Posted by manualblock [ 24.45.24.101 ] on September 13, 2006 at 16:14:59:
In Reply to: Re: part out Valencias & build NorthCreek or Pi? or keep Valencias? posted by geaugafletcher on September 13, 2006 at 02:46:12:
Good description of the Valencias. To answer your question the Pi 4's and the Altecs do sound quite a bit different. The Pi's go a little deeper and have more detail and punch; they very much like SS amps. If I had to call it I would say they; at least to my ears sound better with more power. The Altecs have a very musical sound; call it colored if you will but I love it. The best sound out of both speakers was the SE Tube amp on the Altecs; and rightfully so since the drivers are much more expensive than what is in the Pi's. That combo did Jazz and pop so good it is like you are there. If you like classical? Maybe the Pi's are more your taste since they are better on the frequency extremes.
The tripath amp sounds nice on the Pi's; not so great on the Altecs.
I agree with the small room issue; the Altecs like bigger rooms while the Pi's can do fine in a smaller space.
I get a phenomenal sound in my den with the A's but it suffers in my smaller room.
For Jazz; I think you might be a little surprised at what a simple vintage tube integrated amp on the Altecs can do. I have on hand a couple common integrateds and what a nice sound from that combo for a small piece of change.
The Pi's will also surprise you with a good 50 watt SS amp on Rock and Classical. Remmember the Theater 4's are pretty big in themselves; 6 cu ft; larger than the Altecs.
To sum up; all depends on your music.
Also bear in mind the Valencias have always suffered from weak cabinet issues. They really need a heavily braced stocky cabinet and that will make a difference in the percieved bass output.
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