Klipsch Heresy vs Tannoy 800's Comparison - My 3,000 th Post !!

[Ninanina]

These are the notes I made when listening to the Klipsch Heresy vs the Tannoy 800's....

The Klipsch lack bass compared to the Tannoy’s
The Klipsch sound is not as ‘rounded’ sounding as the Tannoy’s
I reckon the Tannoy’s are a bit more ‘musical’ sounding compared to the Klipsch
The Tannoy’s are ‘easier’ to listen to compared to the Klipsch
Micro sounds on the Klipsch are more forthcoming ie. you can hear a little bit more of the full recording on the Klipsch
The Klipsch maybe a bit more articulate... slightly, than the Tannoy's
The Klipsch does not ‘gel’ as well as the Tannoy’s, the Tannoy’s seem more ‘together’... maybe because of the DC design, I don’t know !
The Klipsch can be a bit ‘sharp’ to listen to, maybe a little more fatiguing
The Klipsch maybe a little better on understanding the words of the song but it's a close run thing...
The Klipsch may be a little bit more harsh in their presentation which can lead to a bit of listener fatigue
Klipsch seem to keep the decay of music better... maybe because of their extreme sensitivity !
The Klipsch is maybe a little ‘hot’ on some female vocals... not as smooth as the Tannoy’s. The Klipsch maybe have a bit to much ‘bite’, you could say harshness in this area..... The Tannoy’s are super super smooth in this respect !
The Tannoy’s seem more ‘intimate’ than the Klipsch... like the artists are playing for YOU.... that’s a really tricky one to explain properly though...
The Tannoy’s do sound more natural somehow...

I guess if you want to listen to every nuance of the music then probably the Klipsch would be the winner but if you want to listen to the music ‘overall’ then the Tannoy’s would win

The Tannoy’s have a silky smoothness to their sound.. which makes them so very easy to listen to for hours on end, however the Klipsch do have an immediacy which is very nice as well

The final comparison for The Heresy’s vs the Tannoy 800’s:: .... well they are so very different sounding and I like both for different reasons... which is about what I expected to be honest

I still cannot ever think of selling the Klipsch though even though I love the Tannoy's

I am sorry if this is not what people were expecting but it's the best I can do to keep to my 3,000 th posting. I may well update this as further listening reveals things....:D

[Roy S]

Happy 3000th

[Ninanina]

Thanks Roy... ;)

[struth]

These are the notes I made when listening to the Klipsch Heresy vs the Tannoy 800's....

The Klipsch lack bass compared to the Tannoy’s
The Klipsch sound is not as ‘rounded’ sounding as the Tannoy’s
I reckon the Tannoy’s are a bit more ‘musical’ sounding compared to the Klipsch
The Tannoy’s are ‘easier’ to listen to compared to the Klipsch
Micro sounds on the Klipsch are more forthcoming ie. you can hear a little bit more of the full recording on the Klipsch
The Klipsch maybe a bit more articulate... slightly, than the Tannoy's
The Klipsch does not ‘gel’ as well as the Tannoy’s, the Tannoy’s seem more ‘together’... maybe because of the DC design, I don’t know !
The Klipsch can be a bit ‘sharp’ to listen to, maybe a little more fatiguing
The Klipsch maybe a little better on understanding the words of the song but it's a close run thing...
The Klipsch may be a little bit more harsh in their presentation which can lead to a bit of listener fatigue
Klipsch seem to keep the decay of music better... maybe because of their extreme sensitivity !
The Klipsch is maybe a little ‘hot’ on some female vocals... not as smooth as the Tannoy’s. The Klipsch maybe have a bit to much ‘bite’, you could say harshness in this area..... The Tannoy’s are super super smooth in this respect !
The Tannoy’s seem more ‘intimate’ than the Klipsch... like the artists are playing for YOU.... that’s a really tricky one to explain properly though...
The Tannoy’s do sound more natural somehow...

