Gedlee Abbey question

J-Pak · « **on:** 3 Jan 2014, 08:18 pm »

I found the 50+ page thread that was archived, but I have a question if my amp would be suitable for the Abbeys. Would they be ok with a 5 watt SET PSE amp? Listening from about 2.5 meters away. Allegro Sound calculator says it will be fine, but practical advice from owners is appreciated. Thanks!

TomS · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Jan 2014, 12:19 am »

I seriously doubt it would drive them to any kind of satisfactory levels. I used a pair of AtmaSphere M60's with Zero transformers to help out and they would run out of gas at higher levels. I'd recommend at least 100 wpc, probably more. I used NCores and they worked very well.

DS-21 · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Jan 2014, 01:02 am »

You may like the end result, but they probably won't sound as Dr. Geddes intended given that they were designed and tested on modern low source impedance amplification, and your amplifier probably has a high enough source impedance to cause frequency response differences.

J-Pak · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Jan 2014, 02:40 am »

Thank you. I am surprised to read this since compression drivers when horn loaded are usually extremely efficient (105+ db/w).

sts9fan · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Jan 2014, 03:05 am »

The Abbeys are 96db. My Nathans are 94db I think and I have used them with 10W in a smallish room. I would not wan less.

TomS · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Jan 2014, 04:17 am »

Quote from: J-Pak on 4 Jan 2014, 02:40 am

Thank you. I am surprised to read this since compression drivers when horn loaded are usually extremely efficient (105+ db/w).

The 12" woofer he uses is very efficient but will also be the limiter. I used First Watt F4 bridged mono's, F5, Atmasphere M60, NCore 400's, and NCore 1200's. They just like SS amps better, and more power is good. The F5 is ~20w class A and not enough IMHO.

J-Pak · « **Reply #6 on:** 4 Jan 2014, 04:57 pm »

Quote from: sts9fan on 4 Jan 2014, 03:05 am

The Abbeys are 96db. My Nathans are 94db I think and I have used them with 10W in a smallish room. I would not wan less.

I was using the CD efficiency as an example to illustrate that on paper it is generally a highly efficient design, I understand the lower frequency driver will be the limiting factor on overall efficiency. The B&C woofer impedance curves I've looked at do not look all that menacing to a tube amplifier. But I appreciate the feedback from owners, I will put off looking for these for now.

I have had Pass Aleph 2 and currently Atma-Sphere M60 on my ESL63, but have a PSE SET amp that sounds stunning (does not work well with my electrostats). So I was looking for some highly efficient speakers. Unfortunately most don't seem to have the neutral response as Gedlees.

bcshchan · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 10:31 am »

This is my first post in Audiocircle.
My Abbeys were built in Jan 2012 now being driven by a pair of DIY 300B mono blocks. I mainly listen to classical music. Their sound is natural and detail and sufficiently powerful even for Beethoven's symphonies.
I also have a pair of Ncore NC400 but really disappointing when compared with the vivid details of the 300B.
I have subwoofer but I seldom switch it on.

sts9fan · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 02:17 pm »

Why would you not use the sub? The Abbeys are specifically designed to be used with subs.

bcshchan · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 03:13 pm »

In my system piano strikes and cello appear to sound more solid without sub. All bass have better definition although not as thick. Maybe because I have only a single sub but not multiple subs.

JohnR · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 03:18 pm »

Something's wrong. Have you measured it?

sts9fan · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 04:09 pm »

Also, why the extra tweeters? The Gedlee tweeter goes plenty high.

bcshchan · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 04:46 pm »

That is an Aurum Cantus G2 ribbon that I added in recently crossing over at 16KHZ. I can hear definite improvement.

sts9fan · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 05:00 pm »

I have never heard anyone say the GedLee are not bright enough.

rave959 · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 05:58 pm »

As an Abbey speaker owner myself, I think I know what bcshchan is referring to about the lack of "air". For lack of a better word, my ears had to get used to this lack of air compared to my previous Linkwitz Orion. But, in any case, I suggest that one can also use an equalizer to "tip up" to what the OP believes is missing on the top end. Just my .02.

Cheers,
Ian

bcshchan · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 10:12 pm »

I always seek comparison with live performances in music halls. Yet the razor sharp sound of a real violin and cello are most difficult to imitate.

opnly bafld · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 10:25 pm »

Quote from: bcshchan on 9 Apr 2014, 04:46 pm

That is an Aurum Cantus G2 ribbon that I added in recently crossing over at 16KHZ. I can hear definite improvement.

Have you tried it firing to the rear?

bcshchan · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Apr 2014, 11:21 pm »

I think the direct sound is more important, but an additional rear firing pair could be an improvement.

opnly bafld · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Apr 2014, 12:06 am »

Try it, you may like it better than the way they are now.

Redefy Audio · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Apr 2014, 01:19 am »

Quote from: bcshchan on 9 Apr 2014, 10:31 am

This is my first post in Audiocircle.
My Abbeys were built in Jan 2012 now being driven by a pair of DIY 300B mono blocks. I mainly listen to classical music. Their sound is natural and detail and sufficiently powerful even for Beethoven's symphonies.
I also have a pair of Ncore NC400 but really disappointing when compared with the vivid details of the 300B.
I have subwoofer but I seldom switch it on.

aside from beautiful speakers, that is a very beautiful view from your apartment, is it in guangzhou?