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Next High End Bookshelf Upgrade - Marten Parker/Oscar Duo Owners Welcome

Hi to all ,

I have been lurking around this website for some months now and value the strong discussion level along with the insights shared so readily among contributors here.

So, I have decided to take the next logical step and become a member. Not too long ago I was of the opinion that upgrading an already decent audio system relative of course to the owner was a result of insecurity, lack of impulse control and probably a waste of resources in every conceivable way. Well that was then and this is now , upgrading all or part of the audio setup , does indeed appear to be part and parcel of most audiophiles journey. It could also be the the most fun aspect to the whole hobby in general ,

Late last year , i decided to purchase some B&W 705 Signature speakers to go along with my Rega Aethos amp . They replaced a pair of some fairly decent quality LSA 1 bookshelf speakers from 2007. Now, after approx. 5 months of ownership , I have somewhat tired of the 705 Signature speakers , much faster too it seems than I would ever have thought. In many ways, very good performing in most every aspect , just everything does seems small. Probably the only way to gain such clarity and precise imaging in a small speaker box is is to make sacrifices elsewhere, soundstage comes to mind along with the clear realization that this speaker just does not disappear in the room like my previous LSA 1 did with aplomb.

Late last week, to satisfy my curiosity , pulled the LSA 1 speakers out of storage and replaced the 705 Signature with them. Well into an evening music session , the reality became clear to me , so clear in fact the LSA 1 were overall better. Much more a speaker than a studio monitor ala the 705 Signature. The best analogy would be to think of the 705 Signature as a show pony , flashy, entertaining , fun and a crowd pleaser for short periods of time. Whereas the larger LSA 1 bookshelf speakers would be more of a galloping horse , open and free spirited , raw emotion and less the show ring performer like the 705 Signature. Suffice to say the LSA 1 will stay with me , regardless of what I upgrade to in the near future.

I have decided to leave the Rega Aethos as the amp in my evolving system for now. Next upgrade most certainly will be a bookshelf speaker well beyond the 75 Signature level and sharing more of the qualities of the LSA 1 such as great sound stage , night and day difference in fact between it and the 705 Signature. To continue in this recent and welcome progression would be worth it in the long term.

Now , for certain some might say , just stick with the LSA 1 and save your money. As it stands the speaker is very good and a absolute bargain at $1250 in 2007. So good in fact , it may very well be the speaker of choice for a second system in our vacation home.

I plan to invest in some high quality bookshelf speakers. The top candidates for speakers to go along with the Rega Aethos are Marten Parker Parker Duo and Oscar Duo , Franco Serblin Accordo & Borresen Z1. All upper echelon bookshelf offerings. All sharing the distinction of much praiseworthy reviews by the audio press and consumers alike.

As of now, the Marten Parker Duo has my close attention, a 200w speaker the maker website states , looks like a <6ohm speaker , the Rega Aethos puts out 156w @ 6ohms , would it be enough to drive the Parker Duo to some degree of satisfaction at least in the short to medium term ?. My listening is mainly low to moderate levels , never past 9 o’clock on the volume dial. As such, the importance of high quality listening at these levels is imperative. For owners of this speaker, how does it perform at these lower volume levels?. Also, in terms of the passive radiator in the speaker back, any experiences of excessive bass frequency leading to wall vibrations .....my daughters room is adjacent to the av room. Again, most if not all listening is done in the low to low moderate range. My listening area is 12’ x 14’ with 10’ ceilings.

Please feel free to leave your thoughts , Marten Parker Duo in particular and Oscar Duo owners are more than welcome to share their experiences.

sagur80
dabel
1,657 posts
 

Also, in terms of the passive radiator in the speaker back, any experiences of excessive bass frequency leading to wall vibrations

Yes, of course .... Closer to a wall also provides / reinforces better bass response. Wether or not you’ll enjoy what this offers (including your daughter) will only happen through trial. But you’ve mentioned "low to low moderate range" therefore I personal don’t see a problem here.

I have what I’d consider monitors with a 10" passive radiator on the rear and listen relatively nearfield (six foot triangle, sweet spot center of room) with the Speakers sitting three feet out from wall, but also run dual Subs. FWIW

As far as Sales go / goes, from one salesman to another ... you’ve earned it! :-)

sagur80 OP
25 posts
 

Dabel, what size listening room do you have ?..As for experiencing the bass effects and otherwise from the Parker Duo, this will have to be done in the dealer store location , their listening area would be considerably larger with higher ceilings too. I will probably rely more on intuition and good judgement to get a sense of how the speakers would perform in my smaller listening room at home. Most listening will be done quite nearfield , either slight axis with speakers approx. 5ft behind me or a similar six foot triangle in front of the audio setup. As you can see, low to moderate listening levels combined with a no shrinking violet like response from the Parker Duo is probably the most important consideration of all . Otherwise the $$$$$ would be a sad waste of time and money. 

dabel
1,657 posts
 

@sagur80,

Size of listening area, 22’ X 26’ and where the System sits a vaulted ceiling that starts at 8’ and ends 14’. Problem, I’m unable to truly utilize use of this area for my desire, constrained to width instead of (length that opens into adjoining room). Although in reality, not much a problem after all, for my listening habits mirror yours "moderately low to low". I’ll also run Subs disabled on occasions with success, and clarification ... my mains are 44" from wall.

 

I will probably rely more on intuition and good judgement to get a sense of how the speakers would perform in my smaller listening room at home.

Don’t believe I could’ve have worded this any better.

 

ortodox
87 posts
 

Try Audiovector R1 Arrete speakers . They are awsome , better than Marten.

atp001
15 posts
 

My two cents, I sold my Marten Oscar Duos rather quickly as they were very boomy in my space (12x17x8 and 14x15x8).  Mids and highs were not exciting as well but that may have been a consequence of the poor bass response.  I have used three other pairs of bookshelf speakers in the same space with good results.

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