helomech

Responses from helomech

how do you compare the hegel h80 to rogue sphinx v2???
Keep the Hegel. Rogue Class D amps have no low end, especially at low volume.  
KEF LS50 Wireless -- wow!!!
Even the passive LS50s are leaps ahead of all B&W speakers I've heard. They  easily compete in the $4K standmount realm. Some say they're merely good, but I suspect they heard them with low quality amps. It's the trailing edges of notes, the "... 
KEF and Paradigm
^^ The KEFs will NOT require 300 watts to open up in a room that size, despite their low nominal impedance. That’s a complete load of rubbish. Efficiency is a combination of sensitivity and impedance.The phase angles matter more than the nominal i... 
Analog integrated amp recommendation
IME, the minimalist approach often pays zero dividends in sound quality 
Harbeth C7ES3 vs Spendor SP2/3R2
@vdotman I still have the SP2/3R2s. I agree with your assessment. Their bass isn't as punchy as I was accustomed to with other speakers, but as you noted, it's very natural. I now have them paired with a Yamaha integrated, a perfect match to my ea... 
Analog integrated amp recommendation
What's so scary about tone controls?  
Biggest impact: moving from integrated to separates
Why the assumption that separates under $3K will significantly outperform the Cronus? Bryston and Musical Fidelity would be a lateral move at best. One of the many myths of audio is that you need separate chassis for ultimate performance. I've hea... 
What are the best loudspeakers under $4000 to re-create lifelike piano
The largest Harbeth, Spendor (classic),or Stirling Broadcast you can afford. All three smoke the entry level Maggies IMO. 
Focal Aria 936 vs 926 bass response
Both Revels and Focals can be found heavily discounted. I'm not a huge fan of either, but my opinion, having extensively auditioned both, was that the 936s were overpriced at their MSRP and belong in the $2.5K segment. In contrast, the Revel 208 w... 
Best Outdoor Speakers to Withstand the Winter?
At least B&W was smart enough to forego the use of Kevlar for this application.There's, no such thing as a weather proof speaker. Be smart with them and you won't have to worry about longevity, i.e. take them inside when there's an impending h... 
Horn based loudspeakers why the controversy?
@mrdecibel ,311 posts12-05-2017 12:40pmI find the Heresy to be a puzzle. A slow, air suspension, 12 in. woofer, mated to a midrange and tweeter horn.I never understood this quandary regarding hybrid designs.Why in theory should a dynamic cone woof... 
Horn based loudspeakers why the controversy?
@mapman I was very pleasantly surprised by the Heresy 3. I could live with those. I also was pleasantly surprised by the Heresy IIIs. I took a pair home at the insistence of a dealer who shares my taste in most gear. I expected to hate them due to... 
Michael Fremer's system
I suppose he certainly derives pleasure from his "work." I prefer to have separate work and leisure spaces. I also believe a cluttered space can make for a cluttered mind, but some thrive in such environments. Every pair of speakers I’ve owned ben... 
What is your favorite budget audio component?
Yamaha A-S500 Integrated: bought on closeout for $250, can compete with some $2K integrateds I’ve owned, all while doing it with a much lower noise floor.Kef LS50s: recently bought a pair for the holiday price of $999. The reviews basically mirror... 
Why does my system now have shrill top end.
Have your listening habits changed? My system sounds much brighter if I listen when I’m fatigued/tired.Otherwise, it’s most likely that your amp needs service, or you need to listen with a Shakti stone taped to your head.