Upon listening to Steve Guttenberg reviews I can always count on his descriptions, I can get the sense of the audio the spatial experience..most definitely. He has been around for sometime that you can count on his word.Where would we be without Steve Guttenberg !!!!
@@vitorfragoso7355 👍😎🤣Same here! At least Steve won’t tell me that I need $1000 DAC to appreciate CD files when I listen to them, like some of the trolls lurking around.😉 🤔Funny how some people think opinions are the same as facts. The opinions have to be correct, too, or they show up trying to convince your opinion is “wrong.” 😵💫 I’m amazed by the polarization and the fan boy mentality on some of the audio channels. It’s incredible. You can’t have a disagreeable opinion lol
As you and many of your viewers know the LS3/5a ushered in a revolution in sound quality for small speakers. In 1978 when I was looking for a second set of speakers (in addition with my Maggie Tympani 1Bs) I picked up the Rogers version. I have loved them ever since, taking them with me as I moved around the country, great presence, gorgeous mid-range, and vocals are otherworldly. They have been in my two channel AV system (that also includes ARC SP3A-1, D75, and Samsung plasma) for a very long time, from tape to streaming. Why? Because the films I watch are not bombastic comic books. Yes, I know small speakers have come a long way, and, for example, a buddy likes his ProAcs more, but for me there is that emotional connection to their warm, inviting, seductive sound. Finally, I you are still with me, another nice vid, keep 'em coming, please.
i read some thing whereJerry Garcia was in the studio and wanted the sound of Heavy Air! this reminds me of the sound of wetness and i am always happy when i hear it.
Thanks, Steve for another "Great" Speaker review, and your personal preferences as well!! Also, I'm liking how you've been mentioning how a speaker performs at low/ lower listening levels/ and its performance regarding its placement to the back wall (good practical stuff to know, "for some of us anyway").
Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue is one of the most heralded jazz albums ever produced because all tunes were done played together in one or two takes and that session was magical. One of the greatest albums in jazz history. So I agree with Steve on these type of recording Session because they are just so human and real.
Well you know, Steve is allowing Miles Davis comments but his standing in the professional community, particularly in Africa, is a whole different reality, pride thing, you know and in New York there's a divergence in recent times and Steve is on the ball. Be nice if we could just you know, all be one.
My first "audiophile" system (mid 1970s) was a pair of Rogers LS3/5As + M&K sub, modified NAD integrated amp+tuner, Rek O Kut turntable w/Grado cartridge. For the money it was a great sounding system - miles above the Kenwood receiver, Dual TT and Altec Lansing lg bookshelf spkrs it replaced..
I brought in Chartwell LS 3/5a loudspeakers directly from England. In 1978-9 the cost in Walnut was $330.00 and Rosewood $360.00. We also imported Spendor, Armstrong and raw drivers! We were the only Hill Plasmatronic Loudspeaker by Dr Alan Hill and the RTR Electrostatic ESR-6 and 15 dealer in Florida. We were the first Polk Audio Dealer in Florida and carried Val Alstine mods and Amplifiers and Pre-amps, Accustat Electrostatics, Dayton Wright speakers, electronics and so much else. My completion was Sound Components in Coral Gables. We couldn’t keep the LS3/5a in stock even when sold for $550 for a pair. The 70’s and 80’s were the golden times for good audio electronics in the transition to solid-state and the perfection of tube electronics. Then came the recession! At hthr time all LS3/5a’s were of 15 ohm impedance making amplifiers selection very important. 13:18
The brands carried by the BBC LS3/5A were KEF, Goodmans, Richard Allan, Harbeth, Spendor, Rogers, and Stirling Broadcast, but Falcon ... well ... you know Falcon.
I always try to make this point whenever the topic of the placement of mini monitor speakers - especially ls3/5 a's - comes up: not sure it works this way in all rooms, but for bass reinforcement it's either the speakers or the listener that needs to be close to a wall. Try sitting with your back about a foot from the wall and the speakers in free space in front of you in a near field position. The sound will retain more clarity with no walls around the speakers and bass quantity and control can be regulated rather effectively by moving your listening position back or forth. Even a couple of inches make a difference.
Also the amplifier meant for LS3/5A is the A&R Cambridge A60 that can be had for a few dollars. This amplifier is really ... the first choice for LS3/5A and comes in a number of versions, the early ones best, since the later ones used more and more integrated circuits and gradually over the years, you know became a poor quality product in the view of many.
