Thanks for the memories! I've experienced many of these fine older speaker in my 81 years and had the pleasure of owning Carver AL-3's for many years before my hearing loss became significant enough to give them away to my son so he could appreciate them.
Kevin your love of audio shines! I love to watch the videos! You are not afraid to voice your opinion! Audio is so subjective! What one person hates another loves! As a Technition since the 1960’s and now pushing 80 years old my love of audio has never died! So much equipment from the 1970’s was so over engineered it’s no wonder they have stood the test of time ! I do believe older equipment should be serviced and get those 50+ year old capacitors and transistors out of there! The difference after doing this is most times remarkable! Well worth the time and money ! Best to you and your Father! Sam Maze in West Virginia
When I bought a pair of L-100's for my bedroom in 1978,they sounded like crap.I proceeded to rip out the wall to wall carpeting ( new house) and I was in business! After 25 years in storage,they're back in my(retirement) bedroom with my high end Krell system in disrepair .Great video !
I was a stereo tech in the 70's & 80's.. Saw all these speakers. Had most of them. AR made a great speaker I had a pair of Walnuts I loved those. Worked for a Authorized Bose Speaker Service Center. One day a Bose tech came by for a demo with the latest model of the 901. This was 1982 same year CD discs came out and laser discs came out. Hooked an ac cord across the speaker terminals which he had done many times already at other demo's and plugged it in to the wall outlet. We all stood back lol. It made a super loud 60 hz tone all the drivers pushed out as far as they could go and after about 7 seconds unplugged it and let it cool down. Hooked an amp to it and it played perfectly. Impressively tough speaker and we really never ever saw a blown speaker. We did Bar sound installs and I installed lots of 901's with big power amps and they rocked. Never had one fail and they got pounded. Loud as hell and sounded pretty good.
Yes, I agree. We had a disco locally that used 4 x 901's ceiling mounted and pointed at the dance floor, driven by HH V800 amplifiers. It's the only HiFi disco I have ever heard. Man it was loud, and those 901's never had an ounce of distortion.
You forgot one essential accessory for the JBL L100's: a Lava Lamp. In 1968, I took my Allied 935 amp (tubes, 12 wpc rms) to work and drove a pair of AR 3a's with it. In many ways, it was a perfect match with those speakers. Great list, Kevin!
Bought my JBL L-100’s in 1978 ($498.00 ea. in 1978!) and they have endured many moves and amp upgrades… they are still my favorite speakers of all time. The experience is priceless.
I bought the one pair sold as Radio Shack dumped them at their cost, $198 each. The JBL lawyer called the store as I was Wheeling them out!! "Don't you sell those below fair trade!!!" he threatened the Radio Shack employees. ME: BYE, NOW!!
In my younger days there was a group of us that got together and went to each other's homes to listen to music. I had Infinity Column 2s and 150 watt Nikko separates. Another friend had a high wattage Sansui and JBL L100s. Another friend had Large Advent speakers...that I now have in my garage. The best speaker I ever heard were JBL L300s. I have lusted for them since. I also loved the power hungry Ohm Fs. As much as speaker evaluating was fun...the BIG thing for me was the turntable cartridges...an ENTIRELY overlooked segment of audio discern. It was absolutely uncanny how a cartridge would make or break good audio. I settled on a Microacoustics 2002e and spent the ungodly amount of $120 on it in probably 1977. By far the best investment that is almost always overlooked..especially in the now mostly digital age of music. I say...DO A CARTRIDGE REVIEW...and wake people up. If you are listening to vinyl...its more important than ANY other variable...ie amp, speakers, etc.
They are wonderful bookshelf speakers. The cabinets were a woodworker dream...walnut. The iconic foam grilles are still prestigious. I loved them. I would have killed for the L300s...and a place big enough to put them. Lol
My Uncle Steve was in the USAF and was stationed in NH and I went up to visit him. He had 2 Bose 901s driven by a Sansui AU-717 and TU-717. That was my first ever listening to them. It was about 1979 or 80. He had a TEAC reel to reel with some Pink Floyd and he had it cranked in the barracks. I loved it of course. I have that Sansui duo in my system now and they are driving a pair of Tekton Lore speakers and it sounds like heaven. Thanks Uncle Steve! He still has the 901s.
As a young service man stationed in Germany, 72-74, I went on trip to buy a nice pair speakers. Listened to the JBL 100, Bose901, AR 3a, and the winner was Altec Segovia. Fortunately a couple friends came, because when boxed they were huge and heavy to move them on a train.
Came in from WV for business and just had to stop by the store to check it out. You got great folks there. Des Moines is lucky to have a store like yours!
Thanks for mentioning the Dahlquist DQ-10! I fell in love with these back in the 80s and always wanted a pair (but couldn’t afford them). Earlier this year I came across a nearly pristine pair and grabbed them - they sound fantastic! I was told I’d need a lot of power - I tried my Yamaha CR-600 but I could tell it just wasn’t enough, so I got a new Yamaha with 100Wpc.
The mid 70s AR-10pi and AR11 were much improved versions of the 3A, reducing coloration and increasing detail significantly while also vastly improving cosmetics. Yet they don't seem to figure on people's radar and never seem to get mentioned.
My Brother had a pair of Optimus 3 from Radio Shack. They sounded great playing DSOM or Moody Blues DOFP. I used to watch the woofers move when the music played. I could 'see' the bass. Thanks for the show. Realistic Amps from the 70's are under appreciated and good value.
A friend of mine had some Radio Shack Mach II speakers, and they were big. They had a 15" woofer, a 16" horn midrange, and a bullet tweeter. These speakers were great, but had some bugs because they weren't truly high-end quality.
I bought my 4 JBL 100s new back in the mid 70s and never looked back! You are right about the fact that they love power and I’ve always run them through my KR9600 with the V15 typeIII and they are “fun”!! Perfect party speaker.
My father-in-law was lucky enough to pick up 4 second hand at his local hifi shop back in the day. He sold one pair and eventually lent the other pair to my sister-in-law. He just got them back last week and is enjoying them loud again!
My dad built a 8’ wide stereo console with Altec speakers in the cabinets, a Fisher receiver and Dual turntable. Watching these videos brings back so many great memories of listening to that system for hours. Love the vibe of the channel… keep’em coming!
I picked up an ADS L400 complete with the original stand for $5 for the pair. I combined it with a Klipsch subwoofer. It's hard to believe how good they are.
I just got a pair of ADS 710s for $225 from a retiring doctor. Love them! I have a pair of ADS L10s that I bought a couple years ago and run those as speaker B with a subwoofer. Running them A+B through my Pioneer SX-650 sounds great! Selling re-foamed Cerwin Vega At-60s and Boston Acoustics A70s.
I own a pair own Braun L810 with the Stands, bought them off a guy for 180 bucks, it came with a Braun CEV 510 and two Braun LTV. I refinished the 810 cabinets and recapped the Crossover and recapped the Receiver. Works flawlessly
I had 901's in my bedroom in my late teens. I hung the 901's from the ceiling hooked to SX1250 a foot or two from the wall behind them. They would start swinging when the volume was up. The ports acted like little jets.
I have a pair Just learning how to make them really Amaze. Not for everyone. No one does better what they attempt to do. I have five other sets But only the 901s have a true mystique
And at that time, the Maxell Ad I saw just once and never saw again is a guy getting home from work, looking tired/sad, and parking on a dark and scary urban street, walking into a dilapidated apt. building, up the dark stairs and unlocking the multiple locks walking into this dark and dank apt and cracking into a giant grin as he gazes upon his 20K audio system and inserting that Maxell cassette. Great ad.
I've had my ADS L570/2s since the mid 80s in college. I've never grown tired of them. You've put the L810s on my radar once we relocate for my upcoming retirement, and I hopefully end up with a suitable man cave. 😉
Oh, the memories you stirred up with these speakers and powering units. My first power was the Sansui back in the '70's along with most of the speakers with exception to the Magnapan's and Dalquists (sp). Then, I got spoiled! My entry into esoterica started with a pair of Rogers LS35A's and sub-woofer. Powered by Optonica until I sprung for NAIM Audio. New Mark Levinson's needed a freakn' mortgage so that didn't happen, Today, it's Crimson Electronics, Naim Intros, Dennon Sub, Planar and Linn Tables. Nice video. Yeah, those 901's ......
Don't want to pull you into a debate, but do you believe RSL, esp their 3300 and 3600 speakers were a copy of the L100? JBL took Fred to court over their designs.
An Audiophile friend of mine brought his father's Thorens TD-124 turntable and AR-3a Loudspeakers back to the 'States from Hong Kong. As a serious High-End enthusiast, he claims you haven't properly experienced AR-3a's until you drive them with 400 watts and real current. They now reside in his home gym, fully refurbished with a Krell FPB-400cx - the wife's favorite system in their home 🙂
My AR-3a speakers sound terrific powered by an Adcom GFA-545. I have tried other amps (including the GFA-585 that powers my AR9 speakers) but never a Krell... nice!
My first "real" pair of speakers was the AR-3a, picked up from a shop in Milwaukee much like yours... woulda been around 1984. $75 IIRC... Around the same time I found a Stereo 70 and PAS-2 at of all places a Salvation Army thrift store in excellent condition for the low low price of $15 for the pair. Fun days... I really wish I'd held onto those pieces especially, of all the gear that has come and gone. Thanks again and regards.
A truly balanced list. Excellent installment, as usual. I sold JBL L-100s. They were my "go-to" speaker when someone came in that wanted really good and balanced sound, and had the money to afford them. Still one of my favorites, and definitely on my Buy-List before I die. For a larger room, even deeper pocketed individual, I had to look to the L-200s -- bring your truck.
BIG A/D/S fan here! Still listening to my L1230’s, 44 years after I purchased them! 😊👍 Grew up listening to my Dad’s JBL Libra speakers driven by Dynaco 70 amp and CB preamp. Still have his Magnecord 1024 reel to reel.
