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Active speakers. What to choose?

Hello fellow audiogoners.
I have been given an opportunity to acquire these few active speakers at great prices. Three pairs of different speakers that only vary a couple of thousand dollars between each other.
First there's the Pass Labs Rushmore brand new in box.
Then there's the Linn Klimax 350A store demos.
And the ATC Anniversary 50s store demos.
Obviously the first two pairs of speakers listed have a distinct edge over the ATC in terms of bargain pricing. But which one should I choose? They are all so alike in terms of their product philosophy, being very dynamic, low distortion and accurate.
I am building a system from scratch so system synergy is a non issue.
Your inputs will be great appreciated!
Cheers
Alexander
wonderful_electric

Showing 4 responses by shadorne

shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
ATC SCM 50 is a classic that has withstood the test of time but it won't win a beauty contest and it is not rare - it will hold it's used value well (assuming you get a good "demo' or used price).

The other two speakers are more elegant and are likely to remain rare - so perhaps more pride of ownership in terms of possessing a unique speaker. Will they withstand the test of time - who knows - very little does in audio.

Since I have not heard the Linn or the Pass Labs, I cannot comment on the sound quality. I have no doubt that they are extremely good.
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
Dome midranges are not all equal. ATC and PMC versions use a double spider to avoid rocking. There is a cheap version from Vifa of a 3 inch dome and it is used in the Beolab 5. The Vifa dome is not at all in the same class as what ATC and PMC use (massive magnets short coils in large gap and double spiders)...so I'd advise to double check whose dome midrange is used in the Linn's. (It should be outstanding given the price of these sepakers but probably worth checking first - the Beolab 5's are not cheap either)
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
The vifa dome also appears to be used in lower end PMC models. The problem is the precision engineering and high cost to build a high quality dome. Most domes that are larger than 2 inch do not work that well and one would be better off with a regular cone (a cone is supported both by the spider and the surround and therefore is better suited to maintaining alignment - domes also break up more easily and therefore require sharper crossover filters than most cones)
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
A deposit is your commitment for the dealer to hold an item for you. The dealer is within his/her right to keep it and offer you nothing else in exchange (unless you agreed differently up front). The fact the dealer agrees to sell you something else instead is actually a pretty reasonable offer. If the dealer returns your deposit then he/she is bending over backwards to be nice, IMHO.
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