Ascend CBM 170s vs. Alegria Audio Lings
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page| Thread | Last Poster | Posts | Last Post | |
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| Archive through July 20, 2005 | Dakulis | 100 |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 259 Registered: May-05 | Hey, Margie, no girls allowed. (Just kidding!) You're always welcome and we aim to confuse, it's only by pure accident that we ever get to informative, interesting, and especially, fun. :-) (Well, that's not true, Tim is usually interesting and informative, but that's why we limit his number of posts.) |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1316 Registered: Mar-05 | David, Thanks for a very even-handed and well thought-out series of reviews! Your results confirmed what I had long thought about Ascends, that when paired with a sub they are very hard to beat, though I was a bit surprised that you found their treble to be "bright"---however I am beginning to find that while unusual this is not such an isolated opinion (thanks to Somedood's posting of another forum's informal discussion on the 170s). However, if the difference in the mids and highs is not huge, I might well opt for the Lings myself for a bedroom system where I might not want to have a sub. I also found your experience with the Denon 2200 really interesting because until recently I was very skeptical of the idea that a $500 cd player can make a huge difference versus a $100 one. Sometime this weekend or next week I will be taking my Sony ES player into my local shop to do a/b comparisons with the NAD 521 and 542 cd players as well as the Marantz cd5400, will report back on that. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 260 Registered: May-05 | Edster, yes this is really you this time, yeah. I wouldn't say the Ascends are "bright." They are "brighter" in the treble than the Lings, I guess that's what I was trying to explain. The Ascends are pretty, dang neutral in the highs and midrange. The Lings are warmer in the midrange, a sound I came to prefer but you may not and, as I stated way back when, I like clear, neutral highs and midrange and that's what sold me on the Ascends, initially. That opinion hasn't changed, just something different to compare them to with the Lings. I'd suggest you talk to Tim about listening to them and see if you like their sound better than a pair of 170s. I agree that without a sub, the Lings will provide more bass BUT I'm not a thumpin', big bass kind of guy although I sure enjoy in my HT, not necessarily in my music. As for the DVD player, even my lovely wife noticed the difference immediately. My son, who didn't know I made the change, commented that the system sounded much better last night. Then, I had to explain the new addition and he was impressed. (Again, with the sound, the video quality was negligibly better BUT I haven't had the time to play with the Denon's video adjustments at all. That's for this weekend as is a sound meter and balancing now that I know what I've got.) |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 1232 Registered: Feb-05 | Eddie you'll want to stay away from that Marantz deck. The Marantz dealers I know won't sell it. Northwest Audio Labs found that the Marantz CC4300 changer sounded significantly better. I have the CC4300 for my second system and would concur. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 340 Registered: Dec-03 | "Very brave of you both!" Awww..shucks ma'am. David: There's so many variables all I could do is speculate. I would assume that the output voltage and impedance of the Denon player matches better with the receiver than the JVC, amongst other things that the Denon just plain does better. I had one of the JVC budget single disks at one time and there's nothing special about them at all. Why would male voices come through more? I don't know, maybe that's the way the recording is. Voice is usually in the 80Hz - 800Hz range. The Ling "woofer" has a wider range over which it maintains sensitivity, more than your typical driver does, so it should deliver the vocals fairly even over that range. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1320 Registered: Mar-05 | David, oops my bad, I should've gone back and reread your postings more carefully. So would it be accurate to say that you generally find the Lings a tad warmer in the mids and treble than the Ascends, and (no surprise) to deliver deeper bass? If "tad" is the wrong word please clarify. And yes, I am sorely tempted to audition the Lings myself though at this point a better CD player is my first priority. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1321 Registered: Mar-05 | Art, thanks for the heads up on the cd5400. My guy described it as "interesting in its own right" which I thought was rather peculiar. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 261 Registered: May-05 | Edster, Yes, "tad" is a good word. BUT, the sound reproduction for two speakers is different, noticeably different. They just get there differently and that's why the Lings sounded "warmer" to my ears. Now guys and that includes you Margie, about the whole volume issue, it came to me last night. With the JVC, I wasn't getting a great passthrough from the source and both speakers sounded "brighter" while being played with the JVC. DUH, I have a high level hearing loss so I was hearing both of the highs better, more pronounced on the Ascends. So, when male vocals came on, they sounded softer. Once, I hooked up the 2200, the music was produced more accurately. The midrange and treble sounded "warmer" on both speakers, the midrange "warmer" in the Lings. So, now the treble was being more accurately rendered and I wasn't hearing the female voices, treble range and upper midrange, as well. SO, I had to compensate for some of my high level hearing loss by increasing the volume. Hey, I don't know if it's scientifically correct but it's the only explanation that makes sense and explains why my wife is constantly saying "can you turn that down." LOL |
