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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
vthokie83
863 posts
 

Tommyuchicago

If you are in Chicagoland (I'm in Wheaton), you may try a Audio Archon which in Libertyville. He carries some nice brands, DeVore Fidelity, Harbeth, and Audio Note.

The owner Mike Kay is a great guy, a well regarded audiophile, and is well worth a phone call to see what he may carry that fits into your interests. I purchaed my CODA S5.5 from him, and he worked with me on price. His showroom is by appointment only, but he'll set up whatever you are looking at in his listening room.

Holm Audio in Woodridge carries some speaker lines, though I'm not sure what they have in their listening rooms. They are a little chaotic, but their prices are negotiable.

tommyuchicago OP
60 posts
 

@mtbiker29 @vthokie83 thank you this is great. I was worried especially about the Borresens that there were not local dealers for that brand--they feature Borresen on their website. I've got a few recommendations for Holm, too. And Libertyville isn't that far -- I just moved to Elmhurst.

phusis's avatar
phusis
1,203 posts
 
mapman wrote:

I’ve always found ATC to be a very unique, zippy kind of sound.  Is that transient response?

That's not least a trait of their 3" "superdome" midrange driver, a fantastic piece of engineering with its massive magnet structure und uncompromised construction. Configured actively no less, which is also an important factor here, it borders on electrostatic and horn-like qualities with its immediacy, resolution and unforced, unconvoluted clarity.

Improving the amp to driver interface with active config. is vital in accommodating better driver control and a more resolved, less smeared reproduction, which in turn aids transient prowess. 

grislybutter
3,003 posts
 

what is transient response?

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,062 posts
 

La 50 Kef run by mark Levinson 100 w per channel.The transient of this combo is amazing very fast.Using aesthetix preamp.The meta maybe is even better.

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