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Acoustic Zen Adagios help.

OK, this was a surprise.  I picked up a pair of Acoustic Zen Adagios yesterday to replace my Klipsch RF-83's.  I thought the AZA's would blow the 83's away.  Not so much.

Let me begin with a disclaimer.  I spent a lot of time placing the 83's and getting the toed in just right.  Haven't done that with the AZA's yet, neither have I installed the outriggers.  Tonight I will spend time tweaking them.  So my initial reactions are based on the AZA's setting where the Klipsch sat.

Initial reaction: AZA's are pristine in the top end.  They truly sparkle.  The soundstage has deepened over my Klipsch. They definitely provide incredible detail.   The bass is fast and tight, but I find it lacking a bit.  Again, I will have to lay around with placement, but if I keep the AZA's I will likely add a sub or two.  

I think I prefer the AZA's, but I am surprised they didn't knock my socks off.  The 
Klipsch lack the finesse of the AZA's, but seem to fill the room better especially in the lower end. My room 17' x 21' and is treated with bass traps and some absorption.  I was using Cambridge Audio 840w 840e separates.

Tonight I will fiddle with placement toe in, etc.  Any advice from AZA owners about placement?  Will the outriggers make a substantial difference?  So far, only moderately impressed.

Thanks, Chip
chipbyrd
teajay
1,702 posts
 
Hey Chip,

It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday when you picked up your new speaker. Besides that I believe that when you attach the outriggers the total performance will improve and the bottom end might also fill in, let them settle in and just listen for at least a couple of days before you come to a judgement compared to the Klipsch's. I believe when you go back to the AZA the refinement, more accurate timbres, layering in the soundstage might win you over. Yes, the Klipsch's are dynamic as hell with great slam, maybe that's what your missing, but their very "rough around" the other edges that you might not notice until you go back to them after the AZA's. Have fun.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Take into consideration that AZAs have less common underhung woofers. Underhung drivers have lower distortions (better linearity) especially with large displacements. According to few opinions, I read, they are less dynamic but it might be only perception of clean lows (same way clean guitar is less dynamic than distorted guitar). Underhung motor is more expensive because of very big magnet. Enjoy.
hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
206 posts
 
My room is 14'x 25', and I have my Adagios placed along the long wall, 8' apart. In my room they needed a little bit of toe-in.

The bass will considerably open up in about three weeks.
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