Comparison, Unbiased Review & Ranking of 12 High-End Home Cinema Audio Systems - Page 6

Hi Craig,

I must correct you with regards to your accusation that I have made "disparaging comments about the manufacturer", when I have done no such thing. Please kindly quote these so-called "disparaging comments about the manufacturer" to which you are referring.

Further to this, for what it's worth, I’d like to apologise for calling you “boy”; I reacted badly to your unwarrantedly patronizing, insulting and attacking me. I should have realized more quickly that you were doing so simply because you were upset by my review and personal opinion of the audio system that you own.

However, I must point out that you have admitted having a personal association with Triad, so you are not exactly wholly unbiased are you?

So go ahead, throw your toys out the pram and insult me as much as you like. In my opinion I found that audio system to be bright and harsh when played at reference levels and seemingly suffered the flaws typically associated with horn-type speakers. Whereas, in my opinion, I found that the PRO Audio Technology audio system, which also has horn-type speakers, did not. In fact, I thought it sounded pretty incredible and was without a doubt one of the best that I auditioned, and score reflects my opinion. Now you might have listened to the same Triad audio system that I did and really liked it; in which case, you would purchase the system whilst I would choose not to. And that’s the wonderful thing about the world we live in; we are not all clones, in that we have our own personal preferences. You have clearly demonstrated that you are a very intelligent chap who is knowledgeable about A/V, in which case you must know all about the age-old debate over the audio colouration that often plagues horn-type speakers. This matter has been argued over for decades, and will never, ever reach a resolution; and as will will probably be aware has been the cause of many, many heated debates, and more recently Internet flamewars.

Unfortunately, when one expresses one’s opinion without ‘sugar coating’ it (or modifying it to appease one’s advertisers, which is what A/V magazines typically do) inevitably the low scores will upset fans of those particular brands or items. You are clearly a huge fan of Triad speakers and I both welcome and respect your opinion, even though it is somewhat biased due to your personal relationship with the manufacturer. I ask again that you please kindly respect mine. Personally, I didn’t like the particular Triad audio system that I listened to. Let’s agree to disagree. I am entitled to my opinion and you are entitled to yours.

Given your strong feelings, I suggest that you might like to post an intelligently composed rebuttal, comprising your own opinion on and review of the respective Triad audio system. Feel free to include details as to how and why you don’t agree with my perspective, but please try to keep matters professional and not lower yourself to petty jibes or insults.

I believe that this would achieve much more than simply attacking me. After all, your opinion of my A/V skills is just that, your opinion; and hence your time would be much better invested in supporting your view that the respective Triad audio system is in fact really good, by posting your own review.

I expect you will probably persist in your mudslinging against me, just because I don't agree with your perspective of that particular audio system; but I am hoping that you will surprise me.

P.S. I should reply to these or the fact I don't might trigger another barrage of false accusations:

1) RE "BTW, you may not be a "shill" for S-L, but are they cutting you a deal on those speakers so you'll write a "review" for them and publish it on the internet? Hmmmm...." - For your information I paid no less than the Trade Price for the audio system, and I already placed the order way before writing and posting my review.

2) RE: "Moreover, even if you do show some impressive measurements of the "physically-challenged" S-L system, it won't change what I think of you..." - Awww, you mean we're not going to be best buddies? Seriously, though, I hope in time you calm down and realise that an opinion is an opinion; and that just because yours differs from mine it doesn't make mine 'incorrect' Let me put it this way, say a SOUND ENGINEER and a DOCTOR audition the same audio system; the SOUND ENGINEER's opinion is that the audio is amazing and writes a 1000 page report about it; the DOCTOR's opinion is that it sounded harsh and gave him a headache. Who is correct?
Edited by madboynutter - 7/8/12 at 5:49am

Pfahaaha! Oh yes, how silly of me... only the subwoofer was playing when I measured the SPL and I didn't notice. Are you guys serious?

You do realise that is the vest majority of cases the audio systems that I auditioned had been installed, setup and calibrated by the UK distributor, which included the guy who carries out the CEDIA training? And when they demonstrated the respective audio systems to me they informed me the volume setting was set to Reference Level; I simply confirmed that it was indeed so via use of an SPL Meter. So you've basically just insulted all the major UK Distributors for all these brands of A/V equipment with your ludicrous insinuations that the systems weren't set up or calibrated properly or that they don't know how to set the volume to Reference Level. That's hilarious!

