bass that was also very firm and a sustainable fundament. With the volume pumped up, the IQ was superior to the class best (ALR Nummer 3) and qualified itself as the unbeatable "party"-speaker. On the other hand the class reference sounded altogether more harmonious and at normal sound levels more refined, so that IQ closely missed the reference titel in its class. However, it deserves downright "very good" for price to quality.

If you can read German (or have someone to translate), I'll mail you the full test on the 5 contestants.

Wow, thanks very much Karelfd.
I was thinking that the bass should be more pronounced given the size of the woofer system, i think 2 8", but maybe one is passive. I suspect it is the power i am driving them with, so based on the info you have given me, i think i should upgrade my power before upgrading speakers.

Any power suggestions for a next step? Should they be bi-wired? Is speaker wire an issue at this level?

Any thank you for the offer to send the report. Turns out my Mother-In-Law speaks German.

Is there a way to share pics?

To upload a picture, go to the :

1) www.audiogon.com page.
2) On the bottom of right culumn, you will see "My page" -
Left click on the mouse on that.
3) On the middle of the left column, you will see "Virtual systems" under "Interaction" - Left click on Virtual systems.
4) On the bottom, you will see "build a system" - Left click on that.
5) You can build your system, and when you click on a CD player for instance, there is a small box asking you if you want to upload a picture. That will allow you to upload a picture.

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Speaker wire is an issue at that level - what does your cable say on it ? What brand ?

If you bi-wire, it will be better but not absolutely necessary - if your current wire is not long enough. Since you said it's pretty thick, it might be already good enough.

I like this cable - IXOS XHS706 13 AWG GAMMA GEOMETRY SPEAKER WIRE

You can google search for it to buy.

Hope this helps,