Best loudspeakers I've ever heard?
Two come to mind as of this post.
First, the Sound Labs A-1's which I owned.
Second, The MBL big boys.
The order is the order of memory not which was/is best...the MBL's win hands down, but at multiples the cost of the Sound Labs that's not too surprising.
The MBL's have that, 'you REALLY ARE THERE', kind of dynamic, holographic thing going on that very few if any speakers can even touch...they are, in a word, miraculous.
Good listening.
Larry |
Talk2me, I would agree about the Venture speakers as heard in the Weiss suite at CES, but I don't know how they would compare with my Tidals. |
Tinujatinpatel,
What is this "Good base response!" you speak of?
Shakey |
I would have to say hands down, it would be Venture speakers. The crystal clarity of the highs with it's transparency, the mids with it's life like human voicing, and the incredible slam in their mid-bass and bass. And on top of that, those beautiful enclosures! |
Soundlab A3 powered with Jeff Rowland model 7's |
Srt6, I retain the same opinion I have had since I first heard Bose speakers compared with Advents in the early '70s. The dealer who demonstrated them for me exclaimed, "They are a real breakthrough!" I said maybe, but I will keep my Advents and any time I want to listen to elevator music, I will visit a friend with Bose speakers. |
I still am going in a circle over this Bose 901 thing. I have had at least 100 pairs of spkrs in my audio life...including 2 pairs of 901s. They were without a doubt the WORST sounding spkrs i have ever heard. I have told ppl in the past..there great for AV spkrs..like for the jet engines on Top Gun..you cant hurt the damn things. Just never and i mean NEVER listen to music on them. |
Thank's Macrojack. I appreciate the advice and the suggestions. As does my wife...well at least one of the suggestions she is on board with...unfortunately it is join the gym.
I am going to take a close look at my system, make a couple improvements in the turntable area, find out a bit more about my amp and pre-amp, definately have more music to buy as my tastes are very wide ranging, ecclectic I guess you could say - if I spelled it right - and go from there. As far as best speaker, yes as I read through this thread I can see the potential for disaster in many ways.
For now I am going to keep involved with reading and studying but maybe I can keep it at that..I do enjoy it.
Meantime I go back to the round table for a possible name change - very good by the way - and then.......off to the gym I guess. |
The soundlab for a poor guy like me.
Why?
No phase distortion.
Even sound everywhere!
Good base response!
Works best with a nakamichi av10 for me. I know most people hear would say that I committed the most horrible crime of all. But trust me, for an Indian music and most others the nak is the best. At a clean bass boost of about 20 dB using loudness and bass knobs makes these soundlabs sing like they should. And yes the sound is untiring as I could listen for a long time. Harmonic time alignment is very noticable and works!! |
Obsessalot - Your name sounds very familiar. Weren't you one of Arthur's Knights of the Sound Table?
The trap in this hobby lies in obsessing about what you might be missing. This can lead you to do stupid things that you regret (there are threads here devoted to that topic). Focus on what you do have and just enjoy it. Many people have better systems than you do or I do or doo doo. It's all relative.
Can you identify any shortcomings in your present system? If not then forget about equipment and play with the room a bit. And buy more music. Or learn to play an instrument. Or seduce your wife. Join the gym.
Find another way to stay busy. Otherwise, you will get sucked in and before you know it you will be as broke and weird as we are. |
I believe at this point I will try a different approach before I 'check in but never leave'. If I find a source that could provide a recommendation for speaker 'pre-treatment' or upstream equipment such as amps, pre-amps, table and cartridge along with cd player, then I would know that I am giving these particular speakers the chance they deserve. If there is a site or source where one could plug in the specs or basically provide all of the site data on these 510's and get some suggestions on how to power them up to get the most out of them I may stop there..(for now..my user name has a reason for being). But matching up reasonably priced equipment for these lower cost speakers (based on all of the speakers mentioned here) maybe I will find a big improvement in what I already consider wonderful sound. I use an old Sherwood from the 70's and a newer Sony high watt amp, plus an old Dual table from the 70's with a ??cartridge from the Dr. in the twin cities. My brother picked up a new table and cartrige from the Dr. at about $1500 and it made a world of difference in his system. I am embarrased to say that I do not come close to what others on this site seem to spend but I will progress as necessary. Just can't close the IRA at this point..suggestions? Be harsh..I don't mind. |
Hi Obsessalot, you’re welcome. I see that you’re a new member and that this is your second post; or as I like to think of it, your second hit of the crack pipe. I guess what I’m trying to say is: it’s not too late for you to reconsider your path and save yourself, and maybe your IRA. Take a long look at some of these threads - anything involving tubes vs. solid state will probably do, and then ask yourself if you really want to wind up like this. If you still do, fine, and welcome brother. |
I appreciate what you are saying. I have tried to educate myself over the years. Back in the 70's and 80's I never had the opportunity - or the interest - to invest in a fine sound system. In the last 10 years I have had more time to listen and appreciate music. I remembered the Bias 550's and the 512's and know of the other Altec lineup but have been drawn to Klipsch of late. Problem was...and is..there is nowhere to hear a variety of speakers where I am located. So I go back to reading and research which brings it back to your comment! I have never seen such a diversity in 'the best speaker you ever heard'! One thing comes up time and again in my search...listen to them first as everyone's tastes are different. I will no doubt continue to do research but will in the meantime just enjoy the reproduction of sound coming from my 510's. Maybe my brother's 511's will come my way. (I would still like to see some kind of reviews on these some day) Thank you for your comment! |
1276 posts responding to “The best speaker you ever heard”. I haven’t read every post and I’m sure that there are many duplications as well as posts that don’t offer an opinion. But still, anybody seeking general recommendations for a speaker purchase should take keen to number of responses here. |
I'm with you on this, no fun if you are not enjoying the music, many ways to good sound..
