EMINENT TECH LFT8b, watch out MAGNEPAN!

Ғылым және технология

Eminent Tech makes planar magnetic/ribbon/cone hybrid speakers, the sound wasn't what I bargained for!
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0:00 Meet the Eminent Tech LFT8b
1:21 Quite a ride
2:41 Meet the designer
4:23 US Made
6:45 Amplifiers used in the review
8:13 The sound
12:02 Magnepan LRS+ vs LFT8b
13:49 LFT8b with a tube amp
14:13 Is it perfect?
16:07 LFT8b vs Pure Audio Project Duet 15
16:54 Eminent Tech LFT8c preview
18:12 So Steve, what do you really think?
19:03 Audiophiliac Viewer System of the Day
19:50 Outro
#loudspeakers #USmade #audiophile
Patreon: / audiophiliac
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg

Пікірлер: 320

  • @donnewcombe2685
    @donnewcombe2685 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent review, and very accurate! I've enjoyed my LFT-8b speakers for 8 years now, with different amplification from 60 wpc tubes to 200 wpc solid state and they sound great - superb value!

  • @MultiStrider
    @MultiStrider Жыл бұрын

    I've had the LFT-8b's for about 3 years now paired with a Jolida Fusion tube pre-amp and a Parasound A21 amplifier. I have them in a mid-size room about 5 feet off of the wall behind them. They sound absolutely fantastic in my room. The tube pre and just slightly warm sounding signature of the 250 watt/8 ohm-400watts/4 ohm Parasound amp round out the crystal clear presentation nicely. They will play far louder than I can tolerate in my room quite easily. I've heard various Magnepan models in many different rooms and have always been impressed. But the LFT-8b's had a characteristic that swung me their direction. And that is their capability to retain the majority of that wonderful sound characteristic even when played at lower to medium sound levels. They sound just as good at 20% power as they do at 80%. I live in Tallahassee where these are manufactured and I had a great conversation with Bruce Thigpen about what I was trying to achieve and how to go about it. I knew I was on the right track when I went by to pick up my made to order speakers and had another great audio conversation as Bruce himself helped me load the speakers into my vehicle. It's hard to beat that kind of customer service. Bruce is a good guy and how often does just a regular "Joe" get to talk audio with a renowned speaker designer? Thanks Steve for bringing us such wonderful things to look at and listen to!

  • @GrotrianSeiler
    @GrotrianSeiler Жыл бұрын

    Steve’s tempered enthusiasm is the best part of his videos.

  • @vinylcabasse

    @vinylcabasse

    Жыл бұрын

    and the shirt he's wearing in the thumbnail 🤣

  • @dilbyjones

    @dilbyjones

    Жыл бұрын

    Hehe I agree.

  • @thedavidmarriott
    @thedavidmarriott6 ай бұрын

    I’m surprised you’re only recently getting to these speakers. I’ve owned a few pairs off and on since the early ‘90s. They are magnificent. The imaging, clarity and stage quality is mind blowing. (I promise I am not in any way affiliated with them). Sitting in the right spot, with the right recording, close your eyes and its like a private live concert.

  • @tedhethcote2630
    @tedhethcote2630 Жыл бұрын

    I’ve had the LFT-8b’s for 14 years and going and really enjoyed them. Bruce Thigpen has always been a pleasure to deal with.

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    Yeah and there's the Monsoon iM-700, you know really car speakers, a subwoofer and flat panel speakers for $200 based on the LFT-11. But Lanzar car speakers with the Dayton Audio HTA100BT are competition.

  • @dpfreedman
    @dpfreedman Жыл бұрын

    Finally something we agree on :-) I've had my LFT-8bs for several years and have nothing to add. They're spectacular. What needs to be added to the review is a mention of Bruce Thigpen's customer service which has been, without question, the best I have ever experienced.

  • @bettervetter

    @bettervetter

    Жыл бұрын

    Bruce is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Built those LTF-8s with him back in college. Greatest job I’ve ever had

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks! I was about to build a system around Magnepan 1.7, but this review and your comment have me very close to pulling the trigger on the LFT-8C. Do you have any sense of how they'd compare to the Maggies in a large 30 x 22 room with 15 ft high ceilings, placed abt 8 ft apart on the long wall? I'm looking for soundstage height, air, envelopment, total immersion (mostly classical music). Above all, is there any integrated amp under $5000 that's ideal? ANY tube int amps? As I can't audition these speakers anywhere (but already know I love the Maggies), I'd love to hear from you.

