This is, all other considerations aside, clearly excellent advice. Does it not, however, assume significant capital (even for used speakers) to allow one to sample multiple speakers over several years, even if one offsets the value of those one sells at each step against the cost of the 'next set' of used units? On another point, I'd appreciate your views on whether panel (and omnidirectional) speakers create more issues than box speakers with regard to the first reflection point (given that they 'emit sound' to the rear as well as to the front)? Many thanks from Oxford, UK.
@@williamevans9426 Panel speakers generally don't put out much sound to their sides, so they have FEWER not more problems when placed close to side walls than box speakers. True, panels sound best a few feet from the front wall, but VERY few BOX speakers sound their best near the front wall. Let's face it, most rooms are less than ideal for MOST speakers. We choose between imperfect options.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Dear Mr Guttenberg, Many thanks for your extremely quick and very useful reply to my question. I was thinking especially about what I assumed would be 'back firing' of an almost 180-degree out-of-phase signal that approached the magnitude of that emitted from the front of the panel, which I again presumed would cause more interference with the main signal that that enitted from the back/sides of an enclosed speaker. It's good to hear that my concerns were unfounded!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac But you will have early reflection problems with panels if you put them too close to the wall behind them (people have started calling that the "front wall" now but I have trouble with that). When the reflected sounds are separated in time enough from the direct sounds they don't interfere with the imaging. I've heard other audiophiles argue against placement too close to the "front wall" even for box speakers. But tastes and rooms vary.
I've been listening to different speakers for over fifty years. And I've always enjoyed hearing different types. I'm saving up...( disabled retired custom wooden furniture maker ) for the Polk R700 floor standers. Because to my ears they are the best bang for the buck under the DIMINISHING RETURNS threshold slope of discretionary funds that are worth spending my money on. Because it's definitely a thing Mr. Guttenberg. 😊 Some of my other considerations are the G R Research open baffle, Ohm and the Magnepan. I plan to drive the Polk pair using two Schiit Vidar XLR mono blocks via Schiit Freya+ preamplifier and Yggdrasil DAC and Bluesound streamer. It's basically top of the affordable line of gear. It's a solid bang-for-the-buck option culled from the mass offering of affordable poverty level income brands available to the world. It will not disappoint and I will eventually integrate a center channel (R400), four bookshelves (R200) and four ceiling atmos speakers (R900HT) from the Polk Reserve line as well. I'm looking at two years to complete the project.
Your channel has given me advice that could very well have cured me of the constant hi-fi upgrading and chasing a dragon. I got a pair of zenith speakers for free as a 16 year old with the foster horn tweeters. I have always been amazed at how good they sound and have never had a better sound experience anywhere else than with these old speakers in my bedroom. I am now about to be 24 an have battery powered Bluetooth speakers that of course don’t compare to a full stereo set up. I used to think, gosh, these cheap old speakers sound so good, what can a few grand do? While someday I may investigate to see if I there is truly anywhere to go, your channel has helped me so much to recognize how much I enjoy music on these vintage speakers, and how to relax and appreciate what I have.
Steve, what I like about this video is that it recognizes that there are different sounds and that it is ok to enjoy one of these sounds more than others. I've owned panel speakers and box speakers and really enjoyed both. I'm about to try open baffle and suspect that I will enjoy them also. Speakers seem similar to bicycles...over the past 20 years I've ridden mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, recumbent bikes and three wheel recumbents...enjoyed them all and on any given day will probably have a different favorite than yesterday. And I absolutely agree that if you have the time and the patience, its worth trying different speakers in your home...but don't be surprised if five years down the road, you want to try something different.
I just listened to your podcast with Brent Butterworth. It was casual, pleasantly catty (don't lose your note about DSP) and fun. Your podcast is now bookmarked. Podcasts and online jigsaw puzzles are a perfect match on a cold morning.
Great advice! I “ played the field” for years and years , all the while in the background hearing “ Klipsch suck” then I took a chance with the Heresy IVs and found what I was looking for. I still have my other speakers like Focals and LS/35a’s etc.
I had same impression about horns until I heard the Forte IVs. Went for smaller Heresy IVs. Great companion to my DIY LS35As with its intimate midrange.👍.
Enchanted Steve thank you for the fantastic advice. It definitely makes me realize I need to slow it down open my mind to all the options available. thanks again
I meant to do exactly this after only owning 2 sets of box speakers in 30 years. I watched and read reviews. I read forums. I made a list. I acquired multiple amplifiers so I would have a suitable match for any speaker. Then I fell in love with the first new speaker I tried. Went up their line instead of moving on like I was supposed to do. Now I’m planning a second system for experimentation. Oh well, we’ll see how that plan goes.
Excellent advice. And coming from a guy who has heard virtually anything worth hearing from the last 40 years or so. What I might add is for potential buyers to never assume that just because audio gear or a speaker is more expensive than another, it does not necessarily mean its always better.
Excellent video Steve, I started with the box speakers and after 40 years have discovered dipole speakers (Pure Audio Project) your recommendation. What a improvement thank you. Planing on checking out the Magna pan speakers in few weeks, then to omnidirectional speakers. Thank you my friend for your wisdom. Thank You.
Love this one. I"m an electrostatic fan for sure, but have found something to enjoy in every form of speaker. Like many people, for much of my life I was only familiar with box speakers, and was not quite sure what to make of the first electrostatic speaker I saw (never mind hearing it, its appearance baffled me). Then I heard my first electrostatic speaker (Martin Logan), and I realized I had never experienced such a sound before. The audio world opened up that day.
Every time I make a positive change my speakers sound better. Speaker placement is free, cables and connectors can be improved, adding a DAC, adding a tube pre amp, changing a power cord and going from SS to tube. You might hear a difference for less than the cost of new speakers.
I've always been taken by how miniscule the perceived improvements from "upgrades" in cables, pre-amps, and power cords are. Tbh, speakers, listening position, room treatment, EQ, and amps make several orders of magnitude more difference. So much so that upgrades beyond high volume Amazon cables and power connectors scratch more of a placebo itch than anything.
There is no figuring this out. I have Maggie’s, Tektons, jbl horns, and Yamaha studio monitors from the 80’s. All very different . I can not choose which ones I would want to live with forever.even though I could any of them.
Great advice. When I was young and poor, I heard my first Maggies. Many years later, after some very good box speakers, I finally got back into Maggies. I've heard some horn...really dislike them. Stats are too sizzle-y for me. I currently have a pair of Monitor Audios...a pair of GE Triton1s..and a pair of Maggie 1.6s (I've probably had 5 or 6 pairs of Maggies over the years), Recently I was listening on my bedroom system...the MAs...and thought, yah, I could live with this. Then for fun I put the same thing on the Maggie system....and immediately discovered that I could NOT live with just the boxes. The is just no comparison as to what make music sound right!
Thanks Steve. Thinking about the lifetime required for this method: I see the value of having a dealer demonstrate the basic difference early on. I was fortunate enough to hear Magnepans at Harrow Audio in England in the 1980s....Just Magical! It took 30 years to have a dedicated room to play my LRS & REL subs in. 🎶🤫🎶
Have open baffle (carver amazing silvers) box (ars aures and B & W 803 S), have heard panels speakers, Steve is correct all have a different sound, and yes once I get them I want to keep them and just switch out all the time. Such a fun hobby!
I’ve had many types of speakers over the years. Some earlier ones I won’t mention but my first decent speakers were a pair of Infinity’s with a Walsh tweeter, then a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls followed by Paradigm studio 100s. For the last 20 years I’ve had nothing but Martin Logan’s and I still love my Montis. For the last 3 years I’ve been listening to every speaker I possibly could but nothing impressed me enough to replace my Martin Logans. Then I heard a pair of Dynaudio Contour 60is and those were the ones I had to have. I’ve had them for about 6 months and I still can’t believe how incredible they sound. Very happy.
Excellent advice. Twenty years ago I received a bonus check from work. With half of it I bought a nice bracelet for my wife then, a NAD amplifier and CD player for myself. Of course I was itching to upgrade my speakers too. I spent a couple months trudging around retailers with favorite CDs. I settled on Paradigm monitors. Memorizing the sound of speakers was so exhausting, I vowed never to do it again. Fast forward twenty years and I've been listening to 'E Project' speaker comparisons on YT. I like the sound of Kef LS50 Metas the most but their cost ($1600) is prohibitive. However listening made me realize I prefer a lean bass sound, so I applied 3dB of bass eq to my Paradigms and voila, a whole new sound.