regards,
Weseixas
For sure! :)!! |
I am still searching. I love the altec re-issue 510's but wonder if I am missing out on something much better. My brothers have the 80's version altec 511's and love them. In fact one brother had both Altec studio Model 14's and 511's. He got rid of the 14's as the 511's had a much 'fuller' sound for a wide variety of music. He liked the pop of the 14's but again just that was not enough. He also compared the 19's to the 14's back when he bought them but thought the 19's were overstated and base overpowered the mid's. He kept the 511's. I cannot find reviews on the 510's or 511's and keep searching. One audiophile and speaker manufacturer told me that if you love what you have 'you're done then'. I should be but I really would like to first find some opinions and reviews on the 510's. |
Raytheprinter, the Analysis Audio model is the Omega.,,,,Vladimir,Yes,,that is the model,,Incredible sound,filled every inch of a fairly large room!Driven by Electrocompaniet amp,,not sure of model,,and analog source,Fairly easy to drive,as I think the amps were no more than 120 watts or so.Jaw dropping sound!Not the most expensive speakers ive heard,,but the best sound I have heard! |
no chance i swap for my Wilson X1/Grand Slamms...too heavy to move...plus i like them enough not to care if there is something better out there...i am just enjoying my music these days and for me, that is the point. -Lloydelee21
I'm with you on this, no fun if you are not enjoying the music, many ways to good sound..
regards, |
HiFisoundguy, We are all happy you love your Bose 901's. Many years ago I owned Original 901s and later some Series 3. They were hung from the ceiling, along an excellent wall, and I used many different sets of electronics available at that time, with open reel, lps and fm as sources. Admittedly, they did some things quite well. However, as I also had other loudspeakers at that time, DQ10s,Allison 1s,Gale 401s,Ar9',Cornwalls, etc., I realized that reflecting most of the sound, purposely, took away from the details. You see, room acoustics is a given, and in most rooms, the 1st reflection is off the wall that is closest to the speakers, which is the case with most of our rooms. So, I gave them up. The sound of Ohms, Mbls, and other omni speakers give some of this effect, but again, imo, loose some of the finite details. But, they also do some things very well. I am a die hard Klipsch Lascala owner, and have found that they are the speaker for me. I wish everyone could hear my system, especially those who do not have a clue as to how wonderful a musical presentation they present. Even if they liked what they heard, it might not be the sound for them. A friend of mine has B&W 800 series, and another has Martin Logans. They love coming over and listen . They ultimately go home and stay with what they have. This is the point I am trying to make. Be happy with what you have, but pushing the 901 issue on others creates feelings that will turn on you......Sorry I went on, but...... |
Raytheprinter, the Analysis Audio model is the Omega. I have listened to it several times and agree with your opinion. I dream of having their top model (Amphitryon), bypassing its external crossover with a Holm DSPre 1 or Prism/Spatial and biamping them directly with two DAC Cherry Plus amplifiers, the ones Clement Perry really likes! |
Hello Lloydelee21,
Yes, a Hybrid, Ribbon mid/high with dynamic bass drivers.
Weseixas.
