If I were to upgrade my towers, which one of these is the best deal?

[WARMACHINE4444]

If you are anywhere near me you are welcome to come and hear my lores, if you are looking for full range no sub setup, I would seriously consider them... I like that tight effortless bass, and with the 6.5's I have heard its very lacking... With my wharfedale towers there is no way I would keep them for a 2.0 system, hence the dual subs, it finishes off the sound... Not saying its bad to have subs for music, that system sounds really good. But the cost is almost doubled and the room they take up is doubled... Now for some music I prefer that system {anything hip hoppy, bass-E, and rock with a heavy drum} the tektons are good with female vocalists, rock, live concerts, {aerosmith and Bruce scream on them}, and a lot of country sounds good on them too..

Thanks for your kind offer for a listen! Gota plan a trip to N.E. CT I guess eh? I would buy a sub for HT, considering my room isn't a stadium I haven't felt a need a sub just for music. But, that's why If I considered a design that would be full range, and not cost alot, and not need multiple drivers, that would be sweet.

I know alot of info has been expressed regarding Tekton, but I appreciate your opinion owning Lores. I just can't not discount them, the design is simple compared to alot of the multiple driver speakers. I still would like to audition some speakers I mentioned, or even ones I haven't. Just to see before I go crazy and start wanting to order speakers everyone suggests

 

[monkish54]

Hi monkish54, Thanks for your suggestions. I like the Verus Grand cause it's probably the most full range speaker I listed. Still alot of money. That Monitor 1 I've never heard of!? I've always compared high end bookshelfs looking at the N805s, Dynaudio, Totem, etc...I still have a lust for bookshelfs, but seeing how much comparable towers cost, it's confusing I am looking at companies using high quality component drivers, tweeters etc.... I got read more at the website of the Monitor1. Thanks

You are very welcome.

Much credit for the smooth sound in the midrange must be given to Aperion’s proprietary tweeter that is designed to permit the use of lower crossover frequencies to unburden the midrange cones above 1.8 kHz.

The Grand Tower is a great loudspeaker. They make good designs at Aperion. But for the same price you could have an excellent new receiver (something you definitely need) and a pair of speakers equally as good that play just far enough down that you shouldn't miss any musical content.

The monitor one uses some of the best drivers around and has excellent off-axis dispersion.

Look familiar?

 

[WARMACHINE4444]

The EMPs go on sale for quite a bit less than $800, probably a couple times a year....just FYI

Thanks for your info! I have not decided yet, just seeing where ppls suggestions for speakers flow. I do like multiple driver designs, where it is approaching a full range speaker, without the need of a sub for music.

 

[monkish54]

I agree, that is some cause for concern. If you look at the other post on these speakers there is a link to avforums where there is some discussion about using low impedance to control the cone breakup. Unfortunately, I don't understand that much about crossovers. If you do, I'd love to hear your thoughts on that.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/xtz-f...ii-series.html

The link didn't work.

 

[WARMACHINE4444]

You are very welcome.



The Grand Tower is a great loudspeaker. They make good designs at Aperion. But for the same price you could have an excellent new receiver (something you definitely need) and a pair of speakers equally as good that play just far enough down that you shouldn't miss any musical content.

The monitor one uses some of the best drivers around and has excellent off-axis dispersion.


Look familiar?


OMG those look stunning, clean lines and design. Yeah, my receiver is not the best.

Just some info, my uncle has an insane HT setup. All Def Tech towers and huge sub, Rotel amp and other stuff I don't remember. But, we were watching Phill Collins Live in Paris DVD and my ears were literally bleeding cause it sounded like we were actually there! lol

 

[monkish54]

You are very welcome.



The Grand Tower is a great loudspeaker. They make good designs at Aperion. But for the same price you could have an excellent new receiver (something you definitely need) and a pair of speakers equally as good that play just far enough down that you shouldn't miss any musical content.

The monitor one uses some of the best drivers around and has excellent off-axis dispersion.


Look familiar?


OMG those look stunning, clean lines and design. Yeah, my receiver is not the best.

Just some info, my uncle has an insane HT setup. All Def Tech towers and huge sub, Rotel amp and other stuff I don't remember. But, we were watching Phill Collins Live in Paris DVD and my ears were literally bleeding cause it sounded like we were actually there! lol

If you wanna drop $30,000 you can get them. XD KEF Blade.

If your ears were bleeding, it's not cause it sounded good. XD

Which Def Tech does he own?

