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Definitive Technology Mythos STS floorstanders

I purchased a new pair of STS's to be used in a 2-channel set up only. Professional reviews are very favorable. Personal reviews are not as favorable stating they are voiced more for HT than music. They replace a pair of Paradigm Studio 20, v.3 monitors.

I've been breaking them in, from new, for 5 days. I'm running them about 8 hrs. a day. Def. Tech. says they will break-in around 50 hrs. or more. So far I like them BUT am unable to position them 3 feet or more away from the back wall as the manual set up suggests. They are in a medium sized bedroom system. This is the only room I can use. It's possible I won't be able to experience their full potential.

Bedroom system:
Arcam CD37 CD player
Harmonic Tech. Magic Link II RCA IC's
Bryston B-60 SST or Arcam A38 integrated amp
Cardas Neutral Reference speaker cable

This system has never had another pair of tower speakers connected to it so I haven't been able to compare the STS's to anything else.

So, has anyone compared the STS's to another pair (Approx. $3000.00/pair) of towers for 2-channel purposes only and found them to be more suited for music than HT?

Thank you to all responders.
routeman21

Showing 2 responses by bondmanp

bondmanp
1,790 posts
 
I have not heard the STS speakers, but I have heard many other Def Tech speakers. They have a big following of loyal owners, so please don't take offense, but to me, they sound excessively bright in the upper-mids/lower-treble range. YMMV, of course, and it is possible that my auditions were with electronics far inferior to yours, which could have been the problem. FWIW, my own speakers are in that price range. The Ohm Walsh 2000 is a completely different approach to speaker design than your Def Techs, so they may not be for you. However, Ohm offers a 120-day home trial period, so you can compare and decide for yourself. If you don't like them, you're out the shipping only. The Ohms's like lots of SS power, so I would expect your Bryston to be a good match. The Ohms do need at least a little room to breath, though, at least 18" from adjacent walls, IME.

I have compared lesser-model Def Techs to Vienna Acoustics speakers, and I much preferred the VA over the Def Techs. Smoother treble, better defined mids and better soundstage presentation, IMHO.

Just my $0.02.
bondmanp
1,790 posts
 
Well, first of all, what Robbob posted makes sense. It explains why Def Tech speakers get great pro reviews and mediocre user reviews - they are very sensitive to associated gear. That's not knocking them, btw, some of the best speakers made are sensitive to the electronics they are connected to.

I don't think you can compare the Studio 20s to the STS towers - apples and oranges. Instead, I would want to compare the STS towers with a similarly priced Paradigm tower. Of course, the Paradigm would not have powered subs built in, but it would be a better comparison.

The STS tries to do it all - music, movies, full range, big dynamic capabilities, etc. I don't doubt you get a lot for your $3K. But, a monitor like the Studio 20 has a completely different design goal. The focus on these speakers is usually moderate output capability, excellent imaging and sound stage, clarity and definition in all but the lowest octave or octave and a half. If you want a fair comparison, get ahold of Def Tech's best monitor and compare that to the Studio 20s.

More of my $0.02.
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