The best speaker you ever heard?

Before you go head over heals over the Analysis Amphitryon (actually me thinks they're closer to $24k), listen to the new Apogee Synergy 1.5 (looks like the Scintilla, but very different in execution) when they come to these shores. Very expensive at $24k but priced similar to Amphitryon. The build quality seems to be on another level to the Analysis. The Synergys are actually smaller than the Amphitryon which are similar in size to the Diva, but weighs close to twice as much (close to 300 lbs each) due to extensive use of metal and much more powerful neodynium magnets. Alot more sensitive too at 95 dB than 86 dB for the Ananlysis. Some actually prefered the Scintilla over the larger Diva from what I recall. From what I read, the Synergy will play loud at 110+ dB and you only need 30 watts due to its high sensitivity. Original Apogee owners would kill for this.

This Apogee "Synergy" eulogy vs Analysis "Amphitryon" just caught my attention. It's intersting to compare published specs referred to above by Dracule

The Synergies spec 95dB "in 3000 c.ft room". Hence ~90 (?) single spkr anechoic. The Amphi etc specs 86 single anechoic so, say ~90-91dB accordingly. That's ~1/2 the sensitivity this far.

OTOH, Synergy rates impedance at 2.5ohm, rather tricky (but much better than the Scintilla); "you only need 30 watts/channel" yeah, and how many volts, and a hyper stabilised circuit:).

Amphi specs 4ohm which is even more benign for the average amp -- so, on the face of it much easier to drive.

Dracule tells us the Synergy hits 110dB spl (in room, both spkrs driven, I assume?). Similarly, the Amphi would require ~100W from a normal amp to reach 110dB spl (in room both spkrs... etc).

Synergy FR specs 20-25kHz (stereo?, in room, remember). Likewise the Amphi, but single anechoic. Both specs are elusive at best... i.e. how many dB down or up (unlikely) at 20? But at face value, the Amphi seems to spec better in room, both spkrs driven.

Basically, I've heard neither of the two (or if I have I don;t remember it). Just putting some thoughts on screen.

Gregm

This snip from a thread is from the very first "Synergy" owner...they don't sound like to tuff an amp load.

"The Synergy efficiency is at least 95 db/W, I actally think it could be more like 96 to 97. Impedance is around 2.5 ohms and very linear.
I was using single 70WPC Rowen monos at home, and even with constant 100db peaks for 20 mins they only got warm"

Anyone own, or heard the "Amphitryon" that can comment on their efficiency?

Dave

Hi Gregm,

Caveats apply to the specs since they're general without specifics. The Scintilla was measured close to flat down to 20 Hz (ie, real 20 Hz) if you read the originanl reviews back in the 80's, so I don't think the Synergy is any worse, maybe better. Also the bass "ribbon" in the Synergy has 1/3 less mass than the original Apogee ribbon. There's an option of getting a bass ribbon even lighter than that used in the company's most expensive Definitive (~$90k). The MRTW ribbon is "foil", without the plastic backing in the orginal Scintilla (me thinks), so much lighter also.

I don't know the technology behind the Analysis ribbons. But the guy who designed the Synergy has been THE Apogee repair guy since the company folded, and he has been steadily upgrading the ribbons with new materials and tighter tolerance with CNC cutting of the ribbons (original Apogee ribbons were hand cut).

Yes, 2.5 ohms is low, but because it's very flat much easier on amps. My understanding is that Synergy has been driven with relatively low wattage tube amps without problems, impossible feet for the Scintilla. The Ananlysis has nominal impedence of 4 ohms, but no specifics on the minimum.

I have seen the Amphityron up close at shows. Although the build quality looks good, probably better than the equivalent Apogge, I don't think it comes close to the Synergy. Personally I don't like the looks of the big Analysis. The Synergy looks more elegant and cleaner to me.

Getting 110+ dB from a pure planar speaker would be an awesome experience.

Next year I will embark on a journey auditioning these speakers among others to build an ultimate system. Proof is in the listening.

Gregm,

"The Synergies spec 95dB "in 3000 c.ft room". Hence ~90 (?) single spkr anechoic. The Amphi etc specs 86 single anechoic so, say ~90-91dB accordingly. That's ~1/2 the sensitivity this far."

I'm not sure how you made these calculations but seems like a lot of hand waving, not that my comparison wasn't either :-)