  • @williamglenn6501

    @williamglenn6501

    8 ай бұрын

    I have a pair of lft8c’s in a very large room and I love them. What you will miss is the bass impact with orchestral music, which you won’t likely get from all but the biggest Maggies. Even then you won’t get the low extension from Maggies but you know this already. The imaging and sound staging are to die for within the limitated sweet spot that a beaming line source places you.

  • @SuperMcgenius
    @SuperMcgenius Жыл бұрын

    Steve, I have not seen you so excited about a speaker at this price range quite some time. Your reviews are knocking it out of the ballfield. Good work, sir.

  • @billmilosz
    @billmilosz Жыл бұрын

    These have been available for years.... they've sounded good for years.... surprisingly only reviewed now.

  • @gdwlaw5549

    @gdwlaw5549

    Жыл бұрын

    always 3.600?

  • @setthejazzfree8910

    @setthejazzfree8910

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@gdwlaw5549 I bought them back when the same speakers cost $1800, direct

  • @scoupra
    @scoupra9 ай бұрын

    Great, thought provoking review Steve! I've owned the 1.6 Maggies for over 20 years and revel in their sound over any box speaker I've ever heard (more than 200 hours of high end listening sessions at CES spanning 3 decades). They're now a bit long in the tooth and need revamping, so I was thinking of the LRS+s paired with the UWB sub system, which are not available - and may never be, or a new pair of 1.7s. Watching your review, I couldn't help but think that a direct head-to-head shootout between the LFT-8b's and the 1.7 Maggies would be a more apples to apples comparo given the similar price points, if you could arrange it. That'd provide real value for us panel lovers on a sub-$4K budget! If not, I guess I'll have to make that 6 hour drive up to Tallahassee to listen to the LFTs for myself before making the purchase decision. In any event, thanks for introducing me to the LFTs with this very informative review. Keep up the excellent work!

  • @colingatwood4531
    @colingatwood4531 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your great channel. I've enjoyed my Eminent Techs for about 10 years now.

  • @johnrhodesguitartuition
    @johnrhodesguitartuition Жыл бұрын

    Fascinating. Great review by an enthusiastic gifted inspired reviewer . Love it

  • @mikes121
    @mikes121 Жыл бұрын

    Love my Vandersteen Model 2 and Model 1. Purchased both pair this year. Absolutely love these.

  • @adrianrorvik7488
    @adrianrorvik7488 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Steve. I loved my LFT8bs (and their little siblings, the LFT16). I still miss them, though happy with my Altec Lansing speakers. The "C" version? Oooooh, yes please! Can hardy wait for THAT review.

  • @John-Edward
    @John-Edward Жыл бұрын

    Great review Steve! Makes me want to get the LFT8b!!!

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    No the owners you know, wouldn't want someone that looks like you to get his hands on any of those. A person like yourself best stick to wall hangings.

  • @MyIrenee
    @MyIrenee Жыл бұрын

    I have a pair of LFT 3 bought in 1987 and have Hot roaded the cross over, cabling and build a newer frame out of Hard wood. I am driving them with a Wells Audio Inamorata amp rated at 120 watts 8 ohms 200 watts 4 ohms. Well haven't heard anything else that would make me change speakers. Very very happy with them and never had any issues with them over that time.

  • @RyanStone143

    @RyanStone143

    7 ай бұрын

    I "stole" my pair of LFT 3s at an auction in Indianapolis in 2003 for $800, then found a Sumo Andromeda II amp at a pawn shop to power them. A few years later I won a pair of original LFT 8s on ebay from LJ Linton. I believe he wrote the review I read that got me interested in ET speakers to begin with... I've been happy with both ever since.

  • @DeVOREFIDELITY
    @DeVOREFIDELITY Жыл бұрын

    I've always admired Bruces designs. I still own an ET-2, and I remember the LFT speaker very well from my Stereo Exchange days.

  • @danm1995

    @danm1995

    Жыл бұрын

    I used an ET-2 in the late 80s on a VPI HW19 MkIV - a great combo!

  • @danielwilliams1921
    @danielwilliams1921 Жыл бұрын

    I’m definitely checking these out - thanks!❤🎶

  • @De132an
    @De132an Жыл бұрын

    Good review Steve. I’ve own an LFT8b for about 14 yrs up to todays b version. It’s superb! Moving to my new home just recently to which I have to now share my living room it forced me to go to a large bookshelf. A new c version is yet to come btw. Bruce is a great guy to be sure. Maybe one day you will get to hear a now discontinued LFT-VI for something really special. A true Cory Greenberg of Stereophile “back in the day” special atf. Anyone interested in an LFT8B, don’t forget the Sound Anchor dedicated stands.