I guess if you want to listen to every nuance of the music then probably the Klipsch would be the winner but if you want to listen to the music ‘overall’ then the Tannoy’s would win

The Tannoy’s have a silky smoothness to their sound.. which makes them so very easy to listen to for hours on end, however the Klipsch do have an immediacy which is very nice as well

The final comparison for The Heresy’s vs the Tannoy 800’s:: .... well they are so very different sounding and I like both for different reasons... which is about what I expected to be honest

I still cannot ever think of selling the Klipsch though even though I love the Tannoy's

I am sorry if this is not what people were expecting but it's the best I can do to keep to my 3,000 th posting. I may well update this as further listening reveals things....:D
Nice one Bev. It is what I thought youd find. As Geoff says Tannoys are addictive but the klipsch are great in their way too.


Oh and congrats..you don't look a post under 2750[emoji3]

[walpurgis]

Your assessment/comparison of the two speakers is exactly what I thought you'd find Bev.

[walpurgis]

The Tannoy’s have a silky smoothness to their sound.. which makes them so very easy to listen to for hours on end, however the Klipsch do have an immediacy which is very nice as well

Of course. If you had a pair of Tannoy SRM 10B speakers, or Tannoy Eatons you'd have a pair of relatively compact speakers that offer you the best of both worlds. Decent bass, the speed and incisiveness of the Heresys and that magic pinpoint imaging of the 800s.

It's that 'pepperpot' thing.

[struth]

Little reds get a good name too.

[walpurgis]

Little reds get a good name too.

Nice, but the stiff edge cone restricts the bass extension. The cabinet is small for a 12" driver too and bass output rolls away below around 60Hz. Probably on a par with the Heresys actually. The SRM 10B and Eaton have better defined low bass.

The LRM would probably suit your room acoustics though Grant.

[Macca]

I'd expect the Klipsh to be more revealing of details on the recording. I've always found that hard to sacrifice in order to get a 'smoother' sound. But I've never heard these or the model of Tannoys that Bev is using.

[struth]

Nice, but the stiff edge cone restricts the bass extension. The cabinet is small for a 12" driver too and bass output rolls away below around 60Hz. Probably on a par with the Heresys actually. The SRM 10B and Eaton have better defined low bass.

The LRM would probably suit your room acoustics though Grant.

sounds like the reds would suit me then as i am not overly bassy......except in the gut department:eyebrows:

[brian2957]

Nice post Bev , very informative . Congrats on reaching 3000 BTW :D

[Marco]

sounds like the reds would suit me then as i am not overly bassy......except in the gut department:eyebrows:

More like gassy in the botty department! :D

Marco.

[struth]

im piping that off and selling it to the council as a fuelback:eyebrows:

[Ninanina]

Thanks all for your kind comments on my speaker comparison

I was thinking that some of it wouldn't make much sense as it was just the notes I made while listening to both speakers but you all seem to get where I was coming from

I'm back with the Tannoy's at the moment but will change back to the Klipsch again at some point and if there is anything else I can add I will post here

Oh and finally, sorry I posted this in the wrong section and thanks for moving it here for me... ;)

[dantheman91]

Great Right up Bev..;).

Very well thought of and detailed description seems the tannoys are winning in the run at the moment what about a comparison with the Tannoys & your Sterling LS3/5a's that would also be an interesting one. :cool:

[Ninanina]

Great Right up Bev..;).

