peter@versatc.versatec.com (Peter Tapscott) (11/21/90)
In the past year I have extensively modified
a pair of JBL large floor speakers with Focal
tweeters, and complete new crossovers. This mod
was made after reading a Speaker Builder article
on mods to smaller JBLs. Later the JBLs were damaged
(torn spider), so I took the opportunity to buy
new speakers. But they had to be a lot better than
the JBLs, or I wan't interested.
I extensively auditioned the three speakers, old
modified JBLs, B&W Matrix 3s, and Vandersteen 2cis.
Some thoughts follow on the 2ci vs Matrix 3 camparison.
depth: V = behind the speakers, B&W at the speakers
I think it is this strange "depth" sensation that
makes some people not like the Vandys. I didn't
have a problem with it, but preferred the more
"upfront" sound of some other speakers. I liked
the sound of the Vandys better on rock music with
the midrange adjusted a bit hotter.
pinpointing objects on soundstage: slight nod to B&W
detail: high, lows, mid B&W always showed more detail.
This was only noticeable on those recordings that
HAD tiny details. It was surprising to hear,
very clearly, details that were completely missing
from the Vandys. Certain opera recordings showed
this. Also, "Ghost Train" from the Flying Cowboys
album by Rickie Lee Jones -- there are a lot of
people calling in the background. I only heard
one on the JBLs and three on the Vandys.
bass: the Vandersteens seem to reach deeper, but there
was more detail on the B&Ws. The B&Ws seemed boomy
until I put them on spiked feet. (I guess my
softwood floor resonates easily.) I was surprised
at the change in sound due to the spikes. Both the
2cis and the B&Ws have controlled bass. I add a
homemade subwoofer driven by a 200W amp when I want
throbbing bass, like at parties.
voice: B&W, every time. 2cis weren't bad, but didn't
sound as lifelike as the B&Ws.
Rock & electric jazz: slight nod to Vandersteens
Acoustic jazz: fine details on B&W gives them the nod.
volume: the JBLs rein supreme. Their big woofers on
cast aluminum frames put out a lot of sound.
The B&Ws are less efficient, so I won't use
them to play at a party.
The 2cis are very inefficient. While I never
clipped the ADCOM GFA555, my little radio shack
meters showed a LOT of power to sustain a loud,
but unobtrusive sound. Peaks were frequently
about 200 watts (though these meters are not
calibrated.)
My concern about volume is that I don't
want to damage the speakers by feeding them 200
watts on a consistant basis.
visual: sometimes called the WAF, the visual impact
of the Vandersteens is awful. These are clearly
speakers built by an engineer to achieve a sonic
purpose. They are very successful at achieving
their sonic purpose, but visually they remain a
pair of large black monoliths. I believe in
function over form, but the function better be
clearly better to justify this form.
The B&Ws present a less intimidating face: they
are only about 11" wide, and gain volume with a long
depth dimension. They are about a foot lower than
the Vandys on stands. They have spiked feet that
so not require additional stands.
Price: The JBL mod cost about $200. They are still
the best party speaker, but now have OK imaging that
they didn't before the mods. Much smoother now,
and the Focal tweeters are supurb.
The Vandersteen 2cis were about $1100, with Sound
Anchors, on sale. This is a GREAT price for these
speakers, so I was ready to love them at home.
B&W Martix 3 were about $2500 list, somewhat
lower on sale, but much more than $1100.
Conclusions: I took the Vandersteens back to the dealer.
I would have liked to audition other speakers,
especially the Swan IVs. I was ready to buy Magneplanar
IIIs, but the setup sounded awful. If it had sounded
great, I may have bought them. I also listened to
Apogees (the new small ones, I forgot the model):
very nice sound, but the "sweet spot" is about the
size of a football. If you move even several inches,
the sound changes. The "beaming-est" sepaker I have
ever heard.
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