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LSA Signature 20?

I’m in the process of trying to assemble my first legit 2-channel hi fi system and am looking for a suitable pair of floorstanders.
My system thus far consists of an ARC LS-25 mk II linestage paired with a Legacy L200 high current amplifier (essentially a rebranded CODA Stage 3). The power amp makes 250/400wpc into 4/8ohm respectively. My source is going to be (for now) a Technics SL-1200 mk1 with an at-3600l cart. I still need to come up with a phono stage; I have my eye on an Acurus P10 available locally fairly cheap that will hopefully get me by until I can find an ARC unit that fits my budget.

I have a pair of Klipsch RF-5’s, but to be perfectly honest I really wasn’t a fan of their sound when I had them hooked up to my integrated amp. I’d always wondered what “shouty” meant when folks described speakers. The high end on the vocals, when I listened to Daft Punk’s “One More Time”, felt like someone was in my face with a bullhorn. Fatiguing? After 5min it felt like my ears had run a sonic marathon. I’ll admit it, I liked the smoothness in the mids, but that horn loaded tweeter just killed it for me. I previously owned a pair of PSB-500’s that I liked better than the Klipsch. Clear sparkly high range without being too bright, tight well controlled low end, but I kind of felt like the mids were... I mean they were present... but just somehow unengaging.

So recently I saw that the LSA-20’s are on sale. I’d actually read a Glowing review of the LSA-10 some time back, which had put the brand on my radar. I only managed to find a couple of reviews on the 20’s and not much in the way of user write-ups on the forums. I have to say I am highly intrigued by this speaker. One of the reviews stated that they have a similar sound to Harbeth. I was EXTREMELY impressed by the Harbeth 30.1’s (way outta my price range) that the gentleman from whom I purchased my linestage used to demo the unit.
I was really hoping that there might be some users on here who could give me some feedback on these speakers.
Thx for taking the time to read my post
rfnoise
8 responses Add your response
happyship
11 posts
 
Signatures are warm sounding speakers with detailed spacious highs and tight base. They don't need a sub for music. They are versatile theater speakers. Very inefficient and I would want a 300 watt amp.
I replaced B&W 1980 801s with these. My old speakers were acoustic suspension. Signatures are very revealing speakers.
Post removed 
rwallspuedu
1 posts
 
I've owned the LSA-20s for about 6 months and like them a lot. (Used Totems for years.) But I've found the amp you pair these speakers with makes a huge difference. I switched out my B&K ST-2140 for a new LSA Voyager 350 GaN (which probably can make any speaker system sound better) and the result was terrific, esp in the higher frequencies. More mellow/smooth. Very clear detailing. Even so, it's difficult for me to imagine a better speaker for the money than the LSA-20s. The only advice I might add is to compare the "Signature" with the "Standard," which costs about $1k more for a different tweeter. (Beautiful looking cabinets.) To my ear not convinced the tweeter makes a big difference when the Signature is paired with a good power amp. I like this GaN but a tube amp would probably also work well to soften the treble register. In any case, this is another product from Walter's shop that does what he always claims: produce great music at great value.
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
Thanx for your vote of confidence. I need to get over there and pull the trigger. Hopefully my room is big enough. Guess we’ll see.
soix
8,640 posts
 
I think you’ll be thrilled with the LSA-20 Sigs with your equipment — great choice IMHO.  If I’m wrong you can send them back, but I’d bet a lot of coin you won’t even consider that after hearing them.  Best of luck whatever you decide. 
rfnoise OP
153 posts
 
Soix-

This is pretty embarrassing, but that’s not exactly an easy question for me to answer... I’ve  not had the chance to hear a wide variety of speakers, and I’m the only person in my social group who seems to care about the quality of sound reproduction, which is kind of sad BC I’m fairly ignorant in my own right. Most of the vernacular used in reviews to describe sound is pretty esoteric to me.

Of the speakers I’ve heard, I liked the Harbeths the best. I liked KEF R3’s, although the sound was a little “small” if that makes any sense. Didn’t like the Klipsch, didn’t like Cerwin Vega AT-15. 
I want speakers that will sound good with a variety of types of music... I guess you could say I value coherence, neutrality, balance, and spatially “believable” imaging. Controlled low frequency response that isn’t necessarily overbearing. High end that can be extended without being in-your-face bright. I’m sorry... I feel like I’m just embarrassing myself here.

My budget was actually supposed to be $1000-$1500, but when I saw the LSA’s on sale brand new, I thought, “screw it, it’s not like I’m not going to make rent or anything.” Besides, I’m already $1500 over the budget I set for my amp and pre, lol.




soix
8,640 posts
 
What sound characteristics are most important to you, and what’s your budget?
tweak1
3,531 posts
 
Underwood HiFi speakers have gotten excellent reviews. You might ask Walter about the various products you're looking at, as well as cabling and interconnects

hth
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