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Feedback QLN Prestige Three Speakers Requested

Forum Members -

While I have another thread asking for general advice on speakers & preamps/power amps, I was hoping to hear feedback specific to the QLN Prestige Three speakers. I am close to purchasing a used pair and would welcome input from folks who own and/or have heard the speaker in-person. 

Based on their reviews and sound clips I've found, they appear to be what I'm looking for: 

 

  • Laid back, yet immersive sound 
  • Musical vs. analytical presentation 
  • Sounds good with tube amplification 
  • Great base for a smaller floor standing speaker 
  • On the warmer and smooth side 

At the end of the day, I'm looking for a speaker that is warm, laid back and musical. After work, while making dinner, or relaxing in the living room, I'd love the speaker to help create a relaxing and comforting environment in my household. 

Musical taste: Classical piano and cello sonatas, acoustic guitar, slowcore/shoegaze rock, bossa nova, electronica/techno and lots of 90's English guitar bands. In brief, I'd like to be able to play lots of different styles of music. I'm finding that's not the case with my existing system, unfortunately. 

I'd replace the Dynaudio Heritage that just fall short on base response... 
 

The Current System 

  • Dynaudio Heritage Special Speakers 
  • Innuous Zenith Music Server
  • Merason DAC1 
  • Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp
  • Qualiton/Audio Hungary 100 Watt Power Amp
  • Cardas Clear Interconnect and Cardas Cygnus Speaker Cables 
  • Lessloss Power Cable for Power Amp 


**I've got a Linear Tube Audio Microzotl Preamp on the way to replace the Qualiton/Audio Hungary Tube Preamp 

My Question for Forum Members: 
What are your impressions of the QLN Prestige Three? Based on what I'm looking for, do you recommend the QLN Prestige Three? If not, what else might you recommend that fits what I'm looking for? 

THANK YOU! 
 

bluethinker66
gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 

I heard the QLN's at the NY Audio show a few years ago.

I really enjoyed the sound, but felt they were being held back.

Mind you, I own Vandersteen Treo's. The QLN's sounded like my Treo's, but when I had less than optimal wiring. (Kind of muffled).

YMMV

Bob

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,599 posts
 

One of my good friend owns a QLN Prestige 3 and is totally in love with them. He has owned many other more expensive and well known brands -- Tannoy, Sonus Faber, just to name a few. According to him the QLN P3s are superb and very well balanced. What might sound laid back at an audition might be the ticket for long listening sessions with zero fatigue in the comfort of your own home. According to him, these speakers produce a prodigious amount of bass and generally do not require a subwoofer. If you prefer a bit of warmth, I would say go for them. But you will need an amp that can drive them well. Good luck!

bluethinker66 OP
42 posts
 

@char2 - Appreciate the feedback! I plan on driving them with a 100 watt Tube Amp (Qualiton/Audio Hungary). That said, I bet they'd sound great with a higher powered SS amp. Good to hear you and your audio buddies appreciate the QLN Prestige Threes. My instincts are telling me it's a really good speaker for me. 

@wjob - I was listening to the Dynaudio HS last night and pondering what you wrote. They are really good speakers! I'm going to consider adding subs, perhaps in a few months when some other things settle down in my life. I might end up purchasing the QLN speakers and keeping the Dynaudio HS speakers for awhile. I guess I wouldn't be the first guy around here to start hoarding gear... Not sure it's the wisest move, but I do really appreciate the special qualities of the Heritage Specials. 

@gdnrbob - Thanks, Bob. Appreciate your guidance. 

@grislybutter - I'm on the opposite end! My wife and I have a midcentury modern vibe going on in our home, so aesthetically they fit right into our living room. Some of the speakers that have been suggested in a related forum would look a bit out of place in our home, unfortunately. 

@arafiq - Thanks for providing this feedback! Yes, I'm absolutely looking for some warmth. I appreciate you taking a moment to provide this perspective. 
 

grislybutter
2,367 posts
 

re: mid-century vibe -  I am a big fan of it. The QLN does have that look.

taste is a funny thing, for months I couldn't understand the Hegel look. And then suddenly it clicked, now I think it's one of the coolest designs. 

jeffstrick's avatar
jeffstrick
176 posts
 

I have the QLN and AH combo. Lovely. 

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