Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    1,964

    Snell Type E/III

    I started my build with the intent to create a system around my Snell Type E/III speakers and when I dug these out 5 years ago, I realized I had to have them re-coned. I paid about $1200 for the pair around ‘92 from a local stereo shop when I lived in Austin Texas after the military and ran them with a Carver system then an Adcom system.

    While waiting for the Snell speakers to be re-coned I went off in another direction and built a McIntosh / Focal system then a full system change ending up to where I am at today.

    The Snells are serving duty in my gym on a 25 year old Denon Integrated and curious on how these would sound in my main system. So today I hooked these up to the 2 Channel system and even made a set of jumpers (see photo) to see what they could do. I knew it would not even be a contest, but what the heck.

    My Wilson’s are about 40X the cost of the Snells, and the speaker cables are at least 15X, and all other parts of the system are about 250X. I realize it’s not about price as there are many items that punch way above their weight.

    The Snells at first made the music sound like it was coming from an empty can, it was horrible. I did allow some patience and they did settle a bit in a short amount of time. After I ran a few test tracks they did sound better, the mid range had some shine, but there was no low end to speak of, and the upper range sounded hot, and not sure if it was the rear tweeter. In all fairness I did not spend any real time placing them or playing with the rear tweeter setting.

    Takeaway: While they sounded better after warming up, they just didn’t have it, and perhaps better left in the past.

    Speakers are vital, and IMO make the system.












    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Tampa, FL
    Posts
    126

    Re: Snell Type E/III

    Vintage. I have a pair of Snell Type Bs that i ran with NAD and Adcom 565s (the powerful monoblocks). A lot of sound but couldn't fill my larger room now. Sometimes i wonder what they would sound like if i hooked them up again....
    Aurender > Weiss > Audio Research > SoundField
    Oppo > Lexicon > Hegel > SoundField

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    1,964

    Re: Snell Type E/III

    Quote Originally Posted by Edward View Post
    Vintage. I have a pair of Snell Type Bs that i ran with NAD and Adcom 565s (the powerful monoblocks). A lot of sound but couldn't fill my larger room now. Sometimes i wonder what they would sound like if i hooked them up again....
    If you still have them, it’s a flash of nostalgia along with being appreciative on what you have today.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2013
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    3,828

    Re: Snell Type E/III

    This thread brings good memories. I was a fan of Snell in the 1980s. Actually, I thought the model E was terrific at the time.
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
    Posts
    3,242

    Re: Snell Type E/III

    Agree, I ran Snell Type A/II's for many years bi-amped using the Snell active crossover.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  6. #6

    Re: Snell Type E/III

    I think some things are good in a certain context and time. Not only the technology has evolving but also our level of demand.
    A good exercise to put things in the right perspective.


    I liked.

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Snell Type E/III

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •