[KeithR]

I have debated going to a Modwright preamp---or a Blue Circle or VAC integrated.  I am thinking a more efficient speaker, thereby not limiting amplifier selection, is key in my decision.

Keith,

FWIW, if you go the direction of the Blue Circle integrated, pretty much the only one that will have trouble with a low-efficiency speaker is the CS.  I've been using an FtTH integrated (80wpc) with a pair of Focus Audio FS-78SE floorstanders (86db) with terrific results.  (and fyi - the FS-78SE falls in your price range, too...! ). 

And we've had the Modwright preamp paired with a couple of class D amps at a couple of our NY Raves, playing with the Focus stuff with great results, too...

Phil- thanks for the reply.  I had the NSCS on my Sophias and the "tonality" was there---it just didn't have the juice for the big 10" woofer to thrive.  Gilbert I guess is using Sophias now and he said you really have to step up to the 206 to treat em right.

I have been thinking of the Adagios with NSCS.  Thoughts as you carry both?  While not high efficiency, i would think it would work well.

For the high efficiency test, I'm going to hear some Druids that were mentioned in this thread---i liked the Definitions but didn't like the Druids at HE2006.  Perhaps in a better environment they will thrive.


Cheers,

KeithR

[PhilNYC]

I have been thinking of the Adagios with NSCS.  Thoughts as you carry both?  While not high efficiency, i would think it would work well.

KeithR

I think the Adagios have a very specific sound, and the NSCS would do a nice job at getting great performance out of the Adagios...but I would definitely recommend auditioning the Adagios to see if they are your taste.  They are *very* different from your Sophias...much more on the warm and fluid side, a "sexy" sound, perhaps not the best at detail.  They do present a very big sound, and I use them in my AV system with fantastic results (paired with Bel Canto Ref1000 monoblocks).  Also, they like a lot of space between them...9ft to really get the most out of them, even if it means being relatively close to the side walls.

[gnev]

Phil: About your Adagio set up. How far back is the listening position? And how much toe in are you using?
I have been experimenting with different combinations but have not had them that far apart.

[PhilNYC]

Phil: About your Adagio set up. How far back is the listening position? And how much toe in are you using?
I have been experimenting with different combinations but have not had them that far apart.

In the setup I am currently using them in, it's pretty close to an equilateral triangle; speakers are 9ft apart, and about 8ft from the listening position (unfortunately, my room setup doesn't allow me much flexibility in the seating position).  The toe-in has them pointing about 2ft wide of my ears (I had them pointed directly at my shoulders before, but found that the sound was a congested in the midrange when I did that).  Speakers are 35" from the front wall (measured to the back of the speaker).

I have also tried them in my reference setup; placed exactly in the same place as my Focus FS-888's (8ft apart, with toe-in pointed about 2ft wide of my ears), again I found the midrange a little congested.  Moving the speakers out to 9ft apart and reducing the toe-in really opened up the soundstage and cleared up the midrange.  The openness of the sound was also greatly improved.

[PhilNYC]

Keith,

One more comment/observation...Robert Lee has been demoing the Adagios at audio shows using the Modwright preamp paired with class D amps (Red Dragon Leviathans)...and this is the combo that has been getting all the praise in the show reports.  So if you've got the Nuforce amps and are already considering the Modwright preamp, comments on the Adagios from show reports might actually be pretty relevant to you...

[richidoo]

Robert bought the Response Audio 100W tube mono amps used in his demo at RMAF. When paired with the ModWright and the Adagios, I found it to be the best sound of the show, the only rig to pass my tough demo CD with NO problems. I found no stuffiness in the mids or lack of volume or clarity in the bass. It was actually quite humorous that this giant lifelike sound was coming from such small drivers. And the musical presence was awesome. I heard the speakers in 2 other rooms at RMAF, neither were even close.

I would recommend you try to find a pair of Legacy Audio speakers, like Signature, Focus or even Whisper before you buy. But be warned, you will be permanently spoiled, and never look at "high end speakers" the same way again. And you'll save yourself a lot of money and hassle. If you are near NC, come hear mine!
Rich

[KeithR]

I have been thinking of the Adagios with NSCS.  Thoughts as you carry both?  While not high efficiency, i would think it would work well.

KeithR

I think the Adagios have a very specific sound, and the NSCS would do a nice job at getting great performance out of the Adagios...but I would definitely recommend auditioning the Adagios to see if they are your taste.  They are *very* different from your Sophias...much more on the warm and fluid side, a "sexy" sound, perhaps not the best at detail.  They do present a very big sound, and I use them in my AV system with fantastic results (paired with Bel Canto Ref1000 monoblocks).  Also, they like a lot of space between them...9ft to really get the most out of them, even if it means being relatively close to the side walls.

Hmm...that doesn't sound like my cup of tea, but hopefully I can hunt a pair out and check them out.  I tend to listen to a lot of down tempo electronica, and detail, speed, and clarity are qualities I look for.  Dynamics are extremely important as well.  If they are that warm, luscious "audiophile" type sound, it might be best to look elsewhere.

Cheers,

KeithR

[duggie]

you *really*  need to hear the coincident research victory's...     add subwoofers, & you will have it all, from top to bottom.

Hmm...that doesn't sound like my cup of tea, but hopefully I can hunt a pair out and check them out.  I tend to listen to a lot of down tempo electronica, and detail, speed, and clarity are qualities I look for.  Dynamics are extremely important as well.  If they are that warm, luscious "audiophile" type sound, it might be best to look elsewhere.

Cheers,

KeithR