Feedback on Classic Audio Reproductions T-5

I've heard his T1 with Atmasphere amps pushing them and they were outstanding to my ears. I'd heard his larger models the previous year and was very impressed. Alas, I have not heard the t5.

Have you looked into AudioKinesis' Planetarium Alpha?

Great recommendation! I've heard Duke's Planetarium system and was amazed by the sound coming from those small enclosures (the link you provided shows a Beta version which is larger than the ones I heard which use the same drivers in a smaller enclosure and are currently on his site as the Alpha). They'd be on my short list too. Daedalus would be another good bet for high-sensitivity speakers - outstanding speakers, and beautiful and unique craftsmanship!

I can see where your confusion came from because Duke has identified them as Alpha on that thread - on his site it is different though. Sounds like either the Alpha or the Beta would be a very good candidate - very impressive speakers (I can attest for the smaller version). Duke's a great fellow to boot...as is Lou at Daedalus. There look at his Ulysses, if you have the space to let them breathe. Otherwise the DA-RMa are also excellent giving up a bit in the low end to their larger brothers.

05-31-10: Clio09
These might be an even better option from the Audiokinesis line as they don't require subs:

Rhythm Prism

Very interesting. Have you heard these Clio09? Thanks for pointing them out.

The way Duke is implementing multiple subs as satellites is extremely effective in integrating the lows with the rest of the system. It is not your typical sub setup. I can't explain the technical side of it, beyond that there are four subs (optional "Swarm Bass System") that integrate far more seamlessly than any sub setup I've ever heard. It definitely requires more real estate in your listening room though, but it is highly effective.

I've researched "most" of the high efficiency speakers including Duke's and Lou's. I'm just hoping to find someone who has actually heard or even owns the T-5s.

Give John Wolfe a call and see if he can refer you to some owners and or enlighten you beyond the info on his site. You could also try Ralph at Atmasphere as he's pretty familiar with all of John's speakers and exhibits with him frequently.

Jax2, I have not heard the Rhythm Prism's, but Duke designed them with the Jazz Module in mind and likens their sound to them. I own the Jazz Module and have been thrilled with them. Problem is Duke can no longer get the TAD-1101 drivers, so for others the Rhythm Prisms may be a great alternative, and at a lower price point.

I haven't heard the Jazz Modules, but heard the Dreammakers and was pretty floored by the sound and scale. Duke designs some nice kit. So if he can't get the TAD-1101 drivers does that mean the Jazz and Dreammaker will be discontinued?

Yet one more good direction to check into is Coincident floorstanders, which I use currently. You might want to mention which amp your using, the size of your room and the kinds of music you listen to. All those things may help narrow down the choices and get you some more input. If you go to RMAF you'll probably be able to hear many of these options.

Is there an issue with having built-in subs versus having speakers without the built in subs if the performance is similar?

I don't think there's an issue necessarily, BUT, separate subs allow you to strategically place them to take advantage of different rooms while not having an effect on the ability to optimize the imaging abilities of the main speakers. Multiple subs, as in the four in his Swarm Bass System, tends to blend better and be a smoother integration - that according to Duke and to my own ears. I didn't read the thread; are those active or passive subs that those speakers have in them?