May 2014 SAC Meeting
For our May meeting, we did something a bit different for us. We had three book shelf speakers competing for best sound of the day. Since we didn’t have the usual presenter from a retailer or manufacturer, we were free to have a format different than normal.
The speaker contenders on the day were:
Aurelia Magenta speakers: These are great little speakers at a very competitive price point ($1500 AUD per pair RRP). Cameron Keating from MaxMedia in Melbourne kindly provided these for our meeting. (Refer to http://www.maxmedia.com.au/AURELIA_MAGENTA.html). The Magenta was small but huge with dynamics and bass. The frequency response is 45-20K Hz with 87db sensitivity. The bass quality and depth of the Magenta are one of the best in its class. Its tweeter sports a 2nd generation Energy Controlling Waveguide-technology (ECW). The ECW seamlessly adapts the tweeter to the bass unit at the cross frequency. The overall result is a pleasant and uniform sound with a natural and three-dimensional soundstage.
KEF LS50 speakers: These speakers need no introduction. They’ve been receiving raves reviews around the world. (Refer to http://www.kef.com/html/au/showroom/flagship_hi-fi_series/LS50/overview/). This diminutive speaker delivered a rich, multi-dimensional soundstage that is out of all proportion to its size. Their retail price is around $2000 AUD per pair.
Stones Sound Studio (SSS) Artisan 360 Signature speakers: These speakers provide crystal clear highs, pinpoint imaging, articulate tight and fast bass, and a wide sound stage with low distortion which provides fatigue free long term listening. The drivers are by Peerless and are manufactured to SSS specifications. The mid/bass are 2 x 5" 5 layer treated composite drivers with cast alloy frame. The tweeters are treated soft fabric wide dispersion dome - 27mm (1"). The cabinets have a double laminated 38mm low resonance front baffle. The crossover is at 3.78khz with phase coherent audiophile grade SCR capacitors and non-inductive resistors. The internal wiring is pure copper OFC star configuration, and low loss HF cable. They have a frequency range of 42hz to 25khz and a sensitivity of 92.5db Spl at 1khz/1m. The Artisan retails for $3000 AUD per pair.
The supporting act for this shoot-out included the Marantz SA-11 CD/SACD player and the Audio-gd Master 10 integrated amplifier.
Marantz SA-11 CD/SACD player: The SA-11 is an older player but most definitely a worthy and great player. Its Redbook play back is excellent, and its SACD play back was considered amongst the very best at the time. It has a huge toroidal power supply, a vibration-resistant drive mechanism and double-layered bottom plate.
Audio-gd Master 10 integrated amplifier: This integrated amplifier has been winning over many people. (Refer to http://www.audio-gd.com/Master/Master10/Master-10EN.htm and http://6moons.com/audioreviews/magnepan2/4.html) The amp is a fully balanced design with a twist: each of the two balanced inputs and two single-ended inputs have their signal converted to current mode before being amplified by a single Class A gain stage. Volume attenuation also takes place in the current domain. A quad FET zero feedback output buffer returns current to voltage drive. The amp has discrete analogue stages without any op-amps or coupling caps in the signal channels. Audio-gd keeps their costs down through a direct-selling sales model (approx. $1900 USD).
Our intention was to use Wireworld and Eichmann cabling, but after some experimentation on the day we went with Wireworld interconnects and double runs of OCOS speaker cables. This offered a more open, less closed-in sound. Not to mention that the extremely stiff and wiry Eichmann speaker cables threatened to pull the light weight speakers off of their speaker stands!
Unfortunately, not all of the speakers were well run in. The Aurelia speakers were brand new, and arrived in Sydney (from Melbourne) a bit late due to a shipping error. I ran them in as much as I could, but they really had only about 20 hours on them when we heard them. The SSS speakers were previously well run-in, but hadn’t been used much in a while, so they didn’t sound their best either. The KEF LS50’s were well run-in and had been used recently, so they had the edge already! Not that they really needed it.
After introducing the competitors, we explained the ground rules. For our shoot-out, we played three tracks on each speaker in turn: first the Aurelia’s, then the KEF’s, then the SSS speakers. This reflected in effect, the least expensive speakers to the most expensive. Playing three tracks on each speaker in turn resulted in fewer cable changes and consequently less time wasted. We did also have a SSS sub-woofer on hand, but it was turned off during our shoot-out such that we could evaluate just the speakers themselves.
The three tracks were the same short track from Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme Op33 by cellist Pieter Wispelwey, followed by a different track from Shelby Lynn’s “Just A Little Loving” (her Dusty Springfield tribute album) and then followed by a different track from Muddy Waters “Folk Singer”. The Shelby Lynn and Muddy Waters recordings were chosen as they offered consistent recording quality and sound across all tracks (unlike some albums). The variation in the second and third tracks was chosen to reduce listener boredom. (ie. it meant we didn’t have to hear the same tracks 3 different times.) The three tracks totalled approximately 10 minutes for each pair of speakers.