"My mother told me 'You better shop around.'" Your advice is well taken. I use pretty conventional direct radiating box speakers but have toyed with the idea of getting a pair of Ohms or Maggies not to replace but to be in addition to what I already have.
Great advice. I've made it through box and open baffle and love open baffle. I'd like to add really good horns to my knowledge base. I think a clear advantage to box speakers is their ability to integrate into the room aesthetic. Open baffles and horns tend to dominate the environment. The sheer size of a good horn and the mid room positioning of open baffle are challenging to place in shared spaces.
Open baffles can usually be moved fairly easily since they are usually not as heavy box speakers. Store them closer to the wall when not listening critically. That's what I do.
Great advice Steve. I own a pair of elac navis arb51 after you favorably reviewed them. They are very good. They provide the modern sound. Very clean and very focused. But I can’t help but feel that the sound isn’t very real in that I am not convinced it is a real instrument or a singer playing through the navis. I bought an 8W 300B tube amp class A with single stage gain running in pentode mode and pair it w Lii audio F15 full range driver in an open baffle configuration. For the two systems I use the same music player, same dac, same preamp. And over weeks of listening I prefer the tube amp with the open baffle speaker. Andrew and his wife when reviewing a pair of open baffle speaker ran out of descriptions at times. They keep repeating “it is so different”. Now I can listen to what is so different between the two types of speakers. It is this: the open baffle design gives a more open and spacious soundstage, the timbre is more real so you feel you are listening to real voices and real instruments. The music canvas being painted is more gentle whereas a box speaker design provides a more impactful and focused sound. The way sound comes out from an open baffle is different since it has sound radiating from front and back (but less at the back). The overall feel is that the tube amp w the open baffle is just better to listen to. It is more real, more natural and the sound envelops you. We really need to live w multiple setups at one time to be able to tell our preference over time. I have also played the navis and the F15 together and they work amazingly well together - the best of both worlds. The challenges in phase, timbre matching, frequency response, image size seems to just worked out in my current configuration. But I still prefer the f15 on its own.
Btw, Andrew’s description of how the open baffle speaker sound is very accurate. Just that the repeated comments of “it is so different” may be less helpful to the audience. But we all run out of words at times when faced with something that goes out of our usual experience. It is understandable.
Great video Steve! I love my Duevel speakers, they are a two way omnidirectional speaker with a horn and 12" woofer. I fell in love with them after hearing them the first time, I did hear all types of speakers in my 35 years audiophile life. Cheers!
I have done exactly as you describe. The only type I haven't tried is open baffle. The problem is that I still have and use all of them. The lady of the house is becoming perturbed.
You gotta give her a massage one night after making her dinner and as you play background music from your glorious amplifier make sure when she says that sounds nice to fight the urge to talk about your gear. [I'm speaking from experience here]
Because of you, I have KEF LS 50W II with a KC 62 sub. Awesome sound. Open clear enormous soundstage, and a fantastic bass, that shake the room when it dig deep. Thanks Steven.
So much this, Steve! There's no substitute for gaining insight through experience. People who just want to be told what to buy aren't audiophiles, they just want to pretend that they are.
This among many, is a very useful video from you. I've heard many more speakers than I've owned, and have found some more appealing than others. My income has never matched the superb speakers that I've heard, but I've found some very satisfying models, usually at great discount. I agree with you that electrostatic, and perhaps my favorite Magnepans (not electrostatic), provide an earful of luxury. They're too large for my environment, but they're top of the food chain for the majority of my musical tastes. I recently walked into a local dealership, and was seduced by a pair of speakers which I thought were not as good looking as they sounded. The triangle shape (not Triangle model speakers), was a little off putting to me, but so were some of the larger room filling boxes. Still, their revelatory nature of jazz instruments and placement of voices, were definitely audiophile level. Your insight is worth far more than a click and a like. Thank you.
Speakers and amps have been my try and trade addiction for 26 years, amps a little more than speakers... The things you learn and the journey is nothing short of fun. I always found it amazing where a set of speakers can sound meh with one amp and end game with another and everything in between. Made me realize nothing sounds bad, just different or it doesn't fit your taste or match your other equipment. Always love reading comments from newer audiophiles and they claim a product sounds like ish... No not really it just fit YOU, your neighbor or someone else may find them or it amazing.
I agree, how a speaker will sound with a class D versus traditional A/B or class A is the more important factor. Class D is getting more affordable these days. I wonder whether a single class D would be the better anchor amp to try different speakers.
Nice job and EXCELLENT topic. One thing for individuals considering this endeavor to keep in mind is that certain types of speakers may require an investment in amplification as well. I’m thinking specifically of electrostatics or planar magnetics. If you’re using a lower powered (or even high powered class D) amp, you simply won’t have good results with an electrostatic speaker. Most require a significant amount of power or, more specifically, current to drive them.
Great Perspective. My first audio speaker journey took me to some B&W 600 series bookshelf's with an Atlantic technology sub. Moved up to B&W 600 series towers. Then HSU/SVS subs. Then went into a totally different direction, purchased some .7 Magnepans. Then some Forte's III. I can honestly say...love all of them actually. Once you fully understand and appreciate the intended design/sound of any of these speakers. Match them up with the right amps, dac's, I don't hear weaknesses anymore, my experience has been sonic audio bliss!
I owned half a dozen stat speakers for two decades (Acoustats X, 1+1, 2+2, Martin Logan Monolith 3s, reQuest). Dumped them for Legacy Focus and Signature IIIs. Now replaced with Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 (upgraded). Both the Sig IIIs and VS VR9 have rear tweeters and woofers resulting in a more open sound, not just pushing sound out but also adding ambiance. Never going back to a panel speaker (my wife hated the MLs). Horn speakers-great in big rooms, not so great in small rooms. I like full range ribbon speakers but find a problem with imaging but Alysvox has the dynamics added to great bass. I've heard 1000s of speakers over my life and an amateur musician and recording engineer of orchestra, chamber and choral productions in major L.A. venues. I love acoustic unamplified live sound but listen to all types of music except hip hop and rap.
I've given this advice countless times, however very few ever take me up on it. I was given this advice many MANY years ago and I took 1.5 years to pull it off (traveling to multiple States just to be able to hear all the different types). I also chose high-end versions of each speaker type despite knowing that I couldn't possibly afford them. Once completed I spent another 1+ years listening to versions for which I could afford in an attempt to find that same sound. I've done this twice over my Lifetime and I am just now doing this for yet a 3rd time (adding in Open Baffle which was missing my first two go-arounds).
@@yuriwalter385 Well, it's definitely harder this time around and not just because of Covid-19, but also brick-n-mortar stores appear to be showcasing / demoing less speaker options, and so I'm finding it harder to get auditions. Also my choices include offshore products as well as products from the likes of GR Research and Spatial Audio, which are also causing auditions to be more difficult to acquire. Slowly but surely, but progress is awful slow this time around.
Always great to train up a bit first. Tyll taught me that. Takes a few months or more to really learn what to listen for when inspecting speakers and headphones.
Very helpful. For example, since almost all of the concerts I go to aren't amplified, horn speakers would be least likely of all types to fit my taste.
I was bit by the Maggie bug 50 years ago. At the time selling Audio including highend including as an AR rep. So exposed to almost everything in sound in the '70's and early '80's. But for numerous reasons was not able to maintain that level of an audio system. Finally got some 1.7i a few years ago again to replace the L82 I had been using as my main system. Bought from an actual HiFi store, I had a chance to listen to some boxes (and a new highend Quad!) before getting in front of the Maggies again! Sorry, just nothing else like it! And I tell the story about how when my oldest son, also an audiophile with a better system than mine at the time, first heard them and in ten seconds said he now knows what is wrong with every other box/ multidriver system. So yes, listen to different TYPES of speakers!
But Steve... The challenge is finding the opportunity to do that kind of listening. The scarcity of high-end audio stores and the lack of audiophile friends conspires against the kind of grazing that you describe.
