In my opinion, the speaker is by far the most important part of the audio system. After all, it is the only part you hear. OK, the other stuff really matters a lot, but without a great speaker... No go.
I am a bit 'speaker-obsessed' I guess, and now I am wondering: What are the best speakers you have ever heard, and what made them the best?
i thot before i entered the room that a woman was singing via a mic or maybe very loudly a capella. then i saw it was speakers, i walked all around the room and the sound field was so realistic i wanted them on the spot
Other speakers will do this. ATC for sure, but also many other speakers designed with as much care for the off axis response as for the typical flat on axis only designs. It is a shame but most people ignore off-axis response even if it is well proven to be a cornerstone to natural sounding speakers. Manufacturers know this and respond by concentrating on designs that have more extension (great highs and lows) - after all that is what sells.
The stuff coming out of Dr. Floyd Toole's work in the 70's => Energy Vertias 1.8, PSB, and Mirage are worth checking out.
On the whole during the 80's, there was a lot more attention to off axis response as opposed to the modern emphasis, which has migrated to bass extension and super-tweeters flat on axis to bat-only audibile frequencies...stuff that is only important on paper or in "my speaker freq response beats your speaker" threads. The midrange has been sadly forgotten in the battle of highs and extreme lows. Check out 80's designs - some are still made today - much the same as they were back then...
N7369p, I totally agree with you, those mbl's beat everything I ever heard. I have a hard time understanding how some don't hear what they do!!! I hope some day if china copies any speaker it'll be the mbl's.
no question, the MBL 101s once on display in phoenix. i thot before i entered the room that a woman was singing via a mic or maybe very loudly a capella. then i saw it was speakers, i walked all around the room and the sound field was so realistic i wanted them on the spot, then i saw they were $30K so you see that was way back in 1993!!
i settled for some Apogees then Acoustat then wilsons Watts and now i still own all but the wilsons but i have NHT T6s too - too many speakers man!!! i want the 101s - too bad i will NEVER afford them!! they are like what - $50K new now??
My Klipsch Lascala's:) in my sound room:) i have owned many speakers in the past 20 years.. just bought these a few months ago.. and i am the most satisfied i have ever been .Never thought I would say that about a speaker that looks like a washing machine....But I am:)
FOCAL (JM Lab) has a new speaker due August 1st 2008, that I had the honor of listening to this past weekend in France. I was brought to tears many times listening and enjoying music that I had never been so involving to my ears and consuming to my heart up to this point. I wish I could say more, being privileged to have a few hours to really get to know the product over a couple of days in the factory. But, keep checking out the website to find out more. Yes, it's the best speaker I've ever heard, coming from someone who can hook up a variety of brands at my disposal I feel as thought I can comfortably say I've experienced it and know it.
My new 3 way front loaded corner horn with 8 -15in drivers, 2 compression mid horns and 2 fostex amk2 tweeters. I havent heard anything else thats close except goto or Ale systems. And I could use these drivers if I had the cash.
This is an absolutely impossible question to answer without also mentioning what amp the speakers were powered with, or even the room dimensions the speakers were situated in.
I'm usually partial to my own personal systems, but that is only because I have each of them personally tuned to what I enjoy, and the type of music I typically listen too.
I have never heard a single speaker that can excel with all types of music.
My personal favorite system consists of Bottlehead Strait 8's, with a low powered all tube front end. I typically like to listen to acoustic music (female vocals), and have a rather odd shaped room with a 13 foot high sloped ceiling. The floor plan is 18x25, and I have the speakers about 7 feet out from the rear wall. The adjacent wall is all windows, that can completely open in sort of a rotational manner. I find the the sound quality is much improved with all the windows open.
With the type of music I enjoy, I tent to mainly gravitate towards speaker designs that use full range 4" to 6" drivers.
My primary system has a very small sweet spot, but when you sit centered. The sound is near heavenly for me.
It does have it's draw backs though. It's not very good with any music other than acoustic. And It has one very small sweet spot, If your anywhere else in the room, you tend to loose the soundstage, and much of the enjoyment the system can potentially offer.
When seated in the right spot though, I have never heard a system I enjoy more than the one I described above. In my house, it just works magic for my ear's.
I really believe nearly any competent speaker could sound fantastic, when properly placed in the right room, with the right front end electronics.
