Kudos Sean (Zero)

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited March 2010 in Speakers
Sean spent a great deal of time on the phone with me yesterday, discussing speaker opinions/options. I really appreciated the insight, as Sean gets his ears on alot of equipment. He has a great way of articulating the specifics of speakers; listenability, accuracy, tonal character.

Not only did he give me his take on some speakers I'm currently considering, he also made some suggestions on potential "gold nuggets" in my price range.

Thanks again Sean, I really appreciated your assistance and time.

Steve

PS--also kudos to Mark, he's PM'd me some excellent suggestions as well. Thanks Doro.
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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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited March 2010
    details please!
    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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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited March 2010
    So Stevie, the real question is, what are you getting?

    yeah, Sean DOES speakers, lots of 'em

    :p
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    So far, up for consideration:

    Dynaudio Focus 140
    Revel Concerta F12 (floorstanding)
    Revel Performa M22
    Salk SongTower QWT (floorstanding)
    Vienna Acoustics Hydan Grand
    Fritz Carbon 7

    ...and possibly a few more. Looking at the $2000/pr range, and seriously considering monitors this time. For S&G's I ran my Energy C-3 bookshelves from the patio rig, in the big rig for a few days. It's been so long since I had a monitor/bookshelf speaker, I had forgotten how smooth and integrated they can sound. I was surprised at just how well they could fill my fairly large listening room. Though I'm looking to kick it up quite a few notches beyond Energy. The monitor will have to dig relatively deep, and have the dynamics I'm looking for. Mid-range clarity and smoothness in the treble are paramount this time around. I don't want neutral, sterile or clinical---this time I want beautiful music baby.
    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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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2010
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1273095004&/Focal-Electra-BE-
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited March 2010
    Cool. Gotta add and check out Dali Helicon 400MKII Steve.
    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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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2010
    Have you listened to Mark&Daniel? They're pretty sick. I'm saving up for a pair of Maximus Ruby bookshelfs. MSRP is just under 2k.
    www.mark-daniel.com
    www.markdanielofamerica.com
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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited March 2010
    I second the props to Sean. That guy's the real deal. Good man.

    Props to Doro too.
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited March 2010
    I know everybody and their dog is going to throw speakers at you but if you are looking for bookshelf coherence in a floorstander these are outstanding. The lowest I have ever seen theses listed if you can dig the white.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1272397465&/Usher-CP-6311-Loudspeakers

    If not disregard.

    Good luck,
    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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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2010
    If you're thinking monitors, I would recommend the Dynaudio Contour 1.3 Mk II, or even better the SE. Absolutely fantastic speakers. A step above the Focus line and in your price range (used of course).

    There. I'm sure you wanted more and more options to make the decision easier ;)
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • KrazyMofo24
    KrazyMofo24 Posts: 1,210
    edited March 2010
    Steve what have you heard or what is your take on how Haydn Grand's compare to the other speakers you are looking at? I have the Haydn's and like them a lot. However I have little experience with other speakers, and always curious on what other people's take on the Hadyn's if I ever look to upgrade.


    As far as what I think of them I think the midrange is great, and they have a very warm sound to them.
    Setup:

    2 Channel: Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, T+A P 1230R, Primare SPA21, Oppo BDP-105
    PC: Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand, Cambridge Azure 650A v2 , Peachtree iDAC, Denon DVD-3800BDCI

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  • Polkitup2
    Polkitup2 Posts: 1,623
    edited March 2010
    I don't think you could go wrong with some Tyler Linbrook monitors for $1000.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1272989314&/Tyler-Acoustics-Linbrook-Signa
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    Zero wrote: »
    Steve,

    Awww, thanks for giving me a public shout out. :) It was cool putting a voice to the username that I've seen posting here throughout the years. I only wish I were more 'coherent' during the call. That said, you got the number, feel free to hit me up anytime!

    Although I do not want to step on anyones toes, I will try to come back later tonight and weigh in on some of the suggestions as well.

    I wasn't in good form either, I had actually taken a sick day, compliments of a bad batch of KFC. I was HURTING.
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    Thanks all appreciate the suggestions.
    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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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2010
    dibs :p;)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    KrazyMofo24 wrote: »
    Steve what have you heard or what is your take on how Haydn Grand's compare to the other speakers you are looking at? I have the Haydn's and like them a lot. However I have little experience with other speakers, and always curious on what other people's take on the Hadyn's if I ever look to upgrade.