@@gaborozorai3714 Yeah the crummy old QUAD 405 were for the 15-Ohm LS3/5A and then the you know, cheapened QUAD 405-2 was for the 11 ohm LS3/5A and these are very different versions of the LS3/5A but the 15-ohm one worked with the A&R A60 and was very nice back then, whereas the 11 ohm one is not as good. The QUAD 405-2 was an inferior build and cheapened for the ordinary man in the street and you know, wholly aimed at the Spendor SP-1, even though some less distinguished owners with smaller rooms bought the 11 ohm LS3/5a.
Rogers LS3/5a were designed by the BBC but you know ... (whispering like President Biden, they were never studio monitors). The BBC LS3/5 was the studio monitor and it was basically a KEF speaker of the 1960s and used as monitor in trucks for rolling news reports. So audiophiles wanted it and the BBC refused but they agreed to make LS3/5A as a domestic version and you know, contrary to popular belief and claims by Raymond Cooke that LS3/5A were used in BBC studios, (!) they never were. The LS3/5A was a domestic speaker from the outset and aimed at domestic acoustics, not studios. But you know, a lot of people think it was used in BBC Studios and you know, it never was. 🙃
I have a soft spot for Falcon Acoustics. Back in '79 I bought from them two each: KEF B139, B110, T27 and Coles supertweeters with crossovers. I used this to make a pair of transmission line speakers based on the Bailey design. They are still in regular use in my den.
So glad that you brought up The Pretender Album.. I bought the SACD version. My system is pretty forgiving…but damn is that album bright and thin. I love the music…but I guess that I will have to enjoy it on the radio in my car! 😀😁😎
Such a pity, a lot of great old albums sound pretty bad... They were mixed for AM, then cassette and sometimes badly produced too. It's the harsh reality of having a good hifi.
Ooooo, I need to find a way to hear these! I've always enjoyed Falcon's LS3/5A, but they do have drawbacks. These seem to be more in line with the way I like speakers to sound. Thanks, Steve!
@@martindevon3204 You know RAM were very expensive and from a time before the internet and nobody knew, back then, why the huge price was fair but the KEF drivers were engineered to make the most of Silicon Wafer transistors at a time when tubes and germanium wafer devices had all been sold, secondhand, specialist dealer things connected with wooden consoles and old men. So RAM were the FUTURE and these low efficiency KEF drivers got the best out of powerful amplifiers used with them. What did the British even use with RAM by way of amplifiers? Who knows?
I had the ls50 and meta model, really good nearfield, also the only LS3/5a I've had were charwells and Rogers, and also very good nearfield with less low end, but that midrange with the b110 has some magic. I always found the proac speakers I liked mostly better/or as good as the other British brands, and also I never heard a mission speaker I didn't like.
Steve, please make an episode about speakers and amps that are great for late night low volume listening. I know that high efficiency is key, but please mention speakers with dome tweeters as well as they image better. And please make recommendations for small rooms as well.
I have 225 for years, and I love its sweet tones. In my opinion, the 225 is one of the best budget speakers you can find. Based on Steve's description, the M10 would be more refined in mid and upper midrange than the 225, just my opinion.
Are these thin panel "live" cabinets like Harbeth and some Spendor speakers? Or are they thicker high mass types that we usually see in most contemporary monkey coffins? (I'm a panel speaker guy, I don't like boxes FYI I have Quad ESLs and tri-amped MG 3.6 / DEQX)
Try and put in the speaks together in the center of the room listening position, have about 8 inches apart pointing between 30 and 45 degrees towing out give you that concert live sound
The key to giving the LS50 meta world class dynamics is the KC 62...particularly if you use 2 subs. They are so well matched that they mights as well be one superbly dynamic single speaker. They will fill a huge room to very high volume levels with ridiculous levels and depth of bass.
Throw away the key. Buchardt S400 MKII beats the LS50 and you know we only need a subwoofer for the LS50 after its x-over fails, it has short life capacitors in it but don't put good money after bad. Don't buy an LS50, without having heard the S400 MKII.
@keplermission I listened to them in AXPONA. They are nice indeed but, better? Not quite, again, the LS50 secret sauce is the KC62. Finally, I've had the wireless 2, for 2 years. No reliability issues whatsoever.
Falcon is great. Try their kit speakers. You can build the gold badge w the exact drivers crossovers and cabinet material (but deeper cabinet for extended bass a bit), for less than half the price of store model. I tried them and found the gold badge balance WAAAYYY hot on the top end. But props to falcon for making this possible.
Upvote for Bela Fleck As We Speak. On my mid-range Axiom M3Tis the sound is at least similar in the banjo: clear but not strident. Checking out the other titles soon. I wish Steve would include a list of cited music in his descriptions - please.
