Speaker opinions

[Mechnutt]

I am just starting my search for new speakers. I bought a pair of PSB T3's to replace my Magnepan 1.6's. The T3's aren't doing it for me. I am looking at speakers in the $6K-$9K range. Locally, there are not a lot to choose from- B&W, Martin Logan, Magnepan, Paradigm, Dyn Audio, Golden Ear, Focal, KEF for the most part. I will be going to RMAF in September, so I hope to hear many other speaker brands to help me decide.

My room is 17'x17' with 9' ceilings.

I have not heard these speakers but have been reading about the B&W 804 D3's, the new 2019 Monitor Audio Gold 300's and the Revel F228be's. I like a deep and rich sounding mid range with good air and transparency. I am sensitive to brightness. Just curious if any one has heard these and their thoughts on them.

Thanks

Larry

[Mike]

This is exactly why I picked up B&W. Price points like this. You know my thoughts.


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[Matias]

Dynaudios are easy going, try some Countour models.

[Ritmo]

Larry - Your room and amp would be adequate for Magnepan 3.7is (assuming you still like the sound). If you can fin a pair of mint used Revel Salon or Studio 2s, they would work well in your room. Also, recently listened to Pure Audio Project at AXPONA - sounded terrific and very reasonable.

Very difficult to set up a square room. It can be done but patience and some room treatment will be needed.

BTW, what kind of music do you like?

Lastly, a great investment for you to attend RMAF.

[Mechnutt]

Mike, I figured you would be a B&W fan. I am going to give them a listen. I am going to haul all my gear over to the local dealer.

Dyn Audio are high on my list. The local dealer is expecting the new models in soon.

Ritmo, I would love to have the 3.7i's but my wife is tired of having door panels for speakers, hence my dilemma.

I listen to most genre's of music- acoustic, vocal, jazz, blues and 60's, 70's and 80's RR with some occasional classical mixed in.

I love the sound of Harbeth's but damn they are ugly and my wife already nixed them. I should just move everything down to my basement and then the WAF would not be a factor but damn it is cold down there in the MN winters.

If I can't find anything to my liking, I may just get the 1.7'i's and upgrade my preamp to an Atma-Sphere MP-3 MK3.3 with the teflon Vcaps and maybe my DAC.

[Mike]

Either of your choices are excellent.


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[Shadowfax]

I second Dynaudio. When I bought my 82s, I went head to head with the comparable B&Ws and liked the tweeter of the Dyns better. No fatigue.

The higher models are just that much better. Good luck with your search and selection.

[Mike]

I second Dynaudio. When I bought my 82s, I went head to head with the comparable B&Ws and liked the tweeter of the Dyns better. No fatigue.

The higher models are just that much better. Good luck with your search and selection.

I find no fatigue if properly setup (little to no toe in). Sadly, too many dealers don’t read the manual, do the training, etc and just set them up with the tweeters pointed right at the listeners ears. They’re not designed for that.

We are listening to the 702 S2’s this morning at B&W dealer training and they are insanely good for $4500/pair.

I like the DynAudio’s too. Both are great in that price range.


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[Shadowfax]

I find no fatigue if properly setup (little to no toe in). Sadly, too many dealers don’t read the manual, do the training, etc and just set them up with the tweeters pointed right at the listeners ears. They’re not designed for that.

We are listening to the 702 S2’s this morning at B&W dealer training and they are insanely good for $4500/pair.

I like the DynAudio’s too. Both are great in that price range.


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It's been too long for me to remember the exact B&W model but they were the same price as the 82s when I decided on the Dyns. Monkey Coffin with Cyclops Eye

[Mechnutt]

Thanks guys. It should be a fun adventure.

Mike, how do the 702 S2's compare to the the 804 D3's?

[Mike]

Thanks guys. It should be a fun adventure.

Mike, how do the 702 S2's compare to the the 804 D3's?

You get a lot of the technical benefits of the 8 series in the 702 S2. But the 804 D3 is clearly superior.

