Johnss: can you please elaborate on your findings on the Revel vs Snells you had (which models)? |
that is a tough call as others have noted. Even if you spend a ton of cash, it does not mean you will get the great imaging the Snells have. I used to have 2 pair. finally sold one pair when I moved, so had to go to a pair of monitors for home theater. Some of the Revel speakers may begin to approach the snell sound, but not sure they are quite as seamless top to bottom. |
Not familiar with any of these, but what it sounds like to me is that you are happy with the way they sound and based on my little experience, when you like the way something sounds, leave it alone. I've spent more money, time and effort only to end up with something that I don't like as much, and that just plain sucks. |
I second that the A's (esp the A/III) are excellent value for the money (when bought used now) and reluctantly parted with my A/IIs but only did that when I had the B Minors in lieu. Tried the many better looking brands and now am content with the Dunlavy SC-IV; still low on WAF but they sounded way better than the SF Cremonas I had. The Vandersteen 7s would be nice. |
I was raised on a pair of A's and later owned a pair of AIIIi. But I have never heard them truly disappear in any system. If they did I would have kept them forever.
The B is the only model that has alluded me - I have owned all other models. Would love to hear the B minor... |
No-one has mentioned the B yet, which was also an impressive speaker. With 22 Hz response, it could shake the walls, and with its obliquely aimed rear-firing tweeter it imaged quite well. It was easier to drive than the AIII was, I thought it sounded better too, but I use tubes exclusively and the AIII was less friendly to tubes than the B. |
Interesting site on Snell: www.snell.no
Healthy discussion on Snell speakers. I own and love the Type EIII designed by Kevin Voecks. I've heard the C's, D's and the Audio Note Versions of the E's. All very great sounding speakers IMHO. The A's are big, but that's part of what makes them have that presentation. |
Lneilb said: "I think the Type D is a better speaker - in a much smaller footprint."
You are certainly entitled to your opinion. The Type D is a fine conventional speaker, but IMO no match for the Type A, assuming the proper room, placement and electronics.
Peter Snell was a brilliant designer who developed loudspeaker technologies that are still in use today. Kevin Voecks, who designed the Type D, had a very different vision and took Snell speakers in an entirely different direction. |
I think the Type D is a better speaker - in a much smaller footprint. |
Hmmmm : I thought Women always say " Size Doesn't Matter " |
You love the speakers, and it would cost a great deal more to get something comparable that is smaller and new or nearly new. If she cares about your needs, she will let you keep what is important to you. Don't cave to pressure. Most women hate big speakers, (except you Elizabeth) but she needs to realize that the way they look is less important than the pleasure you get from listening to them. |
Gotta agree with the other posters. You probably can sell the speakers fairly readily for a price that will not come close to what they are worth sonically (in many people's view, including mine, the speakers are classics), and to get something at or near their sonic equivalent would cost a lot as Ddd1 notes. Plus keep in mind that the Snell AIII was designed to be used up against or near a rear wall, as I recall when I almost pulled the trigger on a pair, where most current speakers of a similar sonic level need to be a bit out in the room to sound their best, which may make them even less pleasing from a decorator's standpoint. I like the idea of acoustically transparent curtains. Think twice, and do some pricing and listening with your wife, before you decide to do this. |
once you and your wife 'price' speakers that don't come close to your snell's performance, she may be inclned to live with them. |
I wouldn't even go there without a cheque from wifey for $10K (6K for new speakers and another 4K for mistakes you might make in your search). Providing you with the cheque doesn't give her any input on the choice either since it was her idea, not yours.
Maybe after seeing your "bill" she will learn to live with them or suggest putting them behind acoustically transparent curtains (which you could open for critical listening).
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