It is much better to hear them at home, so if you buy used ones you won’t lose that much money each time you tell them. Hearing it a show is better than nothing, but not as good as hearing them in your room! Especially because of the way the speakers put sound into the room. Buy used speakers
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Good advice re: used speakers...also, speaker placement needs eliminate certain types of speakers for many environments, so that somewhat limits the degree of hunting..For example..I'm real curious about Maggie's, but my listening room is just not suitable.
Change is good. Been using soft dome tweeter based speakers for years, swore I'd never buy metal domes. Needed new bookshelves for my pc, decided to take a risk got some totem rainmakers and they sound awesome.
Iv'e got old fashioned ears. Good to know. I happened to get a set of tower speakers and was happy. Thankgod as shipping today would have killed me. I always wanted to try those klipsch. Rebuilding a set of B and O S75's. All of a sudden, I'm an amatuer tech. So much to learn. Appreciate your channel.
I stand corrected , LII Audio does sell one model Crystal 10 ( now replaced by Silver 10 ) in China. I saw some demo by Decware on them , super efficient 100dB, super fast and heavy. Sells for US1850. Very impressive for the price.
I LOVE the sound of Klipsch Forte and Cornwall speakers. I have known people who have owned both, I personally have never owned a pair. I have never heard Magnepans and would really like to hear some as I haven't made a major speaker purchase in years. I haven't bought any speakers since I bought a pair of Elac B6s for my office.. Which my listening of them started due to your recommendation!
Absolutely! I agree, you have to Know what there is before you actually know what you like. I went through the same thing on my walk. It all started with a pair of Hifiman Sundaras for me, and I've been able to try some Azul Prisma IEMs and a pair of Meze 99 Classics. NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE! All three are amazing but the Sundaras are still my favorite. At least now, I know why they're my fav... cause I played the field! +got great headphones I can still enjoy in the process
This is good advice from Steve. There are few people on the planet who have heard more speakers. I'm very happy with my Klipsch powered monitors which are horn driven. Mated to my Emotiva subwoofer, I get excellent performance. But I really like my EMP E55Ti towers with the same sub. Dynamic and effortless...
Horns, bass-reflex, transmission line, infinite baffle, acoustic suspension, cones, electrostatic, flexing diaphragm, domes (even trans-line cone midrange in the B.J.Webb DIY project)...I've had (or built with Altec, Philips, Celestion, Electro-Voice, Jensen, or KEF drivers them all), with passive crossovers from Falcon Acoustics mostly. And they all CAN be very satisfying! Have not tried electronic crossovers, though.
Classical music and electrostatic speaker lover here: I totally agree an audiophile should get to know as many different types of speakers as possible. Preferably in our own homes, of course. The thing is, unless you're a reviewer, the only way you get to do that is to buy them. If you buy speakers, keep them for a week then return them too many times, you're going to piss off a lot of dealers. You can also annoy dealers by hanging out in their stores and listening to different speakers, without buying anything. But the best way I've found to hear many different types of speakers--not to mention electronics, digital and analog sources, etc.--is to go to shows. I go to the New York audio shows every chance I get, and have seen Steve there a few times. Maybe this covid thing will end someday and we'll get to do that again.
Sage advice Steve!! You really do wanna feel your space out first prior to making the BIG investment on main speakers. The room factor is such an X-factor it would be foolish to not listen first before buying. Higher priced brands do alot you a month with a product before purchase which is nice for those who can afford it.
You're describing how to learn what type of speaker you like without a good local stereo shop. You used to be able cut through a great deal of what you described simply by hanging out in an excellent store. If we weren't busy you could come by and camp out for hours in one of the sound rooms, especially if you brought food, (😁) listening and chatting. We had people return over and over. You could include or eliminate almost any "style" of speaker system by hanging out at our store and one other. We had Dahlquist, Infinity Beta's and eventually Carver Amazing's but never had Martin Logan, Accustat or Maganapan for the airy, open connoisseur😁 Just about every other style was covered.
Over the years I've owned many different types / brands of speakers / drivers ( BR , BLH ) . Once I've heard OB speakers with big drivers there's no going back . The way these things pressurize rooms with superb dynamics ,speed & openness is astonishing . Wall of sound keeps me smiling every time records are playing .
@@keplermission4947 I agree with your acessment of coloration that can be caused by the horn throat and shape. However, diaphram breakup and nonlinearitues caused by slow settle times are very low actually. THAT is the major benefit of horns. Low excursion of horn loaded drivers has its own real benefits. The "live sound" he describes is primarily due to large wavefronts and presence region being emphasized. I do prefer the open sound of other speakers more than horns.
My Maggie LRS's feel like the band are floating in front of me. My Zu Audio Dirty Weekends make me feeling the band dancing in front of me. BOTH sound great.
Glad I watched this, you probably saved me some money. Think you’re are correct, I will need to test out the different speakers before I commit! Thanks for the tip and advice!
On a budget I'd try to get an NAD receiver or integrated for a few hundred bucks on ebay, stream Tidal or Qobuz from your computer (or if you have to, your phone) or get a cheap NAD CD player too. Now you can tell if you need tone controls for low volume use and try a ton of different speakers, albeit at a slightly reduced volume for inefficient power hogs. A friend that has old equipment laying around, or a vintage piece with a channel out that you can have repaired and try is another route.
Excellent advice Steve - very well put. After 55 years of doing exactly this I found 'my sound' in 2020 with the Spatial open baffle Sapphire M3. Avantgarde next? (in my dreams ;¬) Greetings to you and yours.
Interesting topic Steve. I have demo'd magnepan and the venerable Dahlquist DQ10s and would love to try some of the options you covered here but my wife would have my hide LOL. I think your topic also applies to headphones and so this approach with speakers is a great one to cover today.
I agree with you but not all of us have rooms that support speakers that need a lot of space around them. The space restriction really limits choices. That's one of the reasons I liked audio shows so much. I was able to hear different types of speakers like, for example, those Pure Audio Project speakers you mentioned. Loved them but too much for my room.
Thanks Steve for your refreshing non salesman like approach. I do place weighting on consistently good reviews then I look at suitability of placement (eg. front or rear ports) then I look for the best deal or the best value or quality I can afford and then tweak my electronics and room accordingly to create synergy. Also our hearing has the ability to become accustomed to different sound signatures to a certain degree.
Steve, great advice. Please check the JBLStudio 530 (only $240 on sale). I've compared them the ESL-63. I was shocking how good do they sound. They both were powered by Luxman L-550 AX Integrated Amplifier (20 W, class A) and connected to REL 212/SE Sub-Bass System. Some years ago I was listening expensive (20k) speakers, and I preferred the classic Spendor S100 siting just on the shelf at the audio dealer showroom (also my wife and son like them better). To get the best, a proper amplifier is critical. My Quads has never sounded so good (I've tested them with Adcom GFA-535, B&K ST-202/Pro-10MC, Hegel H80 and another Luxman integrated amp class AB. By the way, I bought ESL for about $1300, used, all other equipment brand new. There are another good sounding speakers from e.g ProAc, Acoustic Energy, Amphion, etc. Good luck!
Maybe we could add listen to live as well or if you get a chance live in un amped voices and instruments. These are your ultimate references for realism!
Steve - You are dead on about your comments about experiencing speakers. I have been able to listen to dozens of speakers (many iconic or from very respected manufacturers) acquired locally in the secondary market. Currently I have Magnepan, Von Schweikert and Focal in my listening room.
Good advice on an important topic. But you didn't touch upon the importance of amplifier/speaker synergy. Many folks, myself included, head towards a particular amplifier (say a low-powered SET amplifier; or very high-powered amp), because they find they like a particular sound such as the sound of class A amps. But that choice in itself limits the type of speakers that will pair well with that kind of amplification. Which makes the work of identifying what speakers to head towards a bit more complicated. But perhaps Steve is suggesting that knowing what kind of speaker sound you're after is the most important thing above all..?
I think he is basically saying to get a feel for the type of speaker sound that you like. They vary so much and certain ones will be best for your room and your particular tastes. After that, pair them with amps that work in synergy with them. The easiest thing is to make sure the sensitivity of the speaker is good. That way, your possible choices for amplification goes way up.