[Mechnutt]

You get a lot of the technical benefits of the 8 series in the 702 S2. But the 804 D3 is clearly superior.

How do the 804's sound at low volume and will they be a match for my 17x17 room with 9' ceilings?

[Mike]

Good and yes. I PERSONALLY would pair - down the road - with a couple of DB3B’s.


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[Mechnutt]

Good and yes. I PERSONALLY would pair - down the road - with a couple of DB3B’s.


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Looks like I will be lugging my 100 pound Pass amp and 50 pound preamp over to the local B&W dealer. The Luxman DAC also weighs in at 28 pounds. I am not bring my dual subs lol.

Does this count as going to the gym!

As the native Norwegian Minnesotan's say "Uff da!"

[steve59]

Pretty good sized room. There's a lot of really good sounding speakers for that money. I just sold a pair of Usher BE-20 dmd's that I liked quite a lot and they were an easy load compared to the salon 2 they replaced. Buying used, if you have the extra room for boxes is nice because ya can take all the time ya need to decide if they're 'the ones'.

[Mr Peabody]

Wouldn't it be easier and a better audition if the dealer brought the speakers to you?

What is it about the PSB you didn't like? That may help with suggestions.

I really like the latest Monitor Audio Gold/Platnum, enjoying a lively dynamic presentation, however, probably not for you. I wonder as well about the brillium of the Revel, although the sound is decently balanced. The 228b may feature the contour controls which would help with picking a high end response. I really have the same reservations with B&W for you but I know they can sound good with carefully matched gear. There's a reason Mac/B&W is a hot match these days. I can't remember ever hearing them with Pass but I'd bet that would be nice as well.

I would love to hear you reaction to a Vandersteen in your budget. And, also, the original Dynaudio Focus series I'd bet is ideal. Those weren't for everyone but they had a special sound. You'd have to find those used but I bet the price is right. Or, check out a set of Sapphires, price may not be as good used though since they were an anniversary edition.

Looks like I will be lugging my 100 pound Pass amp and 50 pound preamp over to the local B&W dealer. The Luxman DAC also weighs in at 28 pounds. I am not bring my dual subs lol.

Does this count as going to the gym!

As the native Norwegian Minnesotan's say "Uff da!"

[Mechnutt]

Bryan, I like a lively sound but I don't like a forward or bright sounding system. The PSB's are too laid back. All my audio buddies that have heard the PSB's compared to the much cheaper Magnepan 1.6's agreed that the 1.6's sounded much better in my system. The PSB's do a lot really well though but not enough to justify me keeping them over my Magnepans. Maybe it is just me and I prefer the Maggie sound, but there are plenty of box speakers that I like.

I am pretty sure that the local dealers would not want to bring the speakers over to try in my room unless they were sure that I would definitely buy them. Two dealers have a 30 day return policy.

I am on the fence on with the Revel Beryllium tweeters. I would have to hear it with my gear. The 228be's do not have the adjustable tweeters.

[steve59]

I think I would recommend a used pair of studio 2's before the f228be on presence alone. The persona 3f is an impressive speaker also.

[audio.bill]

I've had extensive auditions of the Revel F228Be as well as their Salon2, and despite all of the claims of them using much of the same (or very similar) technology there is no comparison at all in their performance. As you'd likely expect given their significant price differential (which doesn't always translate into relative performance) I don't find any aspects of their sonic quality to be at a similar level, the Salon2 is in an entirely different league.

[Swisstrips]

Hmm if only you could hear some Studio 2's (will always be grateful)

I know the BW's sound great properly setup (which seems silly to even state the obvious) and would see if you can get the local to bring them to your room - I've heard the big 800's with those kW mono's several times and cannot believe they are setup properly in that room, they are just dull, dull, dull. BW are a bit more controlled "studio" sound if I'm not mistaken? If you prefer lively, dunno if they are up your alley, but gotta try them in your space to be sure.

