Flynnyfalcon Posted July 7, 2014 Posted July 7, 2014 (edited) Well the title may be a bit rich for most, but for me it rings true; trying to find the perfect balance between audio bliss and wife bliss. I recently updated my ProAc D28's to Marten Django L's. My wife (like many wives), while appreciating the sonic ability of better speakers, places more emphasis upon aesthetics and overall presence in the lounge room. The ProAc's were subtle and reasonably svelte, the Martens are black, bold and somewhat of a beacon. I love the look of them but I agree with her, they do dominate the room visually. The Martens offer exquisite sound quality with the added bonus the drivers are hidden away from interested children's hands behind metal grilles. The D28's while lovely cannot compete on any level, in my opinion, other than the aforementioned aesthetics vote from my wife. Without voting the obligatory, go the Marten Bird's or Dukes (not in my budget / want floor standers), can anyone offer a speaker of comparable audio quality to the Martens with similar aesthetics to the ProAc's at a similar value to the Django's? ($11K new) I'm hoping to win the battle and simply keep the Martens, but would love a backup plan if push comes to shove. Edited July 10, 2014 by Flynnyfalcon
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 7, 2014 Volunteer Posted July 7, 2014 Not having heard the Marten's I can't comment on the sound comparison but for looks you can't really go wrong with some SF Cremonas http://www.sonusfaber.com/en-us/products/cremona-m 1
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 7, 2014 Author Posted July 7, 2014 Not having heard the Marten's I can't comment on the sound comparison but for looks you can't really go wrong with some SF Cremonas http://www.sonusfaber.com/en-us/products/cremona-m Good looking speaker, though may not pass the subtle vote.
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 No more speaker virtuoso's out there able to impart their wisdom?
gemini07 Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 I think your header is quite appropriate. I am quite familiar with ProAc, but not the Django's, so this is not a completely informed opinion. Have you also considered standmounts? That might open up further options around the aesthetics, and could include KEF, Tannoy and VAF. Otherwise, possibly ML 2's and Dynaudio (C1). Whilst they are a very different speaker to the ProAcs, you might enjoy their increased transparency and dynamics, but then the string is starting to stretch a fair bit. Best to involve the OC Home Front as much as possible, without making it too daunting.
Krispy Audio Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 (edited) Heritage Duke 2 and a sub! (sorry, I know you've covered this, just re-planting a seed ) http://www.marten.se/heritage/duke2.htm Edited July 10, 2014 by Krispy Audio 1
frankn Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 Druid V comes to mind - I heard Zu in WA a wile back and they sounded very nice http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/zu20/1.html The Definition 4 might be even nicer but over your stated price range. Another speaker manufacturer to listen / look at might be Vienna Acoustics - lovely looking and ppl say the sound is very good. Harberth speakers. with obligitory stands of course
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 (edited) I think your header is quite appropriate. I am quite familiar with ProAc, but not the Django's, so this is not a completely informed opinion. Have you also considered standmounts? That might open up further options around the aesthetics, and could include KEF, Tannoy and VAF. Otherwise, possibly ML 2's and Dynaudio (C1). Whilst they are a very different speaker to the ProAcs, you might enjoy their increased transparency and dynamics, but then the string is starting to stretch a fair bit. Best to involve the OC Home Front as much as possible, without making it too daunting. I prefer the fuller sound of floor standers, but mainly I prefer their stability in staying upright. I have only a newborn at home, but when those fingers and arms become bigger & stronger, pulling stand mounts over is too much of a risk. I have had stand mounts prior to the ProAcs. Some KEF R300's and AudioVector SI3 Signatures, both of which had a nice sound and reasonable subtle in design. The KEF's have a little bit of a Django look about them, but being considerably smaller didn't have the physical impact. The AV SI3's were beautifully designed and built. Floor standers of these may be an option, but I'm not sure whether even their top end model can compare to the Django's. Can't decipher your last sentence sorry. Possible Options... Sonus Faber Cremona M ? ML 2's Dynaudio C1 Zu Audio Druid V Harbeth Vienna Accoustics ? PMC PB1i Verity Rienzi Audio physic Scorpio Edited July 10, 2014 by Flynnyfalcon
andyr Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 Well the title may be a bit rich for most, but for me it rings true; trying to find the perfect balance between audio bliss and wife bliss. I recently updated my ProAc D28's to Marten Django L's. My wife (like many wives), while appreciating the sonic ability of better speakers, places more emphasis upon aesthetics and overall presence in the lounge room. The ProAc's were subtle and reasonably svelte, the Martens are black, bold and somewhat of a beacon. I love the look of them but I agree with her, they do dominate the room visually. The Martens offer exquisite sound quality with the added bonus the drivers are hidden away from interested children's behind metal grilles. The D28's while lovely cannot compete on any level, in my opinion, other than the aforementioned aesthetics vote from my wife. Without voting the obligatory, go the Marten Bird's or Dukes (not in my budget / want floor standers), can anyone offer a speaker of comparable audio quality to the Martens with similar aesthetics to the ProAc's at a similar value to the Django's? ($11K new) I'm hoping to win the battle and simply keep the Martens, but would love a backup plan if push comes to shove. I hope your wife has big t*ts, that you submit to her demand. My wife doesn't ... but she has never complained about my choice of speakers ... and Maggies are big! So I do have audio bliss ... and a happy wife. Andy 1
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 Druid V comes to mind - I heard Zu in WA a wile back and they sounded very nice http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/zu20/1.html The Definition 4 might be even nicer but over your stated price range. Another speaker manufacturer to listen / look at might be Vienna Acoustics - lovely looking and ppl say the sound is very good. Harberth speakers. with obligitory stands of course Hi Frankn, looks like you've got a good handle on my brief :-) All speakers have that understated look about them. The Harbeths though typically use stand mounts are still an option due to not needing a tall stand. I haven't heard any of them, but the Zu Audio and Harbeth have a good following.
