What stands?

May 25, 2010

Editor,

I loved your article on the Paradigm Signature S2 v.3 loudspeakers and had a question: What stands did you use in your listening? I wasn't able to find mention of them in that article, or ones previous. Thanks in advance.

Jon Faber

I used a set of stands that were designed by Energy. They are 30” tall and are sturdy. They're nothing special, but they get the job done just fine. . . . Jeff Fritz

". . . light years ahead of any rival publication."

May 16, 2010

Editor,

Good opinion ("Frequency Response Isn’t the Only Thing"). You could've gone farther with this piece. One-sixth-octave resolution of on-axis FR in one's room is indeed limited in what it conveys. It's not the point at which objective evaluation is exhausted and golden-eared scouts necessarily be summoned to the rescue.

One-30th-octave-resolution anechoic measurements of on-axis response aren't close to the limits of the objectivity threshold, either. It's the beginning. All sound radiated into a room in every direction influences what we enjoy. Arbitrarily selecting a measurement snippet of what occurs cannot possibly be fully predictive of what we hear.

Noise and distortion. Sound-power response. Horizontal off-axis amplitude response up to 75 degrees out or more. Vertical off-axis response. First-reflection sound power. Directivity index. Now we're talking.

The SoundStage! Network seems to recognize just that and is to be commended for their NRC data. It's still not comprehensive, but it is light years ahead of any rival publication.

Regards,

Shalin

EgglestonWorks speakers

May 10, 2010

Editor,

I am interested to know whether you have listened to the EgglestonWorks Isabel and Fontaine II? I am really keen on having the pleasure of owning a pair of any of these fine gems. How do you find these two speakers on playing music in general? Do you ever feel the need to use a sub with any of the EggWorks speakers? How much of a difference is there between the Fontaine and Isabel? And will valve amplification yield great results on these beauties?

Regards,

Don

I have been a fan of the EgglestonWorks brand for some time now, beginning really with my experience with the Dianne, which I reviewed in May of 2009. On June 1 you’ll be able to read my review of the Andra III, right here on Ultra Audio.

The models you mention, the Isabel and Fontaine, are two that I have not heard, so I really can’t comment on them specifically. However, my experience with the brand is that their speakers do share a house sound -- the ones I've heard have a smooth, inviting, and warmish character. If those attributes sound like they might float your boat, I’d certainly suggest you look further into the brand. I’ve found the company very good to deal with and, as you can see in my factory visit during the The Great North American Loudspeaker Tour, they build a really solid product. . . . Jeff Fritz

Rockport Mira Monitors

May 5, 2010

Editor,

I have a question. I read the Ultra Audio article on the Paradigm monitors and sub system ("How Close Can I Get for Half the Price or Less? -- Paradigm Reference Signature S2 v.3 Loudspeakers"). Its sounds great. However my question is what do you think of the Rockport Mira Monitors? I haven't read any reviews on these speakers, only the larger ones. How close are they to the floorstanding Miras? I currently have two Vandersteen 2WQ subwoofers in my system. They have some interesting features and seem to blend well with the speakers I'm using. I know you have some experience with the Rockports and there is no dealer in Houston, so what's your opinion? Thanks again!

Robert

I heard a system based on the Rockport Mira Monitors and a JL Audio Fathom f113 subwoofer. The owner replaced a pair of Wilson WATT/Puppy 8 loudspeakers with this setup. The sound was terrific: huge soundstage, warm tonal balance, palpable presence, and deep bass. I think the sound could be characterized as similar to the larger Mira, though because the room that I heard them in was not mine, I can’t tell you exactly how the two setups would compare. My advice: If you’re interested in the Mira Monitors, contact Rockport; their customer service is excellent. From my perspective, I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t be thrilled with a Rockport/Vandersteen system provided that you do the work to get the sub/sat blend just perfect. . . . Jeff Fritz