My point being is I don't think listening to them in that space will give you proper representation. Which can be said of any "not properly setup" spkrs, lol.

The BW might be a great fit for you and I still think you should really consider the basement so you have freedom and space to do what YOU want? Just food for thought and totally understand WAF etc... Ironically, the BW monitors they have on the short wall sounded great.

[Mechnutt]

I do like the Studio 2's. I have heard Swissstrips system with the Salon 2's many times and love the sound with his Pass mono's and his new Atma-Spere preamp. One of the best home systems that I have heard.

[Mr Peabody]

Looking back at this, the KEF Reference would be worth you a listen, probably Ref 3's. I haven't heard any of the new R series.

I am just starting my search for new speakers. I bought a pair of PSB T3's to replace my Magnepan 1.6's. The T3's aren't doing it for me. I am looking at speakers in the $6K-$9K range. Locally, there are not a lot to choose from- B&W, Martin Logan, Magnepan, Paradigm, Dyn Audio, Golden Ear, Focal, KEF for the most part. I will be going to RMAF in September, so I hope to hear many other speaker brands to help me decide.

My room is 17'x17' with 9' ceilings.

I have not heard these speakers but have been reading about the B&W 804 D3's, the new 2019 Monitor Audio Gold 300's and the Revel F228be's. I like a deep and rich sounding mid range with good air and transparency. I am sensitive to brightness. Just curious if any one has heard these and their thoughts on them.

Thanks

Larry

[Mike]

You guys have nailed them all: B&W, DynAudio, KEF, Revel. Can’t go wrong with any of those in the OP’s budget. Add PSB to the mix too.

[Mechnutt]

I took my son to listen to the new KEF R series and while they had a nice sound, they lacked detail and resolution. They also needed to be turned up loud. I have not heard the Reference series though. They would be worth a look.

[steve59]

I took my son to listen to the new KEF R series and while they had a nice sound, they lacked detail and resolution. They also needed to be turned up loud. I have not heard the Reference series though. They would be worth a look.

When I had a house full of Kef gear and stepped up to a pair of Reference speakers is when I understood what everybody meant about component matching. I believe my Ref's had over 50 parts in the xover making them a bit of a challenge for my components at the time, in fact until I found the right amp those ref's were downright nasty.

[MPW]

The KEF Reference are in an entirely different league to the R series, even the recently released new R series. I have owned Reference 3’s for over two years now. If you could find a used pair, they would be in your budget. If you prefer new, the Reference 1 are incredible stand mount speakers and would fit the bill as well. These speakers do like some juice, so amp matching is important to performance.

[kzhtoo]

Magico S3 mk1. I believe, with some luck, you could get them under $10k.

[Mechnutt]

I took my son shopping for new speakers for him. My son and I were really disappointed in the new KEF R series. We heard them on the new Parasound A21 plus amp and JC2 preamp. They sounded veiled or muddy. The lower priced Triton's had much more detail and clarity. We heard them again at a Best Buy Magnolia on Mac gear and again they sounded veiled in comparison to a pair of Martin Logan XT 60's.

I am not worried about power for most of the speakers that I am looking at. My Pass amp is rated at 250 wpc at 8 ohms and 500 at 4.

There is a Magico dealer here in town. I may have to give them a listen but they are out of my price point. Used is certainly an option.

[Mechnutt]

I was at Best Buy today and I stopped by the Magnolia store to see if they have the KEF Reference line and they do. Unfortunately they did not have the Reference 3's on the floor.

The salesman says that they would bring out the B&W 804 D3 to my home to audition. I was shocked that they offer that. He was very knowledgeable about home audio surprisingly.

I doubt that I would do it because I prefer to buy from one of the local mom and pop shops that sells them.

[steve59]

I would take advantage of the 'big box store' and accept the home demo offer then if I still want them order them from the local b&m.

