comparing speakers opinions needed

MusiqPLS

Hi There,

I'm new to the forum and thought I would ask your opinions on a few speaker models i'm considering. Speakers in question would need to be "musical" with good sound staging/Imaging, transparency, good bass ,nice low level detail to higher SPLs when entertaining , These speakers will be for 2 channel listening only. Musical Taste: I'll Listen to anything R&B, Jazz, Rock, Classic Rock, Hip Hop, Country, Pop, alternative, dance, trance you get the point.

My Listening area: is a finished basement carpeted and about 20 X 30 with 6.5' false ceilings. It has a pool table on one end with marble bar just to the other side of it. On the other end of the room I have 57" HDTV flanked by a pair of Klipsch refIII's (Which I'm looking to replace) and two recliners for the viewing TV, listening to tunes or playing my 360.

I 've been all over the net researching various makes and models within my budget range which is about $2000.00 USD give or take.

1.) Magnepan 1.6qr: ($1700.00 USD) Yet to audition these. By Reviews they seemed to have the type of sound I'm looking for. But, Have decided to take them off the list for several reasons, like narrow sweet spot, low SPL range, My low ceilings, may need sub, may need to tweak this tweak that for "better sound", not for x type of music. May still give them a listen once I locate dealer.

2.) Event Studio Precision 8: ($1200.00 USD) I heard these recently at local music store chain along with the mackie hr824. The Events were really nice, decent looking, nice staging/imaging, detail, chest thumping bass, seems to be able to crank it up a little, and overall smooth response which will probably mean less fatigue over time, "Musical little speaker".

3.) Polk Lsi15: ($1200.00 - $1700.00 USD) Yet to audition these. No Dealer in area. Per Internet Research seems to have the sound qualities I'm looking for smooth, staging/imaging, all drivers blend well. In a floor stander at about the the same cost of the Events.

4.) Gallo RefIII: ($2700.00 USD) Yet audition these. There is a dealer in area. Really pushing my budget here. Per INTERNET research seems to fit sound qualities I'm after. PROS that stand out "Sound staging/Imaging/Transparency Champs", Great Tweeter, full range detail, no fatigue, all drivers blend well can rock out when needed. CONS Bass is picky for different rooms, and height of image.

So you know about me and what I'm looking at/ for in my new pair of speakers. Have any of you owned /compared any of the models above what do you think about them? Are the Gallo's $1000.00 dollars better than the LSi's, or are they comparable in many aspects? Are The Lsi's comparable to the Magnepan 1.6's?

Your opinions pls,
Thanks
MusiqPLS

dkg999

Depends on the sound you like. I have heard all on your list except for the Event Pricision speakers. I currently have the Magnepan 1.6QR. I find they have very nice bass down to their lower limit, however in a large room you will need a decent sub. While they do have a magical sweet spot if you have room to play with placement, they do pretty well in less than optimum placements. Soundstage is huge, however they don't do hip-hop, rap very well as my 16 yr. old can attest to. For your wide range in music, you might find the LSi15 a little more to your liking. You really need to be able to listen to them, reading reviews only goes so far. My ears find most of what reviewers say about a specific speaker to be questionable. I would also suggest in your price range you look at Paradigm Studio line.

Welcome to the forum!

Monster Jam

Yeah, I totally agree with dkg.

I'd like to add that it sounds like you are concerned about diminishing returns. Sure the Uber-Speaker 3000 sounds better than the (Insert Speaker brand here), but does it sound $X,**** better?

Only you can answer that question...

ohskigod

yeah, that is a big room. I've heard the maggies and love them, but if I had a room that size, I think I would be a little worried about bass responce, while adequate with the maggies, are probably not there strongest point. Order the LSi15 from somewhere with a good return policy, because, as dkg mentions, it might be better suited for a large room. I have no experience with the other 2 speakers.

just to note, I cant imagine you going to wrong either way, i do have a soft spot for the LSi's because they performed very well in my basement, wich has bass responce issues. the LSi15 handles them with ease.

MusiqPLS

Hi There,

I Actually own a older pair of Paradigm monitors, they are collecting dust now in storage. I Been down these roads before Klipsch Ref, Paradigm, JBl Etc Etc...To Me none of these brands are bringing any changes within their lines and are all focusing on HT side of things. Not to step on anyones toes, or start wars. Don't get me wrong, My Klipsch can still party /do HT with some of the best of em. I guess I'm looking for a little more refinement & separation.

I plan to audition all the speakers on my list including the Magnepans before any final decisions are made. The exception being with the Polk's. Just looking for your opinions. If you own or heard any of these what are you thoughts.