  • @johnruppert5630
    @johnruppert5630 Жыл бұрын

    Steve your enthusiasm is almost as good as the speakers😂🎉🎉

  • @marcobertolazzi2266
    @marcobertolazzi2266 Жыл бұрын

    Steve thanks to your review todayI bought the Mofi 10. Even this review Is simply great, your way to provide concrete images through the words is almost unique. Sei bravo!🎉

  • @robk5745
    @robk5745 Жыл бұрын

    Looks like an amazing speaker for the money! Thanks for the review.

  • @TheMikecho
    @TheMikecho Жыл бұрын

    I own many speakers including several Maggie’s and ML’s speakers. This is my favorite speaker by far.

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    Then please tell me what you use to drive them. I'm about to buy the LFT-8C's and I will need an int amp. Thanks.

  • @TheMikecho

    @TheMikecho

    Жыл бұрын

    @@issadad i got many amps and folllowing combo give me best sound "THETA generation viii series 3 DAC" with "KRELL theater amplifier standard".

  • @amishvette1590
    @amishvette1590 Жыл бұрын

    Steve, I have listened to a few Magnepan speakers in the last year and was not overly impressed with them compared to my current Elac Vella FS407s. However, this video convinced me to give the LFT 8b speakers a tryout. I ordered a pair today after a conversation with Bruce Thigpen regarding my gear and listening room. BTW - Bruce has a small manufacturing footprint with an equally small number of employees. You can tell he really appreciates every sale and especially each customer. So refreshing to talk to an audio component company owner who will get "down in the trenches" with a customer. Thanks for this video - I hope it will be life changing. 😃 And I hope my wife won't shoot me when she gets home next month!

  • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt

    @carlosoliveira-rc2xt

    Жыл бұрын

    Never been a fan of Maggies as well. Hope the LFT 8b works out for you.

  • @randylocke2951

    @randylocke2951

    Жыл бұрын

    The Sound Anchor stands are a must....much more stable and easier to position.

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    @@randylocke2951 Do you mean with the LFT 8C's?

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    What will you use to drive them?

  • @amishvette1590

    @amishvette1590

    Жыл бұрын

    @@issadad Rotel RB 1590 @ 350 WPC

  • @TheDanEdwards
    @TheDanEdwards Жыл бұрын

    Thigpen has been at this speaker business for a long time. Many years ago (at least 35) I tried out an LFT-IV, that was the last model before making hybrids, all panel speaker. It had its strengths but just didn't work in my room. I ended up with Magnepan 2.5R in same space. Yes, a different sound between them, even though both are planar magnetics (though of course the 2.5R had the aluminum true ribbon tweeter.) *Bottom line* is this: people who have had box speakers all their lives really should try out some non-box speakers if for no other reason to get the experience of a different kind of sound in their room.

  • @stevemd8947
    @stevemd8947 Жыл бұрын

    This speaker has been on my short list since the early 90's. Maybe now I will buy a pair.

  • @danielwilliams1921
    @danielwilliams19218 ай бұрын

    Ordered a pair - can’t wait! (December delivery.)

  • @JohnVander70
    @JohnVander70 Жыл бұрын

    Great review!

  • @alexmonteiropraca6585
    @alexmonteiropraca6585 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve, I was watching some of your old videos and just decided to come here and make you a tribute. You know a lot about audio. That is really respectable and very much admirable. I am a beginner and still have lots, but lots to learn. Thanks to you... my journey has begun!! Please keep doing this awesome job. I also have a question, in your view, how to motivate and even captivate young people to enjoy audio? Life must go on as you know...Cheers!

  • @kevindeem7174
    @kevindeem7174 Жыл бұрын

    I have the 90's version, still works , had to replace one of high frequency foil membranes, but still work, so glad I bought them, I have many different speaker types, it is good to rotate them now and then , ❤

  • @crazyprayingmantis5596

    @crazyprayingmantis5596

    Жыл бұрын

    What's your favourite type and why?

  • @kevindeem7174

    @kevindeem7174

    Жыл бұрын

    @Crazy prayingmantis I like all of the ones I have. I have been a speaker builder too for many, many years, they all give a different flavor, I need a bigger house! 🤣, depending on the music type that makes each speaker suitable for that, those planners don't really work for metallica or stuff like that, acustic rock is nice, jazz, big band, vinyl records with really good records, very wide, and open, can be haunting, I love all my equipment

  • @noahman27
    @noahman27 Жыл бұрын

    Steve. I love your videos. Your story telling is what always wins! I love it. So, when are you going to do a video on Thigpen's SUB-Subwoofer? It sounds awesome!

