I just did exactly what you're demonstrating here. I went from my beautiful Snell E2 Floorstanders (1984) to a set of KLH 32 Bookshelf (1975) Both Made in Massachusetts, USA. Powered by a Marantz PM 8004. It took me several hours to love the KLH. Sometimes different is better. 2 totally different builds but very cool.
Just started watching your channel over the last month and think this is one of your most insightful presentations I've seen so far. Enjoy listening to your relaxed voice and just hanging out here.
I recently hooked up some pioneer project 100-A loudspeakers to my Kenwood KR-4600 , these speakers were purchased many years ago when I bought the receiver, i got so used to setting my receiver with the loudness switched on at high volume that i was missing good clarity tweet an midrange for years ,now with it off I am hearing old albums with new perspective brilliance an only use my loudness button for what it’s originally designed for which is super low volume only !!
Me also. I test with a variety trying to experience the entire range. So organ, classical and theater, along with softer and lighter like Linda Ronstadt and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra (1980’s vinyl).
I agree with you methodology. I will add though, the biggest mistake most make, is to audition Hifi using a good, dynamic recording. This means that you are inadvertently helping the system sound better than it perhaps is. Always test it with something that is not so well recorded, make the system work. Think about it, if it sounds good with something lousy, chances are it will sound pretty useful when you load it with something well recorded.
Thank you so much for these videos! it's exactly the vintage niche that i am looking for. I'm a hifi beginner (over the last few years), only been spending €20-100 on each component so far. I've had the Pioneer 740 running from my computer (without DAC) to wharfedale e.30s. The sound is quite boomy, not that much bass and is very tiring after about 30-60 mins. However, these bigger wharfedales are overall better than the mission 700 leading edges i had before, which were much less tiring, more accurate sound but just a lot less of it. I'm really looking for a 'musical, warm' sound as opposed to something clinically true to the source. Anyhow, I'm now actively trying to upgrade. First came a Lenco L75, which makes the wharfedales much more bearable but still lacks bass. The Pioneer is being replaced by a refurbished Quad 303 / 33 which I've heard could pair well with the wharfedales, but we shall see. I will also get a Khadas Tone Board soon. I'm also curious to see if some sort of DIY sound defusor/absorber combo will make a big difference the flat has thick concrete walls and ceiling and has quite an echo. My question is , what can you recommend in terms of speakers for the Quad? Or indeed something else I might be overlooking with the e.30s. I would prefer vintage ones in terms of aethetics , history , and cost but also want a set which can perform well in terms of listening to a wide range of music, from floyd over classical to house and techno. Size is also a big factor, i'd prefer not to go much over 30x30x60 as my room won't accomodate much bigger. I was sold on your endorsement of the monitor audio ma4 MII but hard to find here in Germany. I'd love to try the Wharfedale Dovedale 3 , or Kef Calinda perhaps. What are your thoughts?
Okay my friend I think what I will do is tell you what I know about the sound of the things you’re talking about so the WharfedaleE speakers are basically very bright the Pioneer amp as you have probably worked out just doesn’t sound good only early 70s Pioneer ramps sound good from what I can tell. Now the quad303 is a good classic camp the quad 33 preamp I don’t think sounds good I think it’s basically dull. Regarding speakers I would say yes to Kef but the calendars really don’t sound good . There is a kind of rule with lots of equipment which says pre-1975 good after 1975 getting bad so for Kef speakers. Maybe try Cadenza or concerto which are very big but very impressive the concerto particular . I’m not sure about Wharfedale Dove Dale basically Wharfedale speakers weren’t that well made and a lot of the time the tweeters don’t work or some part of them isn’t working good anymore. So if your room acoustically is hard and bright personally I wouldn’t try to add sound pads I would get a warm sound from my system do it that way The “303 is nice warm accurate amp you might also try Celestion Ditton 44 big speakers big sound warm sound great treble. Or Celestin Ditton 15 which are extremely common over here hopefully you can get them again warm sound nice treble. And just to add the Nad 3020 is a great little lamp if you can find one that is working and that has preamp power amp separation possible you could plug that into your 303 power amp that would be good very good probably. Best K
@@stereoreviewx great advice! Thank you, I'll keep looking on my second hand sites until something nice comes up. I'm still waiting on the DAC and the quad setup to come through, so once I've added those to the system I'll see how much longer I can live with the e. 30s. Maybe I'll get a sub to bring the bass up somewhat. Anyway, I really appreciate the information you've given me and generally the videos you're putting out, great stuff! Thanks.
