Eminent Technology LFT-8c Robert Greene review

@nogaps First of all, thank you for the measurements.
 

I did some experimenting last night. The distance I gave, 260 cm, was measured from center of speakers. But because they were only 20cm from side wall and with these toe-in angles, the speakers had to be moved closer together so as not to hit the side walls. They are now spaced around 230cm center to center instead, so I am using the toe-in angles you supplied as references to extrapolate. I am not at the suggested optimal yet, but what I am hearing is a much more energized soundstage and more center filled. It’s like  moving from balcony to the front row. 
 

With my previous straight firing setup, the speakers ‘disappeared’ pretty well, so I agree with you. The LFT-8s are good at disappearing with many setups. The big difference for me is the soundstage. Previously it occurred entirely behind the speakers with a wide spread. With good recordings, it would spread beyond the speakers. The toe-in setup moved the entire soundstage to the face of the speakers. I was listening to digital last night, the ‘lesser’ format, so not quite as wide as vinyl. But the entire frequency response is much more balanced, down to the bass. 
 

I had experimented with toe-ins when the speakers were in their 8b version. But I never remember hearing such coherence in the soundstage. Then again, I had never had the midrange on the inside, so that may be the crux of the matter. It’s interesting that Bruce has always been quite agnostic about this, recommending that I try both. 

In any case, a very positive start on this new speaker placement journey, quite exciting really! I have not been so hyped since first receiving the speaker five years ago. I’ll be fine tuning and trying to dial it in this week. 

It’s such a shame that so few people venture away from the far-better known Magnepans, ignoring the Eminent Technology LFT-8b/c (your choice), the best value(s) in a dipole/planar loudspeaker for over 35 years! While both are planar-magnetic designs, they sound quite different from one another. While I’m sure I could be happy with a pair of MG3.7i’s (with the Danny Richie-designed GR Research mod), I couldn’t with a pair of 1.7i’s, the LFT-8b’s competition.

Just curious how far away you guys are listening? I am having trouble with the center image. Kind of fuzzy and not very realistic. Side walls are treated with absorption and rear wall (behind speakers) have diffusors. Still experimenting with toe in.

@bdp24 

As I mentioned above, I've made a point to listen to the Maggies in recent audio shows for just this very reason (owning LFTs).  I visit and revisit the rooms..they just sound thin and anemic to me. 

I did notice/hear the Altec Lansing Ribbonacci Reference at Axpona. Wonderful sounding speaker (at about $90K). They are a planar magnetic using a push-pull design. I suppose somewhat similar to the LFTs. If Bruce had any patents on the early LFT models, they've run out by now. I think(?) even Maggie(?) uses a push-pull design on the upper models.(can't remember where I read that). Last month when I was in FL and ordered the 8c upgrade, I asked Bruce if he would be attending the Tampa Audio Show (he's in Tallahassee..not that far away..) and he said..nope, too busy working on stuff. 

@ledoux1238 

For 230cm between speakers on center and at 300cm to listening position, the results are:

On Axis to your head 21 degrees (0.366 rad)

Context (narrower layout)

Compared to your other rooms:

• Speakers are closer together relative to distance
• So:
  • Less toe-in required
  • Slightly less sensitive to lobing shifts
  • More inherently stable imaging

Axes crossing behind your head

Reduce toe-in slightly:

Practical range:

👉 18.5°–20°
👉 0.32–0.35 rad

Axes crossing in front of your head

Increase toe-in beyond 21.0°:

Optimal range:

👉 22.5°–25°
👉 0.39–0.44 rad