Everyone knows that the British sound is meant to be more relaxed and enjoyable. That's a big plus to keep me from going into my critical listening mode.
@@shipsahoy1793 British stuff needs its own amplification and I couldn't agree that it's more relaxed. The 'most relaxed' sound in American JBL but in France they make 'the European sound' JBL and it's very seductive and better than the British Rogers Studio One, that has a very LOUD, shrill sound like a party speaker. Wharfedale too are just 'wild and woolly', but much cheaper than Rogers.
@@keplermission My Wharfedales are 50 years old. I seriously doubt any of the newer speakers in the last 20 or 30 years you’re thinking of from Wharfedale sound anything like them. In fact, I’m amazed that they still play quite well, with only crossover cap changes, about 4 years ago now.
@@shipsahoy1793 You know ... Wharfedale used to be owned by Gilbert Briggs and was sold to Rank Audio in 1959 so, you know we used to say: "Rank by name Rank by nature" and you know we had better speakers in the US, our BIC America were better, or KLH or a good few others I could mention. Rank were remembered for the Domus but they made Leak speakers and you know, a bunch of cheap and cheerful stuff, most of it lacking air core coils and using these small, iron core coils. American was better.
@@keplermission Well, that’s your opinion. I’m pretty old and I’m familiar with a lot of the speakers that were available here in the US in the 60s and 70s and I prefer those Wharfedales over a lot of speakers from back then, so you can say that “American” was better, but better for who ? Also, I don’t swear by brand names, and I don’t necessarily prefer to buy imported brands. Any brand name, good or bad by reputation, could have had good or bad models available at some given time period, or even a best “bang for the buck” or bonafide “lemon” among them. Everything with me is on a case by case basis.
Man, I would love to compare these Falcons to my Harbeth P3esr. I really like non-fatiguing speakers but would like a bit more bass - I have a REL, but the Harbeth sound better without it when playing within their frequency range.
I have the p3esr xd and have really wanted to hear the gold badge as well, not because I don’t love the p3esr but just to know the differences for fun.
Rob K, I too do not have the optimum space for the M30.2 XD, I suppose another metre to each side would really make a difference. They are placed straight forward, 2,20 between them, 0,60m from the back, I sit at 2.70 from them. Still, they sound great.
@@vitorfragoso7355 my local Harbeth dealer has a used pair of 30.1 as well as Compact 7ES3s trade-ins for sale. If i didnt have so many house projects this summer, I'd go listen to them, but I'm afraid to listen would be to want to buy.
I really like everything said except the part about not good for low late night listening levels, an important aspect for me, but I get it, 5" mid base driver
Hard to believe that a driver designed in the late 60's (B110) is still being used and producing results which compete with modern drivers. Testament to how well designed by KEF engineers it was way back then.
Steve! any chance you're curious (like me) about the RAM Studio 30 Falcon floorstander and would like to review them? I'm interested and think they might be perfect for me.
Whoop-de-doo...!!! Tommy Guerrero & Bela Fleck are most excellent...!!! Kudos on your music selections for loudspeaker reviews...!!! Especially Tommy Guerrero...!!! I subscribe to a number of 'audiophile' UA-cam reviewers and I must say... your music collection used in your reviews is supremely eclectic & enjoyable...!!!
Listening for wetness is a thing for me! Its why I love my Musical Paradise MP 702mk2 tube preamp and the Denafrips Ares 2 DAC sound. But the Acoustic Revive RR-777 takes the experience to a higher level, even with real instruments and voices in the listening room. It doesn't connect to the stereo either....its a "Brain Hack" tweak. Pop it on a shelf above the listening position, and be amazed at the awareness of acoustic space and "wetness"😅 *Check it out!* I've had mine for years and transfer it from Music room to Living room for listening sessions. On these speakers: They remind me of the original Proac Tablettes dimension-wise. I sold mine to upgrade to the LS50s. Thanks Steve 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵
To start with, I believe these smaller BBC style monitors were designed to monitor broadcasting. That's why they focus on the getting voices right. As for the rest of it, I've always wondered the same thing. If I had a recording studio, I would use a pair of full range speakers. Some do. The Telarc CD's I have list the monitoring system they used, and the speakers are B&W 801's. Personally, I would be afraid to not use full range speakers. If you don't get the bass right, you'll ruin the recording.
2k for a pair of small "studio" monitors Pretty sure there are better speakers to be get. And what's up with the horrendous welds on your speakers stands holy crap
If you think this is bad, some companies charge several times that for rear ported speakers. How much could it cost to drill a hole in the back of a speaker?