[ahofer]

I'm just surprised that your wife would nix Harbeths but the B&Ws and KEFs are still in the mix. When I was auditioning KEF (reference 3 & 5) my wife was lobbying hard against them.

She's reasonably happy with the classic Harbeth look (SHL5+ A.E. in Tamo Ash, is what I went with to replace my 25 year-old Thiel CS3.6s). Of course if she could cram them into a bookshelf, she would.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.

[Mr Peabody]

My friend let me break in a set of Ref 3's, they were gloss white with blue drivers. I wasn't overly thrilled with the look but some friends like them.

I was auditioning a set of Revel Studio 2's, the only speaker my wife ever complimented the looks. I was so tempted to buy them after that. I got just the opposite on my JBL's. But she designated my sound room to the lower level for a reason, or two or 3, LOL

[Mr Peabody]

You know, your area is lively, has JBL ever crossed your mind? The compression drivers are extended but not at all harsh with good electronics. I specify good electronics only because they are honest. The highs are just pristine. The 15 would be nicely rich with the Pass and you already have subs for that final low octave.

Then again, your wife will probably love them as much as mine does, LOL

I am just starting my search for new speakers. I bought a pair of PSB T3's to replace my Magnepan 1.6's. The T3's aren't doing it for me. I am looking at speakers in the $6K-$9K range. Locally, there are not a lot to choose from- B&W, Martin Logan, Magnepan, Paradigm, Dyn Audio, Golden Ear, Focal, KEF for the most part. I will be going to RMAF in September, so I hope to hear many other speaker brands to help me decide.

My room is 17'x17' with 9' ceilings.

I have not heard these speakers but have been reading about the B&W 804 D3's, the new 2019 Monitor Audio Gold 300's and the Revel F228be's. I like a deep and rich sounding mid range with good air and transparency. I am sensitive to brightness. Just curious if any one has heard these and their thoughts on them.

Thanks

Larry

[steve59]

This thread just went to sleep. It is always interesting to find out what OP decided on.

[joeinid]

Interesting speakers the QLN Prestige Three. I’d love to hear them. Pretty strong opinions on the others.

I wouldn’t be so indelicate but maybe add reasons why you don’t like them with more artful terms.


Qln Prestige Three Loudspeaker | REVIEW | Part-Time Audiophile

[Jack]

Joe

There should be a place for you to hear the Prestige 3 and 5 in your area shortly when Charles gets the showroom open. When I get the address and date I will send it to you. Somewhere in Astoria.

[joeinid]

Thank you Jack.

I know a friend who knows someone in PA. Don’t know if he stocks them yet but would be interesting.

[Jack]

Charles is supposed to have the Prestige 5 in one system and the Prestige 3 and Fritz Carrera BE in another with Innuos streamers, Aqua DACs and Qauliton tube electronics. Will be using Pete's cables he said.

[joeinid]

Awesome, looking forward to it. Thank you.

[steve59]

I know what REAL LIFE LIKE music sounds like AND those garbage speakers ain't it !
All these space age looking cabinets and exotic plastic drivers DONT PRODUCE MUSIC !
So keep it growing your money at that crap cause you'll never be satisfied.
A speaker is a musical instrument , and I do mean THE WHOLE SPEAKER.
Thats why this overpriced garbage from WILSON / MAGICO / FOCAL / KEF / PARADIGM / LEGACY / B&W will never come close to a SPENDOR / HARBETH /ROGERS / SALK / QLN speaker.

I agree these new speakers with new tech DO need to be more carefully matched to components to keep from sounding mechanical. Once you get the synergy, tho. beautiful music.

[aKnyght]

Interesting speakers the QLN Prestige Three. I’d love to hear them...

i have heard the qln prestige three and they were indeed good ...really, really, really good. from my listening impressions, i would say the part-time audiophile review is pretty accurate. i would add organic to list of SQ attributes and i will go as far to say they are perhaps the most enjoyable speaker i have ever listened to.

the bass was nothing short of amazing ...i had to ask the dealer if there were skillfully integrated subs in the room (there were none).

when i heard them they were paired with an accuphase integrated and an esoteric DAC.

sadly, they are only 87.5 dB efficient -- otherwise, i would have had to think quite seriously about swapping out of my vikings for them, a thought no other speaker has ever elicited.

at $9,500 the pair, they are one of the best values i know of in high-end audio.