  • @saulbrook7740
    @saulbrook7740 Жыл бұрын

    It's good to see ET getting a little mainstream exposure ("mainstream" being a relative concept). Bought my LFT8a for about $1400 with the Sound Anchors stands back in 2005? Upgraded to the B tweeters a couple of years later and for $1800 invested they are giant killers. Ran with 400wpc ss for a number of years and then switched to tubes. Cary SLM100 monoblocks. They are a very tube friendly load. No issues driving them to house filling levels even in triode mode at 55wpc.

  • @asan1050
    @asan1050 Жыл бұрын

    Steve!..Thanks Much !.......👍

  • @paulstearns93
    @paulstearns93 Жыл бұрын

    Years ago I set up an appointment to listen to a pair at a local dealer who is still one of the dealers of the speakers. When I arrived they were sitting against the back wall covered in dust. The proprietor proceeded to sit me down to and evangelize (proselytize?) about a super high end pure analog system of immense cost with small towers. After his rapturous ramblings of the purity of the sound, I interjected, "I like multichannel music from digital sources." (I have since come to also appreciate good two channel systems). It was as though I kicked his dog. Needless to say I never heard these speakers. I had the opportunity to hear an ET prototype at the '23 Florida Audio Expo, which included the mid/tweeter panel from the 8B with powered, DSPed tower woofers, and it was impressive. When compared to my existing system, I am still enamored with, and haven't found a reason to lust after other speakers, at least those which cost less than my first house. My current system include Magnepan 2.7s and OB subwoofers. I would be interested in your thoughts on larger Maggies, 1.7i and 3.7i which bracket the $3,200 price point.

  • @michellevey9608
    @michellevey9608 Жыл бұрын

    Steve you're my favorite speaker reviewer.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @Upracefan
    @Upracefan Жыл бұрын

    I listened to a set of those back in the 90s I think, they were incredible.

  • @richardsmith6431
    @richardsmith6431 Жыл бұрын

    Steve is entirely correct about these speakers being better than Magnepan. In the early ‘90’s I traded Maggie IIIbs for the LFT VIII. No comparison.

  • @danm1995
    @danm1995 Жыл бұрын

    Steve, your enthusiasm is justified! I've been enjoying the 8b for 5 years now and your review is spot-on - clarity, image size, focus, and spatial separation are outstanding. Mine are positioned 4' from the front wall, 7' apart, and 7' from the listening position, slightly toed in. I've added Sound Anchor stands. The midrange and tweeter drivers interact very little with the side walls, floor and ceiling so sounds great without extensive room treatment. I'm currently using a Rogue Audio CMIII in triode mode (60 wpc) and there's just enough power to hit 90db peaks - loud enough for my listening tastes. They sound great with all genres of music, especially jazz! Bruce Thigpen's customer support has been the best I've ever experienced from a manufacturer. Highly recommended!

  • @mjot2360

    @mjot2360

    Жыл бұрын

    Do they go deep in the bass?

  • @adrianrorvik7488

    @adrianrorvik7488

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mjot2360 rated down to 25hz, but a subwoofer or 2 is still recommended (by me and others who have used these speakers). Having said that, I know that the latest LFT8b has a redesigned woofer which has more oomph than those I have heard.

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mjot2360 Cronus Magnum III are good ($4000) but the DAYTON AUDIO HTA100 is better ($300). We need to use Lanzar Car Audio speakers ($20) and a Lanzar subwoofer ($20). The DAYTON is going to give image, size and focus but you'll have to build your own cabinets.

  • @randylocke2951

    @randylocke2951

    Жыл бұрын

    My setup is almost identical to yours..LFTs 7 ft apart and listening position about 7 ft back. I was using Dynakit monoblocks tube amps and just changed to the Michi X3 series 2. The midrange and dynamics are much much better with the solid state amp. If you have not, I recommend trying a higher powered solid state amp with the LFTs.

  • @randylocke2951

    @randylocke2951

    Жыл бұрын

    @@mjot2360 They have great bass an if you get the powered sub version, the bass is even better.

  • @69A12SuperBee
    @69A12SuperBee Жыл бұрын

    I don’t know, but I still love my Magnepans 😍

  • @xilebat
    @xilebat Жыл бұрын

    Sounds like a fun and innovative speaker. Sadly, my room is not a candidate. I would love to see a tiered presentation of speakers that play well at low volumes very close to the rear wall.

  • @crazyprayingmantis5596

    @crazyprayingmantis5596

    Жыл бұрын

    So would i

  • @billwoodman4658
    @billwoodman4658 Жыл бұрын

    I owned the LFT-3 in the 80/90's and loved them. Had to sell them because they were too big for my new listening room.

  • @bobb.9917
    @bobb.9917 Жыл бұрын

    I have not seen you this excited since you reviewed the Duet 15! OK…so you have to come back with a comparison of the LFT 8 and The Duet 15 once you have installed the additional woofer kit! This is all fun and interesting!

