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Planar/panel speakers to replace Carver Amazings

Hi All,

a while back, I posted a question titled “Secondary/“vintage” system speaker replacement options?” in this section. However, it didn’t get many responses.

However, perhaps the above simpler title will elicit more responses. Just trying again.

if you’d like more background info, please see the above titled post.

All the best and many thanks.
arsh
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 

No offense taken ctsooner. Your point is a fine one, no argument from me. I guess I could have put imo after "the best speaker value in all of hi-fi", but I thought that was assumed! Of more interest to the op may be Harry Weisfeld's opinion of the LFT-8b.

The LFT-8b's only serious shortcoming is it's 8" dynamic woofer, but I don't use it. I use only the panels, with a pair of the Rythmik/GR Research OB/Dipole Subs in place of the stock woofers. I also use the subs with a pair of Quad 57's. Killer!  

ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
Thanks bdp.  I know of a few folks who do the same thing.  If you have a chance, get a hold of a couple of the new Vandersteen subs for 2500 each and cross it over around 100hz or so.  Possibly 120hz and dial in the EQ to smooth the bass in your room.  I know of one person who did this and he said it changed the system greatly for the better.  This way you get the best of both worlds.
douglas_schroeder
1,824 posts
 
The LFT-8B is a great speaker at the price point. I reviewed it and use a pair of LFT-VI in my office with HSU subs. Imo the upper mid and treble of the LFT-8B is not in the same class as better ESL speakers. 

I also reviewed and own the Kingsound King III electrostatic. I called it a line source ESL, a different configuration than is typically seen in ESL. I find it to be marvelous and exquisite when set up well. It does take a lot of power/current, and responds readily to the upgraded VAC Royal Power Supply (also in review of the speaker), as well as power cords and speaker cables. To explain, I use Kevin Hay's Royal Power Supply as a regulated PSU to the external power supply/X-over of the King III. 

I run the King III with a pair of Legacy Audio XTREME XD Subwoofers, and most often send the signal to the subs from the preamp (bypassing the mains amplification) to the subs directly. If I need to use splitters to accomplish this, I will. FYI, I much prefer the nearly mid-room subwoofer placement as opposed to tucked in behind the speakers near the front corners. 

Imo, the King III is more advanced sonically than Quads (However, I believe there is finally now a truly large model of Quad) and has a greater frequency range. FYI, Magnepan 30.7 is not the only four panel game in town; Kingsound has this as well. If my room were not a bit small for that, no doubt I would review it. 

I have had some poor experiences with classic/vintage speakers and I would not pursue them at any cost. I know others find the value proposition and exploration enjoyable. 
arsh OP
309 posts
 
Thanks all. A lot of valuable input here. I don’t know anything about Kingsound, but I will do some reading about them. I was listening to the Carvers last night, and they really sound good on most music. But I think repairing the problem speaker is just not going to be possible. I’m grateful for all the helpful advice as I seek an appropriate replacement.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 

@ctsooner, the problem with the Vandersteen sub(s) with the LFT-8’s is that the LFT m-p panels are good to only just below 200Hz (the x/o is at 180Hz, 1st order), so any sub used with them must play that high. Few do, but the OB/Dipole Sub plays up to 400Hz! And being a dipole, the blend with dipole speakers is superb.

Douglas, I agree---ESL’s are king of the hill to me. Unequalled liquid transparency and low-level detail, and natural timbre reproduction. The reproduction of vocals---solo, harmony, and counterpoint, is extremely important to me, and nothing else equals ESL’s in that regard. I’ve had Quad 57’s for a quarter century, but they, as everyone knows, are SPL and bass limited. The LFT-8 provides an acceptable compromise for lots of Pop music, the recording quality of which is often really, really bad. The transparent reproduction of it’s sound often leads to less musical enjoyment and involvement, not more.

Damn Doug, you have a pair of LFT-6's?! I looked for a few years, but gave up and bought some LFT-4's. Cute little speakers. I've heard the Sanders and loved them (the Sound Labs too), and am planning on hearing Roger Modjeski's ESL's with direct-drive tube amps (no power amp output transformers, no ESL input transformers!) real soon.

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