Posted by Lew on April 11, 2003 at 08:29:37:
In Reply to: And I thought horn/SET guys were wild... posted by RobP on April 10, 2003 at 13:06:08:
Your trepidation at considering the purchase of Sound Lab speakers, based on some recent postings at this website, is understandable. But as Albert noted, even those among us who feel most grievously injured are not considering changing speakers for another brand or type. That speaks volumes for the wonderfulness of SL speakers when they are working correctly, which is 99.99.....% of the time. (Don't forget only a fraction of owners frequent this site, and only a small fraction of that fraction have had problems.) As for your information regarding Wolcott amps and 90-db maximum peaks, that seems incorrect. With the recently developed (and optional) impedance-increasing upgrade to the hi-pass filter in the input circuitry, the speakers present a much friendlier load to tube amplifiers than previously. In extreme situations with moderate power tube amps having high-ish output impedance, one can also employ Zero autoformers to enhance the drive capability. For example, I am getting much more than 90 db out of my M1s using an Atma-sphere OTL with about 140W power and Zeros. The Wolcotts have more power than my AS amps and a lower output impedance and so should be able to deliver at least similar or better volume levels. Moreover, among ESL speakers (and I have had them all), Sound Labs have the best dynamics I have ever heard, and they always sound effortless at reasonable listening levels. True, you will not be able to drive an M1/A1/U1 with a flea-powered SET amplifier, as you can do with your Avantgardes. If you are willing to give that up, and given your stated misgivings about your current set-up, then go for it.