Economic conditions force this sale.
$1500 $1400 $1350 obo
original list was $4000.
I have owned many many speakers.....these are worth every penny!
PBN Audio flies under the radar and may not be as well known as other brands, but if you underestimate their performance, you are sadly mistaken! These guys hold their own and beat most in their price class, and beyond. The Montana SP series is a long time resident on the Stereophile Class B list, and for good reason. Check out the enthusiastic chatter on the audio boards to get a sense of what they are about, and why those that buy for sound and not label luster view them so favorably.
Specs, measurements and review:
http://stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/912/There have been three versions of this speaker (SP, SP2, SP3). The main review covers the first version. The other two versions are discussed in follow-ups (main review, front page, bottom right, click on the two dates).
The pair presented here for sale is the SP2 "Signature", and is discussed in the
June 1997 follow-up In my correspondence with Peter at PBN he indicated that the "signature" designation was for upgraded crossover parts and / or upgraded finish.
As the photos show, this pair is well cared for. The pix were shot today and they quite accurately represent color and condition. The Andes Rosewood matched book veneers are very nice, and they just seem to get richer and more beautiful with age. The overall condition of cabinets, drivers and grilles is excellent, barely a mark on them. The finish under the grill covers is just ever so slightly darker, but this will fade with sunlight and the passage of time. Barely noticeable, I only mention it for completeness. I conservatively rate them a 7/10 on the AG scale, mainly for age. They show very well....you will not be disappointed.
This speaker is easy to place into most environments, and its relatively small footprint (less than 1 sq ft) belies its ability to create a huge acoustic image. The SP2 excels at creating a spacious soundstage with dense, stable and saturated images. They disappear into the soundfield and unless the recording is particularly bad, you never hear music emanating from them. It is an excellent and versatile all around performer that does well with all genres of music, and punches above its weight class.
The SP2 is very easy to drive. 30 - 50wpc will do quite nicely, but 80 - 100 is even better. I have teamed it with a myriad of amps, SS and tube, from 35wpc to 120wpc. With all I would describe the overall sound as refined, punchy and inviting. The midband is very open, fast and "real". Top end is airy and grain free. The transmission line bass is tight and tuneful. Vocals are just lovely, and very present. It errs slightly to the warm side of things, making for an easy and fatigue-free listening experience, yet it is still sufficiently detailed and transparent such that nueances and details in the music are easily revealed.
With all amps I tried, this speaker tends to involve and engage the listener...that hard to pin down quality that is often difficult to achieve in our systems. It does well with all genres of music. This is one musical transducer that soars and caresses at the same time!
35Hz - 30kHz
90db sensitive
8 ohm impedance
rear, slot-ported transmission line bass
bi-wire posts
45h x 13d x 9w
At 90 lbs each, the build quality is obvious.
Spikes and grill covers are included, but the boxes are long gone.
I will include a set of Speltz Anti-Cable jumpers. Much better than any stock jumpers!
Local pickup: Long Beach NY 11561.
Feel free to bring your amp for a listen. No pressure, no obligation.
See my Gallery for more pics:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=1680See my other ad for a nice Blue Circle BC24 Hybrid amp. I'll make ya a package price.
Thanks for looking, and
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 