BTW, anyone in the Monaca- Pittsburgh area up for a meet and greet. I love to check out your system/ Have you critique mine. Email or pm me if interested.


Thanks,
MusicPLS

ohskigod

yeah, I feel ya on the home theater cookie cutter thing. I can tell you that I know the maggies, nor the Polk LSi line fit in that category. both are excellent music speakers. yes, I use my LSi's as home theater speakers as well, but they really shine for 2 channel music performance as well.

as I said, I dont know the others.

dkg999

Listening is the key requirement to a good decision on speakers. I would suggest listening to the Paradigm Studio Reference line before you dismiss them. I made the mistake of thinking they were just like the Paradigm's I had listened to a while back. My paradigm changed and I now own the Studio Reference 20v3 in a music only system. They are very nice! Less of a boxy sound than the LSi9's (and that's a comment you will understand after you own Magnepans )

Midnite Mick

I think that if transparency is one of your criteria I don't think that the lsi's are great in that department. They lean more towards being warm and heavy sounding. My guess it is the polyprops as I think paper are better in regards to transparency.

Just my .02 however.

Good luck,
Mike

heiney9

It sounds like what you are looking for is the LSI series. The 15's are excellent choice if you are looking for accuracy, soundstaging, transparency, etc. However, to get all these qualities and for the LSI's to perform at their maximum potential they need high current amplification. You can "get by" with a high powered receiver but to get the most out of them you need some HP behind them. They also perform best with a good source so keep that in mind. You haven't listed what the rest of your system is.

YMMV

H9

heiney9

As Dkg999 suggested look as the Paradigm Studio Ref series. Also to reiterate all except for your 2nd choice needs some great electronics to get what you want out of them. Are the Event Studio Precision speakers pro/studio speakers? I only ask because you compare them to Mackie's which are pro/studio speakers. As such those types of speakers are usually designed with a different goal and usually they don't translate to consumer use/placement. Something to think about.

H9

ninerbj

With the budget you have I would continue to expand my search. There are a number of speakers in that price range that would fit your wants nicely.
Keeping the size of your room in mind....

USHER CP-6311: Beautiful looking speaker with a low end to die for!
TOTEM: Another fine line with lots of options
The list goes on and on. If your not in a real hurry, I would continue to search for your audio nirvana

venomclan

Welcome Musiq,
Out of the ones you listed, I would go with the Gallo's if you can budget them. However, as stated above, you will need good amps to run these or any of the others you have listed. You will not be doing any of these speakers justice on a receiver. Don't worry about bass, That is what a good sub is for. Your room is large and you will need a sub(s) with any speakers you choose. Also check out the used market (audiogon.com) for deals.
Good luck.
Venom

heiney9

I still think it's hard to recommend a speaker w/o knowing the rest of your system. The Usher, Totem, Lsi, and Gallo's all require top notch equipment, both in amplification and source to get your money's worth. Let's not get these wonderful speakers for a 2-ch set-up and then run them with a run of the mill receiver and cdp. Stick with what you have if that's the case.

Just my honest opinion.

H9

dkg999

H9 - the Magnepan 1.6's are definetely in the category of revealing all the sins of the rest of the system! Fortunately they don't require super hi-end equipment to sound good! Doug.

MusiqPLS

Hey Guys,

Did a dealer search for Maggies last night unfortunately they are all about 2-3 hours out of my area. They must have just dropped the dealer in The Pittsburgh area. There is a dealer back in my hometown Detroit (GO TIGERS!!!! Bad Lions Sit Boy Sit) The Gallo's has a dealer which is approximately 35- 50 Mins away from me now, so will plan a trip out there soon.

I've heard some Martin Logan's a Little while back and that type of sound (unboxed) and alive has always stuck with me. Martin Logan's are out of the question now budget wise. But, cheaper alternatives with "Similar sound" were the Magnepan 1.6 & Gallo's. My take from reading reviews of the Polk LSi15's were that they are capable of being very musical, stage well, and about 50% of the people state they have a certain amount of transparency and is why I asked for input from this site.

I'm a hobbyist DJ if you will, and compared the "Studio Quality" Mackies & Events Studio Precision 8 several times in my travels to different Musical Supply chains. If you haven't heard these yet and are near a Guitar Center stop by for a look see. IMHO, they (Events) are very nice w/ very good staging / imaging, smooth chest thumpin' bass and non fatiguing musical little speaker. Did I mention they were cheap w/ built in amps?

As for my gear, I'm not rich guys/gals so you won't find the Big Named Brand stuff around here. I Have A LOT of stuff laying around now as I thought they were all good buys at the time. I have gone through some McIntosh & Rotel amps and tried few tube Jolida type joints out. Audiogon and Ebay are old friends.

