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REL Strata III with Paradigm Studio 40 V.2

I bought the REL this Saturday and since then trying to find the optimum crossover and level setting for the room and to blend it with the Paradigms.

I have concluded that a setting of cut off frequency of 28 Hz (Coarse on A and Fine on 5) is the maximum I can go to before muddiness creeps in. Seems this setting is "just under the main speakers". The current setting of the level on the REL is about 1 o'clock. I will continue to fine-tune it in the next days and maybe weeks to come to try to have as close to perfect match as possible.

The frequency response specified for the Paradigms is 59-22,000 Hz (+/- 2 dB) with low frequency extension down to 34 Hz (+/- 3 dB, in a typical room). The Paradigms are on a rigid metal stands with 6 inch center post filled with river sand and decoupled from the flooring by spikes. REL is positioned on the far left corner of the room 3 inches out from side/rear wall and its mode button on 4 (180 deg).

My room dimension would make an audiophile run like hell, W 13'-3" x L 13'x H 9'-6", but this is what was available for exclusively setting up my system.

The overall sound quality is very much listenable with good low frequency extension that was missing before the REL was put in.

Opinions and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
quadophile
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
I am also really surprised that, given the reviews and excellent reputation of the S3/5 and given the somewhat mixed feelings that reviewers have towards the spicas, that the spicas should be so totally superior to the s3/5s (to my ears). I think that I beleive I made a valid judgement also because I went into the comparison absolutely convinced that the spendors would beat the spicas and that Sunday evening (when I had to give the Spendors back) would be a painful parting. Also as mentioned in looks and build quality the spendors won by a mile.

I also agree that its a subjective comparison. I did not use any test equipment, other than my ears. I'd be really interested to hear from anyone who prefers the ls3/5s to the spicas to hear why they do.

I have to say that the amazing breadth of soundstage and pinpoint imaging of the spicas was what really drew me to them. I know that imaging is not something that everyone is interested in, and if imaging is not so important then perhaps the spicas will not be for you. I'm quite sure that the spica's frequency response curve is less flat than the spendors ... perhaps this bothers some ears more than others. I'm also sure that the phase response of the spicas is much more linear than that of the spendors .... perhaps this is what my ears are hearing.

Also if you get a chance to hear some old spicas then go for it. You might prefer them also, but if you prefer the ls3/5s then I'd certainly appreciate your feedback as to why. Used tc-50s and Angelus often come up for about $350 ... IMHO it's well worth a punt at those prices and if you don't like them then selling them is easy.
quadophile's avatar
quadophile OP
417 posts
 
Well I will certainly keep that in mind when I come across Spicas and I must listen to them. I would very much appreciated if you can point to a review on the net of the spica you have that YOU think represents the speakers best. I want to read it to get some idea of what these babies are. I cannot form an opinion by reading the review as they say "proof of the pudding....." so will hunt them down and have a go at it, but till then the review would suffice.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
http://www.stereophile.com//loudspeakerreviews/693/index.html

I think I agree with nearly all of their comments, except that, like many reviewers, they say that the treble is rolled off. I certainly don't find that the Spica Angelus treble is rolled off in comparison with the Spendor S35 ... if anything the Angelus sounded slightly more extended than the spendor.
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