DECADENT!
The first thing that struck me was how big the HT2-TLs were, especially next to my Swan 4.1s. There was no doubt that these were substantial speakers.
The next thing I noticed was the finish. These were sure beautiful speakers. Nothing fancy like some folks but really nicely done. Jim also went to the trouble to put satin black baffles on all 5 speakers so that they would match the HT2-TLs. Well done again.
So how do they sound?
CLARITY
Everybody talks about it but you really need to hear these speakers to understand. I needed to test all 5 speakers so I reached for a Telarc SACD sampler that I know has music to exercise all of the channels. Up first was "Icarus" by the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. Very crisp guitar work that made me realize what a great choice the HT1s were for the surrounds. Wow. From my demo playlist I noticed how clear Jennifer Warnes vocal was on "Ballad of the Runaway Horse". The harmonica in "Good Time" by Alan Jackson, all of the instruments in "Choctaw Hayride" by Alison Krauss & Union Station, the vocal separation in "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" by Sierra Hull, the steel drums in Chesney's "Key's in the Conch Shell" and the pure trumpets in "Vivaldi: Concerto for 2 Trumpets" with Wynton Marsalis. We're on to something here!
BASS
I knew that some bass was missing with the Swan 4.1s but I mean really...they weren't even trying! The TLs rock for this. Very impactful bass that does not muddy everything else. I know that Nuance had mentioned this but I wasn't prepared for how great these speakers do with the low end. Lil' Victa by SMV (thanks mathgeek97) really shined. Nice piece! The bass notes on "Ballad of the Runaway Horse" were really improved over the Swans and seemed deep and fast.
IMPACTFUL
I know I talked about this with in the bass section but it was really noticeable on many of the songs. Alan Jackson's "Good Time" was really fun for this with the bass guitar and drums hitting you. This also rocked on "Don't Touch My Hat" by Lyle Lovett. Lot's of fun...oh, I said that already. ; ) I can't wait to watch some action films...
INVOLVING
These speakers draw you in. "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones is one of my all time favorite songs and this was like listening to it all over again. The delicate piano work in the intro and the breathy purity of her voice. I also noticed this with the Sierra Hull piece which I have listened to a lot lately. The Mandolin work was captivating and the vocals in the chorus were so well done. The vocals didn't stand out before for me. Which leads to the last part...
REVEALING
This is like watching the California fog lift on a perfect spring day leaving behind a crystal clear day where everything just seems so sharp and crisp. These speakers really do reveal more in the recordings. This naturally leads back to the "involving" comment. Noticing more is just going to keep you more "involved".
AND, I haven't even started yet?! It will be fun to visit all of my old favorite songs. I picked good recordings to start out with so we'll have to see how things go with the lower quality stuff.
I'm very satisfied with the purchase. As I was sitting there listening to Norah Jones I was thinking that this is very...
DECADENT!
