My Last Speakers For A While (really) - Legacy Signature III's are here! (w/ pics)

mulveling
mulveling Posts: 505
edited October 2006 in 2 Channel Audio
Well, moving them from my friend's place to mine tonight was hell, but worth it. Ten months old, nicely broken in, already know what they sound like from multiple auditions of my friend's rig. Should have cut the "middle man" out long ago - I'd tried some well reviewed smaller, cheaper speakers, some of which were excellent, but I knew I really wanted these all along. This is it for me - 2ch, no sub, for both HT and music duties. All I gotta do is wait for the Sunfire Signature 600 I just snagged off agon, then perhaps contemplate trading the Melos Gold Ref in for a used BAT preamp (maybe). They sound awesome already, with my existing gear, just plunked down right where the last speaks stood. There's a lot of bass though, especially for an apt. dweller like me - fortunately my downstairs neighbors (got good sound isolation from the other sides) see fit to send lots of crappy distorted bass my way, so now I'll be able to send clean, tonally rich bass back at 'em :D:D

The veneer finish is by far the best I've seen - this includes the Tyler Acoustics cabinets.

Grills on:
DSCF0142.jpg

Grills off:
DSCF0151.jpg

Close-up:
DSCF0155.jpg
Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
Post edited by mulveling on
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited June 2006
    Dems purdy!!!
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited June 2006
    The speakers I've owned in the last 2 years include:
    Ascend CMT-340
    Ascend CBM-170
    Polk LSi15
    Polk LSi9
    Polk LSi7
    Tannoy Eyris DC3
    Tyler Acoustics Taylo Monitors
    Tyler Linbrook Signature Monitors

    The speakers I've auditioned in this time also include:
    Focal Labs Profile 918
    Paradigm Studio Reference 100 V3
    Martin Logan Aeon i
    Polk LSi 25
    Boston Acoustics (er - forgot the model (VR?) - $2K/pr floorstanders)

    Sig III's are the most expensive of this group, but well worth the extra money IMO. Luckily I paid a used price :D I did also appreciate the value offered by the Polk LSi (especially 9), Taylo Ref monitors, and Tannoy DC3 (not so much a value as the other 2 at retail prices). The rest of the pack didn't do much for me.

    I've also accumulated some seriously crazy headphone gear, so my neighbors don't go too nuts on me :D Gotta take updated pics of those rig(s) soon.
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited June 2006
    Seems odd to have both a ribbon and a dome tweeter. Don't most people prefer one or the other? Are they crossed differently?

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited June 2006
    Midnite Mick wrote:
    Seems odd to have both a ribbon and a dome tweeter. Don't most people prefer one or the other? Are they crossed differently?

    Mike
    Yep - they're crossed differently. The ribbon does highs (10K up, IIRC), the dome handles upper mids. I read somewhere the dome's there to ease the transition from ribbon tweet to kevlar mid. Also, what you can't see is the (defeatable via switches) titanium dome rear firing tweeter. Supposed to add air and ambiance or some such. There's also another rear firing 10" carbon filled woofer, and another 10"er that's downfiring! Three 10" woofers per speaker, in a sealed enclosure. All those drivers makes them a pain to move around outside the shipping boxes.
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2006
    congratulations :)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • SDA SRS 1.2
    SDA SRS 1.2 Posts: 255
    edited June 2006
    Very nice! Let us know how that Sunfire sounds with the speakers. :)
    Main System: Polk SDA SRS 1.2 Speakers, Sunfire Signature 600~two Amp, Carver C-16 Preamp, Carver TX-11b Tuner, Marantz 6350Q TT, Philips CDR-775 Recorder, Teac V-707RX Cassette Deck, Signal Cable Double Run Speaker Cable

    Upstairs Den: Marantz 2325 Receiver, Marantz 5220 Cassette Deck, Marantz HD-880 Speakers, Marantz 6370Q TT

    Exercise (Kabuki speaker) Room: Kenwood KR-9600 Receiver, Pioneer CS-99a Speakers, Sansui SP-X9000 Speakers (not pretty, but LOUD! :) )
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited June 2006
    Sweet. I really like the mirrored bookmatched veneer. That makes quite a statement. I'd bet they sound excellent.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2006
    Nice!
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited June 2006
    Wow, that's a very nice finished speakers, and imposing too! I never had the pleasure of auditioning it, btw, very clean setup. Congrats!
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited June 2006
    Wow, I bet those are lots of fun to listen to!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited June 2006
    Those are beauties! Congrats.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited June 2006
    Outstanding looking speakers! Congrats!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Mazeroth
    Mazeroth Posts: 1,585
    edited June 2006
    Are any of the drivers recessed into the front baffle? :confused:
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited June 2006
    Nicey!
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    edited June 2006
    Real nice setup! Congrats on the new speakers!
    Carl

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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited June 2006
    mulveling wrote:
    Yep - they're crossed differently. The ribbon does highs (10K up, IIRC), the dome handles upper mids. I read somewhere the dome's there to ease the transition from ribbon tweet to kevlar mid. Also, what you can't see is the (defeatable via switches) titanium dome rear firing tweeter. Supposed to add air and ambiance or some such. There's also another rear firing 10" carbon filled woofer, and another 10"er that's downfiring! Three 10" woofers per speaker, in a sealed enclosure. All those drivers makes them a pain to move around outside the shipping boxes.


