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Has anyone heard System Audio Mantra Speakers?

I was interested in System Audio Mantra Speakers, probably the Mantra 5 or Mantra 10 bookshelf speakers, or the Mantra 50 Floorstander speaker. There are only a couple of retailers in the USA and they are out of state from me. There are also no reviews on System Audio, though I've heard they are really musical and an incredible value. Not sure how they compare against other speakers. Has anyone heard them or own them? Which model? What did you like about them? I listen to all kinds of genres, but mostly jazz, pop/rock, and some classical. My current system is a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated Tube Amp, VPI Prime turntable, and Ortofon Black Quintent cartridge. I expect to add a Herron Audio Phono Stage at some point in the near future as well. Thanks for the advice!
djfst
james37
11 posts
 

This is a follow-up to my earlier post about the System Audio Mantra 50s.

Not really much to change my opinion on them. 

They are open, articulate, and musical.  With a tight, punchy bass.

They work well with just about all types of music; but with their combination of speed and dynamics they come off best with high-energy jazz/ rock/fusion. 

Hey initforthemusic220, I remember now that I listened to a pair of Rangers one time and liking them.  Also, my local dealer has had a pair of Pandion 30s and a pair of Pandion 5s but I don’t think they ever had the Pandion 50s.  I recently read a very favorable English-language review of the Pandion 30 (the vast majority of System Audio speaker reviews out there are not in English).

initforthemusic
282 posts
 
@james37  While in our 2nd Lockdown in Melbourne in August I managed to purchase the last pair of SA Mantra 70's at an incredible bargain. You couldn't buy the components for the price I paid!

After around 100 hours these sound quite nice. Different to the Ranger Masters with an Airier presentation, but not the lightning fast presentation of the RM's.

Just recently purchased the SA Pandion 30's at a runout price in a beautiful high gloss Walnut finish. I've now put around 150 hours on these. They are just sublime and up there with the best I've heard at any price. All the System Audio Speakers I've heard while different share incredible Musicality. The designer Olie Witthoft is one of the few who really gets it!
james37
11 posts
 
Sounds Good, initforthemusic.  I have never heard the Mantra 70s.

A little while ago, my local dealer had a used pair of Aura 60s; they sold them pretty quick. I think that the Aura's had a little nicer crossover than the the Mantra's; they looked the same.

Funny thing, I am now considering something more 'old school' to alternate with the Mantra 50s.  Probably a pair of Spendors or Harbeths.
I listened to the Spendor Classic 2/3 and SP200 (now the Classic 200).  The Classic 2/3s were very nice, the SP200s were spectacular (but way out of my price range, not to mention I would probably need a bigger room and more power).  

initforthemusic
282 posts
 
@james37  Nothing like variety James. That's why I have so many different Components/Speakers. Both those should be a completely different presentation to the SA's. Personally don't mind Spendors but not a fan of Harbeth's that I've heard.

Enjoy.
clarke10925's avatar
clarke10925
38 posts
 
I realize this thread is a bit old. I own SA Explorer Masters. They are about  15 years old. They still sound great. They do everything great. Only took a $40k speaker to replace them. My son already has dibs on them.
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