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Review 2 of 35
Price Paid:
$750.00
from dealer Summary:
I always liked my friend's 1.1s. They always sounded much bigger than they actually are, not concedeing much in terms of low end punch. It is in the midrange however that it really shines. The 1.1s are part of a select classification of speakers I call "Pallettes". These are speakers so subjectively neutral that they really don't have a sound of their own. These "pallettes" are simply the base on which you can mix and match your desired color(ation)s to suit your taste.
I was looking for a pair of mini-monitors for use in the living room, where my wife likes to entertain. I knew she wanted a system that didn't have to play loud, would sound somewhat sweet and lush to set a warm and comfortable vibe, and would not be obtrusive.
I know what you're thinking, innately contours are not sweet and most definitely not lush. However, matched carefully they definitely can be. I partnered the contours with the Italian Audio Analog Paganini (sweet), an ARC LS16 tube pre (lush), and the coup de grace a pair of Pass Labs Aleph single ended monoblocks. (all cables Transparent MusicLink plus)
Sure the dynamics and frequency response couldn't compare to my big rig but they made up for it in terms of microdynamics and loads and loads of subtle texture and shading. I swear I was trying to read the latest issue of Maxim but could not even finish a pictorial spread because the music simply demanded all my attention.
In conclusion, the 1.1 will do what you ask of it and do it well. Wanna have a rock concert in your home? Slap on a high current amp and a velodyne. Want home theater? Add 2 more pairs. Want to enjoy? Sit down, shut your eyes and listen. Strengths:
Neutrality Weaknesses:
New generation Esotar2 tweeters on current models are even better. It's an ageing design. Similar Products Used:
B&W 302,601, cdm 1,cdm 2, Revel M20
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