Difficulty in selecting speakers

LAC -- Thu, 04/27/2006 - 11:58

I've been looking to upgrade from my Celestion Ditton 66 speakers which have given me solid entertainment for 32 years. I listen to jazz, classical and some "pop" on my turntable and CD. I've auditioned at least 12 speakers, and I've read as many reviews as I can lay my hands on. The short list seems to be coming down to the following 4 Usher CP 7351 II; Gallo Nucleus Reference 3.1; Dali Helicon; Revel Performa F52. I narrowed my preferences through a combination of review recommendations and auditioning. I've heard the Ushers and the Dalis but posted the Gallos and the Revels to my short list on the basis of the rave reviews they have received. Ideally I'd love to be able to make a final selection based on how a speaker sounds, but here in Ottawa, there just aren't enough dealers who carry the models I'm interested in. Robert Harley suggested I would be able to tap into the editorial staff of TAS and TPV as well as to the experience of a broader readership through this forum. I noticed that Chris Martens wrote very positive reviews for both the Ushers and the Gallos - both were said to be solid bargains. I'm having difficulty closing in on aspects of relative significance which would allow me to make a final decision. I'd appreciate any comments, opinions, advice or suggestions which might help.

Tom Martin -- Sat, 04/29/2006 - 10:02

You might check out some of the articles in How To/ Reference on AVGuide.com (the button for this on on the left about 3/4 of the way down the list). If you scroll down you'll find a section on speakers. There is a new roundtable there, from The Absolute Sound, that has some material to think about.

CEO and Editorial Director, Nextscreen LLC

Bruce -- Sun, 04/30/2006 - 14:07

I'll say a couple of things. First of all, your short list is a very nice short list. I have heard three of the speakers on your list, and could be happy with any one of them. But that is to my ears.

Secondly, I would encourage you to avoid buying something you haven't auditioned. Preferrably, something you have auditioned with your own upstream components. If that means it takes more time, then let it take more time. In-store auditions have inherent pitfalls, and buying on the internet and auditioning in-home has some as well (like the first 29 days of your return period is spent in break-in, leaving you one day to make judgement).

You didn't mention what was motivating you to upgrade from speakers that have given you satisfying sound for so many years; however, if what you have still gives you satisfaction, take your time. It sure beats the consequences of making a purchasing decision that you later regret.

LAC -- Sun, 04/30/2006 - 19:53

Why upgrade my Celestions? My Receiver, a Marantz 2270 (1975)gave up the ghost ( It doesn't owe me anything at this point) and I bought a pair of Nuforce Reference 9 amps. They're fabulous but they also show up the flaws in my other equipment, especially my speakers. The 10 inch woofer and passive radiator are getting a mite tired too, although my midrange and highs are still pretty good. I figured it was time to amortize over another 20 years and upgrade. Being patient is certainly a logical tack when buying and good advice. I wouldn't normally rush things, but...my system has been limping for 9 months now and I'm starting to run out of patience. I'll not be buying off the Internet but having a dealer order and with the option to return if needs be. And I feel I'm getting pretty close to deciding. Just a bit insecure about not being able to compare without a common standard to be used from one reviewer to the other, and sometimes from one review to the next by the same chap. I guess I still need more info.... or do I?
LAC

Tom Martin -- Mon, 05/01/2006 - 07:40

Probably not. Like Bruce said, your short list consists of some excellent products. I would suggest two additional criteria:

1. Which speaker do you like best on audition? Not analytically, but simply at the level of music?

2. Which dealer can best help with set up? Set up makes a huge difference. I'd take the worst speaker on your list (assuming we could actually figure out which one that is) with good setup over the best speaker simply dropped into your room.

neil.gader -- Fri, 05/05/2006 - 10:54

I've had a lot of experience with both of these speakers. they offer a slightly different menu of strengths. And few, very few weaknesses. Build quality is superior for both. The Revels probably have the edge in sheer output and ultimate low freq slam. While both speakers are exceedingly neutral in the mids the Dali Ribbon tweeter is a thing of silky beauty and especially sweet with symphonic music. The Dali's are a little less controlled in the bass and probably not as exteneded but a bit warmer than the more clincal Revels. The F52s also have convenient treble and bass contour controls for each speaker. These can be most helpful in some setups.

