Nikko1960 Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I used to own a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppies and they were the best speakers I've ever heard, driven with a Jardis valve amp. But then they and the Jardis featured in a divorce settlement and I've "made do" with Focal JM Labs ever since (they share the same inverted dome tweeter). If I can ever find the spare cash in the future, I'm going back to Wilson Nikko. Link to comment
17629v2 Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 "I owned the 802S3 and these were absolute rubbish... " Those piles of crap cost me a fortune. I learned more about audio from those speakers than I did from all my other gear combined. I was convinced I could get them to sound right if I just..... In the end, I finally figured out the problem. It was the binding posts. If I connected the speaker cables to the binding posts on my ProAc 2.5's, the problems finally went away. Blackmorec 1 Link to comment
Priaptor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I used to own a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppies and they were the best speakers I've ever heard, driven with a Jardis valve amp. But then they and the Jardis featured in a divorce settlement and I've "made do" with Focal JM Labs ever since (they share the same inverted dome tweeter). If I can ever find the spare cash in the future, I'm going back to Wilson Nikko. I too had Watt/Puppies with a Wham (subwoofer), much better without the Wham part. It was driven by Spectral electronics. The enemy of good is better and I "upgraded" to their big guys with all the top of the line Mark Levinson. The latter were a big disappointment and didn't compare to the Watt/Puppies with Spectral. I owned Avalons, Celestions, ProAc, Quads and Magico driven by all sorts of electronics. In the "old days" I was an audio dealer and had exposure to lots of stuff, including the Nudell's amazing IRS V. In determining the "best", IMHO, it is always a matter of tradeoffs and what the individual desires. To me, I want to be transported to the venue in an accurate way without tiring; excuse me if I don't invoke all the audiophile jargon. While there are many that do it well, IMHO, ribbons, open baffles, etc do it the best. I am also in love with monitor type speakers and hence why I purchased Magico Q1s with Constellation electronics (a deal too good to turn down) which at the time many felt were the best speakers on the planet. Not for me. In fact I was happy to get rid of them. My exposure to the Q5s were similarly disappointing. Not to say they didn't do many things extremely well, which they did and do, but they didn't and still don't transport me to the venue in a manner of other speakers. I was introduced to Nola speakers about 6 years ago, when my friend and dealer, started taking on the line despite being an all Wilson and Focal store, formerly being a Magico store. To me the Micro Grands were wonderful, although a little too much bass overhang and while they worked in my room were not where optimal. However, I got the "picture" of what was possible. Moving up to the Baby Grands and ultimately to the Baby Grand Golds was a revelation to me. Carl Marchisotto, formerly of Dahlquist and co-designer of the famous DQ-10s is the designer of these wonderful products. While not his biggest or most expensive speaker, his coup de grâce speaker are his Concert Grand Golds. I was lucky to purchase these on a very generous upgrade program, which otherwise these would have been entirely out of my price range. These speakers were the last speakers Harry Pearson ever heard and he felt they were the best speakers he had ever heard and said so in his very last review. They are truly transformative, IMHO, incredibly accurate with a soundstage so amazing they literally transport you like a time machine and are very easy to drive. Also amazing about these speakers are the manner in which they can also behave like small monitors and never compromise the sound no matter what the SPL. They won't work in just any room but serendipitously, my current sound room is fantastic, even when compared to my prior (big buck) custom built room that Jeff Rowlands help me design. This room really works. Also, unlike so many other speakers, the Nolas are really easy to setup. Are the Nola Concert Grand Gold the best speaker? IMO, they are the best speaker I could ever want, have been with me for 4 years and I am as happy today with them as the day I first dialed them in. I haven't heard every speaker ever made, currently on sale, but have heard enough and have enough experience to know what pleases me and I have never been so moved by the system I currently have. The only major change to my system since having the Concert Grand Gold dialed in over the last 4 years was changing out my ARC REF75 for the ARC GS150 a truly amazing amp. I truly consider myself fortunate to have the best speakers I have ever heard and the best system I have ever experienced. It really is a treat for me every time I turn on my system. Link to comment
