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New speaker technology vs. Old speaker tech???

The following is an issue that many members may have encountered: that is, buying an old speaker (vintage 10-12 years old) vs buying a newer and more current technology created by better driver material and using for example a ribbon tweeter, vs traditional silk or aluminum tweeter.

A friend recently purchased a monitor made by Monitor Audio, GX-50 Gold series. which uses a ribbon tweeter. His other choice was a VonSchweikert VR-1, a two way small monitor hailed by many reviewer for its tight bass almost down to 40-45HZ.

I liked the Monitor Audio GX-50, but did not want to influence his final decision. However, the more I listened to them, they sounded somewhat bright and edgy on several "redbook" CD's. He liked VonSchweikert VR-1, they seemed to him more balanced and the bass had real punch. However, he opted for the MA's because he felt the newer technology overall would be more competitive in producing good and detailed sound

Like my friend, I have often get caught up by the technology of new speakers,and ignore what sounds better and satisfying regardless of the music The VR-1 are very good speakers, and usually don't last long on Audiogon when they come around for sale. However, sometimes a mystique emerges around a speaker because of its unexpected performance that elevates it beyond its spec.

Would like to get some input on this "dilemma", especially the reputation of Von Schweikert VR-1 for being "more than sum of its parts"

sunnyjim
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,305 posts
 
Also realize there are more potential truly innovative features with new speaker technology than just the resulting sound that might be the biggest reason of all for some to jump.

For example, take a look at Dynaudio Xeo speakers that take on most of the burden associated with producing good sound from a digital source, not just the traditional transducer part.
larryi
4,034 posts
 
Johnk,

I am so MUCH in agreement with you here. There are a number of very old drivers that can be used in modern systems that are, in some respects, unmatched by anything new. Some of these are limited in application because of practical concerns (size) but not in terms of sound quality (e.g., Western Electric 555 driver and 15a horn combination for midrange). I own a "modern" system where I have replaced the midrange driver/horn with a Western Electric 713b driver and 120125 horn. The driver was probably made around 1939.

I have heard a terrific system built around a 13" Jensen fieldcoil driver used as a bass/midrange driver with a simple highpasss network feeding a dome tweeter for very high frequencies. This is also a terrific sounding system based primarily on ancient drivers.

When stereo became popular, for practical reasons, the entire focus on speaker design was to develop smaller systems. Efficiency was also sacrificed in the process because, near the same time, higher powered transistor amplification became practical and cheap. In many respects, sound quality has not really recovered since then.
phusis's avatar
phusis
1,211 posts
 
had a good chuckle reading your definition of "vintage"! What then do you call the Klipsch LaScala, Klipsch corner horns, KEF 105, B&W Matrix series speakers, Tannoy HPD, Tannoy Gold???

My thought as well.

My take on the vintage vs. modern speaker question is to somehow prefer vintage designs that are modernized in certain areas - like cross-over and driver/horn refinements. Basically rather traditional designs from a time where no-excuse, functional aspects seemed to weigh more than marketing-driven technological "advancements."
larryi
4,034 posts
 
There are not that many "modern" horn drivers that even come close to comparing with some very old designs, apart from some attempts at exactly replicating those old horn drivers (the Japanese G.I.P. drivers, for example). Those modern, non-replica horn drivers that are really good are also terribly expensive, such as ALE drivers (a set of drivers cost more than a house). What else do folks put up as examples of modern compression/horn drivers that can compete with the best old stuff: Avantgarde?
wim1983's avatar
wim1983
221 posts
 
I just found out that there is a site, Human speakers Web site, that repair old speakers like EPI and Genesis, what do you guys think? Good? There is some new speakers based on EPI is being created, Human 81. Price darn tempting...I'm not sure the Human technology works? Look at the bottom of the product list, inHUMAN speakers, haha a nice joke!
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