On the other side of the spectrum, I believe a great speaker could also sound terrible when powered, or placed incorrectly.
I believe the only way to find audio nirvana, is to experiment, and flip lots, and lots of equipment. If you move to a new house, you have to start the process all over.
This is where being relatively young, single, and without kids can offer an advantage, or at least even the playing field with the big time money earners / spenders.
The new Von Schweikert Unifield Three speakers are simply mind-blowing. I was lucky enough to get one of the first few pairs made, and they are stunning in their musicality, transparency, holographic imaging and expansive multilayered soundstaging. And they are hardly even broken in. I have been listening to a lot of piano music, and I have never heard a baby grand sound more 'right'. These speakers are special. I recently auditioned the Usher Be10 and Wilson MAXX2 speakers and while they can probably play at louder levels and dig deeper into the low 20Hz, they did not have the coherence, transparency, mid-range warmth and delicacy, and non-fatiguing high treble of the Unifields. Not that these cannot do pure bass, since I could hear the organ pedals in Saint-Saens piano concerto go far lower than the 32Hz specs on these beauties. Highly recommend an audition, and if you are in the Seattle WA area, you are more than welcome to listen at my home.
Without any doubt Quadral Titan Transmission Line 130KG each 15inch bass 4 or 5in mid and ribbon tweeter FLAT down TO 19Hz. I run Tannoy Canterbury SE 15s and I was jealous after hearing these! Superb on classical as they are on techno or trance. I will not forget them in a hurry. Have listened to Acoustat, Quad ESL, Apogee ribbons Ambiance ribbons, Klipschorns, Linn Isobariks Vaf ETC these Quadrals top them all
Darkmoebius, I heard that system with ESP speakers at the LA show too and it was fantastic - one of my favorite 3 rooms of the show. My other two favorites were the MBL room and the room with the Rockport Mira speakers and Gryphon electronics.
The best HiFi I’ve heard in a long time Author: BrettG [19-05-2008 13:10] http://www.tone.co.nz/Members/BrettG/my-blogs/two-channels/the-best-hifi-i2019ve-heard-in-a-long-time
The best HiFi I’ve heard in a long time? No doubt about it. I know that audio memory is notoriously erratic but I’d be tempted to say that I may well have encountered the best HiFi system I’ve ever heard. A lofty claim indeed, especially since I’ve been fortunate to listen to a number of incredible systems in the last two years but this system is really special.
It’s definitely not the most expensive system around but it makes music like nothing I’ve ever heard this side of a band of musicians.
This is the third time I’ve been out to Jason Parmenter’s place in Muriwai to take in his handmade Fatboy speakers and the third time is the charm because the system is sounding better than ever. The 200Kg+ Fatboys are a genuine labour of love and of hard work. With 16” TAD drivers replacing the 15” JBLs that were previously installed and a new passive external crossover taking the place of the active electronic unit, the Fatboys are singing with a new lease on life.
The EMMLabs CDSA SACD player plus the full chain of LAMM amplification including the L2 Reference two box pre amp and M1.2 Reference power amps don’t hurt at all and it all comes together in a system that had me spellbound.
I’ve had a few occasions with small stand mount speakers where I’ve wondered how the designers get them to sound so big but this is the first time I’ve seriously wondered how a set of monster floorstanders can imitate the most delicate of mini monitors. I obviously expect massive bass and skull crushing dynamics from giant speakers like the Fatboys but the levels of detail and subtlety in that room are so improbable that it all seems quite surreal.
The combination of small speaker detail, electrostatic speed plus bass that wouldn’t be out of place at a live gig is a bit of a HiFi holy grail and Jason’s nailed it.
There’s not a single solitary aspect of the sound that I would like to improve or that I could even imagine could be improved. The music is absolutely effortless to the extent that I don’t really need to delve into a dictionary of audiophile terminology to describe it – it simply sounds right. More right and more natural than you could believe.
If I inherited a sizable sum of cash and had a room that could do justice to this type of system, I would have it installed and never think twice about it.
Of course being a HiFi nutcase, I’d have another room for tinkering, reviewing and auditioning other bits of kit but I reckon I know where I’d end up when I just wanted to listen to some music and enjoy myself rather than analyzing tonal balance or low frequency extension etc.
