skypig

The Michi X3 gets universally good reviews. I can’t really audition one. I could buy one and the results could be: 1. Can’t hear any difference - oops! 2. Wow, I’ve never heard that before - the detail, the sound stage, the power!! - I wish I bought it a year ago. (This is exactly what happened when I replace speakers I was “happy” with, with the RF7III’s!!) 3. I “think” it’s a little “better”, maybe.

It certainly has not passed me by. I have a high end phono amp, with seperate power supply, so don’t need to pay extra for a cheap inbuilt phono stage that I wont use. Likewise, my current DAC is part of my streamer - my CD transport also utilizes this DAC. Again, it’s unlikely the inbuilt DAC would be superior. Some amps I’ve seen offer modules, at extra cost, if you want an inbuilt phono stage, or DAC, which seems a good option.

I listened to a Hegel H390 yesterday. (The H190 is more in my price range) It sounded great, but with completely different speakers/room/music it was impossible to compare with what I have. I also got the NAD back from the repair shop. I should be happy with the NAD. It sounds great to my ears. I just wonder if another would sound even better. And the NAD is living on borrowed time corrosion wise. One problem I have, is most of the suitable amps (power/price/sound wise) come with a phono stage and a DAC built in. So I figure I’m paying $A1-2k for stuff I don’t want. I’ve found a Rotel Michi X3 with $A1500 off (which kind of gives me the unwanted Phono stage and DAC for free). If I had to buy a new amp today, it would be that one. (I’m heard) But I’ll probably change my mind tomorrow. Typing this listening to my delightful Rf7IIIs 😊

Thanks for your considered response, and so much information. I’ll look into your suggestions. Very interesting re the efficiency rating of the speakers. The current amp is rated at 150w/channel into 8 ohms, and it seems adequate. At best. from What HiFi “The C375BEE packs in plenty of power thanks to a terrifyingly large transformer, with NAD claiming 500 Watts per channel into 2 ohms or a more realistic 150 Watts of continuous power per channel into 4 or 8 ohms. ….. With all that muscle under the lid, this lack of drive is surprising – as is the fact that, when asked to really belt out a tune at loud volume, the amp has a tendency to harden up at the top end and sound cluttered with busier tracks. This NAD is perfectly listenable, but for £1000 you should expect a little more.“ I hope I can find something that I think sounds better, for a sensible cost.

The Michi looks good. Except I’m paying for a phono stage and DAC I don’t need. (Have them separately) I need an on/off switch, a volume knob and a source selector. Also great sound and plenty of head room. The very experienced repair guy I use, promised to never speak to me again if buy a Yamaha. He really hates them, sound and repair wise. (40 years in the industry) I’m sure other people’s experience varies:) On two wheels, I’m a Yamaha guy. I suspect he thinks the same of class D stuff as well…

I’m leaning towards some class D mono blocks and a Topping pre90 (for volume control and an rca input for my turntable. Based on the above theory. Of course, I’m not sure how “warm”, “un-fatiguing” and “musical” it will be. They offer a money back guarantee. Do the obvious thing to do, is try it in my room, with my speakers and ears.

Some good advice. I agree re spending more on Amp than speakers. Not usually sensible. I can try the Class D mono blocks at my place, with my speakers, with the only cost shipping if I return them. So that’s tempting.

I have a new pair of RF7 III’s. I am super impressed with these speakers. I’m running a 12?yo NAD 375BEE (150w/ch) I have some custom powered Subs. Sounds good, in my large listening room (Concrete industrial shed, very high roof- No neighbours) The NAD Is suffering some internal corrosion and has been successfully repaired. For now. I remember, that when the NAD replaced my ancient Sansui (AU-G77??) I didn’t think it was an upgrade. Maybe slightly the other way (The Sansui died of the same thing the NAD is suffering from - living near the beach) I’ll need a new amp before too long. I listen to rock/blues at loud volume. And enjoy the stereo every day. If I could hear the difference, and it sounded better to me, I’d be prepared to pay a bit more for an amp. The dealer Is recommending Exposure 5010 pre amp and 2x200w Mono blocks. An excellent option no doubt, but at A$14500 it seems way over the top. The NAD was A$2000 12 years ago. There are some interesting class D mono blocks made in Australia at a much more reasonable price. But I know little about this style. https://marchaudio.com/product/p421-mono-block-power-amplifier/?v=6cc98ba2045f Comments? Suggestions?

SkyDover Thanks for chipping in. I was actually a little worried about the "detail" available from the horn design. I assumed it would be a little less detailed than some conventional tweeters. I think I listen to people too much, and speakers not enough.