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Silver Member Username: KanoPost Number: 547 Registered: Oct-04 | Have you tried the 2200 for DVD playback? Let me know if you heard an improvement. I was surprised in the noticable improvement in surround effects, soundstaging, and clarity even through a digital connection. In fact it really didn't add up since the receiver should play a larger role in digital audio playback. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 264 Registered: May-05 | Kano, Absolutely I have. I watched two movies last night, gotta quit doing that as I'm up until midnight. Watched "Beyond the Sea", not a very good flick but i was interested in how it would portray the vocals, Bobbie Darin story you know. Anyway, there's several interesting scenes for music. Several scenes in smaller clubs with lots of background noise and you get a much better feeling of space with the background dialague while he's singing and the vocals remain clear but there's the instruments and all this other sound going on. Then, towards the end he's singing in an empty soundstage type environment and I've worked in those places and the feeling of open space, sound reverberation and voice was almost perfect. Again, don't know how to describe it other than a much fuller, bigger sound that captures the space involved. So, YEAH, it's been a substantial improvement in HT sound as well. Thanks for the inquiry. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 341 Registered: Dec-03 | A movie that's good for testing sound is The Day After Tomorrow (no comment on content). |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 268 Registered: May-05 | Tim, I'll give the movie a test run. AND, definitely I think you should consider allowing folks to A/B the speakers from the forum. I think there would be some great interest in doing that for a member that's interested in purchasing. Like I said, I was very impressed and certainly would consider them in the future, although I think I've got a crush on "Emma" right now. That just sounds like it's going to be an incredible speaker. Thanks again, Dave |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 342 Registered: Dec-03 | I'm just wondering if I should take names from this thread or start a new one for "Ring of the Lings". ;-) |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 1261 Registered: Feb-05 | Tim, wouldn't you be "Lord of the Lings"...lol. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 269 Registered: May-05 | You guys are killing me here. Tim, I hereby bequeath you this thread to do with as you may, oh kingly one. You may collect to your heart's content or simply start a new thread. ME, I'm waithing for Emma and I'll probably want to come visit her/you and see what you've done, when she's done. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 344 Registered: Dec-03 | Haha..I love it. Edster's the one that came up with the Ring of the Lings name. David, you're welcome to come visit anytime. Here's the deal. I'm going to compile a list of 5 or 6 people that would like to audition the Lings. I ship to the first person on the list, that person ships to #2, and so on. Shipping tends to run $30 or less via FedEx Ground. Edster is first on the list. Anyone else? |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4581 Registered: May-04 | I'll take you up on the offer. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 346 Registered: Dec-03 | Cool. Jan is number 2. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 347 Registered: Dec-03 | If those of you joining in would, please, send your shipping address and contact info to info@alegriaaudio.com it will help me keep track of things. Thanks. |
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Quinn Unregistered guest | Edster let me know when you get them so I can come listen or maybe I can pick them up from you for a listen and split the shipping. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1334 Registered: Mar-05 | OK, good idea! |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4587 Registered: May-04 | HEY, PEOPLE!!!!! There's a great offer being made here. How about giving Tim some support? |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 349 Registered: Dec-03 | In case anyone is concerned about shipping costs you can check it yourself at FedEx or UPS. I recommend FedEx. Weight: 27 lbs. Height: 23.5" Width: 16" Depth: 15" For example: from WA to PA = $28.00 from WA to NH = $31.00 |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1340 Registered: Mar-05 | Jan, BTW you can also hear the Ascend 170s for about the same amount of money, $15-20 return shipping...it'd be very interesting to read a review written by you on a side by side comparison of these two speakers, maybe as an addendum to your "Do you listen" discussion, applying many of the same concepts and language contained in those +400 postings? Just a thought. I'll be auditioning the Lings with not only the Ascend 170s but also the 340s, along with another local Ascend owner. Who knows, we might even get a few AVS Rocket owners in on it too. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 270 Registered: May-05 | Edster, Jan, T-Man (not you Tim), I'll look forward to hearing the reviews you guys do, since you have a lot more experience with equipment and speakers than me. Jan, it would be cool if you could compare to a number of speakers that you have available and let us know what you think. I'll bet the Lings hold their own against many of the sub $1500/pair that are thrown at them. (Also, I would agree with Edster) I love to have you compare to the Ascends, straight up, too.) |