Sounds like a good combination...very difficult to execute well. i have heard the STages...and more recently the CLXs which were very impressive...though without a sub not one for me. i have heard a local store i know well has the CLX now with the Descent Sub...now THAT is one to hear. will likely go over and listen when i get a chance next week. i think the combination of panel and cone when done right is an exceptional one.
no chance i swap for my Wilson X1/Grand Slamms...too heavy to move...plus i like them enough not to care if there is something better out there...i am just enjoying my music these days and for me, that is the point. |
Best I've heard is, I think, the Focal Grande Utopia at an audio show a few years back. I've heard other megabuck speakers (Kef, Cabasse), but they didn't have quite the scale or combination of effortless flow and excitement of the Grande Utopia. But...speakers like these need a HUGE room! |
kind of like telling who the most beautiful woman is just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder for an audiophile beauty is in the ear of the beholder |
Hi Weseixas,
Thanks. And yes, panels are tough to set up...but can be incredible. I still remember listening to the Apogee Stages with Mark Levinson electronics around 15 years ago. They were already kinda old by then...but it was remarkable how "lifelike" they sounded.
Do u use panels? -12-18-10: Lloydelee21
Hello Lloydelee21,
Yes, a Hybrid, Ribbon mid/high with dynamic bass drivers.
regards,
|
The Analysis Audio ,think it was the size down from their large model,unbelievable sound!!Surprised more people do not own them!If I had the money ,,that is the speaker I would have,,incredible bass too! -Raytheprinter
I have been hearing great things about these myself......
regards,
|
Rats and i just got my 901 series 7 mk2 today only to discover my wife took over the last available wall in the house. |
The Analysis Audio ,think it was the size down from their large model,unbelievable sound!!Surprised more people do not own them!If I had the money ,,that is the speaker I would have,,incredible bass too! |
After thought to my previous post Bose speakers are not part of the equation. Give it up Hifisoundguy pick up a pair of used anythings here on Audiogon and start living it up. |
The pair that I have hooked up tonight, which should be fine until I get speaker lust and can afford a upgrade. |
|
Man Hifisoundguy, you won't let up. You need a witness. Anyone on this board live in your area? Someone needs to hear your setup. |
I called two of my friends over so we could see if we could set-up my two pair of BOSE 901 series 6 version 2's "STACKED" a little better. I just sat there listening to music and my two friends moved the 901's inch by inch until I found the "G-SPOT" for the 901's in my room. Both my friends were amazed at the sound coming out of these 901 speakers ! One of them has been going to the CES Show for years and he told me that the only time he's heard sound like that was at a LIVE CONCERT !... |
Come on guys, we all know the praises of Bose are a joke, don't we? They can't be serious. Its like the guys who think B&W are world class speakers. They are just kidding , right? |
Really are we still itchy about the "Bose" GUYs we have come a long way, and need not stoop low.
Remember:
Do not argue with an idiot/ignorant he will bring you down to his level and beat you with experience. To each his own "kingdom" enjoy the music hifisoundguy or who ever you are bravo to you and the .... |
Macrojack, the new and improved bose 901 series 6 version 2's have come a long ways from the 901 speakers they sold back in the 70's ! We compared my new bose 901's to my friends up to date 901's from 70's and friends 901's sounded like they had a blanket over them and had a very harsh top end too ! I have never heard RECORDED MUSIC sound this DAMN GOOD before ! These new 901's get you closer to a LIVE PERFORMANCE than any other speakers I have ever heard period !!... ENJOY THE MUSIC |
If you like Bose 901 speakers, that's fine for you but many of us are far too experienced to accept such jibberish.
I was a very successful Bose salesman in the 1970s. The product was flying out the door and the jibberish was being swallowed by the bucket.
Personal circumstances interrupted my fantasy and, once I heard well-designed speakers objectively, the Bose fantasy was permanently discredited. The 901 is garbage and you sound like a shill.
I looked at the wall behind me while I was typing this in the hope that you might finally get the message. Bose has no interest in making good speakers. They just want to make speakers that sell good. Sorry Charlie!! |
Larry, when you go to a live concert, some of the sound reaches your ears directly but most of that sound is reflected off various surfaces of the hall..Right ??? The bose 901's are designed so you hear the music much the same way as you hear the music at a live concert. |
Question re Bose 901...
Amar Bose's basic theory in his design was predicated on the basic assumption that 89% of all sound is 'reflected'.
He then designs a speaker which actually points direcly into the wall with 88.8% of it's drivers (call it 89 lol).
Doesn't that, then change his basic plan since we can safely assume that most performers aren't 'singing into the wall directly'?
"Here's Michael Bublé, singing, 'Fly Me to the Moon', of course he's facing the wall, so that all you Bose fans out there can better understand the lyrics."
