Great Value! Flexibility, Soundstaging, Harmonically Correct "Blackness"

If not set up right, could be the worst $9K you ever spent.

The Gentlemen at Advanced Audio (Tacoma, WA) allowed me a chance to sit in the ribbon chair of their new setup; Linn CD (the $20K job), Ayre Amplification, Cardas Cables, and the Vandy 5's. . . I was fortunate enough to hear "The Vikings" from the 'Pomp&Pipes' CD on Ref. Recordings (as well as snippets of the rest of the disc). The sub-bass from the organ filled the room as a 32' pipe should. The other sounds also had equally harmonic correctness and definition. . . spectacular.

Imaging was coherent, focused, but not zealous. However, the salesperson demonstrated some of the adjustments that can be made, and in so doing, the sound collapsed onto itself, sounding as pale as my Mission 772's (US$600/pr.) I also noted that the speakers were placed well away from the rear walls (moreso than what I've seen before). With adjustable bass, I'd think it imperative to take placement into consideration. With the ability to baffle/unbaffle the tweeter (what the salesperson called, "the Martin Logan switch"), placement again becomes crucial.

The flexibility in this speaker is a double-edged sword. I would consider these a must audition, but I would also make the effort to really communicate with your audio store before, during, and after purchase: these are serious speakers for sound tweekers.

Similar Products Used:

B&W Nautilus 801