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Time Coherent Under $1K

I've got the bug to try time coherent speakers, after reading so many interesting things about them. As far as I can tell, the makers of time coherent speakers are Vandersteen, Green Mountain, Meadowlark and Thiel. Since my room is small (12.5w x 15L x 7h) I think Vandersteens will be too large for a good fit. I've narrowed my choice down to GMA Europas or Meadowlark Swifts (although since Meadowlark just introduced the Eagle that might be my Meadowlark contender). What can I anticipate as the differences (strengths, weaknesses) between Europas and Swifts/Eagles in a room my size? I listen to lps on Thorens TD-320 w/Ortofon Super OM20 via Cayin TA-30 integrated tube amp. Thanks for your insights, Rich
winegasman
mijknarf
266 posts
 
Europas are simply stunning. $600 will get you a pair here. $800 will get you a new pair (with some coaxing). Read the posts here. Tough to beat.
zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
Don't throw out the Vandys too fast. I have a second system in my office (which is 21'L x 9'W) with the 2Cis. They are on the short wall and exhibit very good bass, excellent imaging, and good height and depth. I spend a lot of time here and wouldn't want anything less.
winegasman OP
100 posts
 
Has anyone heard both the Europas and the Meadowlark speakers (as well as the Vandy 2ci)? As for the Vandys, as I understand it, they're designed to be placed away from rear wall, while Meadowlark speakers can be placed within a foot of rear wall without much compromise in sound. Given my room's dimensions, and given the other pieces of furniture in the room, and given WAF, whatever I get needs to have a narrower, smaller footprint, and sound good only 8-12 inches from rear wall. I've read so many enthusiastic recommendations for the Europas, which are persuasive, but have any Europa fans auditioned Swifts (Eagles?) for any length of time? As for the Kestrel 2's, I'd buy 'em in a minute, used, for $700, but I don't see them priced that favorably! Thanks again, Rich
mtbrider
130 posts
 
I can't comment on the sound of the Europas, although I have no doubt they are wonderful. I can comment on the Swifts, since I am a happy owner. Given your room and the Cayin, I think you would be very happy with them. The Swifts will disappear sonically and give you a wide, deep soundstage. But, I would also recommend them from a visual standpoint. They have a high WAF. My girlfriend likes the way they look, and other female guests have commented on their looks also. They will blend into your room better than stand mounted speakers. I bought the Swifts to replace Spica TC-60's which I loved, but visually they dominated my room and I tired of them from that perspective. Hope this helps.
winegasman OP
100 posts
 
So, has ANYONE listened to both Europas AND Swifts, and are you willing to tel me what you thought about the comparison? I will sure appreciate it. Thanks, Rich
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