Tags: Parmenter Fatboys | EMMLabs | LAMM
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FijiGlen [27-05-2008 16:46] I've read and heard many say there is nothing like the sound from a big full range speaker. After I audition Jason Parmenter's Fatboy speakers I'm a believer too. In fact Jason's Fatboy's are the best sounding speakers I've ever heard as well. Sure the EMMlabs CD player and Lamm amps helped, but there was something unexplainably realistic in the way these speakers radiated the music. We played a lot of different CDs and although you could detect the quality of the different recordings, the essence of the music came through and made the listening session more about the choice of music rather than the technical attributes of the components.
Interestingly Jason's room isn't that large (for a dedicated music room) and even though the speakers were positioned fairly close to the back and side walls it didn't affect the speaker's ability to project a wide and deep soundstage.
I originally came to Jason's home to audition a pair of Harbeth HL5 speakers. Although these speakers sounded mighty impressive through the Leben CS600 integrated amp there was something unique about the big sound from the Fatboys/Emmlabs/Lamm combo. Perhaps its the sound of unrestrained dynamics that's projected into the room in a effortless manner?
Like BrettG I'm convinced of the big speaker sound. If I could afford this combo I would.
I believe by far the best speaker ever are the Sonus Faber Amati Homage...of course on my price range. I prefer not to discuss the extra premium models
Sirspeedy, You really are a lucky guy.... I would love to read more about Sids system. Maybe you could start a new subject on this.
You mention above, room ,system and owners skill. I totally agree. Over the years I have heard a couple of modest systems that had no right to sound so good! I credit the room and the skill of the owner.
Sirspeedy, You are correct in warning him that the magic could be lost with further experimentation/upgrades. After ONLY 24 years in this hobby, I have come to the conclusion that in the way audiophiles approach their system building, component synergy is not only paramount but also quiet elusive. I have listen to many high-priced systems that were not worth the price of the crates they were delivered in, while other more modest systems have had that magic that you speak of. I for one have abandoned the "audiophile" approach and have gone down a more scientific and knowledge driven path, in which I control the parameters either electronically or acoustically via processors as opposed to the endless component swapping and tone-control via cable selection. Getting back to the point, yes that window for that "magic" is quiet narrow and elusive; Sid sounds like he has the recipe and I would take your advice if I were him and not mess with it but (to use the cliche) just enjoy the music.
Fcrowder,I realize that my comments "must" be taken with a grain of salt,but "this" set-up at Sid Marks' home has gone far beyond anything I have heard!And I have heard alot!Over a span of 40 years in the hobby.I've heard Sid's stuff for the last thirty years.NOT close to this past weekend!!
That being said(I also owned Sid's speaker at one time,but could not match his AMAZING transformation in allowing "music" to blossom in such a thrilling and realistic way.Amazing really,as I have been privy to the Huge Nola Grand Ref/ASR stuff,and though stunning,it did not get me as involved as this highly tweaked out set-up owned by the "absolute master" of LP reproduction!.......AND he has an LP collection to REALLY die for!!!!
NO,the system sounds absolutely amazing(you simply have to take my word on this,or not)on any LP!!We heard loads of Shaded Dogs/Deccas and you name it.
First off,the room is fabulous,even though not very large. The table/arm/cartridge is extremely well set up.At first I was not pleased to see Sid get rid of the fabulous(under statement)Air Tangent arm.Yet,the new 12.6(soon to be a 12.7)VPI/Titan-i has "finally" been set up scrutinizingly...by Richard Foster(another vinyl maven).....
THAT alone made a big difference from my last session,but Sid got a new(not expensive)cable,from pre to phonostage which simply was the icing on the cake.It is not even on the market yet,but his neighbor is the designer,and uses Sid's set-up to develop product.Along with new tubes,and a new mod by CJ there is seldom this degree of change there,but who knew I'd be THAT impressed...
To make sure I was not nuts,we went over to another friend owning the new fabulous Magico Minis(I love his system too).Sid "still" ruled the day!!Actually "The decade"!!
Stuff STILL to come(at chez Marks)is new teflon caps in all front end stuff,along with new CJ big mono blocks.I HOPE this actually is an improvement,as I cannot see it getting much better than this!