HiFi is an expensive hobby and lifestyle. Buying equipment to find out ones taste is easy, but trying to sell the same later on can be quite a hassle and an expensive $$$ loss. Steve's informative rant caters to the young aspiring audiophile/music lover as time is not kind or running out for older audiophiles to experience the sound differences and to find the one speaker that will end all speaker searches. Buying a speaker is like buying a car - so many companies, designs and models to boggle the mind!
I have been through many speakers. I have a pair of Forte III’s and then I stepped up and purchased a pair of Cornwall IV’s. The Fortes sound like horn driven speakers. The Cornwalls sound like music. I have owned more expensive speakers but, the Cornwall IV’s provide the most pleasurable listening experience I have ever had in my main listening room. Now your comment regarding the effect of different amplifiers and preamplifiers……… The quantum leap in fidelity I experienced when I added my PrimaLuna Dialogue mono-block amplifiers coupled with a PrimaLuna preamplifier was so astounding that, dare I say, I may now own my “forever system”. Keep up the good work Steve. I love your videos!
Steve, I listened to your podcast and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to your next soundbar review! I'm nt in the market for high end speakers at the moment, but you got me thinking about similar ideas for headphone types.
Got my Cornwall iv’s and ELAC unifi reference stand mount. Still waiting for my LRS that I ordered back in September 😵. Then…… probably some Spatial Audio 😬. Really looking hard at Legacy Focus SE too though. Thanks for this video.
Great points and suggestions but really difficult to actually execute. How are going to get a pair of each type of speaker to listen to in your home? Are you going to actually buy a pair of expensive speakers and then evaluate them for 3 months and then return them? Good Luck
It's a journey...not a destination!. I am considering buying a pair of Dahlquist DQ-10's with 2 matching DQ-1 subs and the DQ-LP1 crossover. (I've always wanted some) Thoughts? I'm moving on from my Maggie SMGa's after a couple of years! (loved them too!) Great content as always thank you Steve!
Be aware they like a lot of juice to come alive and are not satisfying at low volume…I’m not into snake oil generally but these were the only time I heard the difference a fuse can make. I had to replace a tweeter fuse with one of a higher value because it was all I had available. As a result I took a chance and by passed the fuse holders. You’ll be glad you got the subs.
The only DQ-10 setup I was ever familiar with used ribbon super tweeters. I have forgotten the brand. (The system belonged to the husband of a friend.) I do remember he used strapped Audio Research D-52 amps to drive them. At one time I seriously considered purchasing the DQ-20’s after hearing them at an audio show. I thought them much superior to the DQ-10’s in every possible way.
Hi Steve like your very informative and helpful video nothing more enjoyable than really good listening especially to good music 🎵 through good speakers
Hi. There are other speakers like the Ohm. The French company Lecontoure, that make very special speakers. But u have to look them up yourself and read some about the system and what it does. ✌️♥️🇩🇰
I love this philosophy and have been curious about your take on speakers with full range drivers like omega as I don’t recall you reviewing many (if we don’t count the Zu’s with their supplemental tweeters or super tweeters). Very excited to watch your upcoming Lii review!
@@firebladeclements thanks for the tip but building a cabinet is not in the cards for me. I wish I had the tools, space, skill and time as I imagine that would be a very rewarding project. I hope you enjoy it!
Why? High quality speakers are not necessarily large and smaller ones do not require a lot of space. Even acoustic treatment is unnecessary if you have book and/or record shelves, curtains and soft furniture. If the issue is that you have to share the living room with the rest of the family, you may be better off putting small monitor speakers in a study/bedroom that you have to yourself. Should be possible in pretty "normal" circumstances.
Make an audition list of 10 or so songs that you love, know well and demonstrate different aspects reproduction. Like imaging, bass, voice clarity etc. etc. But at the end of an audition. You should know whether the speaker made you feel involved in the performance and wanted to keep listening.
I am going to suggest that most music recordings are mixed and mastered via box speakers and so in a fundamental way they are designed for box speakers. Ask your buddy Bob Katz to mix and master something on an open baffle speaker (full range speaker) one day, just for fun, and listen to the result on box and other types of speakers.
I hear ya, Steve. It took me almost a year of auditioning speakers before hearing a pair of Tekton Pendragons at a buddy’s place. I knew they were what I was looking for. I’m now in the process of getting ready to build a pair of high sensitivity DIY speakers with some old Pioneer alnico 8” drivers and a couple of compression horn tweeters for low powered SET amps. It’s a never ending journey, but I love it. Thanks, Steve!
@@scottyo64 Hey, Scotty! Absolutely, I will. The driver and tweeters are in a pair of Pioneer CS-201’s from 1959. I assume it was an earlier stereo pair. Janos at Real World Audio has been an tremendous help to me. I realistically won’t have them finished until it warms up, as I’m in New England, where it’s cold as hell right now. I’m talking this time to get the materials together and ready, but they’ll be high sensitivity 16 ohm speakers, which will be easily driven by a low powered SET amp, most likely 300B’s. Hope you’re well, Scotty! Anything new in the world of HiFi with you?
I like your style. I own a pair of pendragons as well and i power them with either a class a solid state amp or a 300b tube amp. Am saving up for an 845
The first time I heard the Dalquist DQ-10, Acoustat-X, infinity RS1- B, and Maggie 3.6R’s it didn’t take me more than 30 seconds to realize that I wanted to purchase any one of these and I did over the course of the years. That doesn’t mean that I was at audio salon’s every other week listening to all types of speakers but did not bring them home. Prior to that I owned Goodmans and JBL box speakers and I enjoyed thrm until I heard what dipoles and time aligned speakers sounded like.
Hi Steve! Great review as ever! Thanks for this advice for all audiophiles. I agree with you, first of all is learning about the different types of speakers and hearing the difference between them. This is a big part of the audiophile journey and makes this hobby so much interesting. Learning by hearing! Thank you! Stay healthy and enjoy music! 👍😉
I think you've kinda hit on it. Yes, it's about reproducing sound, but unless it's a single mic live recording, what you're really trying to do is create an experience through sound, rather than 'recreate' the recording (especially as modern recordings are patched together with multiple tracks, etc). Each speaker type has a 'personality' which complements a particular recording to a particular degree.
Evo 4.2’s were clunky. 4.3’s are just right…but I’ve been through a dozen pairs of used ones and sale items looking for the right desktop combo. So, I wish I had watched this video two years ago. Darn you! There is a pair of nice Ohm Walsh listed on Craigslist right now for $400…and I’m considering making an offer. Darn you, twice! :). Here’s yer’ upthumb.
Of course to sample these different types of speakers I'd recommend buying used speakers as you develop your taste.
This is, all other considerations aside, clearly excellent advice. Does it not, however, assume significant capital (even for used speakers) to allow one to sample multiple speakers over several years, even if one offsets the value of those one sells at each step against the cost of the 'next set' of used units? On another point, I'd appreciate your views on whether panel (and omnidirectional) speakers create more issues than box speakers with regard to the first reflection point (given that they 'emit sound' to the rear as well as to the front)? Many thanks from Oxford, UK.
@@williamevans9426 Panel speakers generally don't put out much sound to their sides, so they have FEWER not more problems when placed close to side walls than box speakers. True, panels sound best a few feet from the front wall, but VERY few BOX speakers sound their best near the front wall. Let's face it, most rooms are less than ideal for MOST speakers. We choose between imperfect options.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Dear Mr Guttenberg, Many thanks for your extremely quick and very useful reply to my question. I was thinking especially about what I assumed would be 'back firing' of an almost 180-degree out-of-phase signal that approached the magnitude of that emitted from the front of the panel, which I again presumed would cause more interference with the main signal that that enitted from the back/sides of an enclosed speaker. It's good to hear that my concerns were unfounded!
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac But you will have early reflection problems with panels if you put them too close to the wall behind them (people have started calling that the "front wall" now but I have trouble with that). When the reflected sounds are separated in time enough from the direct sounds they don't interfere with the imaging.
I've heard other audiophiles argue against placement too close to the "front wall" even for box speakers. But tastes and rooms vary.
@@cosmicenforcer2534 none I have every pair in use. I would sell than rather than store them. I have systems in every room some 2.
