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Eminent Technology LFT-8c Robert Greene review

A friend of mine forwarded this review to me a couple days ago.  I hadn't seen it as it's just a week old at this point. 

Why would I be interested? I have a pair of LFT-8b speakers that I picked up about 7 months ago.  Wonderful speakers. I always wanted to try a set of panels and, as luck would have it, last summer I found a used pair of 8b's just a short drive from my home..I made the jump.  As it turns out, this was one of the best moves I've made in my 50+ year audio hobby. 

In the last few months, I was considering picking up the 8b to 8c upgrade components, but put it off as I had a number of other projects going on.  Well..the projects got completed and I started a few more projects, though this time around the 8c upgrade is one of them.  I ordered the 8c upgrade yesterday and I'm really looking forward to the adventure once it arrives. 

One thing I've noticed when reading discussions of the LFT-8(no a, b, c)  here on A-gon, is the discussion wanders over the now 36 year history of the LFT-8.  Issues identified in this or that review from 10-20-25 years ago are brought up as if they reflect what the LFT-8 is today.  LFT-8's had a great sound 30 years ago, with a few flaws, as any 30 year old speaker would, and it sounds better today. Nothing surprising there. Most companies cut ties with models as they age and come out with something new, whether they are really new or repackaged parts..that varies.. 

What's my point?  I just find it interesting that Bruce Thigpen (Eminent Technology) came out with the LFT-8 in about 1990 and has been continually improving the model 8 year after year, decade in and decade out, staying in business with no advertising, though with a few shows here and there. There are very few current speakers(let alone businesses) alive today that have a 30+ year history under largely the same name. (Though the Vandy 2 series comes to mind)  Pretty unique in this industry.  It's also pretty unique that a decades old pair of LFT-8 speakers can be upgraded to the current model at a very modest cost. And the upgrade is easily done by any owner. 

So..the latest review:

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/eminent-technology-lft-8c-planar-loudspeaker/

Robert Greene goes into considerable depth in his review, which is specific to the 8c version, though he's done an 8b review in the past. I'm glad it came out as it pushed me over the edge in ordering the 8c upgrade.  I'm not getting any younger..time to give the 8c a spin. 

One last note, I've read in a number of older and current reviews that the LFT-8 speaker placement is..finicky.  I haven't found that to be the case at all.  In the last 7 months I've experimented extensively with placement and they respond well to various setups. My current setup is about 115 inches between the panels (on center) and maybe 30 degrees toe-ed  in from facing directly forward.  Each speaker is 45 inches off the front wall(on center) and 38 inches from the side walls.  I have a great soundstage and and equally great imaging.  My tweeter panels are on the inside. 

 

(...and no..I have no affiliation with ET..just a customer owning a used pair of the 2017 model 8b)

nogaps
nogaps OP
165 posts
 

@curiousjim 

I would love love love to own a pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8c speakers, but sadly my wife says that they are too big. (She’s said that about every panel speaker I’ve ever mentioned)

One could be flip about this, but, in all seriousness, feel free to show this to your wife:

It's well known that many, many more people die regretting the things they didn't do than the things they did. 

I'm looking at a sign post not too far down the road that says, in big block letters, 70 YEARS OLD. Big deal, right? Lots of people are 70 years old, however this is the first time I've been 70 years old..how did this happen?  While my family history(both sides) suggests I could make it 20 more years, and change, I'm becoming acutely aware that I'm not going to live forever. I've always known this, but it's much more apparent when I see friends starting to drop away and diseases cropping up where you'd least expect them. 

One thing I won't regret is that the rooms in my home, while nicely appointed, were seldom picture-perfect in terms of balance and decor. While it's nice to see, and I enjoy it in other people's homes, balance and harmony is highly subjective. In my case, my wife accepts the panels in the room as they're how balance and harmony come to me.  More important, a traditional balanced and proper room doesn't love you back.  Throw your guy a bone and let him get the panel speakers of his choice. Speaking for the LFTs, they have a small footprint and can look quite..svelte..in a nice room.  They can be slid into an orderly spot while not in use. The small towers will offer a different form of harmony..your guy will listen to them every day, with a big smile on his face, and he'll be thinking of you that made his wish come true.. 

decooney
2,564 posts
 

To @nogaps in NorCal, near Sacramento CA. He’s by appt-only now days, and can possibly message you to email him direct.  Btw, I don’t know if he’s playing with any DSP, as he’s more of a traditional tube amp guy, hard core old school, no other devices in between, with intention, so might not be much help there. btw, he’s also big time into SoundLabs.  If I had more room, I’d own the 845s. Heard them there with my tube amps.  That’s his next level jump after ETs at his place if you like huge wide panel speakers.  Heads up, no solid state amps there - and best to stay away from there if you are easy to get trapped in the next upgrade like many of us are, LOL. Feel free to message me and I’ll share more if its in your state/region for visiting.  Enjoy yours!  

jnovak's avatar
jnovak
499 posts
 

@curiousjim, It's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission!

ticat's avatar
ticat
448 posts
 

The ET LFT 8 is a wonderful design. I purchased a pair of LFT8 (disassembled/packed) that had been stored for years (the seller had gotten married and they were the first reminder of his bachelors life to be eliminated from the marital home). I soon contacted ET to acquire the 8b upgrade package (fantastic service and advice from Bruce Thigpen) installed it (woofers, caps and tweeter ribbons (?) and was very happy. I rotated them in my system with Martin Logan ESL and Quad 63s. All were great in their own ways but eventually I settled on the ET LFT 8b and sold the other panels. Then the LFT 8c upgrade came along and I was keen to pursue it. Reading about the woofer configuration and plate amp got me excited about a possible increase in dynamics. Then the realization hit, the system relies on ADC -DAC to perform the x-over and DSP. I had previously experimented with DSP as a crossover (Mini dsp, Beringer and dbx) for subwoofers and Hated the side effects on Vinyl playback. The bad taste it left was something I just could not get over and the ADC and DAC in the plate amp was not something I felt comfortable enough to gamble on (no way to audition before buying as I live outside of the US). I quickly took a left turn Audio wise and started experimenting with Horns and small tube amps, sold the LFT 8b’s and am now only left with fond memories of a wonderful speaker (LFT 8b) and the great company (owner/designer) that made them.

jc4659
617 posts
 

Where has @bdp24 been hiding out? He's been an avid fan of these speakers for as long as I can remember.  A few years ago I actively sought out dealers and found one not too far away but learned that he stopped carrying this speaker due to  lack of interest.  I'd really like to hear them and this thread has rekindled my interest.

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