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Yes...Twice!

I started out with standard cone-in-box speakers, then bought a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls back in the late 60s--my first venture into high efficiency speakers. I liked the big sound they made, but I am a classical music and opera fan, and I did not like the sounds they made with strings or the human voice. I spent considerable money on new amps, cartridges etc., to try to improve the sound. Things got better, but nothing I was able to do was fully satisfying.

Then I bought a pair of KEF 104aBs. This was the sound I was looking for, and I kept them for fifteen years or so, replacing them with PSB Stratus Golds, also a very listenable speaker. I will never forget the KEF's ability to resolve instrumental timbres. On LPs where, over the Cornwalls, I could not distinguish what woodwinds were playing because of the generalized screeching the speakers produced in that range, with the KEFs, there was no confusing a clarinet with an oboe, flute, etc.

Bitten again by the horn bug, I recently bought a pair of used Klipschorns. I spent considerable money (again) upgrading everything on them except the bass bins. I bought a new tube preamp, SET power amps, new midrange drivers, horns and tweeters, new crossovers, etc., etc. and you know what? I liked the big sound they made, but I did not like the sounds they made with strings or the human voice. Same old problem.

I kept the K-horns for a couple years buying and comparing other speakers to them. I went through my PSBs, a pair of Thiel CS 3.6s, a pair of Maggies MG1.6 QRs. Then I bought a pair of Quad ESL-63s.

The ONLY speakers in my listening room now are the Quads. I sold and moved the others out. No speaker is perfect, but for me, at present, with the kind of music I listen to, the Quads are doin' it just fine, thank you. Of course, I would like to try out a pair of Altec Model 19s if I could ever find a pair for sale anywhere near where I live....

What a fun hobby!

Enjoy your music,

George

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