What became of Loth-X Audio?

jt1stcav · « **on:** 16 Jul 2005, 10:46 pm »

I'm interested in a pair of 96dB efficient Loth-X Audio Ion Series Amaze single full-range driver bookshelf monitors, but I've found very little after doing a Google search. All I do know is that the 6" tri-cone paper driver has been resin-treated to add in its stiffness, that it was specifically designed by Stefan Stamm for the Amaze and custom built by Fostex, and that its supposed to be a fantastic match with a 300B SET amp.

I'd like to purchase the Amaze, but it seems that Loth-X Audio no longer has its own website, so finding the latest specs on the Amaze/Fostex driver is nearly impossible. I've looked on Fostex's site, but doing an Amaze search provided zilch, so I have no idea what model number Fostex used for this custom full-range driver.

It appears to me from what I haven't found is that Loth-X Audio is no longer in business...does anyone here know if this is true? I just found out that Loth-X also had designers that built tube amps and acrylic turntables; if Loth-X Audio is indeed defunkt, I assume then that their amps and turntables are also a thing of the past, just like their awesome single-driver horn-loaded loudspeakers?

If it's true that Loth-X Audio is out of business, then I wonder what became of Lothar Sander, its founder, all its designers and engineers, and its manufacturing facility in Singapore? Any news or info on the state of Loth-X Audio and their Amaze monitors would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance...

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Jul 2005, 03:33 am »

Go to the Song Audio website, a Canadian company. They seem to be carrying the Loth X line of speakers. Email them for an inquiry.

The problem with Loth X....too many changes in dealership, fire sale prices on most speakers, not steady supply in reviews. Low interest? That sort of dropped the bomb on what could have been decently priced, professinally made horn loudspeakers...something sorely needed in a marked filled by really horribly priced horned loudspeakers that are simply not suitable for many living environments.

JLM · « **Reply #2 on:** 17 Jul 2005, 11:24 am »

I heard the Amaze once with about a dozen others and what amazed us is how poor they sounded. Completely green Fostex FE206E extended range drivers in 0.75 cu. ft. cabinets wiped them all over the floor. Obviously the worst sounding speaker we had available. Omega Super 3 would easily out perform them.

An internet acquantance tried to become a dealer, but honestly only liked the floorstanding transmission line model.

jt1stcav · « **Reply #3 on:** 17 Jul 2005, 12:36 pm »

Guess that explains why these nearly mint demo pair are selling for so cheap.

Thanks for your replies, gentlemen, much obliged. I did find out via e-mail from Randy Bankert of O.S. Services, Inc. that indeed Loth-X is defunkt, probably from the reasons explained above...what a shame.

I'll still try out the Amaze (afterall, they're now broken in)...if they don't do it for me, I'm sure I can resell them and get my money back. I'll only keep 'em if the Amaze are a BIG sonic improvement (with a sub, natch) over my Triangle Electroacoustique Zephyr floorstanding 2-way towers (or my venerable Klipsch Cornwalls, temporarily in storage).

GBB · « **Reply #4 on:** 17 Jul 2005, 12:46 pm »

I think I heard that Loth-X is out of business.

I know that Joe Roberts, the former importer of Loth-X equipment to the US, has been selling off remaining stock at firesale prices and I picked up a pair of the Amazes. They are quite sensitive to amplification, speaker cables, and even polarity but when broken in and well matched they sound very good.
The conventional wisdom is that they are happiest with tube amps but I've gotten good results with a homebrew gainclone type amplifier but its been tweaked pretty extensively.

Right out of the box they can sound a bit "tizzy" in the highs but after breakin you'll not notice that at all. They do the full range driver thing in spades, which means gorgeous midrange and vocals. Bass is limited as one would expect from small boxes. And the highs probably are a bit rolled off since there is no tweeter but it matchs the low end well and gives a nice overall presentation.

I haven't heard the Omegas for comparison but at the firesale prices I consider them a no-brainer. Great sound for not much money.

---Gary

jt1stcav · « **Reply #5 on:** 17 Jul 2005, 01:36 pm »

GBB, thanks for your info. You're right, Loth-X is no more.

I've been to Joe's current site, and he's officially retired and selling off his remaining newsletters. Unfortunantly, he hasn't posted his latest e-mail, and even Randy Bankert hasn't received any answers from his latest e-mails. Guess Joe's thrown in the towel...

My brother recently aquired what was termed from the seller in Austin, TX the last NIB pair of factory-fresh Amaze monitors found anywhere (if that's true), and my demo pair is from this same seller at an even lower reduced priced, so I'd be a fool IMO to pass this deal up...it's worth a try.

My bro's Amaze were thin and shrill at first, but now with over a 100 hours into them, they've opened up a great deal and are much fuller and more holographic to his ears. He's driving them with a heavily modified Sonice (i.e. cheap Chinese) 2 or 3 watt 6BQ5 integrated PP power amp (complete upgrades performed by Erik Mandaville of Houston and a member of The Klipsch Forums). This POS amp has now been transformed into THE sweetest sounding tube amp he's ever owned, besting his JoLida, Dared, a vintage Lafeyette and a Japanese AMD...only equalling his upgraded/modified '62 Magnavox single-ended 6BQ5 console amp! Female vocals and piano now have a midrange richness and clarity that jump right out at you! Sounds like a no-brainer to me as well.

I imagine the Amaze can't hold a candle to the bigger, more detailed, and more expensive single-driver Lothers, Omegas, or even the DIY Voight Pipes out there. But for the money they're worth a try with my 300B SET amp and 6SN7 SRPP linestage pre...I'm looking forward to giving 'em a listen.