beerandmusic Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 best speakers i have heard (price tag i believe was $200,000) Link to comment
witchdoctor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I too had Watt/Puppies with a Wham (subwoofer), much better without the Wham part. It was driven by Spectral electronics. The enemy of good is better and I "upgraded" to their big guys with all the top of the line Mark Levinson. The latter were a big disappointment and didn't compare to the Watt/Puppies with Spectral. I owned Avalons, Celestions, ProAc, Quads and Magico driven by all sorts of electronics. In the "old days" I was an audio dealer and had exposure to lots of stuff, including the Nudell's amazing IRS V. In determining the "best", IMHO, it is always a matter of tradeoffs and what the individual desires. To me, I want to be transported to the venue in an accurate way without tiring; excuse me if I don't invoke all the audiophile jargon. While there are many that do it well, IMHO, ribbons, open baffles, etc do it the best. I am also in love with monitor type speakers and hence why I purchased Magico Q1s with Constellation electronics (a deal too good to turn down) which at the time many felt were the best speakers on the planet. Not for me. In fact I was happy to get rid of them. My exposure to the Q5s were similarly disappointing. Not to say they didn't do many things extremely well, which they did and do, but they didn't and still don't transport me to the venue in a manner of other speakers. I was introduced to Nola speakers about 6 years ago, when my friend and dealer, started taking on the line despite being an all Wilson and Focal store, formerly being a Magico store. To me the Micro Grands were wonderful, although a little too much bass overhang and while they worked in my room were not where optimal. However, I got the "picture" of what was possible. Moving up to the Baby Grands and ultimately to the Baby Grand Golds was a revelation to me. Carl Marchisotto, formerly of Dahlquist and co-designer of the famous DQ-10s is the designer of these wonderful products. While not his biggest or most expensive speaker, his coup de grâce speaker are his Concert Grand Golds. I was lucky to purchase these on a very generous upgrade program, which otherwise these would have been entirely out of my price range. These speakers were the last speakers Harry Pearson ever heard and he felt they were the best speakers he had ever heard and said so in his very last review. They are truly transformative, IMHO, incredibly accurate with a soundstage so amazing they literally transport you like a time machine and are very easy to drive. Also amazing about these speakers are the manner in which they can also behave like small monitors and never compromise the sound no matter what the SPL. They won't work in just any room but serendipitously, my current sound room is fantastic, even when compared to my prior (big buck) custom built room that Jeff Rowlands help me design. This room really works. Also, unlike so many other speakers, the Nolas are really easy to setup. Are the Nola Concert Grand Gold the best speaker? IMO, they are the best speaker I could ever want, have been with me for 4 years and I am as happy today with them as the day I first dialed them in. I haven't heard every speaker ever made, currently on sale, but have heard enough and have enough experience to know what pleases me and I have never been so moved by the system I currently have. The only major change to my system since having the Concert Grand Gold dialed in over the last 4 years was changing out my ARC REF75 for the ARC GS150 a truly amazing amp. I truly consider myself fortunate to have the best speakers I have ever heard and the best system I have ever experienced. It really is a treat for me every time I turn on my system. pics? Link to comment
Priaptor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 "I owned the 802S3 and these were absolute rubbish... " Those piles of crap cost me a fortune. I learned more about audio from those speakers than I did from all my other gear combined. I was convinced I could get them to sound right if I just..... In the end, I finally figured out the problem. It was the binding posts. If I connected the speaker cables to the binding posts on my ProAc 2.5's, the problems finally went away. I used to sell ProAc and loved the line. My four favorite (and affordable) speakers at the time were the Tablettes, Celestion SL600s, Magnepans and Quads. All four in different ways were transformative. At the time the ProAc Studios didn't have as advanced design or appeal as the amazing Tablettes. Link to comment
Priaptor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 pics? Will post but "look" relatively simple Link to comment
