Dr Cordesman: Temptation vs. Grand Ultimate

VT Skier -- Sat, 12/03/2011 - 14:38

I was wondering whether Dr. Cordesman believes that newer speakers, such as the Venture Grand Ultimates, have supplanted the best of the prior generation, such as the Dynaudio Temptation. I remember reading his review of the Temptations (the "unabashed love letter"), and thinking that speaker design probably couldn't get much better. But I wonder if the newer designs and advances in components and technology have resulted in speakers that far outdistance the old kings of the hill.

mribob -- Thu, 12/08/2011 - 23:41

I own the Venture Excellence III's; the Venture line prior model; and found it better than the MBL's 111 I sold to acquire them; and better than Magico and Wilson Sasha, and Revel Salon II's; all of which I auditioned extensively prior to pulling the trigger on the Ventures. I also have recently heard the new model line up of the Encore's, powered by Hegel H-30 amp running in stereo; with a Weiss dac 202, and cables by FMS. This was by far and away the best room I've ever heard; and made me envious; even though I own a pair of Venture's. The new caps, crossovers, and full array of abaca drivers really enhanced the natural Venture sound; and moved me like no other system I've heard. If I had the money; I would trade up in a heartbeat. The Encore's are the smallest speaker in the new line; with only 2 7" base drivers, one 5" midrange; and 2" tweeter. They went lower in base than my prior MBL 111's which had a pair of 10" woofers; and the sound stage, imaging, PRAT, richness and sonic density evoked an emotional response in me that no other component set has done.
So yes; I think the new Venture's are unique in their construction and selection of components and drivers and deserve a serious listen, even if they don't advertise as extensively as Wilson, Magico, etc. Each person has a 'sweet spot' for a certain type of sound, or sonic presence; and others may not share my opinion, and the room and all treatments play are role; but these in my opinion are the real deal, and provide me fantastic enjoyment and listening pleasure with no faults or fatigue. Try; and let me know after an audition if you share my views.

mribob

VT Skier -- Fri, 12/09/2011 - 14:11

Thank you for the comments. I'm really curious as to what a reviewers think of the best of the "newer" sound (e.g. Magico, YG, etc.) as compared to the best of the older sound. Have speakers really gotten that much better or is this incremental progress?