  • @randylocke2951
    @randylocke2951 Жыл бұрын

    I have a pair with the powered subs. I’m driving them with the Michi X3 series 2. The system sounds amazing.

  • @felipencl
    @felipencl Жыл бұрын

    Awesome Elac UBR62 on the stands. Great speakers. 🎶

  • @peterw2714
    @peterw2714 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for putting in words how panel speakers sound to me. they tend to sound airy and light, but there’s never been any meat to the music.

  • @carlitomelon4610
    @carlitomelon4610 Жыл бұрын

    I auditioned an electrostatic Martin Logan/McIntosh system recently... (My second experience. Fellow had just upgraded to a newer ML design) Yes, very transparent & focused sound but ethereal as you said Steve. Definitely not my thing. Back home to my LRS/REL system and much happier with the visceral impact and body the players have. There is enough focus to give me the hall acoustic space I crave too. These look interesting. Would be nice if the frames completely surrounded the driver array. Built my LRS into vertical oak frames. 🎵🎶🤫🎶🎵

  • @roccobruno8027
    @roccobruno8027 Жыл бұрын

    Seems quite impressive, especially given the reasonable price.

  • @erics9754
    @erics9754 Жыл бұрын

    Here is a little background on my taste I love dynamic music horns classical Frank Zappa Cat Stevens Supertramp blues anything that is produced well and all types of music are made with care and love and passion. The quads I tried are not bad to light and have no impact. Sanders Sound electrostatic with woofer with a bass wave guide tube, not bad maggies 1.7 and 3.7 not bad used with a Rel B1 not too shabby Soundlab A1PX beats all of them and it's not close. I would bet my life that you will like them but use the right amps as I mentioned. If you can please try to review them and talk to people that have used them you will be doing yourself and all of us audio freaks a favor. Like I said I like how you present things in a careful and thoughtful manor. You come across as a good and honest man with a welcoming personality thanks again for all of your hard work.

  • @NK-me9yz
    @NK-me9yz Жыл бұрын

    It's about 30 years ago that I had the chance to hear a pair of Apogee Diva on Treshold Monos in a private setup. It was amazing, especially big Classic orchestra. We heard Mahlers second Symphony conducted by Inbal on Denon one point recording. At the end Time from Pink Floyd. It is very special with electrostatic and magnetostatic, you have to try it at least once.

  • @RogierYou
    @RogierYou Жыл бұрын

    I hope this speaker is better then their website....

  • @user-nq4sz1uw2m
    @user-nq4sz1uw2m Жыл бұрын

    I have the 8c upgrade & yes it does make a big difference.

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    Been hoping to find somebody here who has LFT-8C. My space is big, 30x22 with 15ft ceilings. I'd put the 8C's on the long wall abt 8 ft apart, abt 3 ft out from the wall behind them, abt 9 ft from me. With such high ceilings, I'm looking for soundstage height as well as depth and width -- a big sound that envelops me. Mostly classical orch music. Above all, I need help selecting an int amp. What have you found that you like?

  • @user-nq4sz1uw2m

    @user-nq4sz1uw2m

    Жыл бұрын

    @@issadad hi, I use NAT or Doshi mono blocks. I’ve never used an int. amp so I’m not sure how much I can help you.

  • @scottfraser1758
    @scottfraser1758 Жыл бұрын

    Hmmm, another option to consider Years ago I used to own a pair of Apogee Centaur minors. They were my favourites until they came to an unforeseeable end. I was thinking about the small magnepans but now....

  • @mrtunapie6653
    @mrtunapie6653 Жыл бұрын

    Wow! Eminent Tech still makes the LFT's!!?? I had a pair of the originals a long time ago. They were way bigger then these though and heavy as hell. I wish I still had them. Selling them is one of the biggest regrets in my life ... 😢😢

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    Well I had a Realistic STA-2290 receiver and you know, felt the same way but it was huge, I mean talk about a 1988 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon. I used to you know, get a measuring tape and just wish that it wasn't so big. It wasn't high but length and depth, it was probably bigger than the later Carver MXR-150. But these are truly great receivers for the Tannoy Little Gold Monitor that has an edge-wound motor, you know, that few amplifiers could sound good with, unless designed for Dynaudio or later JBL.

  • @marantz7783
    @marantz7783 Жыл бұрын

    Bruce Thigpen is a frooking genius--hi Bruce ( and a very nice guy)

  • @dannyng5427
    @dannyng5427 Жыл бұрын

    Sonigistix was licensed from Eminent and developed their planer speakers. They were sold to Monsoon. Monsoon FPF-1000's are not expensive in the used market.

