Speaker A vs. Speaker B
Posted by: Willito on 18 March 2003
A few months ago I made my first post to the Forum asking for advice between two speakers. Sagely, the Forum advised me to focus first on my electronics. Wise words keenly heeded, coupled with a burst of upgraditis nervosa, have provided me with a system I am very happy with. Gone are the CD5/112/150 (and a large portion of my disposable income), and in their place are CDX2/XPS2(on order)/282/2HC/200. (Hell, it keeps its value better than equities these days!)
I am now back to my initial dilemma of speaker A vs. speaker B. Once upon a time it was Wilson-Benesch vs. B&W. Now it is a Shahinian Obelisk vs. Living Voice OBX-R. I have demo'd both at home and have been really, really impessed. My problem is that while I think the Living Voices sing a little sweeter, the Obelisks presentation is nothing short of awesome. Perhaps its neuroses, but every now and then the Obelisks seem muffled. I know this is bizarre given the openess of the sound. I don't think that it is just room acoustics, as I noticed the same thing from time to time in the dealer's dem room as well. Has anyone else noticed this? As for the LVs, you really notice it the second you move out of the sweet spot, a total non-issue with your friendly neighborhood Obelisks.
While any advice would be most welcome, I am more interested in how other people resolved their speaker dilemmas. I am sure others have faced similar quandries; how did you make your choice?
Ultimately, neither is a compromise, as I think both are great. In the history of choices, this is not a great burden. Life's not too bad when you are chosing between Betty and Veronica. (But oh that Melody!)
I am now back to my initial dilemma of speaker A vs. speaker B. Once upon a time it was Wilson-Benesch vs. B&W. Now it is a Shahinian Obelisk vs. Living Voice OBX-R. I have demo'd both at home and have been really, really impessed. My problem is that while I think the Living Voices sing a little sweeter, the Obelisks presentation is nothing short of awesome. Perhaps its neuroses, but every now and then the Obelisks seem muffled. I know this is bizarre given the openess of the sound. I don't think that it is just room acoustics, as I noticed the same thing from time to time in the dealer's dem room as well. Has anyone else noticed this? As for the LVs, you really notice it the second you move out of the sweet spot, a total non-issue with your friendly neighborhood Obelisks.
While any advice would be most welcome, I am more interested in how other people resolved their speaker dilemmas. I am sure others have faced similar quandries; how did you make your choice?
Ultimately, neither is a compromise, as I think both are great. In the history of choices, this is not a great burden. Life's not too bad when you are chosing between Betty and Veronica. (But oh that Melody!)
Well, it is done. I've placed my order, and should be received the OBX-Rs next Friday.
As I suspected, part of the deciding factor has proven to be electronics. In response to my questions about occassionally sounding muffled, the dealer who had loaned me the Obs suggested that the 200 was only just about up to driving them. To take advantage of the speaker's full bandwidth, he suggested upgrading to either the 250 or the 300. Having just upgraded my cd player, pre and power amps just before Christmas, I have neither the stomach nor the inclination to take part in any more horse trading for the time being.
Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their helpful advice over the past couple of months!
tke cre,
Will
As I suspected, part of the deciding factor has proven to be electronics. In response to my questions about occassionally sounding muffled, the dealer who had loaned me the Obs suggested that the 200 was only just about up to driving them. To take advantage of the speaker's full bandwidth, he suggested upgrading to either the 250 or the 300. Having just upgraded my cd player, pre and power amps just before Christmas, I have neither the stomach nor the inclination to take part in any more horse trading for the time being.
Once again, I would like to thank everyone for their helpful advice over the past couple of months!
tke cre,
Will