@AT1272 It's a hobby for people with more money than sense! I work in the professional side of vision and sound, and we chuckle at work when we hear of gold-plated mains connectors or other bizarre accessories aimed at audiophile buyers! As for price of these speakers, one could buy more advance speakers for 1/5th of the price!
@@Bullcutter People working in pro audio always have a difficult time. I'm not trying to insult you, but most pro gear is garbage. Not all of it, but the vast majority. "As for price of these speakers, one could buy more advance speakers for 1/5th of the price!" You don't know enough about audio to make that statement. And its not meant to be an insult. Its literally true. You make absolute statements regarding components you've never even seen, let alone heard. This mindset is exactly why pro audio fails us almost every time. You guys are so bad at making recordings, small hign end recording studios are popping up everywhere. Not to make money, but to at least provide something well recorded to listen to.
Great review as always. Thanks so much for featuring my system, I’m glad you liked the look of it. 👍
Totally my pleasure!
Great review. Thanks Steve.
Having listened to the gold badge LS3/5a, it’s a speaker that makes my heart race. For what they are, they’re amazing.
Upon listening to Steve Guttenberg reviews I can always count on his descriptions, I can get the sense of the audio the spatial experience..most definitely. He has been around for sometime that you can count on his word.Where would we be without Steve Guttenberg !!!!
🤔I’d be listening to music instead of watching his videos !!🤣🤣🤣
@@shipsahoy1793 Absolutely right! And thats what I'm doing right now.
@@vitorfragoso7355 👍😎🤣Same here! At least Steve won’t tell me that I need $1000 DAC to appreciate CD files when I listen to them, like some of the trolls lurking around.😉
🤔Funny how some people think opinions are the same as facts. The opinions have to be correct, too, or they show up trying to convince your opinion is “wrong.” 😵💫
I’m amazed by the polarization and the fan boy mentality on some of the audio channels. It’s incredible. You can’t have a disagreeable opinion lol
As you and many of your viewers know the LS3/5a ushered in a revolution in sound quality for small speakers. In 1978 when I was looking for a second set of speakers (in addition with my Maggie Tympani 1Bs) I picked up the Rogers version. I have loved them ever since, taking them with me as I moved around the country, great presence, gorgeous mid-range, and vocals are otherworldly. They have been in my two channel AV system (that also includes ARC SP3A-1, D75, and Samsung plasma) for a very long time, from tape to streaming. Why? Because the films I watch are not bombastic comic books. Yes, I know small speakers have come a long way, and, for example, a buddy likes his ProAcs more, but for me there is that emotional connection to their warm, inviting, seductive sound. Finally, I you are still with me, another nice vid, keep 'em coming, please.
Roger LS 3/5a not a uniform sound speakers , not able to play drums
Low End Theory absolutely mind blown 😮💨
Kudos to this guy 👌🏾🙏🏽
That’s an awesome viewer system!
Wow that’s a beautiful cabinet.
I have the p3esr xd so this discussion was right up my alley, I’d probably enjoy both speakers a lot!
I have LS/35a’s in my spare bedroom against a wall and you can hear bass all over the house. It’s a perfect little speaker to me. Pulpy lushness
Silver?
i read some thing whereJerry Garcia was in the studio and wanted the sound of Heavy Air! this reminds me of the sound of wetness and i am always happy when i hear it.
Thanks, Steve for another "Great" Speaker review, and your personal preferences as well!! Also, I'm liking how you've been mentioning how a speaker performs at low/ lower listening levels/ and its performance regarding its placement to the back wall (good practical stuff to know, "for some of us anyway").
Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue is one of the most heralded jazz albums ever produced because all tunes were done played together in one or two takes and that session was magical. One of the greatest albums in jazz history. So I agree with Steve on these type of recording
Session because they are just so human and real.
Well you know, Steve is allowing Miles Davis comments but his standing in the professional community, particularly in Africa, is a whole different reality, pride thing, you know and in New York there's a divergence in recent times and Steve is on the ball. Be nice if we could just you know, all be one.
My first "audiophile" system (mid 1970s) was a pair of Rogers LS3/5As + M&K sub, modified NAD integrated amp+tuner, Rek O Kut turntable w/Grado cartridge. For the money it was a great sounding system - miles above the Kenwood receiver, Dual TT and Altec Lansing lg bookshelf spkrs it replaced..
