So, I've been requested to review these speakers by a couple of forum members, and I figure it's time to oblige.
I've shut off the subwoofer and I am using a borrowed amp (sonance 60w x 2) so my review may change once I get my main amp back. The rest of the gear involves an unmodded Oppo BDP-83, B&K AVP-2000 and a pair of $100 Monster Cable speaker wires which are absolutely nothing special.
These speakers are smooth. They are very fluid. There is nothing overly pronounced about them.
I am listening to a Tears For Fears Cd which is very well recorded and all of the guitar, bass and drums just flow at the level I'm listening.
One thing that's exceptional about these is the soundstage they set. I think it has alot to do with the inverted dome tweeters. I think with that design (thank you EPI) it's easier to spread the sound without cancellation. To me it gives some real depth to the sound and it's easy to point out the instrument's locale.
Vocals and midrange instuments come in ultra real. Right now on the cd there is a ton of middy B3 organ, and it sounds spectacular. That really helps the drums too. All percussion (at least on this recording) seem to have a great, realistic whap! to them.
The design of these speakers makes them a great participant in the "make honey happy" club.
Here's the bad:
They SHOULD NOT be valued at what they are. These are fantastic sounding speakers, don't get me wrong, but they are NOT as good as their dollar figure would anticipate.
They almost completely lack deep bass. Without a sub you are SOL! They will produce some bass, but nothing that you would expect from a speaker that recently cost $2500.
They should be waayyyy more reaching in their top end response. Although the highs sound spectacular out of these things, it's not as detailed as I would like;And my expectations aren't that high.
Bottom line... I think these should fetch no more than $1300 new. Above that, I think their competition would eat them alive. They are fantastic speakers that beat the piss out of my B&W DM 640s, but they can't hold a candle to my 30 year old McIntosh XR 16s.
This is just my opinion.
If you disagree kiss my ass