The navigation part of the process is also very satisfying! Thanks, dude!
I've been listening to different speakers for over fifty years. And I've always enjoyed hearing different types. I'm saving up...( disabled retired custom wooden furniture maker ) for the Polk R700 floor standers. Because to my ears they are the best bang for the buck under the DIMINISHING RETURNS threshold slope of discretionary funds that are worth spending my money on.
Because it's definitely a thing Mr. Guttenberg. 😊 Some of my other considerations are the G R Research open baffle, Ohm and the Magnepan. I plan to drive the Polk pair using two Schiit Vidar XLR mono blocks via Schiit Freya+ preamplifier and Yggdrasil DAC and Bluesound streamer.
It's basically top of the affordable line of gear. It's a solid bang-for-the-buck option culled from the mass offering of affordable poverty level income brands available to the world. It will not disappoint and I will eventually integrate a center channel (R400), four bookshelves (R200) and four ceiling atmos speakers (R900HT) from the Polk Reserve line as well. I'm looking at two years to complete the project.
A man with a plan!
Your channel has given me advice that could very well have cured me of the constant hi-fi upgrading and chasing a dragon. I got a pair of zenith speakers for free as a 16 year old with the foster horn tweeters. I have always been amazed at how good they sound and have never had a better sound experience anywhere else than with these old speakers in my bedroom. I am now about to be 24 an have battery powered Bluetooth speakers that of course don’t compare to a full stereo set up. I used to think, gosh, these cheap old speakers sound so good, what can a few grand do? While someday I may investigate to see if I there is truly anywhere to go, your channel has helped me so much to recognize how much I enjoy music on these vintage speakers, and how to relax and appreciate what I have.
That’s great, thanks for watching.
Steve, what I like about this video is that it recognizes that there are different sounds and that it is ok to enjoy one of these sounds more than others. I've owned panel speakers and box speakers and really enjoyed both. I'm about to try open baffle and suspect that I will enjoy them also.
Speakers seem similar to bicycles...over the past 20 years I've ridden mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrid bikes, recumbent bikes and three wheel recumbents...enjoyed them all and on any given day will probably have a different favorite than yesterday.
And I absolutely agree that if you have the time and the patience, its worth trying different speakers in your home...but don't be surprised if five years down the road, you want to try something different.
I just listened to your podcast with Brent Butterworth. It was casual, pleasantly catty (don't lose your note about DSP) and fun. Your podcast is now bookmarked.
Podcasts and online jigsaw puzzles are a perfect match on a cold morning.
amen. after many years and many speakers, i have to agree 100 percent.
Great advice! I “ played the field” for years and years , all the while in the background hearing “ Klipsch suck” then I took a chance with the Heresy IVs and found what I was looking for. I still have my other speakers like Focals and LS/35a’s etc.
I had same impression about horns until I heard the Forte IVs. Went for smaller Heresy IVs. Great companion to my DIY LS35As with its intimate midrange.👍.
Enchanted Steve thank you for the fantastic advice. It definitely makes me realize I need to slow it down open my mind to all the options available. thanks again
I meant to do exactly this after only owning 2 sets of box speakers in 30 years. I watched and read reviews. I read forums. I made a list. I acquired multiple amplifiers so I would have a suitable match for any speaker.
Then I fell in love with the first new speaker I tried. Went up their line instead of moving on like I was supposed to do. Now I’m planning a second system for experimentation. Oh well, we’ll see how that plan goes.
Excellent advice. And coming from a guy who has heard virtually anything worth hearing from the last 40 years or so. What I might add is for potential buyers to never assume that just because audio gear or a speaker is more expensive than another, it does not necessarily mean its always better.
Excellent video Steve, I started with the box speakers and after 40 years have discovered dipole speakers (Pure Audio Project) your recommendation. What a improvement thank you. Planing on checking out the Magna pan speakers in few weeks, then to omnidirectional speakers. Thank you my friend for your wisdom. Thank You.
Thank you, enjoy the journey!
Steve, your experience in this world really does shine through, you are so spot on!
Love this one. I"m an electrostatic fan for sure, but have found something to enjoy in every form of speaker. Like many people, for much of my life I was only familiar with box speakers, and was not quite sure what to make of the first electrostatic speaker I saw (never mind hearing it, its appearance baffled me). Then I heard my first electrostatic speaker (Martin Logan), and I realized I had never experienced such a sound before. The audio world opened up that day.
Still happy with my 60's Isophons!
Every time I make a positive change my speakers sound better. Speaker placement is free, cables and connectors can be improved, adding a DAC, adding a tube pre amp, changing a power cord and going from SS to tube. You might hear a difference for less than the cost of new speakers.
this comment should be pinned up top
I've always been taken by how miniscule the perceived improvements from "upgrades" in cables, pre-amps, and power cords are. Tbh, speakers, listening position, room treatment, EQ, and amps make several orders of magnitude more difference. So much so that upgrades beyond high volume Amazon cables and power connectors scratch more of a placebo itch than anything.
There is no figuring this out. I have Maggie’s, Tektons, jbl horns, and Yamaha studio monitors from the 80’s. All very different . I can not choose which ones I would want to live with forever.even though I could any of them.
Great advice. When I was young and poor, I heard my first Maggies. Many years later, after some very good box speakers, I finally got back into Maggies. I've heard some horn...really dislike them. Stats are too sizzle-y for me. I currently have a pair of Monitor Audios...a pair of GE Triton1s..and a pair of Maggie 1.6s (I've probably had 5 or 6 pairs of Maggies over the years), Recently I was listening on my bedroom system...the MAs...and thought, yah, I could live with this. Then for fun I put the same thing on the Maggie system....and immediately discovered that I could NOT live with just the boxes. The is just no comparison as to what make music sound right!
Thanks Steve.
Thinking about the lifetime required for this method:
I see the value of having a dealer demonstrate the basic difference early on.
I was fortunate enough to hear Magnepans at Harrow Audio in England in the 1980s....Just Magical!
It took 30 years to have a dedicated room to play my LRS & REL subs in.
🎶🤫🎶
Have open baffle (carver amazing silvers) box (ars aures and B & W 803 S), have heard panels speakers, Steve is correct all have a different sound, and yes once I get them I want to keep them and just switch out all the time. Such a fun hobby!
I’ve had many types of speakers over the years. Some earlier ones I won’t mention but my first decent speakers were a pair of Infinity’s with a Walsh tweeter, then a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls followed by Paradigm studio 100s. For the last 20 years I’ve had nothing but Martin Logan’s and I still love my Montis. For the last 3 years I’ve been listening to every speaker I possibly could but nothing impressed me enough to replace my Martin Logans. Then I heard a pair of Dynaudio Contour 60is and those were the ones I had to have. I’ve had them for about 6 months and I still can’t believe how incredible they sound. Very happy.
Excellent advice. Twenty years ago I received a bonus check from work. With half of it I bought a nice bracelet for my wife then, a NAD amplifier and CD player for myself. Of course I was itching to upgrade my speakers too. I spent a couple months trudging around retailers with favorite CDs. I settled on Paradigm monitors. Memorizing the sound of speakers was so exhausting, I vowed never to do it again. Fast forward twenty years and I've been listening to 'E Project' speaker comparisons on YT. I like the sound of Kef LS50 Metas the most but their cost ($1600) is prohibitive. However listening made me realize I prefer a lean bass sound, so I applied 3dB of bass eq to my Paradigms and voila, a whole new sound.
"My mother told me 'You better shop around.'" Your advice is well taken. I use pretty conventional direct radiating box speakers but have toyed with the idea of getting a pair of Ohms or Maggies not to replace but to be in addition to what I already have.
Great advice. I've made it through box and open baffle and love open baffle. I'd like to add really good horns to my knowledge base.
I think a clear advantage to box speakers is their ability to integrate into the room aesthetic. Open baffles and horns tend to dominate the environment. The sheer size of a good horn and the mid room positioning of open baffle are challenging to place in shared spaces.
Yes boxes for cosmetics/ WAF! Panels and open baffles for the sound!
Open baffles can usually be moved fairly easily since they are usually not as heavy box speakers. Store them closer to the wall when not listening critically. That's what I do.
@@markceci9896 Good stuff. The things we do as audiophiles to enjoy our favorite gear.