I brought in Chartwell LS 3/5a loudspeakers directly from England. In 1978-9 the cost in Walnut was $330.00 and Rosewood $360.00. We also imported Spendor, Armstrong and raw drivers! We were the only Hill Plasmatronic Loudspeaker by Dr Alan Hill and the RTR Electrostatic ESR-6 and 15 dealer in Florida. We were the first Polk Audio Dealer in Florida and carried Val Alstine mods and Amplifiers and Pre-amps, Accustat Electrostatics, Dayton Wright speakers, electronics and so much else. My completion was Sound Components in Coral Gables. We couldn’t keep the LS3/5a in stock even when sold for $550 for a pair. The 70’s and 80’s were the golden times for good audio electronics in the transition to solid-state and the perfection of tube electronics. Then came the recession! At hthr time all LS3/5a’s were of 15 ohm impedance making amplifiers selection very important. 13:18
The Falcon room was my favorite at AXPONA.
Everything this company does is insanely cool.
The brands carried by the BBC LS3/5A were KEF, Goodmans, Richard Allan, Harbeth, Spendor, Rogers, and Stirling Broadcast, but Falcon ... well ... you know Falcon.
Great review!
I love my vintage pair of Rogers LS3/6’s!
I always try to make this point whenever the topic of the placement of mini monitor speakers - especially ls3/5 a's - comes up: not sure it works this way in all rooms, but for bass reinforcement it's either the speakers or the listener that needs to be close to a wall. Try sitting with your back about a foot from the wall and the speakers in free space in front of you in a near field position. The sound will retain more clarity with no walls around the speakers and bass quantity and control can be regulated rather effectively by moving your listening position back or forth. Even a couple of inches make a difference.
Also the amplifier meant for LS3/5A is the A&R Cambridge A60 that can be had for a few dollars. This amplifier is really ... the first choice for LS3/5A and comes in a number of versions, the early ones best, since the later ones used more and more integrated circuits and gradually over the years, you know became a poor quality product in the view of many.
@@keplermission I didn't know that. I saw Quad power amps paired with monitors in BBC studios, but maybe only the bigger ones like ls5/9's.
@@gaborozorai3714 Yeah the crummy old QUAD 405 were for the 15-Ohm LS3/5A and then the you know, cheapened QUAD 405-2 was for the 11 ohm LS3/5A and these are very different versions of the LS3/5A but the 15-ohm one worked with the A&R A60 and was very nice back then, whereas the 11 ohm one is not as good. The QUAD 405-2 was an inferior build and cheapened for the ordinary man in the street and you know, wholly aimed at the Spendor SP-1, even though some less distinguished owners with smaller rooms bought the 11 ohm LS3/5a.
So happy to see A Tribe Called Quest make an appearance on your channel! Thanks for always sharing your knowledge and experiences.
Rogers LS3/5a were designed by the BBC but you know ... (whispering like President Biden, they were never studio monitors). The BBC LS3/5 was the studio monitor and it was basically a KEF speaker of the 1960s and used as monitor in trucks for rolling news reports. So audiophiles wanted it and the BBC refused but they agreed to make LS3/5A as a domestic version and you know, contrary to popular belief and claims by Raymond Cooke that LS3/5A were used in BBC studios, (!) they never were. The LS3/5A was a domestic speaker from the outset and aimed at domestic acoustics, not studios. But you know, a lot of people think it was used in BBC Studios and you know, it never was. 🙃
Ron Carter on the upright bass is great on that album
I have a soft spot for Falcon Acoustics. Back in '79 I bought from them two each: KEF B139, B110, T27 and Coles supertweeters with crossovers. I used this to make a pair of transmission line speakers based on the Bailey design. They are still in regular use in my den.
Great DIY speaker! I built the "B.J. Webb TL". Very similar, and Grrreat!❤
So glad that you brought up The Pretender Album.. I bought the SACD version. My system is pretty forgiving…but damn is that album bright and thin. I love the music…but I guess that I will have to enjoy it on the radio in my car! 😀😁😎
Such a pity, a lot of great old albums sound pretty bad... They were mixed for AM, then cassette and sometimes badly produced too. It's the harsh reality of having a good hifi.
Ooooo, I need to find a way to hear these! I've always enjoyed Falcon's LS3/5A, but they do have drawbacks. These seem to be more in line with the way I like speakers to sound. Thanks, Steve!
Did you buy the M10?
Falcon were also known as RAM back in the day. Got a pair stashed away somewhere, nicely built. Infinite baffle bookshelf type.
Falcon made the Xovers for RAM speakers
@@martindevon3204 You know RAM were very expensive and from a time before the internet and nobody knew, back then, why the huge price was fair but the KEF drivers were engineered to make the most of Silicon Wafer transistors at a time when tubes and germanium wafer devices had all been sold, secondhand, specialist dealer things connected with wooden consoles and old men. So RAM were the FUTURE and these low efficiency KEF drivers got the best out of powerful amplifiers used with them. What did the British even use with RAM by way of amplifiers? Who knows?
