Legacy Audio Speakers - Page 8

I understand the concern about sweet spot size. It takes away from the feeling of being enveloped in the music if you move a little and the sound changes noticeably. Some of my own observations....my Focus SE's are spaced about 9.5 ft. apart and I sit about 12-13 feet from the them. Toe-in is such that the left speaker is aimed directly at the person sitting to my left and similarly on the right. My observations are that these 3 seats all image very well. Of course, the center is best but the difference is small. Vertically, my head can be centered anywhere from about 3-5 feet without much noticeable change. So, in my configuration the sweet spot is about 4 feet wide and 2 feet tall. Keep in mind that "sweetness" is subjective and I am being conservative in my estimation. All that said, I never find myself wishing for a larger sweet spot, and in the sweet spot the soundstage is huge with excellent imaging.

I recently listened to the Whisper XD's with Legacy LA dealer James, as I was considering upgrading and eventually will. I was concerned that Whisper would have a noticeably reduced sweet spot and this would take away from the listening experience a little. This was not the case at all. The Whisper has a smooth off-axis response, and while they are more directional than the Focus SE in midrange and bass they sound very natural. The imaging with the Whisper is like nothing I've ever heard. It was just silly easy to imagine the performers right there in front of you. Vocals were never larger than life (unless they were mixed that way), but sounded like they were coming from a very specific location. Same with instruments, and sounds that were recorded with panning effects were a delight to visualize moving around the room. Dynamics were insane - they made me realize that yes, my Focus SE's have limitations. The Whispers' low midrange / upper bass was more resolved than the Focus SE as I observed more texture in male voices, drums and other sounds in this frequency range. Bass didn't seem as independent of the room as I was expecting, but this can always be tailored with the Xilica processor.

Cheers,
Matt

Great review Matt, I agree with everything you said about the Focus SEs and the XDs.

Thanks for posting the link to the Whisper imaging on YouTube, James. That's a great, informative video. I saw it a while back, but seeing and hearing it again makes me want Whispers all over again!

NEW LEGACY AUDIO SIGNATURE SE REVIEW at Home Theater Review:

Brian Kahn has posted a review of the Legacy Audio Signature SE loudspeakers ($5995/pair) at HomeTheaterReview. Some of his conclusions:

“Despite their small footprint, the Signature SEs provided deep, powerful and clean bass. This held true even with the less powerful integrated amplifiers. I left the bass level trim switch in the neutral position. Even though the -2dB position was probably more accurate in my room, I liked the bass. The Signature SEs performed fine with the integrated amplifiers, but also benefitted from the additional resolution of the McIntosh separates".

"The midrange was extremely clean and natural. Voices were naturally resolved and easily identifiable as distinct, even within a group of vocalists. Likewise, instruments remained distinct. Working our way up the frequency range to treble, the Signature SEs’ character remained in place. The slight thinness I heard in the upper midrange when playing back stringed instruments was slight and not noticeable in all but the most critical of listening. The ribbons provided extended and detailed treble that significantly betters that of earlier ribbon designs once break-in was completed".

"Overall, it is hard to find fault with the Signature SEs. They are attractive to look at and even nicer to hear. In comparison to the other speakers I have on hand, which range from twice to four times as expensive, the Signature SEs held their own. There were areas where the other speakers excelled, but even given the large price discrepancy, the differences were relatively small. If I were putting up my hard-earned money, I would take a close look at the Legacy Audio Signature SEs.”

You can read the full review at this link: HomeTheaterReview Legacy Audio Signature SE Review 8/27/2012

This is a great thread, full of pictures, information, and feedback. Keep 'em comin'!

Legacy Audio To Introduce New AERIS Speaker System and New AMT Tweeter

Some of you may have noticed a Legacy ad in Stereophile recently showing an "Air Motion" Tweeter - but no explanation with it.... Well, here's the story!

It turns out that Bill Dudleston has developed a new advanced design Air Motion Tweeter that he will be premiering in a brand new Legacy model called AERIS at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, coming up Oct. 12-14 in Denver.

The AERIS will fit in the lineup somewhere between the Focus SE and the Whisper speakers. Price has yet to be determined...



