Too much time on my hands, now pondering new Speakers.....

[Weeman1973]

With a bit more time on my hands than I usually do, I've been scouring the various forums and listening to more music.

This lethal combination has got me interested in speakers where I've been quite happy up until now.

My amp is an Alamarro A318B which I am more than happy with and paired with my WLM La Scala Floor Standers, again a fantastic speaker and a match made in heaven for the Almarro.

But...

I got reading about old Tannoys and wanted to give them a go so picked up some Chesters (T165) with the 10" Plastic DC drivers to see how they'd go.

Whilst I love the transparency and separation of them (which is better than the La Scala's), they don't go as low as the La Scala's which is surprising being as the WLM have 8" drivers.

The Chester's are great with Vocals, strings etc but not particularly with Rock or Pop music which is my staple listening so I got to thinking about a speaker than can offer the depth of the WLM's with the articulation / separation of the Chesters.

Am I looking at some 12" / 15" HPD Tannoy's or something completely different?

I also have a hankering for some Shahinian as heard some Arcs a little while back with Dynavector amps and it was exquisite. I worry about Arcs however with my modest output (18w) Almarro.

Any suggestions???

[Pharos]

I would go, after 50 years of this, into a 'clean sheet' approach.

Avoid incremental changes which cause churn and money wasting in the process, do research and rethink things anew.

[walpurgis]

If you're handy, build the Tannoy drivers into larger reflex cabinets or even transmission lines.

[Weeman1973]

If you're handy, build the Tannoy drivers into larger reflex cabinets or even transmission lines.

Are the 10" drivers on the Chesters worth keeping then? Do you think it's more than cabinet then that is not going as low as I'd like more than the driver itself?

[walpurgis]

The ten inch Tannoy 2528 units are capable of delivering deeper bass in the right cabinets. They are underrated by many.

[Weeman1973]

Our band uses Tannoy CPA 12 for our Top PA speakers - tempted to give them a try in my set up if I can rig up some speaker cables with Speakon connections

[Weeman1973]

The ten inch Tannoy 2528 units are capable of delivering deeper bass in the right cabinets. They are underrated by many.

Any suggestions Geoff for alternative cabinets?

[hifinutt]

remember hearing the 318b with some tannoy westminsters at a bake off , very enjoyable . a chap had bought along some class d and it sounds even better !!

[walpurgis]

The drivers will actually work happily in Tannoy Cheviot cabinets if you can find some, they do appear on ebay. You'd need to fashion a baffle adaptor to accept the smaller driver, but the extra volume would be useful and you can tinker with the reflex port to suit your needs. A bit of additional internal bracing can be beneficial.......And of course, they'd still look and sound like Tannoys.

Having recently sold my Mk.II Cheviots, I'm actually tinkering with some Dorsets myself. I've blanked off the ABR opening and am experimenting with ports. I also have a set of SRM 10B paper cones to fit into the 2528 drivers.

[Made in 1968]

Im very dangerous with spare time on my hands. I think too much.

[hifinutt]

i was going to suggest those tannoys on pfm but i see you already know about them !

[Weeman1973]

i was going to suggest those tannoys on pfm but i see you already know about them !

The Cheviots??? Yes would love to try them.

Might go and take a listen when the current situation eases (might even have enough saved by then as well!)

Just wonder how big a difference in depth and presence I’d get with the Cheviots over what I’ve got now in the Chesters?

No comments from anyone on the Shahinian Arcs I was also considering?

[Frazeur1]

Idol hands and mind..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OegaW3e01EE If that doesn’t get you moving, better check for a pulse....

Sorry for the dumb ass ads at the start, ugh!

[Frazeur1]

Russell, I will comment on the Arcs. Great speakers, but not so much with your current amp I wouldn’t think, although they are much easier to drive than Obelisk on up in the range.

I love Shahinian myself, and many Omni types of speakers. If you decide it might be worth pursuing, certainly try to get some play time with various sources and amps before you commit to them, as they are surely a different presentation to your Tannoys mentioned above. Not sure what all else you may have in your arsenal of gear....