17629v2 Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I used to sell ProAc and loved the line. My four favorite (and affordable) speakers at the time were the Tablettes, Celestion SL600s, Magnepans and Quads. All four in different ways were transformative. At the time the ProAc Studios didn't have as advanced design or appeal as the amazing Tablettes. Did you ever hear the Future's? I almost bought a pair of Future 1's, but they seemed a bit pricey for what they were. Very good speaker otherwise. Link to comment
Priaptor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Did you ever hear the Future's? I almost bought a pair of Future 1's, but they seemed a bit pricey for what they were.Very good speaker otherwise. Never heard them but Tyler and Richard Gerberg (RIP) were very hot on them. I was already done with my audiophile business by then and had moved over to Avalon/Rowland's then to Wilson/Spectral among others during that time. Link to comment
Apesbrain Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Apogee Duetta Signature powered by Threshold monoblocks and FET ten/e pre-amp with Meridian CD front-end. Link to comment
YashN Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 The MBL Omnis I heard were mesmerising. Forgot to say that I wasn't the only one mesmerised by them: imagine instead a room of about 20 people hypnotised by the sound because that's how it was. Dedicated Line DSD/DXD | Audirvana+ | iFi iDSD Nano | SET Tube Amp | Totem Mites Surround: VLC | M-Audio FastTrack Pro | Mac Opt | Panasonic SA-HE100 | Logitech Z623 DIY: SET Tube Amp | Low-Noise Linear Regulated Power Supply | USB, Power, Speaker Cables | Speaker Stands | Acoustic Panels Link to comment
sphinxsix Posted October 8, 2016 Author Share Posted October 8, 2016 I used to own a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppies and they were the best speakers I've ever heard, driven with a Jardis valve amp. But then they and the Jardis featured in a divorce settlement and I've "made do" with Focal JM Labs ever since (they share the same inverted dome tweeter). If I can ever find the spare cash in the future, I'm going back to Wilson Nikko. You meant Jadis amp, I believe. The makers of great amps and these amazing horn speakers (if Salvador Dali were an audiophile he'd surely choose these): Jadis Eurythmie As for the inverted dome tweeter - I know it very well, in fact I listen to it everyday. It's Focal TC120 TDX Tioxid tweeter used by Wilson and JMLab in their top models. Also used by Manfred Zoller (maker of my speakers) in his top models. A fantastic tweeter if applied correctly! Lots of detail and very high sensitivity - a good match for a good tube amp although a good (smooth!) solid state one will also do well. TC120 TDX Earlier I used twice JMLab speakers with TC90 TDX which isn't bad either (slightly smaller magnet in comparison with the 120 model). One of them was Point Source (PS) 5.1 which IMO was one of the greatest bargains in audio history! JMLab PS 5.1 Link to comment
Priaptor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 [ATTACH=CONFIG]29661[/ATTACH] Apogee Duetta Signature powered by Threshold monoblocks and FET ten/e pre-amp with Meridian CD front-end. Ahhh forgot about those!! Needed lots of power. Always showed with Threshold or Krell. Link to comment
semente Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 Ahhh forgot about those!! Needed lots of power. Always showed with Threshold or Krell. I would also add some large Apogee model to my list, but I don't recall which... "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
Priaptor Posted October 8, 2016 Share Posted October 8, 2016 I would also add some large Apogee model to my list, but I don't recall which... In my days of being an audio dealer the distributor in CT, while not able to make me an Apogee dealer did make me a dealer for a very little known Canadian geeky company named Meitner who at the time sold these fantastic little preamp and stereo amps in a redwood case the size of a small DAC that sounded absolutely wonderful despite a problem with ground loops which many stereos back then had. There was also a little company that he made me sole distributor for but told me I would have a hard time selling; the company was Siltech the most expensive wire of its time. Needless to say my biggest problem was getting enough of them. Every shipment to me was sold out in hours. Link to comment
scintilla Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I once heard the WAMM at Nuts About Hifi when I went to audition the then new Krell 300i. The salesman hooked it up to the WAMM to demonstrate that it could drive them. Link to comment
Rt66indierock Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 In my case AR LST. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile Link to comment
