Caliper Signature vs Duetta Signature?

Thanks everyone,

Dave - The room is quite huge (25'X30 with ceilings vaulted from 9'-16'). My guess is that Duettas or even Divas would probably be more appropriate.

Out of curiosity, how do you like the Centaurs? I owned a pair for about 3 hours. I found that the ribbon and 6" woofer did not integrate well at all. They also seemed rather dull and lifeless. I was using a Forte Model 4 (50wpc pure class A) to drive them in a very small room (11X13), so I don't think that amplification was a problem. I then bought a pair of MMGs and they worked terrific. Was I doing something wrong?

Sogood51 - Thanks for your very thorough and thoughful response. You were dead right about the Apogee "sound".

I just picked up a pair of Calipers (non-signature) and HOLY CRAP, they sound good! As I mentioned, my room is quite large, but the amount of FULL RANGE sound coming out of these panels is nothing short of amazing.

Previously, I was using a pair of Acoustat 1+1s which were truly outstanding in their own right, but these Apogees are really something special. I've also owned Magnepan 1.6QRs and, while I'd still give them the nod in overall cohesiveness and transparency, the Apogees seem more dynamic and certainly dig deeper than any panel I've ever heard.

I listened to Lyle Lovett's "Road to Ensanada" and on the title track, there's a 5-string bass playing an "open B" (lowest string on a bass is usually E which I believe translates to 41hz? - someone correct me if I'm wrong - A 5-string bass adds almost another half-octave to the lower register so low B equals almost exactly 30hz).

On many speakers...like the Acoustats...this is totally inaudible. To give a point of reference, I also had a pair of Vandersteen 2CEs in the same room. Vandersteens are famous for their full range and they had a hard time with this track. The Vandies could produce the note, but it was shelved down several dbs. Consequently, they could not pressurize the room where you actually felt air move.

I can't begin to imagine what the larger Apogees are capable of. The Divas must be quite spectacular!

My only gripe(s) is that the midrange still seems a little "thick" compared to Magnepan 1.6s and the highs are a tad rolled off. But what they do, they do extremely well. My other complaint is that they're not exactly kid-friendly - or wife-friendly for that matter.

Anyway - thanks again for the assistance.

Thanks Dave,

Well...Unfortunately, the Apogees are on the proverbial auction block. Unfortunately, they're not the most kid-friendly speakers in the world (as I mentioned before) and to keep the peace, I've decided to move along.

I just purchased a pair of ML CLSIIzs. I know they're not at all the same speaker, but the one thing that they share in common is the 3D soundstaging. The nice thing about the CLSs is that that they're pretty well protected and reasonably stable.

Don't get me wrong, my kids are extremely respectful and well-behaved, I just don't want to take any chances. It's not worth it.

That amp looks pretty slick. Maybe it'd be a nice match with the CLSs. I was thinking about picking up a BelCanto or Spectron. What's the price point on these?

Thanks!!

-Dan

Thanks guys,

I am bi-wiring them with an "internal bi-wire" pair of cables. I was told that it does make a big difference. The binding posts were also upgraded to all copper too.

All I know is that they sound amazing. Not the best I've ever heard, but certainly a very unique sound and extremely easy to listen to.

Somebody is going to be very happy to take these home, provided that their amp is up to the task. Did I mention that my Classe gets hot? Baby, does it get hot!