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Unregistered guest | Gez Tim What an incredibly generous offer. You don't know me and I don't think I have access to a directly comparable set of speakers but I would love to give them a listen. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 351 Registered: Dec-03 | No problem Margie. Just send me your shipping info info@alegriaaudio.com and I'll add you to the list. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 352 Registered: Dec-03 | I'd like to ask everyone's opinion on what they think is a reasonable length of time to hold the speakers. Is one week too short? Is two weeks too long? I'd like to make sure everyone has enough time to get to know the Lings and at the same time not make the others wait months for the same opportunity. What do you think? |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1352 Registered: Mar-05 | How about 10 days? Nice round number, and midpoint. |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4592 Registered: May-04 | Odeydodey! |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 356 Registered: Dec-03 | Ok, let's make it a 10 day maximum. If you feel you must use the full 10 days to become familiar with the Lings go for it. Otherwise, out of consideration for others, if you can ship to the next person sooner so much the better. I'm shipping out Monday to Edster first, then Edster to Jan, and Jan to Margie. This order came about because this is the order I've received shipping and contact information thus far. I know there's more coming. |
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Quinn Unregistered guest | Tim- I'm in the same city as Edster and would like to hear your speakers. I'll email you now that I'm back in town. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 358 Registered: Dec-03 | Hey Quinn, I figured you and Edster would work out something. As long as you get the speakers to Margie it's cool. Margie will send to Tawaun. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 359 Registered: Dec-03 | Oops, let me try that again. Me to Edster Edster to Jan Jan to Margie Margie to Tawaun. OK, got it. |
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Gold Member Username: KeggerWarren, MICHIGAN Post Number: 2531 Registered: Dec-03 | Yo tim I've got several speakers and amps and recievers and,and,and many ways to test and listen to your speakers but I would need a much more extended time frame if this sounds like something you'd like me too. I could test them with many different tube amps and solid state equipment of both old and new vintage. Anywhere from 8 watts to 300 and compare against many a speaker. I have the time now as I am off work but like I said I would need an extended time frame to really do you and the speakers justice. They can also be ran in 2 channel and surround. If this is something you can accomadate and would want, count me in. If you can't do it for an extended length no hard feelings here or if my input would not suit your needs that would not bother me either so just be honest and tell me like it is. I'm thinking I would need a good solid month so maybe after everyone else or if you have a different pair. Finish on the ones you send me would not have to be that great as everyone else can give there feedback on the ones you send them. Anyway just a thought as one tweaker to another. |
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Gold Member Username: KeggerWarren, MICHIGAN Post Number: 2532 Registered: Dec-03 | Also the frequency response curve along with the impedance would be helpful to. |
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Silver Member Username: PetergalbraithRimouski, Quebec Canada Post Number: 993 Registered: Feb-04 | Just to say why I haven't expressed interest... I'm in Canada and that would complicate shipping, otherwise I'd be on the list. |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 1309 Registered: Feb-05 | I haven't expressed interest because I don't want to pay for an audition. I'll just show up to Tim's house next time I'm in Seattle :-). |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 366 Registered: Dec-03 | "Just to say why I haven't expressed interest... I'm in Canada and that would complicate shipping, otherwise I'd be on the list." Not only that but you're too far east. I'm meeting with some of my audio buddies in Victoria next month. "I haven't expressed interest because I don't want to pay for an audition. I'll just show up to Tim's house next time I'm in Seattle :-)." I'd better pick my clothes up off the floor then. Edster! They're on their way. I'll e-mail you the tracking number. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 276 Registered: May-05 | Tim and Edster, I can't wait for Rounds 4, 5 . . . By the time we get to the 15th round, we'll know quite a bit about the Lings and the competition. I would expect T-Man to give us a reasonable review against the SDATs. Listen on, all. . . |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 277 Registered: May-05 | Now, I'm going onto the Ascendaudio forum so I can take care of my cognitive dissonance since I shipped the Lings back to Tim. BTW, since they're on their way to Edster, I presume they got home safely? |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1660 Registered: Jan-05 | Considering those speakers are so extremely light, dropping them probably wont hurt a thing. Ya know, like equivalent to dropping one of those pieces of foam you find filling those kiddie play pits that kids jump around in. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 279 Registered: May-05 | OK Paul, we really missed you. No, Tim will not let you have these to audition, you'll just feed them to the Cerwin Vegas. We know you by now, don't we? Although I don't mean that in the biblical sense, obviously. LOL |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 368 Registered: Dec-03 | They made it back just fine. I pulled them out and played them for a bit before packing them back up for Edster. You forgot to mention the cute name Paul. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 282 Registered: May-05 | No, Tim, Paul wasn't going to go there. He would be accused or racial insensitivity by Lei. OUCH!!! |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 283 Registered: May-05 | No, Tim, Paul wasn't going to go there. He would be accused of racial insensitivity by Lei. OUCH!!! |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1661 Registered: Jan-05 | What cute name? |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 370 Registered: Dec-03 | Ling |
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Anonymous | What is Paul going to complain about when someone comes out with something like a carbon fiber cabinet or some other material that weighs nothing but has no resonance? Progress is a btch! |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 376 Registered: Jun-05 | Wilson Benesch already has the A.C.T. its its ben out for some time now a true carbon fiber cabinet. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 286 Registered: May-05 | T-Man, Once again, you've got the cutting edge covered while I can't even keep my own behind covered on this site. LOL |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 379 Registered: Jun-05 | Yeah just tired of arguing with people disputes on products is fine,but when stuff gets out of hand like it did yesterday,thats not cool for any of us. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 291 Registered: May-05 | Agreed. |
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New member Username: Rysa4Post Number: 1 Registered: Jul-05 | Edster- I'd like to attend a comparison of these interesting speakers like you mentioned at av123.com. I am here in Houston. I can offer up a pair of Soliloquy sat 5s as well or not. Either is cool. Any details or dates??? Thanks! M |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1361 Registered: Mar-05 | Marc, sure just PM me with your contact info and I'm sure we can arrange something. I'm not familiar with your Soliloquys but would be happy to add them to the mix. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 377 Registered: Dec-03 | According to FedEx tracking Edster should have the Lings on Friday. This is not only a test of the speakers, but the packing material as well. When you get the package the easiest way to get the speakers out is to remove the inner box and carefully flip it over on to a carpeted floor. There is a layer of newspaper followed by a speaker in a plastic bag, another layer of newspaper and the second speaker in a plastic bag. They fit the inner box tightly so give them a moment to slowly slide out. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 378 Registered: Dec-03 | "Considering those speakers are so extremely light, dropping them probably wont hurt a thing." I know Paul was joking around but for those that might want to know, one Ling speaker weighs about 13 lbs. |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1699 Registered: Jan-05 | LOL No need sending any of those 'nicknacks' my way, or putting me on your mailing list. |
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New member Username: ZorroPost Number: 3 Registered: Jul-05 | Don't worry Paul, I am sure no one would even consider to put you on any list anyway !  |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 295 Registered: May-05 | Paul's on Santa's list, you know, the "naughty" boys one. LOL |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 388 Registered: Jun-05 | Tim, I guess your gonna have to make CV clone for Paul to be interrested,Oh yeah make sure its not a 'dainty lightweight' and has red rings around the woofers. |
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Anoni Unregistered guest | What does Paul do when he is not watching movies? http://www.ronald.com/ronald/index.html lol |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 389 Registered: Jun-05 | Wow!, and I thought Ronald McDonald was dead. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 379 Registered: Dec-03 | Too bad I sold these. http://www.timn8er.com/BJsSystem7_Rebuild.htm |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 395 Registered: Jun-05 | Tim how did they sound compared to how they used to sound when they were new? |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 380 Registered: Dec-03 | I can't speak to that. They belonged to my buddy BJ. He bought the kit back in the 70s and built them himself. He did a few things wrong which I helped him correct while rebuilding them. I made sure he had good XO parts, that the cabinet was lined with eggcrate form, and that it had no leaks. The stands were my idea too, which got the speakers off the floor and tilted them back at 5 degrees. Not my kind of sound but they sure were fun to play with. Excellent party speakers. |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 381 Registered: Dec-03 | I forgot the most important detail. They weighed about 90 lbs a piece when finished. Not the heaviest speakers I've seen (the solid granite 3 ways take the prize for that) but no fun moving them. |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 398 Registered: Jun-05 | Yeah Paul would love SPLs he could get out of those,I wonder does he know the horns would be more dynamic than his CVs |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 382 Registered: Dec-03 | They were loud alright. Nothing like dual horns to give that "in your face" feeling. The most amazing thing to me is that after nearly 30 years the original cabinets were practically disintegrated but the drivers were in great shape. |