What can I say,aside from warning him that he can easily lose "this" magic if he gets too carefree with new additions.
Sometimes when you hit it BIG,you should know it,and maybe stop fotzing around!!
I have not heard a speaker that is more accurate, better soundstaging, more lifelike and just a pleasure to listen too than the Alon 1's. If properly setup they are mesmerizing- too the point of disbelief that the music is coming from them. I have been to several CES shows and have yet to hear anything that compares
Would you say that Sid's system is "tuned" or "tweaked" for particular types of vinyl? I only ask because I have found that I have inadvertently tuned my system for older RCA Shady Dogs and English Decca's. Other formats sound good but the system especially shines on the older classical records.
Also, would you discuss the significant changes that have elevated Sid's system lately?
Yes,I heard the HQD at Lyric,and at a lucky friend's home,back then!Superb,BUT....
Though some may question my taste,or opinion,this weekend I had the GREAT pleasure of hearing a "highly modded" and tuned to the "N'th" degree set up which consisted of modded Infinity RS-1b's,CJ ART,Lyra Titan-i,etc componentry...
The subject of "BEST" must be in context of room/system/owner's skills.
This system was absolutely amazing,and we played incredible LP's ranging from string quartets to orchestral,to jazz.
You name it,"this" set-up did it,to the maxx!!
This system belongs to the GREAT SID MARKS,of TAS fame!!
A "classic gentleman",and connoseur of great music/sound,on the "best" lp's!!...
The guy IS a legend,and has proven it on countless times,but......I was unprepared for this level of improvement in his always superb/full range/dynamic set-up!!
I don't know if it was the room, the source material, or the associated equipment, but I was once absolutely captivated by Meadowlark Blue Heron's and wished I could afford a pair at the time. I recall I was listening to Stevie Ray Vaughans / Tin Pan Alley via a Wilson Benesch Full Circle and VTL 5.5 Preamp. That cut is a classic if ever there was one. I never did like Meadowlark's updated cabinet design. I wonder if that was part of their undoing.
The question is fine, it basically asks what the best speaker is that YOU have heard. That means nobody can argue against that, EVER. It just says a lot about that responders personal experience. If Mr Tennis feels that the Quads are his best ever speakers he heard, well that's a reflection of his personal experience and taste. Who can argue with that? :-)
It pays to keep listening to different speaker systems and setups though, just to validate ones experience and understanding of how it impacts sound ... you do have the right to change you mind and/or taste! Especially with ever improving sound reproducing technologies and products. And Tbg, don't forget the room impact...
Mrtennis, Quad ESLs are good, but having owned them thirty years ago, I would not consider them the best I have heard. There is so much interaction between front end, amps, cables, and speakers that I think it is hard to say what the best speaker might be.
...and at $99 a pair a rightout bargain, and that's really the best you've ever heard Jkl2000? If you get serious about this high-end hobby you're in for the ride of your life!
I never heard the two Rockport speakers above the Altairs (my absolute favorite), but if they are better - they must be wonderful.
1. Rockport Technologies Altair (great all round)
2a. Avantegarde Duo Primo (breathless - emotional)
2b. Hansen Prince v2 (again - just how much better the Hansen's above this one)
5a. Tie: Leonard Norwitz's Audio Note System (in his place - just music) 5b. Tie: Wilson W/P 8's (IMHO in my environment and system for now - music with more dynamics when required)
If anyone has heard these speakers they would most certainly agree. I think the 6moons write-up speaks for itself. It is the only system that you really don't hear the speakers.
The more world class speakers to which I am exposed, the more certain I become that there is no one best speaker or for that matter even a best that I have heard. Let me explain, there are certainly speakers that represent the best in a particular frequency range or with respect to a particular attribute. For instance, from 5000 hz to the limits of hearing, nothing for me approaches the Acapella ion tweeter; for the dead midrange, the original Quads float my particular boat; for bass below 100 hz, the 21" Cabasse Saturns are phenomenal; for dynamics, some of the better horns are unbeatable. Although I could go on, I think that you see the picture. The problem is that no commercial speaker that I have heard does it all. That means that what you perceive as best will ultimately be determined by your priorities and the tradeoffs that you are willing to accept. I think that Detlof has already said all this, probably with more eloquence, but it bears saying again.
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