    Wow thems a lot of drivers:eek: . In an appartment yet. That can make you both a lot of friends and a lot of enemies.:)

    Mike
    Modwright SWL 9.0 SE (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Consonance cd120T
    Consonance Cyber 800 tube monoblocks (6Sons Audio Thunderbird PC's with Oyaide 004 terminations)
    Usher CP 6311

    Phillips Pronto TS1000 Universal Remote
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  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited June 2006
    drooool

    If the downfiring isn't chambered and ported or isobaric, I'd toss some stilts under those loud barking puppies. :D Hope they're housebroken. .
    -Ignorance is strength -
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited June 2006
    I had the Legacy Classics, the model prior to your Sig's... I would still have them, if they had the finish yours do. I just couldn't get past the oak. I LOATHE oak.

    Congrats, you're definately in the 'good sound' arena.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    edited June 2006
    Congrats on the new speaks.Have the Focus 20/20,and could not be happier.
    Beautifull finish,and they sound as good as they look.You will be very happy
    with your new speaks.Do some comparisons and let us know.I agree with
    Russ on the oak,I have the ribbon mahogony.Anyone looking for some Legacy's,drop me a line and can give you the name of a dealer who sells them
    and the demo's pretty cheap.Mine retailed for 7500 and the guy sold me the demo's for 4000.A steal.The Sig 3's are awesome,happy listening and give
    feed back on the sound.:D
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited June 2006
    WOW - those are beasts! Very cool man. Very cool :cool:
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited June 2006
    Beautiful looking speakers but they would look alot better if you learned about wire management. what a nest you have.

    Dan
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited June 2006
    Sweeeeeet!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited June 2006
    mantis wrote:
    Beautiful looking speakers but they would look alot better if you learned about wire management. what a nest you have.

    Dan

    Gotta agree with Dan...

    Holy crap dude...awesome gear...HORRIBLE wire managment.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited June 2006
    I'd take THOSE speakers and his wire mgmt over you knucklehead's speakers and wire mgmt every day of the week and twice on Sunday. ;)

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,643
    edited June 2006
    LOL...

    I dunno Troy...

    When you can clearly see a power component in clear view...you have to ask yourself?

    10,000 for the gear or 10 dollars for the wire managment
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited June 2006
    TroyD wrote:
    I'd take THOSE speakers and his wire mgmt over you knucklehead's speakers and wire mgmt every day of the week and twice on Sunday. ;)

    BDT

    I'm with Troy mostly on this one. Wire management did virtually eliminate a hum that showed up after I got CATV.

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • starchaser
    starchaser Posts: 354
    edited June 2006
    Very Nice indeed! Enjoy!
    "There's a lot of places driving up and down I-95 that smell like ****" F1Nut
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited June 2006
    Beautiful speakers. I've got these on my want to demo list due to the ribbon tweeter.

    Which BAT are you contemplating trading for?
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited June 2006
    mazeroth wrote:
    Are any of the drivers recessed into the front baffle?
    Huh, didn't notice that until now - only the big woofers are recessed into the baffle. The other drivers look good this way, IMO :D
    RuSsMaN wrote:
    I had the Legacy Classics, the model prior to your Sig's... I would still have them, if they had the finish yours do. I just couldn't get past the oak. I LOATHE oak.
    Yep, haven't seen the oak in person, but it doesn't look promising from the pics. A massive rectangular box like the Classics & Sigs can't get away with a standard veneer - it better have a really nice finish! I got lucky and caught my local friend unloading these rosewood Sig III's in order to upgrade (he's considering Focus 20/20 or Whispers).
    mantis wrote:
    Beautiful looking speakers but they would look alot better if you learned about wire management. what a nest you have.
    :D LOL, I see your point. I've been swapping gear in and out of that rack so much that I've never paid much attention to wire management. When things settle down after to Sunfire arrives, I'll get some velcro ties and go to town on the things. Need to get rid of that nasty power strip for the TV, too.
    SCompRacer wrote:
    Which BAT are you contemplating trading for?
    Was thinking of picking up a VK-3i or VK-5i on audiogon. That's what my friend recommended - he'd been using one for their newer $4k+ premps in his system with the Signature III's.

    Watched X-Men 2 with the girlfriend last night; it was simply amazing. Even at very moderate volumes with the bass switches turned down (toggle switches on the back of the speakers for room adaptability), the power and sheer size of the sound field matched the movie theater experience - PLUS, these have the refinement and sweet articulation of smaller audiophile speakers (something you won't get at the theater). I'm almost done - just gotta get my Sunfire, and settle on preamp & cables (maybe DH Labs double run) :D Hmm, if I sell my remaining speakers & gear I'm not using, I'll have enough left for a vinyl rig OR a nice 42"-50" plasma HDTV...
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited June 2006
    mulveling wrote:
    Hmm, if I sell my remaining speakers & gear I'm not using, I'll have enough left for a vinyl rig OR a nice 42"-50" plasma HDTV...

    Go for the 50" HDTV.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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