Cain Abby vs Reference 3a De Capo i

I think the single-driver + supertweeter is the key to ultimate greatness. Properly executed, single drivers have very little holding them back, plus they allow superior but lower powered amps. Throw in a pair of subs and you lack for nothing, plus all the special things that multi-driver/crossover arrays will not touch.

If you're curious about the Fostex line, another way to check out the hi-eff sound is build some. A pair of 167's or 206's will put you out about $170, build some boxes, give them a nice massage, and they really work a treat. I built some and they've taken me on one wild ride!

The disagreement between Gliderguider and Gmood1 is almost entirely a matter of taste. If you're looking for utmost extension at either end, the Abbys ain't gonna get it. If you like to rock and play it loud, it's no contest.

For transient response and "live" mids though, nothing but Nothing can beat a single driver. They have their limitations and quirks, and for me it's a no-brainer. Give me the Abby any day.

Speaking of speakers, Srajan has bought a pair of my favorite speakers and will be reviewing them soon. He's gonna review them with my (and Gmoon1's) favorite amp if he can. Can you say "ultimate fidelity"? Can you say $3,300 for amp and speakers? How about "Conduit to the recording"? Srajan will be saying all these things, and not too long from now. You may not believe me, but you might believe him.

My taste and your taste and the dude around the way's taste are not far from obsolete. These preferences, I believe, are personal variations of which compromises are acceptable to each of us. There is a grand paradigm shift brewing as I write this which will whisk us all away to a new and amazing place where compromises become minisule. I seen it and it good. Very good.