What stands?
May 25, 2010
Editor,
I loved
your article on the Paradigm Signature S2 v.3
loudspeakers and had a question: What
stands did you use in your listening? I wasn't able to find mention of
them in that article, or ones previous. Thanks in advance.
Jon Faber
I used a set of stands that were
designed by Energy. They are 30” tall and are sturdy.
They're nothing
special, but they get the job done just fine. . . . Jeff Fritz
". . . light years ahead of any rival
publication."
May 16, 2010
Editor,
Good opinion ("Frequency
Response Isn’t the Only Thing").
You could've gone farther with this piece. One-sixth-octave resolution
of on-axis FR in one's room is indeed limited in what it conveys. It's
not the point at which objective evaluation is exhausted and
golden-eared scouts necessarily be summoned to the rescue.
One-30th-octave-resolution anechoic measurements of
on-axis response aren't close to the limits of the objectivity
threshold, either. It's the beginning. All sound radiated into a room in
every direction influences what we enjoy. Arbitrarily selecting a
measurement snippet of what occurs cannot possibly be fully predictive
of what we hear.
Noise and distortion. Sound-power response. Horizontal
off-axis amplitude response up to 75 degrees out or more. Vertical
off-axis response. First-reflection sound power. Directivity index. Now
we're talking.
The SoundStage! Network seems to recognize just that
and is to be commended for their NRC data. It's still not comprehensive,
but it is light years ahead of any rival publication.
Regards,
Shalin
EgglestonWorks speakers
May 10, 2010
Editor,
I am interested to know whether you have listened to the
EgglestonWorks Isabel and Fontaine II? I am really keen on having
the pleasure of owning a pair of any of these fine gems. How do you
find these two speakers on playing music in general? Do you ever
feel the need to use a sub with any of the EggWorks speakers? How
much of a difference is there between the Fontaine and Isabel? And
will valve amplification yield great results on these beauties?
Regards,
Don
I have been a fan of the EgglestonWorks brand for some time
now, beginning really with my experience with the Dianne, which
I reviewed in May of 2009.
On June 1 you’ll be able to read my review of the Andra III, right
here on Ultra Audio.
The models you mention, the Isabel and
Fontaine, are two that I have not heard, so I really can’t comment on
them specifically. However, my experience with the brand is that their
speakers do share a house sound -- the ones I've heard have a smooth,
inviting, and warmish character. If those attributes sound like they
might float your boat, I’d certainly suggest you look further into the
brand. I’ve found the company very good to deal with and, as you can see
in
my factory visit
during the The Great North American Loudspeaker Tour, they build a
really solid product. . . . Jeff Fritz
Rockport Mira Monitors
May 5, 2010
Editor,
I have a question. I read the
Ultra Audio article on the
Paradigm monitors and sub system ("How
Close Can I Get for Half the Price or Less? -- Paradigm Reference
Signature S2 v.3 Loudspeakers"). Its sounds
great. However my question is what do you think of the Rockport Mira
Monitors? I haven't read any reviews on these speakers, only the larger
ones. How close are they to the floorstanding Miras? I currently have
two Vandersteen 2WQ subwoofers in my system. They have some interesting
features and seem to blend well with the speakers I'm using. I know you
have some experience with the Rockports and there is no dealer in
Houston, so what's your opinion? Thanks again!
Robert
I heard a system based on the Rockport Mira Monitors and a JL
Audio Fathom f113 subwoofer. The owner replaced a pair of Wilson
WATT/Puppy 8 loudspeakers with this setup. The sound was terrific: huge
soundstage, warm tonal balance, palpable presence, and deep bass. I
think the sound could be characterized as similar to the larger Mira,
though because the room that I heard them in was not mine, I can’t tell
you exactly how the two setups would compare. My advice: If you’re
interested in the Mira Monitors, contact Rockport; their customer
service is excellent. From my perspective, I can’t imagine that you
wouldn’t be thrilled with a Rockport/Vandersteen system provided that
you do the work to get the sub/sat blend just perfect. . . . Jeff Fritz
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