Bill says the new AMT Tweeter is an improvement in both sound and design. It's made from all new ribbon tweeter elements - a 4" ribbon tweeter, and a 1" ribbon super tweeter. The new tweeter elements are built into a single faceplate, which will eliminate the overlapping design of the current models.

The new AMT Tweeter will initially be used in the AERIS, but will soon be incorporated into the Whisper XD, Focus SE, and Signature SE speakers as well. Legacy tells me that they are working on a possible upgrade program for current Signature SE / Focus SE / Whisper XD owners who wish to upgrade, but the details are not finalized, so don't call yet!!! Legacy will notify dealers when its ready - Its likely that some baffle routing and crossover changes will be required. It is unknown at the moment whether the upgrade will be able to be done in the field, or require a trip back to the factory.

Taken from the Press Release:

The AERIS system is the first to use LEGACY’s new dual Air Motion tweeter (an advanced AMT design) with high power handling and high efficiency, and a titanium particle coated 8” midrange with an enormous motor structure imported from Italy. The bottom end is highlighted by a 10” midbass and dual 12” subwoofers with a linear volume displacement of nearly 200 cubic inches.

The bass section is powered by 750 watts of ICEpower® amplification and offers exceptional extension to 16Hz. The included 24-bit DSP includes balanced and unbalanced analog inputs and outputs, level control, and both SPDIF coaxial and USB inputs. The elegant design employs a 2.25” thick baffle with 2” side walls. The upper portion of the speaker cabinet is open air dipole for fast decay of mid-bass frequencies and airy spacious highs.
Meticulous craftsmanship displays options such as a leather laminated baffle, carbon fiber laminated base with a facetted front and sculpted sides.

About developing the AERIS, Bill Dudleston said:

AERIS Specifications:
Frequency Range: 16-30 kHz, Sensitivity: 95 dB (@2.83 volts/1m)
Upper cabinet dimensions: 58” h x 14.5” w x 16” d
Base dimensions: 1”h x 19” w x 15” d (cabinet sets into base)
Edited by DMark1 - 10/3/12 at 12:55pm

Holy Rocky Mountain High, Batman!! Wasn't planning to attend RMAF, but it might be worth it, just to check the Aeris out. That baby out to be the master of slam!

Hi Mtrot,

The RMAF is the largest consumer audio show in the country at the moment.

If you do go to the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest, Legacy Audio will be in the EVERGREEN BALLROOM A, and will be demo-ing the following speakers at the Show.

* Aeris
* Focus SE
* Signature SE
* Classic HD
* Expression HD

Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2012
Date: 10/12/2012 to 10/14/2012

Venue:
Denver Marriott Tech Center
4900 S Syracuse St
Denver, CO 80237

Show Hours:
Friday: 12pm-6pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 9am-4pm

I will be there Friday and Saturday unless something unexpected happens at work. Last year rack manufacturer Dynamic Contrasts had a pair of Focus SE powered by a BMC C1in a room and I fell in love with the Focus SE. I liked the dual analog and digital power meters on the amp too. I am hoping he is there with that setup again this year.

Hi Larry, Please stop by the Legacy room (Evergreen Ballroom A), and post your impressions of the Aeris and other speakers here on the Forum for the rest of us!

Be sure to say Hi to Bill Dudleston and Doug Brown, and let them know you saw the Aeris on AVS. Enjoy the Show!

AVS- I thought you might like to see the first photographs of AERIS!

I need to win the lottery....those look great!

7211 straight and box.

James, are all the drivers open baffle??? Its hard to tell if that black back panel is a grill or solid....

I'm assuming the woofers are sealed or ported, and the transition mid-woofer and mid are open baffle?

Have you heard the AERIS yet?

The upper section, 8" midrange and 10" mid-bass, is open air dipole for fast decay of mid-bass frequencies.
More details will be coming soon!

Of course I will be spending a lot of time listening to the Legacy speakers this weekend!
As an aside, you know people that can afford $100,000 stereos drive some pretty cool cars, the Marriott lot will be full of beautiful cars this weekend.

Did anybody hear Legacy at RMAF this past weekend? I haven't seen a single mention of it online.