Great advice Steve. I own a pair of elac navis arb51 after you favorably reviewed them. They are very good. They provide the modern sound. Very clean and very focused. But I can’t help but feel that the sound isn’t very real in that I am not convinced it is a real instrument or a singer playing through the navis. I bought an 8W 300B tube amp class A with single stage gain running in pentode mode and pair it w Lii audio F15 full range driver in an open baffle configuration. For the two systems I use the same music player, same dac, same preamp. And over weeks of listening I prefer the tube amp with the open baffle speaker. Andrew and his wife when reviewing a pair of open baffle speaker ran out of descriptions at times. They keep repeating “it is so different”. Now I can listen to what is so different between the two types of speakers. It is this: the open baffle design gives a more open and spacious soundstage, the timbre is more real so you feel you are listening to real voices and real instruments. The music canvas being painted is more gentle whereas a box speaker design provides a more impactful and focused sound. The way sound comes out from an open baffle is different since it has sound radiating from front and back (but less at the back). The overall feel is that the tube amp w the open baffle is just better to listen to. It is more real, more natural and the sound envelops you. We really need to live w multiple setups at one time to be able to tell our preference over time. I have also played the navis and the F15 together and they work amazingly well together - the best of both worlds. The challenges in phase, timbre matching, frequency response, image size seems to just worked out in my current configuration. But I still prefer the f15 on its own.
Btw, Andrew’s description of how the open baffle speaker sound is very accurate. Just that the repeated comments of “it is so different” may be less helpful to the audience. But we all run out of words at times when faced with something that goes out of our usual experience. It is understandable.
Great video Steve! I love my Duevel speakers, they are a two way omnidirectional speaker with a horn and 12" woofer. I fell in love with them after hearing them the first time, I did hear all types of speakers in my 35 years audiophile life. Cheers!
Great choice, one of my favorite speakers! Big fan of the Bella Luna model.
Playing the first podcast right now. This is great for when I'm working and can't watch video. Thanks Steve!
Thanks, more to come!
I have done exactly as you describe. The only type I haven't tried is open baffle. The problem is that I still have and use all of them. The lady of the house is becoming perturbed.
You gotta give her a massage one night after making her dinner and as you play background music from your glorious amplifier make sure when she says that sounds nice to fight the urge to talk about your gear. [I'm speaking from experience here]
Because of you, I have KEF LS 50W II with a KC 62 sub. Awesome sound. Open clear enormous soundstage, and a fantastic bass, that shake the room when it dig deep. Thanks Steven.
Had a full range mono speaker in my dad's 1967 Chevy pickup truck. Just AM mono radio. Thanks Steve.
Still with my 1978 JBL L65S. And 2001 Klipsch 5.1 theater set-up.
So much this, Steve! There's no substitute for gaining insight through experience. People who just want to be told what to buy aren't audiophiles, they just want to pretend that they are.
This among many, is a very useful video from you. I've heard many more speakers than I've owned, and have found some more appealing than others. My income has never matched the superb speakers that I've heard, but I've found some very satisfying models, usually at great discount.
I agree with you that electrostatic, and perhaps my favorite Magnepans (not electrostatic), provide an earful of luxury. They're too large for my environment, but they're top of the food chain for the majority of my musical tastes.
I recently walked into a local dealership, and was seduced by a pair of speakers which I thought were not as good looking as they sounded. The triangle shape (not Triangle model speakers), was a little off putting to me, but so were some of the larger room filling boxes. Still, their revelatory nature of jazz instruments and placement of voices, were definitely audiophile level.
Your insight is worth far more than a click and a like. Thank you.
Thank you Steve for all the valuable info, very useful. Oh and love the T-shirt!
Thank-you Steve. Such helpful / valuable information.
Speakers and amps have been my try and trade addiction for 26 years, amps a little more than speakers... The things you learn and the journey is nothing short of fun. I always found it amazing where a set of speakers can sound meh with one amp and end game with another and everything in between. Made me realize nothing sounds bad, just different or it doesn't fit your taste or match your other equipment. Always love reading comments from newer audiophiles and they claim a product sounds like ish... No not really it just fit YOU, your neighbor or someone else may find them or it amazing.
I agree, how a speaker will sound with a class D versus traditional A/B or class A is the more important factor. Class D is getting more affordable these days. I wonder whether a single class D would be the better anchor amp to try different speakers.
Nice job and EXCELLENT topic. One thing for individuals considering this endeavor to keep in mind is that certain types of speakers may require an investment in amplification as well. I’m thinking specifically of electrostatics or planar magnetics. If you’re using a lower powered (or even high powered class D) amp, you simply won’t have good results with an electrostatic speaker. Most require a significant amount of power or, more specifically, current to drive them.
Great Perspective. My first audio speaker journey took me to some B&W 600 series bookshelf's with an Atlantic technology sub. Moved up to B&W 600 series towers. Then HSU/SVS subs. Then went into a totally different direction, purchased some .7 Magnepans. Then some Forte's III. I can honestly say...love all of them actually. Once you fully understand and appreciate the intended design/sound of any of these speakers. Match them up with the right amps, dac's, I don't hear weaknesses anymore, my experience has been sonic audio bliss!
I owned half a dozen stat speakers for two decades (Acoustats X, 1+1, 2+2, Martin Logan Monolith 3s, reQuest). Dumped them for Legacy Focus and Signature IIIs. Now replaced with Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 (upgraded). Both the Sig IIIs and VS VR9 have rear tweeters and woofers resulting in a more open sound, not just pushing sound out but also adding ambiance. Never going back to a panel speaker (my wife hated the MLs). Horn speakers-great in big rooms, not so great in small rooms. I like full range ribbon speakers but find a problem with imaging but Alysvox has the dynamics added to great bass. I've heard 1000s of speakers over my life and an amateur musician and recording engineer of orchestra, chamber and choral productions in major L.A. venues. I love acoustic unamplified live sound but listen to all types of music except hip hop and rap.
You have been around! Thank you
I've given this advice countless times, however very few ever take me up on it. I was given this advice many MANY years ago and I took 1.5 years to pull it off (traveling to multiple States just to be able to hear all the different types). I also chose high-end versions of each speaker type despite knowing that I couldn't possibly afford them. Once completed I spent another 1+ years listening to versions for which I could afford in an attempt to find that same sound. I've done this twice over my Lifetime and I am just now doing this for yet a 3rd time (adding in Open Baffle which was missing my first two go-arounds).
Sounds interesting, John! Any conclusions to share, so far?
@@yuriwalter385 Well, it's definitely harder this time around and not just because of Covid-19, but also brick-n-mortar stores appear to be showcasing / demoing less speaker options, and so I'm finding it harder to get auditions. Also my choices include offshore products as well as products from the likes of GR Research and Spatial Audio, which are also causing auditions to be more difficult to acquire. Slowly but surely, but progress is awful slow this time around.
Always great to train up a bit first. Tyll taught me that. Takes a few months or more to really learn what to listen for when inspecting speakers and headphones.
Very helpful. For example, since almost all of the concerts I go to aren't amplified, horn speakers would be least likely of all types to fit my taste.
I disagree 100%. Acoustic music, string quartets, guitar, etc sound real on horns. With presence and correct timbre
I was bit by the Maggie bug 50 years ago. At the time selling Audio including highend including as an AR rep. So exposed to almost everything in sound in the '70's and early '80's. But for numerous reasons was not able to maintain that level of an audio system. Finally got some 1.7i a few years ago again to replace the L82 I had been using as my main system. Bought from an actual HiFi store, I had a chance to listen to some boxes (and a new highend Quad!) before getting in front of the Maggies again! Sorry, just nothing else like it! And I tell the story about how when my oldest son, also an audiophile with a better system than mine at the time, first heard them and in ten seconds said he now knows what is wrong with every other box/ multidriver system.
So yes, listen to different TYPES of speakers!
I am going to the Montreal Audio show this Spring to listen to speakers.
But Steve... The challenge is finding the opportunity to do that kind of listening. The scarcity of high-end audio stores and the lack of audiophile friends conspires against the kind of grazing that you describe.