In my own experience, far lower than yours, I reckon a week of comparison will do it. Changing back to the first amp/speakers/turntable or network player after a week and you’ll soon find which you prefer. I distrust shop listening completely and I distrust the recommendations of commercial magazines completely as well. I found right back in the early 1970s that my opinions were were worth more to me than any amount of magazine recommendations, though they do make a starting point. We’re so lucky nowadays to have a plethora of online videos to help you in the right direction.
Nice, I agree, you can't make up your mind quickly when comparing speakers, a person needs time and in fact if the speakers haven't been used for a while, then they need time to loosen up; anything mechanical, i.e. with moving parts needs a little time to stabilise before you start to compare. These two models are very different though, the Kef Coda to me always sounded unrefined, quite a crude presentation in comparison to the beautifully engineered LS3/5A. It's true though, the Kef was a more economical product whereas the LS3/5A was designed to deliver the best, most realistic presentation of voice, hence it's wonderful midrange qualities, and its ability to provide a wonderfully musical soundstage, with warmth and depth that gives a wealth of cues into the recording. Kelvin, I remember you mentioning in another video, that speakers they often delight, are ones that do some things superbly well, and don't try to do everything...otherwise they make a general mess of it usually, kind of Jack of of all trades, master of none situation. I think this is a wonderful observation and one that I also truly believe in. Need a pint and a long chat I think :)
Hi - thanks so much for all your vids, I've really been enjoying the knowledge but also your way of sharing. Maybe it's just seeing a fellow Londoner on the screen! Anyway I wondered if I could ask some advice. So I've been a busy person, not so tuned in I guess, but grabbed a NAD 3020i a few years ago and been listening with some Mission 701s. It has done its thing for a while but to deal with the bottom end I've recently added a Mission AS7 sub, which I think I have set up right and makes everything sound lovely and rich. But I'm now finding the overall sound, especially the mids to be very 'forward', round but quite intrusive I guess. It sounds great with a lot of electronic music, funk, etc., but as I say I'm finding it pretty intrusive. I'm thinking of getting some bigger speakers, then replacing the amp when I've got a lump of cash. I just wondered what your thoughts were? Thinking about a pair of Leak Sandwich 300s... I also see you haven't done any videos on subs as far as I can see....
Excellent Point I don't agree with quick A/B testing. set them up move them around and listen for a week or so then go back to your own stuff. then you will have noticeable differences to work with.
New to your channel and enjoy your presentation style but Im a little bewildered today, are you saying that I should just buy expensive speakers even though some less expensive ones sound better to me?
Hi I have a question about rogers ls3/5a 15ohm speakers you said should be added subwoofer for better basses right so I wondering to know how much power amplifier should be used for. I have sansui 7070 ,9090db, harman kardon 730,Nad2155 power amplifier, sansui 6060 and pioneer sx-1500td + pioneer hpm 60 and 40 I looking for best setup please recommend to best setup. Thx
Do you think putting Rogers LS 3/5a crossovers in the Kodas are gonna make them sound better...like close to the Rogers sound? Or do you think its detrimental/not gonna do much?
This is why I never understood people buying subs to run small speakers in medium or big rooms your just smothering what and how that engineer wanted that speaker to sound like just buy the right size speaker for the right size room that's why you have different size speakers you wouldn't put a large speaker in a small room
Наука
Please keep your channel going. Straight forward non biased advice and experience. Modern v vintage speaker video was invaluable
I just did exactly what you're demonstrating here.
I went from my beautiful Snell E2 Floorstanders (1984) to a set of KLH 32 Bookshelf (1975) Both Made in Massachusetts, USA. Powered by a Marantz PM 8004. It took me several hours to love the KLH. Sometimes different is better. 2 totally different builds but very cool.
Just started watching your channel over the last month and think this is one of your most insightful presentations I've seen so far. Enjoy listening to your relaxed voice and just hanging out here.