Telecine Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 Put some three-way horns in there for a week. She will love your current speakers after that ; ) 2
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 I hope your wife has big t*ts, that you submit to her demand. My wife doesn't ... but she has never complained about my choice of speakers ... and Maggies are big! So I do have audio bliss ... and a happy wife. Andy You funny bugger :-) With the newborn, her boobs are definitely on the large side :-D, but don't worry, they aren't forcing me into submission :-) I'm more than happy to say "Hey woman, those big ass black boom boxes are stayin'!!!", but I too admit, they dominate our smallish lounge room. So I was thinking if I could get the same, or very similar sound quality within a more svelte design, then we'd all be winners!!
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 (edited) Put some three-way horns in there for a week. She will love your current speakers after that ; ) Funny thing is, I've shown her a couple of horn speakers and she loved them. Given their close comparison to the Gramophone, the traditional look was appealing, though in person it most likely is a different story haha. Edited July 10, 2014 by Flynnyfalcon
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 10, 2014 Volunteer Posted July 10, 2014 (edited) If she like horns then your answer is simple.,.. http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/67486-fs-zingali-twenty-112-speakers/?fromsearch=1 Edited July 10, 2014 by Sir Sanders Zingmore 1
maximus Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 Hi Chris, don't know how these would fare against the Martens but do consider or audition the following : PMC PB1i 9k at stereophonic Monitor Audio PL300 Verity Rienzi Audio physic Scorpio. All have their strong points and are very different. Some would be favorable with the other half as well. cheers Frank. 1
peacewise Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 Take your lovely wife out for dinner, bring her home for a movie, and let the Django's shine. 1
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 Hey Frank, I do really love the PMC sound, the PB1i is a very good possibility. The PL300 is a lovely looking and sounding speaker but possibly too physically big, I think they'd have the Django's comfortably covered. The other 2 I'm not familiar with but will put them on the list of possibles. Thnaks for your unwavering wisdom
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 10, 2014 Author Posted July 10, 2014 If she like horns then your answer is simple.,.. http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/67486-fs-zingali-twenty-112-speakers/?fromsearch=1 I did see these a little while back. Beautiful looking speaker, very intrigued as to their sound.
gemini07 Posted July 10, 2014 Posted July 10, 2014 Can't decipher your last sentence sorry. Possible Options... Sonus Faber Cremona M ? ML 2's Dynaudio C1 Zu Audio Druid V Harbeth Vienna Accoustics ? PMC PB1i Verity Rienzi Audio physic Scorpio OC Home Front = Officer Commanding the Home Front... (her) Of the speakers in your list, I've heard the SF Cremona M, Dynaudio C1, Harbeth SLH5, and a pair of Vienna Acoustics standmounts. Depends on what sort of sound you like because there's considerable difference between those four. My preference for voicing would be for the Harbeth's, but for dynamics, presence and clarity it would be the Dyn's. Vienna Acoustics were a bit in between but not as good as either whilst costing about the same as the Harbeths. I've also been listening to a pair of Zu Omen standmounts recently and they are very revealing and natural although lacking really deep bass. A pair of floor standers might address that and meet your needs. They certainly look very smart and are easy to drive. Cheers, G
DAMO 1147 Posted July 11, 2014 Posted July 11, 2014 Those Django's are retiring aren’t they. It's hard without hearing them. I'm not sure the Zu druids fade away - front on either - even in the walnut, they are slim in depth - is the plinth heavy enough for kids? mmm tricky, i love the look of Harbeths but very square on the stands. PMC and Vienna acoustics look nice to my eye. KK dukes look very nice - furniture sub to go with? This is worth further investigation. I'll be back!
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 11, 2014 Author Posted July 11, 2014 Those Django's are retiring aren’t they. It's hard without hearing them. I'm not sure the Zu druids fade away - front on either - even in the walnut, they are slim in depth - is the plinth heavy enough for kids? mmm tricky, i love the look of Harbeths but very square on the stands. PMC and Vienna acoustics look nice to my eye. KK dukes look very nice - furniture sub to go with? This is worth further investigation. I'll be back! As every day passes, the Djangos' foot spikes are embedding further into my floor boards, so they aren't "retiring" without a fight :-) I do love the sound and look or the Harbeths, but the reason they were discounted last time is their physical dimensions are possibly too large for our lounge room. PMC's are looking a good front runner, not familiar with the Vienna Accoustics but they've been mentioned so I'll definitely look into them... KK Dukes?? Is KK the brand?
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 11, 2014 Volunteer Posted July 11, 2014 I did see these a little while back. Beautiful looking speaker, very intrigued as to their sound. You are more than welcome to come over for a listen
Flynnyfalcon Posted July 11, 2014 Author Posted July 11, 2014 You are more than welcome to come over for a listen I may take you up on that offer. I'm struggling to find much information on your particular model, are their any reviews or details online that you know of?
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted July 12, 2014 Volunteer Posted July 12, 2014 I may take you up on that offer. I'm struggling to find much information on your particular model, are their any reviews or details online that you know of? Here are the specs. As for reviews, yes it's hard to find any unfortunately. I bough them from Warwick at Pure Music Group based purely on listening to them. From memory he mentioned to me that they tended not to send their speakers for review. There are a few folks here on SNA who have heard them and can vouch for their quality. Of course they have to be right for you (and your wife)
aasza Posted July 12, 2014 Posted July 12, 2014 Spendor ST could also be another option ~$12K in Aus http://www.spendoraudio.com/HTML/ST_line.html
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