@@keplermission Except Ram, I have several pairs, used Dalesford bass drivers lol
I had the ls50 and meta model, really good nearfield, also the only LS3/5a I've had were charwells and Rogers, and also very good nearfield with less low end, but that midrange with the b110 has some magic. I always found the proac speakers I liked mostly better/or as good as the other British brands, and also I never heard a mission speaker I didn't like.
I love ProAc too...their little Tablettes are magical...all the things we love about the 'British sound' whilst maintaining detail and energy...
OK, Steve, comparisons: how about the Falcon M10 versus the Graham Chartwell LS 6? Now that would be an interesting comparison.
I dig that Tommy Guerrero record and all of his music. Fun fact: back in the day he was one of the world’s top professional skateboarders
His music is amazing! Didn’t know he was a skateboarder but definitely doesn’t surprise me he’s a unique cat. Thanks for the fun fact haha
ua-cam.com/video/U_m_Xw1aErU/v-deo.html
Add John Butler and Ben Harper to that list. (Jack Johnson sk8s too;-)
Best show yet!!!
I have no complaints now that I have 59 year old ears that need a brighter speaker, so I love my Gold Badge Falcon LS3/5A’s
Steve, please make an episode about speakers and amps that are great for late night low volume listening. I know that high efficiency is key, but please mention speakers with dome tweeters as well as they image better. And please make recommendations for small rooms as well.
How do these compare to the Graham Audio LS6??
Those speakers with LTA gear would be an epic sounding and looking jam system
Your description makes me think of the Wharfdale Diamond 225's
I have 225 for years, and I love its sweet tones. In my opinion, the 225 is one of the best budget speakers you can find. Based on Steve's description, the M10 would be more refined in mid and upper midrange than the 225, just my opinion.
Are these thin panel "live" cabinets like Harbeth and some Spendor speakers? Or are they thicker high mass types that we usually see in most contemporary monkey coffins? (I'm a panel speaker guy, I don't like boxes FYI I have Quad ESLs and tri-amped MG 3.6 / DEQX)
I've been listening to the Bela Fleck album AS WE SPEAK for a couple of days and all I can say is WOW.
What about Linn Kans?
Try and put in the speaks together in the center of the room listening position, have about 8 inches apart pointing between 30 and 45 degrees towing out give you that concert live sound
Great review. Steve can you remind me of a recent review of a stand mount that did sound good at lower volumes. I’m pretty sure there was one.
That could have bee the Graham Chartwell LS 6. Great bass and overall full sound all in a stand mount.
Steve, talking about the british sound, I would love to read from you about the Mission 770.
Rosenut is one extremely rare wood. If you don’t polish it every day it gets real gnarly. 😉 Happy Mother’s Day to Mrs. Audiophiliac 👍🏻
Is there a Mrs?
I misspoke, it's not Rosenut, it's Rosewood
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac oh yes I know you misspoke but I couldn’t pass up a rosenut joke. My bad
It took me a few seconds to get the gist.
I was going to polish my wood when I got home, now I'll wait until I m in the mood. 😄
The key to giving the LS50 meta world class dynamics is the KC 62...particularly if you use 2 subs. They are so well matched that they mights as well be one superbly dynamic single speaker. They will fill a huge room to very high volume levels with ridiculous levels and depth of bass.
Throw away the key. Buchardt S400 MKII beats the LS50 and you know we only need a subwoofer for the LS50 after its x-over fails, it has short life capacitors in it but don't put good money after bad. Don't buy an LS50, without having heard the S400 MKII.
@keplermission I listened to them in AXPONA. They are nice indeed but, better? Not quite, again, the LS50 secret sauce is the KC62. Finally, I've had the wireless 2, for 2 years. No reliability issues whatsoever.
It seems to be a similar concept to the Chartwell Ls6 that you reviewed...and that I bought...😉
Nice!
Falcon is great. Try their kit speakers. You can build the gold badge w the exact drivers crossovers and cabinet material (but deeper cabinet for extended bass a bit), for less than half the price of store model. I tried them and found the gold badge balance WAAAYYY hot on the top end. But props to falcon for making this possible.
Upvote for Bela Fleck As We Speak. On my mid-range Axiom M3Tis the sound is at least similar in the banjo: clear but not strident. Checking out the other titles soon. I wish Steve would include a list of cited music in his descriptions - please.