Great Rundown Sir!! Put Magnepan(preferably a true ribbon) speakers with a GAS Great American Sound high current amplifier(s) you will find musical perfection! Thank you for including Magnepan on this video!
Kudos to your recommendation ! I have a pair of MG-1 (aka SMG) with a GAS Grandson from my days in college working at a local audio shop. The imaging once set up is amazing although they'll never be blamed for future hearing loss due to excessive volumes!
I have a pair of ADS L810's that i have had for 40 years w/ 2 ADS bookshelves' that used to be in the back window of my old Camero back in the 70's. They still sound awesome and yes, I have replaced the tweeter fuses many times...thank God for the fuses. Great video, will play for my wife who hates them. :)
As someone that lived through the era when all of these where new...I have zero complaints with your list other than your glaring omission...Altec. The Altec Model 17 or 18 that used the 604 coax and the Altec Model 19, which embodied the components of the A7 commercial speaker but in a bass-reflex cabinet for home use. The Model 17 and 18 was, essentially, the reference monitor used on a LOT of records in the era of the Altec 604 driver (until the UREI supplanted it). If you want to hear what your favorite vintage records sounded like in the studio, the Model 17 is the closest to what you will get. The Model 19, conversely, if want that live sound, given how much Altec A7s were used as PA speakers in the 60s and early 70s, it is THE speaker that will give you that sound. Try something like Little Feat's "Waiting for Columbus" on a Model 19. It will take you right back to that time and place. I, totally, get not liking the "horn" sound and both of the Altecs above do use compression HF drivers with some form of horn (70s Model 18 would have the 604-8K so a constant-dispersion "Mantaray" horn, Model 17s would have a 6-cell multicell, the Model 19 used the Altec secortial horn). If you haven't heard them yourself, they are worth seeking out and giving a listen. I'd put the Model 18 (aka 604K) up against a lot of speakers. The coax driver is very tough to beat and remains sought after and is also still in production (for a very pretty penny)!
I agree with you regarding the Altecs. I worked in studios back in the day and everything was recorded and mixed on a 15 and a horn of some sort. Altec, JBL and Tannoy Ardens were the standard. I use an Altec 515-8LF with an Altec 511B horn and an Altec 802-8G tangerine compression driver. Studio sound in my living room, although I admit the cabinets are rather large at around 14 Cu Ft each.
Yeah. I'm also going by what were contemporaries to what I saw in HiFi stores of the day when his 9 were also there. I saw Altec Model 19s, for sure. Having worked with Altec Voice of the Theatre speakers for over 40 years now, I was familiar with their line up too. Personally, I always loved the 604/620 and own a pair with the 604-8G though I prefer the 604-8K. I must admit, however, I didn't see Model 17s or Model 18s (or Stonehenge family) in the stores as much as I saw them in various catalogs. But the Model 19, that was definitely present.
I have had my Bose 901 series 2 or 3 I believe since 1976 and they are hanging from my ceiling at this moment and I listen to them every day!! When I splurge to listen to a live phish or goose show they are awesome!! It's like your at the show, just like being at Winterland for a Grateful Dead show!
I bought my 901's in 1982 when I was stationed in Turkey. When I got stationed in Upstate New York I was only 75 miles from home. I spent weekends at home; a 140-acre farm. I used to put them in opposite windows of my bedroom and blast the music. It could be heard from anywhere on the farm and beyond. I had neighbors who complained about the music. They're still going strong 42 years later.
I bought a set of 901s when I was stationed in Germany in 1985. Mine are hanging from my livingroom ceiling playing music at this very moment. When I got them they were powered by 150 watt per channel Pioneer A-80 Integrated Amp.
Back in 1978 I bought my 1st high end setup ( in my income bracket ) . I auditioned the DQ10s against some Maggie’s, I chose the DQ10s ( very close ) with the Citation 16 , also bought a Apt Holman preamp and a nice Kenwood turntable, Ortofon mc20 cartridge with a step up converter and a Tandberg cassette deck. I later added an Advert surround 500 converter ( early entry into surround sound) the name might be wrong? Then paired it with a Citation 19 amp and the large Advent speakers for surround. If not over done it sounded like a small supper club to a large arena. I was in heaven. Just 24 yrs old , those were the days!
Oh man. I've passed on baby Advents at least twice at the thrift shops. All of them needed refoaming though. Always loved the real wood accents. I've heard many say that the tweeter in them isn't all that great. Still a legend no matter what people think of them.
Your description of the Klipsch speakers was spot on. Back in 1980 I had KLH speakers. I was not a Klipsch fan then. I would sometimes fill in as the disc jockey in a nightclub in Charleston. They had Klipsch speakers for the dance floor. That is when I found out that I absolutely did appreciate and like the Klipsch speakers. I also found out with my own experimentation that I did not like the Klipsch speakers much with my solid state amps. With el 34 tube amps they sing and they are fun. If I'm at home by myself wanting to listen to music critically, I use my Tannoy speakers. When I just want to have a group of friends over and have a nice loud party. I use my Klipsch Heresy IV,s. Probably one of the reasons is no matter where you are in the room they sound fun. Another reason why I like the Heresey's is because I probably had some high frequency hearing loss while working around jets in the Air Force. This was a very nice review that you did. Sometimes speakers just don't pair up very well with certain amplifiers. Currently I have my Klipsch Heresy IV's paired with a Black Ice Audio F-35 Integrated amp running el 34 tubes. And yes I love the sound.
Ah, you got to my ADS speakers at the end. I bought them in the late 70s and still use them as my front left and right in my home theater system. They stood out in the audio store when I demo'd and bought them, and I've had no reason to replace them. The cones and surrounds have survived perfectly for all these years and the sound is very balanced as you said.
The JBL L-100 is very close to the Pioneer HPM 100 in design and sound. I have 4 sets of the Pioneer HPM 100's powered by Pioneer SX-1250's. Needless to say I am a stone cold freak for my Pioneer HPM-100's. The JBL L-100 is not BOOMY which some people love. If you want a BOOMY Frat house speaker the Pioneer HPM 100 is it. My Pioneer HPM 100's can also sound restrained and delicate on my Marantz 2330B. I'd love to try out some MAGNEPAN Magneplanar MGMC1 2-Way/Quasi Ribbon Speakers. That sound from mid-air experience fascinates me no end. I would have included Pioneer HPM 100's but with the JBL L100's you kind of already did. As always Great Video Kevin. Hug your Dad for us, And God Bless!
You are spot on. When I worked at Franklin Music in Atlanta, I had two favorite speakers, and sold a bunch of both. If you had the money, I pushed for the JBLs, but if you wanted the almost same sound for less money, then the HPM-100s were the solid ticket. Would love to have a pair of each ! As you mentioned, they truly did sound akin to each other, and there was a reason for that. One of the engineers that worked on the L-100 team, defected to Pioneer, and helped design the HPM-100.
@@primeanalogrecords I actually have 4 pair. One pair are clear Lucite transparent Pioneer HPM 100's that were working display models used in high volume seller show rooms. I just loved the sound and hooked them to all my systems. I have a pair of Dunlavy SC IV's too. Love em!
@@ripjones5294 So true and I knew about the defecting engineer being the reason for the similarity. Sometimes I don't share everything I know to hide the level of nerd \ geek blood coursing through my veins. Thanks for sharing. I love hearing about people who worked in the industry. At that time I was a scrawny college student with a KMart Silver Marshall. I upgraded to a Sanyo 2033 with cheap speakers and felt myself living the high life!
The L-100 Century was also very close sound-wise to the Rogers Sound Labs 3300 Studio Monitor (black / walnut) that originally retailed in 1977 for $140 each. The RSL placement of the midrange and tweeter was slightly better, as heard through a Marantz pre-amp / Mac 225 tube finals. I highly recommend the 3300 as a sleeper bargain.
I have 2 in a Row the JBLs and the New KLH 5s Running through a Pioneer SX1280 and Advance Paris A12, The Whole Video was Great Memories too, owned almost all of them Starting back in the late 70s "GOOD TIMES"
Thanks for the memories! I am thrilled you mentioned Audio Labs in Des Moines. Used to live in Ottumwa, Iowa and acted like some rich kid, going there many times and listening to Harold Beveridge speakers, until the sales man got tired of my antics. These speakers were considered the ultimate back then, expensive, and so rare to fiind. If I remember, there were no stereo stores in Chicago selling them. I had the JBL 100's, then Infinity RS 2.5. Then got married, and bye bye to the loud music.
I agree with your choices, and I've heard all your suggestions. I would only own the Magnepans or the ADS now. Maybe my ears are bent but I really think any Polk from around that time at or above the Monitor 7 should be considered a necessity too. Nice to hear you mention Audio Labs. I'm sure they were absolutely sick of seeing me walk in the door. Great video as usual!
@@j.patrickmoore9137 I bought a pair of SDA SRS 1.2 speakers about 10 years ago for $500. I wish I could turn them up all the way and listen to them for a while in a really, really big room.. I can't imagine that they'd ever distort.
