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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
phusis's avatar
phusis
1,217 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
3,170 posts
 

what is transient response?

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,173 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.

tommyuchicago OP
60 posts
 
@phusis: regarding active design, I know that my 4305Ps really ruined my 590s for me and I think the active design of those JBLs were a big reason -- it was taking all that I loved about the 590s and making it sound more alive.

I'm down to Borresen X2s, ATC SCM40s (I'm going with the passive version) and JBL 4349 for auditions.

This was my first post on here and I'm just blown away by so many wanting to jump in and help a noob like me think through options. Thanks to everyone, what a great community on here!

phusis's avatar
phusis
1,217 posts
 

tommyuchicago wrote:

regarding active design, I know that my 4305Ps really ruined my 590s for me and I think the active design of those JBLs were a big reason -- it was taking all that I loved about the 590s and making it sound more alive.

I'm down to Borresen X2s, ATC SCM40s (I'm going with the passive version) and JBL 4349 for auditions.

You could also consider the JBL 4329p's, in addition to 2nd hand (to stay within a given budget) ATC SCM40 and SCM50's in their active versions, now that you may have identified an aspect with the 4305p's, qua active, that appeals to you.  

In any case, hope you'll end up deciding for the speaker solution the appeals to you the most - irrespective of claimed transient prowess, passive or active config. Auditions before purchase decision, preferably at home, is paramount, but that should go without saying :) 

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