alon model 5 mk 2


what kinds of power amps and sp cables are you using for the alon
i am using the aq midnight 3 single triwire
please comment
thanks norman
128x128jmlab926
I own a pair of Alon V MKIIs and have run them with Pass Labs X-250 SS (not the .5 models), completely modified Halfer SS 200, modified Counterpoint hybrid (basic mod) SA-220 and currently use an old all tube Lafayette KT-550 about 50-60wpc. Each amp offered a different perspective on the sound. SS better bass control and slightly faster sound, the Counterpoint has a real magic to the sound, not as dynamic or as much pounding bass as SS or as much air but the tone is really something, and the Lafayette has more air, much more powerful bass and a neutral mid-range that really sound right. I also had a completely modified Sonic Frontiers Power 2 that really controlled the sound of the speakers but was not a match for sounding as real as the other amps. I only recently tried to tri-wire the speakers. The sound did open up in all areas. High frequencies became more extended and clearer, mids were more relaxed then before with better separation. I have used a 6 awg multi-strand wire form Home Depot that Bound for Sound recommend for the Pass X-250 and I never experimented until recently. Right now since the Lafayette has only screw terminals, I am using wire from the spool that you get from Wal-Mart. Still sounds good. I am on a hunt to a bi-wire or tri-wire set-up so any more suggests please. Mine look like the picture already posted to the link above. I did replace the original spikes which helped out on my placement on carpet. Nothing big but better. Bill at Miller sound says that he can get them to the next level with some tweaks but I am too lazy to give it a try right now.

Mitch and I corresponded a few years back and although I never had his issue, I did hear it a few times on various CD recordings once he mentioned it to me. I use a small sub that I barely even turn on volume wise and that also changed the mid-range on the speakers to be more open, free sounding, etc. I do mean barely on.

I recently compared the Alons to the early Merlin floor standing model with BAM (not super BAM). The Merlins sounded smaller in size overall but offered a very refined sound in the detail department. Instruments sounded more real. Overall I liked the Merlins but preferred the open and relaxed sound of the Alons. Note that I used a single run of the spool wire on both speakers. The Merlins opened my eyes up to finding a speaker that is as open as the Alons but more ral in the detail department. I am not sure what speaker can do that and have begun another journey to see what I can find. Bobby at Merlin says his newer versions do what I am asking but I do not see how they can sound as open as the Alons even with the upgrades plus I do not have the $$$ to do it anyway with the job situation, just trying to stay employed right now.

I have heard a lot of new gear recently at a local reviewers home and I have to say that it is eye opening. Unfortunately, room size is not in my favor.

I hope this was somewhat helpful and happy listening.



Big,

I triwire my Alon V's with cable from GroverHuffman. They cost a bit more than the Nola cables, but I think I'm getting more for my money. Pretty satisfied with the cables, check them out if you are looking to upgrade. Grover is a stand-up guy and delivers good value in his products. Cheers,

Spencer
thanks for the pics mingles i went ahead and bought a pair of alon V MKII i had to refoam the speakers i contacted Mitch here on this site and he gave some very good pointers i had repaired the surrounds before i contacted mitch for advice and was not happy with the results after some pointers from mitch i refoamed them again (this time using plastic wedges to center the cone) and the results are fabulous i ordered some black orpeus tri-wired cables should be here this week anyhow i have 2 amps one is a mcintosh mc-207 200 watts x7 which i use mainly for home theatre and the alons sound nice with that but when i hooked it up to my musical fidelity hybrid kw-500 at 540 watts a side they sound fantastic
Pardon the hijack- does anyone remember the smaller set of speakers that Carl had set up at CES this year. I know he had the big Vipers but he also had a very nice sounding set of, I believe, monitors or small floorstanders that sounded fabulous.
BTW- The best my Alon's ever sounded in my room was when I borrowed a pair of ASL Hurricanes (using Black Orpheus cables) Boy did they wake up. They were somewhat sterile with SS amplification.
I just hooked my alon v mk 11's to a pair of cary v12r's in stereo. verically bi-amped with the option to switch the bass to ultralinear. So far very happy with the results. Previous amps were simaudio ss monoblocks. Good but the carys present a broader soundstage and to me a more satisfying sound. So far I've kept the bass channels in triode. Doesn't seem like I will need ultralinear except possibly to annoy the neighbors.