Opinion on Tyler Acoustics Reference & Linbrook Monitor

F-100 · « **on:** 9 Sep 2003, 10:17 pm »

I'm in the market for a new speaker. So far, VMPS 626R and Onix Ref 1 are on my list but recently saw a lot of hullabaloo on Tyler Acoustics speakers. I appreciated any opinion, comment from people who have/had the opportunity auditioning these two models (Reference & Linbrook Monitor).

One thing for sure that already attracted me is the cabinet. Tyler sure know how to build the cabinet and will easily passed the WAF test

Thanks,

Mad DOg · « **Reply #1 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 01:25 am »

F-100,

i believe sa-dono has heard the tyler reference monitors and owns the ref1s so he should be able to share some insight on this...

also regarding the cabinet quality of the tyler's...u might want to PM randytsuch for his opinions on this...

who knows...maybe randytsuch will have some time to bring his tyler refs over to my place and we can compare them w/ my onix ref1s...

Ron D · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 01:31 am »

I owed the Taylos for a year and can attest that they are a very revealing speaker. I found the treble a little hot in my system and much prefer the Linbrooks which I've owned for almost a year now. I considered adding in a sub to augment the anything but low bass the Taylos offer but the Linbrooks go low enough for me so no sub in my system.

Ty makes a great product and if you were to purchase the same speaker from a "brand name" like B&W, Talon, etc. you would surely pay much much more for them. Both models can be found used for pretty decent prices at A-gon.

Jay S · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 03:06 am »

Guan has the Linbrook monitors + bass modules and is getting nice sound out of them. Perhaps "da-da" will comment on them when he gets a break from his new duties!

F-100 · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 03:54 am »

Quote from: Mad DOg

F-100,
who knows...maybe randytsuch will have some time to bring his tyler refs over to my place and we can compare them w/ my onix ref1s...

Thanks, you guys are very helpful.

Mad Dog,
If you could get Randy to bring his Tyler Ref and John Casler to bring his 626R to your place for a shootout, this would definitely be an interesting session. If you can make it happen, I would love to attend and will gladly contribute some food and beer to light up the party

Mad DOg · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 04:30 am »

getting john casler over won't be a problem, but randy on the other hand seems to always be busy...i'll check w/ him though...

Sa-dono · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 05:44 am »

Hey guys! I have indeed heard the Tyler Reference monitors (at Randy's place). They did sound extremely good. At the time, I did not think the sound was quite up to my system's at the time (although this can run into personal preference as well). The bass was just slightly loose, there was a little smoothness missing, and there was a very small bit of harshness. However, I was listening in a new room, with new gear. As such, I do not know what was responsible for what. I did feel that they were still very nice speakers as far as sound is concerned, and are some of the few speakers I feel are actually worth their price based on sound, for the most part. They image rather well, and have a good soundstage.

My main concern with them is actually their construction. Despite what looks like an extremely nice looking finish on the site (which was one of the reasons I was interested in auditioning them), aesthetics were slightly lacking. The finish was only okay at best. I would say that it was of lower quality than the current finishes used by VMPS (to give some frame of reference). There was at least one air pocket/bubble from Tyler's poor veneer job.

At first I just figured this was due to the speakers being B-stock, but others have affirmed that this is/was a problem that plagued Tyler speakers. I will say that at least one person has claimed to me that a current speaker they saw or owned was extremely nice. Another factor is the grills used a velcro attachment instead of holes, and were pretty cheap as such.

All of the speakers you are considering are extremely good, so you can not go wrong any way you choose. Personal preference will certainly come into play. Good luck with whatever speaker you choose!

Guan · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 02:18 pm »

Quote

Guan has the Linbrook monitors + bass modules and is getting nice sound out of them. Perhaps "da-da" will comment on them when he gets a break from his new duties!

Yep! I just brought home my newborn daughter from the hospital. So I'll be brief.

Initially the Linbrook Monitors took some time to gel with the bass modules. Could have been the drivers/XO needing break-in. I would characterize the sound of the Monitors as being transparent yet unfatiguing. They sound open, coherent and fast. The mids and highs are of a high standard. Treble is a little less forward than my Norh Mini-9.0s. The bass is dry-ish, fast and well defined.

