YG Acoustics or Dynaudio

I heard the Carmel at an audio show in the Wash DC area a few months ago. The pair was set up in a large room, well away from the walls, and were powered by Solution solid state amplifiers.

I listened to the speakers for about two hours. This was an interesting experience. Almost immediately, I knew these were quite special speakers -- very clear, very detailed and capable of very accurately delivering the tonal qualities, harmonic structure and subtle "texture" of acoustic instruments. These speakers were also quite lively sounding in to an extent beyond the capabilities of MOST conventional dynamics speakers (somewhat like large horn systems). But, there was also a lean and somewhat dry and analytical quality to the sound (could be the electronics) even though the speakers were only slightly bright. I don't know if, in the long run that quality would become a major annoyance in the long run, but, its positive attributes make it worth finding out by extended listening and experimenting with other gear if you also find this speaker too dry sounding.

The speakers were also demonstrated in direct comparison with a pair of Magico V-2 speakers (moved into the exact same spot as the Carmel was located). Of course the speaker placement was optimized for the Carmel so the V-2 would have to be "lucky" to share the same ideal location. This was a very interesting comparison. The V-2 sounded warmer (more upper bass) which was a positive attribute, but, considerably less articulate (muddy sounding by comparison) and slightly less dynamic. Overall, I think I preferred the Carmel in this demonstration.

One of the more exciting and interesting prospects I have heard even though I have some serious reservations about the overall "gestalt" of the experience.

Oeiras99,

At the show I described earlier, the Carmels and V-2 were played in a very large room, I would guess at least 1200 square feet, and ability to play at high volume was not an issue for either. As for the price, I don't know if the Carmels have come down in price, but, I believe they were being represented as selling for a lot less than $18,000 (I am sorry, I can't remember the price quoted).

I have heard a number of other speakers that are specifically designed for near wall or corner placement. The various models from Audionote (uk) come to mind. These speakers vary WIDELY in price, even though they are basically similar speakers, in terms of design. The difference is a matter of refinement of components. These models are the complete opposite of the Carmel and Magico speakers. If one did a kind of check off of basic characteristics, they are NOT impressive. They don't go deep down into the bass (they tend to fake deep bass with a mid bass bump), they don't deliver the last bit of detail, etc. But, when it comes to musical enjoyment, they are terrific (to me). They have the kind of liveliness without being brittle, dry or overly bright, that is hard to find in many speakers. They are also quite easy to drive and thrive with lower powered tube gear. If looks matters, unfortunately, they come in a very plain looking box.

A much prettier looking speaker that I've heard placed very close to a back wall while still sounding very good is the Gradient Revolution. This is a speaker designed to accomodate difficult placement.