Hi JD,
I am contemplating a Muse purchase in an effort to update my Spendor SP1s. Unfortunately I live on the East Coast and cannot listen before purchase. Do you still enjoy your Muse?
How would you characterize their tonal quality?
I am looking for a natural sounding ( not too bright) with good detail .
Thanks
drone
Hi drone - While my ears are far from the greatest, many years, many loud concerts, a lot of construction sites, and more than a few pits with un-muffled engines. I would say they are very natural & neutral sounding. Certainly not bright, though they do present somewhat different staging & detail depending on what's up stream. I've got a very funky room to deal with, 10' x 28' w/7'-4" ceiling, carpet on concrete, a couple of doors, and the backside of a fireplace bumping into the front half of the room, which is where the listening area is located. Three years later and I'm still working on room issues, working with room arrangement, and some minor treatments. Not familiar with the Spendors so can't speak directly to that. I can say my previous speakers have been: Advent Utilities ('73), Dahlquist DQM-7 2-way Monitors ('85), Salk Song Towers ('07), and then the Muse in '16. All the prior noted speakers are still in service, and sounding good to my ears. Listening to the Dahlquists now in my office system. The Advents are in the garage system, and the STs are in my HT system.
I swap the driving gear from time to time. Currently have my AVA CF pre, with Frank's Ultravalve tube amp powering things. I also run a Modwright LS-100 pre (with upgraded tubes courtesy of Drew), and Frank's FetValve Ultra 550 Hybrid amp in the mix. Each piece brings something a little different to the party. Bass isn't quite as tight with the tube amp, but the mid & upper range is smoother. Stage with the LS-100 is a little more forward and a little more holographic. I've stated before I'm more of an enthusiast than audiophile, and far from good at describing what I hear technically. Maybe someone here on AC with one of Lou's creations in your area will chime in, and give you the opportunity to have a listening session. Or even drop Lou an email/PM to see if he knows of anyone in your area you might contact.
A lot of factors come into play on any system, as all here will tell you. The room, the driving gear, the music you listen to. (yeah a dangling participle
) I can't imagine you'd be disappointed with any of Lou's offerings, but that's my opinion, and we've all got one of those. Yes, I still thoroughly enjoy the musical experience they provide. They still present a sound stage, verses music coming from two speakers. At this point in time I will probably play with some gear changes from time to time, but have no thoughts about another set of speakers. They do all I want or need sonically, and I spend my time enjoying the music rather than thinking about the system. Hope this helps some in your considerations. I would agree with John's comments.
Congrats, JD, on the purchase! Your new speakers look great! I'm sure they sound even better!
I, too, first got a listen to Daedalus speakers from a an owner in his home. Many months later, I ended up buying his pair when he upgraded to Apollos. These speakers really are amazing works of art. I sometimes go into my listening too just look at them without even playing music.
You still have your Modwright preamp? (You bought some tubes from me!)
Congrats once again!
Thanks Drew. Yep, their pretty well broken in now. Yes, still have the Modwright, and still loving it. Thanks again for the tubes, they did improve things, and are seeing service fairly often. As I say above I swap pre-s in & out between Dan's & Frank's. Like both, just different flavors.
Be Well