The Linbrook bass modules add a lot of depth and scale to the music. The deeper bass (down to 25Hz) adds warmth and body to the mids and the soundstage expands in all directions. Basically what you get is full range sound that is quite agile and musical. But although relatively efficient (92db), the Linbrook system does appreciate an amplifier with plenty of current. The Excel drivers used are rated a good 200 watts. I currently use a Jeff Rowland Model 8T which works quite nicely

There are some pics of my system in the Gallery.

Other Tyler owners have said that the Linbrook's sound similar to the Ref Monitors but have more colour and refinement.

Hope this helps. Back to changing nappies...

Guan · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 02:42 pm »

Quote

My main concern with them is actually their construction. Despite what looks like an extremely nice looking finish on the site (which was one of the reasons I was interested in auditioning them), aesthetics were slightly lacking. The finish was only okay at best.... There was at least one air pocket/bubble from Tyler's poor veneer job.

Unfortunately, this is true with my pair of natural cherry Linbrooks. The cabinets are very sturdily built but the veneer is not well applied. There are a few air bubbles around the base of my bass modules. With the high humidity in Hong Kong, it doesn't bode well...

The XO boards in the bass modules are also mounted on the cabinet side walls, rather than on the bottom of the cabinet. They can be jarred loose by UPS gorillas, as I found out to my dismay. But Ty sent me new XO boards once he heard about the damage. His after sales service is truly excellent.

On a more positive note, Ty does not skimp on parts quality - top quality drivers, Hovland caps, alpha core inductors, cardas wiring etc. When I see speakers using a similar driver compliment like the Joseph Audio Pearl costing $20K, I'm very pleased with my Linbrooks.

Tbadder1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 02:45 pm »

I've owned both the Reference and the Linbrooks. I really like the Linbrooks. Really detailed, wide sound stage (I listen nearfield and can still pull them 12/14 feet apart). Long break in, they love power, but handle all sorts of music--chamber music to punk rock. You'll get an honest 35hz outta them in 95% of the rooms that exist. I'm not a bass fan, but if you are upgrade to the bass modules latter. One warning: these mofo's are big for monitors, way big! Both of my cabinets were flawless and gorgeous (walnut/golden oak). The covers stink, but you won't use them anyways I hope. The thing I don't think anyone can argue with is that Tyler uses high quality parts all around--this is a bang for the buck speaker. It's not everyone's cup of tea because it can be merciless to poor recordings. This might seem to suggest that the Linbrooks are less musical than your other considerations, and I'd say that's probably true, less of a "toe-tapper" and more of a "holy-crap that's the first time I heard that" kinda speaker.

F-100 · « **Reply #10 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 03:56 pm »

Guan,
Congratulation on your new addition and thank for taking time off your busy schedule to post your opinion.

Sadono,
Thanks for the info on the cabinet construction. I was tempted to buy a used pair off Audigon but now I'll think twice about this one and will definitely find a local seller so I can inspect them first.

randytsuch · « **Reply #11 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 07:18 pm »

Hi guys,
Time for me to chime in, I guess.

First, here is my review of my speakers,
http://www.harmonicdiscord.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3472

For fit and finish, it could be better, but I got a good deal on them, at the time. They were not B stock, they were used tradeins from the factory with a warranty. Now, you can pick them up even cheaper than I paid.
I think you will have a hard time finding a local pair to buy, unless I ever sell mine. They come up an audiogon regularly, but usually not around LA.

As for Sadono's comments on my system, I just realized how hard it is to read criticisms of your system on a public forum, but that's life. I am thin skinned when it comes to criticism, and I know Sadano was being diplomatic in his comments.

My system has also changed since Ryan listened to it, I commented to him a little after he heard it that I wish he could hear it again, but I guess that's the way it goes. But, lately, it is worse.

Since my SACD 1000 is broken again, I am actually using a NEC CDROM drive as my CDP. Sounds good for what it is, but not close to my 1000. A new CDP is on the way though

.

As for availability, typically weekends are for my two kids, and weekdays are for work, so I don't have a lot of spare time. I have missed a few get togethers already because I had other obligations. I can't even find the time to build the audio projects I am working on. But, I will see if I can find a free weekend when I can drag my speakers down somewhere for a comparison. What would actually be easier for my is to take them down to John's during lunch one day, since he is pretty close by, and I could find a day to take a long lunch.