Some get on the Shahinian train and never get off, so they certainly can be end game if one so chooses, then again, I guess anything could be! Have fun!

[Bourney]

I've had cheviots, I wouldnt put them above the Scalas,IMO.

Scale and clarity. Try heco direkts..if you can live with the looks.

[Bourney]

Ps, I'll have the Scalas ��

[philv]

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?68216-FS-Von-Schweikert-VR4-5s-speakers

[Weeman1973]

Idol hands and mind..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OegaW3e01EE If that doesn’t get you moving, better check for a pulse....

Sorry for the dumb ass ads at the start, ugh!

I remember (well nearly....) seeing Billy Idol at Download a few years back and was most entertaining

[Weeman1973]

Russell, I will comment on the Arcs. Great speakers, but not so much with your current amp I wouldn’t think, although they are much easier to drive than Obelisk on up in the range.

I love Shahinian myself, and many Omni types of speakers. If you decide it might be worth pursuing, certainly try to get some play time with various sources and amps before you commit to them, as they are surely a different presentation to your Tannoys mentioned above. Not sure what all else you may have in your arsenal of gear....

Some get on the Shahinian train and never get off, so they certainly can be end game if one so chooses, then again, I guess anything could be! Have fun!

Thanks for your point of view. As I say, I heard the Arcs with some Dynavector gear but never with valves.

I guess they aren’t a perfcet match for valves so probably better staying with an easier speaker

[Weeman1973]

I've had cheviots, I wouldnt put them above the Scalas,IMO.

Scale and clarity. Try heco direkts..if you can live with the looks.


Thanks Steve, interested in your thoughts as I’m pretty sure my La Scala’s were previously yours anyway.

I already have the Heco Einklangs in another system and love them. I’ve also heard Direkts and Dreiklangs and very impressed. I should have jumped at the Direkts that were sale a little while back but he who hesitates and all that.

I love the look too but only in White.

[Weeman1973]

Ps, I'll have the Scalas ��


I’ve gone back to my La Scala’s tonight with the Almarro and don’t think I’ll be getting rid of them anytime soon, even if I do find something else that tickles my fancy

[Weeman1973]

https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?68216-FS-Von-Schweikert-VR4-5s-speakers

Thank you but I couldn’t live with the looks I’m afraid.


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[andyrlb]

With a bit more time on my hands than I usually do, I've been scouring the various forums and listening to more music.

This lethal combination has got me interested in speakers where I've been quite happy up until now.

My amp is an Alamarro A318B which I am more than happy with and paired with my WLM La Scala Floor Standers, again a fantastic speaker and a match made in heaven for the Almarro.

But...

I got reading about old Tannoys and wanted to give them a go so picked up some Chesters (T165) with the 10" Plastic DC drivers to see how they'd go.

Whilst I love the transparency and separation of them (which is better than the La Scala's), they don't go as low as the La Scala's which is surprising being as the WLM have 8" drivers.

The Chester's are great with Vocals, strings etc but not particularly with Rock or Pop music which is my staple listening so I got to thinking about a speaker than can offer the depth of the WLM's with the articulation / separation of the Chesters.

Am I looking at some 12" / 15" HPD Tannoy's or something completely different?

I also have a hankering for some Shahinian as heard some Arcs a little while back with Dynavector amps and it was exquisite. I worry about Arcs however with my modest output (18w) Almarro.

Any suggestions???

Super red monitor 12x mate if you can find a pair [emoji6]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200330/ba81ef0be4d662a678ebf0c8dff4adb7.jpg


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[hornucopia]

Try DIFFERENT La Scalas??
https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/139226-clone-klipsch-la-scala-build-if-you%E2%80%99re-interested/

[Frazeur1]

That is a nice build! If only I had the tools and wood working abilities! I would have lost several body parts and gone through a stack of ply to the ceiling before the first thing got cut right. Sigh....

