Wanted - Celestion A-series tweeters
Discussion
legzr1 said:
I'll be keeping them until they die (already sourced some replacement Uni-Q upper mid/treble units from Kef themselves but stock is running low and £170 a pop - £340 a pair..).
In that case this might be of interest if you hadn't already spotted:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KEF-Reference-Model-Four...
Hadn't spotted that so thanks!
No way would I be able to sneak that in as a centre speaker but I've sent the seller a message as I'd be interested In all the drivers - unfortunately the Uni-Q drivers should really be bought in matched pairs but there's a chance (1 in 3) of a match ( they can vary in output by 1.5db which is noticeable apparently).
The reference range were the last of the R. Cooke speakers and are the ones I love the sound of ( had 3.2's previously and still got a ref 200 centre channel) - they have a more 'modern' sound than the older 105 and 107's and I much prefer them to the later 205 and 207's ( although the current .2 range are supposed to be far better -never heard them) introduced after the Chinese takeover.
Overall I found the A3's closer to the 800-series sound with the Kef's giving a warmer presentation (but capable of scary 'snap' and dynamics when required).
All very good speakers with different flavours - the matching electronics would probably be the deciding factor.
Although quite rare on the used market it's worth tracking down a listen of the Ruark Solstice too (another large, heavy multi-driver floor stander with excellent drive units and lovely sound).
Again, thanks for the heads-up.
Legz.
No way would I be able to sneak that in as a centre speaker but I've sent the seller a message as I'd be interested In all the drivers - unfortunately the Uni-Q drivers should really be bought in matched pairs but there's a chance (1 in 3) of a match ( they can vary in output by 1.5db which is noticeable apparently).
The reference range were the last of the R. Cooke speakers and are the ones I love the sound of ( had 3.2's previously and still got a ref 200 centre channel) - they have a more 'modern' sound than the older 105 and 107's and I much prefer them to the later 205 and 207's ( although the current .2 range are supposed to be far better -never heard them) introduced after the Chinese takeover.
Overall I found the A3's closer to the 800-series sound with the Kef's giving a warmer presentation (but capable of scary 'snap' and dynamics when required).
All very good speakers with different flavours - the matching electronics would probably be the deciding factor.
Although quite rare on the used market it's worth tracking down a listen of the Ruark Solstice too (another large, heavy multi-driver floor stander with excellent drive units and lovely sound).
Again, thanks for the heads-up.
Legz.
legzr1 said:
Hadn't spotted that so thanks!
Although quite rare on the used market it's worth tracking down a listen of the Ruark Solstice too (another large, heavy multi-driver floor stander with excellent drive units and lovely sound).
Legz.
We obviously have similar tastes! I almost pulled the trigger on some Solstice's on eBay about a month or so back (they were local to me in MK) - never heard a pair but have been trying to track down a pair of the larger excaliburs for a coulpe of years after hearing them in a demo about 15 years ago - absolutely superb. I love the Ruark sound and have a pair of Crusaders in the back room.Although quite rare on the used market it's worth tracking down a listen of the Ruark Solstice too (another large, heavy multi-driver floor stander with excellent drive units and lovely sound).
Legz.
I think all these larger designs require high quality amps to have enough grip to control the bottom end and stop the top-end becoming too hard. Meridian 557 with A3 is a great combo as the 557 is very warm and dark sounding - sort of Arcam on steroids
- It's the 802's that i found much harder to tame the treble..................There's just something 'right' about dome midrange units especially in the large Ruarks.
One of my regrets is not sticking with the convoluted sale of those Solstice some time ago - the deal was on/off for weeks while the seller tried other speakers (he settled on 802D's in the end) .
I got fed up and spent money elsewhere - out of the blue comes an email saying definitely for sale and a few hundred quid less than I was expecting - too late
Thanks again for the eBay link - been in communication with the seller for a few days, agreed a price after he told me about time wasters and I rearranged work and child care to make the trip to pick it up tomorrow morning.