Everyone knows that the British sound is meant to be more relaxed and enjoyable. That's a big plus to keep me from going into my critical listening mode.
🤔That’s why I stick with my old Wharfedales! 😉
@@shipsahoy1793 British stuff needs its own amplification and I couldn't agree that it's more relaxed. The 'most relaxed' sound in American JBL but in France they make 'the European sound' JBL and it's very seductive and better than the British Rogers Studio One, that has a very LOUD, shrill sound like a party speaker. Wharfedale too are just 'wild and woolly', but much cheaper than Rogers.
@@keplermission My Wharfedales are 50 years old. I seriously doubt any of the newer speakers in the last 20 or 30 years you’re thinking of from Wharfedale sound anything like them. In fact, I’m amazed that they still play quite well, with only crossover cap changes, about 4 years ago now.
@@shipsahoy1793 You know ... Wharfedale used to be owned by Gilbert Briggs and was sold to Rank Audio in 1959 so, you know we used to say: "Rank by name Rank by nature" and you know we had better speakers in the US, our BIC America were better, or KLH or a good few others I could mention. Rank were remembered for the Domus but they made Leak speakers and you know, a bunch of cheap and cheerful stuff, most of it lacking air core coils and using these small, iron core coils. American was better.
@@keplermission Well, that’s your opinion. I’m pretty old and I’m familiar with a lot of the speakers that were available here in the US in the 60s and 70s and I prefer those Wharfedales over a lot of speakers from back then, so you can say that “American” was better, but better for who ? Also, I don’t swear by brand names, and I don’t necessarily prefer to buy imported brands. Any brand name, good or bad by reputation, could have had good or bad models available at some given time period, or even a best “bang for the buck” or bonafide “lemon” among them. Everything with me is on a case by case basis.
Man, I would love to compare these Falcons to my Harbeth P3esr. I really like non-fatiguing speakers but would like a bit more bass - I have a REL, but the Harbeth sound better without it when playing within their frequency range.
Interesting. I have the M30.2 XD with a REL, I've forgotten how they sounded without the sub. Should probably disconnect the sub...
I have the p3esr xd and have really wanted to hear the gold badge as well, not because I don’t love the p3esr but just to know the differences for fun.
@@vitorfragoso7355 I may upgrade to the 30.2 but I don’t have a lot of room from the back wall, so not sure how they will sound with that placement
Rob K, I too do not have the optimum space for the M30.2 XD, I suppose another metre to each side would really make a difference. They are placed straight forward, 2,20 between them, 0,60m from the back, I sit at 2.70 from them. Still, they sound great.
@@vitorfragoso7355 my local Harbeth dealer has a used pair of 30.1 as well as Compact 7ES3s trade-ins for sale. If i didnt have so many house projects this summer, I'd go listen to them, but I'm afraid to listen would be to want to buy.
Hello, Steve!! 👋
How the LS3/5 compares to a current studio monitor, JBL 306P or Neumann KH 80 DSP?
Heard them at the Tampa show . M 10 where much better for 1/2 the price of the LS3/5a at what the LS3/5a did very well. For me a fine price at 2K.
What about the Falcon Q7 vs the M10?
Harbeth were the first BBC clone speakers I ever knew of. Who was the first LS3/5A clone?
Tommy was also a world class skater!
I really like everything said except the part about not good for low late night listening levels, an important aspect for me, but I get it, 5" mid base driver
Hello sir
Where we can buy the used speakers in US.Could you let us know. Thank you.
Ebay, Audiogon
Are Falcon and Rogers speakers similar in quality?? Very nice, Steve. Thanks!
Hard to believe that a driver designed in the late 60's (B110) is still being used and producing results which compete with modern drivers. Testament to how well designed by KEF engineers it was way back then.
Have you ever listened to or reviewed the Vienna Acoustic Haydn Grand Symphonies?
No
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I have a pair and love their sound, laid back but very engaging.
How does it compare to the LS50 Meta? I guess I missed that part.
Yep it's in there please watch the video! The M10 is warmer sweeter.
Steve! any chance you're curious (like me) about the RAM Studio 30 Falcon floorstander and would like to review them? I'm interested and think they might be perfect for me.
I have Audio Physic Classic 25. If they ever get a US importer again you should hear them.
They're not in the US anymore? They used to be. I bought a pair from Sound by Singer, but it was a long time ago.
Very underrated speaker, I’m glad you like yours. Hope you liked my room and system pics.
You should have tried with the Billie amp .
