Glad you like the ATCs I also heard over a dozen bookshelf speakers and still found the ATCs most complete sound. For the passive unit is extremely picky on amps. High current and high power is required to get the best out of them.
Thoughts on my speaker search...kind of long......
For what its worth, I decided to share my experience on searching for new speakers. I recently replaced my B&W speakers, switching to ATC 20-2 Actives. I auditioned a lot of speakers over a 2-month period and it turned out to be a lot more time consuming than I had expected. I learned a lot in the process, particularly the characteristics that were important to me. The buying process really makes you focus on what you want your overall system to sound like. I was also adamant that I must demo the speaker at my home before finalizing any deal.
I found I could make a pretty quick assessment in the store if I was on the right track. Its actually pretty amazing the array of the sound presentations out there. Some of the speakers I tried were:
ATC 12, 20, 35 & 20-2 actives
Linn Espeks and Ninkas
Paradigm Sig 4
JM Labs 906 & 926
Dynaudio Contours 1.4
Proac DB15
Spendor s5e
Focus audio FS688
Von Schweikert (never found a cooperating dealer who had inventory)
I found in the process- rely on your own ears, demo in your home, take your time, understand/realize what you want to change & don’t rely on any reviews. I know this is all common sense, but I know I rushed my last decision (which I regretted) b/c it takes a lot of time to hear what is out there. I also found my criteria for a speaker was a lot more extensive than I initially thought. In terms of reviews, I found 2 reviews were totally different than my take, and not by a small margin. I really wondered how we could be hearing 2 totally different things.
I also got some great advice from some members hear. They had range of experience that I didn’t have. They focused on the sound traits I was looking for and providing some great leads. They were also able to provide recommendations without imparting their emotions into the selections.
The dealer experience ranged from horrible to fantastic. I was upfront with all of the dealers; I was planning on listening to a lot of speakers before deciding, I must hear them in my own room, and I would buy from the dealer that did the demo. Of the 7 dealers, 2 were great, 2 were okay and 3 were awful. The awful dealers were very similar. They had limited inventory, a pushy sales approach, a lack of manners (not ready for appt., slow to return call, etc) and a lot gripes about the internet destroying their business. The two dealers who were great had a totally opposite approach. They listened to want I wanted, created comparisons to evaluate & ultimately added value to the process. While I didn’t buy from one of them, I am sure I will at some point and/or lead someone to them.
The dealer experience also made me appreciate the store I have doing business with for years. They don’t have a fancy store, but a lot of good products (albeit not my speaker choice) and a great attitude. They couldn’t help me this time around, but they have my loyalty.
At this point in time, I had the speakers for just about a month and I am totally pleased with their performance. They are a great fit for my listening room and I think I will have them for a long time. They bring the enjoyment back to a lot cds that I stopped listening to. While I’m glad I spent the time searching (and won’t have any regrets from not trying something out), I certainly happier that I don’t have to go through this process again. Buying speakers was more difficult than buying any other component in my system.
I found I could make a pretty quick assessment in the store if I was on the right track. Its actually pretty amazing the array of the sound presentations out there. Some of the speakers I tried were:
ATC 12, 20, 35 & 20-2 actives
Linn Espeks and Ninkas
Paradigm Sig 4
JM Labs 906 & 926
Dynaudio Contours 1.4
Proac DB15
Spendor s5e
Focus audio FS688
Von Schweikert (never found a cooperating dealer who had inventory)
I found in the process- rely on your own ears, demo in your home, take your time, understand/realize what you want to change & don’t rely on any reviews. I know this is all common sense, but I know I rushed my last decision (which I regretted) b/c it takes a lot of time to hear what is out there. I also found my criteria for a speaker was a lot more extensive than I initially thought. In terms of reviews, I found 2 reviews were totally different than my take, and not by a small margin. I really wondered how we could be hearing 2 totally different things.
I also got some great advice from some members hear. They had range of experience that I didn’t have. They focused on the sound traits I was looking for and providing some great leads. They were also able to provide recommendations without imparting their emotions into the selections.
The dealer experience ranged from horrible to fantastic. I was upfront with all of the dealers; I was planning on listening to a lot of speakers before deciding, I must hear them in my own room, and I would buy from the dealer that did the demo. Of the 7 dealers, 2 were great, 2 were okay and 3 were awful. The awful dealers were very similar. They had limited inventory, a pushy sales approach, a lack of manners (not ready for appt., slow to return call, etc) and a lot gripes about the internet destroying their business. The two dealers who were great had a totally opposite approach. They listened to want I wanted, created comparisons to evaluate & ultimately added value to the process. While I didn’t buy from one of them, I am sure I will at some point and/or lead someone to them.
The dealer experience also made me appreciate the store I have doing business with for years. They don’t have a fancy store, but a lot of good products (albeit not my speaker choice) and a great attitude. They couldn’t help me this time around, but they have my loyalty.
At this point in time, I had the speakers for just about a month and I am totally pleased with their performance. They are a great fit for my listening room and I think I will have them for a long time. They bring the enjoyment back to a lot cds that I stopped listening to. While I’m glad I spent the time searching (and won’t have any regrets from not trying something out), I certainly happier that I don’t have to go through this process again. Buying speakers was more difficult than buying any other component in my system.
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- 7 posts total
- 7 posts total