Stand Loudspeaker Reviews

"Although the tweeter's output leads that of the woofer, their outputs meld relatively well, even if this graph does suggest that the optimal blend occurs just below the tweeter axis."

From the graph, how do you determine that the optimal blend is just below the tweeter axis? Thanks!

Axiom05 wrote:

From the graph, how do you determine that the optimal blend is just below the tweeter axis?

That very slight discontinuity in the step response just below the time axis at approximately 3.8ms suggests that the woofer's output needs to be moved forward in time a little. This could be achieved by moving the listener's ears down or the speakers up an inch or so.

John Atkinson
Editor, Stereophile

I see that this same discontinuity is seen between the tweeter and the midrange of the B&W 800 Diamond and the 802 D3. This is consistent with the fact that the intended listening axis is just below the tweeter axis and why these speakers usually need a little forward tilt to sound best.

those are some unusually dimensioned rooms... your building must be very very old.

From page 3 at http://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/upload/files/manual/20150817100845_23.pdf :

Quad crossover networks separate the treble and bass networks into two distinct sections, each connected by a dedicated pair of terminal posts. The enables the treble and bass components to be separately driven for optimum performance.

Seems to be an awesome little speaker for $999. I like the way many more manufacturers are using ribbon or AMT type tweeters these days. And, the IAG family of companies is really making some great affordable stuff, another example being the Diamond series from Wharfedale. I have the older Diamond 9.1s, and they sound great. And you gotta love a reviewer who uses Chet for some of his test discs. Great Taste!

http://mofidistribution.com/dealers/

I have pair of slightly cheaper Quad S-1's and I drive them with a Quad VA-One. One gnarly combo, warmly recommended.

There are so many of these around at all sorts of prices that the speaker industry will soon be able to offer every hifi enthusiast in the world a different one.

"Both recordings presented nonfussy senses of immediacy and intimacy."

Senses? Excuse me, but hearing and sight would be two different *senses.* But since the immediacy and intimacy you speak of both came to you via your hearing, why not write, as everyone else does, "a wonderful sense of immediacy and intimacy." Forest here, not trees.

These speakers look yummy as hell, yet after reading your review, I don't know if those are for me
I produce Jamaican music with Sly & Robbie, one of the world's HEAVIEST rhythm sections, and love to listen to Reggae, Dancehall Hip Hop and Funk.
All these musics are bass and drum-heavy and the music you use to evaluate the speakers is not.
So do you think you could pop a record like DUBRISING by Sly & Robbie and crank it all the way to 11 and report back to me with your impression on how these speakers behaved when subjected to real drum and bass and heavy beats.
Thanks

Which integrated would you pair with these?
Quads own? or the Sphinx?

I just ordered a pair of Quad S2 speakers, do you think that pairing them with a NAD 3020 will have favourable results?