Ajax Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I want to argue that "speakers are the most important component"--but I won't. Linn did/does it better than I can, and I've had it demonstrated to my satisfaction. QUOTE] +1 .... while spruking his iconic LP12 turntable to audio retailers Ivor would purposely select the worst pair of speakers in the shop to demonstrate how much he could improve their performance with a great front end. Can someone please explain to me why so many threads over the years here at CA have been devoted to discussing / arguing about the following if most here think that 85% of the sound quality of a system is due to the speakers / room integration, which is hardly ever discussed? - digital vs analogue - correctly setting up a computer for bit perfect playback - servers - NAS vs external HD - wifi vs wired ethernet - ALAC vs AIFF vs WAV - software (J River vs Audirvana vs HQ Player, Foobar vs Roon ve Pure Music) - PMC vs DSD - Hi res vs Redbook - sample rates & bit rates - filters in DACs - digital vs A/B amps - cables - power supplies - electrical and mechanical noise isolation etc etc .... I'm not trying to be a smart arse, because I really would really like to know why if everyone thinks its so important that we don't talk more about room treatments and setting up systems using DSP etc. It seems to me we are arse about with our time. I'm guessing we spend the opposite of our time on what most suggest is the more important. i.e. at least 85% of our time on the above items and no more that 15% on speakers and room treatment ..... most likely a lot less. LOUNGE: Mac Mini - Audirvana - Devialet 200 - ATOHM GT1 Speakers OFFICE : Mac Mini - Audirvana - Benchmark DAC1HDR - ADAM A7 Active Monitors TRAVEL : MacBook Air - Dragonfly V1.2 DAC - Sennheiser HD 650 BEACH : iPhone 6 - HRT iStreamer DAC - Akimate Micro + powered speakers Link to comment
Rt66indierock Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 Alex I'll discuss it more in separate threads but I've only met one person at RMAF that was taught audio like I was. Everyone else learned about audio from salesman or is self taught. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile Link to comment
Keith_W Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 Ajax, most likely because this forum is called "Computer audiophile" ... so its purpose is to talk about the source! However, I do use my computer to correct my speakers with Acourate. I am running an 8 way active system, and the computer is absolutely vital. Link to comment
sphinxsix Posted October 9, 2016 Author Share Posted October 9, 2016 @ Priaptor A great story of a personal audio journey. Thanks for sharing it! I smiled a couple of times while reading it cause I used to be an audio dealer myself in the 1990s/2000s. And a distributor of a certain British brand for a brief period of time too. I personally think of it as of my professional adventure of a lifetime (if someone has an interesting audio job to offer just about anywhere in the world I will be seriously tempted to consider it - just send me a private message ). I regret I never had a chance to listen to Nola speakers - they are sold in only a handful of European countries and while I was living in the States I wasn't an audiophile yet. I listened to Technics which I lost due to a break-in after coming back to Europe. This was in fact the moment I discovered audiophile gear so I definitely should be thankful to the thieves! I'm very interested in the custom built and the present rooms of yours. Could you give some more details on that subject.? BTW maybe room acoustics is a good idea for another thread on CA.. Link to comment
Keith_W Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I'm very interested in the custom built and the present rooms of yours. Could you give some more details on that subject.? BTW maybe room acoustics is a good idea for another thread on CA.. I suggest to Chris Connaker that he open a separate subforum called "System Showcase" where members can talk about their systems and show pictures. He thanked me for my suggestion, but I don't think he is going to do it. Link to comment
sphinxsix Posted October 9, 2016 Author Share Posted October 9, 2016 I suggest to Chris Connaker that he open a separate subforum called "System Showcase" where members can talk about their systems and show pictures. He thanked me for my suggestion, but I don't think he is going to do it.I'm interested in everything that influences sound of the system. Including room acoustics. But you don't have to be obviously! Link to comment
rodrigaj Posted October 9, 2016 Share Posted October 9, 2016 I can't separate $'s or value from the definition of best. So here is my personal "Best" list: 1- Advent (original, large walnut cabinet) 2- Celestion SL600 (with aluminum case) 3- Fried Model H (with the KEF tweeter and external crossover) The value vs sound quality still impresses. For example, how could the Advents be manufactured in the USA for $125? Even in 1976 dollars, that would equate to $532 today. That's with a high quality walnut veneer MDF! "The function of music is to release us from the tyranny of conscious thought", Sir Thomas Beecham. Link to comment
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