I was introduced to a pair of Magnepans for the first time a couple years ago when I responded to a listing for a pair of vintage Universal - Medallion XIIs - beautiful looking speakers - which by appearances I'm optimistic will someday be a beautiful sounding speaker too. Someday! They are not fully operational - the internals need to be looked at - a project for another time. Anyway, the point was experiencing the Magnepans for the first time. I didnt know anything about them prior. And not much additional afterward - but Im curious. They are incredible and mysterious. I loved your comment about paying the factory a visit, and bringing all of us along for the ride. Your videos are very well done, entertaining and educational. I know you would come out of there with a great story that is sure to entertain and educate. Keep up the good work! Love Love Your Stuff! Cheers Scott
My friend worked at Maxell when that add came out, she had that poster on the wall in her living room and it was so cool, I was jealous. 😊 I loved my Bose, "Power towers," They'd take 250 watts and had overload indicating lights that glowed yellow/orange when you started maxing them out. Klipch Corner horns rounded out the package, driven by either my Sanusi amp, Marantz turntable and/or a Pioneer 1250 receiver. 😊 (I loved my Pioneer setup and the old Sansui stuff is great, still have my promo-hanger on the wall... "Sansui We're first the second you hear us." 😀
Great review had not thought about some of those models in a while. In early 1980"s I built some prototype boxes for Klipsch, and prototypes for Becker Electronics in the Hudson Valley of New York. I had a pair of Klipsch in the woodshop shop and was such a great sound. My VW mechanic had very large Klipsch in his shop, I used to stop by just to hear the music, something about hearing the great music in the shop environment. I had a pair of Realistic MC-1000 in my VW bug, they fit in the back compartment and when we got some where to hang out, we would pull them out and have them just sitting on the ground for great sound wherever we were. Miss my Harman Karman tubed amp, great power and sound.
I have heard the 'honkin horns' comments about klipsch speakers before, but in my opinion, they _are_ designed for large spaces, and when used as such (I would go with a mcintosh tube amp myself) they perform admirably
I had a pair of the Larger Advent speakers back in the day. I still miss them! I know of a pair sitting in a dusty storage area rotting away, but the guy won't let me get my mitts on them grrrrrr. I want them for a second vintage system in my home office that I'm planning. Though, honestly, I'd LOVE to find a pair of those JBLs!
Came across your channel by accident but I’m a subscriber now. I worked at a audio store in the 80s and have heard all the speakers you presented. Your comments and amp pairings were spot on! I own a pair of Magneplanar MG IIIa speakers and have them paired with a JBL B380 sub and bi amped with Adcom GFA555’s. Great sound.
Kevin, I think the Dahlquist DQ 10 is one of the best speakers of all time. Not really a rock and roll speaker, but for other types of music , it will leave you captivated.
I remember them well. They were beyond my price range back then but have always considered them among the top five I have ever heard. (The big 3 panel folding "room divider" Magnapans also being in that group as well as a pair of B&Ws from England & a very small pair from Rodgers of England, smaller than the baby Advents, made for studio use & a pair of Cantons from Germany that a friend had.) No particular ranking order for these. Not even as to which was #1. All pretty much equally impressive such that 35-45 yrs later I still remember them. The choice would probably come down to your listening environment & music preferences....
@@DejaView Rogers LS-10 I think you are thinking of. VERY highly rated "studio monitor" speakers in the 1980s. They were on my "consider buying" list before I got my Magnapans.
Apparently your idea of rock & roll isn't the same as most. When I was 18 I'd take my Christopher Cross album over to a friend/co-workers house and we'd crank up "Ride Like the Wind" and got blown away every single time.
@@Cartier_specialist I don't think I ever heard DQ-10s playing anything but jazz or heavy jazz-influenced stuff like "Crime of the Century" on a Mobile Fidelity pressing. I'm sure they're capable of playing other material, just haven't witnessed it. For most rock, their definition and "space" would be a total waste.
In 1974 I worked for Altec Speakers in OKC , punching out 1/4" steel parts used for magnet assys. It paid pretty good. The sound proof room with insulation on the walls & ceiling was cool. Great video !
When I sold audio at Sam Goodys in Livingston Mall IN NJ in the late 70's my favorites were what my fellow salesman ran in his bedroom in his parent's place AR 9's. Man, giant, cool with those side firing woofers especially in that tiny room (like a Porsche in a parking lot)
One of my son's has a pair of 9's based on my recommendation. I repped them when they were introduced. Interesting to see how it's tall slender design is how all the most expensive stuff is made these days! It was the start.
Loved that store in the Livingston Mall. I grew up in Chatham. I remember walking by one day and all the 8-tracks were on clearance and in racks in front of the store being cleared out. Who would have thought? 😁 I do remember them having some gear in the back. It was the only place I ever saw Teac cassette decks being sold. My dad bought me a Fisher component system from Hane’s of all places just across the mall. I have the original receipt. $720 for the system. Outrageous!
A pair of Teledyne AR9 speakers powered by an Adcom GFA-585 amplifier anchor my home theater and sound absolutely awesome (no subwoofer needed!), but I can't imagine them (or the AR90) in a small room (pressure management challenges)...
@@bjmsamrlm My son with the AR9s complained when he first got them based on my recommendation that they did not have the low end I claimed. But he had them in a small room and kept explaining that that room literally was not big enough for the low end he wanted. His house now has a nice large living room with cathedral ceilings, ... and he's more than happy!
@@glenncurry3041 I bet! Mine originally were owned by someone who threw tons of money at other components (but not at room treatment, natch) trying to get them to sound good in his small room before giving up. Indeed, they sounded terrible when I auditioned them there, but when I brought them home and set them up in my much larger room, they certainly lived up to their reputation! Perhaps some assume that the biggest, most expensive model in a lineup must sound best in any room rather than choosing the most appropriate model (I have a pair of AR94 powered by a GFA-535 in a guest bedroom that sound terrific, and I've heard the AR91 powered by a GFA-555 in a larger room that also sound terrific, but none of those three models would sound as good in the other rooms).
THANKYOU for shouting out some Advents. I have wildly varying feelings on some speakers you mentioned, including loving the look/and just hating the sound of the L100… on the flip side, just about all the 80s Advents however- they are lovely, present, non fatiguing and forgiving speakers. Some of my all time favorites and so good for the price. I’ve even given sets as gifts to new hobbyists to stoke their interest in hifi!
Polk Audio’s flagship SDA SRS is a must hear speaker. I bought mine in 1986 and they are still the heart of my stereo/home theater system. Good luck finding any tower speakers today that can come anywhere close to the bass output of those SRSs (10 HZ). The overwhelming majority of floorstanding speakers today require a subwoofer in order to hear the lowest notes of a 5-string base or an 88-key piano.
I don't know anything about the Polk Speakers you mention, however, I replaced my 1978, 30 year old 10"inch Bass Advent Loudspeakers in 2008, with the Polk Momo Speakers. They do a nice job. Not quite the thump of the Advent but they can certainly take a punch of volume through my Advent Amp and still sound great with a level amount of bass not overpowering the high end. I think the guy in this video should've covered the Advent Loudspeaker and not the Baby Advent.
@@stanley2004 honestly, I don't know that much about Polk speakers. But I'm pretty satisfied with them. Somehow I said "Advent" Amp, when I meant to say I'm powering the speakers through my Phase Linear 400 Series Two Amplifier. It was around two in the morning when I was commenting to you. 😄 Rock on!
Great speakers! I can remember 'lusting' for them, but my budget only allowed for a pair of Polk Monitor 10 speakers, which I still have in perfect condition, and they still sound great! One of my friends did have the budget though, so I convinced him to buy a pair of SDA SRS speakers, and we had immense joy listening to our favorite music for hours on end! He fed them with a McIntosh tubed amp (dual monoblocks) next to each speaker on floor stands! Those were the days!
Amazing! After reading the title I thought, O.K. let me see if I've listened to ANY of your 9. Boy, was I surprised! I've heard and listened to 7 out of 9 and owned 4. What a list, even had 3 of the amps you listed, not paired with what you had them paired with but still. Great list of speakers!
I picked up a pair of ADS L470 bookshelf based on your past videos that I run with a 70 s Sherwood and Pioneer receiver. Cannot thank you enough for the Advice!!
I was stationed on Okinawa, Japan in the mid 70's. One of our NCOs worked the Bose Demo Room down the highway and invited me to enjoy the set-up. Picture paying the electric bill for: 2 901s on each front channel, one on each rear channel, 2 Bose 800 power amps fed by the 4401 preamp. The source was a Marantz turntable. We could hold a normal conversation while this ode to the electric company vibrated my chest with Classical music.
The Magnepans... I may be wrong, but it seems older (pre-2000) units begin to make buzzing sounds as they break down from age. It's not like a regular speaker that can be easily repaired by popping in a replacement driver. Rebuilding Magnepan is a labor and time intensive job. Just a heads up. I'd love to own Magnepans, but I'd source a newer set if it were me. They sound awesome! Thanks for the video Kevin!
It was the glue they used on the older Maggies that was the problem. They use a different glue now. I have a pair of MG12 from 2001 and the bottom wires became detached from the mylar. It was an easy fix, but removing the sock was a pain (staples on the bottom and wood side trim to be removed). You can purchase the LRS for $995. My current Maggies are the 1.7i powered by the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra with two SVS Micro 3000 subs. Another speaker that I started my audiophile journey with was the Polk 10s 😎
@@tonyvaldiconza3914 Right on. You did your own repair and that's greatness! I've seen folks that had to do a total reglue and after watching that I decided not for me unless fairly new. I got to pick and choose my battles. They sure have a nice sound.
I bought Polk A4's in 1983 and compared them to baby advents in the good old sound rooms , I bought the A4's, a much better speaker. I even played wedding receptions with a sub. I updated the tweeters and still enjoy them to this day. My first good job was selling Parallax speakers and Pioneer SX receivers, the only job I truly enjoyed. Love the JBL's, but not for $5000 a pair, is insane. Thank you, I love your channel and reliving my glory days, thank you sir, peace
The thing that irks me about the reissued JBL 100's is the price asked (like you mentioned) for a Chinese product. I can't think of anything that's made in China that I've looked at and had the word "quality" run through my mind.
My Dad had the JBL paragon when I was about 10. Loved sitting right in the middle of it and ummmmm, maybe excessive volume?! He drove it with the big McIntosh tube amp.
I heard the Magnepan for the first time on a TH-cam channel on a comparison vs a pair of Lintonsi think. I was sold on them and will buy them after I move
I got some Bose 301 Series II's a few weeks ago and I really like them in a small room hooked up to my NAD integrated amp. I never would have considered them without seeing them on this channel. Great video and love the matching with the amps.