 

[WARMACHINE4444]

If you wanna drop $30,000 you can get them. XD KEF Blade.

If your ears were bleeding, it's not cause it sounded good. XD

Which Def Tech does he own?

I'm not sure, one of the BP models? It's really skinny and tall. So, it has multiple drivers and side subwoofers? His one sub has to be a 15" or 18" its huge. Next time I'm over there I will for sure look at all his stuff model numbers etc

Well, not ear bleeding bad, ear bleeding cause it was cranked so loud, it was super clean watching just soo loud like ur putting ur ear to an f14 afterburners loud?

 

[gtpsuper24]

gtpsuper24, I was looking at the Arx A5s too But, I was only looking for designs using 6 1/2" woofers or bigger. But that ribbon tweeter and multiple drivers on it got me looking more and more.

Well the Arx 5.25" woofers have very low distortion due to the XBL2/splitgap technology and crazy excursion levels. Performs right up there with 6.5" woofers easily. A few guys on the Arx forum runs their A5s full range with no distress, distortion, or strange noises from those woofers. The midrange looks just like the woofer in the picture only slightly smaller magnet, lighter cone and phase plug.

"The Arx midwoofer uses a special licensed XBL2 motor to lower distortion to about half that of a conventional woofer at the same time as it nearly doubles maximum linear excursion. This technology is a genuine advance with measurable effects. It is not a marketing slogan or a trade name unbacked by real benefits." From Arx forum

"None of these features and benefits appear in conventional midwoofers. Arx has them all in one device. The net end result is bass with more power and clarity than expected from either the size or price class Arx occupies." Arx Forum

 

[monkish54]

I'm not sure, one of the BP models? It's really skinny and tall. So, it has multiple drivers and side subwoofers? His one sub has to be a 15" or 18" its huge. Next time I'm over there I will for sure look at all his stuff model numbers etc

Well, not ear bleeding bad, ear bleeding cause it was cranked so loud, it was super clean watching just soo loud like ur putting ur ear to an f14 afterburners loud?

I think the Monitor 1 will be much better than the DEF Tech's. The Def Tech's will have more bass presence (since they have a huge built-in subwoofer), but as far as neutrality is concerned the M1 takes the cake.

 

[nogaro]

The link didn't work.

Sorry, this one should work. Looking forward to hear your comments:

99 MKII-series | AVForums.com - UK Online

 

[ImcLoud]

Also dont forget about used... Zu Audio Soul Superfly high efficiency speakers in honey walnut | eBay

I heard the Omens from ZU they were decent {these are double the price if that means anything}, not sure what these will sell for but they were over $3K new... Full warranty... and you can power these with anything and get hearing loss levels

 

[monkish54]

Also dont forget about used... Zu Audio Soul Superfly high efficiency speakers in honey walnut | eBay

I heard the Omens from ZU they were decent {these are double the price if that means anything}, not sure what these will sell for but they were over $3K new... Full warranty... and you can power these with anything and get hearing loss levels

Zu audio is poop. I'd steer clear.

 

[WARMACHINE4444]

Well the Arx 5.25" woofers have very low distortion due to the XBL2/splitgap technology and crazy excursion levels. Performs right up there with 6.5" woofers easily. A few guys on the Arx forum runs their A5s full range with no distress, distortion, or strange noises from those woofers. The midrange looks just like the woofer in the picture only slightly smaller magnet, lighter cone and phase plug.

"The Arx midwoofer uses a special licensed XBL2 motor to lower distortion to about half that of a conventional woofer at the same time as it nearly doubles maximum linear excursion. This technology is a genuine advance with measurable effects. It is not a marketing slogan or a trade name unbacked by real benefits." From Arx forum

"None of these features and benefits appear in conventional midwoofers. Arx has them all in one device. The net end result is bass with more power and clarity than expected from either the size or price class Arx occupies." Arx Forum

Oh nice, see this is why I like to listen to others' suggestions. I was dead set no smaller woofers can best multiple 6 1/2" ones in a comparable tower. I need to read Arx site again more in-depth. The A5 is a great price, drivers and ribbon tweeter. Thanks!

I think the Monitor 1 will be much better than the DEF Tech's. The Def Tech's will have more bass presence (since they have a huge built-in subwoofer), but as far as neutrality is concerned the M1 takes the cake.

