[johzel]

Am considering upgrading my Usher V-604 speakers.  I have auditioned the new Magnepan 1.7's and also several of the Martin Logan hybrids.  Also thinking about the Vandersteens - couldn't afford them when I was younger, maybe now.  It was suggested I consider something from Danny/Fallen Enclosures.  I definitely like their work but would have to have the speakers built for me . . . I'm no DIY'er and have no desire to do so.

My question is this - knowing the open airy detailed sound of the Maggie/ML type of speaker what might GR have in its product line (or any other speaker you might want to draw my attention to) that would be "competition" for the same general amount of money ($2,000ish).  Don't mind looking at used mint speakers that are offered in that price range.

Any how, thanks in advance for your suggestions or thoughts.

[laserman]

What part of the World/Country are you located?   

You may be relatively close to someone who owns a GR product you are interested in.

L

[johzel]

What part of the World/Country are you located?   

You may be relatively close to someone who owns a GR product you are interested in.

L

Central Wisconsin

[cujobob]

In that pricerange, for finished speakers, I'd look at the Salk Songtowers, Selah's speakers with the RAAL tweeter, or Gedlee Nathans.

For GR-Research speakers...it depends on if you're going new or used.  The N3 towers could be built for around your pricerange, I'd imagine, and I'm sure they sound amazing (I have other GR speakers that are very similar).

The Magnepan 1.7s seem like a nice offering, as well, but only in the right room.  If you're looking for that sort of presentation and have the room for them, you could be very happy going with those.

[Ron]

Johzel

 In my opinion, all of GR Resrearch speaker system offer the best bang for the buck. My recommendation for the price range you are looking at would be either a pair of N3 TL towers or the N3 (sealed) and a servo subwoofer. Also, a pair of Neo 2X's and servo subwoofer. Any of these systems will provide excellent sound quality and value. My 2 cents worth.

Ron

[Outofthewoods]

It was suggested I consider something from Danny/Fallen Enclosures.  I definitely like their work but would have to have the speakers built for me . . . I'm no DIY'er and have no desire to do so.

Hi johzel,

Just wanted to let you know that we can take care of every aspect of the speaker build. If you would like to discuss some GR options within your price range just shoot me a PM!

Best of luck,

Ruben

[Danny Richie]

Hello johzel,

Some of the recommendations that you got here I would highly advise against. But that's another story.

If you want that transparency of the Maggies or Martin Logans, then the only way to really completely get there is with open baffle speakers.

You could start with something like an OB-5 or OB-7 kit.

You can see those here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=71532.0

This will give you the open and transparent sound throughout the critical ranges plus great resolution and detail levels. It also gives you a speaker that is easy to drive and has good sensitivity (unlike a Maggie).

It also gives you a much wider range of seating (unlike a large panel, Maggie or ML).

Taking it up a level you can go full open baffle like the V-2's:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=71532.0

This gives you a speaker that is again easy to drive and with good sensitivity. In addition you have complete control of the level of the bottom end with good extension down to the mid 20's. Plus, being full open baffle, it does not load the room like what you get with sealed or ported woofers.

It is also right in your price range.

And if you look a page or two into that thread you will see some direct comparisons made to the Orion speakers for your reference.

Taking it up another level or two is our V-1 and Super-V models, but these might be pushing your budget.

Here are some threads on them though if you want to check them out.

It all started with this one:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=61023.0

Here is a customer pic or two and feedback:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69909.0

Customer build:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65750.0

Customer feedback:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69484.0

More customer feedback and pics:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=67077.0

Modification that took them up a notch:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69970.0

Super V version:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72093.0

Super V pics:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=73341.0

Super V feedback:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72423.0

[johzel]

Thanks all - I appreciate your willingness to help a relative newbie here.  I have been impressed by what I've read about Danny's speakers and certainly by the pictures of Ruben's work hence my thread on this site.  By the way, "power" shouldn't be a huge consideration in what I choose - believing that I was going to buy the Maggies (and I still may) I have recently acquired both a Belles Reference 150A amp (with a 22A preamp) as well as a Wyred 4 Sound STi-500 integrated amp. In case that makes a difference in recommendations.  Oh, I'll be using one of those amps with a pair of LSA monitors and subwoofer I already have . . . in case anyone is wondering why I'd have two amps    That's also why I'm looking for a floor standing speaker and am interestd in the speakers mentioned - don't want two systems with the "same" sound - if that makes any sense??

[Danny Richie]

I actually have always really liked the Maggies, but only after upgrading the crossovers. They don't exactly come with the best parts for the gob. Upgrade the crossover and add a couple of our open baffle servo subs and you'll have a nice combination. Your only real limitation, if you have enough power for them, is the small sweet spot.

[dvenardos]

Danny, did you ever post measurements of the V2 anywhere?

[Danny Richie]

This is my current pair that is playing in my living room.



At about 10 degrees off axis the top end drops down to make it about +/-2db.

Not bad at all for a driver of this type.

[woofersus]

I'm pretty sure I saw some used OB-7's for sale somewhere.


Tim Evans
East Street Audio
Onix, Melody, & ACA

[rajacat]

In what way do the V2s differ from the V1s in terms of sound quality? I realize that the V2s don't have the servo woofers and also have the smaller drivers but is the sound penalty mostly in the size of the sound stage or the actual texture of the sound?  Are the compression drivers cut out on the rear like the V1s. How are the V1s different from the Super Vs? IMO its easy to get the different Vs confused and it would be easier to keep things straight if the 3 models had more distinctive names.

