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Review 2 of 21
Price Paid:
$1200.00
from Armstrong Hifi (no l Summary:
Let me begin by saying that, whilst I have classified myself here as an audiophile, I would like to qualify that with an "entry level" tag. My current system consists of the following:
Marantz CD17 KI Signature series
Rotel RB985BX Integrated Amp (100W/ch)
Denon TU260l Tuner
Cable Talk Talk3.1 speaker cable
Neotech interconnects
Whilst my budget has increased since buying the Lyrix, I would still love to have many thousands more than I do for my hobby. Having said that, it is only after eight years of listening enjoyment that I am seeking an upgrade for these sensational speakers. I auditioned a number of speakers before deciding on the Krix, both stand-mounters and floorstanders, up to a maximum of AU$2700.00 at the time. I have since listened to a number of other upgrade possibilities up to the $5K mark that have left me wondering whether I need an upgrade at all.
The first thing that you will notice about the Krix is there full sound. They are not bright or tizzy when partnered correctly. The bass is substantial and has been described by one professional reviewer as prodigious. This is a sound not loved by all but liked by many, and fans of rock or dance will appreciate the engaging sound of the Lyrix, particularly those who are venturing into hifi from shelf systems. The bass is not loose or wooly, but is detailed, taut and well controlled right down into the lower frequencies.
Their mid range can be overshadowed by this bass if not positioned correctly, however after some playing around with distances from walls and toe-in this problem disappears and the scale of their musicality becomes evident. I have had these speakers in four different houses and have always been able to find a good setup after some manipulation of their position, even if they sounded best in a larger room. The amount of midrange and treble available will not be sufficient for some classical buffs, but will have most listeners of pop and rock turning up the volume and listening for long hours. Treble delivery is clean and clear and guitars come through brilliantly in the mid range. I have only experienced listener fatigue when playing really bright recordings for a long time at the type of volumes that will get your neighbours bashing on your door.
As female vocals can be difficult to faithfully reproduce, take along some of your favourites (always important when selecting hifi equipment) when listening to the Lyrix and discover some tones and timbres in music and vocals you may not have heard before. Delivery is spine-tinglingly realistic and with good recordings you can hear the breathing of the singer between lines.
As I have noted below, the Lyrix like to be driven. This does not mean that a modest amplifier of around 30 to 40 watts will be insufficient, just that you will be able to upgrade amps before upgrading speakers. They are in fact quite efficient, rated at 92dB/1W/1m sensitivity, but the 4ohm load will leave inferior amps running out of breath at higher volumes. My previous amp was a Rotel RA960 (60W/ch) which I had hooked up again recently and it still did a superb job. These speakers have great amounts of detail even at low listening volumes. All the same, I was still glad to get my 100 watter back for that increase in soundstaging dimension and the lushness of the lower end of the spectrum that more power can offer these speakers.
In conclusion, I would reccommend anyone who is in the market for some good all-rounders to grab some CD's and go for a listen. Even if the modest price (by audiophile standards) is a little more than you want to spend, save up a bit longer. As mentioned, they will sustain a sizeable amp upgrade from entry level, and when you divide the cost over the time they will serve you they are excellent value for money. Australian residents will have to spend double (or maybe more) to find a European or American speaker capable of this level of musicality. Strengths:
Rich,warm sound with excellent bass extension and control. Soundstaging demonstrates great depth and height. Will take you from entry level to well beyond. In a good room with your eyes closed it is easy to beleive you "are there" and at this price that is hard to find. Weaknesses:
These are minor but worth noting: they require careful positioning for best results and rear bass port means they like some space; 4ohm load needs consideration with amplifier choice -they like a good serve of power to perform at their absolute best. You may upset your neighbours also.
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