I sometimes get a bit amused at all of our "opinions" and how it may or may not affect a buying decision by someone reading here. But here goes!
In the past year, in my home I have extensively demoed/owned the following speakers: Wilson Benesch Arcs and Zu Tone monitors (both with a REL Storm III), Tyler Acoustic Linbrook, B&W 802d, Zu Druids with a Mini Method sub, Acoustic Zen Adagios (original) and Acoustic Zen Adagio (newest version with slanted baffles and other improvements). With these speakers I have only used integrated amps (BAT VK300XSE, Cary SLI-80 F1, Audio Research, McIntosh MA2275) and always Cary digital with a Wadia thrown in for comparisons sake. Cables by Acoustic Zen, Furutech, Synergistic and Straightwire with power by Running Springs and Richard Grays. Too many combinations to report on each matchup but I will make some general observations that I hope will help someone to make a logical decision.......try for yourself.....It's the only way to know for sure. Don't buy ANYTHING because some scmhoe, me included, says something is great.
As you will see, I have had tubes in the chain in every combo but that is not to say that tubes should float everyone's boat. I have heard most of the above equipment at show conditions, dealer showroom conditions and in my home. This next statement is importnant for those looking for guidance: THERE IS VERY LITTLE CORRELATION BETWEEN SOUND QUALITY WHEN AT A SHOW OR SHOWROOM and that of your HOME......PERIOD! If you don't demo in your own listening environment you are buying equipment for a different purpose than the aural purpose of listening enjoyment.
With all of the above in mind, I did not find either version of the Adagio shrill or tipped up in any way. The new Adagio blends the drivers better than the original, although the original is fabulous in its own right. I'm sure the 802d has found many a happy buyer in different homes and I hope the gentleman that bought mine is enjoying them. The Tylers are a good value and a fabulous on-ramp to our hobby as Bartokfan will likely expouse, although Bartok believes Seas drivers are the ultimate, which they are not. The Arcs were fabulous and I have never heard the larger WB speakers. Both sets of Zus are wonderful in their own right although driver integration was troublesome for me. The Tones REQUIRE a sub and the Druids NEED one.....both Zus will benefit with a better integrated tweeter in my opinion and....here comes the heresy (please no flames) could probably use a crossover to balance the tonal imbalances I heard in my room. The benefits might outweigh the tradeoffs...you never know. The Adagio is a wonderfully balanced speaker, top to bottom. Get it in your environment with your equipment and see for yourself. You may prefer other speakers for your application and likely will! At the end of the day however, this thread asked the question, "How good are they?" and the answer is an emphatic yes, they are that good.......if you think so after trying them in your particular application. Until you have tried equipment in you own home, its a wild guess and an uniformed opinion. But to evaluate a pair of speakers in a hotel room or warehouse with unfamiliar equipment is a shot in the dark. My 2 cents....peace.