-Roy

[Danny Richie]

It all started with the V-1 or "Venue" model. 12" coaxial, 97db sensitivity, servo controlled bass, modified tweeter (open back). $1,995 kit price.



Then came the V-2 or "Venuette" model. 8" coaxial, 91db sensitivity, non-servo bass, two 12" woofers per side. non-modified tweeters, SA-1 amps, low cost kit, $1,295.



Then came the Super-V. Like the V-1 but with a modified top level P-Audio coaxial driver. 97db sensitivity, Top level performance across the board.... And a kit price of $2,495.

[dlynch34]

It all started with the V-1 or "Venue" model. 12" coaxial, 97db sensitivity, servo controlled bass, modified tweeter (open back). $1,995 kit price.



Then came the V-2 or "Venuette" model. 8" coaxial, 91db sensitivity, non-servo bass, two 12" woofers per side. non-modified tweeters, SA-1 amps, low cost kit, $1,295.



Then came the Super-V. Like the V-1 but with a modified top level P-Audio coaxial driver. 97db sensitivity, Top level performance across the board.... And a kit price of $2,495.




OK where can I get a kit of one of the V-1 or the super v? also how tall do these speakers stand?  how far away from the walls would these work best?


Don

[Danny Richie]

OK where can I get a kit of one of the V-1 or the super v? also how tall do these speakers stand?  how far away from the walls would these work best?

Kits are in stock and ready to ship. Call to order: 940-592-3400

Super-V box plans: http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/superVbox.pdf

V-1 box plans: http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/V1box.pdf

I'll have some Super-V flat packs available shortly.

They have to be at least 3 feet from the wall. More is obviously better.

[dlynch34]

Kits are in stock and ready to ship. Call to order: 940-592-3400

Super-V box plans: http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/superVbox.pdf

V-1 box plans: http://www.gr-research.com/pdf/V1box.pdf

I'll have some Super-V flat packs available shortly.



These kits are the cabinets pre drilled? or do I have to do everything from scratch?
They have to be at least 3 feet from the wall. More is obviously better.

[BYOB]

Am considering upgrading my Usher V-604 speakers.  I have auditioned the new Magnepan 1.7's and also several of the Martin Logan hybrids.  Also thinking about the Vandersteens - couldn't afford them when I was younger, maybe now.  It was suggested I consider something from Danny/Fallen Enclosures.  I definitely like their work but would have to have the speakers built for me . . . I'm no DIY'er and have no desire to do so.

My question is this - knowing the open airy detailed sound of the Maggie/ML type of speaker what might GR have in its product line (or any other speaker you might want to draw my attention to) that would be "competition" for the same general amount of money ($2,000ish).  Don't mind looking at used mint speakers that are offered in that price range.

Any how, thanks in advance for your suggestions or thoughts.

Hello Johzel,
Enjoy your search and take your time, it is fun. I spent a day with the Maggies 1.7 and really enjoyed them. I ended up purchasing LS6 (also have N3s in office) and really enjoy them. The small sweet spot was my main hurdle with the 1.7's and am very happy with the LS6, they totally fill the room. The Maggies had great imaging, a couple tracks I would swear the singer was standing to my left, but I also feel this with the LS. I was listening to Janiva Magness last night and she was standing right in front of me but then the audience cheered and I almost jumped as the claps came from the seat next to me. Amazing imaging from "little" speakers. I have not heard the V line of speakers, maybe someday. BTW, the LS6 are about 3k on sale and are fine with out a sub for music where the Maggies are 2K but need a sub so a wash. Good luck.

[Danny Richie]

These kits are the cabinets pre drilled? or do I have to do everything from scratch?

Yes.

[HT cOz]

Hello johzel,

Some of the recommendations that you got here I would highly advise against. But that's another story.

If you want that transparency of the Maggies or Martin Logans, then the only way to really completely get there is with open baffle speakers.

You could start with something like an OB-5 or OB-7 kit.

You can see those here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=71532.0

This will give you the open and transparent sound throughout the critical ranges plus great resolution and detail levels. It also gives you a speaker that is easy to drive and has good sensitivity (unlike a Maggie).

It also gives you a much wider range of seating (unlike a large panel, Maggie or ML).

Taking it up a level you can go full open baffle like the V-2's:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=71532.0

This gives you a speaker that is again easy to drive and with good sensitivity. In addition you have complete control of the level of the bottom end with good extension down to the mid 20's. Plus, being full open baffle, it does not load the room like what you get with sealed or ported woofers.

It is also right in your price range.

And if you look a page or two into that thread you will see some direct comparisons made to the Orion speakers for your reference.

Taking it up another level or two is our V-1 and Super-V models, but these might be pushing your budget.

Here are some threads on them though if you want to check them out.

It all started with this one:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=61023.0

Here is a customer pic or two and feedback:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69909.0

Customer build:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65750.0

Customer feedback:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69484.0

More customer feedback and pics:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=67077.0

Modification that took them up a notch:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69970.0

Super V version:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72093.0

Super V pics:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=73341.0

Super V feedback:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=72423.0

Hey Danny,

I think this thread is great.  A V Summary Sticky would be a great idea for those new to your circle.