Which is more Dynamic, ACI Protege or Ascend 340SE?

[Steve42]

How are you defining dynamics?

I think that people who talk about dynamice range are really refering to is max output capabilities before breakup occures.

In simple terms the definition of "Dynamic range" is the difference between the lowest level of sound that can be heard above the noise of the equipment and the highest level of sound before distortion occurs.

So the "max output capabilities before breakup occures." (as you put it) is actually part of that defintion. And it is the part of the definition of "dynamic range" I was referring too in my original post. Distortion can have a few different attributes including "break-up", compression, "beaming", etc. The point is the more dynamic a speaker is in relation to playing "at the highest level", (in my terms) means that the louder it can play without audible "break-up", "beaming", "compression", etc.

Hope that clears things up. Sorry I thought it would be evident what I meant by "dynamic" in relation to "the highest level of sound before distortion occurs".
"Dynamic range", of course takes into account "the lowest level of sound above the noise floor" as well. However I did not mention "Dynamic range" at any time in my original post.

That said, sometimes it's hard to convey what you really mean through the written word sometimes (especially when you are in a hurry).

 

[Tomorrow]

Wow!

I didn't find my post to be passive-aggressive nor offensive. I guess if you did find that offensive, well, Pot meet Kettle.

And btw, you might want to find out who was making the dynamic range measurements I gave.

I'm done here now.

In some circles (like yours?), I suppose calling people "pieces of crap" might not be offensive. Here it is.

Oh, and reread my post. I don't care who made what measurements. Speakers are THE most subjective element in audio. I listen.

 

[craigsub]

Dynamics is/are not just about how much louder/softer a component's SPL ability is. It is also how quickly the component can match the dynamics of the software, which is the macrodynamics. It is also the microdynamics of the speaker ... does it get the whisper off stage in a movie ?

There is a difference between being louder and softer (which is what most people think of when talking dynamics) and the overall dynamics. The initial post in the thread was about dynamics as expressed in volume terms ... not in all terms.

The ACI Essence package is, with out a doubt, the best overall speaker we have had in our theater for overall dynamics. The Protege's are a bit behind ... but not far. Having had speakers from Ascend, Rocket, Axiom, Def Tech, etc ... in the $500 to $5000 price range has made me appreciate even more what ACI delivers.

 

[Steve42]

Craig, yes I agree and I guess it's all "part and parcel". I was just referring to the higher level dynamics before some type of distortion was audible in my first post.

It's nice to know that the Proteges will excel at the microdynamics as well though. Is this what you were referring too when you said the Proteges should have the edge in the midrange area over the 340SEs?

Thanks

 

[silversurfer]

I'm just glad I am not reading about micro and macro economics.

 

[craigsub]

Craig, yes I agree and I guess it's all "part and parcel". I was just referring to the higher level dynamics before some type of distortion was audible in my first post.

It's nice to know that the Proteges will excel at the microdynamics as well though. Is this what you were referring too when you said the Proteges should have the edge in the midrange area over the 340SEs?

Thanks

I am somewhat hesistant to get too far into this .. because people tend to get really angry. But yes, the Essence/Protege sound, when compared to other speakers in its price class, handles the all important midrange with a clarity that less expensive speakers lack.

It isn't that these other speakers are bad ... Being specific, I have tried the Rocket 550's, 750's, 760's and 1000's, Ascend 340's, Axiom M80's, Def Techs BP-7000's, PSB Stratus Goldi, Klipsch Belles, and a few others.

The Essence/Protege's look expensive for what you get. I remember thinking ... "$1800 per pair for speakers which only go to 80 Hz ?" ...

It is the listening which is the believing. In fact, it was the quality of the Essence, and the design, which prompted me to go listen to the Aerials, with the idea of buying them. My wife never argues about this stuff ... there was nothing standing in the way, except sound. As I was listening to the Aerials, it was the first time that I thought "This sounds like home" ...

But, since home already had that sound, why spend $8000 more ?

Ironically, this great sound is also a concern ... why did ACI shelve the Maestro for the new Maestro XL ? I HOPE Mike Dzurko is not changing for the sake of change ... but this is a concern best left until the Maestro XL's arrive. The 30 day trial period is enough assurance to give them a try.

 

[silversurfer]

... why did ACI shelve the Maestro for the new Maestro XL ? I HOPE Mike Dzurko is not changing for the sake of change ... but this is a concern best left until the Maestro XL's arrive. The 30 day trial period is enough assurance to give them a try.

The Titan XL looks to be a change in cabinet, now being made by Mark Schifter's SoundArt China, right? I like the new cabinet!

Perhaps that is the same type of change for the Maestro XL as well.

 

[Steve42]

Wow Craig, that is quite a testamonial to the quality of the ACI Essence, and to a lesser extent the Protege.

I'm sure they would not change the Maestro for the worse. I'm sure you will let us know your thoughts though, looking forward to it.

 

[ggunnell]

... why did ACI shelve the Maestro for the new Maestro XL ? I HOPE Mike Dzurko is not changing for the sake of change ... but this is a concern best left until the Maestro XL's arrive. The 30 day trial period is enough assurance to give them a try.

I was amazed to learn that Bel Canto's SET's -- all their tube amps -- are now discontinued products -- replaced by the same ICE analog switching technology the new Maestro amp uses...