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QLN Speakers anyone

I am in the market for speakers and I just tried out a set of Harbeth 30’s and some NSMT Model 50’s.
The Harbeth have a wonderful midrange, but the soundstage was very narrow and the speakers struggled with complex music. They became jumbled sounding, little separation between instruments and lacked clarity except on uncomplex passages.

The NSMT have a wide soundstage, tight image, and lots of air. More bottom end as well. But the midrange sounded “thin”. It lacked warmth and fullness and definitely didn’t sound “real” to my ears. But darn good considering they are 1/3 the price of the Harbeth.
The audio dealer I purchased my Innuos streaming setup from, Choice Audio, recommended I give a pair of QLN Prestige One’s a try. He said the soundstage on them is very expansive and they have a very full and natural sound. They are bookshelf sized, similar in style and price to the Harbeth. He is shipping me a pair in a couple of days. Looking forward to giving them a try. Made in Sweden, so maybe they will matchup nicely with my Hegel H120…
Wondering if anyone has any experience with these? I had never heard of them before.

I will report back after I get them.

kingofgix

Showing 5 responses by kingofgix

kingofgix OP
11 posts
 

Bob,

your description matches what my dealer said.   According to him the bookshelf has the same flavor as the floorstanders, and the sound is characterized by a wide, well defined soundstage, but is a bit laid back.  We’ll see, but I tend to like that.

kingofgix OP
11 posts
 

I am getting very excited to get a listen to the QLNs.  They shipped today….

I will definitely give a report.

kingofgix OP
11 posts
 

I have spent a day with the QLN P1s.   Quick summary is that are good monitors and probably warrant the cost. The midrange is very solid and natural sounding, soundstage and image are good, and they excel at laid back music like Bill Evans, Diana Krall, Laura Marling, etc. However, they are VERY “laid back” and lack IMO sufficient detail, air and punch to be considered a great all around speaker.

They do not generate excitement so much as a relaxed satisfaction.  Case in point.  On the BS&T song God Bless the Child, when the horns first come in I am used to feeling their impact and “punch”, and it puts a smile on my face.  On the QLNs they had no impact.  It was as if something was missing compared to other speakers I have had in my system.  
Dealer says the P3s will have a similar sound profile, which is good, and will add more detail and punch due to a better crossover and larger cabinets, plus better foundation (the P1s are sitting on stools, not optimal).  I am undecided.  If the P3 substantially improved on the P1 weak points, I think I would be happy with them.  But if the improvement is only minor I am not sure.

I think I may try a pair of Zu Soul VI before I make a decision.  

kingofgix OP
11 posts
 

Thanks.  I have been playing the QLN even when I am not in the room and the hours do seem to be improving the sound.  They are good speakers, but I am going to try the Zu as well.  Can’t hurt, and they have a 60 day full refund policy.  I will keep the QLN for another week so I can do some side by side compare.  I expect they will be very different, so should be fun.  
I will report back again.

kingofgix OP
11 posts
 

Gryphon and soix,

You are both correct.  The QLN are really improving with time.  The “laid back” sound and lack of detail that I perceived earlier are dramatically reduced now.  Detail and image have both improved.  They are going to be hard to beat, and I would be happy with them long term.  Will still be trying the Zu, though, because they have already shipped.  

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