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Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithRimouski, Quebec Canada Post Number: 1012 Registered: Feb-04 | The mid-horn driver looks identical to a Klipsch K-55 (used on the KHorns and La Scala) in Horn3.jpg. The speaker looks like a sealed version of a Klipsch Cornwall, using 2 12" woofers instead of one 15" (or a Heresy on steroids). Okay, so it's not like a Cornwall for the low end, but the top end is similar. Could sound pretty darn nice! |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 401 Registered: Jun-05 | Takes us back to how much has drivers really improved?I wander will we be able see if new speaker from this generation have their drivers intact like that 30 yrs from now? |
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New member Username: JneufnashPost Number: 8 Registered: Jul-05 | Hey Tim, if your list is still open and you would ship to Nashville, I would love to take a listen to the Lings. I will listen to them both with an old Onkyo TX-866 receiver and a much nicer new integrated amp of some sort that I have not yet settled on for small room listening. I wish I could directly compare them to other speakers, but I won't be able to. Thanks! |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 383 Registered: Dec-03 | You bet there's room for one more. Please send your shipping and contact info to info@alegriaaudio.com and I'll put you on the list. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 305 Registered: May-05 | Tim, After everybody else listens to them, I think you ought to just ship them back to me. After all, they'll be well used by then and you'll certainly have a new pair you'll want to play with, until Emma arrives. They can be the primary speakers in my new downstairs, 2 channel. LOL |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 384 Registered: Dec-03 | Have you noticed that no one has asked about break-in time? |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 306 Registered: May-05 | Hey, if there's one thing I did right, and we're not all that certain about my review here, BUT I certainly got those puppies broke in, if they weren't already with 20 hours on them, initially. |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4673 Registered: May-04 | T8 - We're all assuming you will have rung them out, broken them in and hand picked a "special" set to impress the reviewers. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 314 Registered: May-05 | Hey Jan, No way, I took them apart and looked for any "special" parts. JUST KIDDING TIM, I didn't open anything up. I'm afraid I was the only thing "special" about that review, and as my daughter says, "you mean special ed., don't you?" |
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Silver Member Username: Timn8terSeattle, WA USA Post Number: 389 Registered: Dec-03 | "T8 - We're all assuming you will have rung them out, broken them in and hand picked a "special" set to impress the reviewers." I guess I'm not that smart. I sent the same ones David listened to, although I did give them the "once-over" to make sure he didn't break them. ;-) |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 321 Registered: May-05 | I didn't have carnal relations with those speakers, honest? Although Ling is a cute name, especially for dainty speakers. It depends on what the word "is" means, "is they broke," I refuse to answer any questions with "is" in them, thank you. Hey, it's been a LONG week, I'm beat. OK, Edster, the speakers should be there by now, where's the review versus the 340s and 170s, what's holdin' ya up? |
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Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithRimouski, Quebec Canada Post Number: 1041 Registered: Feb-04 | 181 posts on this thread before there even is a speaker comparison to talk about! Can you imagine? |
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Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithRimouski, Quebec Canada Post Number: 1042 Registered: Feb-04 | Sorry, I thought this was the other Ling comparison thread... Boy do i look stupid. Please disregard... |
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New member Username: Rysa4Post Number: 2 Registered: Jul-05 | Edster- I have a 281-364 cell call I dont recognize- was wonderin if you tried to call--ready for that speaker comparison here!!!! |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 323 Registered: May-05 | Peter, Hey, never apologize for looking stupid. If I did that, I'd be apologizing all the time. BUT, yes, we are waiting for Edster to write something, anything, about his speaker comparison. Am I deaf and the Lings or Ascends are actually nowhere near comparable, OR, is this really a toss up, driven by subjective preference. (OK, I know I'm going deaf so don't even go there.) We await, somewhat patiently. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1382 Registered: Mar-05 | Dakulis, I'm afraid you'll have to wait until Sunday at the earliest, possibly Monday. The Lings are sitting at my business location, I'll be picking them up tomorrow afternoon, will call up 2 local guys and have the speaker shootout sometime during the weekend or early next week. But I'll start a separate thread for my own comparison of the Lings. Just for fun, in addition to the Ascend 340s I'll also compare them to my Mordaunt Shorts and (heh heh) lowly Polk R20s if I have time. Kind of like feeding a lab mouse to a python... |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1383 Registered: Mar-05 | Marc, No that wasn't me. Please email me your cell phone again, I can't find it in my inbox. As I said, maybe tomorrow night or sometime later on Sunday would work for me. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 325 Registered: May-05 | Edster, Just make sure you give it some pithy thread name that we can readily find and identify. "FrankenLings meet the Ascends & Mordaunt, with a little Polk on the side" or something else semi-funny. We'll wait but we're not a patient group, overall. LOL |