  • @FrankZappa1959
    @FrankZappa1959 Жыл бұрын

    Steve, these very speakers got me hooked over 30 years ago. that's how long this manufacturer has been around. I can remember exactly when my hi-fi dealer had these speakers in the studio and he hooked them up for me. I've never heard something so ingenious before and since then I've been an absolute magnetostat lover.

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    Well you know ... dipole has been around a long time in the USA but not in Britain. What's the secret of success? Well ... an amplifier designed to run with a passive radiator speaker, a speaker you know, like a Rola Celestion Ditton 25 but these had a very awkward 4-8 load, meaning the impedance shifted about and had a slight reverb effect, so that they needed specially tuned amplifiers that were both very powerful and could cope with clarity after reverb effects. So what amplifier did Celestion Ditton A.B.R. use? Well ... they used the Swiss Revox and Danish Bang & Olufsen ... and they were out of most people's price range. Very expensive and later ... made for B&o by Celestion. The Dipole speakers use these amplifiers.

  • @bbophead1

    @bbophead1

    Жыл бұрын

    @@keplermission I thought QUAD 57s were dipole. No? Perhaps there is a US dipole speaker that is older(?).

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bbophead1 Steve is in a deleting mood. Klipsh Forte is dipole. QUAD ESL-57 ..? I know the British QUAD ... Quality Unit Acoustical Design but 😁

  • @bbophead1

    @bbophead1

    Жыл бұрын

    @@keplermission but?

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bbophead1 but Steve would delete anything longer.

  • @arjunroy4555
    @arjunroy4555 Жыл бұрын

    this model was a value leader for years, since passed by, however I suspect the 8C version with its dsp will be a significant upgrade and potentially make this a game changer at its price point and beyond

  • @steveee2511
    @steveee2511 Жыл бұрын

    i had the oportunity to hear a kind of french made luxury magnepan and was amazed they are called Diptyque audio woud be cool to hear your rewiev on them

  • @larrygaines7462
    @larrygaines7462 Жыл бұрын

    I built a sub for Maggie in 1978. Separate amp,hand built lo pass . It was 10 in sealed 70 watt. yamaha amp, awesome

  • @btbb3726
    @btbb3726 Жыл бұрын

    Many years ago I owned a pair of EPI electrostatic (?the correct terminology?) speakers. The speakers were about 40-ish inches tall. They were boxes but each had an electrostatic panel that filled the upper 1/2 to 2/3 of the speaker face and then an additional ~10”(?) cone speaker in the lower portion the speaker. I was separated from them at some point but my recollection is that they ok sounded nice - very clear with good separation in the mid to upper range. (I apologize for any Luddite terminology above but I hope you get the idea). Also, very cool channel, even for a non-audiophile (I have an audiophile heart but I don’t have an audiophile wallet 😜).

  • @ProgRockKeys
    @ProgRockKeys Жыл бұрын

    Reminds me of my IRS Betas, by Infinity. Also 30 some years old.

  • @michaelkaiser5994

    @michaelkaiser5994

    Жыл бұрын

    Reminds me of the ML Clarity’s I had.

  • @garytotty3971
    @garytotty3971 Жыл бұрын

    sounds interesting! Was thinking about Maggie (1.7's) with a Revel sub plus a crossover. My amps will drive them easily, and now have to give these guys some thought. My issues are imaging, and depth of the sound stage.

  • @keplermission

    @keplermission

    Жыл бұрын

    I wanted the USA to import the GLL Imagio IC120 speakers, the IC130 is on You Tube and in a custom cabinet like mine. They're awesome in imaging and depth of sound stage. There was a lot of these Imagio speaker models but the original ones were best. The USA didn't value the design, it was better than the KEF Uni-Q, far superior.

  • @iampryso9548
    @iampryso9548 Жыл бұрын

    Steve, re: dipole placement. Years ago a Bell Labs study determined that at least a 10 millisecond delay was needed between direct and reflected sound for best clarity and definition. Fortunately sound travels at about 1'/ms so placement calculations can be easy. I've commented on this on a couple of audio sites but it doesn't generate much comment. Placing dipole speakers at least 5' or more out from the front wall can achieve that 10 ms delay for sounds projected from the rear of the panel. When placement must be closer to the wall then experimentation with dispersion panels should be helpful. Also, I believe you can find push/pull designs in Maggies but you need to look in the upper portion of their line up.

  • @marantz7783
    @marantz7783 Жыл бұрын

    Bruce is a Prince !!

  • @carlosoliveira-rc2xt
    @carlosoliveira-rc2xt Жыл бұрын

    As a side benefit, the rotary sub can cool one's Class A amp.

