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Best speaker brands for transient response

Hello all, first post / longtime lurker on here. I have really appreciated all I've learned from following threads on here -- much appreciated.

I've had three speakers in my house for a few years, and have learned that transient response is the quality I value most. I'm researching upgrade options and would appreciate recommendations on brands.

Currently I have KLH Model 3s, JBL 4305Ps, and JBL Studio 590s. The sealed KLHs are far superior in transient response / speed / attack. The 4305Ps are pretty good (I'm assuming because they're active) and the 590s, while they do a lot of things well, are relative laggards.

I am assuming that on average a sealed design at any given price point will outperform a ported speaker in this area of performance, but I'm sure there are important exceptions.

I'm also curious if more expensive ported horn speakers (Klipsch heritage line, or the JBL 4349 for example) may deliver equal or better in transient response compared to a lower cost sealed speaker because they're using better drivers, crossovers, etc.

Thank you for any feedback / ideas you have.

tommyuchicago
jheppe815
64 posts
 

+1 to @james633 ’s post.

I have JBL 4349’s and enjoy them. Most audiophiles will dismiss these cabinets, but I have found they are very smooth, able to play at very low volume with accuracy and detail, but still able to play at full tilt and fill a room with that same accuracy and detail; a very enjoyable experience. The compression driver and waveguide are (only in my opinion) a home run by JBL for this price point in their lineup.

To your question about if a more expensive ported cabinet will sound better than a lesser sealed cabinet, many times the rule "you get what you pay for" will apply (not always, but typically it does). From my experience, an inexpensively designed sealed cabinet with cheaper components will be outperformed by a ported cabinet with great components (drivers, crossover design/components, cabinet material, etc.).

I would not dismiss a speaker just because it’s ported. If the designer has done the work, porting will not ruin the experience even if one favors sealed designs.

Feel free to see my 4349's on my system page.

mgattmch
569 posts
 

How about Klipschorn AK6 speakers? Amazing dynamic range and transient response. Not neutral (musical) by a long way, but, very exciting to listen to.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jji666
534 posts
 

No one mentions acoustic room treatments?  Slushy or boomy bass is often the result of a need for some level of room treatment.  That's also likely a lot cheaper than replacing any high end speaker.  

Also, strongly disagree with audiotroy regarding Magnepans.  They're very fast but do require a lot of power. 

tommyuchicago OP
60 posts
 
@jji666 thank you, yes I've got a pretty good room that I've further treated at its weak spot (an exposed beam basement ceiling).
tommyuchicago OP
60 posts
 
@mgattmch I heard the La Scala at a dealer that no longer has any heritage line products in their showroom. I plan on demo'ing the Forte IVs at a dealer in the city. The La Scalas sounded surreal but I didn't get enough time with them to get a more critical listen (some guy kept fiddling with the McIntosh integrated they were connected to).
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