Amp: Leftover Behringer EP 1500 260x2 8ohms/400x2 4ohms
Pre: Parasound 850 / Numark Mixer
CD Players: Older Cambridge 500se/ Sony DVD Player

I plan to get new speakers first and try other amps,cd players, pres and subs later as needed.

Thanks,
MusiqPLS

Midnite Mick

I think Ushers are some of the best bang for the buck speakers around. Very "hifi" sounding and a beautiful build at a reasonable price. Also some of the most transparent sound you will hear.

As I am learning more I just don't think that Poly's are really the best choices for midranges. Sorry, maybe it is just me. Enjoying the thread though.

Thanks,
Mike

Joey_V

Martin Logans do cost quite a bit and their Vista is slightly above your budget, at about $3.5k. However, I will attest that the Vistas sound very good for the price and it is hard to find another speaker at its price range that outdoes it in more ways than one.

I would go with the Gallo Ref3.1... but I havent heard the Maggy or Event.

But if you really really wanted Martin Logans, you could always go on the 'gon and get a used pair of Martin Logan Clarity for around $1900. Or you could wait a few months for the upcoming NEW Martin Logan Clarity.... should be in the mid-$2K.

Go to our forum at MartinLoganOwners.com and check us out.

Remember though, I am a little biased towards ML as I own a pair of their speakers.

SCompRacer

If you get your ear on some electrostats and like them, here is a fantastic deal.

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=32491.0

Not as pretty as ML but way more value and better bass integration for the dollar IMO. They share the same design as these only with a smaller, 2dB less efficient panel, no pretty select hardwoods, a smaller bass driver and a passive crossover instead of an active one with bass amp. You want dress up, $20-$30 will net you four finished wood batten strips and double sided tape to attach them to the uprights. An opinion (post 36) by a forum member who recently aquired a pair.

A friend just bought a pair of speakers similar to these on the West coast and his freight cost for delivery to the Midwest is $200.

Joey_V

If you dont get that Innersound... for $1K.... you should be slapped in the face.

I guarantee you the Innersound will beat any of the speakers you listed up there, including the Gallo.

MusiqPLS

I've done some more searching on both The Innersound and Martin Logan recommendations.

The Innersounds I just don't know too much about them. There's not much press or user reviews on these. What I did see on them were a negative in my mind of having a very narrow sweet spot. I think I'll pass on those.

There are some nice Maggie's 1.6 on the A'gon right now, and one seller not to far from my current location, I may give him a look see.

The Martin Logan Vantage look really nice, If a near by dealer offers some financing i may want splurge on a set of these with a nice sub to match. I can't find any info on the new Clarity when are these set to be released?

I've yet to do any research on the Ushers, but wont make any moves until I do. I won't make any purchases until I get some good auditions. I keep you all posted. With any updates.


Thanks for all the info,
MusiqPLS

Joey_V

MusiqPLS wrote:

I've done some more searching on both The Innersound and Martin Logan recommendations.

The Innersounds I just don't know too much about them. There's not much press or user reviews on these. What I did see on them were a negative in my mind of having a very narrow sweet spot. I think I'll pass on those.

There are some nice Maggie's 1.6 on the A'gon right now, and one seller not to far from my current location, I may give him a look see.

The Martin Logan Vantage look really nice, If a near by dealer offers some financing i may want splurge on a set of these with a nice sub to match. I can't find any info on the new Clarity when are these set to be released?

I've yet to do any research on the Ushers, but wont make any moves until I do. I won't make any purchases until I get some good auditions. I keep you all posted. With any updates.


Thanks for all the info,
MusiqPLS

The Vantage - I owned in the past. You dont "need" a sub if you go 2 channel with those guys. It hits... hard. If you want to save a little and still go ML, go with the Vista + sub, that'll get you places!

Remember, do not judge ML by whatever you hear at the dealer. ML are picky speakers and require top electronics AND proper positioning. Most dealers dont know squat about how to position an ML and they usually underpower them with a receiver or crappy SS separates, leaving the listener underwhelmed.

Get some tube pres and a good SS amp under them and you'll wet your panties.

MusiqPLS

LOL Joey,

I wonder have you heard the Vista's? Are they the same speaker minus the self-powered bass bins, or are they a totally different design?



Thanks
Musiq

Joey_V

Musiq,

They are pretty much almost the same speaker - close... very close without the powered sub. We are talking maybe 90% of the panel capabilities of the Vantage and 70% of the woofer capabilities.

BUT, if you go with a sub and you mate it right... like lets say you go with a used DESCENT.

Well... wow.

Joey