Tonight I get a text saying an 'interested' buyer has topped my offer by £100 (£80 more than the buy it now price apparently) and I can still have it if I match the offer.
Perhaps I'm old but things were never like this 10 or 20 years ago - sure, go gazumping if it involves £70,000 and a detached house (but you'd still be an untrustworthy
) but for £100?
Leaves a very bitter taste but at least I got an apology eh?
To the OP, I waste time looking at hifi stuff quite a bit - if the tweeters ever pop up I'll update this thread.
One of my regrets is not sticking with the convoluted sale of those Solstice some time ago - the deal was on/off for weeks while the seller tried other speakers (he settled on 802D's in the end) .
I got fed up and spent money elsewhere - out of the blue comes an email saying definitely for sale and a few hundred quid less than I was expecting - too late
Thanks again for the eBay link - been in communication with the seller for a few days, agreed a price after he told me about time wasters and I rearranged work and child care to make the trip to pick it up tomorrow morning.
Tonight I get a text saying an 'interested' buyer has topped my offer by £100 (£80 more than the buy it now price apparently) and I can still have it if I match the offer.
Perhaps I'm old but things were never like this 10 or 20 years ago - sure, go gazumping if it involves £70,000 and a detached house (but you'd still be an untrustworthy
) but for £100?Leaves a very bitter taste but at least I got an apology eh?
To the OP, I waste time looking at hifi stuff quite a bit - if the tweeters ever pop up I'll update this thread.
Oh yes, Meridian 557 were on my radar a while back but I went for a MF 308 pre/power as they're easily integrated into a 5.1 system (dual inputs on the power amp fed from pre and processor) and they work very well with warmer Kefs - not sure how they'd gell with 802's though !!
I heard a Krell 2250 ( nowhere near their top models) driving 800N's in a dealers years ago and that is the sound I will have one day.
I heard a Krell 2250 ( nowhere near their top models) driving 800N's in a dealers years ago and that is the sound I will have one day.
legzr1 said:
Thanks again for the eBay link - been in communication with the seller for a few days, agreed a price after he told me about time wasters and I rearranged work and child care to make the trip to pick it up tomorrow morning.
Tonight I get a text saying an 'interested' buyer has topped my offer by £100 (£80 more than the buy it now price apparently) and I can still have it if I match the offer.
Perhaps I'm old but things were never like this 10 or 20 years ago - sure, go gazumping if it involves £70,000 and a detached house (but you'd still be an untrustworthy) but for £100?
Leaves a very bitter taste but at least I got an apology eh?
To the OP, I waste time looking at hifi stuff quite a bit - if the tweeters ever pop up I'll update this thread.
No worries. I almost ended up buying the 4.2's that were for sale but decided my wife would have my nuts! Tonight I get a text saying an 'interested' buyer has topped my offer by £100 (£80 more than the buy it now price apparently) and I can still have it if I match the offer.
Perhaps I'm old but things were never like this 10 or 20 years ago - sure, go gazumping if it involves £70,000 and a detached house (but you'd still be an untrustworthy
) but for £100?Leaves a very bitter taste but at least I got an apology eh?
To the OP, I waste time looking at hifi stuff quite a bit - if the tweeters ever pop up I'll update this thread.
Tell me about it! eBay seems to bring out the inner 'spin' in everyone.
Funk said:
I've been offered first refusal on a pair of A3s in cherry with the 3-bar tweeter. He wants a lot for them though... I'm also concerned from speaking to other A3 owners that my amp may not be up to the task for A3s.
Go for it! In good condition they're worth about £800. Just make sure the tweeters are in good nick.You'll love them - you'll need to a big room for the bass not to dominate and definitely need a good high current amp. I think Meridian 557 is a great match and you can bridge these into dual mono if/when funds allow for a second 557.
I've driven them with my Krell FPB600 but that's overkill even for the A3s.
