Speakers

sheadlee · « **on:** 18 Nov 2004, 10:29 pm »

Hi, Gang!

I just got back from Audio Advice (Raleigh), where I had gone to check out new toys along the home theatre genre. Since they were having a day of Home Theatre Show, complete with a number of factory reps.

I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but while I was wandering around, I heard amazing sound coming from one of the rooms. It turned out to be the LINN room, and in that room was a pair of their soon to be released ARTIKULATE speakers, these are new 6-way active speakers.

The sound may have been the best I have ever heard. They were extremely 'articulate' and detailed, they threw a huge soundstage with tremendous weight and authority.

Now the bad news. They don't know how much they are going to cost in the US, yet, but Leon is projecting $35,000/pair. Geeee, I guess they should sound good.

Now the (realtively) good news. They have another newer pair named AKURATE, and their sound quality is reasonably similar, at a $10,000/pair, price point.

Even though the prices are out of my reach, at this time, I would say it's worth a visit to Audio Advice, just to give them an audition. The sound is that impressive!

Inscrutable · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Nov 2004, 10:44 am »

Steve,
I was just there last weekend looking at TT's, but didn't wander around at all ... wonder if they were there, or if the Linn rep brought them in for the 'show'? Anyway, I heard the $40k Linn Komri there when they came out, and they were indeed very very nice ... pretty neutral and balanced, as is maybe typical of the Linn line I guess. (Although at the same price point I think I prefer the Avalon Eidolon Diamonds .... not that it much matters from a practical point of view ... if you can use the word 'practical' in the same sentence with $40k speakers) Thanks for the tip!

Mike-48 · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 03:56 pm »

Steve,

I am wondering if AA did anything about room acoustics for those Linn speakers. I listened to the Vandersteen 5's there some time ago, and I was disappointed by the lumpy sound. There was little or no attention given to room acoustics nor to setting up the subwoofer equalizer. Given the many glowing reviews the speakers have received, I wondered if much of that wasn't due to less than optimal setup.

sheadlee · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Feb 2005, 07:58 pm »

Mike,

I can't say for sure, concerning the room acoustics, although I believe that AA has done some work in each of their rooms, in those regards.

I do know that the Linn Artikulate's were 5-way 'active' speakers, with each driver range quite adjustable/controlable via the active electronics. The electronics can be included (on-board), or in many various combinations. The Linn rep had done his own setup, so I'm predicting that he made any necessary adjustments that would overcome any room shortcomings.

This may not have answered you question, but if you are curious, then I would either call or email Leon Shaw (owner) and query him. He is very knowledgable and a great guy to work with.

NealH · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 03:26 am »

Generally speaking, Audio Advice is not paying enough attention to room/component set-ups. I have noticed this for the past year. They will properly set up a specific pair of speakers, but this will be but one set out of maybe 10. I find it quite disappointing as well as frustrating. Leon needs to light a fire under his salesmen and make it a point to address the set-ups. He has some competent people but, I believe the continuing influx of home theater/2-channel people wanting to listen to various speakers makes it time consuming to re-set up for serious 2-channel auditions so they tend to take the lazy approach and hope it's good enough while addressing room issues with the sales pitch that the speaker will likely perform better in your room.

If one calls in an appointment the specific set-up seems to get much more attention. This is the recommended approach for serious interest.

Tom H. at Advanced Audio will do a much better job with set-up. When serious customer comes in Tom will set up the components to near perfection. But, Tom's lines are limited.

In regards to the Vandy 5's, AA had these reasonably well set up last weekend. They sounded very, very good. Relaxed, extended, dynamic and, performing the disappearing act very well. Rock solid imaging - which they seem to always do well. I still think the bass needed some adjustment. I don't know if this is an equalizer/level set up, room, or design (box) issue. I bet the next rev will further tweak the bass system on this speaker. In any event, overall these speakers were singing last weekend.

On the other hand, the set-up for the B&W 803D was terrible last weekend.

Carlman · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 03:37 am »

Quote from: rnhood

......so they tend to take the lazy approach and hope it's good enough while addressing room issues with the sales pitch that the speaker will likely perform better in your room...

That was my experience the only time I've been to AA to seriously consider a pair of speakers. I had 3,k to spend and I felt like I was at Circuit City with a good salesman. I went to a speaker room just like CC's and listened to some speakers that were sort of aimed at me.... and I was told I could listen to some other speakes setup in other parts of the store. It wasn't exactly the 'royal' treatment but I didn't feel anyone was going out of their way either. I basically got the impression that 3,k was way below AA's radar screen.

I *almost* went there today because I was with my Dad but I then decided against it for the same reason.

He can't hear particularly well and I don't know that he'd have enjoyed it... and it was time for his nap...

But now I wish I had. I'd love to hear a 35,k pair of speakers. Maybe tomorrow.

-C

Mike-48 · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 01:23 pm »

Quote from: rnhood

Tom H. at Advanced Audio will do a much better job with set-up. When serious customer comes in Tom will set up the components to near perfection. ...

Yes, I wound up buying from Tom, and the experience also clued me in to the importance of room acoustics. That proved to be expensive once I got home, but it paid huge dividends in sound.

It is a pity that all dealers demonstrating expensive equipment don't do it in rooms that can reveal the equipment at its best. Whan that's not done, it's equally bad from the buyer's and manufacturer's points of view.

Hantra · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 04:02 pm »

Quote from: Mike in NC

I listened to the Vandersteen 5's there some time ago, and I was disappointed by the lumpy sound. .

I concur. The Vandy 5's in that store had to be one of the worst expensive speakers I have ever heard. Then again, the Wilson Sophias were so well setup that they shined with even Proceed electronics!

I have to say I like Tom a LOT better than the guys at AA, and he is a much better salesman. I wish he had the gear and the store that AA has.

Ohh, also, the Komri with the Klimax Solos makes me want to jump off the roof! I can't imagine if the Artikulate is a BETTER speaker!

Carlman · « **Reply #8 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 05:59 pm »

Speaking of Tom H. in Cary...

That's where I ended up finding my Revel's. Tom was great to deal with.... I wish I had a room similar to his. It's just the right size and perfectly treated from my recollection.

Mike-48 · « **Reply #9 on:** 27 Feb 2005, 06:10 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

Speaking of Tom H. in Cary...

That's where I ended up finding my Revel's. Tom was great to deal with.... I wish I had a room similar to his. It's just the right size and perfectly treated from my recollection.

I agree, Tom was easy to deal with, and he set up the room for excellent sound. As to rooms in general, ASC will do a free consultation from your sketches. Just be prepared to take out your wallet if you follow through with their plan. I wound up spending more than planned, but the difference it made was phenomenal.