Very well thought of and detailed description seems the tannoys are winning in the run at the moment what about a comparison with the Tannoys & your Sterling LS3/5a's that would also be an interesting one. :cool:

Thanks Dan

Well the Tannoy's are back in the system as we speak and I am kind of more 'comfortable' with them if that makes sense :)

Well comparing the LS 3/5a's is not really possible as the Oto just won't drive them properly. I used to have numerous amps I could have run them with but I now only have the Oto.... shame on me for only having just one amp :doh:

When I first had the LS 's I used a purposely built Rogers amp, I think it was the Rogers E40a (which I believe was made by Audio Note) and that was a superb combination. I also ran them with some Quad II's and a Croft pre and again a superb match

The Oto's 10w is just not enough

I will probably get round to selling the LS's at some point but I am in no rush... ;)

[dantheman91]

Thanks Dan

Well the Tannoy's are back in the system as we speak and I am kind of more 'comfortable' with them if that makes sense :)

Well comparing the LS 3/5a's is not really possible as the Oto just won't drive them properly. I used to have numerous amps I could have run them with but I now only have the Oto.... shame on me for only having just one amp :doh:

When I first had the LS 's I used a purposely built Rogers amp, I think it was the Rogers E40a (which I believe was made by Audio Note) and that was a superb combination. I also ran them with some Quad II's and a Croft pre and again a superb match

The Oto's 10w is just not enough

I will probably get round to selling the LS's at some point but I am in no rush... ;)


:eek: Some lovely kit in that lot also quite expensive too...:) Not to worry just a thought thats all. ;)

[Ninanina]

:eek: Some lovely kit in that lot also quite expensive too...:) Not to worry just a thought thats all. ;)

Don't worry Dan I wouldn't have paid very much money for any of it.... I'm a shrewd buyer I guess ;)

If you have an amp of suitable output I could bring along the LS's to our mini bake-off if you wish... :)

They do need fairly high stands, I have some Partington's, which the Tannoy's are on at the moment, that I used them with..

[spendorman]

One like this drives my Chartwell LS3/5a's very well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Silver-HIFI-2-0-Stereo-Output-Digital-Power-Amplifier-TPA3116-50Wx2-/281537690366

Just need a laptop charger say 19V to go with it, about an extra £4.50

[Ninanina]

One like this drives my Chartwell LS3/5a's very well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Silver-HIFI-2-0-Stereo-Output-Digital-Power-Amplifier-TPA3116-50Wx2-/281537690366

Just need a laptop charger say 19V to go with it, about an extra £4.50

Alex what a great idea driving LS 3/5a's with a suitable 'T' amp... I hadn't thought of one of those even though I did own a Temple Bantam Gold for a short while I can't remember using the LS's with it :doh:

How do your LS's sound using the 'T' amp ?

[dantheman91]

Don't worry Dan I wouldn't have paid very much money for any of it.... I'm a shrewd buyer I guess ;)

If you have an amp of suitable output I could bring along the LS's to our mini bake-off if you wish... :)

They do need fairly high stands, I have some Partington's, which the Tannoy's are on at the moment, that I used them with..

We could do i'm sure i have a suitable amplifier to drive them might have to dig my 9 off them out :lol: up too you whatever you fancy doing...:)

[Ninanina]

might have to dig my 9 off them out :lol: up too you whatever you fancy doing...:)

Now that's just greedy Dan... 9 amps is just naughty... ;)

The LS's are small and light so bringing them along is no problem... however they are precious to me so I will always treat them with kid gloves...:D

[spendorman]

Alex what a great idea driving LS 3/5a's with a suitable 'T' amp... I hadn't thought of one of those even though I did own a Temple Bantam Gold for a short while I can't remember using the LS's with it :doh:

How do your LS's sound using the 'T' amp ?

The TPA3116 is not a T amp, far ahead of one in most peoples view.

Well, how does it sound, in truth, not too much different from my Radford STA25 III, so can'tbe bad.

The TPA3116 also drives all my other speakers well, that includes Quad ESL's, Rogers LS3/6, Tannoy HPD315's, my home built LS3/5a's too.