    As far as what I think of them I think the midrange is great, and they have a very warm sound to them.

    Have to be honest, I have no way to hear (audition) any of these speakers due to my remote location, so I simply rely on speakers that get alot of good press, are well known, and have a good reputation. I discussed this at length with Sean, and we both traded ideas on the nuances of "review interpretation."....LOL

    It's a matter of survival for me...

    I'm merely looking at the gamut of what's available at the $2000 mark, and then eliminating certain speakers for various reasons. I've never heard anything negative in regards to Vienna Acoustics, and the brand in general has always interested me.
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    Actually my last 3 choices of speakers (last 10 years) I have owned have all fallen far short of some of the stuff I had in the 80's. Though, with hindsight, between the Pinnacles, Athenas, and Energy's---the Pinnacles were the best speaker of the "recent" bunch.

    It's difficult to find really good speakers that are not rediculously expensive--as an example, my AR9Lsi's from the 80's were the flagship AR, and I bought the pair new for 999, 1985 dollars. Try to buy a speaker of that caliber now for $999----GOOD LUCK. My Infinity RSIIIb's (1984'ish I think) were $899/pr...
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    The Fritz Carbon 7 is looking better and better....

    The list has been amended to:

    1. Fritz Carbon 7
    2. Dynaudio Focus 140
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    I was hoping for some freebie insider info on the Fritz Carbon 7 Sean, thanks. I think you just helped me to firm up what I believed to be true---and filled in the last few missing blanks.
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    I'm living vicariously thru Sean's ears...LOL
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    Ordered the Fritz Speakers Carbon 7 in ribbon mahogany, and some Target MR28 stands for them. Probably be mid-late April before the speaks are finished. I told Fritz to take his time, I want them done right, not quick. :D

    Here they are: http://www.fritzspeakers.com/Carbon%207.asp
    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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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2010
    Never heard of these Fritz, but they look very good and he's using some of the best components. They should sound good.
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    I hadn't either until Sean turned me on to them. What I find most impressive, is the speakers you see them compared to in reviews---ProAC, totem, tyler, sonus faber, vienna acoustics, etc, etc---and seem to win the reviewers over. I've been "in the box" too long, time to try something different...
    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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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2010
    The drivers he uses are on par if not better than the other brands you mentioned.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,205
    edited March 2010
    steveinaz wrote: »
    I hadn't either until Sean turned me on to them. What I find most impressive, is the speakers you see them compared to in reviews---ProAC, totem, tyler, sonus faber, vienna acoustics, etc, etc---and seem to win the reviewers over. I've been "in the box" too long, time to try something different...

    Thats a very nice ELITE group there. These speakers must be pretty damn good to step up to those brands and you picked them over one of if not the best speaker company in the world( there are only 2 I feel this way).

    Good luck and looking forward to some pics and a review.
    I was curious what do you plan on powering them with? Are you getting or have a sub to fill out the low end?
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • Midnite Mick
    Midnite Mick Posts: 1,591
    edited March 2010
    Congrats....being Scanspeaks I am sure they will sound great.

    Regards,
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    mantis wrote: »
    Good luck and looking forward to some pics and a review.
    I was curious what do you plan on powering them with? Are you getting or have a sub to fill out the low end?

    My Parasound HCA. I won't do a sub in 2-channel unless absolutely needed, and based on the reviews, these probably don't need it. I made sure that if I went monitor, it would be capable of "satisfying" bass. That's why my final 2 were the Dynaudio and Fritz.
    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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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,205
    edited March 2010
    steveinaz wrote: »
    My Parasound HCA. I won't do a sub in 2-channel unless absolutely needed, and based on the reviews, these probably don't need it. I made sure that if I went monitor, it would be capable of "satisfying" bass. That's why my final 2 were the Dynaudio and Fritz.

    Awesome man.

    On a side note , most speakers including hard core 2 channel should use a separate sub to fill in the last notes. Look into Rel to do this for yeah.

    Having just 2 channel is awesome but adding a killer musical perfectly blended sub into the mix makes everything so much better.

    Love to see some pic's when you have everything set up and popping
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2010
    Will do Dan.
    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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