Having said that, I wonder about these comparisons some times. I am sure they are fun, and you get to talk audio with other nuts, but for infomational purposes, I would be putting my speakers into a system that was set up for other speakers. I know I have voiced my system around my speakers, because thats what I listen to. I would expect others to have done the same. Just my thoughts.

Randy

F-100 · « **Reply #12 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 07:53 pm »

Randy,
I completely understand your situation because heavy work load and family obligations are taking a big toll out of my schedule too. I was hoping that I can kill three birds (626R, Onix, & Tyler) with one stone but it unlikely going to happen.

BTW, thanks for the link on your review. Pretty much sum it up of what I need to know.

Thanks everyone, you guys are marvelous.

John Casler · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 08:00 pm »

Quote

As for availability, typically weekends are for my two kids, and weekdays are for work, so I don't have a lot of spare time. I have missed a few get togethers already because I had other obligations. I can't even find the time to build the audio projects I am working on. But, I will see if I can find a free weekend when I can drag my speakers down somewhere for a comparison. What would actually be easier for my is to take them down to John's during lunch one day, since he is pretty close by, and I could find a day to take a long lunch.

Hi Randy,

You guys just let me know what days might be good for you. I know Randy has wanted to hear the 626Rs for a while anyhow, and I wanted to hear the Tylers.

I agree that setting up in a different room and system can be tough, but at worst it will allow a base comparison. (as well as a BASS comparison)

Sa-dono · « **Reply #14 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 11:23 pm »

Quote from: randytsuch

Hi guys,
As for Sadono's comments on my system, I just realized how hard it is to read criticisms of your system on a public forum, but that's life. I am thin skinned when it comes to criticism, and I know Sadano was being diplomatic in his comments.

My system has also changed since Ryan listened to it, I commented to him a little after he heard it that I wish he could hear it again, but I guess that's the way it goes. But, lately, it is worse. Since my SACD 1000 is broken again, I am actually using a NEC CDROM drive as my CDP. Sounds good for what it is, but not close to my 1000. A new CDP is on the way though .

No worries...your system still sounded really good

And as always, personal preferences can come into play too, and it is all about putting together your system to your liking. Plus, I want to stress "at the time" as of course upgrades are bound to happen. I know I've improved my sound since, and I know that you have as well, so it is a shame I can not hear your system again presently. Also, what new CDP are you getting? Hope things are going well besides that poor SACD 1000...take care!

randytsuch · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 02:03 am »

Quote from: Sa-dono

No worries...your system still sounded really good And as always, personal preferences can come into play too, and it is all about putting together your system to your liking. Plus, I want to stress "at the time" as of course upgrades are bound to happen. I know I've improved my sound since, and I know that you have as well, so it is a shame I can not hear your system again presently. Also, what new CDP are you getting? Hope things are going well besides that poor SACD 1000...take care!

No problem, like I said, I am over sensitive. Plus, once I get a decent source again, my system sounds better than my original goal for it, but of course now the goal has changed.

I am getting a used SA-14. Got a great deal on one, otherwise I could not afford it. Guy shipped it from N Cal today, hope to get it by Friday.

Randy

Sa-dono · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 02:20 am »

Quote from: randytsuch

I am getting a used SA-14. Got a great deal on one, otherwise I could not afford it. Guy shipped it from N Cal today, hope to get it by Friday.

Sweet! Keep us updated with what you think

Mad DOg · « **Reply #17 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 04:22 am »

Quote from: randytsuch

...As for availability, typically weekends are for my two kids, and weekdays are for work, so I don't have a lot of spare time...

yeah, i know you're really busy, that's why i didn't accuse you of being a lazy bum for not being able to make it to the previous sessions!

Quote from: randytsuch

...Having said that, I wonder about these comparisons some times. I am sure they are fun, and you get to talk audio with other nuts, but for infomational purposes, I would be putting my speakers into a system that was set up for other speakers. I know I have voiced my system around my speakers, because thats what I listen to. I would expect others to have done the same. Just my thoughts...

the sessions are really fun as we get to see if certain components make a difference in whoever's system we're testing them in. sometimes u find that ur gear sounds better on someone else's system or gear they brought while other times u find that your gear sounds better...does this mean anyone is right or wrong? no...it allows us to expand our horizons by trying stuff we otherwise might not have tried because we didn't know about it or maybe it was simply out of our budget. it's really all good!