Linkwitz LX521 or JBL M2 ??

[tktran303]

The only speakers that bettered my Lx521 was a point source horn system - amazing dynamics and better detail.

The paradox of the Lx521 is that it needs space, usually means larger rooms in your typical home style environment. Yet in a larger room it cant do loud. Or at least it does not sound very nice at louder volumes.

The Lx521 is hard to beat ar low/mod listening levels.

I believe, but don’t have evidence, that Dynamic Range is an important factor to sounding live, or life-like. Related to this is voltage sensitivity, I believe.

Erin does Dynamic Range testing. (Instantaneous Compression Test).
see erinsaudiocorner.com

One starts to see why not all “simple boxed 2 way speakers” are created equally when you see that the M2 shows absolutely no difference between pianissimo and fortissimo
(60dB to 102dB/1m)

 

[tktran303]

One thing about dipoles vs boxed speakers is that boxed speakers do better is the image focus, whereas the dipoles have a relative diffuse or “spacious” soundstage.

I had a pair of Jim Holtz/Curt Campbell’s Statements II (a huge speaker >200lbs each; in WTMTW format with open back mids

The open-back mids offer the best of both worlds; and you only need to have the speakers 1.5-2ft from the front wall.

Sadly I sold this due to an overseas move. Upon return I asked the new owner if he ever considered selling; to please let me know.

No thanks, was the short answer.