Journalist Steven Stone gave glowing reviews to both speakers just 1 year apart but did not do a comparison. Has anyone heard these speakers?
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I had the original (or maybe the v2 version — can’t remember) 1+1s in my system on demo and they were awful and were very compromised across several critical areas. I can’t speak to the latest version, but when I heard them they had rolled off treble, cloudy/congested mids, and limited dynamics. These were the same speakers Steve Stone reviewed and it was like he listened to completely different speakers. To double check I brought them over to a friend’s house and he and one of his friends thought the exact same thing I did, and he said they were the worst speakers he’s ever heard and we still joke about them to this day. This may explain why they’ve gone through so many versions to try to fix these things, but I seriously doubt they have and that the basic design just has severe limitations. Look at Joseph Audio, Fritz, Revival, Usher, Reference 3a, ProAc, MoFi, etc. as there are lots of great options in this price range that I’m sure stomp the 1+1s into the ground. I rarely speak negatively of any product, but these just earn it. |
Stone has since reviewed the V5 version quite recently which is the review I have referred to. The Audio Beatnik and Audio Analyst have also given the V5 rave reviews. The V5 is way more expensive than the earlier versions due to extensive improvements. I have back issues, so I'm limited to low weight speakers for my secondary system. |
I am going to have to agree with @soix on the Audience 1+1 (not sure which version), but I found them to be much as described. Veiled, dynamically limited, highs lacking. The Alta Audio Alyssas are substantially better, but they still have their problems. Mostly in an over bloated mid-bass. I have liked other Alta Audio speakers. |