[AJSki2fly]

Try DIFFERENT La Scalas??
https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/139226-clone-klipsch-la-scala-build-if-you%E2%80%99re-interested/

I think he should try these https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47458-Ocellia-calliope-grandis-signature-21-speakers-F-s and then Weeman's speaker swapping days might be over. :D

[Weeman1973]

Super red monitor 12x mate if you can find a pair [emoji6]
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200330/ba81ef0be4d662a678ebf0c8dff4adb7.jpg


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Yes Andy, your Tannoy's were a very nice find. I need to keep my eyes peeled!

[Weeman1973]

Try DIFFERENT La Scalas??
https://hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/139226-clone-klipsch-la-scala-build-if-you%E2%80%99re-interested/

Those look great but way and above my skill level I'm afraid. Always had a hankering for some Heresy III's but alas out my price range I'm afraid.

I did have a little look at these a little while back but doubt they'll be up to the standard of WLM's:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Klipsch-KG4-5-Horn-Speakers-Mint-Condition-with-Bob-Crites-Upgrades/333530006351?hash=item4da7f0034f%3Ag%3AvFoAAOSwtol eEnBR&LH_ItemCondition=3000

Or even these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Klipsch-KG3-5-Horn-Speakers-Pair/254525660589?hash=item3b42e95dad%3Ag%3AptIAAOSwR29 ZGezB&LH_ItemCondition=3000

[Weeman1973]

I think he should try these https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?47458-Ocellia-calliope-grandis-signature-21-speakers-F-s and then Weeman's speaker swapping days might be over. :D

Maybe would end my Box swapping days but might start my wife swapping days if she knew how much I had spent on speakers!!!!

[CageyH]

I can relate to the title of this post. I ordered some new speakers yesterday.

You are not alone Russell.

[Bourney]

Cant understand it myself...just buy a pair and stick with them...

[Weeman1973]

Cant understand it myself...just buy a pair and stick with them...

Maybe you're right Steve - I might take a leaf out of your book :lol:

[AJSki2fly]

Maybe would end my Box swapping days but might start my wife swapping days if she knew how much I had spent on speakers!!!!

So say to her that you really want to stop swapping and loosing money and the answer is to buy a special pair that you know will be great forever,:eyebrows: and go for it.

[Bourney]

Maybe you're right Steve - I might take a leaf out of your book :lol:

:D

[Opti-cal]

buy a special pair that you know will be great forever,:eyebrows: and go for it.

Of wives? Genius, effectively doubling the limit of speakers deemed acceptable. Assuming they are as equally (in)tolerant.

[AJSki2fly]

Of wives? Genius, effectively doubling the limit of speakers deemed acceptable. Assuming they are as equally (in)tolerant.

I see you have 3 systems Chris, does this mean you have 3 wives.:eek::lol:

[Made in 1968]

& would you by any chance like a 4th wife?

[Opti-cal]

I see you have 3 systems Chris, does this mean you have 3 wives.:eek::lol:

Haha, depending on said wives tolerance to such things which I would say probably stops somewhere between two and three pairs of medium level (intrusively speaking) speakers. I'm probably (no definitely) pushing my luck given the dimensions of two of my pairs....

Having said that I technically have zero wives although she has been putting up with me over nearly two decades now and we are bound by child!

I wonder how many pairs would actually be reasonable grounds for divorce.... I don't think Al is married is he.... ��

I think a prerequisite for our condition is a rather understanding better half and indeed a decent sized abode, or indeed both!

[Opti-cal]

& would you by any chance like a 4th wife?

If it means I can curate a 4th system.... Whatever it takes!

[Firebottle]

You tart Chris :D

[Opti-cal]

You tart Chris :D

Gimme some electrostats and I'm anyone's.....

[Weeman1973]

The more I'm reading, the more I'm getting drawn to Klipsch Heresy III's.

Anyone got any first hand experience with them, particularly with Valves????

[hifi_dave]

You need to hear them. I used to stock them and whilst they were good fun, they are coloured and rough. Depends on your priorities.

[Weeman1973]

You need to hear them. I used to stock them and whilst they were good fun, they are coloured and rough. Depends on your priorities.

