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More Efficient Sound Labs on The Way?

My system consists of Thor Audio TPA-150 tubed monoblocks,
TP-2000 preamp with phono, Quad 988's, Audio Physics Minos
Subwoofer, Cary 306/200 as a transport with a Thor Audio tubed Dac, Scoutmaster table with a Clear Audio Discovery cartridge. Besides looking to upgrade my table I have
problems with my Quad 988's. The Quad gives a magical presentation of mids, but lacks as far as creating the illusion of a large orchestra, dynamic contrasts and deep
bass. I have looked into the Sound Labs the A1, $15,000.00
price range. At this point I feel that they require more power than I have to sound their best. But I have read that new models come with a new "core" which yields significant gains in sensitivity. I called Sound Labs and I was told on the phone that newer models will be more efficient. No more specific information was available. Does anybody know what the sensitivity ratings will be?
A differnece of 1-2db on sensitivity will make quite a difference. Does anybody know how I can learn what the new sensitivity figures are? In short how can I get accurate and reliable information?
kjl

Showing 1 response by albertporter

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albertporter
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I owned the new cores and estimate the efficiency gain was at least 6 DB. Soundlab is shooting for 9 DB and perhaps when completely broken in, they may well achieve that.

As for the A-1, it is no better performer than the M-1.

The A-1 costs more due to the premium wood clad trim and finish. If your aware of that and want the wood, then that's an excellent choice. If your looking for performance to dollar ratio, the M-1 is the value in Soundlabs line of speakers.

I owned the A-1 and later the U-1 (physically identical to the A-1 and M-1, except for the premium steel frame). The deep bass and impact is improved with the Ultimate, making it the flagship product.

Regardless of which Soundlab you choose, the performance is in another world beyond the Quad 988. I'm not just referring to bass performance which is the most obvious gain, but textures, soundstage, dynamics and bandwidth as well.
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