Anyone auditioned or purchased these yet? How do they compare to the previous model? Would they work well with a Marantz 2238 in a carpeted and well furnished 14 x 20 room?
I talked with Athena and was assured that my Marantz would be enough amp to drive the AS-F2.2's at even high listening levels. Thay said 20-100 WPC was sufficient and my Marantz would have no problem. I think I'll be buying while they are $499.00 at Audio Advisor.
Lee...Just be aware that you may be tempted to turn them up because they sound great. You will hit your amplifier's limit and it will start to clip. If you leave the volume up when this is happening you may damage your tweeters. So, if/when you hear distortion, back down on the volume.
Lee has no sub. Just wanting to upgrade current speakers in straight 2 channel system for music only. I have BA VR950's currently. Saw the price on the Athena's and thought I might upgrade my speakers. How about the Athenas with my Sony TA-F700ES integrated?? 110 x 2 .008% THD.
The Sony will be fine. It's the Marantz that has power limitaions. It will be interesting for you to compare how each of them sound.
You will not need a sub with the AS-2.2s
Anonymous
Posted on
Rick, you do realize that the volume difference between the Sony and the Marantz, assuming the rated wattages are correct, is but a few dB in reality ?
Do you drive your speakers way past 0 dB on your volume dial?
The difference between 38W and 110W is 4.6 dB. It's not insignificant but I wouldn't say that one is plnty and other is way under-powered. It's still pretty close.
I can now answer my own question. Couldn't pass up the Athenas for $499. I have compared the 110 wpc Sony ES integrated and the Marantz 38wpc on the Athenas. I find the Marantz holds its own at every level and produces quiet a bit more bass response. Also, the owners manuel for the Athenas specifically says the speakers work very well with 20-100 wpc. I am looking in to purchasing another vintage receiver with around 150 to 175 wpc. Looking at Kenwood 9600 and Pioneer 1250.