I am glad you do not mention allison acoustics best speakers i have ever heard ! so the rare species does not go extinct ! there are fewer survivors and the unique convex mids and tweeters are not available so the few remaining survivors are dying cannot be fixed like the WW1 vetrans there are none left and in our lifetime there will be no mas WW2 survivors same for allison speakers !
I recently inherited my dad's Rectilinear III Highboys. He bought them new in 1968 when I was 14, and they are still completely original and sound great. My ex has my AR-3a setup.
Good morning Kevin, I have noticed of the videos I have seen you dont mention Polk audio at all. Have you heard a set of monitor 7s with the peerless tweeters? I think you would like them. Also what is the difference between the AR 3a and the 2 ax? Thanks and love the channel
I'd be interested in knowing the differences also. I own the AR 2ax but never heard the AR 3a. Love mu Polk Monitor 10's too. Can't afford super expensive stuff, but enjoy rebuilding and listening to reasonably priced vintage stuff.
I bought a pair of Polk Audo RTA 12's in 79 or 80. Peerless Tweeter, 2 - 6" woofer with passive radiator. Amazing sound. Replaced the JBL L 100s. Paid $700 for the pair( plus $75 for walnut veneer. Still have them! Were stored for 20 years...
I’ve had a pair of Celestion Ditton 551 for ages. I put in a pair of Morel 448 tweeters, built new grilles and refinished the cabinets. They look and sound very nice. Last week I took delivery of a new pair of Q Acoustics Concept 50. Not an inexpensive outlay here in Australia. Guess what? One showed up with a driver not working. Guess all that $ going to distribution, merchandising and retail didn’t cover even the most basic QC. My 45 year old Celestions can be counted on. Thank goodness.
You brought tears to my eyes! Back in the seventy's I was stationed outside Tokyo Japan. They would have blocks and blocks of any kind of stereo equipment. Difficult times but was able to make the best of it.
The 901 gets a lot of harsh comments regarding their sound quality. Recently I was a dinner party. The host had a pair. They were not on the usual stands, they were on concrete slabs and angled slightly upwards. The room was a long rectangular shape and they were in the corners. They were being powered by a Perreaux amp and preamp and a Rega turntable. They sounded fantastic.
I have cats. I love the metal grills on the ADS speakers. My SVS subwoofer has a metal grill. A lot of owners don't like the metal grill. They must not have cats 😂. I'm thinking about checking the ADS for that reason 😂.
Hey, great video . I've had some of those. My first set of speakers were AVID 103's driven by my Dynaco 80 integrated amp. ( Had Phillips (Holland) drivers.) After listening to those for a while I decided to build a set of dream speakers. Based on several designs including features from Bose, Advent & ADS products. The ones I designed and built in 1978 are tuned, ported and have a passive 45 degree wall reflected tweeters. They have Phillips (Holland) drivers and crossovers. Each have 1-10" woofer, 1- 4.5" sealed midrange and 1 - 1" soft dome tweeter. I use a Fisher 500c tube receiver to drive them at 8 ohms. The cabinets are made from 7 ply marine grade plywood with burnt orange Formica laminate and black fabric grills.
Magnapan was one of my dream speakers. My MG-2 were absolutely huge !! 6ft tall. Wife hated them mostly due to size, as she agreed the sound was fantastic. Powered mine with a yamaha B2
Good ears. A bunch of the recording engineers using or hanging around The Mastering Lab during the direct-to-disk days including myself nabbed 810s (and some remnants of their predecessor German Brauns) when they came out and we tested them. All music with the least audible crossovers and independent drivers I could want. I put three across the front of my theater at home with Anthem and Bryston driving them. So rich. I have 710s in my living room with another vinyl system. I've used them to set up my music editing and mixing suites for feature films. Mixed a Leo Kottke album back in the day recorded by a guy who used them as his primary studio monitors and his work was pristine. Pleasure is definitely the right word for with these. So satisfying.
I worked for an a/d/s dealer in the late 80's. They were great. One of the best car stereos I ever heard was a Nakamichi head with a/d/s amps and speakers. Forget what car, but man, did it sound good.
Still have a pair of L100 I bought, I guess, 'in 75. $333.00 each. Veneer is so thick I've been able to refinish (sand and oil) them twice over the years. Still look almost new. Original foam grille deteriorated, but you can source aftermarket replacements. JBL drivers last probably forever. Back in the day, most either went with the AR3a 'East Coast' type of sound, or the L100 'West Coast' variant. Just the way it was back then. When hi-fi was fun. LOL
The first "high end" system I ever heard featured two AR3a speakers driven by a pair of McIntosh MC60 monoblocks. A friend had a pair of Magnepans driven by a Dynaco Stereo 400. I'm an old guy now and have settled on horns with tube electronics. Interesting video with interesting choices.
I purchased a pair of MC30 mono blocks and EV Stereon 850 speakers in 1984, later replaced with Heresy IIIs. Love that combination to this day (MC30s still going strong)…what a beautifully sweet, warm sound. Turn the lights down drop in a Miles Davis or Sarah Vaughn CD, add a super dry martini….so sublime and engaging.
What kind of a list of "must hear" vintage speakers without British designs mentioned even once? KEF, Rogers, Spendor, Monitor Audio, Tannoy, Harbeth, Linn, Radford, IMF, B&W, Meridian, Tangent, Quad, etc... made some of the finest speakers in the world at that time. Iconic, timeless designs that blew away most American products and you act like they never existed.
A friend of mine had a brother-in-law that was in the air force, stationed in England, and he had this catalog full of brands I've never heard of, but they all seemed extremely expensive and high-end. It just goes to show how there are great people and products all over that we haven't yet been introduced to. I'd bet those are some of the brands you mentioned.
Did you not hear him in the beginning saying that this video was for his viewers in America since that's where most of his subs are from. And it's a list that most Americans will be able to find and listen to. Don't get all butthurt because there are no British speakers in this list smh
@@Vgp-rp4iu Actually tens of thousands of British speakers were sold in the US and Canada in the mid/late 70s. Far from obscure they were reviewed and talked about plenty and had well known reputations and followings in the US audio community. And they sold very well in many cases outselling those sold in England. The LS3/5A for instance sold far more in the US than England. He did manage to include ADS which was a German design so kudos for that.
Great video that brought back many memories. My first audiophile speakers were a pair of Quad 63 driven by Audio Research tube gear. To this day I remember the magic when I first heard them.
I know you’ve always had trouble with the Klipsch Herasys and your explanation of what they sound like is somewhat pretty good! But I think what you really need to hear is a pair of Cornwall’s! They are the best of all worlds with a big footprint, but that shrill part that you find troubling isn’t like that with these cabinets! I’d love to hear what you think when you hear some Cornwall’s or if you have!
The Advent that really amazes me (and everyone who comes over and listens to ‘em) is The Smaller Advent. Amazing sound out of that little box! I love my AR3a’s, I drive them with my Pioneer SX-950. Love my KLH Model Fives too, they are speaker B on my Adcom GFA-555 Pro system (AR TSW-610’s are speaker A). Great video!
I sold many of the speakers and components you present when I worked in a mom and pop stereo shop during the 80s. I love what you do and never thought that the equipment I sold would become collector items. 8:539:11
Thanks for the memories! I've experienced many of these fine older speaker in my 81 years and had the pleasure of owning Carver AL-3's for many years before my hearing loss became significant enough to give them away to my son so he could appreciate them.
Kevin your love of audio shines! I love to watch the videos! You are not afraid to voice your opinion! Audio is so subjective! What one person hates another loves!
As a Technition since the 1960’s and now pushing 80 years old my love of audio has never died! So much equipment from the 1970’s was so over engineered it’s no wonder they have stood the test of time ! I do believe older equipment should be serviced and get those 50+ year old capacitors and transistors out of there! The difference after doing this is most times remarkable! Well worth the time and money ! Best to you and your Father! Sam Maze in West Virginia
When I bought a pair of L-100's for my bedroom in 1978,they sounded like crap.I proceeded to rip out the wall to wall carpeting ( new house) and I was in business! After 25 years in storage,they're back in my(retirement) bedroom with my high end Krell system in disrepair .Great video !
I was a stereo tech in the 70's & 80's.. Saw all these speakers. Had most of them. AR made a great speaker I had a pair of Walnuts I loved those. Worked for a Authorized Bose Speaker Service Center. One day a Bose tech came by for a demo with the latest model of the 901. This was 1982 same year CD discs came out and laser discs came out. Hooked an ac cord across the speaker terminals which he had done many times already at other demo's and plugged it in to the wall outlet. We all stood back lol. It made a super loud 60 hz tone all the drivers pushed out as far as they could go and after about 7 seconds unplugged it and let it cool down. Hooked an amp to it and it played perfectly. Impressively tough speaker and we really never ever saw a blown speaker. We did Bar sound installs and I installed lots of 901's with big power amps and they rocked. Never had one fail and they got pounded. Loud as hell and sounded pretty good.
Yes, I agree. We had a disco locally that used 4 x 901's ceiling mounted and pointed at the dance floor, driven by HH V800 amplifiers. It's the only HiFi disco I have ever heard. Man it was loud, and those 901's never had an ounce of distortion.
Fond memories of my college days and hanging out in Hi-Fi shops. Thanks!
This guy is PERFECT.... his commentary is what brings me to this place....
You forgot one essential accessory for the JBL L100's: a Lava Lamp. In 1968, I took my Allied 935 amp (tubes, 12 wpc rms) to work and drove a pair of AR 3a's with it. In many ways, it was a perfect match with those speakers. Great list, Kevin!
Beat me to the post! I have 2 pairs of L100's bought in the 70's. Properly accessorized with Lava Lamps.
Bought my JBL L-100’s in 1978 ($498.00 ea. in 1978!) and they have endured many moves and amp upgrades… they are still my favorite speakers of all time. The experience is priceless.
