Poor Man's "Super-Speaker" System


Greetings, thought I'd post some impressions of the experiment I conducted with my main speakers. I had pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8's. Fabulous, economical speaker. I'd say a forerunner in the cost/performance race at a price of well under $2k.
I had read a review of them in which reviewer tried adding a second pair. He likened the sound to the Infinity RSV speakers sytem (at $60,000 in the 80's). That got my attention. So, I did it, bought the second set of speakers and am running them in parallel (the tweeter drivers are center of each pair, surrounded by the midrange, to tighten up the high end).

My system:
Rega Planet 2000 cd
Rogue Magnum 66 pre (configured with tape output internally switched to second pair of line outs)
Audioquest RCA "Y" adapters
Four pair Harmonic Technology interconnects, running into
8 channels of Outlaw Audio amps (Outlaw 755 at 200wpc feeding mid/highs on all speakers, and Outlaw 750 at 165wpc feeding lows on all speakers)
Of course, the four Eminent Tech LFT-8's
2 Vandersteen 2W subs

I have the higher wattage amp feeding mid/highs because it improved the clairity of the soundstage, and I can supplement the lows witht the Vandersteen subs.

Impressions:
POWER! Effortless bass- along with the twin Vandersteen subs, I now am running ten 8" bass drivers. No sweat with any low bass etc.

More 3/D or "holographic" sounding. With the wider sound stage and power one perceives a more live sound. Cymbals seem to be easier to hear decaying, the tiniest taps are audible clearly. Subtle nuances shifting from left to right speaker etc. are easier to catch.

Rock Music ROCKS! It's like a live concert! Thunderous bass, the voice sounds like you're listening to the monitors and you can visualize the guy at the mic...

There is no fatigue from the high end; I used to have Mangepan 1.6QR's and after while listening with the volume up,I'd have to turn it down, just so much shrillness my ears can take. The Eminents are much more forgiving to the ears, and doubling them does not wreck that quality.

There is still a "gravity" even at low listening levels. It sounds full and the detail remains even when playing softly.

Watched the clip from Gone in 60 seconds where Nick Cage gets reacquainted with "Elanore". WOA! Overwhelming presence in movies...

To purists, this may not be the way to go. At times I think I can hear slight nuances of two signals being reproduced, but when I hear a solo instrument, or voice, it sounds dead on like one speaker.

Shortcomings in my equipment may be partly to blame; one set of speaker cables is two foot longer than the other and only 11awg vs. shorter ones being 9awg.
One pair of speakers is about ten years older, the other recently built.
The Outlaw amps are not identical.
The interconnects are all same brand but not same model.
Only one set of speakers on "Sound Anchor" stands - the second set of stands is on the way.
The listening room is obviously small for such an attempt.
It is likely more room tuning is needed (I'm using four Auralex propannels behind the speakers in the corners).
I have not used "set up" discs or analysis to tune the system.


If such limitations due to budget were overcome/corrected, this setup might move from being exciting to being astounding.

I'm going to have some audiophile friends with better ears than me come and give their impressions. I may post them on my virtual system.

I know one thing, I will probably always biamp now that I have tried it. Likewise, would be hard to give up the ultra wide sound stage and visceral presence of the twin speakers now that I've got it. Bigger is definitely better in some respects. I can certainly see how huge speakers with vast arrays of drivers are very enticing. I'm trying to simulate the same experience with a modest outlay greenbacks.

As I said before, this project may not be the straightest line to a flawless signal/listening experience, but if nothing else, I'm getting a ton of fun from the project. I am enjoying attempting to create the poor man's "super-speaker."

Anyone else do anything this crazy?
douglas_schroeder
Since this started from LFT'S being ground zero, I bet a few of you already saw me post about buying just one pair of the LFT8's.
Doug Is one pair really great, and just gets better with another ? And also I will be using a HSU Research 12V sub with my LFT'S is this a fast enough SUB?
I may upgrade a mono amp for it, but my budget and wife will keep me in this sub for some time....thanks all Chad

P.S. I saaw someone say these are amazing for movies. correct? mine will be dual use aswell.
chad,
I'm using the LFT's both for music and movies. My philosopy is to get the best sound for two channel, and the audio in movies will take care of itself. So, yes, these are amazing for movies.

The LFT is a terrific speaker period. They sound great run as a single pair. And they do get better with four of them. For the money, I say there is very little lacking in their perfomance. I was perfectly content with one pair until I read the review using two pair that suggested such a phenomenally huge jump in the listening experience for such a relative pittance (especially if you purchase components used).

I know you're really quite happy with the performance of your current speakers, so I don't want to talk you into them only to have you disappointed. You would be wise to consider the at home trial. It would be worth it, I feel to try a quality sounding planar.

Regarding the use of your HSU subwoofer, i'm guessing that the compatibility issue would not be as much of a problem, since the speaker is a hybrid, utilizing a cone woofer. If it were a planar bass pannel, then possibly you'd run into more issues with the sub not being able to keep up.

It may not be a perfect bass combo, but perfect costs a LOT more. Of course, one can always upgrade sub too at later time. And, the low end of the Eminents is good enough that you'll not need to rely heavily on the subwoofer. Don't rush to buy an amp until you've listened and adjusted quite a bit; you may be quite content for a long time with your current sub/amp. Even room placement can be a factor. As well as using a bit of room tuning such as sound pannels. Can make a surprising difference.
Douglas, regarding active crossovers on the ET8, you might read this http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/MUG/messages/83818.html . Probably I'll be buying a pair and am investigating biamping both passively and actively.
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