My new speakers are...

Posted by: Bas V on 15 January 2003

Well, it's been a tough choice, but someone had to make it. I had listened to the Sonus Faber Grand Piano's and Vienna Acoustics Beethoven. Although I liked both, the Vienna Acoustics is definitely the better speaker (to my likings). It is very fast and suits Naim perfectly. The soundstage is huge, although I know one shouldn't talk in terms like this around here. Bass is also phenomenal, it's all quality in favour of quantity, but if it has to be done, believe me, it will be done! The highs are the best I have ever heard; these speakers give so much information that every track you hear is like new.
So, it looks quite clear what my choice is...WRONG! As I went over to the shop with my girlfriend, we were both very excited about the sound. Even she said this was something special. But, we just couldn't live with the size and the finishes of (both of) these speakers. As our room is about 18 sqm, speakers with these size (110 cm's high, 38 cm's deep) were just no option. So I was in great doubts about what to do, and then... I found a pair of Monitor Audio Studio 20 SEC's for a very good price. As I had always been quite fond of my Studio 2's, I thougjht they had to be good. And so I have bought them without hearing on my setup. I know, a big gamble, but the price was just too good to let them be. I have them now playing for three days and they are getting better and better. Not as good as the Beethovens, but I like listening agian and that was what it was all about. They look gorgeous in cherry, even my girlfriend thinks so. So, I am a happy man.
When I move to a bigger house, I will definitely try the VA's, but for now this is the best option. Three nights in a row of listening, that was a long time ago!

Greetz! Bas
Posted on: 16 January 2003 by Bas V
Still happy!
Posted on: 16 January 2003 by Bas V
"What Hi-Fi use them as their 'reference' speaker, and you can't get a higher recommendation than that."

Ouch, that hurts. But I believe that most Naim products also get very high rates by What HiFi, so they can't be too far off ;-)
Posted on: 16 January 2003 by Willie B
Interesting comments about the Sonus Faaber Grand Piano's - does anyone know if there is much saving to be had in buying European speakers in France,Belgium or Germany? I was recently amazed at the mark up here on German Hulsta furniture compared to Frankfurt prices and wonder if the same is true with HiFi gear. Afterall its not far to go from channel ports to Eurpean cities and you can also fill any spare space with cheap bottles of wine
Posted on: 16 January 2003 by Bas V
My comments were about the Beethovens...

Anyway, here in the Netherlands Vienna Acoustics is ridicoulusly cheap compared to other countries. Don't know exact figures, but I believe these speakers are about 10% - 40% cheaper than in other countries (depending on which other country you compare with).

Greetz, Bas