Castle Pembroke opinions


Anyone have a Castle Pembroke? It seems to be one of those speakers like the spendor S3/5 or the spendor classic (e.g. S3/1P) series well designed for low power tube amps. I am thinking of using a Jolida 202A (40w/ch) with this floorstander. The Hi-Fi Choice review seems to praise it quite favorably. Any opinions?

Thanks,

Leonard
lennychen

Showing 2 responses by lennychen

I missed that new article in Hi-Fi Choice. From all the feedback on this thread, sounds like these are a nice pair of speakers for the Jolida, but unfortunately Jpstereo's comment (about not being a good choice for bass heavy rock music) sticks out for me as I do listen to a variety of things. Vertical Horizon, for example, is a favorite of mine and has a pretty strong bass line. The right speaker needs to be able to convey the rhythm.

A little background to this line of questioning... I've been through several speaker changes now, from the spendor S3/5 to the Monitor Audio Silver S6 to the Alon I Mk II. I didn't like the Alon's (didn't have enough power) and very much liked the S3/5 and S6s. Between these two, it's a trade off of fullness of bass (S6) vs. realistic midrange and tube magic (S3/5). I'm inclined to return to (as I am locked in with the dealer) either the S6 or S3/5. I am also considering the S3/5se or the new spendor S5e floorstander. The last one is the most expensive upgrade, and given the lack of information on it, I am not sure about making that leap.

So what I'm really asking about the Castles is: I'm looking for a speaker with some of the tube magic of the S3/5 and a fuller bottom end like the S6. Given this, which of the Castles would you choose? Conway, Pembroke, Stirling, Warwick, or Durham?

Thanks for all of your great feedback!

Leonard
Decided to stay with the Alon I Mk IIs (see system). As a used pair, these are a steal. At first I thought it sounded terrible, but that was because it was playing new equipment. Very neutral of the upstream signal and careful component and cable matching is essential. They have an openness that makes every speaker I've heard since then sound boxy. These speakers aren't designed to be played loud for parties. They're designed to be refined and play music as it was meant to be presented. Thanks for your suggestions and help all.