Thanks Dave that's the issue currently isn't it in getting out and hearing stuff.

Would probably be a sideways (if not downward) step from my WLM La Scala Floorstanders but just after something a bit different as feel the imaging on the La Scala's isn't there forte so something with the depth and authority they hold with the separation and imaging that I've heard in some older Tannoys would be the sweet spot for me.

[hifi_dave]

That is a problem but personally, I wouldn't buy anything without hearing it.

[Frazeur1]

Thanks Dave that's the issue currently isn't it in getting out and hearing stuff.

Would probably be a sideways (if not downward) step from my WLM La Scala Floorstanders but just after something a bit different as feel the imaging on the La Scala's isn't there forte so something with the depth and authority they hold with the separation and imaging that I've heard in some older Tannoys would be the sweet spot for me.

Interesting what you say about the WLM and imaging. Maybe the La Scala monitor is a bit better at this, although not sure why it would. They seem to image quite nicely, although my room is smaller I believe than yours. I played around quite a bit with toe/angle, and of course, all of that matters, yet will be totally up to end user/listener as to preferences. I am finding these to be really, really lovely though!

I have heard the Klipsch Heresy models up to the III versions, and while they are good, and interesting, to me it was more of a wall of sound, not so much imaging. I haven't done the side by side comparison with the WLM's though, but just in my own thoughts, I wouldn't change for the Klipsch. Again, it is all too personal as to what makes things tick or check the right boxes...I would say Dave's note above is close though.

[Weeman1973]

Now these have caught my eye....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reference-3A-Episode-Loudspeaker/353023078944?hash=item5231d0b220:g:DhwAAOSwC5Nc~WN P

Anybody got any experience with Ref 3a Speakers - particularly with Valve amps?

[Bourney]

Well funny you should ask....

[Weeman1973]

Well funny you should ask....

Don't leave me hanging then Steve....

[Bourney]

Ive not had the episode but I've had the veena and heard the big fancy standmounts. The veena had a lovely hear through, connected sound and startling imaging but a bit soft in the bass. The stand mounts were better(higher spec models) but larger than photos suggest! They're nicely put together with over engineered binding posts etc

[Bourney]

I'd definitely give them another go at the right price. Have you seen the MM de Capos that are for sale, cheap!

[Weeman1973]

I'd definitely give them another go at the right price. Have you seen the MM de Capos that are for sale, cheap!

Thanks Steve. I did see those De Capo's but don't think they would offer the depth I'm craving but appreciate they would probably offer better separation / imagery than my current WLM La Scala's.

What would be ideal I think are the Heco Direkt's but missed out on a pair a couple of weeks back. I have the Einklang's and love them in my other set up with my MBL 7006 but think in my main area I'd benefit from the extra oomph the Direkt's can offer.

[Bourney]

It's been 6 whole hours, I'd have sourced, negotiated, purchased and collected a pair by now:D

[Weeman1973]

It's been 6 whole hours, I'd have sourced, negotiated, purchased and collected a pair by now:D

Been a busy afternoon for me on the work front so no chance I'm afraid - maybe I should employ you as my "Head of Procurement"

[CageyH]

Well, my new speakers arrived yesterday morning. A nice pair of Triangle Antal EZ.
I don’t have the room for Tannoys or Quads in my current listening space, so I have to “make do” with something else.
After coming from a single driver speaker, they are a completely different beast, but I am happy with the tone and detail of them.

[Weeman1973]

Well, my new speakers arrived yesterday morning. A nice pair of Triangle Antal EZ.
I don’t have the room for Tannoys or Quads in my current listening space, so I have to “make do” with something else.
After coming from a single driver speaker, they are a completely different beast, but I am happy with the tone and detail of them.

Glad to hear you've got the Triangle's up and running and enjoying them so far.

My Antale's were very eager to please and a very lively upfront presentation that I thought best suited my Crayon SS amp I had at the time.

Would have liked to hear them with my MBL but moved them on before I had chance to try.

