I'm a long time Abby listener, they are fantastic speakers. I have heard a lot of the smaller Fostex based speakers (but not the Omegas). I’m biased, but take the Abbys.
The Abbys address the niche for efficient speakers at a reasonable price, but you still can not get past the iron laws of size, efficiency and extension. The Abbys are not horns and they are not as efficient as one would want to capture a real SET sound. Still, given the basic limits of a single driver you will be amazed at how much music will enter your room, and how palpable it is.
The Abbys and specifically the Fostex drivers have a lot more potential than I was able to get out of them with a 2A3 based amp (3.5wpc). The sound was fantastic, visceral and beautiful - so what’s not to love?
I think that one can do better, even if it means sacrificing some of the SET beauty. I have thrown a lot different amps against the Abby, the drivers seem to change with each amp or preamp I pair it with. I don’t know enough to figure out what I need to get the best possible sound out of the speakers, lower noise floor, improving dynamics, different incense? If I had the money I’d tell you, but right now I am going to listen more, and come to conclusions gradually.
I have the original style Abby, which I remember being 94db, the wizzzer near field is perhaps a little more efficient. In my room I listen at a distance of 8 to 12 feet. Less than 8 and I’d opt for the nearfield driver. I like the interaction between the room and the Abbys, but if you sit too close the normal drivers will sound harsh.
In any case, you’re going to like them with the Jolida.
Gregg