I bought the one pair sold as Radio Shack dumped them at their cost, $198 each. The JBL lawyer called the store as I was Wheeling them out!! "Don't you sell those below fair trade!!!" he threatened the Radio Shack employees. ME: BYE, NOW!!
In my younger days there was a group of us that got together and went to each other's homes to listen to music. I had Infinity Column 2s and 150 watt Nikko separates. Another friend had a high wattage Sansui and JBL L100s. Another friend had Large Advent speakers...that I now have in my garage. The best speaker I ever heard were JBL L300s. I have lusted for them since. I also loved the power hungry Ohm Fs. As much as speaker evaluating was fun...the BIG thing for me was the turntable cartridges...an ENTIRELY overlooked segment of audio discern. It was absolutely uncanny how a cartridge would make or break good audio. I settled on a Microacoustics 2002e and spent the ungodly amount of $120 on it in probably 1977. By far the best investment that is almost always overlooked..especially in the now mostly digital age of music. I say...DO A CARTRIDGE REVIEW...and wake people up. If you are listening to vinyl...its more important than ANY other variable...ie amp, speakers, etc.
They are wonderful bookshelf speakers. The cabinets were a woodworker dream...walnut. The iconic foam grilles are still prestigious. I loved them. I would have killed for the L300s...and a place big enough to put them. Lol
My parents had a pair. I used to take them to outdoor bonfire parties and power them off a high powered car stereo. They really rocked the outdoors!
I got mine in 1976- I was in a band with a bass player that worked at Sam Goody. He gave me a price of $333 each.
My Uncle Steve was in the USAF and was stationed in NH and I went up to visit him. He had 2 Bose 901s driven by a Sansui AU-717 and TU-717. That was my first ever listening to them. It was about 1979 or 80. He had a TEAC reel to reel with some Pink Floyd and he had it cranked in the barracks. I loved it of course. I have that Sansui duo in my system now and they are driving a pair of Tekton Lore speakers and it sounds like heaven. Thanks Uncle Steve!
He still has the 901s.
Pease Airbase, so glad they are gone and not wasting our money, threatening the peace and annoying our ears anymore
As a young service man stationed in Germany, 72-74, I went on trip to buy a nice pair speakers. Listened to the JBL 100, Bose901, AR 3a, and the winner was Altec Segovia.
Fortunately a couple friends came, because when boxed they were huge and heavy to move them on a train.
Happy Veterans Day. I was in Germany (Berlin) in the same time frame. Where were you at
Came in from WV for business and just had to stop by the store to check it out. You got great folks there. Des Moines is lucky to have a store like yours!
Thanks for mentioning the Dahlquist DQ-10! I fell in love with these back in the 80s and always wanted a pair (but couldn’t afford them). Earlier this year I came across a nearly pristine pair and grabbed them - they sound fantastic! I was told I’d need a lot of power - I tried my Yamaha CR-600 but I could tell it just wasn’t enough, so I got a new Yamaha with 100Wpc.
I have 2 pairs of 10's and two of the DQ subs too. Look for either a Hafler DH500 or Adcom 555
AR3-a : "Every one of them looks like a prototype". I laughed out loud because it's so true. What an amazing sounding speaker! Love this channel.
The mid 70s AR-10pi and AR11 were much improved versions of the 3A, reducing coloration and increasing detail significantly while also vastly improving cosmetics. Yet they don't seem to figure on people's radar and never seem to get mentioned.
My Brother had a pair of Optimus 3 from Radio Shack. They sounded great playing DSOM or Moody Blues DOFP. I used to watch the woofers move when the music played. I could 'see' the bass. Thanks for the show. Realistic Amps from the 70's are under appreciated and good value.
A friend of mine had some Radio Shack Mach II speakers, and they were big.
They had a 15" woofer, a 16" horn midrange, and a bullet tweeter.
These speakers were great, but had some bugs because they weren't truly high-end quality.
I bought my 4 JBL 100s new back in the mid 70s and never looked back! You are right about the fact that they love power and I’ve always run them through my KR9600 with the V15 typeIII and they are “fun”!! Perfect party speaker.
My father-in-law was lucky enough to pick up 4 second hand at his local hifi shop back in the day. He sold one pair and eventually lent the other pair to my sister-in-law. He just got them back last week and is enjoying them loud again!
My dad built a 8’ wide stereo console with Altec speakers in the cabinets, a Fisher receiver and Dual turntable. Watching these videos brings back so many great memories of listening to that system for hours. Love the vibe of the channel… keep’em coming!
I picked up an ADS L400 complete with the original stand for $5 for the pair. I combined it with a Klipsch subwoofer. It's hard to believe how good they are.
I just got a pair of ADS 710s for $225 from a retiring doctor. Love them! I have a pair of ADS L10s that I bought a couple years ago and run those as speaker B with a subwoofer. Running them A+B through my Pioneer SX-650 sounds great! Selling re-foamed Cerwin Vega At-60s and Boston Acoustics A70s.
I have cervin Vegas ..had them over 20. Years I think ..awesome speakers ...
I own a pair own Braun L810 with the Stands, bought them off a guy for 180 bucks, it came with a Braun CEV 510 and two Braun LTV.
I refinished the 810 cabinets and recapped the Crossover and recapped the Receiver. Works flawlessly
I had 901's in my bedroom in my late teens. I hung the 901's from the ceiling hooked to SX1250 a foot or two from the wall behind them. They would start swinging when the volume was up. The ports acted like little jets.
I have a pair
Just learning how to make them really
Amaze. Not for everyone. No one does better what they attempt to do.
I have five other sets
But only the 901s have a true mystique
I still have my 901's that I bought in 1985 hanging in my living room.
@@fredflintstone505 I still have mine from 1978 including tulip stands. Unfortunately they need new surrounds.
@
I still have the stands in storage
And at that time, the Maxell Ad I saw just once and never saw again is a guy getting home from work, looking tired/sad, and parking on a dark and scary
urban street, walking into a dilapidated apt. building, up the dark stairs and unlocking the multiple locks walking into this dark and dank apt and cracking into a giant grin as he gazes upon his 20K audio system and inserting that Maxell cassette. Great ad.
how'd you come up with 20K? L100s were $666 pair.
@@Prefabfan-q2q 👹
Your videos are just pure entertainment. The information is just a plus. I can see the time you put in and it's appreciated.
Had a pair of Maggies that I lost in a house fire. Simply the cleanest speakers I have ever owned. Really need to get another pair.
I've had my ADS L570/2s since the mid 80s in college. I've never grown tired of them. You've put the L810s on my radar once we relocate for my upcoming retirement, and I hopefully end up with a suitable man cave. 😉
Just stumbled on this channel. I still have my l100’s . Got them as a kid and my parents were sorry they did. I think my tinnitus started with these.
Oh, the memories you stirred up with these speakers and powering units. My first power was the Sansui back in the '70's along with most of the speakers with exception to the Magnapan's and Dalquists (sp). Then, I got spoiled! My entry into esoterica started with a pair of Rogers LS35A's and sub-woofer. Powered by Optonica until I sprung for NAIM Audio. New Mark Levinson's needed a freakn' mortgage so that didn't happen, Today, it's Crimson Electronics, Naim Intros, Dennon Sub, Planar and Linn Tables. Nice video. Yeah, those 901's ......
Another super fun one, thanks Kevin! And shout out to the editor, they've really been stepping up their game these past couple months!
My Father was at JBL. He designed the Aquarius speakers.
I enjoy the Aquarious. Tell your dad thanks for me! I also have a set of JBL L7's for my main system.
Did you grow up with audio equipment galore?
Don't want to pull you into a debate, but do you believe RSL, esp their 3300 and 3600 speakers were a copy of the L100? JBL took Fred to court over their designs.
I almost got 2 pairs of those for my quadraphonic but I went with infinity RSII instead
@@kevinfestner6126 They probably were, but man, those 3600s smoked the JBLs.
An Audiophile friend of mine brought his father's Thorens TD-124 turntable and AR-3a Loudspeakers back to the 'States from Hong Kong. As a serious High-End enthusiast, he claims you haven't properly experienced AR-3a's until you drive them with 400 watts and real current. They now reside in his home gym, fully refurbished with a Krell FPB-400cx - the wife's favorite system in their home 🙂
My AR-3a speakers sound terrific powered by an Adcom GFA-545. I have tried other amps (including the GFA-585 that powers my AR9 speakers) but never a Krell... nice!
My first "real" pair of speakers was the AR-3a, picked up from a shop in Milwaukee much like yours... woulda been around 1984. $75 IIRC... Around the same time I found a Stereo 70 and PAS-2 at of all places a Salvation Army thrift store in excellent condition for the low low price of $15 for the pair. Fun days... I really wish I'd held onto those pieces especially, of all the gear that has come and gone.
Thanks again and regards.
A truly balanced list. Excellent installment, as usual. I sold JBL L-100s. They were my "go-to" speaker when someone came in that wanted really good and balanced sound, and had the money to afford them. Still one of my favorites, and definitely on my Buy-List before I die. For a larger room, even deeper pocketed individual, I had to look to the L-200s -- bring your truck.
BIG A/D/S fan here! Still listening to my L1230’s, 44 years after I purchased them! 😊👍
Grew up listening to my Dad’s JBL Libra speakers driven by Dynaco 70 amp and CB preamp. Still have his Magnecord 1024 reel to reel.
Great Rundown Sir!! Put Magnepan(preferably a true ribbon) speakers with a GAS Great American Sound high current amplifier(s) you will find musical perfection! Thank you for including Magnepan on this video!
paired mine with B&K power amp. ❤
Kudos to your recommendation ! I have a pair of MG-1 (aka SMG) with a GAS Grandson from my days in college working at a local audio shop. The imaging once set up is amazing although they'll never be blamed for future hearing loss due to excessive volumes!