The Rogers LS3/6 has a wicked auto-transformer on the input that is close to zero Ohms at DC, no complaints from the TPA3116

[dantheman91]

Now that's just greedy Dan... 9 amps is just naughty... ;)

The LS's are small and light so bringing them along is no problem... however they are precious to me so I will always treat them with kid gloves...:D

:lol: I know but their the ones that i want to keep i have downsized from 16 you know but i cant wait to hear single ended class a amplifier. Cool thats sorted then The AN Otto SE and the Sterling's :)

[walpurgis]

9 amps is just naughty...

Disgraceful! I've only got seven. :)

[Ninanina]

i cant wait to hear single ended class a amplifier. Cool thats sorted then The AN Otto SE and the Sterling's :)

I think you may like the Oto Dan... especially if you have some AN speakers. I think that single ended does have a special sound... I almost sold the Oto on here some time ago but some members said I should not sell it so I didn't and I am so glad I kept it as I now have a couple of sets of speakers that suit it perfectly...

Yes I will bring the Oto and the LS 's .... ;)

[Ninanina]

Disgraceful! I've only got seven. :)

I feel I should have kept some of my other amps that have passed through my hands, and there have been many !... however I love the Oto so much and it certainly suits the speakers I currently have except, of course, the LS's..... :doh:

[dantheman91]

I think you may like the Oto Dan... especially if you have some AN speakers. I think that single ended does have a special sound... I almost sold the Oto on here some time ago but some members said I should not sell it so I didn't and I am so glad I kept it as I now have a couple of sets of speakers that suit it perfectly...

Yes I will bring the Oto and the LS 's .... ;)

I'm sure their will be a spin tingling moment with any of them:) Might have to try a couple of Pink Floyd track if that rocks your boat:)..I will obviously help you bring them it as it might be safer with 2 carrying the otto as i'm a gentleman ;):D

Thank you
Dan

[dantheman91]

I feel I should have kept some of my other amps that have passed through my hands, and there have been many !... however I love the Oto so much and it certainly suits the speakers I currently have except, of course, the LS's..... :doh:

We have all made that mistake but you learn from them:)

[Ninanina]

I love Floyd Dan...

I don't really miss any of the amps I have sold on... so keeping to the Oto was a no brainer... :D

The Oto does so much right as far as I am concerned that it is a definite keeper...

[dantheman91]

I love Floyd Dan...

I don't really miss any of the amps I have sold on... so keeping to the Oto was a no brainer... :D

The Oto does so much right as far as I am concerned that it is a definite keeper...

Yep i sold the stuff that didn't do much for me I might have to fight you for the AN,SE :eek: only joking their might be a tear of 2 when it leaves :( We will see...it will be interesting...:D

[southall-1998]

Another sad ampholic here and proud of it!!

S.

[walpurgis]

Another sad ampholic here and proud of it!!

S.

We had noticed Shane. You get through about thirty amps a year! :lol:

[Ninanina]

However I do feel 'nice and clean' in just having one amp these days... I also think I would have to spend a lot more to better the one I have to be honest.. ;)

[southall-1998]

We had noticed Shane. You get through about thirty amps a year! :lol:

Errr...

What about you and yer high heel Tannoy's!!

:ner:

S.

[walpurgis]

Errr...

What about you and yer high heel Tannoy's!!

:ner:

S.

Ah, but I've only ever had 23 pairs. :)

[southall-1998]

:)

S.

[Ninanina]

Ah, but I've only ever had 23 pairs. :)

Geoff maybe you should make a list of all the Tannoy's you have owned and rate them out of 10... or something like that... I am sure it would be of help to others, including myself to be honest... just a thought an all... ;)

[walpurgis]

OK.

3 pairs of IIILZ (two bought new). I liked them until I heard bigger models. They don't do deep bass and are a bit 'in yer face' higher up. Sounded ridiculously incisive with the Decca blue I was using at the time.

5 pairs of Eatons. Lovely! (that's why I've had five pairs) Good bass for the size, great imaging.

Chatsworth MGs. Nice!

Cheviot I. Not as nice.

Devon. Worse.

System 1000. OK, big sound, bit of 'plasticky' cone colouration.

