dude9091

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Wow... truly amazing. Only word to explain these speakers. The instant impact of these speakers was truly stunning. Previously I had owned the Paradigm 11Se mk3's, Vandy 2c's, Energy RC 70's, PSB 60T's, Mission 763's, and a slew of others, too many to count. I've come across the famous 803 series from B&W or the silver stratus and stratus Gold from PSB. I've listened to the Martin Logans, the Paradigm studio 100 series... you get the picture. I have simply named these speakers as a reference in hopes that my high praise for the 1.8's might show, to each and every person who auditions and purchasees a set of these, how impressive these speakers truly are. You can instantly tell concerning the million dollar tweeter in these suckers or the smooth as silk mids. But it really is the bass, soundstage and "mmpphhhh" that stunned me about these puppies. So much so that I have proclaimed to my wife that these are my holy grail of speakers, I have made a commitment to never sell these for as long as I own audio equipment. I stand by that, and will to the end.
There is not a better speaker under $5000...PERIOD.
Honestly, for those who have the oppurtunity to find a poor sap willing to let these go, jump on them and don't look back. I've made good and bad decisions with audio gear, but with these, these are my best decision yet. They will become your standard of great speakers in every aspect, for the rest of your listening enjoyment.

Price Paid:  $1450.00 from E-Bay

Summary:
The only descriptive word I can come up with is wonderful. Bass is tight and unbelievable, I don't even have to use my dual Energy 10" subs (currently unplugged). The highs and mids are better than anything I've heard at any where near this price range ($4000.00). Specs are 32Hz to 33kHz which is conserative as they go much, much lower. A great pair for SACD in stereo and multi-channel if you use the Veritas center (V2.0C) and surrounds/backs. Backs (V2.0R) can be used as mono-pole for SACD listening and truly mate well with the V1.8's as mains. I would reccomend checking out a used pair as prices have come down, what a deal I got on like new piano blk 1.8's.

Strengths:
Everything: Highs, mids, lows. Also, you can tri-wire if you like, or bi-amp/bi-wire. Furniture grade finish: beautiful.

Weaknesses:
None that I've found, unless too much bass maybe in small rooms.

Similar Products Used:
Listened to many in this $$ range.

Price Paid:  $1700.00 from Second Hand HIFI

Summary:
These speakers rank up there with the best. At the original retail $4300 (High Gloss Black), I would still consider these a good deal. Fortunately I paid far less than that and I am very pleased with their performance. These are a beautiful gloss black finish making them a real eye pleaser as well.

Strengths:
With a decent size room and a good power amp they can produce very tight and powerfull bass. The mids and voices are first class and the highs are smooth and detailed. Soundstage is impressive, especially if you are able to get them 7-9 ft. apart, and imaging ranks with the best in this price range.

Weaknesses:
None that I could think of.

Similar Products Used:
PSB Stratus Gold, Paradigm Studio Monitor,

Price Paid:  $1100.00 from eBay

Summary:
These speakers are IMHO truly wonderful sounding. Very musical, smooth, great dynamics and soundstaging, and plenty of details without being overly analytical. Just make sure to give them plenty of space from the rear (at least 36"), otherwise, the bass will be way too much and will overpower the mids and the highs. BTW, I listened to my friend's setup which consists of the $18K Avalon speakers, $10K Krell monoblocks, $5K Marantz SACD, $10K DAC which I forgot the name brand, and $10K speaker cables and interconnects. Except for the ability of this system to go very loud without falling apart and presenting a truly huge soundstage, I feel that my system held it's own pretty well. If you are looking to purchase speakers in the $1000-$4000 price range, make sure to at least try listening to these speakers. Right now, I'm using the Sony SCD-333ES SACD player, an Adcom GFP-750 preamp (very detailed and very tight bass lines), and a Parasound HCA-1500A power amp (the high damping factor provides very tight bass control). Interconnects are the Harmonic Tech silver coated copper cables and Tara Labs Prime-1000 for speaker cabling.

Strengths:
Dynamics, soundstaging, very transparent, excellent vocals and mids/highs, deep and punchy bass.

Weaknesses:
The bass could be a problem if they are not at least 36" from the rear or if used in very small rooms.

Similar Products Used:
Infinity Reference, Boston Acoustics, Paradigm Studio 100 v2, Energy C-8, Thiel CS2 2, B&W 801 Matrix S2, Hales Revelation 3.

Price Paid:  $2200.00 from Genesis Audio

Summary:
I have only had these speakers for a short time, but I can honestly say they are one of the best sounding full range floor model speakers I have heard for $2200(new)pr. B&W's were the only other speakers that even come close sound wise,But would definitely leave your wallet screaming a $8000 a pair.

Strengths:
Tons of Mid-range to fill in the that big gap that many high end speakers can't do.Awesome cabinetry well deserves a 5 star rating for the black laquer finish

Weaknesses:
Will definitely be your back after carring a pair up a flight of stairs. Not a light weight speakers by any means

Similar Products Used:
B&W SPEAKERS