Speaker styles / sound


I don’t have a lot of experience with different speakers, so am looking for input regarding two styles of speakers and their associated sonic characteristics.  How does a standard floorstander like a Monitor Audio PL300ii sound vs. something like a Devore O96?  I understand the ability to drive the Devore with less power, but with each properly matched to an amp, what is the difference in their sound profiles?




lldd

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

Okay, this is tough. A big part of the difference in these is going to be how the tweeters (silk dome vs. AMT) are going to present sound and engage you in the soundstage. Making the assumption that you have the right equipment driving, etc... and are in an appropriately sized room that will create the right reflections. These are key

The more traditional Devore is going to present the sound to you. You will be sitting in front of the image and you may hear things around you but really only on Q sound tracks. How in your face the sound is vs distant will be driven by amplification and setup.

The AMT disperses high frequencies more and leads to a more immersive feeling. It will seem less like the sound is in front of you and more that you are immersed. This will fall short of the more immersive experience that planars, electrostats and omni-directionals (Magneplanar, Martin Logan, MBL) but will be more immersive than a more traditional speaker like the Devore.

It very much depends on the experience that you want. Neither is good nor bad, they are just different. I can make generalizations about which type of speaker is better for types of music but that would be based on general preferences, like 60/40. More likely than not, a classical fan will prefer Devores but I can introduce you to many folks who love classical on MA Platinums of Maggies or MBLs.

Hopefully this helps.