3 Pairs System 800. Miles better, no cone colouration, great imaging, clean sound with depth.

2 pairs System 600. Similar on a smaller scale. Damn good though.

V12. Big sound, no low bass.

Lynx. Same (much better driver though).

DC6i. Crap.

i6 AW. Great driver & X/O in rubbish plastic box. Rehouse the unit & X/O in good box (I did) and you have a System 600 (sort of).

DC1000. Great fun. Not the most revealing and a bit coloured, but images great and goes ridiculously loud!

Cheviot II (3128 driver). Current main speakers. The best so far by miles. Fabulous sound. Totally different to the previous HPD 315 model and far superior.

Ascot. Latest acquisition. Sound good (a bit similar to the Cheviot II), a bit of 'plastic cone' effect. SRM 10B paper pulp cones obtained and will be fitted, plus other upgrades. Very promising!

Oxfords. I don't count those as they are not DCs. Sounded reasonable though.



I've also heard a huge amount of other 'proper' Tannoy DCs. Just about every regarded classic, Including the Holy Grail the GRF Autograph.

[struth]

...but not mine :lol: yet

nice run down mate.:)

[Ninanina]

Thanks so much for taking the time and trouble to post that Geoff and I am sure it will help others. I think everyone knows you are the 'expert' on all things Tannoy...

:youtheman:

[walpurgis]

I'm not an expert Bev. I've just owned quite a few and know how they work. I've also used quite a few other models. Not had room for 15" examples, otherwise they'd be on the list.

[southall-1998]

Someday I must give the System 600 another try!

S.

[walpurgis]

Someday I must give the System 600 another try!

S.


Then you'll need another Sugden! ;)

[Ninanina]

Someday I must give the System 600 another try!

S.

I can really recommend the 800's Shane.... however I have not heard the 600's so cannot compare them.... Geoff seems to think the 800's are just 'more so' so that's probably a good choice.. and you don't need too much amp output for them in my brief experience with them... my Oto has only got about 10w and that seems to drive them perfectly ok... ;)

[southall-1998]

Then you'll need another Sugden! ;)


That wasn't funny, Geoff :)

S.

[Ninanina]

I'm not an expert Bev. I've just owned quite a few and know how they work. I've also used quite a few other models. Not had room for 15" examples, otherwise they'd be on the list.

You are being very modest Geoff.... ;)

[walpurgis]

That wasn't funny, Geoff :)

S.

Serves you right though! :) Flippin' box swapping :rolleyes:. Just copy my system and you'll be there mate. :thumbsup:

[southall-1998]

Serves you right though! :) Flippin' box swapping :rolleyes:. Just copy my system and you'll be there mate. :thumbsup:

Maybe, Geoff. But I'll always have a Naim lurking around :)

S.

[Ninanina]

Just copy my system and you'll be there mate. :thumbsup:

:D :eek: :rfl:

[Ninanina]

I'll always have a Naim lurking around :)

S.

It's funny because over the MANY years I've been 'into' hifi I have tried dozens of Naim items from their top CD players to a lot of their pre/power & integrated amps and I just can't 'LIVE' with the Naim sound... it just leaves me cold somehow... it's difficult to describe but I find Naim gear lifeless, non-engaging and not musical... However I love the way Naim gear is made and can appreciate their standard of finish but that's it ....

I know that many thousands of people will disagree with my Naim findings but that's my experience of it.... and believe me I have tried to like Naim gear on numerous occasions... ;)

[walpurgis]

I suspect the best way to use Naim is to have speakers that need 'driving'. You can't accuse Naim of lacking dynamics. A bit too 'something or other' for me though. Never been able to put my finger on it, but I also couldn't live with that sound.

You should hear a pair of 135s driving AE1s. My god!

[Ninanina]

Never been able to put my finger on it, but I also couldn't live with that sound.