I have a pair of ADS L810's that i have had for 40 years w/ 2 ADS bookshelves' that used to be in the back window of my old Camero back in the 70's. They still sound awesome and yes, I have replaced the tweeter fuses many times...thank God for the fuses. Great video, will play for my wife who hates them. :)
As someone that lived through the era when all of these where new...I have zero complaints with your list other than your glaring omission...Altec. The Altec Model 17 or 18 that used the 604 coax and the Altec Model 19, which embodied the components of the A7 commercial speaker but in a bass-reflex cabinet for home use.
The Model 17 and 18 was, essentially, the reference monitor used on a LOT of records in the era of the Altec 604 driver (until the UREI supplanted it). If you want to hear what your favorite vintage records sounded like in the studio, the Model 17 is the closest to what you will get.
The Model 19, conversely, if want that live sound, given how much Altec A7s were used as PA speakers in the 60s and early 70s, it is THE speaker that will give you that sound. Try something like Little Feat's "Waiting for Columbus" on a Model 19. It will take you right back to that time and place.
I, totally, get not liking the "horn" sound and both of the Altecs above do use compression HF drivers with some form of horn (70s Model 18 would have the 604-8K so a constant-dispersion "Mantaray" horn, Model 17s would have a 6-cell multicell, the Model 19 used the Altec secortial horn).
If you haven't heard them yourself, they are worth seeking out and giving a listen. I'd put the Model 18 (aka 604K) up against a lot of speakers. The coax driver is very tough to beat and remains sought after and is also still in production (for a very pretty penny)!
I agree with you regarding the Altecs. I worked in studios back in the day and everything was recorded and mixed on a 15 and a horn of some sort. Altec, JBL and Tannoy Ardens were the standard. I use an Altec 515-8LF with an Altec 511B horn and an Altec 802-8G tangerine compression driver. Studio sound in my living room, although I admit the cabinets are rather large at around 14 Cu Ft each.
Yeah. I'm also going by what were contemporaries to what I saw in HiFi stores of the day when his 9 were also there. I saw Altec Model 19s, for sure. Having worked with Altec Voice of the Theatre speakers for over 40 years now, I was familiar with their line up too. Personally, I always loved the 604/620 and own a pair with the 604-8G though I prefer the 604-8K. I must admit, however, I didn't see Model 17s or Model 18s (or Stonehenge family) in the stores as much as I saw them in various catalogs. But the Model 19, that was definitely present.
I have had my Bose 901 series 2 or 3 I believe since 1976 and they are hanging from my ceiling at this moment and I listen to them every day!! When I splurge to listen to a live phish or goose show they are awesome!! It's like your at the show, just like being at Winterland for a Grateful Dead show!
I bought my 901's in 1982 when I was stationed in Turkey. When I got stationed in Upstate New York I was only 75 miles from home. I spent weekends at home; a 140-acre farm. I used to put them in opposite windows of my bedroom and blast the music. It could be heard from anywhere on the farm and beyond. I had neighbors who complained about the music. They're still going strong 42 years later.
I bought a set of 901s when I was stationed in Germany in 1985. Mine are hanging from my livingroom ceiling playing music at this very moment. When I got them they were powered by 150 watt per channel Pioneer A-80 Integrated Amp.
Cigars: I wouldn't want anyone as inconsiderate as you for a neighbor. Good God, grow up man!
Back in 1978 I bought my 1st high end setup ( in my income bracket ) . I auditioned the DQ10s against some Maggie’s, I chose the DQ10s ( very close ) with the Citation 16 , also bought a Apt Holman preamp and a nice Kenwood turntable, Ortofon mc20 cartridge with a step up converter and a Tandberg cassette deck. I later added an Advert surround 500 converter ( early entry into surround sound) the name might be wrong? Then paired it with a Citation 19 amp and the large Advent speakers for surround. If not over done it sounded like a small supper club to a large arena. I was in heaven. Just 24 yrs old , those were the days!
Oh man. I've passed on baby Advents at least twice at the thrift shops. All of them needed refoaming though. Always loved the real wood accents. I've heard many say that the tweeter in them isn't all that great. Still a legend no matter what people think of them.
Your description of the Klipsch speakers was spot on. Back in 1980 I had KLH speakers. I was not a Klipsch fan then. I would sometimes fill in as the disc jockey in a nightclub in Charleston. They had Klipsch speakers for the dance floor. That is when I found out that I absolutely did appreciate and like the Klipsch speakers. I also found out with my own experimentation that I did not like the Klipsch speakers much with my solid state amps. With el 34
tube amps they sing and they are fun. If
I'm at home by myself wanting to listen to music critically, I use my Tannoy speakers. When I
just want to have a group of friends over and have a nice loud party. I use my Klipsch Heresy IV,s. Probably one of the reasons is no matter where you are in the room they sound fun. Another reason why I like the Heresey's is because I probably had some high frequency hearing loss while working around jets in the Air Force. This was a very nice review that you did. Sometimes speakers just don't pair up very well with certain amplifiers. Currently I have my Klipsch Heresy IV's paired with a Black Ice Audio F-35 Integrated amp running el 34 tubes. And yes I love the sound.
AR 3a and similar speakers of that era, the manufacturers never intended the grills be removed, focusing on the sound and outward appearance.
Ah, you got to my ADS speakers at the end. I bought them in the late 70s and still use them as my front left and right in my home theater system. They stood out in the audio store when I demo'd and bought them, and I've had no reason to replace them. The cones and surrounds have survived perfectly for all these years and the sound is very balanced as you said.
The JBL L-100 is very close to the Pioneer HPM 100 in design and sound. I have 4 sets of the Pioneer HPM 100's powered by Pioneer SX-1250's. Needless to say I am a stone cold freak for my Pioneer HPM-100's. The JBL L-100 is not BOOMY which some people love. If you want a BOOMY Frat house speaker the Pioneer HPM 100 is it. My Pioneer HPM 100's can also sound restrained and delicate on my Marantz 2330B. I'd love to try out some MAGNEPAN Magneplanar MGMC1 2-Way/Quasi Ribbon Speakers. That sound from mid-air experience fascinates me no end. I would have included Pioneer HPM 100's but with the JBL L100's you kind of already did. As always Great Video Kevin. Hug your Dad for us, And God Bless!
@@AUTISTICLYCAN lucky you on the HPM 100! To find a clean pair is rare! Do you have two pair is unreal
You are spot on. When I worked at Franklin Music in Atlanta, I had two favorite speakers, and sold a bunch of both. If you had the money, I pushed for the JBLs, but if you wanted the almost same sound for less money, then the HPM-100s were the solid ticket. Would love to have a pair of each ! As you mentioned, they truly did sound akin to each other, and there was a reason for that. One of the engineers that worked on the L-100 team, defected to Pioneer, and helped design the HPM-100.
@@primeanalogrecords I actually have 4 pair. One pair are clear Lucite transparent Pioneer HPM 100's that were working display models used in high volume seller show rooms. I just loved the sound and hooked them to all my systems. I have a pair of Dunlavy SC IV's too. Love em!
@@ripjones5294 So true and I knew about the defecting engineer being the reason for the similarity. Sometimes I don't share everything I know to hide the level of nerd \ geek blood coursing through my veins. Thanks for sharing. I love hearing about people who worked in the industry. At that time I was a scrawny college student with a KMart Silver Marshall. I upgraded to a Sanyo 2033 with cheap speakers and felt myself living the high life!
The L-100 Century was also very close sound-wise to the Rogers Sound Labs 3300 Studio Monitor (black / walnut) that originally retailed in 1977 for $140 each. The RSL placement of the midrange and tweeter was slightly better, as heard through a Marantz pre-amp / Mac 225 tube finals. I highly recommend the 3300 as a sleeper bargain.
Super fun video. I recently came upon some Wharfedale Dovedale 3 and paired them with a Kenwood KA-6000. I couldn’t be happier.
I have 2 in a Row the JBLs and the New KLH 5s Running through a Pioneer SX1280 and Advance Paris A12, The Whole Video was Great Memories too, owned almost all of them Starting back in the late 70s "GOOD TIMES"
Yeah, you've got some heavy hitters there! I'd be happy with any of those pieces.
Thanks for the memories! I am thrilled you mentioned Audio Labs in Des Moines. Used to live in Ottumwa, Iowa and acted like some rich kid, going there many times and listening to Harold Beveridge speakers, until the sales man got tired of my antics. These speakers were considered the ultimate back then, expensive, and so rare to fiind. If I remember, there were no stereo stores in Chicago selling them. I had the JBL 100's, then Infinity RS 2.5. Then got married, and bye bye to the loud music.
I agree with your choices, and I've heard all your suggestions. I would only own the Magnepans or the ADS now. Maybe my ears are bent but I really think any Polk from around that time at or above the Monitor 7 should be considered a necessity too. Nice to hear you mention Audio Labs. I'm sure they were absolutely sick of seeing me walk in the door. Great video as usual!
Magnepan for the win!
@@NextLevelCarCareUS They are still amazing speakers and new Magnepans are an excellent value.. if you've got the space.
Everyone should have a chance to hear a pair of Polk SDA speakers at some point in their life.
@@j.patrickmoore9137 I bought a pair of SDA SRS 1.2 speakers about 10 years ago for $500. I wish I could turn them up all the way and listen to them for a while in a really, really big room.. I can't imagine that they'd ever distort.
I was introduced to a pair of Magnepans for the first time a couple years ago when I responded to a listing for a pair of vintage Universal - Medallion XIIs - beautiful looking speakers - which by appearances I'm optimistic will someday be a beautiful sounding speaker too. Someday! They are not fully operational - the internals need to be looked at - a project for another time. Anyway, the point was experiencing the Magnepans for the first time. I didnt know anything about them prior. And not much additional afterward - but Im curious. They are incredible and mysterious. I loved your comment about paying the factory a visit, and bringing all of us along for the ride. Your videos are very well done, entertaining and educational. I know you would come out of there with a great story that is sure to entertain and educate.
