[Images]

Got an older second system in the home office.  Want to upgrade the speakers, probably about $600 to $900 worth.  Two come immediately to mind, the Aperion Audio Intimus 632-LR Loudspeakers and the new B&W 685s.  Both are comparably priced, though I have no problem buying used from somebody with a proven track record.  BTW, I listen almost totally to orchestral stuff, with a little blue grass or "new grass" on the side.  Ok, maybe some '50's jazz as well.  Sound staging, layering, etc. are important to me with the symphony records, but not a big a deal with a 4-5 piece combo, be it with a tenor sax or a mandolin.  Can any one draw a comparison between these two moderately priced monitors, or make a suggestion, or point me to another thread.  Thanks in advance.

[TerryO]

Mr. Images,
For the amount you have to spend, I can't think of anything that will outperform the Exodus Audio "Kepler" speaker. It's a new design with several advanced features and offers substantial value, IMHO.

Yes, I do have a pair, and yes, Kevin Haskins and I are old friends. I am in no way connected to his company and only recommend these as they are one heck of a good speaker.

However, don't take my word for it. Read the recent Soundstage! review at this URL:

http://www.soundstage.com/diwhy/diwhy200804.htm

BTW: the review is of an assembled kit, so you can save money by assembling it yourself, or Kevin will send you an assembled pair for an additional charge.

Best regards and good luck on your quest,
TerryO

[Images]

Mr. TerryO,

I have started other speaker threads this year and received many replies.  So, at first I thought this thread was a dud.  I did a little searching for monitors (which I should have done in the first place), and, with no intention of doing so, I kept finding glowing references to Mr. Haskins' Kepler.  Then I found a posting by Dan Wright praising these little guys as well.  OK, I am ordering a pair.  They sound like remarkable over-achievers.  And yes, judging by some of your posted banter with Mr. Haskins, you must be well acquainted. I thank you for this nudge in what seems very much to be the right direction.

BTW, I use the Modwright SWL 9.0se linestage.  My monos are D100s from Channel Islands.  I wonder what synergy there might be here?  I did see that Kevin reported he was using  a similar linestage and class D amps at a recent show.  I assume they were Hypex.  The D100s are very similar.  I wonder if anyone has driven the Keplers with D100s.  So much rides on the amp-speaker synergy.     

[TerryO]

Mr. TerryO,

I have started other speaker threads this year and received many replies.  So, at first I thought this thread was a dud.  I did a little searching for monitors (which I should have done in the first place), and, with no intention of doing so, I kept finding glowing references to Mr. Haskins' Kepler.  Then I found a posting by Dan Wright praising these little guys as well.  OK, I am ordering a pair.  They sound like remarkable over-achievers.  And yes, judging by some of your posted banter with Mr. Haskins, you must be well acquainted. I thank you for this nudge in what seems very much to be the right direction.


BTW, I use the Modwright SWL 9.0se linestage.  My monos are D100s from Channel Islands.  I wonder what synergy there might be here?  I did see that Kevin reported he was using  a similar linestage and class D amps at a recent show.  I assume they were Hypex.  The D100s are very similar.  I wonder if anyone has driven the Keplers with D100s.  So much rides on the amp-speaker synergy.     

Hi Again,
I think that you'll find the Kepler's to be a real compliment to your system. The CI monoblocks should have a "family resemblance" to Kevin's Exodus Audio Hypex amp as they're very similar in concept. Combined with the Modwright preamp, I don't believe you can do any better without investing a small fortune.
I do know that they sounded very good at VSAC. I got to listen to them for three days and with the prolonged exposure, I never noticed anything amiss what-so-ever. My pair are excellent and even in my modest system they sound great. In all the VSAC coverage on-line, I don't remember any mention of the fact that Doc Bottlehead used 8 of the same Exodus Audio woofers in his speakers.

Have you heard the Modwright Modified Transporter? That's an impressive piece of equipment to say the least. It certainly changed my mind about HD frontends.

Let me know how you like them :^)

Best Regards,
TerryO

[Images]

Have you heard the Modwright Modified Transporter? That's an impressive piece of equipment to say the least. It certainly changed my mind about HD frontends.

This PC implemented, HD-based audio is the next step for me.  But I'm cheap!  I'm still considering some arrangement with a SqueezeBox.  There arguably is strong consensus that the Transporter is the way to go, but the mains in my primary system are yet to be replaced (likely with a Salk offering), the kids' tuition must be paid, and then I can look at options for bits and bytes.  Maybe the Kepler will so please me that with the addition of the proper sub, I can use a pair in the main system and avoid the $6K three-ways that I think I need for orchestral reproduction.  However, I always have been reluctant to go the sub-sat route.  Too many accounts of disappointment by various 'philes.  Still, if this works, then maybe the transporter could be less further along on the upgrade path than I currently think. The first thing to do is get a pair of Keplers under my roof.