At the end of listening to all three pairs, we took votes via a show of hands. It was very clear that the KEF LS50 speakers were the outright winner – they took probably 80% to 90% of the votes.
Our winner on the day is certainly a great sounding, stylish and well-built little speaker. Although it is tiny, it’s considered to be in the same family as the larger Blade speaker - it springs from the same heritage as its larger brethren. The golden coloured diaphragm of the Uni-Q driver is a pure KEF designed coaxial unit that was designed particularly for the LS50. The midrange driver is a 5.25" driver made of magnesium-aluminum alloy with special damping to avoid the typical metallic sound of metal drivers.
The LS50 proved to be a neutral performer throughout the mid-range. There was sweetness and rightness in its tonality and harmonics. Although perhaps not the most resolving of small monitors, the designers knew precisely what to sacrifice to create the most musical new small monitor in recent times. I can’t imagine anyone not being impressed with the LS50. In fact, in recent months I have recommended it to two friends (neither were audiophiles) – both bought it and both still love it.
After our vote, we switched back to the KEF’s and then experimented with the sub-woofer. The majority vote was in favour of having the sub-woofer on for the remainder of the day.
Larry Turnbull was our presenter in our member’s music segment this month. His opener was Neil Young’s “Old Man” from the recently re-released vinyl of “Live at Massey Hall 1971”. It endured to be one of the favourite tracks of the day. All of Larry’s tracks were excellent.
After our break, we had our usual BYO session. There was lots of great music with wonderful diversity once again.
Lastly, I’d like to pass on our thanks to everyone that brought in equipment for the day: Steve for the KEF LS50 speakers and Audio-gd integrated amp; Cameron Keating of MaxMedia in Melbourne for shipping up the Aurelia Magenta speakers; Paul Bryant for the SSS speakers, subwoofer and Eichmann cables; and Marc Dargent for the Marantz SA-11 CD/SACD player. The event attracted many guests and members that were keen on affordable book shelf speakers. It was an interesting, educational and fun day. Thank you all.
Tom Waters
Summary of member feedback:
The speaker contenders on the day were:
Aurelia Magenta speakers: These are great little speakers at a very competitive price point ($1500 AUD per pair RRP). Cameron Keating from MaxMedia in Melbourne kindly provided these for our meeting. (Refer to http://www.maxmedia.com.au/AURELIA_MAGENTA.html). The Magenta was small but huge with dynamics and bass. The frequency response is 45-20K Hz with 87db sensitivity. The bass quality and depth of the Magenta are one of the best in its class. Its tweeter sports a 2nd generation Energy Controlling Waveguide-technology (ECW). The ECW seamlessly adapts the tweeter to the bass unit at the cross frequency. The overall result is a pleasant and uniform sound with a natural and three-dimensional soundstage.
KEF LS50 speakers: These speakers need no introduction. They’ve been receiving raves reviews around the world. (Refer to http://www.kef.com/html/au/showroom/flagship_hi-fi_series/LS50/overview/). This diminutive speaker delivered a rich, multi-dimensional soundstage that is out of all proportion to its size. Their retail price is around $2000 AUD per pair.
Stones Sound Studio (SSS) Artisan 360 Signature speakers: These speakers provide crystal clear highs, pinpoint imaging, articulate tight and fast bass, and a wide sound stage with low distortion which provides fatigue free long term listening. The drivers are by Peerless and are manufactured to SSS specifications. The mid/bass are 2 x 5" 5 layer treated composite drivers with cast alloy frame. The tweeters are treated soft fabric wide dispersion dome - 27mm (1"). The cabinets have a double laminated 38mm low resonance front baffle. The crossover is at 3.78khz with phase coherent audiophile grade SCR capacitors and non-inductive resistors. The internal wiring is pure copper OFC star configuration, and low loss HF cable. They have a frequency range of 42hz to 25khz and a sensitivity of 92.5db Spl at 1khz/1m. The Artisan retails for $3000 AUD per pair.
The supporting act for this shoot-out included the Marantz SA-11 CD/SACD player and the Audio-gd Master 10 integrated amplifier.
Marantz SA-11 CD/SACD player: The SA-11 is an older player but most definitely a worthy and great player. Its Redbook play back is excellent, and its SACD play back was considered amongst the very best at the time. It has a huge toroidal power supply, a vibration-resistant drive mechanism and double-layered bottom plate.
