In early January I received one of the first new sets that Louis put together. In a new finish not on the site (Wenge).
I, unlike most of you, have not upgraded my system in years. Ever since 1982, I have listened to DQ 10s hooked to a set of HK 775 monos with the corresponding 725 pre-amp. I have maintained the amps over the years usually having to resolder the connections; heat dissapation is a problem. So in anticipation of the new arrivals, I cleaned up the old stuff.
When the XRSs arrived I put the DQ 10s away, much to my wife's pleasure, and took out the much sleaker system. (She has told me how much she likes the look of the new speakers several times). Anyway, at first the sound was not what I expected. But we were leaving town the next weekend so I hooked up a mutliple CD changer to the system and put it on repeat at a very loud level (neighbors were gone also).
When we got back the sound was very warm and full. In fact, you could hear things in songs that you could not at first. Ever since the soundstage is continuing to improve and I am impressed both with the clarity and range of the music the speakers can reproduce. The bass has come a long long way from the first day and the style of music does not matter much (with the exception of some classical works).
Couple of thoughts/questions -
1. The new pegs - On wood floors a carpet square underneath works great for the protection of the floors and the bass resonance.
2. Are the stands better than the pegs?
3. I know the speakers can handle the power I have (I believe 135 watts) but am I better with less, or are those systems more designed for people with less space than I have?
I am exetremely pleased with the speakers and found the break-in to be easier than I thought.
Thanks Louis.