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New member Username: Rysa4Post Number: 3 Registered: Jul-05 | Cool. Edster--I sent a PM to you with cell number. |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1732 Registered: Jan-05 | Peter, I suspect most people contributing to this thread are hearing impaired. they must be to settle for bottom of the line....well, nevermind. |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 1375 Registered: Feb-05 | Says the man with Bose speakers in his system. |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 452 Registered: Jun-05 | Well,Art look on the bright side,atleast he has the original CVs,well so he says. |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 1379 Registered: Feb-05 | True and they are definately a rock music monster. I think he has the big D-9's which are great for stadium rock and the like. |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 455 Registered: Jun-05 | A couple of my friends have the 7s,they deffinately crank,but have you heard the new ones,they are absolutely horrible. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1391 Registered: Mar-05 | Marc, please try that PM again, because I haven't gotten anything. As for the rest-a-ya, I'm unpacking the speakers right now so hold your horses, will get a short note out in a couple of hours... |
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New member Username: Rysa4Post Number: 4 Registered: Jul-05 | Edster- you should have it now. I didn't type in a subject line the first time but did this time a round. |
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Gold Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 1382 Registered: Feb-05 | Frankly Tawaun I think all CV's are terrible. They may be great for stadium rock, but what kind of sound is stadium rock famous for...loud and awful. Even home theater requires more detail than they can deliver to enjoy the whole soundtrack. To each his own, right? |
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Gold Member Username: PetergalbraithRimouski, Quebec Canada Post Number: 1078 Registered: Feb-04 | Hey Art, getting the Jacintha "Autum Leaves" CD is going to cost me about C$34 here after taxes! Can you believe it's a special order import here? |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 461 Registered: Jun-05 | Yeah,Art im glad Paul owns them and not me,if i did I would quit audio all together.But im glad Paul is enjoying them,Hey better him than me. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 327 Registered: May-05 | OK, Paul's CVs are like a homely man or woman. Someone is always going to take them home, especially after 2:00 a.m. and multiple drinks. The rotten part is when you wake up in the morning and find out you married them. Well, Paul's stuck with CVs and we're not. The 170s may not be the most beautiful on the planet but they do sing nicely. |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1393 Registered: Mar-05 | OK Marc, I'll give you a call tomorrow to set something up. You don't happen to have a speaker selector box by any chance do you? I am suddenly hankering after one, have no idea how much they cost or even where to get one or who makes them, lol. |
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New member Username: Rysa4Post Number: 5 Registered: Jul-05 | I dont. But I do have an SPL meter. WE will need one to compare somewhat fairly. Could theoretically test these guys at several different volume levels. I still offer my house. I have a 2 channel rig with a class A amp and a somewhat decent dedicated CD player ( Jolida cd-100a tube output stage), as well as an HT set up in a dedicated room with the typical Denon receiver, which could also be used. Totally up to you!!! |
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Unregistered guest | Niles makes speaker selector switches. Ebay? |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 1395 Registered: Mar-05 | thanks Margie, I went straight to eBay after posting that 1:42am note. The Niles switches I saw only had spring clips though, I'd prefer binding posts. I'm not sure what these connectors are, have never seen them before: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem%26item%3D5793453781&fromMakeTrack= true |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1742 Registered: Jan-05 | Yawn..... As if any of you have ever personally listened to the D9s??? I hardly think any of you are qualified to comment on the subject. On the other hand, if you like small sound, you should definitely look into buying small speakers. |
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Silver Member Username: DonaldekellyWashington, DC Usa Post Number: 310 Registered: Jul-04 | I like small sound And I appreciate Paul cause he finds interesting and funny ways to make his points. You go guy! |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1751 Registered: Jan-05 | LOL They cant help themselves. With 'those' kinds of people, they believe whatever is fed to them. How do you think Kerry got all of those 'losing end' votes??? That is because too many believe the Dan Blathers in the news media and everything that is fed to them. They are like little fishies in a fish tank during mealtime devouring the days take. The funny thing is that any reliable CV reviews certainly are NOT talking about my 20year old behemoths, but downgraded and cheapened models 20years their junior. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 335 Registered: May-05 | Hey, Paul, we're just getting back at ya a little. It's all in fun and I will continue to support you in your right to say funny things, just becuz ya keep me laughin'. Thanks. |
