[Cheeseboy]

The closest speaker from GR to the ADS L1290 would be the LS Series.  The LS6 and LS9.  These are Line Source designs.  I liked the L1290's they were quite a good speaker.  Way ahead of thier time. 

[saisunil]

Tonight I got a chance to audition a pair of N2Xs (with many upgrades) and AV-3s thanks to a generous owner found here on AudioCircle (BTW, he did an excellent job on the enclosures).  Both are excellent speakers (and a real bargain), but I still prefer my ADS L1290/2s overall.

So the search continues.

In most situations N2Xs are to be paired with a sub ... did you hear it with or without a sub?

[wgallupe]

I used to own L1590/IIs. They were great for PRAT but way too much detail was lost by that soft dome tweeter! It just does not produce much detail and air in the uppermost frequencies. IMO, that's what gives them an overall charactor that's never offensive and easy to listen to. They are pretty good at bass extension, midbass punch and lower midrange presense. When it comes to midrange and up, they really don't hold a candle to the N1X that I auditioned in my system.

IMO, a good sub (or 2) with either N1X, N2X, N3S or N3 would easily out perform those ADSs.
 

[Saturn94]

The closest speaker from GR to the ADS L1290 would be the LS Series.  The LS6 and LS9.  These are Line Source designs.  I liked the L1290's they were quite a good speaker.  Way ahead of thier time.

Thanks for the info.

Since I last posted here, I've had a chance to audition some Salk models (SongTower, HT2-TL, and SoundScape).  Love the RAAL tweeter! They definately should be on anyone's short list (if within one's budget, of course).  That said, I've made no decisions yet.

[Saturn94]

In most situations N2Xs are to be paired with a sub ... did you hear it with or without a sub?

I heard it with and without a sub that the owner had built.  However, I really wasn't focusing on bass performance since I use a sub at home (SVS 16-46PC+).

[Saturn94]

I used to own L1590/IIs. They were great for PRAT but way too much detail was lost by that soft dome tweeter! It just does not produce much detail and air in the uppermost frequencies. IMO, that's what gives them an overall charactor that's never offensive and easy to listen to. They are pretty good at bass extension, midbass punch and lower midrange presense. When it comes to midrange and up, they really don't hold a candle to the N1X that I auditioned in my system.

IMO, a good sub (or 2) with either N1X, N2X, N3S or N3 would easily out perform those ADSs.
 

What does "PRAT" mean?

Danny also mentioned that he was surprised I prefered my ADS to the N2X, and A/V-3.  Perhaps it was the different room acoustics?  Our electronics were similar, so I don't think it was that.  In the end I thought the N2X was an excellent speaker, but nothing stood out that made me think it was better than what I already have (I'm looking for an upgrade, not a replacement).  Maybe I can convince the owner to bring them to my house and see if that makes a difference? 

[Danny Richie]

I'd recommend that you make your comparisons in the same room and with the same system if possible so that differences will be more apparent.

The ADS speakers were a pretty good speaker for back in the day. But technology has come a long way since then. Just with the limitation of the crossover parts alone the ADS will smear over details and lack a lot of resolution compared to just about anything produced today.

With any of our kits, even our A/V series kits, you should be able to easily hear information present in the music that the ADS will simply cover up.

[Saturn94]

I'd recommend that you make your comparisons in the same room and with the same system if possible so that differences will be more apparent.

The ADS speakers were a pretty good speaker for back in the day. But technology has come a long way since then. Just with the limitation of the crossover parts alone the ADS will smear over details and lack a lot of resolution compared to just about anything produced today.

With any of our kits, even our A/V series kits, you should be able to easily hear information present in the music that the ADS will simply cover up.

Thanks Danny.

It's been difficult enough arranging auditions, even more so trying to compare my ADS with others in the same room with the same equipment, but I'm trying.

PS - I see BG has released a Neo10 driver; any thoughts on it?

[wgallupe]

What does "PRAT" mean?

Pace rithym and tempo. 

[Saturn94]

Pace rithym and tempo. 

Thanks.

[srb]

What does "PRAT" mean?

Pretentious Redundant Audiophile Terminology.  Pace, Rhythm and Timing are all the same thing.  Just say Timing.
 
Steve

[Danny Richie]

I always felt like those terms had more to do with the music than the reproduction, but I see it used often when the listener feels like tapping his foot rather than turning it down.

[LFM]

Saturn, I owned a pair of Braun loudspeakers when in university in the late 70's. The company was bought by ADS and the speakers sold under both names until business operations ceased. I sold those speakers and have always regretted it. I recently purchased a mint condition pair of Braun L1030's which are comparable to your speakers. I was anxious to compare them to my GR Research Alpha LS speakers that I bought and built about 5 years ago. I actually thought that the Brauns would compare favorably. Guess what. The Alpha LS just blew the Brauns away. The Alphas are way more efficient, played way louder, went way lower and higher, imaged better and sounded much more like live music than the Brauns. The Braun ADS loudspeakers were ahead of their time in their day. Its nice to know that speakers have improved so much. Also, do not forget that the Alpha line source is an old design and that the LS6 and LS9 are improved versions with drivers purpose built to Danny's specs.

[Danny Richie]

PS - I see BG has released a Neo10 driver; any thoughts on it?

I have some in stock and I do have plans for them.

[Saturn94]

Saturn, I owned a pair of Braun loudspeakers when in university in the late 70's. The company was bought by ADS and the speakers sold under both names until business operations ceased. I sold those speakers and have always regretted it. I recently purchased a mint condition pair of Braun L1030's which are comparable to your speakers. I was anxious to compare them to my GR Research Alpha LS speakers that I bought and built about 5 years ago. I actually thought that the Brauns would compare favorably. Guess what. The Alpha LS just blew the Brauns away. The Alphas are way more efficient, played way louder, went way lower and higher, imaged better and sounded much more like live music than the Brauns. The Braun ADS loudspeakers were ahead of their time in their day. Its nice to know that speakers have improved so much. Also, do not forget that the Alpha line source is an old design and that the LS6 and LS9 are improved versions with drivers purpose built to Danny's specs.

Thanks for the feedback.