I recently hooked up some pioneer project 100-A loudspeakers to my Kenwood KR-4600 , these speakers were purchased many years ago when I bought the receiver, i got so used to setting my receiver with the loudness switched on at high volume that i was missing good clarity tweet an midrange for years ,now with it off I am hearing old albums with new perspective brilliance an only use my loudness button for what it’s originally designed for which is super low volume only !!
Dis fella on the ball. No waffle no bullshit. Big up d man for his honest review.
Love your videos, cheers from Houston, TX
Awesome! Thank you!
Organ music for me. Those low end bass notes shake the soul:)
Me also. I test with a variety trying to experience the entire range. So organ, classical and theater, along with softer and lighter like Linda Ronstadt and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra (1980’s vinyl).
I agree with you methodology. I will add though, the biggest mistake most make, is to audition Hifi using a good, dynamic recording. This means that you are inadvertently helping the system sound better than it perhaps is. Always test it with something that is not so well recorded, make the system work. Think about it, if it sounds good with something lousy, chances are it will sound pretty useful when you load it with something well recorded.
Yes agreed K
Nice talk and important views on things that matter... Out of experience. Keep up the good work!
Classic Death Metal....
The ultimate speaker test....🤘✌️
Thank you so much for these videos! it's exactly the vintage niche that i am looking for. I'm a hifi beginner (over the last few years), only been spending €20-100 on each component so far. I've had the Pioneer 740 running from my computer (without DAC) to wharfedale e.30s. The sound is quite boomy, not that much bass and is very tiring after about 30-60 mins. However, these bigger wharfedales are overall better than the mission 700 leading edges i had before, which were much less tiring, more accurate sound but just a lot less of it. I'm really looking for a 'musical, warm' sound as opposed to something clinically true to the source.
Anyhow, I'm now actively trying to upgrade. First came a Lenco L75, which makes the wharfedales much more bearable but still lacks bass. The Pioneer is being replaced by a refurbished Quad 303 / 33 which I've heard could pair well with the wharfedales, but we shall see. I will also get a Khadas Tone Board soon. I'm also curious to see if some sort of DIY sound defusor/absorber combo will make a big difference the flat has thick concrete walls and ceiling and has quite an echo.
My question is , what can you recommend in terms of speakers for the Quad? Or indeed something else I might be overlooking with the e.30s. I would prefer vintage ones in terms of aethetics , history , and cost but also want a set which can perform well in terms of listening to a wide range of music, from floyd over classical to house and techno. Size is also a big factor, i'd prefer not to go much over 30x30x60 as my room won't accomodate much bigger. I was sold on your endorsement of the monitor audio ma4 MII but hard to find here in Germany. I'd love to try the Wharfedale Dovedale 3 , or Kef Calinda perhaps. What are your thoughts?
Okay my friend I think what I will do is tell you what I know about the sound of the things you’re talking about so the WharfedaleE speakers are basically very bright the Pioneer amp as you have probably worked out just doesn’t sound good only early 70s Pioneer ramps sound good from what I can tell.
Now the quad303 is a good classic camp the quad 33 preamp I don’t think sounds good I think it’s basically dull.
Regarding speakers I would say yes to Kef but the calendars really don’t sound good .
There is a kind of rule with lots of equipment which says pre-1975 good after 1975 getting bad so for Kef speakers.
Maybe try Cadenza or concerto which are very big but very impressive the concerto particular .
I’m not sure about Wharfedale Dove Dale basically Wharfedale speakers weren’t that well made and a lot of the time the tweeters don’t work or some part of them isn’t working good anymore.
So if your room acoustically is hard and bright personally I wouldn’t try to add sound pads I would get a warm sound from my system do it that way
The “303 is nice warm accurate amp you might also try Celestion Ditton 44 big speakers big sound warm sound great treble.
Or Celestin Ditton 15 which are extremely common over here hopefully you can get them again warm sound nice treble.
And just to add the Nad 3020 is a great little lamp if you can find one that is working and that has preamp power amp separation possible you could plug that into your 303 power amp that would be good very good probably.