It is much better to hear them at home, so if you buy used ones you won’t lose that much money each time you tell them. Hearing it a show is better than nothing, but not as good as hearing them in your room! Especially because of the way the speakers put sound into the room. Buy used speakers
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Good advice re: used speakers...also, speaker placement needs eliminate certain types of speakers for many environments, so that somewhat limits the degree of hunting..For example..I'm real curious about Maggie's, but my listening room is just not suitable.
Change is good. Been using soft dome tweeter based speakers for years, swore I'd never buy metal domes. Needed new bookshelves for my pc, decided to take a risk got some totem rainmakers and they sound awesome.
I just bought a set of Nicca OoO's and I'm blown away by them!
I made my speakers with the F15 LII Audio, single fullrange 15 inches, gorgeous !
Iv'e got old fashioned ears. Good to know. I happened to get a set of tower speakers and was happy. Thankgod as shipping today would have killed me. I always wanted to try those klipsch. Rebuilding a set of B and O S75's. All of a sudden, I'm an amatuer tech. So much to learn. Appreciate your channel.
I stand corrected , LII Audio does sell one model Crystal 10 ( now replaced by Silver 10 ) in China. I saw some demo by Decware on them , super efficient 100dB, super fast and heavy. Sells for US1850. Very impressive for the price.
I LOVE the sound of Klipsch Forte and Cornwall speakers. I have known people who have owned both, I personally have never owned a pair. I have never heard Magnepans and would really like to hear some as I haven't made a major speaker purchase in years. I haven't bought any speakers since I bought a pair of Elac B6s for my office.. Which my listening of them started due to your recommendation!
Great advice. Love them all for different reasons.
No Ohms yet...
Absolutely! I agree, you have to Know what there is before you actually know what you like.
I went through the same thing on my walk. It all started with a pair of Hifiman Sundaras for me, and I've been able to try some Azul Prisma IEMs and a pair of Meze 99 Classics. NIGHT AND DAY DIFFERENCE! All three are amazing but the Sundaras are still my favorite. At least now, I know why they're my fav... cause I played the field! +got great headphones I can still enjoy in the process
This is good advice from Steve. There are few people on the planet who have heard more speakers. I'm very happy with my Klipsch powered monitors which are horn driven. Mated to my Emotiva subwoofer, I get excellent performance. But I really like my EMP E55Ti towers with the same sub. Dynamic and effortless...
Klipsch RP-600M as my first speakers, $450. Love them in my 10'x12' room with a Yamaha A-S801. Everything I need...for now.
Famous last words. 😁
Nice T-shirt Steve.
Horns, bass-reflex, transmission line, infinite baffle, acoustic suspension, cones, electrostatic, flexing diaphragm, domes (even trans-line cone midrange in the B.J.Webb DIY project)...I've had (or built with Altec, Philips, Celestion, Electro-Voice, Jensen, or KEF drivers them all), with passive crossovers from Falcon Acoustics mostly. And they all CAN be very satisfying! Have not tried electronic crossovers, though.
Classical music and electrostatic speaker lover here: I totally agree an audiophile should get to know as many different types of speakers as possible. Preferably in our own homes, of course. The thing is, unless you're a reviewer, the only way you get to do that is to buy them. If you buy speakers, keep them for a week then return them too many times, you're going to piss off a lot of dealers. You can also annoy dealers by hanging out in their stores and listening to different speakers, without buying anything. But the best way I've found to hear many different types of speakers--not to mention electronics, digital and analog sources, etc.--is to go to shows. I go to the New York audio shows every chance I get, and have seen Steve there a few times. Maybe this covid thing will end someday and we'll get to do that again.
Sage advice Steve!! You really do wanna feel your space out first prior to making the BIG investment on main speakers. The room factor is such an X-factor it would be foolish to not listen first before buying. Higher priced brands do alot you a month with a product before purchase which is nice for those who can afford it.
Thank you so much for getting my Fear of Missing Out aroused to excessive levels xD ;) Cheers Steve, good advise, I love hearing all kinds of gear.
You're describing how to learn what type of speaker you like without a good local stereo shop. You used to be able cut through a great deal of what you described simply by hanging out in an excellent store. If we weren't busy you could come by and camp out for hours in one of the sound rooms, especially if you brought food, (😁) listening and chatting. We had people return over and over. You could include or eliminate almost any "style" of speaker system by hanging out at our store and one other. We had Dahlquist, Infinity Beta's and eventually Carver Amazing's but never had Martin Logan, Accustat or Maganapan for the airy, open connoisseur😁 Just about every other style was covered.
Over the years I've owned many different types / brands of speakers / drivers ( BR , BLH ) . Once I've heard OB speakers with big drivers there's no going back . The way these things pressurize rooms with superb dynamics ,speed & openness is astonishing . Wall of sound keeps me smiling every time records are playing .
Yep. I agree. I am hooked now myself. So much so, that I am working on making a version or two to sell online.
@@keplermission4947 I agree with your acessment of coloration that can be caused by the horn throat and shape. However, diaphram breakup and nonlinearitues caused by slow settle times are very low actually. THAT is the major benefit of horns. Low excursion of horn loaded drivers has its own real benefits. The "live sound" he describes is primarily due to large wavefronts and presence region being emphasized. I do prefer the open sound of other speakers more than horns.
My Maggie LRS's feel like the band are floating in front of me. My Zu Audio Dirty Weekends make me feeling the band dancing in front of me. BOTH sound great.
Glad I watched this, you probably saved me some money. Think you’re are correct, I will need to test out the different speakers before I commit! Thanks for the tip and advice!
On a budget I'd try to get an NAD receiver or integrated for a few hundred bucks on ebay, stream Tidal or Qobuz from your computer (or if you have to, your phone) or get a cheap NAD CD player too. Now you can tell if you need tone controls for low volume use and try a ton of different speakers, albeit at a slightly reduced volume for inefficient power hogs. A friend that has old equipment laying around, or a vintage piece with a channel out that you can have repaired and try is another route.
Excellent advice Steve - very well put. After 55 years of doing exactly this I found 'my sound' in 2020 with the Spatial open baffle Sapphire M3. Avantgarde next? (in my dreams ;¬) Greetings to you and yours.
Interesting topic Steve. I have demo'd magnepan and the venerable Dahlquist DQ10s and would love to try some of the options you covered here but my wife would have my hide LOL. I think your topic also applies to headphones and so this approach with speakers is a great one to cover today.
I agree with you but not all of us have rooms that support speakers that need a lot of space around them. The space restriction really limits choices. That's one of the reasons I liked audio shows so much. I was able to hear different types of speakers like, for example, those Pure Audio Project speakers you mentioned. Loved them but too much for my room.
Thanks Steve for your refreshing non salesman like approach. I do place weighting on consistently good reviews then I look at suitability of placement (eg. front or rear ports) then I look for the best deal or the best value or quality I can afford and then tweak my electronics and room accordingly to create synergy. Also our hearing has the ability to become accustomed to different sound signatures to a certain degree.
Thanks Steve another great video I've learned something today.
Steve, great advice. Please check the JBLStudio 530 (only $240 on sale). I've compared them the ESL-63. I was shocking how good do they sound. They both were powered by Luxman L-550 AX Integrated Amplifier (20 W, class A) and connected to REL 212/SE Sub-Bass System. Some years ago I was listening expensive (20k) speakers, and I preferred the classic Spendor S100 siting just on the shelf at the audio dealer showroom (also my wife and son like them better). To get the best, a proper amplifier is critical. My Quads has never sounded so good (I've tested them with Adcom GFA-535, B&K ST-202/Pro-10MC, Hegel H80 and another Luxman integrated amp class AB. By the way, I bought ESL for about $1300, used, all other equipment brand new. There are another good sounding speakers from e.g ProAc, Acoustic Energy, Amphion, etc. Good luck!
Great advice. Thank you Steve.
Maybe we could add listen to live as well or if you get a chance live in un amped voices and instruments. These are your ultimate references for realism!
Good advice , don’t forget the room 😁
Steve - You are dead on about your comments about experiencing speakers. I have been able to listen to dozens of speakers (many iconic or from very respected manufacturers) acquired locally in the secondary market. Currently I have Magnepan, Von Schweikert and Focal in my listening room.