Whoop-de-doo...!!! Tommy Guerrero & Bela Fleck are most excellent...!!! Kudos on your music selections for loudspeaker reviews...!!! Especially Tommy Guerrero...!!! I subscribe to a number of 'audiophile' UA-cam reviewers and I must say... your music collection used in your reviews is supremely eclectic & enjoyable...!!!
tommy guerrero! nice. one of a couple of skateboarders turned musicians (the other i'm aware of being ray barbee)
Water Lily one of the best labels on the face of the Earth.
Interesting news. Another british company has just launched a "new" LS3/5a: Musical Fidelity. I really didn't see that coming.
I have to agree with you in that I hate assembled music or should I say rhythmic noise.
Listening for wetness is a thing for me!
Its why I love my Musical Paradise MP 702mk2 tube preamp and the Denafrips Ares 2 DAC sound.
But the Acoustic Revive RR-777 takes the experience to a higher level, even with real instruments and voices in the listening room.
It doesn't connect to the stereo either....its a "Brain Hack" tweak. Pop it on a shelf above the listening position, and be amazed at the awareness of acoustic space and "wetness"😅
*Check it out!*
I've had mine for years and transfer it from Music room to Living room for listening sessions.
On these speakers:
They remind me of the original Proac Tablettes dimension-wise. I sold mine to upgrade to the LS50s.
Thanks Steve
🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵
These could be the end game for many…. I might do a swap -aroo with my current speakers
Paul, which speakers would you recommend for a desktop setup with plenty of room behind the speakers?
Harbeth P3ESR, GoldenEar BRX
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks Steve. Based on your personal preference, if you had to pick one which would you go for in a desktop setup?
Harbeth
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks for your advice Steve
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Steve, would the Harbeths still work well if placed approx' 6" from the wall?
Hey Steve; Thanks for all the content. Could you review the CSS Criton 1TD-X ? Are they really that good and obtainable or just hype?
What will the best be next week?😂
Love me some ROSENUT!! 😂
Why use small, near-field monitors to engineer recordings that will be used by end users with much bigger speakers?
To start with, I believe these smaller BBC style monitors were designed to monitor broadcasting. That's why they focus on the getting voices right. As for the rest of it, I've always wondered the same thing. If I had a recording studio, I would use a pair of full range speakers. Some do. The Telarc CD's I have list the monitoring system they used, and the speakers are B&W 801's. Personally, I would be afraid to not use full range speakers. If you don't get the bass right, you'll ruin the recording.
@@AT-wl9yq Exactly my point, and my thoughts about Telarcs/B&W!
Ex pro sateboarder Tommy Guerrreo rocks..errr grooves!!!!!!!
Laurie Anderson...:^)
We listened to British sounds 247 years ago.
We told them NO.
Then they sent us The Beatles, Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd, and we said YES. 😂
Looks like a Dynaudio speaker.
2k for a pair of small "studio" monitors
Pretty sure there are better speakers to be get.
And what's up with the horrendous welds on your speakers stands holy crap
I felt kind of basic buying the KEF LS-50s, but... they sounded so good at the stereo store, with every amp I tried.
That's good, enjoy!
I purchased mine after hearing them 1st at a friend's... Mine came from Ali express China 394 GBP... They sound identical
Turntable in the dump?
There is a story behind that
If you like reggae and realy deep bass, try listen artist STICK FIGURE, he make albums in his basement, play all the instruments. One man band.
Some good content, albeit very long winded. Also disliked the shameless plea for free money with the patreon garbage. That was nauseating.
Over two thousand dollars for rear-ported speakers? What a rip off!
If you think this is bad, some companies charge several times that for rear ported speakers. How much could it cost to drill a hole in the back of a speaker?
@AT1272 It's a hobby for people with more money than sense! I work in the professional side of vision and sound, and we chuckle at work when we hear of gold-plated mains connectors or other bizarre accessories aimed at audiophile buyers! As for price of these speakers, one could buy more advance speakers for 1/5th of the price!
Really? Give us a few names so we can check them out
@@Bullcutter "one could buy more advance speakers for 1/5th of the price!" - your envy is showing.
@@Bullcutter People working in pro audio always have a difficult time. I'm not trying to insult you, but most pro gear is garbage. Not all of it, but the vast majority.
"As for price of these speakers, one could buy more advance speakers for 1/5th of the price!"
You don't know enough about audio to make that statement. And its not meant to be an insult. Its literally true. You make absolute statements regarding components you've never even seen, let alone heard. This mindset is exactly why pro audio fails us almost every time. You guys are so bad at making recordings, small hign end recording studios are popping up everywhere. Not to make money, but to at least provide something well recorded to listen to.