Esoteric MG-10 vs Volent VL-2 vs A. Zen Adagio Jr


I'm going to be getting an Esoteric AI-10 integrated amp for my small office, and using its built in DAC to run lossless music from my Mac. I'm considering the above speakers and wondered if anyone has heard any of them in a similar system. I listen to classical music and hard rock. I know Absolute Sound gave the Volents a great review, but then you hear from others not to trust the reviewers! It's hard to get a chance to actually hear these models in person, so any input or advice would be much appreciated.
liszt458

Showing 2 responses by jmbatkh

I use VL-2s in my 10x12 office, in the near field, about 5 feet away.
In that room setting the sound is heavenly. Detail, soundstage, transparency and musical rightness is astonishing.
They are never harsh or unnatural. I have stuffed the ports with foam to reduce the bass, which is too powerful otherwise.
I'm using them in my bigger room now, waiting for my new lkarger speakers to arrive, and they are wonderful there, but the image size is much smaller than in the nearfield.
BTW, in my office I use a modded Chinese DAC fed by a Sony 999 transport. I use Goertz cabling and a Red Wine Audio 30 battery powered amp. Nice sounding gear, not as good as what you have cued up. I would guess they will be even more amazing with your gear.