Best K
@@stereoreviewx great advice! Thank you, I'll keep looking on my second hand sites until something nice comes up. I'm still waiting on the DAC and the quad setup to come through, so once I've added those to the system I'll see how much longer I can live with the e. 30s. Maybe I'll get a sub to bring the bass up somewhat. Anyway, I really appreciate the information you've given me and generally the videos you're putting out, great stuff! Thanks.
In my own experience, far lower than yours, I reckon a week of comparison will do it. Changing back to the first amp/speakers/turntable or network player after a week and you’ll soon find which you prefer. I distrust shop listening completely and I distrust the recommendations of commercial magazines completely as well. I found right back in the early 1970s that my opinions were were worth more to me than any amount of magazine recommendations, though they do make a starting point. We’re so lucky nowadays to have a plethora of online videos to help you in the right direction.
Nice, I agree, you can't make up your mind quickly when comparing speakers, a person needs time and in fact if the speakers haven't been used for a while, then they need time to loosen up; anything mechanical, i.e. with moving parts needs a little time to stabilise before you start to compare. These two models are very different though, the Kef Coda to me always sounded unrefined, quite a crude presentation in comparison to the beautifully engineered LS3/5A. It's true though, the Kef was a more economical product whereas the LS3/5A was designed to deliver the best, most realistic presentation of voice, hence it's wonderful midrange qualities, and its ability to provide a wonderfully musical soundstage, with warmth and depth that gives a wealth of cues into the recording. Kelvin, I remember you mentioning in another video, that speakers they often delight, are ones that do some things superbly well, and don't try to do everything...otherwise they make a general mess of it usually, kind of Jack of of all trades, master of none situation. I think this is a wonderful observation and one that I also truly believe in. Need a pint and a long chat I think :)
Hi - thanks so much for all your vids, I've really been enjoying the knowledge but also your way of sharing. Maybe it's just seeing a fellow Londoner on the screen! Anyway I wondered if I could ask some advice. So I've been a busy person, not so tuned in I guess, but grabbed a NAD 3020i a few years ago and been listening with some Mission 701s. It has done its thing for a while but to deal with the bottom end I've recently added a Mission AS7 sub, which I think I have set up right and makes everything sound lovely and rich. But I'm now finding the overall sound, especially the mids to be very 'forward', round but quite intrusive I guess. It sounds great with a lot of electronic music, funk, etc., but as I say I'm finding it pretty intrusive. I'm thinking of getting some bigger speakers, then replacing the amp when I've got a lump of cash. I just wondered what your thoughts were? Thinking about a pair of Leak Sandwich 300s... I also see you haven't done any videos on subs as far as I can see....
Maybe to add that the music you are testing the equipment with is desirable to know well. Cheers!
Wow, so clear. Hello from Québec.
Vive la Quebec liiibre!!!
Excellent Point I don't agree with quick A/B testing. set them up move them around and listen for a week or so then go back to your own stuff. then you will have noticeable differences to work with.
I almost agree with you but for me using my Marantz 2230 as a pre and a Quad 405 II as the power works better with my speakers.
Yes If the combination works it works.
wow nice white bellies ls35a's u got there happy new year
New to your channel and enjoy your presentation style but Im a little bewildered today, are you saying that I should just buy expensive speakers even though some less expensive ones sound better to me?
No definitely not if you like it you’re enjoying it that’s it job done
Hi I have a question about rogers ls3/5a 15ohm speakers you said should be added subwoofer for better basses right so I wondering to know how much power amplifier should be used for. I have sansui 7070 ,9090db, harman kardon 730,Nad2155 power amplifier, sansui 6060 and pioneer sx-1500td + pioneer hpm 60 and 40 I looking for best setup please recommend to best setup. Thx
Do you think putting Rogers LS 3/5a crossovers in the Kodas are gonna make them sound better...like close to the Rogers sound?
Or do you think its detrimental/not gonna do much?
Please don't do it.
Can you review the Kef reference 101 vs LS3/5a?
Well I really want to
@@stereoreviewx I think you might end up getting ride of the LS3/5a's ;-)
This is why I never understood people buying subs to run small speakers in medium or big rooms your just smothering what and how that engineer wanted that speaker to sound like just buy the right size speaker for the right size room that's why you have different size speakers you wouldn't put a large speaker in a small room
How to test your HiFi???? L I S T E N !
Pardon