  • @Pixeltrainer
    @Pixeltrainer Жыл бұрын

    I had a pair of these and they are GREAT sounding speakers! It turned out they were too big for my family room however so I returned them. If I ever hit the lotto and can buy a larger house I plan to reorder a pair! I highly recommend them!!!

  • @jvburnes
    @jvburnes Жыл бұрын

    This review is going to totally overload Eminents factory :)

  • @nonsequitor
    @nonsequitor10 ай бұрын

    Funny you mention Thigpen. . Heard PS Audio in a rotary sub video pretending he didn't know what happened after the first rotary sub like he went out of business 😂

  • @romanpovcher3923
    @romanpovcher3923 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve. Great review! How does it compare to Magnepan 1.7i, or a 3.7i? Thank you!

  • @thespotlightkid1011
    @thespotlightkid1011 Жыл бұрын

    I was surprised to see the thumbnail pic' with this E.T. Speaker's model number, unchanged since I first read & saw pic's of this exact same speaker in a u.k. mag called 'Hi-Fi World" (the only decent enough u.k. hi-fi mag) when they were 1'st made by E.T. back in the 90's. They also loved its sound & described the push-pull drive arrangement & it's according extra dynamic ability compared with single-sided magnetic drive, it was about 1800'ish or upto 2000 g.b.£ back then, so hasn't gone up in time-adjusted dollars. I was into & owned Quad ELS 57 & Accustat model 'X's, both s/h buys but would have bought these ET's if I'd had the money back then on the strength of that review, i'm nearly certain, but I heard nothing about them aftef & no other (pre-net) reviews of this speaker after that, until now. Obviously a worthy design then. I re-fancy a pair now

  • @jvburnes
    @jvburnes Жыл бұрын

    Really cool review. I've heard of these before but I don't see anyplace where I could audition them. I'd guess they are in a similar category as the Maggie 1.7s but with better dynamics? It looks like they have a 30 daymoney back guarantee if you are 150+ miles from the nearest dealer.

  • @rw3915
    @rw3915 Жыл бұрын

    Like always, nice job. As someone wrote, your enthusiasm is wonderful. Just out of curiosity, when testing the speaker, did your front end consist of the Pass Labs XP30 preamp, and the Jay's Audio/Terminator DAC? If not, mentioning that which was used would be great. What also would be great is inserting perhaps a 15 second audio clip in your video. Then again, just keep on keepin' on!

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    The preamp is mostly the LTA , the DAC mola mola Tambaqui, and Jay's CD transport

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    @@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I second the suggestion for a sound clip in your videos.

  • @ethimself5064
    @ethimself5064 Жыл бұрын

    You one happy camper on this one. 👍

  • @garysmith8455
    @garysmith8455 Жыл бұрын

    Steve, I was surprised that they are only 83 db efficient ! My Martin Logan (you now revealed your feelings toward ESTATS 😢) Classic 9's are at 90 DB! I don't believe these ribbons would have the same punch or more dynamics over the ML's with a Parasound A21 at 400w per ch. which is the recommended power. But then again, the price points are quite different. 🙂

  • @eoglander
    @eoglander Жыл бұрын

    I have the smaller version of these. The LFT 16A. They're unreal. Bruce is a class act.

  • @2mikelim
    @2mikelim Жыл бұрын

    Change all existing connecting copper wires into pure silver like Audionote (if you can get short lengths) and its sound will be taken to the next level! I had done the same to my LFT-16

  • @aceofspades6667
    @aceofspades6667 Жыл бұрын

    These vs spatial m3 sapphire and spatial x5 ? Or even the spatial audio labs m4 sapphire you reviewed previously?

  • @mgt1701
    @mgt1701 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve - Great video! Any thoughts about comparing the Magnepans in the same price range to the LFT8b. I believe that is the Magnepan 3.7 (about $3700 pair), the Magnepan 1.7 is about ($2400 pair)....that way not comparing apples to oranges (re price equivalency).

  • @dougg1075
    @dougg1075 Жыл бұрын

    Nice viewer system.

  • @yourdiytechlife
    @yourdiytechlife Жыл бұрын

    Oh my, you weren’t kidding about their web site. Fortunately web sites don’t design and build speakers. 😉

  • @circattle
    @circattle Жыл бұрын

    I'm thinking that these would be a very good match for Quad 99/909, which is really designed to push electrostats, and the price is nearly a third of Quad's ESL 2912. I'm intrigued that Bruce Thigpen drew his early inspiration from Quad ESL-57. I also note that HiFi Choice said these were better than similar price Martin Logan's - I heard the Electromotion ESL speakers a couple of years ago, but I was disappointed with how they handled electronic music, and the off-axis performance was brutal, even by electrostat standards.