[Weeman1973]

Now these really have caught my eye.....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Davone-Ray-Loudspeakers-from-Denmark-Eames-mid-century-modern-in-a-loudspeaker/174222044656?hash=item2890716df0:g:4HwAAOSwORheU9t q

[ianlenco]

Uber cool!

[CageyH]

I would be worried that someone would mistake them for a stool.

[Weeman1973]

I would be worried that someone would mistake them for a stool.

I don't invite people to my house - job done!!!

[CageyH]

Glad to hear you've got the Triangle's up and running and enjoying them so far.

My Antale's were very eager to please and a very lively upfront presentation that I thought best suited my Crayon SS amp I had at the time.

Would have liked to hear them with my MBL but moved them on before I had chance to try.

I think the EZ version is slightly different, as it is less in your face lively, but seems to have very good tonality. The midrange is sublime. I have not wound the wick up yet, but first impressions are of a very well designed/built speaker.

[AJSki2fly]

I don't invite people to my house - job done!!!

Have you seen these, possibly worth considering https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KEF-Reference-Model-3-Speakers/254539539394?hash=item3b43bd23c2:g:Fm4AAOSw2j5ea5C z

I used to have a pair and they are very good all round, I used to drive them with an Audio Innovations S500 and they worked very well, I should have kept them, hey-ho. I believe the main thing to check is the internal bass drivers are still ok, if not then bass will be lacking and you hear a rasping. I have been told if the foams have gone that they can be fixed (DIY) but is is a bit of a pig to get the drivers out of the cabinet.

[Weeman1973]

Have you seen these, possibly worth considering https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KEF-Reference-Model-3-Speakers/254539539394?hash=item3b43bd23c2:g:Fm4AAOSw2j5ea5C z

I used to have a pair and they are very good all round, I used to drive them with an Audio Innovations S500 and they worked very well, I should have kept them, hey-ho. I believe the main thing to check is the internal bass drivers are still ok, if not then bass will be lacking and you hear a rasping. I have been told if the foams have gone that they can be fixed (DIY) but is is a bit of a pig to get the drivers out of the cabinet.

Thanks Adrian, I'll take a look into them.

[AJSki2fly]

Thanks Adrian, I'll take a look into them.

They look in pretty good nick as well.

[oldius]

It's about taste, certainly, but the Tannoys are not a patch on the Scalas, IMO.

Regarding Shahinian, I think they are wonderful speakers but they all like a bit of current up 'em. They would need a system rethink.

The recommendation of Kef Reference is a really good one and I have yet to hear a pair I didn't like. They are an easy drive too for a wide range of amps.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Weeman1973]

Been thinking about some electrostatics for a bit of a change.

Audio Emotion have some SoundLab Electrostat which have caught my eye but lord knows how they’ll sound with the MBL or even the Almarro.

Anyone get any experience with these so called hybrid electrostatic designs?


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[eatapeach]

I'm watching this thread with interest....I've also got too much time on my hands obviously! Although I'm happy with PMC TB2+ I can't help thinking about trying some floorstanders. AFAIK the older PMCs are rich, full and detailed and the newer ones leaner and faster and my experience bears that out, I can't help looking at the floorstanders advertised and thinking if they might improve the soundstaging.

I'm not unhappy with the PMcs but I wonder if they are like a half open window and only giving a facsimile of upper and lower registers. Similarly, the longer I listen the more directional and 'there' they seem to be. I thought hard about a pair of Shahinians for sale on one of the forums but the price was too much to gamble on.

[AJSki2fly]

Been thinking about some electrostatics for a bit of a change.

Audio Emotion have some SoundLab Electrostat which have caught my eye but lord knows how they’ll sound with the MBL or even the Almarro.

Anyone get any experience with these so called hybrid electrostatic designs?


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As far as I know electrostatics can be tricky with amp matching so what ever you do try them with your amps, or have them on sale of return, which I doubt Audioemotion will do.

[hifi_dave]

An unknown combination like that must be heard before purchase.

[AJSki2fly]

Been thinking about some electrostatics for a bit of a change.