Seriously, if A2's are pushing it the the 3's will be wasted if you can't give them some breathing space.
As for which amp to drive them - they deserve good (and powerful) amps and can show differences (perhaps getting a little unruly in the bass when volume increases) - however, the chap that bought my old pair demo'd them with his Marantz integrated amp with mix of music types and seemed thoroughly impressed so I suppose their high efficiency does help.
Stu, I played a little game to get the 4.2's through the door - I had 6ft tall ML's at the time and showed her images of the 4.2's and also some Dali electrostatics looking like some 70's Art Deco tower - "you choose - the coffins or the aged monoliths"
As for which amp to drive them - they deserve good (and powerful) amps and can show differences (perhaps getting a little unruly in the bass when volume increases) - however, the chap that bought my old pair demo'd them with his Marantz integrated amp with mix of music types and seemed thoroughly impressed so I suppose their high efficiency does help.
Stu, I played a little game to get the 4.2's through the door - I had 6ft tall ML's at the time and showed her images of the 4.2's and also some Dali electrostatics looking like some 70's Art Deco tower - "you choose - the coffins or the aged monoliths"
Funk said:
My room is 4m x 5m. I'll stick with the A2s...
Probably borderline at that size as long as you have enough room so that they can be at least 1m from any walls? What do you use to drive your A2's? Even my A1's came alive when fed by the Meridian 557 compared to the Alpha 10.
StuH said:
Funk said:
My room is 4m x 5m. I'll stick with the A2s...
Probably borderline at that size as long as you have enough room so that they can be at least 1m from any walls? What do you use to drive your A2's? Even my A1's came alive when fed by the Meridian 557 compared to the Alpha 10.
http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archive/amps/8-v...
legzr1 said:
Stu, I played a little game to get the 4.2's through the door - I had 6ft tall ML's at the time and showed her images of the 4.2's and also some Dali electrostatics looking like some 70's Art Deco tower - "you choose - the coffins or the aged monoliths"
Nice trick - My Mrs actually likes the 802's but definitely NOT a fan of the A3 'coffin' look you mention! I might have to take a picture as I currently have 2 sets of A3's, the 802's, Ruarks and SVS PC13 in the one room whilst the lounge is being decorated!!Funk said:
Cyrus 8vs2 which was bought as a stop-gap when I sold my Naim. It's so good it's never left - for a £900 amp it's remarkable.
http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archive/amps/8-v...
Nice amp - I had a Cyrus2/PSX back in the day, however in my experience I think your A2's would really benefit from something with a bit more grunt.http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archive/amps/8-v...
StuH said:
Funk said:
Cyrus 8vs2 which was bought as a stop-gap when I sold my Naim. It's so good it's never left - for a £900 amp it's remarkable.
http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archive/amps/8-v...
Nice amp - I had a Cyrus2/PSX back in the day, however in my experience I think your A2's would really benefit from something with a bit more grunt.http://www.cyrusaudio.com/product-archive/amps/8-v...
Given my recent realisation that my hearing's not what it once was, I think spending any more on hi-fi may be a moot point anyway.
Funk said:
Interesting... Worth bearing in mind I ran my A2s with a Naim 102/250/HiCAP2/NAPSC, a pretty serious wodge of amplification. I was surprised how much the Cyrus delivered in comparison (and its power output is about the same into 4 ohmns - rated at 110W). Unless the 102/250 was under-powered for the A2s in the first place (which I don't think it was)?
Given my recent realisation that my hearing's not what it once was, I think spending any more on hi-fi may be a moot point anyway.
Well I suppose deafness and high-end audio aren't an ideal match Given my recent realisation that my hearing's not what it once was, I think spending any more on hi-fi may be a moot point anyway.