I know it's tricky to explain and I have really tried very hard to like Naim over the years but I just can't get on with it at all... To me it is just overpriced rubbish made for the masses... :sofa:

However I know that it probably has the best resale value of all hifi...

[hornucopia]

Now onto the 'proper' Klipschorn?
I spent 20 years owning these, happily.
Hence the 'monicker'!
A comparison of this 'against' the Westminster would be interesting? Assuming one lived in a barn big enough!

As to P-Floyd....each to their own! I recall J Geils Band 'Freeze frame' album sounding good on the big Ks, as did Kate Bush turned up loud 'Big sky'.
Total immersion.


Me? I'm still a big speaker fan, owning Leak 3090s for TV set-up.
Main set-up?
iMac into MHDT 'Havana' dac into Hafler DH101 pre into Pass F3 into Ocellia Calliope .21 Grandis Signatures.

[walpurgis]

Now onto the 'proper' Klipschorn?
I spent 20 years owning these, happily.
Hence the 'monicker'!
A comparison of this 'against' the Westminster would be interesting? Assuming one lived in a barn big enough!

Yes. They are very nice. never owned them (too big and not cheap), but I've heard them a good few times.

[DSJR]

I suspect the best way to use Naim is to have speakers that need 'driving'. You can't accuse Naim of lacking dynamics. A bit too 'something or other' for me though. Never been able to put my finger on it, but I also couldn't live with that sound.

You should hear a pair of 135s driving AE1s. My god!

The LAST thing you need with Naims of any age is speakers that need 'driving' IMO. So many of their amps hard clip and get nasty when getting near the limits, especially when over a year or so old when the circuits are drifting off. It's a 1950's PA amp design that probably wasn't modified fully for more modern transistors back in the 60's (apparently, there are still two coupling caps the wrong way round on the amp boards, getting a reverse bias, which will age and need replacing every so often).

Amps with 'real' dynamics don't sound 'loud' as such in my experience, they track effortlessly with no strain. It's my view that 'loud' amps are actually ringing or clipping in some way..

As for proper Klipschorns, they're so much better than the shrieky, ankle-biting smaller models, they could be from a different manufacturer. I loved the pair I heard some years ago, which were new, early noughties production.

[walpurgis]

I'm sure your opinion about Naim is more valid than mine Dave. I've never owned their amps, simply because every time I've heard one, I wasn't that keen.

I agree about the Klipschorn. Their other products (that I've heard) don't compare.

[DSJR]

Sorry Geoff, I'm 'doing it' again (you know what I mean) :( Familiarity breeding contempt coming through again.

... It's just that forty years of knowing the brand, selling most of the separates stuff (not the streamers admittedly) and hearing them age as they seem to do, coming back nicely when (expensively) serviced, tends to sour the opinion. Also, knowing other amps (for me, Crown and NVA are two I know well and use daily) that don't drift all over the place with the passing years, don't need powering 24/7 (NVA certainly doesn't although the Doc may disagree) and don't need recapping either due to deliberate? design. With a used Naim, you need to know the item's service history as it'll have a direct bearing on the sonic performance in my opinion and experience.

I've heard two pairs of Klipschorns, one a late 50's set owned by NAS's late owner Tom Fletcher in the early 90's and Croft big-OTL driven, which murdered multi-tracked and multi-phased records, and this second set from more recent production, which were Quad 99 driven and rather lovely to listen through, any slight 'character' being easy to dismiss after a few minutes, just like Quad 57's are for example. the speakers 'disappeared' after a few minutes and never then drew attention to themselves.

[walpurgis]

the speakers 'disappeared' after a few minutes and never then drew attention to themselves.

Yes. I go along with that. You'd expect a huge speaker like that to be rather overwhelming, but the opposite is true. They have a 'naturalness' to the presentation that is very attractive.

[wiicrackpot]

Amps with 'real' dynamics don't sound 'loud' as such in my experience, they track effortlessly with no strain. It's my view that 'loud' amps are actually ringing or clipping in some way..

