I had ESLs for nearly 8 years. Started with ML Odyssey, but found the sweet spot way too narrow. Moved to a pair of Quad 2905s with a pair of REL subs and was convinced I could never go back to a conventional box speaker with cones. The Rockport Aviors I have had for over a year are superior to the Quads in every conceivable parameter. Of course a lot depends on the room and the associated gear. NJoy |
Xti16 I think my price point will be near 15k and less.My system right now has audiovalve challenger monoblocks with kt88's and I also have a pair of roland model 6 monoblocks so I can go either way but maybe leaning to going back to solid state. I always find myself recommending Merlin speakers to people so it will probally be one I will be considering as well as Aerial,YG Acoustics,Focal,Wilson,Nola,Von Schweikert and Verity. |
Rleff -- Many compare electrostatic speakers with good horn dittos (the latter with better dynamics, certainly macro-wise), and though I've yet to audition them I'd recommend you look into the Oswalds Mill Audio Mini's: http://oswaldsmillaudio.com/mini They're healthily priced I must add (~$20k pair), and a sub is necessary if one is to expect sub-like information with true weight, but they are very interesting nonetheless. My reason for recommending them is also that they share some similar traits, perhaps more or less vaguely so, to my own speakers, which have often been compared to panel-speakers of some sort. First and foremost though Mr. Weiss' endeavor with OMA is highly intriguing in how it breaks with the more established hifi-approach - unfortunately more exclusively for the ones to savor with their pockets filled... |
Czar, I have old Stax phones still that I use regularly and just added a set of Sennheiser Momentum phones, which deliver the expected Sennheiser sound out of a more portable and easy to drive package than some other Senns. Sennheiser and Stax are two different beasts with two different sounds for sure, but I do enjoy each on their own terms in that each is VERY GOOD, but in different ways. Headphones are interesting in that no two probably sound exactly the same, yet so many can be quite enjoyable. REinforces to me what I already believe in that there is no absolute sound. Just like there is no absolute wine, ice cream, car, woman, etc. But with headphones, there is a huge # of very good ones to choose from these days, geared towards different users. Interesting stuff. |