I'm sure the A2's sound good with the Cyrus but I didn't realise how much they benefited from improving the amp. Huge increase in soundstage scale and imaging, much smoother treble and real bass grip and slam. I went from An Alpha 10 (170w into 4ohms) to the 557 (300w into 4 ohms) and then bridged 557's (900w into 4 ohms) and the improvement was massive. I'm not saying power is everything but the A's really seem to thrive on it.
StuH said:
Nice trick - My Mrs actually likes the 802's but definitely NOT a fan of the A3 'coffin' look you mention! I might have to take a picture as I currently have 2 sets of A3's, the 802's, Ruarks and SVS PC13 in the one room whilst the lounge is being decorated!!
Get the pics up. - My Mrs actually likes the 802's but definitely NOT a fan of the A3 'coffin' look you mention! I might have to take a picture as I currently have 2 sets of A3's, the 802's, Ruarks and SVS PC13 in the one room whilst the lounge is being decorated!!My trick with 802's would be to show her pics of the 801 then introduce the 'cheaper, slimmer and better model
(she's already seen the 801 and describes them as 'disgusting fat daleks ' so this might need some work...) I have a PC13U too! Unfortunately it's currently sitting next to one of the Kefs with a large hole where a bash plate amp once sat
Utterly gobsmacking when up and running (I use aa antimode with it for EQ) but those original Bash amps aren't the most reliable and the Canadian manufacturer no longer supplies the customised parts required for repair - it's currently at a local electronics place whilst they look for fixes.
In the meantime I'm considering simply fitting the newer DSP plate amp from the latter models - the driver and cylinder are exactly the same and the amp is a (relative) bargain at around £400 (as you know, you cou.d double that an add a zero if it came in a shiny box with a Krell or Boulder badge...).
One good thing about removing the amp - you get to see the real size of that driver!
It is immense!!
Funk, as I said earlier the A3's (and I guess the A2) work with lower powered amps.
The Marantz I mentioned was rated at some 45w (!!) but changing back to the MF showed real improvements when driven with something stable into low impedance loads.
legzr1 said:
Get the pics up.
My trick with 802's would be to show her pics of the 801 then introduce the 'cheaper, slimmer and better model (she's already seen the 801 and describes them as 'disgusting fat daleks ' so this might need some work...)
I have a PC13U too! Unfortunately it's currently sitting next to one of the Kefs with a large hole where a bash plate amp once sat
Utterly gobsmacking when up and running (I use aa antimode with it for EQ) but those original Bash amps aren't the most reliable and the Canadian manufacturer no longer supplies the customised parts required for repair - it's currently at a local electronics place whilst they look for fixes.
In the meantime I'm considering simply fitting the newer DSP plate amp from the latter models - the driver and cylinder are exactly the same and the amp is a (relative) bargain at around £400 (as you know, you cou.d double that an add a zero if it came in a shiny box with a Krell or Boulder badge...).
ok - i will!My trick with 802's would be to show her pics of the 801 then introduce the 'cheaper, slimmer and better model
(she's already seen the 801 and describes them as 'disgusting fat daleks ' so this might need some work...) I have a PC13U too! Unfortunately it's currently sitting next to one of the Kefs with a large hole where a bash plate amp once sat
Utterly gobsmacking when up and running (I use aa antimode with it for EQ) but those original Bash amps aren't the most reliable and the Canadian manufacturer no longer supplies the customised parts required for repair - it's currently at a local electronics place whilst they look for fixes.
In the meantime I'm considering simply fitting the newer DSP plate amp from the latter models - the driver and cylinder are exactly the same and the amp is a (relative) bargain at around £400 (as you know, you cou.d double that an add a zero if it came in a shiny box with a Krell or Boulder badge...).
I'm beginning to wonder if we weren't separated at birth - as seem to be bass heads with spookily similar kit
Mine is also a BASH version (second hand off of AV Forums) fingers crossed it won't expire on me. AND I also have an antimode dual core which I bought to deal with my "problem" square room.Gassing Station | Home Cinema & Hi-Fi | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff