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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
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,735 posts
 

I wish I  could offer something useful. 300 wpc wasn't enough to give my Blades what they needed to put some bounce in their step, but adding the MC611's really woke things up.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,959 posts
 

Tommyuchicago I also own KLH model 9.

tommyuchicago OP
60 posts
 

Once I heard and owned ribbons (1984 to present) I could never settle for anything else for mid-bass to high treble reproduction. 

That's not the first time I've read a post like this @classicalpiano ;) Thank you for your response. It's the big reason the Borresens are on the list.

@jayctoy I know the KLH brand is now under new ownership -- do wonder if they would ever do a panel speaker, based on the owner being from Klipsch I'm betting not...
steve59's avatar
steve59
1,735 posts
 

When I listened to the borrensen 02’s at TNL when they first came out I was seriously disappointed in the performance. When listening at Axpona to the stand mounts they were probably my favorite sound at the show. Both demos were done by The Next Level and Aavik components also so I think room placement is critical with the speakers.

As similar as Borrensen and Raidho are I do wonder how similar they measure and while frequency response doesn’t trouble me too much I do like it when speaker pairs are matched to within audible levels of each other(some suggest .5 or 1db), something idk if B pays attention to.

drbay
40 posts
 

Be careful with Borresen, they are impressive first and very fast, but they sound very digital and mechanical, they do not give a natural sound. 

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