  • @kevinfestner6126
    @kevinfestner6126 Жыл бұрын

    How do these compare to martin Logan's electrostatic speakers?

  • @gregoryfrassetti1276
    @gregoryfrassetti1276 Жыл бұрын

    Too bad we still don't know when the Maggie Sub is coming out and how much it will cost. But these are pretty cool if you ask me.

  • @Dirtweed
    @Dirtweed Жыл бұрын

    A lot more compact than the Acoustat Spectre 2 that I have in the living room.

  • @stevemd8947
    @stevemd8947 Жыл бұрын

    Steve - Did you play any classical piano music? If yes, was the center image rock solid? Thank you.

  • @antitrustnomonopoly8291
    @antitrustnomonopoly8291 Жыл бұрын

    Maggies are capable to deliver very quality bass absolutely fantastic for classical music playback like pipe organ but demands crazy amplification that warms up space a lot (I've been using sustained plateua bias class A mono blocks yet too much heat to cope with) few watts of class A is plenty for my stereo today (back loaded full range)

  • @ns387241
    @ns387241 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve, great video! Wondering what your thoughts would be about how this speaker compares to the Magnepan 1.7i. Thanks.

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    I've mostly lived with LRS, .7, 3.6 and 7, this speaker is faster, clearer, and the bass is more dynamic and powerful.

  • @melbguy1
    @melbguy1 Жыл бұрын

    Apparently the LFT8C is a significant upgrade over the 8B & is a good deal for $4.5kUS

  • @rodneyarnoldi
    @rodneyarnoldi Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Steve for the review. I'm wondering whether I will be as delighted with the Eminent Tech LFT-8b as I am with my Quad 57's? Voices are so natural sounding on the Quads...something I would miss perhaps?

  • @issadad

    @issadad

    Жыл бұрын

    I have ESL-57s too but they're not happy with my old Fischer 500-C receiver. What do you use to drive your Quads? Also, if they are still on their original little legs, do you get much height in the soundstage -- the soundstage soaring to fill the air above the Quads? I'm missing that, and I ask bcse I have 15 ft ceilings.

  • @bobtaylor7197
    @bobtaylor7197 Жыл бұрын

    What about his "hypersonic" super directional soeaker!

  • @michaelvaladez6570
    @michaelvaladez6570 Жыл бұрын

    These speakers sound really good..but I live in a small listening space so far do they have to far from the wall ???..for the price they sound great especially being built in the USA.Thank you Steve Guttenberg what would we do without you !!!!

  • @Josh442

    @Josh442

    Жыл бұрын

    For dipoles in general, 3' seems to be the minimum. I mean, they can be closer, but you lose a lot.

  • @OldTooly
    @OldTooly Жыл бұрын

    These speakers are enormously interesting, Thanks for the review. I must ask, your seating position was 9 feet. How close do you think you could sit to get most of this speaker's potential? 4 feet from my wall will reduce my speaker to seating distance accordingly, in my already too small room.

  • @ramesh520
    @ramesh520 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Steve,since I've gotten partial to imaging of dual coax speakers,how do these compare to Mofi pointsource 10? Or Any of the dual coax speakers?

  • @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    @SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac

    Жыл бұрын

    The eminent is far superior, if you have the room to give it space! Can't put these near a wall, and you have a high-quality hundred watt plus amp.

  • @Justwantahover
    @Justwantahover Жыл бұрын

    For a speaker of that class and size the price is really good! Well worth 3 grand.

  • @mgaming7
    @mgaming7 Жыл бұрын

    So how do they compare to Martin Logans? It seems to me, that would be a better comparison than Maggies that don't have woofers.

  • @mostirreverent
    @mostirreverent7 ай бұрын

    Being so close to those woofers activate the floor. Do you need iso acoustic feet or something

  • @5thlevelweb887
    @5thlevelweb8872 ай бұрын

    Would these be an upgrade over my Martin Logan Electromotion ESLs?

  • @mjot2360
    @mjot23609 ай бұрын

    Steve - How was the transition from the mid range driver to the tweeter? Some say it's not 100% seamless.

  • @Hiluxtaco
    @Hiluxtaco Жыл бұрын

    Hello, Steve!! 🙋‍♂️👋🙋‍♂️

  • @Mr70hemi
    @Mr70hemi Жыл бұрын

    Steve what do you think of Martin Logan Motion® SLM. ??

  • @Mr70hemi
    @Mr70hemi Жыл бұрын

    Steve you should compare these to Martin Logan Classic ESL 9

  • @mjot2360

    @mjot2360

    2 ай бұрын

    ESL 9 is twice the price. I bet the ET's would do well in a comparison.

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