Good advice on an important topic. But you didn't touch upon the importance of amplifier/speaker synergy. Many folks, myself included, head towards a particular amplifier (say a low-powered SET amplifier; or very high-powered amp), because they find they like a particular sound such as the sound of class A amps. But that choice in itself limits the type of speakers that will pair well with that kind of amplification. Which makes the work of identifying what speakers to head towards a bit more complicated. But perhaps Steve is suggesting that knowing what kind of speaker sound you're after is the most important thing above all..?
I think he is basically saying to get a feel for the type of speaker sound that you like. They vary so much and certain ones will be best for your room and your particular tastes. After that, pair them with amps that work in synergy with them. The easiest thing is to make sure the sensitivity of the speaker is good. That way, your possible choices for amplification goes way up.
HiFi is an expensive hobby and lifestyle. Buying equipment to find out ones taste is easy, but trying to sell the same later on can be quite a hassle and an expensive $$$ loss. Steve's informative rant caters to the young aspiring audiophile/music lover as time is not kind or running out for older audiophiles to experience the sound differences and to find the one speaker that will end all speaker searches. Buying a speaker is like buying a car - so many companies, designs and models to boggle the mind!
I have been through many speakers. I have a pair of Forte III’s and then I stepped up and purchased a pair of Cornwall IV’s. The Fortes sound like horn driven speakers. The Cornwalls sound like music. I have owned more expensive speakers but, the Cornwall IV’s provide the most pleasurable listening experience I have ever had in my main listening room. Now your comment regarding the effect of different amplifiers and preamplifiers……… The quantum leap in fidelity I experienced when I added my PrimaLuna Dialogue mono-block amplifiers coupled with a PrimaLuna preamplifier was so astounding that, dare I say, I may now own my “forever system”. Keep up the good work Steve. I love your videos!
Yay To podcasts! More Steve is always a good thing.
Funny, that Sennheiser HD414 on your headphone tree, it's definitely the odd one out with its yellow earpads!
I have a magnepan lrs and a audiodata jolie, a half closed broadband, and they have a much woder spundsstage then the lrs, love both though
Steve, I listened to your podcast and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to your next soundbar review! I'm nt in the market for high end speakers at the moment, but you got me thinking about similar ideas for headphone types.
Got my Cornwall iv’s and ELAC unifi reference stand mount. Still waiting for my LRS that I ordered back in September 😵. Then…… probably some Spatial Audio 😬. Really looking hard at Legacy Focus SE too though. Thanks for this video.
Great points and suggestions but really difficult to actually execute. How are going to get a pair of each type of speaker to listen to in your home? Are you going to actually buy a pair of expensive speakers and then evaluate them for 3 months and then return them? Good Luck
It's a journey...not a destination!. I am considering buying a pair of Dahlquist DQ-10's with 2 matching DQ-1 subs and the DQ-LP1 crossover. (I've always wanted some) Thoughts? I'm moving on from my Maggie SMGa's after a couple of years! (loved them too!)
Great content as always thank you Steve!
Be aware they like a lot of juice to come alive and are not satisfying at low volume…I’m not into snake oil generally but these were the only time I heard the difference a fuse can make. I had to replace a tweeter fuse with one of a higher value because it was all I had available. As a result I took a chance and by passed the fuse holders. You’ll be glad you got the subs.
The only DQ-10 setup I was ever familiar with used ribbon super tweeters. I have forgotten the brand. (The system belonged to the husband of a friend.) I do remember he used strapped Audio Research D-52 amps to drive them. At one time I seriously considered purchasing the DQ-20’s after hearing them at an audio show. I thought them much superior to the DQ-10’s in every possible way.
Hi Steve like your very informative and helpful video nothing more enjoyable than really good listening especially to good music 🎵 through good speakers
I fell in love with MBL at an audio show but regrettably my wallet and space can't accommodate them.
Hi. There are other speakers like the Ohm. The French company Lecontoure, that make very special speakers. But u have to look them up yourself and read some about the system and what it does.
✌️♥️🇩🇰
I love this philosophy and have been curious about your take on speakers with full range drivers like omega as I don’t recall you reviewing many (if we don’t count the Zu’s with their supplemental tweeters or super tweeters). Very excited to watch your upcoming Lii review!
Check out Mark audio. Especially if you can build the boxes They even provide box designs. I'll be ordering their top line shortly
@@firebladeclements thanks for the tip but building a cabinet is not in the cards for me. I wish I had the tools, space, skill and time as I imagine that would be a very rewarding project. I hope you enjoy it!
most "normal" people don't have rooms worthy of super expensive speakers.
Why? High quality speakers are not necessarily large and smaller ones do not require a lot of space. Even acoustic treatment is unnecessary if you have book and/or record shelves, curtains and soft furniture. If the issue is that you have to share the living room with the rest of the family, you may be better off putting small monitor speakers in a study/bedroom that you have to yourself. Should be possible in pretty "normal" circumstances.
Make an audition list of 10 or so songs that you love, know well and demonstrate different aspects reproduction. Like imaging, bass, voice clarity etc. etc. But at the end of an audition. You should know whether the speaker made you feel involved in the performance and wanted to keep listening.
I am going to suggest that most music recordings are mixed and mastered via box speakers and so in a fundamental way they are designed for box speakers. Ask your buddy Bob Katz to mix and master something on an open baffle speaker (full range speaker) one day, just for fun, and listen to the result on box and other types of speakers.
I hear ya, Steve. It took me almost a year of auditioning speakers before hearing a pair of Tekton Pendragons at a buddy’s place. I knew they were what I was looking for. I’m now in the process of getting ready to build a pair of high sensitivity DIY speakers with some old Pioneer alnico 8” drivers and a couple of compression horn tweeters for low powered SET amps. It’s a never ending journey, but I love it. Thanks, Steve!
When you get your DIY speakers done shoot me a photo please!
@@scottyo64 Hey, Scotty! Absolutely, I will. The driver and tweeters are in a pair of Pioneer CS-201’s from 1959. I assume it was an earlier stereo pair. Janos at Real World Audio has been an tremendous help to me. I realistically won’t have them finished until it warms up, as I’m in New England, where it’s cold as hell right now. I’m talking this time to get the materials together and ready, but they’ll be high sensitivity 16 ohm speakers, which will be easily driven by a low powered SET amp, most likely 300B’s. Hope you’re well, Scotty! Anything new in the world of HiFi with you?
I like your style. I own a pair of pendragons as well and i power them with either a class a solid state amp or a 300b tube amp. Am saving up for an 845
Hello Steve! I don’t agree: the best part is is your’s and in second the system of the day. 😉
The first time I heard the Dalquist DQ-10, Acoustat-X, infinity RS1- B, and Maggie 3.6R’s it didn’t take me more than 30 seconds to realize that I wanted to purchase any one of these and I did over the course of the years. That doesn’t mean that I was at audio salon’s every other week listening to all types of speakers but did not bring them home. Prior to that I owned Goodmans and JBL box speakers and I enjoyed thrm until I heard what dipoles and time aligned speakers sounded like.
Dipoles with time aligned drivers. Great combo.
Some rooms limit the type of speakers one can try. Particularly electrostatics and other Omni directional speakers need a certain room to sound good.
Hi Steve! Great review as ever! Thanks for this advice for all audiophiles. I agree with you, first of all is learning about the different types of speakers and hearing the difference between them. This is a big part of the audiophile journey and makes this hobby so much interesting. Learning by hearing! Thank you! Stay healthy and enjoy music! 👍😉
I think you've kinda hit on it. Yes, it's about reproducing sound, but unless it's a single mic live recording, what you're really trying to do is create an experience through sound, rather than 'recreate' the recording (especially as modern recordings are patched together with multiple tracks, etc). Each speaker type has a 'personality' which complements a particular recording to a particular degree.
Steve I've been rocking a pair of spatial audios for 5 years but really have a desire for a set of heresy's these days!
Great advice Steve.👍😊
Evo 4.2’s were clunky. 4.3’s are just right…but I’ve been through a dozen pairs of used ones and sale items looking for the right desktop combo.
So, I wish I had watched this video two years ago. Darn you! There is a pair of nice Ohm Walsh listed on Craigslist right now for $400…and I’m considering making an offer. Darn you, twice!
:). Here’s yer’ upthumb.