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Anyone listened to Aerial 9's?

These have been around awhile now, but have received little press here, and virtually none in audio publications. They seem to have the same or similar bass drivers as used in the 7b (except maybe with aluminum voice coils), and the same 7b, 8b, 10t, MB Quart tweeter, with a new 6 inch midrange driver. Efficiency is better than the 7b and 8b, at 90db, and power handling is rated higher, up to 500wpc. I like the idea of the front firing bass drivers for easier room integration, and I believe the port is on the bottom. Bass is said to be down 2db at 30hz. It seems the bass should be tighter and with more impact due to the multiple smaller drivers, if not quite as extended as in the 10t or 8b. All in all, it seems this should be a very user friendly speaker, with the same attributes as the earlier highly rated Aerial models. Any user feedback?
mitch2
jdlynch
62 posts
 
@mitch2
what amp are you using to power your aerials? I also have LR5’s for my LCR powered by an ATI 6005 signature.
mitch2 OP
3,716 posts
 
I have used a variety of amplifiers with the LR5s.  Consistent has been Clayton M300 Class A monoblocks but I also currently own Cary CAD 500MB monos and a pair of DNA-1s that are at SMc for Steve's Signature treatment.  I am in the process of working out the details with Steve and Patrick.  Both the Claytons (300wpc) and the Carys (500wpc) double into 4 ohms and both have plenty of power although they do sound different from each other. The nice thing about the LR5s is that they indeed let you hear the characteristics of whatever gear is in front of them.
jdlynch
62 posts
 
Mitch2- can you tell any difference when you feed the LR5s more power? My ATI puts out 450 watts into 4 ohms;

I an mainly using them for HT and am extremely happy with their performance. I just wonder what more power would do; if anything at modest listening levels (80-85dB).
rlovendale
91 posts
 
Intrigued by the LR5 as well, but they look pretty clunky and require stands, which unfortunately means they may not fly for me in a living room. Can’t seem to find a Model 9 in the northeast... 
mitch2 OP
3,716 posts
 
@rlovendale
but they look pretty clunky and require stands
True, but they don’t really take up much more room than the Model 9s, which I also had on SA stands. However, with two subs, which is how I use them, they do indeed require more room if you include the floor space required for the subs.

The cabinets are maybe better than the Model 9 since I believe the LR5 cabinets were still being made in Denmark and they do look nice, if a little pedestrian if you a fan of unique shaped speakers. Each LR5 weighs 105 pounds so they are like big bricks. I have mine on Sound Anchor Custom Signature Stands (i.e. "special souped-up versions of our hi-performance 3 and 4 Post stands") which each weighs about 70 pounds so each speaker and stand combo is about 175 pounds - big monitors! They image well due to the narrow’ish face. Another thing that might be of interest to you is that they were actually designed for a variety of placement options and they have environment and treble controls that adjust the crossover for that purpose. From their literature;
"Useful Environment and Treble controls optimize the response of the LR5 to suit its surroundings, insuring correctly balanced sound regardless of room or position. It is at home on its purpose-designed stands, on sturdy shelves, mounted into a wall, or placed in custom cabinetry."

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