Come on, you guys are a bit more intelligent than this surely?

It is interesting to note that the ones who are egotistically claiming that I have inferior A/V skills and knowledge have proven that they are unable to tell the difference between the method of operation of Steinway Lyngdorf audio systems and Meridian; and as it happens are also under the misapprehension that the Panasonic SA-XR55 which is just a £250 A/V Receiver with class D amps is the same as an SL system which is a complete end to end audio system excluding a source.

Furthermore, these same individuals mistakenly claim that the SL audio systems, which they have never in fact listened to, are unable to play audio at Cinema Reference Levels, despite the UK Distributor demonstrating as such and my confirming as such via use of an SPL meter. IF I had any affiliation with SL, which I don't, then I would indubitably be able to post some lab test data to so just how ridiculous are the statements made by these self-proclaimed superior individuals...

I could go on... but all of this begs the question, who is really embarrassing themselves? Me, who has simply posted an opinion that differs from some other peoples' ; or YOU guys who don't seem to know your arse from your elbow for all of the above reasons and more.
Edited by madboynutter - 7/8/12 at 7:15am

Erm... please kindly confirm which other brand of audio system is an end to end audio system that operates the same way as Steinway Lyngdorf

Craig,

Hopefully you realise that that was an analogy referring to the fact that, in my opinion, in almost all (but not all) cases however much you dress up a horn speaker fundamentally it is a horn speaker; and that I was most certainly NOT portraying "Triad as a predator preying on the innocent"; however, I have taken your point on board and of couse immediately deleted said sentence for you.

With regards to everything else I stand by what I have already said regarding all of that being a difference of opinions. So let's agree to disagree. And it's fully understandable you not being a happy bunny, given you own a Triad Platinum series system however I am sure that we would not have had this interchange if I had sang its praises and slated PRO Audio Technology instead...

Enjoy the tennis, my money is on Andy

Last time I checked you needed to plug the Panasonic XR55 into some speakers for it to produce sound, no? Whereas, the SL is a complete end to end audio system. So how exactly is that the same?

I get the point about the Panasonic's amplifiers being digital, but that's where the similarity ends.

I don't know whether or not SL invented the technology that their systems' use; but as far as I am aware they are the one's offering it as part of a complete audio system solution. And whether or not they did or did not invent the technology is a moot point; look at Widsom Audio for example, their flagship audio system uses decades old technology revamped to astonishing effect, which delivers incredible audio performance in spades. In fact, I was intending to buy the Wisdom Audio system before I auditioned the SL system... it's amazing, and comparitively in its way unique and extraordinary, just as is the SL system but for different reasons

I should add that if I had bought the Wisdom Audio system and not the SL system and hence written my full review singing its praises and not the SL system, then I am sure I would be defending my high opinion of the Wisdom Audio system's audio performance instead of the SL's!
Edited by madboynutter - 7/8/12 at 8:30am

Sorry, but does the Panasonic SA-XR55 come with speakers then? I thought it was just an A/V Receiver, no?

I tell you what, you are most welcome to bring along your 200 dollar receiver anytime to an SL dealer and have them run a direct comparison for you. Then, you will realise just how silly you are being... just remember to bring along some speakers though!

You make some interesting points. Have you ever tested an SL audio system?

And out of curosity how does MK Sound perform at reference levels?

I recommend you also check out the WIDSOM AUDIO system if you get the chance... its pretty awesome too. The only reason I didn't compose as detailed write-ups of my opinion of that and the others is the document would have ended up about 400 pages long!

Interestingly, I would have bought that system had I not auditioned the SL system; in which case I am sure I would be defending my high opinion of that audio system instead of SL!
Edited by madboynutter - 7/8/12 at 10:00am

Thank you for taking my review as it was intended, and being a thoroughly decent individual to boot; unlike some of these other characters who remind me of cartoon villains.

Meaning no insult, and with the utmost repect, it is perfectly clear from my post its content was directed at more than one individual...

P.S. I am genuinely sorry if I upset you by correcting you on this particular matter

Well of course I'd be supporting Andy and not Roger... I'm BRITISH!