Speaker confusion

Posted by: Simon Perry on 27 June 2002

I'd be grateful for any constructive advice anyone might be able to give me on speakers. I'm testing speakers at the moment and am beginning to find the process painful rather than enjoyable.

System is 112/150, CD5, Flatcap2, Stageline, Rega p25, NACA5.

So far nothing has sounded 'right'. Among those I've listened to so far are the Intro2, ELa, Neat Mystique and Compass.

I'd be particularly interested in comments from those who have similar components to me and are satisfied with their current speakers (including the speakers listed above). I am trying to get to a shortlist to audition at home. So far all auditions have been at dealers. The music I play ranges from rock to electronic and ambient and I like my bass....

Thanks guys

Simon

Posted on: 27 June 2002 by Stephen Bennett

As you don't seem to be a fan of the 'Naim-type' speakers, try the PMC FB1 or the Vienna Mozarts. I heard these on the end of your very CD system the other week and was mightily impressed.

Regards

Stephen

Posted on: 27 June 2002 by andrew mcmullins

Sorry I can't really help that much (Roksan DP-1, DA-1, DS-4), 72/Hi/140, Nat-01 and IBL mk2's.

However, I do live near by and if you want to spin a few disks have a few beers / coffes you are welcome.

Posted on: 27 June 2002 by phil. S

Try to give the JM Lab Elektra 906's an audition. I have them in my system, which is similar to yours, and they really sing. Bass is more than adequate for a stand mounted speaker

Cheers

Phil

Posted on: 28 June 2002 by Bob Shedlock

and others red heads, etc. If you look around the net you'll find that almost any site having posts with speakers almost always has huge numbers of views and/or responses. The other observable fact is the conflicting view on identical systems.
Unfortunately speakers are highly personal and extremely room dependant. Whatever you do, don't buy until you've heard them in YOUR home. (Of course if you can buy 2nd hand blind at low enough cost to recover your expense for the experiment--)
I've listened to countless speakers both in domestic settings and dealers over the decades. I have three favorites that seem to work well with your system- Meadowlark Kestrels if you can get them well into the room. Linn Ninkas if you can live through the break-in (months of hard playing), and Epos 14's if you can find a good price on a used pair. I'm presently running Ninkas and it took a solid 90 days for them to sing. They sound much better in my house than a showroom. A good friend is having great satisfaction with a set of Cabasse. When you find something you like, keep it!!! Good luck hunting

Posted on: 28 June 2002 by Simon Perry

for your help and suggestions. I will definitely give those recommended a go. In particular, I have heard good things about the PMC FB1.

William, thanks for your offer, which I'd like to take you up on as soon as I move back to Surbie (temporarily living in Hackney).

Posted on: 28 June 2002 by Mr_Sukebe

Well I love my Linn Kabers, awesome speakers.

Typical Linn, very fast, plenty of detail, slightly bright but very revealing.
In conjunction with my Nait 5 (which is probably a little under powered) they paint a brilliant picture and have amazing speed.

The only down side I've found is that they're not exactly bass heavy (not necessarily a bad thing) and that as a pair they HATE poor quality recordings.

Posted on: 28 June 2002 by plynnplynn

Bob's first paragraph says it all!
Terry

Posted on: 30 June 2002 by Simon Perry

thanks to everyone for their comments.