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Active speakers. What to choose?

Hello fellow audiogoners.
I have been given an opportunity to acquire these few active speakers at great prices. Three pairs of different speakers that only vary a couple of thousand dollars between each other.
First there's the Pass Labs Rushmore brand new in box.
Then there's the Linn Klimax 350A store demos.
And the ATC Anniversary 50s store demos.
Obviously the first two pairs of speakers listed have a distinct edge over the ATC in terms of bargain pricing. But which one should I choose? They are all so alike in terms of their product philosophy, being very dynamic, low distortion and accurate.
I am building a system from scratch so system synergy is a non issue.
Your inputs will be great appreciated!
Cheers
Alexander
wonderful_electric

Showing 2 responses by semi

semi
649 posts
 
I did have a chance to hear the Rushmore in a very large room, at least 20x25. I was offered a good price, but I walked away because I simply did not hear one thing I like. Muddy bass and lacking detail. It could be the room, but I did move around the room enough as well as move the speakers to see if room node was clouding up the sound. Tonal balance did not change, it was warm, dark, and muddy.

In the same room, same setup, we switched to Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario. Viola, music was back and toes were tapping.

Probably easy to guess, I did not buy the Rushmore. I spoke to Pass extensively before auditioning the speakers, they honestly told me they have sold very few pairs especially in US. Total made were either 100 or 200 pairs worldwide and mostly sold outside US.
semi
649 posts
 
I have not heard the ATC dome, but I did own Dynaudio Confidence 5 for years which employed their best 2" midrange dome.

Midrange was incredible, very life like and detail. micro dynamic was superb. what I didn't like was image lack density and focus. could be the speaker box design, could be the flat face of dome midrange. I would image ATC horn like surround would improve both efficiency and image focus, but that's pure speculation.

I have heard lesser midrange domes, they just don't sound as convincing as Dynaudio Esotar midrange dome.
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