I appreciate the post. Sticking with something over time says a lot! I get what you are saying also about comparing something like these with Mass-market speakers - you appreciate the value you are getting. On one hand, companies like JBL or PSB with tremendous engineering know-how can make great sounding speakers at affordable pricing, but still often they remain mass market speakers unless you buy their premium line, and often times assembled around the world (if that matters). Bespoke companies however have a certain charm on the other hand, where you can always go and meet “the guy” who makes them, and who use premium pats and work on slimmer margins because they love audio and want to share with others. It’s a great hobby!
Still in love with Fritz's Carbon 7 SE Mk 2 Speakers (not that you asked but...)
Hey all, I know I’ve posted about Fritz’s Carbon 7s before, but after five years with them, I’m simply reporting that I’m still not letting them go! I’ve continued to educate myself about other speakers—some with bigger woofers, some costing significantly more—and the Carbons keep winning out.
For anyone who’s curious, I’d mention again how easily they play with lower power gear (my Dynaco ST-35, my Pass xa25, and my QS tube gear), adapting beautifully to different amplification. They maintain that natural, honest presentation that first drew me in.
What continues to impress me is their versatility across genres. Jazz remains their sweet spot—Jarrett’s piano still has that liquid quality, Porter’s baritone materializes with weight and presence, folk is startlingly in the room. They still manage rock’s complexity (my go to is Steely Dan’s layered arrangements). String quartets and classical piano are wonderful, too.
Their ability to soundstage (and disappear) remains miraculous, and their bass still surprises me given the driver size.
Anyway, I know folks here know how much I liked these early on. I’m just here to report that after living with these speakers through different systems and countless listening sessions, I’m more convinced than ever that Fritz built something special here. His direct-sale model means that Dynaudios, Sonus Fabers, Harbeth’s, and the rest better watch out. If word gets out what you get for (often) the same or less money, they’ll be sweating a bit. And made in the U.S.A., for those who might be wondering.
Still my reference bookshelf monitors. Still irreplaceable. Treat yourself this holiday. It’s been quite a year.
Longer review here:
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-fritz-heiler-s-carbon-7-se-mk-2-bookshelf-speakers
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@hilde45 , So, does this mean you'll be giving away your Ascend towers?? 🙏😀 |
I agree that "Audiogon does not need any more salesmen." Maybe you’re assuming something about me that’s incorrect. As my OP said, I’m following up on initial impressions and reviews I wrote, given new experiences with other gear and speakers over 5 years. Again, the type of thing one would find on a forum. That’s all the rebuttal that "salesman" snark requires, I assume. It’s pretty much refuted, as far as I’m concerned. Giving away my Ascends? Nah – they are doing an amazing job for my HT setup at the moment. Different speakers, different moods, different rooms. But since I have friends who are looking for just one speaker, I have found the Fritz is a great solution for some of them. Again, this is all my "opinion," but I’ve justified it with words, so it’s more than that, really. Oh, and re:
You just promoted your opinion at the very moment you were saying you didn't want to promote it. To live up to your own principles, you should have said, "I have a favorite monitor, too, but I don't believe in promoting it so I won't mention it here." Instead, you engaged in performative contradiction. Good job. |
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