'mmmfllllllllly...mnnnneeee tnnooow de moonnnnnnesh, nand,'
Wow, does anyone else wonder how such a nit wit scam such as this could possibly get legs? Moreover why's this guy a billionaire...doesn't that piss anyone off but me?
lol
Larry |
Mirage M1 - The hair stood up on the back of my neck, but in all fairness I have not listened to a lot of others since I bought the M1s. |
Ok Boseboy. We've seen enough of your posts to know where your head is at....
Shakey |
Hifisoundguy, as usual, you've hit it right on...
The 901's because of the 360 degree uneven dispersion is quite a bit trickier to set up--and the room becomes an increasingly greater part of the sound, but when right that 3D, soundstage with instruments lurking in a place in space, with a wide and deep holographic sound stage takes on an almost 'visual' quality.
Of course you need the right amp and room setup to appreciate the 901's, they need power, lots of power like an MBL. so an MBL type amp, pre-amp will get them singing or use that monster Bose amplifier originally made to drive them.
Who would have thunk it...
regards |
Hifisoundguy - Yeah, but...
When I think of crossoverless speakers I think of 1 driver, maybe 2 in parallel. I would think that 9 drivers would defeat a great deal of the benefit of a crossoverless design. That being coherence.
But I know you like the 901 Vs, and that's all that counts in the end. |
Mpit, BUT have you heard BOSE's newest 901's yet??? Crossoverless speakers have a certain Musicality NO Other speaker design concept has EVER matched....apparently, most crossovers interfere with the most critical parts of the audio spectrum and elimination of the same results in a Natural/Emotional Delivery, beyond scientifically explainable proof. |
I used to think the 901's were the best ever for many years. Thank god I stopeed dropping acid and drinking my breakfast. lunch and dinner. Then when I stopped doing heavy drugs and only smoked crack, I was in love with B&W. Now that I have put the crack pipe down I realize which speakers are not the best in the world; Boze and B&W. |
The 'big boys', I don't remember the model numbers and am too lazy to look it up Tbg.
All I know is, that the promise of 'live music' was as closely realized as I have ever experienced.
Before, room, power, etc. all conspired to 'limit' the experience. Not this time. They were everything, if money were no object, that I'd chose for the perfect system.
I'd do it realizing that all elements necessary for great sound would have to be attended to. Do what the great Winston Ma, did (First Impressions Music and a friend an colleague) when he built his 'listening room' in his beautiful home. "MAKE IT PERFECT" only if you want the sound to be as good as it can be.
But, they really were/are magic in all facets of sound reproduction for my taste--Dynamically accurate, Tonally accurate, Spatially Accurate, (if this sounds a little like a Jim Thiel seminar, it's because that's where I learned it).
Having played Alto Sax for more years than I care to admit, I've been in live music scenarios thousands of times...the unamplified kind...and wow, that's what these are capable of.
If only...$$$$$$
Best,
Larry |
Lrsky, Are you talking about the MBL 101 E Mk II or the 101Extremes? It would be $60k for the 101Es, $24k preamp, $43k amp. I have no idea what the Extremes cost. I add the big MBL amps as I know these speakers are inefficient. |
Mapman,
As usual, you've hit it right on...
The MBL's because of the 360 degree dispersion is quite a bit trickier to set up--and the room becomes an increasingly greater part of the sound.
But, yes, when right that 3D, soundstage with instruments lurking in a place in space, takes on an almost 'visual' quality...'Help me ObiWanKinobi'....that kind of holography.
Larry |
Im being sarcastic here. The best speaker you ever heard was years ago when you were younger and a fledling audiophile. You heard speaker X and were blown away. Reality check. First off, your hearing was better back then. 2nd, the speaker was driven by some well matched components. |
mbls have to be set up right in the right sized room and with the right amp and electronics running them to demonstrate their distinctive charms appropriately.
I've heard the exact same system set up this way at the dealers and not as well at a show. You would not have known the performance at the show was lacking unless you heard them set up just right. They can do a wide and deep holographic soundstage with very accurate placement of individual instruments within it like no other I have heard when done right. And all other aspects of the sound were spot on as well. |
Tbg,
Boy do I understand your comment...you're precisely where I was BEFORE I heard them set up, for a change, in a manner which showed of their charms.
I'm thinking, taking a good friend to the 'great' restaurant, on an off night trying to explain what it was, or has been at other times.
Only hearing for one's self is believing...so I get it.
Once I heard them as they should be, wow--I was hypnotized.
Glad you're happy with your recent purchase, those are intoxicating speakers, by the way. (As if YOU didn't already know).
Best,
Larry |