Keep up the good work! Love Love Your Stuff!
Cheers
Scott
Great content, Kevin! Keep it coming!!
My friend worked at Maxell when that add came out, she had that poster on the wall in her living room and it was so cool, I was jealous. 😊
I loved my Bose, "Power towers," They'd take 250 watts and had overload indicating lights that glowed yellow/orange when you started maxing them out. Klipch Corner horns rounded out the package, driven by either my Sanusi amp, Marantz turntable and/or a Pioneer 1250 receiver. 😊 (I loved my Pioneer setup and the old Sansui stuff is great, still have my promo-hanger on the wall... "Sansui
We're first the second
you hear us." 😀
The Sansui AU8080 was a kick ass little amp back in the 70's. My best friend had his stolen. The culprit ended up being his own brother.
Surprised to not have Polk SDA's on the list. The C1's are incredible.
Great review had not thought about some of those models in a while. In early 1980"s I built some prototype boxes for Klipsch, and prototypes for Becker Electronics in the Hudson Valley of New York. I had a pair of Klipsch in the woodshop shop and was such a great sound. My VW mechanic had very large Klipsch in his shop, I used to stop by just to hear the music, something about hearing the great music in the shop environment. I had a pair of Realistic MC-1000 in my VW bug, they fit in the back compartment and when we got some where to hang out, we would pull them out and have them just sitting on the ground for great sound wherever we were. Miss my Harman Karman tubed amp, great power and sound.
I have heard the 'honkin horns' comments about klipsch speakers before, but in my opinion, they _are_ designed for large spaces, and when used as such (I would go with a mcintosh tube amp myself) they perform admirably
I had a pair of the Larger Advent speakers back in the day. I still miss them! I know of a pair sitting in a dusty storage area rotting away, but the guy won't let me get my mitts on them grrrrrr. I want them for a second vintage system in my home office that I'm planning. Though, honestly, I'd LOVE to find a pair of those JBLs!
Came across your channel by accident but I’m a subscriber now. I worked at a audio store in the 80s and have heard all the speakers you presented. Your comments and amp pairings were spot on! I own a pair of Magneplanar MG IIIa speakers and have them paired with a JBL B380 sub and bi amped with Adcom GFA555’s. Great sound.
Kevin, I think the Dahlquist DQ 10 is one of the best speakers of all time. Not really a rock and roll speaker, but for other types of music , it will leave you captivated.
I remember them well. They were beyond my price range back then but have always considered them among the top five I have ever heard. (The big 3 panel folding "room divider" Magnapans also being in that group as well as a pair of B&Ws from England & a very small pair from Rodgers of England, smaller than the baby Advents, made for studio use & a pair of Cantons from Germany that a friend had.)
No particular ranking order for these. Not even as to which was #1. All pretty much equally impressive such that 35-45 yrs later I still remember them. The choice would probably come down to your listening environment & music preferences....
For classical music and opera are excellent, I did a crossover upgrade on a pair
@@DejaView Rogers LS-10 I think you are thinking of.
VERY highly rated "studio monitor" speakers in the 1980s.
They were on my "consider buying" list before I got my Magnapans.
Apparently your idea of rock & roll isn't the same as most. When I was 18 I'd take my Christopher Cross album over to a friend/co-workers house and we'd crank up "Ride Like the Wind" and got blown away every single time.
@@Cartier_specialist I don't think I ever heard DQ-10s playing anything but jazz or heavy jazz-influenced stuff like "Crime of the Century" on a Mobile Fidelity pressing.
I'm sure they're capable of playing other material, just haven't witnessed it.
For most rock, their definition and "space" would be a total waste.
In 1974 I worked for Altec Speakers in OKC , punching out 1/4" steel parts used for magnet assys. It paid pretty good. The sound proof room with insulation on the walls & ceiling was cool. Great video !
When I sold audio at Sam Goodys in Livingston Mall IN NJ in the late 70's my favorites were what my fellow salesman ran in his bedroom in his parent's place AR 9's. Man, giant, cool with those side firing woofers especially in that tiny room (like a Porsche in a parking lot)
One of my son's has a pair of 9's based on my recommendation. I repped them when they were introduced. Interesting to see how it's tall slender design is how all the most expensive stuff is made these days! It was the start.
Loved that store in the Livingston Mall. I grew up in Chatham. I remember walking by one day and all the 8-tracks were on clearance and in racks in front of the store being cleared out. Who would have thought? 😁
I do remember them having some gear in the back. It was the only place I ever saw Teac cassette decks being sold. My dad bought me a Fisher component system from Hane’s of all places just across the mall. I have the original receipt. $720 for the system. Outrageous!
A pair of Teledyne AR9 speakers powered by an Adcom GFA-585 amplifier anchor my home theater and sound absolutely awesome (no subwoofer needed!), but I can't imagine them (or the AR90) in a small room (pressure management challenges)...
@@bjmsamrlm My son with the AR9s complained when he first got them based on my recommendation that they did not have the low end I claimed. But he had them in a small room and kept explaining that that room literally was not big enough for the low end he wanted. His house now has a nice large living room with cathedral ceilings, ... and he's more than happy!
@@glenncurry3041 I bet! Mine originally were owned by someone who threw tons of money at other components (but not at room treatment, natch) trying to get them to sound good in his small room before giving up. Indeed, they sounded terrible when I auditioned them there, but when I brought them home and set them up in my much larger room, they certainly lived up to their reputation! Perhaps some assume that the biggest, most expensive model in a lineup must sound best in any room rather than choosing the most appropriate model (I have a pair of AR94 powered by a GFA-535 in a guest bedroom that sound terrific, and I've heard the AR91 powered by a GFA-555 in a larger room that also sound terrific, but none of those three models would sound as good in the other rooms).
THANKYOU for shouting out some Advents. I have wildly varying feelings on some speakers you mentioned, including loving the look/and just hating the sound of the L100… on the flip side, just about all the 80s Advents however- they are lovely, present, non fatiguing and forgiving speakers. Some of my all time favorites and so good for the price. I’ve even given sets as gifts to new hobbyists to stoke their interest in hifi!
Really fun one today. Enjoyed every minute ‼️
My first system in 1968 was a Dyna SCA 35, AR 4x speakers, and an AR turntable. Pure perfection in my small bedroom.
Polk Audio’s flagship SDA SRS is a must hear speaker. I bought mine in 1986 and they are still the heart of my stereo/home theater system. Good luck finding any tower speakers today that can come anywhere close to the bass output of those SRSs (10 HZ). The overwhelming majority of floorstanding speakers today require a subwoofer in order to hear the lowest notes of a 5-string base or an 88-key piano.
I don't know anything about the Polk Speakers you mention, however, I replaced my 1978, 30 year old 10"inch Bass Advent Loudspeakers in 2008, with the Polk Momo Speakers. They do a nice job. Not quite the thump of the Advent but they can certainly take a punch of volume through my Advent Amp and still sound great with a level amount of bass not overpowering the high end. I think the guy in this video should've covered the Advent Loudspeaker and not the Baby Advent.
Those Polks are monsters. A dream of mine.
@@stanley2004 honestly, I don't know that much about Polk speakers. But I'm pretty satisfied with them. Somehow I said "Advent" Amp, when I meant to say I'm powering the speakers through my Phase Linear 400 Series Two Amplifier. It was around two in the morning when I was commenting to you. 😄 Rock on!
Great speakers! I can remember 'lusting' for them, but my budget only allowed for a pair of Polk Monitor 10 speakers, which I still have in perfect condition, and they still sound great! One of my friends did have the budget though, so I convinced him to buy a pair of SDA SRS speakers, and we had immense joy listening to our favorite music for hours on end! He fed them with a McIntosh tubed amp (dual monoblocks) next to each speaker on floor stands! Those were the days!
Amazing! After reading the title I thought, O.K. let me see if I've listened to ANY of your 9. Boy, was I surprised! I've heard and listened to 7 out of 9 and owned 4. What a list, even had 3 of the amps you listed, not paired with what you had them paired with but still. Great list of speakers!
Actually have a pair of DQ-10s hooked up to my Yamaha CR-3020!
I picked up a pair of ADS L470 bookshelf based on your past videos that I run with a 70 s Sherwood and Pioneer receiver. Cannot thank you enough for the
Advice!!
You need to have the ohm Walsh 2 speakers on this list.
My brother has a set of those, great sounding
Fantastic video! Very much a walk down memory lane. Great advice. Thx Bro.
I still have my Maggies and NAD 3020 I bought in 1982
I was stationed on Okinawa, Japan in the mid 70's. One of our NCOs worked the Bose Demo Room down the highway and invited me to enjoy the set-up. Picture paying the electric bill for: 2 901s on each front channel, one on each rear channel, 2 Bose 800 power amps fed by the 4401 preamp. The source was a Marantz turntable. We could hold a normal conversation while this ode to the electric company vibrated my chest with Classical music.
The Magnepans... I may be wrong, but it seems older (pre-2000) units begin to make buzzing sounds as they break down from age. It's not like a regular speaker that can be easily repaired by popping in a replacement driver. Rebuilding Magnepan is a labor and time intensive job. Just a heads up. I'd love to own Magnepans, but I'd source a newer set if it were me. They sound awesome! Thanks for the video Kevin!
It was the glue they used on the older Maggies that was the problem. They use a different glue now. I have a pair of MG12 from 2001 and the bottom wires became detached from the mylar. It was an easy fix, but removing the sock was a pain (staples on the bottom and wood side trim to be removed). You can purchase the LRS for $995. My current Maggies are the 1.7i powered by the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra with two SVS Micro 3000 subs. Another speaker that I started my audiophile journey with was the Polk 10s 😎
@@tonyvaldiconza3914 Right on. You did your own repair and that's greatness! I've seen folks that had to do a total reglue and after watching that I decided not for me unless fairly new. I got to pick and choose my battles. They sure have a nice sound.
