Axiom M80 VS Vienna Acoustic Beethoven on CJ 11A

I just replaced VA Bachs with Beethoven (not the Grands). I've found the more power they get, the better they sound (no big surprise I guess). I tried a few amps with the Bachs and it did make a difference in terms of dynamics. I've only tried my Sunfire Cinema Grand with the Beethovens so far, but I had a chance to hear them in another system with Krell monoblocks (don't know which ones) and the sound was like nothing I've ever heard on any system. I think they are a fantastic speaker and if you find the CJ doesn't drive them properly, I'd keep the speakers and get a new amp.

Thats cool. For under $2500 you got a real good deal. Like I said earlier, I think they are a big step up over the Mozart and Bach.

I've read the same thing Ultraviolet posted from several VA speaker owners. That they really need a fair amount of power to sound their best. Hybrid amps like the Unison Unico seem to be popular with VA's.

BW Maxx

I have a pair of Beethovens that I drive with a VTL ST 150 with very satisfying results. I tried some lower powered tube amps and felt that the bass was not controlled enough for my taste. I tried VTL ST 85, CJ MV 60, and Rogue 88 before getting to try the ST 150.
I suggest that if you get the Beethovens you should at least consider changing your amp as well. I think the Beethovens are good enough to justify the additional expense of a new amp.

Jim

It seems like many people here got a lot of affection to VA Beethoven. =)

My Beeothvens finally arrived my doorway yesterday! The Rosewood finish really looks fantastic! There is a small scratch in the bottom of one speaker but considering the money I paid, I cannot complain. =}

VA Beethovens in fact sound very good on my CJ 11a. Compared to Axiom, they got so much more details, more transparent treble and midrange, not as bright and less annoying sibilant sound. Soundstage is substantially wider and deeper.

I do not find any dynamic problem with VA Beethoven at all. I think their dynamic is way better than VA Bach and I'm very satisfied with them.

Bass is good in general but the lower bass is not as punchy and low as Axiom. I think it's less controlled as well. This is probably due to limitation of my 75w amp, but I'm going to do more experiment on different placement and cables.

What Axioms did you replace?

BW Maxx