Yes, Michael Fremer tweeted it and there is tons of photos.. Google RMAF2012

Thanks Bill. I saw the pics, looking for comments on the sound of the new dual AMTs, but just crickets

It most likely is better and now another reason to audition them ;-)

Absolutely! Can't wait to hear the new Focus when it comes.

edit: Here's some commentary on the Legacy demo. But not specifically about the treble SQ.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110633.msg1142554#msg1142554
Edited by richidoo - 10/15/12 at 10:57am

Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity just posted a great review of the Classic HD and Metro sub.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/floor-standing-speakers/floor-standing-speakers-reviews/legacy-classic-hd.html

That is a great review. Amazing low distortion measurements. Those silver graphite cones are excellent.

Stereomojo has some RMAF coverage, and will have first crack at Aeris review.
http://www.stereomojo.com/Rocky%20Mountain%20Audio%20Fest%202012%20Show%20Report/RockyMountainAudioFest2012ShowReport1.htm
Edited by richidoo - 10/24/12 at 9:49am

Any full reviews of the Expression towers and Silverscreen Center?

Originally posted in the Latest News Forum....

Legacy Audio Introduces New Tech at Giant Screen Digital Theater

This theater sounds pretty amazing. I just wish I lived near it!


From Legacy Audio press release...

Let's learn about the audio system...

Moving on to the technology...


A little bit about the Peoria Riverfront Museum...

About LEGACY Audio...

Who else wishes they lived near this place? Or better yet, who does live near it?!

Thank you for posting our press release, AVS. The system is based around the doubleHelix- those interested, can find more information here.

Audioholics.com just posted a great interview by Gene DellaSala with Bill Dudleston, Founder and Chief Designer at Legacy Audio. I've provided the review below, or you can click the link above to view it on Audioholics.

I found this interview fascinating, especially the parts about driver design, speaker construction, and reference measurements and testing. Great stuff!!!

That's some great information. Very much looking forward to their review of the Focus, especially with the new tweeters . . .

Folks, does anyone have any information on how the two 10-inch Dayton Audio RS270 woofers that are used in the Signature SE compare quality wise to the two 12-inch Aurasound woofers that are used in the Focuse SE? According to my research, the Dayton's cost around 1/5 of the price when compared to the Aurasound's (arund $90.00 compared to $500.00 or so on a retail basis). I am torn between the Classic HD and Signature SE. I audtioned both, and the Classic HD's appear to have a more detailed and punchy midrange, but lacked the detail and clarity in the upper frequency from the AMT of the Signature SE. Are the two 8-inch drivers from the Classic HD of a better quality than the two Dayton 10-inch woofers from the Signature SE? I wish that the AMT was available in the Classic HD, as this would solve my dillema. Debating between a Signature SE or Classic HD pair to go along with a Silverscreen HD and Deco to be used as side surrounds. Alternatively, I also loved the Monitor Audio GX300 towers, which would pair up with a GX350 center and GXFX surrounds. The ribbons on the MA GX also sound really open, airy, and bright/clear with a really wide soundstage.

PS: As I understand it, the AMT and 7 inch/8 inch drivers are Legacy's proprietary design, so I wonder why they selected to use the Dayton Audio RS270 in the Signature SE for the 10-inch drivers, versus perhaps using their own proprietary design.
Edited by addictaudio - 11/24/12 at 2:58am

^^^ Since many Legacy buffs may have gone away for the Holiday, I wanted to bring this back up in hopes that someone may have some insight to the above. Thanks.

Hi Addictaudio,

First, let me say that Bill D. Is an absolute fanatic when it comes to selecting drivers for Legacy speakers, so I'm sure that he thinks very highly of the Dayton RS270 for it's given job in the Signature SE. Bill always uses the best drivers he can find within the parameters of a speakers' price point, and he is constantly testing new drivers. I own a set of 3 Signature SEs, and they sound terrific, with strong and detailed bass performance down to 22 Hz in my room.

I have heard the Classic HDs, and they are excellent for the price, however, the Signature SE is a definite step up, and worth the extra money to get the new AMT tweeters.