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

also, I have seen a lot of comments that Dynaudio likes power. I noticed the difference between a 30Watt and 60Watt amps but they seem to be happy with 60Watts as much with a 100. Knowing the Danes, they would engineer them with solid states amps so maybe it's a tube vs SS issue?

@bluethinker66 I can't comment in detail on the QLNs - I've heard them enough to know I like them, but not enough to give a detailed review. But the Prestige 3 isn't a super deep speaker; thus my question about their ability to fill a room with deep bass.  If you want deep bass, I'd go with the subwoofer, esp after your comments about preferring the HS to other speakers.   Subwoofers don't need to be huge, and you have some placement options to negotiate with the wife.  I'd at least experiment first with a sub.  

As to better with tube gear or ss - I've played them with both.  Right now using AVA monoblocks.  At 4 ohms the HS are a little bit tough to drive - at least need a good current reserve.  But speakers are the most important part of the chain - I'd get that right first and you can always change your amps later.  (BTW, the LTA preamp is great - I own it as well.)

I have owned the QLN's for two years. I love them. I think that I might be wedded to them? They have great base ( I had them hooked up to a Rythmic sub in my old house, big room for a couple of days and I just stopped using the sub;  I did not need the sub).  The QLN's are really really good in the bass you don't need a sub!!! They are a little on the warm side but you can deal with that if you want too with different IC's and maybe a solid state amp. I initially used them with a PASS 30.8 (it was good but NOT great. ). I Switched to a Kinki Modded integrated for speed and clarity and for the most part I have been pretty happy with the combo.....except I now have the itch to try the speakers with tubes.....and.....to be honest I'm not sure what I am doing????? The sprakers when set up correctly really image well and the high frequencies are very pleasant. 

Interestingly a very seasoned reviewer on Part Time audiophile really liked the QLN speakers and in he used a Qualiton 200 integrated a couple of times with the speakers and said they  threw a BIG immersive soundstage.  As an aside when ever my audio buddies come over to listen to new tunes or gear changes they inevitably ask me if I want to sell the QLN's...😂  My advice just get em and if you don't like them lots of people will by them from you. 

Blessings

Charlie

one issue with the QLNs is the design - for me. Swedish speakers are usually stunning, but am not sold on the QLN's looks (not that I could afford them)

I heard the QLN's at the NY Audio show a few years ago.

I really enjoyed the sound, but felt they were being held back.

Mind you, I own Vandersteen Treo's. The QLN's sounded like my Treo's, but when I had less than optimal wiring. (Kind of muffled).

YMMV

Bob