@@tonyvaldiconza3914 I have repaired Magnepans in the past. The glue caused the wire to corrode.
Great video! I own four speaker’s on the list so I feel you’re preaching to the choir.
Back in the early 80’s had 901’s paired with my Sansui 881 window breaker
I bought Polk A4's in 1983 and compared them to baby advents in the good old sound rooms , I bought the A4's, a much better speaker. I even played wedding receptions with a sub. I updated the tweeters and still enjoy them to this day. My first good job was selling Parallax speakers and Pioneer SX receivers, the only job I truly enjoyed. Love the JBL's, but not for $5000 a pair, is insane. Thank you, I love your channel and reliving my glory days, thank you sir, peace
The thing that irks me about the reissued JBL 100's is the price asked (like you mentioned) for a Chinese product. I can't think of anything that's made in China that I've looked at and had the word "quality" run through my mind.
Love Polks.
My Dad had the JBL paragon when I was about 10. Loved sitting right in the middle of it and ummmmm, maybe excessive volume?! He drove it with the big McIntosh tube amp.
Lucky you !
I heard the Magnepan for the first time on a TH-cam channel on a comparison vs a pair of Lintonsi think. I was sold on them and will buy them after I move
I got some Bose 301 Series II's a few weeks ago and I really like them in a small room hooked up to my NAD integrated amp. I never would have considered them without seeing them on this channel. Great video and love the matching with the amps.
I still have my 301’s. It’s an amazing speaker for it’s size as long as I don’t drive it too hard. For the bedroom it’s perfect.
I have a pair of Baby Advents that I bought from Macy’s in 1984. I re-foamed them a few years ago and they are still going strong.
I am glad you do not mention allison acoustics best speakers i have ever heard ! so the rare species does not go extinct ! there are fewer survivors and the unique convex mids and tweeters are not available so the few remaining survivors are dying cannot be fixed like the WW1 vetrans there are none left and in our lifetime there will be no mas WW2 survivors same for allison speakers !
The Allison one my be the best speaker in its price range ever produced
I recently inherited my dad's Rectilinear III Highboys. He bought them new in 1968 when I was 14, and they are still completely original and sound great. My ex has my AR-3a setup.
Good morning Kevin, I have noticed of the videos I have seen you dont mention Polk audio at all. Have you heard a set of monitor 7s with the peerless tweeters? I think you would like them. Also what is the difference between the AR 3a and the 2 ax? Thanks and love the channel
Yeah, when I've asked about the AR series, people 99% of the time will steer me towards the 2ax. What gives?
I'd be interested in knowing the differences also. I own the AR 2ax but never heard the AR 3a. Love mu Polk Monitor 10's too. Can't afford super expensive stuff, but enjoy rebuilding and listening to reasonably priced vintage stuff.
I bought a pair of Polk Audo RTA 12's in 79 or 80. Peerless Tweeter, 2 - 6" woofer with passive radiator. Amazing sound. Replaced the JBL L 100s. Paid $700 for the pair( plus $75 for walnut veneer. Still have them! Were stored for 20 years...
I’ve had a pair of Celestion Ditton 551 for ages. I put in a pair of Morel 448 tweeters, built new grilles and refinished the cabinets. They look and sound very nice.
Last week I took delivery of a new pair of Q Acoustics Concept 50. Not an inexpensive outlay here in Australia. Guess what? One showed up with a driver not working. Guess all that $ going to distribution, merchandising and retail didn’t cover even the most basic QC.
My 45 year old Celestions can be counted on. Thank goodness.
HPM 100/200w and SX980 very satisfying sound.
You brought tears to my eyes! Back in the seventy's I was stationed outside Tokyo Japan. They would have blocks and blocks of any kind of stereo equipment. Difficult times but was able to make the best of it.
The 901 gets a lot of harsh comments regarding their sound quality. Recently I was a dinner party. The host had a pair. They were not on the usual stands, they were on concrete slabs and angled slightly upwards. The room was a long rectangular shape and they were in the corners. They were being powered by a Perreaux amp and preamp and a Rega turntable. They sounded fantastic.
I watched this on TH-cam with the WiiM mini, Pioneer SX-1050 and my ADS-L710s. Sounded great! Awesome video as usual!
I have cats. I love the metal grills on the ADS speakers. My SVS subwoofer has a metal grill. A lot of owners don't like the metal grill. They must not have cats 😂. I'm thinking about checking the ADS for that reason 😂.
Hey, great video . I've had some of those.
My first set of speakers were AVID 103's driven by my Dynaco 80 integrated amp. ( Had Phillips (Holland) drivers.) After listening to those for a while I decided to build a set of dream speakers. Based on several designs including features from Bose, Advent & ADS products. The ones I designed and built in 1978 are tuned, ported and have a passive 45 degree wall reflected tweeters. They have Phillips (Holland) drivers and crossovers. Each have 1-10" woofer, 1- 4.5" sealed midrange and 1 - 1" soft dome tweeter. I use a Fisher 500c tube receiver to drive them at 8 ohms. The cabinets are made from 7 ply marine grade plywood with burnt orange Formica laminate and black fabric grills.
Magnapan was one of my dream speakers. My MG-2 were absolutely huge !! 6ft tall.
Wife hated them mostly due to size, as she agreed the sound was fantastic. Powered mine with a yamaha B2
Everyone's ears are different and that's a good thing. I just love your video. I'm a huge Paradigm fan, have you heard them??
Good ears. A bunch of the recording engineers using or hanging around The Mastering Lab during the direct-to-disk days including myself nabbed 810s (and some remnants of their predecessor German Brauns) when they came out and we tested them. All music with the least audible crossovers and independent drivers I could want. I put three across the front of my theater at home with Anthem and Bryston driving them. So rich. I have 710s in my living room with another vinyl system. I've used them to set up my music editing and mixing suites for feature films. Mixed a Leo Kottke album back in the day recorded by a guy who used them as his primary studio monitors and his work was pristine. Pleasure is definitely the right word for with these. So satisfying.
I worked for an a/d/s dealer in the late 80's. They were great. One of the best car stereos I ever heard was a Nakamichi head with a/d/s amps and speakers. Forget what car, but man, did it sound good.
Pre-dating that in the late 70's was the 12V Nakamichi cassette with powered ADS speakers!
Still have a pair of L100 I bought, I guess, 'in 75. $333.00 each. Veneer is so thick I've been able to refinish (sand and oil) them twice over the years. Still look almost new. Original foam grille deteriorated, but you can source aftermarket replacements. JBL drivers last probably forever. Back in the day, most either went with the AR3a 'East Coast' type of sound, or the L100 'West Coast' variant. Just the way it was back then. When hi-fi was fun. LOL
The first "high end" system I ever heard featured two AR3a speakers driven by a pair of McIntosh MC60 monoblocks. A friend had a pair of Magnepans driven by a Dynaco Stereo 400. I'm an old guy now and have settled on horns with tube electronics. Interesting video with interesting choices.
I purchased a pair of MC30 mono blocks and EV Stereon 850 speakers in 1984, later replaced with Heresy IIIs. Love that combination to this day (MC30s still going strong)…what a beautifully sweet, warm sound. Turn the lights down drop in a Miles Davis or Sarah Vaughn CD, add a super dry martini….so sublime and engaging.
Build a class A Pass F5M. Sounds very tube-like with excellent bass.Need large heat sinks. Works well with horns.
What kind of a list of "must hear" vintage speakers without British designs mentioned even once? KEF, Rogers, Spendor, Monitor Audio, Tannoy, Harbeth, Linn, Radford, IMF, B&W, Meridian, Tangent, Quad, etc... made some of the finest speakers in the world at that time. Iconic, timeless designs that blew away most American products and you act like they never existed.
exactly he knows SFA about speakers
A friend of mine had a brother-in-law that was in the air force, stationed in England, and he had this catalog full of brands I've never heard of, but they all seemed extremely expensive and high-end.
It just goes to show how there are great people and products all over that we haven't yet been introduced to.
I'd bet those are some of the brands you mentioned.
Did you not hear him in the beginning saying that this video was for his viewers in America since that's where most of his subs are from. And it's a list that most Americans will be able to find and listen to. Don't get all butthurt because there are no British speakers in this list smh
@@Vgp-rp4iu Actually tens of thousands of British speakers were sold in the US and Canada in the mid/late 70s. Far from obscure they were reviewed and talked about plenty and had well known reputations and followings in the US audio community. And they sold very well in many cases outselling those sold in England. The LS3/5A for instance sold far more in the US than England. He did manage to include ADS which was a German design so kudos for that.
Or altec barcelona?!
Great video that brought back many memories. My first audiophile speakers were a pair of Quad 63 driven by Audio Research tube gear. To this day I remember the magic when I first heard them.
I drive my Heresy wanderfully with a little SANSUI 331. The power is even too much!
I know you’ve always had trouble with the Klipsch Herasys and your explanation of what they sound like is somewhat pretty good! But I think what you really need to hear is a pair of Cornwall’s! They are the best of all worlds with a big footprint, but that shrill part that you find troubling isn’t like that with these cabinets! I’d love to hear what you think when you hear some Cornwall’s or if you have!
Sansui + ADS = Perfection
The Advent that really amazes me (and everyone who comes over and listens to ‘em) is The Smaller Advent. Amazing sound out of that little box! I love my AR3a’s, I drive them with my Pioneer SX-950. Love my KLH Model Fives too, they are speaker B on my Adcom GFA-555 Pro system (AR TSW-610’s are speaker A). Great video!
I was expecting to hear him say just one word....CerwinVega!
Cerwin Vega - 2words.
That's two words and they're best suited for frat parties in my opinion.
My AT-12's are labeled "Cerwin-Vega!"
I sold many of the speakers and components you present when I worked in a mom and pop stereo shop during the 80s. I love what you do and never thought that the equipment I sold would become collector items. 8:53 9:11