Audio Emotion have some SoundLab Electrostat which have caught my eye but lord knows how they’ll sound with the MBL or even the Almarro.

Anyone get any experience with these so called hybrid electrostatic designs?


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Russell, these could be just the ticket, but try them with your amp(s). https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?68664-For-Sale-My-Quad-esl-57s-(After-Covid19-has-gone-away)

[Weeman1973]

Russell, these could be just the ticket, but try them with your amp(s). https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?68664-For-Sale-My-Quad-esl-57s-(After-Covid19-has-gone-away)

Thanks for pointing these out but being honest the Quads aren’t for me - mainly aesthetically which I know sounds a little shallow but just being truthful. Speakers like the SoundLabs or Martin Logan would hit the spot so still doing some investigation and waiting to hear from Audio Emotion if their home demo they advertise extends to pre-owned gear.

[AJSki2fly]

Thanks for pointing these out but being honest the Quads aren’t for me - mainly aesthetically which I know sounds a little shallow but just being truthful. Speakers like the SoundLabs or Martin Logan would hit the spot so still doing some investigation and waiting to hear from Audio Emotion if their home demo they advertise extends to pre-owned gear.

I suspect it will be a buy and return job and then only get a voucher to use on something else. I might be wrong.

[Weeman1973]

Another one that has intrigued me....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TANNOY-BERKELEY-INTEGRATED-LOUDSPEAKERS-SYSTEM-TYPE-HPD-385A/233558141731?hash=item3661266b23:g:u9kAAOSwRBpelHK q

[AJSki2fly]

Another one that has intrigued me....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TANNOY-BERKELEY-INTEGRATED-LOUDSPEAKERS-SYSTEM-TYPE-HPD-385A/233558141731?hash=item3661266b23:g:u9kAAOSwRBpelHK q

Tannoys seem to be a bit of a Marmite speaker, especially the earlier ones, although many love them. Having said that the Legacy Ardens I had I really liked, the one criticism I could have of them is the mids can be a little warm which may be a concentric trait but I am not certain of this. I moved on from mine for practicality reasons and to keep harmony at home, also I came across a rather lovely pair of Wilson Benesch Vectors, the tick virtually all the boxes for me.

[Weeman1973]

Tannoys seem to be a bit of a Marmite speaker, especially the earlier ones, although many love them. Having said that the Legacy Ardens I had I really liked, the one criticism I could have of them is the mids can be a little warm which may be a concentric trait but I am not certain of this. I moved on from mine for practicality reasons and to keep harmony at home, also I came across a rather lovely pair of Wilson Benesch Vectors, the tick virtually all the boxes for me.

Ah, now you're talking with Wilson Benesch speakers - always fancied a pair myself after hearing some years back (can't remember the model but were well out my price range).

[hifinutt]

Tannoys seem to be a bit of a Marmite speaker, especially the earlier ones, although many love them. Having said that the Legacy Ardens I had I really liked, the one criticism I could have of them is the mids can be a little warm which may be a concentric trait but I am not certain of this. I moved on from mine for practicality reasons and to keep harmony at home, also I came across a rather lovely pair of Wilson Benesch Vectors, the tick virtually all the boxes for me.

got the eaton legacy , very accurate speaker which has a BIG sound . been here for over 2 years now which is some feat really !! used them with about 15 amps ranging from msb , bel canto , silbatone , thrax, sugden, naim, lavardin, firebottle and a few others to extremely good effect

[Weeman1973]

got the eaton legacy , very accurate speaker which has a BIG sound . been here for over 2 years now which is some feat really !! used them with about 15 amps ranging from msb , bel canto , silbatone , thrax, sugden, naim, lavardin, firebottle and a few others to extremely good effect

Thanks Phil - are the Eaton's 10" DC cones? My Chester's have the 10" polymer DC cones and I don't find them deep enough at all. I've got them set up with my Almarro in a small room with a little REL Sub to bolster the bottom end.

Was thinking the size of the 15" cones on those Berkley's might give me all the grunt I could ask for paired with my MBL?