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New member Username: ZorroPost Number: 10 Registered: Jul-05 | I agree, we do like you Paul, you are like mmmmm "The Pet" of this forum. |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4750 Registered: May-04 | Paul - Please, I'll ask you once again, keep your political views off the forum. You are stretching the boundaries of taste a bit often since you got back from vacation. Find something truly useful to say. OK? |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 472 Registered: Jun-05 | Like thats gonna happen,thats not Pauls style I can live with it.If we really need something technical their are other minds to converse with about it,Paul we still love ya.Paul is knowlegable sometimes,hey we all have our times when were not. |
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Silver Member Username: DonaldekellyWashington, DC Usa Post Number: 311 Registered: Jul-04 | Personally as someone who gave a fair amount of money to Kerry and Move-On, I am not bothered by Paul's political statements. But, agreed, this is not the forum unless we have a political thread. And, I suppose, objective measurements of speakers can only go so far. If Cerwin Vegas make Paul happy - so be it. They used to have a decent reputation if I remember. But so did Bose. Anyway, I think Paul adds something by his wit to these discussions. I hope there is never a referendum on my posts! |
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Silver Member Username: DonaldekellyWashington, DC Usa Post Number: 312 Registered: Jul-04 | D-9 - Audioreview (rated 4.67/5 on 33 reviews) Those things get decent reviews - "Very high SPL (efficient), very good freq. responce (esp. when moded) For the price they can not be beaten- And FYI I also have B&W's (603's) and a pair of PSB Stratus golds, the "modded Cerwins" kill both the previous in ALL aspects. I couldnt believe it after I first moded them." "Weaknesses: Won't fit in many cars. You must not mind moving around the equivalent of a large man. I've carried these many times by myself. It was no fun." |
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Gold Member Username: Paul_ohstbucksPost Number: 1754 Registered: Jan-05 | Don, Most of the people attempting discussion on CV quality have no clue. All they know is chatter being thrown around about current models by the 'cheese & wine' community. Heck, most of 'THEM' probably havent heard the D-9s in person anyway, and the rumormill only relates 2nd hand heresay being spread through internet forums concerning brand new speakers. I dont claim CVs to be high end speakers because they're not. No speaker in the $800 price range deserves that billing, and neither do the Vegas. However, to suggest they sound bad is another thing entirely. As I've said many times before, that I've tried to shop for replacements, and nothing impressed me enough for me to pull the trigger. I've shopped front speakers priced 4x what I paid for those 20years ago, and as soon as something impresses me, I'll own a pair. Until that time comes, the CVs will remain and effortlessly pull 'front speaker' duty as part of my HT. There is one key distinction about my comments and those of others in this forum. The biggest difference is that im not ignorant enough to comment on the 'quality' of sound from any speaker that I have never personally auditioned. My only comments relate to current models sounding weak, small, and dainty by comparison and has nothing to do with the former. For example, have I said the ARCAM or bookshelf speakers were poor quality???? No...... All I said is that the ARCAM was ugly, and had no features, while the bookshelf speakers were too weak and small for proper HT sound. Isnt that valid discussion??? |
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Silver Member Username: JimvmLouisiana U.S.A. Post Number: 147 Registered: Apr-05 | I agree with you Paul. We should be cautious about commenting on speakers and other equipment that we've never had experience with. I, for one, confess that I've never heard Cerwin Vega speakers. So, henceforth I will not comment on those speakers per se; I will however reserve the right to continue commenting on what I consider to be inane observations about bookshelf speakers. Could it be that nothing else impresses you because you're looking for a particular sound -- one that is similar to what you're hearing now. A fullness? A bigness? If so, the only thing I can say is that fullness and bigness does not necessarily a good speaker make. Just because you've not heard a bookshelf speaker that sounds other than "weak, small and dainty" to you doesn't mean that they're aren't any. Face it, with respect to many speakers there's not a lot of difference between some bookshelf speakers and their floorstanding cousins. Take Art's Paradigm Studio 40's. What's the difference between those and the Studio 60's -- just cabinet and a few, very few, Hz of low extension frequency response which is easily filled in by a sub. I can think of a lot of adjectives for the sound of the 40's but weak, small and dainty aren't any of them. And what is "proper HT sound?" Are you the arbiter of what is proper? Only for you; not for others. I don't think anyone objects to your opinions about bookshelf speakers; you're entitled to them. What many take exception to is your constant comments deriding those who choose bookshelf speakers for HT -- comments like equating the use of bookshelves for HT with stupidity. Those comments are not directed toward the equipment; they're directed toward the person. Unless those comments are made in jest, they're uncalled for. And frankly, they're making many of us weary. |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4761 Registered: May-04 | "All they know is chatter being thrown around about current models by the 'cheese & wine' community. Heck, most of 'THEM' probably havent heard the D-9s in person anyway ..." As one of "THEM", I feel obligated to ask you, Paul, how many of the speakers you deride as "cheese and wine", "boutique" speakers have you ever heard? When was the last time you auditioned my LS3/5a's? |
