Missing the Old Days


I’m new to the higher end audio game. What I don’t know about modern audiophile technology and doctrine could fill a library.

What I do know is how I like to listen to my music, which I’m quite sure would make some crinkle their eyes and squint at me with a look of “my lord son, really?” Kinda look lol.

My first foray into good speakers are my current Goldenear Triton 5’s and my JL D108 Sub. They sound nice....very nice...but they just don’t sound the way I like. So now I’ll soon hook them up to a Parasound Halo A21/P5 which I’m sure will improve the sound.

However, I’m aware that it still may not deliver the goods for me personally. I miss the days of those big, solid, powerful speakers that’d shake the dust off your shelves and make the squirrels living in your my attic fear for their lives. 

I miss my trusty old MTX AAL 2230’s. They weren’t fancy, they certainly weren’t overly detailed, but they kicked ass. They kicked a lot of ass. Where are the speakers that can deliver big sound, driving Bass and clarity without the need to run 1 or 2 Subs? Speakers that are powerhouses without costing 10, 15, 20 thousand or more? There used to be a time when you could go to any number of local Stereo shops and have multiple choices of all ranges of speakers and equipment. I have to drive an hour or more to find any store remotely close to that.

I’ve seen Tyler Acoustics, but I’m Leary. No dealers, only direct sales, very generic specs, and hardly any reviews anywhere. I’d like to hear a few of his models, the cheaper Halo 1’s that closely resemble my beloved MTX’s just look like a white van special Speaker with those shiny black woofers.

Maybe I’m just an old Deadhead stuck in the past, but if there are speakers like this out there that are quality and don’t cost as much as a car, I’d love to hear about them!
128x128bigjohn9095

Showing 6 responses by erik_squires

I think after thinking about this, that the M2!5 has what might be called a "discerning" speaker. Meaning, it’s more likely to show differences in an amplifier’s current capability than less challenging speakers. Still, for the output I think that’s not a terrible price to pay overall.  Based on Paul's other designs, and what I see here, he's arrived at the impedance authentically, and didn't deliberately try to make it this way just for the sake of showing up lesser amplifiers.

Going back to my pro-theater roots, I’d be quite tempted to bi-amp these. Maybe with a Parasound A21 on the top, A23 on the bottom.

Like I said, I really really like the design. These are minor nits.
@pbnaudio - I was a little hyperbolic there! Yes, it is resistive, so it's not quite as bad as an exotic ESL or pure ribbon speaker, but even with the low impedance out of the bass area, a better than average amplifier should be used. OTOH, I assume it's very high efficiency, so the overall power used should be low. 

Also, kind of cries out for bi-amping, which then lets me use my favorite comination, bi-amping with EQ on the bass. :) 

Best,


E
@pbnaudio Love your M2!5 design! but man, that impedance curve is rather murderous to the average amplifier. 

I would love to have a home theater with a set of those for the fronts. I bet it would be fantastic. 

Best,

E
Honestly I have a difficult time recommending subs to the average music lover. The total cost of ownership (TCO) can be quite high, and leave the listener pretty dissatisfied if not very carefully thought out. A lot more work than most want to know about or undertake.

Having said that, a well integrated, physically large and powerful sub is a magical thing indeed. 

Best,


E
Here is a link to one such product from DIY Sound Group:

https://www.diysoundgroup.com/sentinel-15.html

Lots there I am confident you will love.

(BTW, I am not a horn guy myself, just based on your tastes, I think this is for you.)

Best,

E
Hey Big John! 

Maybe you need to dip your toes into DIY! I know a few horn loaded 2-way speaker kits that won't set you back that much which kick tons of ass. 

If those are too ambitious, the venerable Seas A26 kit from Madisound is also a great option. 

Best,


Erik