Aha....thats maybe what i experienced when i arrived at the MC2 Audio MC750's and Tannoy Chatsworth's then Urei's,
something just clicked when i reached them,that alone changed my view of Pro amps and changed my view of home audio amps,
before that a WAD KIT 88 with Sowter UO82 trannies through SHL5's had the same qualities but did the speakers disappearing act better.

Thanks Dave for confounding what i experienced.

[dantheman91]

DC1000. Great fun. Not the most revealing and a bit coloured, but images great and goes ridiculously loud!


Yep the DC-1000's i do have a soft spot for them just rigged them up and :eek: the magic is back...;) No matter what the always take getting used to that sound again usually takes a couple of days to adjust but thats me as their a totally different sound:D Complemented by a refershing "Master Brewer's Choice - Shepherd Neame"..

[PaulStewart]

Of course. If you had a pair of Tannoy SRM 10B speakers, or Tannoy Eatons you'd have a pair of relatively compact speakers that offer you the best of both worlds. Decent bass, the speed and incisiveness of the Heresys and that magic pinpoint imaging of the 800s.

It's that 'pepperpot' thing.

+1

[Ninanina]

+1

Well until a nice pair of SRM's or Eatons turn up that I can afford I am really enjoying the 800's :)

I did put the Heresy's back into the system but soon changed back to the Tannoys.... It's really tricky to put my finger on what exactly the 800's have that makes them sound so good to me...

Now would I ever sell the Klipsch? I just cannot imagine me selling them but you never know..;)

[DSJR]

Eatons, Devons and Cheviots are incredibly coloured though - or at least couldn't compare with the 'best of Bextrene' when they were launched. Back in those days, we had powerful amps able to properly control floppy bextrene cones whether ported (a la Spendor), ABR assisted (as in KEF 104ab's) or the huge fun if properly amped big IMF transmission lines, which came to life with a proper amp and source feeding them. In comparison, the Tannoy HPD's as delivered used to fizzle and spit and vocals had a sort-of cupped-hands effect when compared with their peers of the time. The two baby models lacked the expansiveness of well set up examples of the larger models too, although I had a soft spot for the Devon, which made Tubular Bells sound enchanting - I have no idea what monitors The Manor Studios used in '73 (where Tubular Bells was recorded), only that apparently Tangerine Dream blew them up in the Phaedra sessions (I think it was) ;)

[Ninanina]

Eatons, Devons and Cheviots are incredibly coloured though - or at least couldn't compare with the 'best of Bextrene' when they were launched. Back in those days, we had powerful amps able to properly control floppy bextrene cones whether ported (a la Spendor), ABR assisted (as in KEF 104ab's) or the huge fun if properly amped big IMF transmission lines, which came to life with a proper amp and source feeding them. In comparison, the Tannoy HPD's as delivered used to fizzle and spit and vocals had a sort-of cupped-hands effect when compared with their peers of the time. The two baby models lacked the expansiveness of well set up examples of the larger models too, although I had a soft spot for the Devon, which made Tubular Bells sound enchanting - I have no idea what monitors The Manor Studios used in '73 (where Tubular Bells was recorded), only that apparently Tangerine Dream blew them up in the Phaedra sessions (I think it was) ;)

Thanks for the comment David. I'd be interested in what you think of the System 800's if you have heard them.... I am certainly in no rush to change my Tannoy's but if something interesting came up I would definitely consider them... but only if they are Tannoy's though :D

[DSJR]

We had the 700's for a few weeks and in my opinion, they couldn't be further from the 'mid 70's' HPD's if they tried.

It might be worth looking out for the 80's larger Tannoys possibly, as a heck of a lot of work was done to refine the drivers AND crossovers I remember, although my exposure was fleeting.

