From: jreiser@scott.skidmore.edu (jason reiser)
Newsgroups: rec.audio
Subject: Recommendations Anyone?
Date: 15 Oct 92 08:41:02 GMT
Article-I.D.: scott.1992Oct15.084102.9407
Organization: Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs NY

I'm looking for some opinions on some speakers that might be a good
idea to listen to in a $1000 price range (not more than 1200).  I
spent all day listenting to speakers and here's what I thought about
what I heard.  My primary goal is reality and a non fatiging (sp?)
speaker.  Most listening was done with Edie Brickell's (sp?) second
album (on CD).  Also listened to Pink Floyd Animals (Dogs) and The
Wall (Original Master Recording) as well as the OMR of Police
Synchronicity (Tea in the Sahara, Wrapped around your Finger). 
	
Vandersteen 1B  $700
	The speaker really impressed me overall.  I had to adjust the
tweeter to my own listening preferences (a little dark), but even when
I did, I found the highs to be either too dark and thin, or slightly
harsh.  I use this word very hesitantly as it wasn't a major gripe,
just something that impressed me less in this speaker than with a
couple of others.  The most impressive aspect of this speaker in my
honest opinion was the low end.  It didn't extend down to super low
notes, but the bass guitar on the sample music (Brickell) was reproduced with
incredible deapth (as if you could hear the string itself, not just
the monotone note.)  The speaker left me feeling that this was the
perfect midrange and bottom end for my taste... but I was looking for
something else in the highs.

B&W Matrix 805  $1100 with spike stands (recent demo)
	I had to listen to these based on the reputation of the
company's speakers and the fact that the price is SO much below what
it would otherwise be if new.  They are for sale as the store will no
longer be carrying the line (didn't loose it).  I was pulled in very
quickly and spent quite some time enjoying these playing off of a good
receiver.  After being so impressed with the width and more so the
deapth of the soundstage, I listened to them on a more similar amp to
that of my first demonstration... then on a McIntosh 100x2 (a new amp
I am told).  The speakers sounded very much like an actual performance
of the music.  "Dogs" was remarkable, with the dogs themselves about
forty yards or so beyond the speakers, off to my left.  I really
enjoyed these, but my only complaint was the bottom end.  It was
extremely strong... a little too much so for my taste.  It improved to
cut the bass on the pre amp a bit, but it seemed like cheating... plus
it still wasn't quite right.  It also did not display the clarity in
the bass guitar that the Vandersteens had.  The highs were crisp and
not particularly bright in my opinion.  The speaker left me with a
better feeling overall than the Vandersteens had, based primarily on
the reality of the sound... and they just make me want to listen for
hours on end.

JM Lab Megane  $1000 
	These are presently on load from a store, so I have had the
chance to listen to them a bit more extensively.  They look too small
to produce any significant bottom end to speak of, and yet it is
there.  The bass is definitely a little muted, but extremely detailed.
Everything I liked about the Vandersteens' bass is displayed in the JM
Lab speaker... but to a slightly decreased degree.  What makes me want
to keep these is their overall sound... difficult to pinpoint.  They
have the most realistic highs I have ever heard... they aren't cold,
but they aren't bright... just right for me.  They are also extremly
non fatiguing.  My only complaint would be a slight lack of deep bass,
but I wouldn't want it if it was muddy (I dare say) like the bottom
ovtave of the B&W's.  These don't sound like ported enclosures in
general.  I just might keep them, but I'd like to hear a few more
speakers (at least). 

	So, if I have described my own opinion of these speakers to
any degree that anyone is saying "hey, I know what he means..." let me
know what else I might consider in the price range... BTW, I also
listened to a set of PSB 500's and simply did not like the speaker.  I
found the bass to be muddy and the highs unimpressive.  They don't
sound like a speaker in their price range IMHO.  
	Also, I am not really interested in any ribbon speaker
designs.  I find them to be fatiguing only in that I can't move my
head.  Also, I would like to be able to listen to them off axis at
times when I am doing things at home with the stereo on.

Thanks in Advance.

Post followups here... people usually like to read that kind of stuff.
I know I do.

				- Jason

jreiser@scott.skidmore.edu
Newsgroups: rec.audio