hartanto@m.cs.uiuc.edu (Ismed Hartanto) (04/24/91)
Hi, I desperately need help in selecting
speakers. I`m in the market of a speaker ($1000-$2000)
with a matching separate amplifiers ($500-$1000).
I mainly listened to jazz and classical music,
and sometimes easy-listening music.
My approach is to look for the speaker that I like
first, and then decide on what the most suitable
amplifiers that can drive those speaker is.
I've listened to :
- Vanderstein 2Ci (Don't really like it)
- KEF 103 and also 104 (Sounds rather dull, not
enough detail for classical music)
- Mirage M-3 (I like the sound and the depth of the
imaging and the sound stage, it also
has a good bass response although
the size- height- made me think twice.)
- Theil CS1.2 (Don't like this, the sounds seems dull,
poor bass response).
- Apogee Centaur (new model, I like its bass response,
good detail, good sound stage and
imaging, very attractive model).
- Theil CS2 (Very good detail, sound imaging, I like
this speaker very much for classical music).
I've narrowed down my choice to Apogee Centaur and Theil CS2.
Here's how I compare them :
Theil CS2 : - Got a very good review everywhere,
($1650) and also one of the recommended speakers
by Stereophile for years.
- Very Good sound imaging
- Very good sound stage
- Flat down to 40 Hz.
- No mid bass boom.
- Not enough deep bass.
- Higher resale value than the Apogee
(I just assumed this by reading the old
rec.audio.high-end about resale
values of the Apogee speakers).
Centaur : - A pretty new model (last year).
($1490) - No review yet (so I have to rely just on my ear).
- Very good bass (although I'm not so sure
if it is mid bass boom or really a deep
clean bass)
- Very good sound imaging
- Very good sound stage
- Very attractive model (If I buy this
I'll make sure that all my friends
see it in my living room).
Since my ear is not very much trained in listening to
good speakers yet,
before I decide which one of these speakers should I choose,
I would very much like to have comments/experiences/critics etc.
that others might have. E-mail or post (which ever you prefer).
Thanks.
- ismed hartanto
hartanto@cs.uiuc.edufszeman@oz.lerc.nasa.gov (Pat Zeman) (04/26/91)
I own Theil CS3.5's. I also have a pair of Acoustat 2+2's. I move alot and find the 2+2's need a room designed for them. I went searching for replacement speakers that would fit and work in a real room, but they had to sound good. After living with planar speakers, I could hardly listen to box speakers. They were colored, boomy, inaccurate, and some of the so called audiophile speakers were IMHO plain trash. Money wasn't my driving force, rather bang for the buck. Is the speaker worth the price? Does it fit the intended use, environment. I loved the M1 Mirage, and felt the price ( I believe $4500) was worth it. But remember the problem. These are very room placement dependent. The dealer demos them 5' from the back wall, acoustic absorbtion everywhere, 10' acoustic ceiling,... , not a real room! I auditioned the Theils in a over crowded, small display room, much like a typical living room. After listening to "everything" in many environments, I believe the Theil is the most overlooked speaker on the market. Every model is by far the best in its price class, and in many instants out performs many pricier speakers. The engineer behind these speakers also has an ear. The quality of the cabinetry has been marveled in woodworking trade mags. I'm a hobbiest woodworker and furniture lover, and I'm impressed at the craftsmanship at this company. I don't think you'd regret being a Theil listener and urge you to scrape together the extra money and get the 3.5's. The jump in sound quality is of greater magnitude then the added cost. These speakers will bring you (real environment) satisfaction for a lifetime. A good gauge of customer satisfaction is trying to locate used equipment. Nobody gets rid of Theil speakers. An extensive search across the country, through brokers, and shops resulted in words to the effect, "Ha! I never see used Theils, no one wants to get rid'of'em after they got'em." The money issue is easy, plan. Don't try to buy/upgrade everything at once. Make frugel purchases, keeping in mind that your other equipment won't realize the new stuffs potential, but the future holds another wise investment. This way you can build the system you want, and not pinch pennies from one piece to get more pieces at the same time. It works, I've got my Krells, Theils, wires, working on CD a replacement (an ever changing technology), I'm still eating, and I have a pair of 2+2's for sale (maybe) to boot. I hope this sheds some light. I'm sorry about the length, (just scratched the surface really) but I thoroughly research my options/purchases, so I am committed to my decisions. The bottom line is, it's always your decision, but you can always learn from others. -- Patrick L. Zeman USAF/NASA Lewis Research Center Wk. Ph: 216-433-6788 21000 Brookpark Rd. MS 5-11 Eve Ph: 216-845-7223 Cleveland, OH 44135 E-mail:fszeman@oz.lerc.nasa.gov
bms89@ecs.soton.ac.uk (Scally BM) (04/29/91)
In <11364@uwm.edu> hartanto@m.cs.uiuc.edu (Ismed Hartanto) writes: > - KEF 103 and also 104 (Sounds rather dull, not > enough detail for classical music) > - Apogee Centaur (new model, I like its bass response, > good detail, good sound stage and > imaging, very attractive model). > - Theil CS2 (Very good detail, sound imaging, I like > this speaker very much for classical music). Which KEF models? the new 103 (MK 4/5) has just been previewed It was, in my view far better than the previous models, somewhat like the new 105 in sound but is a smaller box, slightly less sensative. Also they are floor standing so the need for stands will be removed. The Apogee Centaur- good speekers they are regarded in U.K. as a bit hard to drive, thus a more expensive amplifier may be necessary. Theil CS2's I've heard these only once and then only for a short time. I was impressed. Now a few general points on equipment buying. In the U.K. the source is regarded as the most important unit. If you are keeeping both your front end and preamp (or are you going for an integrated amp.?) I would always suggest trying your prefered speekers (selection of) with possible amplifiers any YOUR front end (or same model) some strang things can happen. Also try to listen the speakers in YOUR home before buying. this helps to alliviate room acoustic problems. These comments have been posted to the net cos I consider equipment buying is important and avoiding mistakes is desirable. The correct attitude can help. Ted