This is a touch choice-but no matter which one you choose at least you'll never feel as though you made a mistake!

Keep me posted,
Neil

Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound

Chris Martens -- Tue, 05/16/2006 - 14:45

I should probably point out that my TAS reviews covered the Usher CP-8571 IIs (not the CP-7351 IIs) and the Gallo Nucleus Reference 3s (not the new Reference 3.1s).

As you point out, I wrote favorable reviews of both speakers, and feel that both have the ability to surprise listeners with the performance capabilities they offer at their respective price points.

That said, it is important to keep in mind that, realistically, the Usher CP-8571 IIs (which sell for a bit over $7000/pair) fall in a different price/performance class than do the Gallo Nucleus Reference 3s or 3.1s (which sell for around $3000/pair).

Which is the better absolute performer? My nod would go to the admittedly more expensive Ushers. However, that does not change the fact that the Gallos sound great and offer exceptional value for money.

How different are the Gallo Reference 3.1s from the original 3s? I don't have enough experience with the 3.1s to say for sure, but I do know that Anthony Gallo perceives the change as a significant step forward.

Three points to keep in mind:

1) Both the Ushers and Gallos need plenty of break-in before they'll sound their best.

2) Both the Ushers and Gallos offer enough performance potential that, if possible, you should make an effort to hear them driven by very good (or even "top-shelf") source components and associated electronics. It's the only way to learn what these speakers can really do.

3) All the speakers on your short list have merit; there are no "bad options" or "wrong choices" in that group.

Keep us posted on how your decision-making process plays out.

Best,

Chris Martens
Audio Editor, [/i]The Perfect Vision
Senior Writer, The Absolute Sound

Chris Martens
Editor, Avguide.com/Playback/The Perfect Vision

LAC -- Sun, 05/21/2006 - 13:08

Thank you Chris.

In my initial posting to this forum, I did mistakenly list the Ushers I was considering as CP 7351 instead of the CP 8571 Dancer II which you reviewed. And from the reviews I've been reading recently, the Gallos Reference 3.1 are said to be a step up form the Reference 3.0.
So far, I have decided to rule out the Gallos because of the local dealer 's non-interest in securing a pair in for auditioning. I even contacted the Canadian distributer to no avail. This is in line with both Bruce's and TMartin's advice- if I can't even hear them before buying, I certainly couldn't expect much dealer support with after-purchase setup.
I appreciate yours ( and many other's) reassurance that all of my short list options are worthy pieces of equipment, presenting various strengths and that I couldn't go wrong in choosing any one of them. Neil Gader's timely piece in TAS June/July issue is also much appreciated.
Another development is Usher's recent introduction of the Beryllium Series of Dancers - the Be 10 & Be 20. Part of the CP 8571's success are the Beryllium tweeters - Usher say they have just "perfected" a mid-range Beryllium woofer which I'm told is absolutely "top-drawer" and "amazing". I'll be fortunate enough to be able to audition them while on a business trip to Taiwan in 10 days time. If you can buy there, it presents a serious price advantage, even when considering duty and taxes! This may well be the deciding factor.
All-in-all, this will have been a fascinating journey of discovery in itself, and since I seem to only do this every 20-30 years or so, I don't mind amortizing the cost over the long haul. Thanks for the advice. I'll certainly keep you posted.
LAC

Chris Martens -- Tue, 06/13/2006 - 13:33

Hello LAC,

I had a brief opportunity to audition Usher's new BE10s and BE20s, and while the session was too short to draw definitive conclusions, I came away very impressed. Here's why.

In my initial review of the CP 8571 MkII Dancers (which have the new Beryllium tweeters, but conventional mid-bass drivers), I noted an extremely subtle (as in "just barely audible to me") textural discontinuity between the tweeters and mid-bass drivers. In the BE10s and BE20s, that discontinuity--which was never very bothersome in the first place--is now completely gone, while midrange openness and articulacy are improved.

Do go hear the BE10 and/or BE20 for yourself. I think you'll appreciate what they do well.

saidentary -- Tue, 07/25/2006 - 11:34

If it's possible to audition them, then maybe also consider......
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