YMMV

[joeinid]

Excellent

Thank you for your thoughts. I also wish they were a little more efficient but if they are relatively easy to drive, could actually work out really well.

i have heard the qln prestige three and they were indeed good ...really, really, really good. from my listening impressions, i would say the part-time audiophile review is pretty accurate. i would add organic to list of SQ attributes and i will go as far to say they are perhaps the most enjoyable speaker i have ever listened to.

the bass was nothing short of amazing ...i had to ask the dealer if there were skillfully integrated subs in the room (there were none).

when i heard them they were paired with an accuphase integrated and an esoteric DAC.

sadly, they are only 87.5 dB efficient -- otherwise, i would have had to think quite seriously about swapping out of my vikings for them, a thought no other speaker has ever elicited.

at $9,500 the pair, they are one of the best values i know of in high-end audio.

YMMV

[still-one]

I know what REAL LIFE LIKE music sounds like AND those garbage speakers ain't it !
All these space age looking cabinets and exotic plastic drivers DONT PRODUCE MUSIC !
So keep it growing your money at that crap cause you'll never be satisfied.
A speaker is a musical instrument , and I do mean THE WHOLE SPEAKER.
Thats why this overpriced garbage from WILSON / MAGICO / FOCAL / KEF / PARADIGM / LEGACY / B&W will never come close to a SPENDOR / HARBETH /ROGERS / SALK / QLN speaker.

April Fools Day was 7 months ago.

[Mike]

I know what REAL LIFE LIKE music sounds like AND those garbage speakers ain't it !
All these space age looking cabinets and exotic plastic drivers DONT PRODUCE MUSIC !
So keep it growing your money at that crap cause you'll never be satisfied.
A speaker is a musical instrument , and I do mean THE WHOLE SPEAKER.
Thats why this overpriced garbage from WILSON / MAGICO / FOCAL / KEF / PARADIGM / LEGACY / B&W will never come close to a SPENDOR / HARBETH /ROGERS / SALK / QLN speaker.

Is this you?

Archive of Kinetic Audio.com


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[joeinid]

Is this you?

Archive of Kinetic Audio.com


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The website is very wonky.

[mep]

B&W = overhyped garbage
KEF = tin can garbage (older ok)
MONITOR = garbage
PARADIGM = ear bleed garbage
FOCAL = tin can garbage
MAGICO = way overpriced garbage

Get a pair of QLN PRESTIGE 3 ... you can thank me later

Or if you want to save some money get a used pair of EPOS ES-14 with stands . One of the top 10 speakers ever made.

How about sharing a little bit of your background and any audio industry ties you have? Also share how you came to your opinions about the speakers you listed and under what circumstances you heard them all.

[mep]

The website is very wonky.

I think the website is dead.

[Mikado463]

I know what REAL LIFE LIKE music sounds like AND those garbage speakers ain't it !
All these space age looking cabinets and exotic plastic drivers DONT PRODUCE MUSIC !
So keep it growing your money at that crap cause you'll never be satisfied.
A speaker is a musical instrument , and I do mean THE WHOLE SPEAKER.
Thats why this overpriced garbage from WILSON / MAGICO / FOCAL / KEF / PARADIGM / LEGACY / B&W will never come close to a SPENDOR / HARBETH /ROGERS / SALK / QLN speaker.

what part of Pennsyltucky do you reside ? it's obvious the drinking water does not agree with you !!

[Mikado463]

... NO speaker today under $30,000 can come close.

yeah right....... you keep drinking your Kool-Aid (Lancaster County horse piss) !