Talon Khorus x or B&W 802

OK guys. I think it goes without saying that by identifying himself as a Talon dealer everyone reading the post understands where he's coming from and approaches his opinions in a little different light. But don't we all seek dealer's advice when visiting their showrooms? They are obviously in the business because they love audio as much as we do. I don't know anyone who's become rich selling audio gear. We may not agreee with them but we can all be educated some how, for better or worse, by them. I wouldn't anticipate a dealer recommending a component or speaker to me that he didn't sell. Could it happen? sure, but not very likely, in audio or any retail business. To paraphrase Xenon, we wouldn't recommend an F-150 if we make our living selling Silverado's would we? I think we would all like to think that a dealer prefers a particular product after careful evaluation and feels it fills a niche in his offerings because he will sink a good amount of money and energy into displaying the product. But I lose respect quickly for those that run down or demean others' products based on pure subjective evaluations.

One good point, however, is that perhaps all members should have to reveal any affiliation with the industry, be it manufacture, service, or sales, lest any of us that aren't be lead astray in advice or opinions. If no one took advice from this forum then there would be no advice asked on the forum would there? We could pick and chose the information we feel is valid knowing up front if there are any agendas. The stereo mags have all become prostitutes to the industry so it would be ideal to have a forum that is as "pure" as possible.

There is nothing more subjective than audio. Just as I may prefer dynamic cones to electrostats, SS to tube, 2 channel to multi-channel, someone more expert than I may prefer the exact opposite. But that doesn't invalidate either personal preference. We all know that you must listen for yourself to form the only opinion that matters anyway, yet we still seek out opinions from our 'phile bretheren for various reasons.

I like to read posts and hear others' opinions because it's entertaining and I learn a lot. I may check out a component that I'm not familiar with as a result of these boards, but I'm not sinking my hard earned cash into anything I've not personally auditioned first, which rules out a lot of products to which I don't have access.

Thank you, Mike, for your honesty and for expressing your observations and I may just have to check out Talon next time I have the chance.

Speeddeacon

I put very little value in a review that says a product has no faults. Either the person won't own up or has a hearing problem.

To the dealers on this thread:

How good are the new Ravens? They seem to be a lot of speaker at their pricing point, which is thousands less than Sophias or Studios.

Thanks, and I enjoy your responses...going to hear Khorus Xs tomorrow in Anaheim, CA at an audiophiles house. Maybe I will like them :)

Keithr...The Ravens are one of the GREAT "bargains" in audio, IMHO. As you stated, they are a LOT of speaker for the money. Enjoy your auditon of the Khorus X, let us know what your impressions are, good or bad.

Here is a copy of some text of an email I sent to someone asking the same question about the Ravens...

There ARE differences between the Khorus X and the Raven, but not enough to justify the price difference if you are on a "budget". The biggest differences are:

1) The Raven doesn't quite extend to the same bass level as the Khorus X, but unless you are in a 3000 sq ft listening room, you aren't going to notice a difference
2) The Raven has a slightly smaller soundstage than the Khorus X with the imaging not quite as "razor" sharp
3) The Raven loses out to the Khorus X in the area of the last bit of upper-frequency extension
4) Upper-midrange presentation of the Raven is smoother (IMHO) than the X, where the X has a bit more "bite"

The main reason for 2, 3, and 4 above is that the Raven does not have the same mid to upper-frequency drivers as the Khorus X (Raven has the same tweeter as the Khite), but the mid-range/woofer of the Raven is identical to the X. The main reason the X has slightly more bass than the Raven is because of cabinet differences.

This is all according to my own ears of course. Hopefully Stewart of SOS will chime in to give a slightly different perspective.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio

B&W owners, where are you??

Mike, thanks for your comments, I and others appreciate them. I have not heard the Talons, but am certainly am curious enough to do so. I have heard quite a few B&W's and although generally impressed by them, have only owned one pair so far. B&W has such a faithful following that I am surprised that there are not numerous posts claiming that they have found the 802N's and others to be superior. I have found them (the B&W 802N's) and others in the B&W line to sound wonderful, but out of my budget. Bottom line, listen to both properly set up, and buy the ones that work for you!

Happy listening,
Paul