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Silver Member Username: T_bomb25Dayton, Ohio United States Post Number: 476 Registered: Jun-05 | Thats a classic pair of speakers Jan.Did you know that they are back in buisness and they have a new model,I think I seen the review in HiFI News ,a couple of months ago,they were pretty impressive to,dont know if they are as good as the originals.They pretty much looked like them though. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 339 Registered: May-05 | Well, I'll weigh in. I don't take Paul too seriously when he, obviously, is not intending to be taken seriously AND, I think Paul expects that, including his political commentary. On the flip side, I've seen Paul provide excellent, evenhanded advice to newcomers, including me, about the importance of auditioning speakers before purchasing and listening for your own sound instead of relying upon someone else's opinion of the speakers. So, I'm not ready to silence Paul or anyone else at this point. Yes, he's got a comic schtick down regarding small speakers but Tommy Smothers and Richard Pryor had their own comic elements that they never let go of, too, and yes, their schtick got old on occasion also. Still love ya, Paul. |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 4764 Registered: May-04 | One of the most important aspects of the 3/5a's (at least in their original usage as a BBC monitor) is the fact any 3/5a can be substituted for another 3/5a of any vintage to make a pair that meets the BBC spec. Individual drivers and complete speakers were held to rigorously tight specifications which drove up the cost eventually when KEF, who supplied the drivers to all manufacturers working under BBC license, could no longer produce drivers that met the BBC specifications and there were too many rejected drivers. The system was eventually reconfigured in the mid 1980's from the original 15 Ohm speaker to an 11 Ohm design and the surround material on the woofer was redesigned to bring the woofers back into spec. The new 11 Ohm version had the provisions for biwiring and a substitute was made for a compensation resistor on the tweeter. But, as with all previous 3/5a's, an 11 Ohm speaker could be sub'd for a 15 Ohm speaker and still meet the pair specifications. The 3/5a will be the main speaker I use to compare against T8's Ling. It's a tough speaker to better. Many have tried and many have gone out of business. However, the 3/5a is not without its faults and its reputation (along with the Spendor BC1) as the classic example of the "BBC curve" is always present. Being a 1970's design there are no flush baffles on the face of the 3/5a. Instead the cabinet extends beyond the face of the front baffle and the tweeter is surrounded by felt to damp edge diffraction. There is also a metal screen placed over the tweeter's face and the speakers are voiced with the grills in place. Actually, by today's standards, the 3/5a's are the bumblebee that shouldn't be able to fly. If anyone is interested in what Tim's speaker will be going up against, here's some of the best information on the 3/5a's. The "new" 3/5a's from Richard Allan are discussed on this site: http://www.ls35a.com/ Certainly Tim's speaker couldn't be any more homely than this 30+ year old design. The pair of Rogers 3/5a's I have were manufactured in late 1976 and are the 15 Ohm version. The good news for Tim is the Rogers variant is considered "not as strong in some areas" as the Spendor version as indicated in the "3/5a shootout" on the web page. The 3/5a is a bit anachronisitic at this point as the cabinet, though quite heavy for its size, was designed as a "lossy" enclosure which dissipates energy fairly quickly instead of trying to damp the resonances as is generally the fashion today. The construction of the cabinet is something I find interesting on the 3/5a page. Of course, there were no computers used to design the 3/5a's which became a commercial success almost by accident. Anyway, have you heard a pair of these lately, Paul? |
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Silver Member Username: JimvmLouisiana U.S.A. Post Number: 149 Registered: Apr-05 | Well, it's good to hear that Paul's fans don't take him seriously. On the other flip side, what percentage of his posts are excellent, evenhanded advice and what percentage are zingers? Nobody's trying to silence anybody. Just trying to lighten him up a little -- so that his fanclub grows. I don't know how Paul feels about being compared to Tommy Smothers -- a funny guy but quite politically liberal. And to Richard Pryor -- another funny guy but not someone who deserves to be emulated in all respects. Unless you like to set yourself on fire by freebasing. I must say, it's sad to see Pryor's health deteriorate to the degree that it has. |
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Silver Member Username: DakulisSpokane, Washington United States Post Number: 354 Registered: May-05 | Jan, OK, they're not exactly pretty, I'll give you that. But, fairly interesting reading, I'll have to wait until I've got more time to get into the articles. |
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