Thanks for your opinion, I think you are the only one with bookshelf perspective! Which I really appreciate. Neutrality is something I look for in towers or either bookshelf. I know some don't like bright, forward or technical sound. But, being exposed to the B&W metal tweeter sound, my KLH's are more laidback in comparison. Which I still enjoy, just the airiness/spaciousness and or just not as revealing as compared to my B&W bookshelf has. Thanks again monkish!

 

[fuzz092888]

Unless I hear otherwise directly from XTZ I'm going to assume that they are $1600 per pair. The description may say $800 per pair, but the ordering process clearly states you must buy two "Pc's" as they're calling it which would make total cost $1600. Until they e-mail me back saying they're $800 per pair, or clean up the website so the conflicting information is gone I would assume $1600.

If one of you guys wants to go ahead and order a pair to find out, by all means

 

[monkish54]

Thanks for your opinion, I think you are the only one with bookshelf perspective! Which I really appreciate. Neutrality is something I look for in towers or either bookshelf. I know some don't like bright, forward or technical sound. But, being exposed to the B&W metal tweeter sound, my KLH's are more laidback in comparison. Which I still enjoy, just the airiness/spaciousness and or just not as revealing as compared to my B&W bookshelf has. Thanks again monkish!

The M1 should be much more reveling than the B&W. That concentric driver is really awesome. TBQH, B&W's stuff is far from neutral. Just look at their $20,000 800D. The Nautilus looks very good though.

Unless I hear otherwise directly from XTZ I'm going to assume that they are $1600 per pair. The description may say $800 per pair, but the ordering process clearly states you must buy two "Pc's" as they're calling it which would make total cost $1600. Until they e-mail me back saying they're $800 per pair, or clean up the website so the conflicting information is gone I would assume $1600.

If one of you guys wants to go ahead and order a pair to find out, by all means

I'm gonna stick with my Philharmonic's for right now, fuzz. Although, i have been rather disappointed with them lately. You know, they have really slow bass. XD ; )

 

[fuzz092888]

I know, mine have that same problem

 

[ImcLoud]

Zu audio is poop. I'd steer clear.

I listened to the omens when I was looking for an efficient full range but the tekton sounded better to me, so thats what I bought.... Cant speak for the rest of the line since I havent heard them but the Omens werent horrible, they had a powerful presentation a full in your face sound that seemed to cover from low to high pretty well..., have you heard any of the zu's? Do you not like the company its self or the style of speaker in general...???

 

[monkish54]

Do you not like the company its self or the style of speaker in general...???

Zu Essence​

Fig.5 Zu Essence, anechoic response on tweeter axis at 50", averaged across 30° horizontal window and corrected for microphone response, with nearfield woofer (blue) and vent (red) responses plotted below 300Hz and 1kHz, respectively, plus complex sum of nearfield responses (black).

The Zu speaker's midrange response, taken on the supertweeter axis, is basically flat and even, but even with the whizzer cone, the drive-unit is in breakup at and above 2kHz, with a large suckout evident in the presence region. (This suckout reduces the measured sensitivity, as indicated earlier.) The response is reinforced by the ribbon supertweeter in the top two octaves, and the ribbon unit is 3dB too high in level on this axis

VS


Monitor 1​

Measurements: On axis and 60 deg Off Axis (Roll off >15khz due to mic. Actual tweeter response extends beyond 20khz)

The Zu is $5,000 (Now $3,500 since they are selling direct) and the M1 is $1,300. Every infinity i've seen measured and both Andrew Jones Pioneers are better than this speaker. They simply don't make speakers I want to own. FAAAAAR from neutral.

Pioneer BS-41​

The black trace below 300Hz in fig.3 is the sum of the nearfield woofer and port responses. The peak apparent in the upper bass is actually an artifact of the nearfield measurement technique; the SP-BS41-LR's low frequencies will actually be close to flat before rolling off to reach –6dB at the port tuning frequency. Higher in frequency, the Pioneer's farfield output (fig.3) is respectably even before featuring a small peak between 10 and 15kHz.

PRICE: $150/pr

 

[monkish54]

Here is a link the an AVS thread about the M1 if you want to read through it.

Soundfield Audio Monitor 1

Also, here are some measurements of the Q100 concentric driver (do a search in your browser and type "Q100" :

Zaph|Audio

 

[monkish54]

Interactive Frequency Chart - Independent Recording Network

Just thought this might be useful. It shows where common instruments are located in the frequency spectrum, and it also shows the sensitivity of human hearing per frequency.

ENJOY!