No tubes, but I went through a stage of upgrading phono stages. The Rega fono mini was incredible bang for buck. I stopped upgrading at a Heed Quasar.

Zen Traveler We agree, but they are 2000km away. MattSUR I'm looking at a brand new pair. RF7 IIs I agree, that in the unlikely event that I dislike them, I could on sell them, probably. Schu Thanks I have a matching CB750ko model behind the Sumo wheels. The '97 Doohan, '87 Gardner, and '67 Hailwood models are signed. When I get a '77 Sheene to fill the gap it will never be signed unfortunately. Nor will the '57 Libero Liberti Gillara 4. Each one is the world championship winning bike. 10 years between each. (Seeing the evolution is interesting.) I'll need a model of next years championship winner - another 10 years since Stoner won on the Ducati. Scary how fast time goes by these days!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. After I moved into this listening room the base was a little thin, but as mentioned, the large velodyne sub, set very subtlety has made a nice improvement. Intersting that the rear facing ports don't require a wall behind them to deliver as designed. I haven't heard any bad reports on the RF7s, and I'm almost sure they are for me. It just seems a little, crazy? to buy speakers unheard. I haven't any experience with horn loaded compression tweeters. (My hi fi shop owning friend isn't a fan of this technology, but I think our priorities are a little different. His new favorite Spendor D9s are a very impressive, detailed, speaker, but I don't think they will deliver the "concert feel"I'm looking for.) There is one pair of RF7's available at a good price, but they aren't local. The "room". Messy, and not for everyone, no restrictions on listening levels. (I'm almost too embarrassed to post this. Almost)

skypig Newbie New Members 0 1 post Posted 23 minutes ago · Report post Hello, I'm brand new here. (Second attempt) Speaker neophyte from Australia. I'm considering buying new speakers for the first time in 30 years. I've always liked my Electrovoice EVIIIs. Not sure if anyone has heard of them, let alone heard them. (They are two ways with a "passive radiator). I've had them re hinged several times, and a little while ago replaced the drivers with a generic set. They are getting very near the end of their life. My amp is a 150w/channel NAD C375BEE. Source is a nicely set up Rega TT or FLAC files through a Cambridge Audio 851N I have a very subtlety set Velodyne sub which is nice in my big room. The room is part of the question. The other part of the question is the base ports in the rear of the RF7s I listen in a semi converted factory. The speakers are only 3.5m (10') from my ears. Best toed in slightly. There is effectively nothing behind or beside them. No corner effect. The ceiling is 4.7m (14') high and "non reflective". The floor is concrete with thin carpet. I listen with a half height wooden wall directly behind me. I'm thinking no wall behind the speakers might not work with the rear base port design? (Nothing to reflect the base forward) Unfortunatly I can't even audition the speakers in a shop, let alone my place. I listen to everything from Sade, Natalie Merchent, Concrete Blonde and Adel to Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath and especially Led Zeppelin. And I like it loud at times. I think the speakers would fit the bill regards the music, and the rest of my system. Less sure if they would work in my environment. Any comments or advice greatly appreciated and sorry for such a long first post!

Hello, I'm brand new here. Speaker neophyte from Australia. I'm considering buying new speakers for the first time in 30 years. I've always liked my Electrovoice EVIIIs. Not sure if anyone has heard of them, let alone heard them. (They are two ways with a "passive radiator). I've had them re hinged several times, and a little while ago replaced the drivers with a generic set. They are getting very near the end of their life. My amp is a 150w/channel NAD C375BEE. Source is a nicely set up Rega TT or FLAC files through a Cambridge Audio 851N I have a very subtlety set Velodyne sub which is nice in my big room. The room is part of the question. The other part of the question is the base ports in the rear of the RF7s I listen in a semi converted factory. The speakers are only 3.5m (10') from my ears. Best toed in slightly. There is effectively nothing behind or beside them. No corner effect. The ceiling is 4.7m (14') high and "non reflective". The floor is concrete with thin carpet. I listen with a half height wooden wall directly behind me. I'm thinking no wall behind the speakers might not work with the rear base port design? (Nothing to reflect the base forward) Unfortunatly I can't even audition the speakers in a shop, let alone my place. I listen to everything from Sade, Natalie Merchent, Concrete Blonde and Adel to Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath and especially Led Zeppelin. And I like it loud at times. I think the speakers would fit the bill regards the music, and the rest of my system. Less sure if they would work in my environment. Any comments or advice greatly appreciated and sorry for such a long first post! edit I'm not off to a great start - not sure how I posted in the wrong section. I'll repost in 2 channel, where I thought I was......