I do have very fond memories of DC2000 and DC3000 models though. Their boogie factor was incredible and they were quite smooth. Full-bodied balance notwithstanding, the mids and top were very good as I recall :)

[PaulStewart]

It's funny because over the MANY years I've been 'into' hifi I have tried dozens of Naim items from their top CD players to a lot of their pre/power & integrated amps and I just can't 'LIVE' with the Naim sound... it just leaves me cold somehow... it's difficult to describe but I find Naim gear lifeless, non-engaging and not musical... However I love the way Naim gear is made and can appreciate their standard of finish but that's it ....

I know that many thousands of people will disagree with my Naim findings but that's my experience of it.... and believe me I have tried to like Naim gear on numerous occasions... ;)

+1 to that


On the ampahollic front....... Hello, my name is Paul and I'm a hifi addict :) I only have 8 amps at the moment, but I also have two pairs of Tannoy Active Reveals :loi: I will shortly be assisting in the resurection of a pair of 15" MGs which will be housed in a pair of GRFs. Going to film and photograph the build, I'll post it when it's done.

[walpurgis]

I will shortly be assisting in the resurection of a pair of 15" MGs which will be housed in a pair of GRFs. Going to film and photograph the build, I'll post it when it's done.

I shall look out for that Paul.

[Ninanina]

+1 to that


On the ampahollic front....... Hello, my name is Paul and I'm a hifi addict :) I only have 8 amps at the moment, but I also have two pairs of Tannoy Active Reveals :loi: I will shortly be assisting in the resurection of a pair of 15" MGs which will be housed in a pair of GRFs. Going to film and photograph the build, I'll post it when it's done.

Paul I am pleased I am not the only with my findings of Naim gear and yes I know many thousands of people will probably disagree with us, but believe me I have 'tried' on many occasions to get on with it but it just hasn't happened I'm afraid....

'Only' 8 amps... :eek: I only have the one now, I must be slipping ;)

How do the Active Reveals sound to you Paul ? Look forward to your resurection of the MG's as well..

[PaulStewart]

I had a soft spot for the Devon, which made Tubular Bells sound enchanting - I have no idea what monitors The Manor Studios used in '73 (where Tubular Bells was recorded), only that apparently Tangerine Dream blew them up in the Phaedra sessions (I think it was) ;)

The Manor had 15" MGs in Locky Major UNIVERSALS at that time. They sold them in the early 80s and put in Westlakes to match the rest of the revamped control room. The new ones sounded shite in comparison, i never did another session there. Bev try and get a listen to some "Little Red Monitors" I put some in at Tin Pan Alley Studios in the 80s and they are still there. Great little monitors.

[walpurgis]

A friend swore by Naim and had the top of the range amplification at the time (lots of money), driving the original Acoustic Energy AE1 speakers (ouch!). He thought they were the best, but unfortunately for him, he was given a home demo of Mark Levinson CD player and amplifiers. He was not quite the same after that. Eventually buying the ML CD player, ML pre/processor and (again after a home demo) ATC SCM100a speakers. I reckon he was about 50 grand light afterwards. It all sounded quite nice though. :lol:

[Ninanina]

A friend swore by Naim and had the top of the range amplification at the time (lots of money), driving the original Acoustic Energy AE1 speakers (ouch!). He thought they were the best, but unfortunately for him, he was given a home demo of Mark Levinson CD player and amplifiers. He was not quite the same after that. Eventually buying the ML CD player, ML pre/processor and (again after a home demo) ATC SCM100a speakers. I reckon he was about 50 grand light afterwards. It all sounded quite nice though. :lol:

I once heard some ML monoblocks, but I can't remember the rest of the system, and I was not impressed at all... I found the sound very sterile and it did nothing for me at all.... ;)

[PaulStewart]

How do the Active Reveals sound to you Paul ? Look forward to your resurection of the MG's as well..

They are great little monitors Bev, but they are near fields if you are no more than a metre from them, they do their thing. Put them on stands and they get a bit wolly. We have them on the edit suites.