Feedback QLN Prestige Three Speakers Requested


Forum Members -

While I have another thread asking for general advice on speakers & preamps/power amps, I was hoping to hear feedback specific to the QLN Prestige Three speakers. I am close to purchasing a used pair and would welcome input from folks who own and/or have heard the speaker in-person. 

Based on their reviews and sound clips I've found, they appear to be what I'm looking for: 

 

  • Laid back, yet immersive sound 
  • Musical vs. analytical presentation 
  • Sounds good with tube amplification 
  • Great base for a smaller floor standing speaker 
  • On the warmer and smooth side 

At the end of the day, I'm looking for a speaker that is warm, laid back and musical. After work, while making dinner, or relaxing in the living room, I'd love the speaker to help create a relaxing and comforting environment in my household. 

Musical taste: Classical piano and cello sonatas, acoustic guitar, slowcore/shoegaze rock, bossa nova, electronica/techno and lots of 90's English guitar bands. In brief, I'd like to be able to play lots of different styles of music. I'm finding that's not the case with my existing system, unfortunately. 

I'd replace the Dynaudio Heritage that just fall short on base response... 
 

The Current System 

  • Dynaudio Heritage Special Speakers 
  • Innuous Zenith Music Server
  • Merason DAC1 
  • Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp
  • Qualiton/Audio Hungary 100 Watt Power Amp
  • Cardas Clear Interconnect and Cardas Cygnus Speaker Cables 
  • Lessloss Power Cable for Power Amp 


**I've got a Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamp on the way to replace the Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp 

My Question for Forum Members: 
What are your impressions of the QLN Prestige Three? Based on what I'm looking for, do you recommend the QLN Prestige Three? If not, what else might you recommend that fits what I'm looking for? 

THANK YOU! 
 

bluethinker66

Showing 7 responses by soix

How am I supposed to get anything done with this damn sound system in my house.

A high-quality problem fer sure, but I’m sure you’ll figure it out.  Congrats!

Regarding Hungary, I've been there twice and the women are stunningly beautiful! It's bananas! I'd like to go back! 

Ha!  I went to Budapest years ago and thought the same thing.  Tall and gorgeous women everywhere.  Who knew?


And thanks for the recommendation on the SVS subs. It might be awhile before I pursue them, but I'll look into them. Did you ever try Rel subs?

No, but I’ve heard nothing but good things although they’re quite a bit more expensive apples to apples and don’t offer any room integration software although they seem relatively easy to place given their high-level input architecture.  I mentioned SVS due to their performance/$, small size, user-friendly room integration software, and 45-day trial.  I do believe that once you hear your system with 2 subs you won’t go back.  It’s that significant. 

Glad to hear you’re happy with the QLNs but can’t say I’m surprised given their glowing reviews, and I think they look pretty cool too. I think the LTA will add just a hint of more upper octave transparency and detail and may be a perfect addition to your system.  Looking forward to your impressions.

Also, I’d recommend trying a pair of SVS SB1000 Pro subs.  They’re only 13” square so aren’t visually imposing or take up much space, but despite their small size they’ll get you down to an honest 20Hz (-3dB).  Plus they offer onboard integration software you control with your phone so you can easily dial them in from your chair.  And all this for only $1100 for a pair, and they offer a generous 45-day, risk-free trial including shipping both ways, so why not?  Remember, adding subs is not just about bass but also greatly enhance imaging and soundstage.  My guess is once you hear what they can do you won’t mind their diminutive presence too much.  Just my $0.02 FWIW. 

I think the combo of the LTA and AH amp could be absolutely sublime and look forward to your impressions. 

+1 Verity Audio.  They fly a bit under the radar but are fantastic.  Another would be Gershman Avant Garde.  Both of these are hard to find, but if you can find them well worth the effort.  ProAc is also very musical but still very nicely detailed. 

Why, if you like some warmth, are you replacing the Qualition pre with the LTA?  That would seem to be a step in the wrong direction as the MicroZOTL has a reputation of sounding relatively neutral as tubed preamps go.  
 

That said, I think you’ve made a great choice with the Prestige 3.  The other speaker I’d be exploring is the Joseph Audio Perspective ll although that’s a bit more expensive but is also a 2.5-way speaker rather than a 2-way so you are getting more.  Can’t see you going wrong with QLN though — great speakers!  Sonus Faber may also be worth a look.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.