I own the now discontinued Beethoven. I just listened to the new Beethoven Grand and yes, it has more bass. I don't think that makes it better--just louder. The bass does not sound richer, more realistic, or have more resonance when listening to string bass or low cello notes. If you like rock, I can understand the preference. I wonder if the specs when released will show a lower frequency response or a flatter one or both. They have redesigned all the drivers except the tweeter, which the salesman claimed was tweaked even more. They added one more woofer and have only one mid now.
I will return to listen again in a couple of months just to be sure the floor models are completely broken in, but as for now, the mid and upper range didn't wow me. The local dealer thinks overall, the new model is a 10 to 15% improvement over the old one.
I do like them. I am not saying they are not excellent speakers. I just don't think they are way better. However, they are a bargain at the present cost, and a price increase, because of the weak dollar, is probably sooner rather than later. I would have bought them but my first listening with my favorite CDs just wasn't convincing enough.
I hope everyone who owns the older model will go audition them with their favorite music and post their opinion.
I will return to listen again in a couple of months just to be sure the floor models are completely broken in, but as for now, the mid and upper range didn't wow me. The local dealer thinks overall, the new model is a 10 to 15% improvement over the old one.
I do like them. I am not saying they are not excellent speakers. I just don't think they are way better. However, they are a bargain at the present cost, and a price increase, because of the weak dollar, is probably sooner rather than later. I would have bought them but my first listening with my favorite CDs just wasn't convincing enough.
I hope everyone who owns the older model will go audition them with their favorite music and post their opinion.