Audio-gd Master 10 integrated amplifier: This integrated amplifier has been winning over many people. (Refer to http://www.audio-gd.com/Master/Master10/Master-10EN.htm and http://6moons.com/audioreviews/magnepan2/4.html) The amp is a fully balanced design with a twist: each of the two balanced inputs and two single-ended inputs have their signal converted to current mode before being amplified by a single Class A gain stage. Volume attenuation also takes place in the current domain. A quad FET zero feedback output buffer returns current to voltage drive. The amp has discrete analogue stages without any op-amps or coupling caps in the signal channels. Audio-gd keeps their costs down through a direct-selling sales model (approx. $1900 USD).
Our intention was to use Wireworld and Eichmann cabling, but after some experimentation on the day we went with Wireworld interconnects and double runs of OCOS speaker cables. This offered a more open, less closed-in sound. Not to mention that the extremely stiff and wiry Eichmann speaker cables threatened to pull the light weight speakers off of their speaker stands!
Unfortunately, not all of the speakers were well run in. The Aurelia speakers were brand new, and arrived in Sydney (from Melbourne) a bit late due to a shipping error. I ran them in as much as I could, but they really had only about 20 hours on them when we heard them. The SSS speakers were previously well run-in, but hadn’t been used much in a while, so they didn’t sound their best either. The KEF LS50’s were well run-in and had been used recently, so they had the edge already! Not that they really needed it.
After introducing the competitors, we explained the ground rules. For our shoot-out, we played three tracks on each speaker in turn: first the Aurelia’s, then the KEF’s, then the SSS speakers. This reflected in effect, the least expensive speakers to the most expensive. Playing three tracks on each speaker in turn resulted in fewer cable changes and consequently less time wasted. We did also have a SSS sub-woofer on hand, but it was turned off during our shoot-out such that we could evaluate just the speakers themselves.
The three tracks were the same short track from Tchaikovsky Variations on a Rococo Theme Op33 by cellist Pieter Wispelwey, followed by a different track from Shelby Lynn’s “Just A Little Loving” (her Dusty Springfield tribute album) and then followed by a different track from Muddy Waters “Folk Singer”. The Shelby Lynn and Muddy Waters recordings were chosen as they offered consistent recording quality and sound across all tracks (unlike some albums). The variation in the second and third tracks was chosen to reduce listener boredom. (ie. it meant we didn’t have to hear the same tracks 3 different times.) The three tracks totalled approximately 10 minutes for each pair of speakers.
At the end of listening to all three pairs, we took votes via a show of hands. It was very clear that the KEF LS50 speakers were the outright winner – they took probably 80% to 90% of the votes.
Our winner on the day is certainly a great sounding, stylish and well-built little speaker. Although it is tiny, it’s considered to be in the same family as the larger Blade speaker - it springs from the same heritage as its larger brethren. The golden coloured diaphragm of the Uni-Q driver is a pure KEF designed coaxial unit that was designed particularly for the LS50. The midrange driver is a 5.25" driver made of magnesium-aluminum alloy with special damping to avoid the typical metallic sound of metal drivers.
The LS50 proved to be a neutral performer throughout the mid-range. There was sweetness and rightness in its tonality and harmonics. Although perhaps not the most resolving of small monitors, the designers knew precisely what to sacrifice to create the most musical new small monitor in recent times. I can’t imagine anyone not being impressed with the LS50. In fact, in recent months I have recommended it to two friends (neither were audiophiles) – both bought it and both still love it.
After our vote, we switched back to the KEF’s and then experimented with the sub-woofer. The majority vote was in favour of having the sub-woofer on for the remainder of the day.
Larry Turnbull was our presenter in our member’s music segment this month. His opener was Neil Young’s “Old Man” from the recently re-released vinyl of “Live at Massey Hall 1971”. It endured to be one of the favourite tracks of the day. All of Larry’s tracks were excellent.
After our break, we had our usual BYO session. There was lots of great music with wonderful diversity once again.
Lastly, I’d like to pass on our thanks to everyone that brought in equipment for the day: Steve for the KEF LS50 speakers and Audio-gd integrated amp; Cameron Keating of MaxMedia in Melbourne for shipping up the Aurelia Magenta speakers; Paul Bryant for the SSS speakers, subwoofer and Eichmann cables; and Marc Dargent for the Marantz SA-11 CD/SACD player. The event attracted many guests and members that were keen on affordable book shelf speakers. It was an interesting, educational and fun day. Thank you all.
Tom Waters
Summary of member feedback:
- Enjoyment of the Meeting: 4.2
- Enjoyment of the Equipment: 3.9
- Enjoyment of the Music: 3.8
- Speakers were very good for the money
- Enjoyed the comparison
- Good meeting, something different
- Great spirit and good participation. KEFs shined
- Good meeting, good environment & people, nice gathering
- Skrillex
- Sarah Blasko
- Madonna
- Beethoven Violin Concerto
- Mozart
