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Talon Audio Khorus - WOW!!!

Ok...I am probably opening myself up to getting slammed by those people (a grand total of 2 people actually, at least on this forum) out there that have been bad-mouthing Talon (slanderously in my opinion) but here we go... I am just a guy that likes to listen to good music and I have been on my own "holy grail" speaker quest for over a year. Well, about 2 weeks ago I heard about this company called Talon Audio and they were doing things a bit differently than the "status quo". To make a long story short, I ordered a pair of the Khorus and they arrived last night. I have listened to a lot of speakers in my hunt (Genesis, Aerial, B&W, JM Lab, just to name a few; all with megabuck electronics) and NEVER have I heard anything like these speakers! I will put it this way: It has been stated on numerous occasions that these speakers need approximately 400 hours of break-in; however, even if that is true, I can't imagine these speakers sounding any better!!! What the heck are they gonna sound like when they are actually at their best?!?!? I am not going to say anything about the details (dynamics, extension, speed, air and all those other "audiophile" terms) until I have had more time with the speakers and they are more broken in, as it would be unfair to others interested in these speakers and also Talon Audio. I just wanted to let everyone know that as far as I can tell up to this point, Talon Audio is the REAL DEAL. For the first time in many years in this industry that we all like to call "high-end audio", I believe we are witnessing a revolution in speaker technology as opposed to the evolution that we have been watching for quite some time. Only time will tell. And finally, to all those that have been doubting Talon's technology, just LISTEN to their designs before you pass judgement. Sincerely, Mike Riggs P.S. I realize that there is probably a bit too much emotion in my post; but I am not a professional reviewer. Hence, I can't get fired for losing my reviewing credibility by being too enthusiastic ;-)
mriggs23ff
9 responses Add your response
acuujim
207 posts
 
...and just wait til they are broken in !! Beyond fabulous. I am only at 300 hrs on mine and they are some damn good speakers.
glreno
224 posts
 
Hi Mike! What is your associated equipment? They work well with SETs. I now have mine with an Art Audio Jota, and it is a wonderful match. They do just keep getting better. Keep playing them. They also have a better set of spikes available for them that are worth the extra money (available only from Talon).
mriggs23ff OP
2 posts
 
Well, I am ashamed to say that at the moment I have a combined home theater and 2ch system front end. But that will be slowly changing. However, I must state that the PM2000 and Ref 30 listed below are outstanding for 2ch audio. My equipment is: Amp-> EAD Powermaster 2000 (Soon to be either Rowland or Bel Canto Evo). Preamp and DAC -> B&K Ref 30 (Soon to be First Sound Presence Deluxe Line Stage MKII and a Dodson DA-217 Mk II D). Speaker Cables and Interconnect-> Harmonic Tech. CD/DVD-> EAD TheaterVision-P (used only as transport for 2ch).
johnnybravo
36 posts
 
Hi Mike. Glad you're liking the speakers. Just a recommendation - I've owned the maxed out Presence Audio and it was pretty good but only o.k. imo. After a two year search, I ended up with a Joule Electra LA-100. Absolutely wonderful. Presence Audio was always clean and accurate, but somehow flat and lifeless, music through the Joule is vibrant and alive. Truly a music making machine - most important piece in any setup imo. Oh, and sometimes they can be found used for <$2000. Good luck.
philefreak
423 posts
 
My Talons are in the 400 hrs period. All of a sudden, the soundstage,and imaging just grew by leaps and bounds.They are incredible. I'm now running a BAT VK 50 se pre. and it is full of life also.When playing BB King/Eric Clapton's latest " Riding with the King" you feel like you need to move out of there way. As so they can do the show. INCREDIBLE.
vrauthor7fcc
6 posts
 
Mike, I picked up the Khites and they are great with the EVo amp and new Presence Audio Delux MkII pre-amp. A great match up. I don't know about older Presence model, but see the soundstage 'reviewers' choice' review on the MKII. What a wonderful sound, harmonic detail without the treble bite or the tube haze to get in the way. With the EVo and Presence, the Khites pump out better cleaner bass than most towers. You get as good a "full range" sound from this monitor as any tower in the same price range, with the coherent voice of a monitor (wouldn't have believed it without hearing it). The EVo needs a bit of tubeness in the mid-range when it comes to accoustic material, but its amazing what you get for the price.
plato
1,543 posts
 
Hi Mike, I guess I must be one of the 2 people that have been so bold as to dare to offer my opinion that the Khorus speakers have their flaws just as all speakers do. This is by no means "bad-mouthing" or "slanderous," language. This is merely my opinion after hearing the speakers with familiar material. I don't see why I should have to apologize or be ridiculed and made to feel bad by the Talon zealots (such as yourself) for simply offering a view that runs counter to the prevailing consensus. So I'd just like to say to all the Talon lovers that I am very delighted that you have finally found a speaker that you love. By the same token, these speakers are not my personal cup of tea and I think I have the right to say so. Will the majority of folks love the "Talon sound"? Maybe. Will every audiophile who hears them think they are great? I think not.
glreno
224 posts
 
Just reading the current issue of Stereotimes. The Eggleston Rosa at $9900. was reviewed. They compared the bass of this speaker to the $6000. Talon Peregrine, a stand mounted two-way, and said this: "Initially, I thought, "Wow, these speakers (Rosa) have a nice bottom!" The articulation in the bass is such that even minor chords and fifths within inner voices are clearly audible in the lower strings. It was only when I compared them to a serious full-range contender, the Talon Audio Peregrine monitor, that I became aware of a shortfall in this area. The Rosa’s don't go down to the depths, and some notes in this subterranean region lose their definition."
mriggs23ff OP
2 posts
 
Plato...Huh? I don't even know who you are, nor did I mention any specific names. You were NEVER ridiculed nor asked to apologize (at least not by me). Nor did I resort to name calling as you did by calling me a "Talon zealot". Liking something does not make one a zealot. I was simply sharing my enthusiasm with OTHER Talon owners. I was actually referring to a couple posts that stated actual untruths about Talon the company, the drivers used, etc. NOT opinions by those that did not like the sound that gave the product an honest audition. I never stated that if you don't like the speakers then there must be something wrong with your ears (which seems to be the way you took it since your were so defensive). Basically, if you have heard the speaker and you don't like it, fine. That is why there are so very many different products and companies in this business. If there were ever a transducer with almost infinite receptive variation, it is most certainly the human ear! We all hear things differently. In summary, I was not referring to people like yourself who have actually HEARD the speakers and did not like them. You are most certainly welcome to your opinion, that is what a forum like this is for. It is quite enjoyable for me to read all of the opinions (whether I agree or not ;-) ). Ok...I will get off my soapbox now. Finally, if I offended you I apologize, it was not intended. Take care and whatever equipment you have, enjoy!
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