A few months ago I decided that a change was needed. There was no reason for this change other than for the sake of trying something totally different. I sold my Aslan Scanspeak speakers and Shanling amplifier and gave Andrew a call to prepare himself.

I really wanted to try something totally different to what I had previously, as I believe that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination and I like trying new things. I started doing my research on high-efficiency drivers and horns (as I have always loved Avantegardes) and began to pick the likely candidates. I ended up choosing a 15" Emminence Drivers, Beyma compression driver, Azzurahorn flare and a Fostex T925A tweeter.

Enter Andrew, now I can already see you DIY'ers cringing and thinking "why didn't you just build them yourself?" My answer to you is this, I don't have the room, equipment, skills, knowledge and knowhow to achieve the level of perfection I'm after. I took the drivers to Andrew (and had a fantastic weekend at Terry's) and basically said go wild. My parnters criteria was funky.

Let's talk crossovers, now along with the DIY'ers cringing I'll also make the Active Brigade shudder on why I chose to go passive. I can guarantee you every critism you have of going passive I can considered in great detail and have accounted for. Let's see if I can word this correctly; When I look at some system pictures, particulary on Audigon and see these rooms that look like boxes with no windows visible and sound treaments to the hilter, does not constitute my idea of an enjoyable listening enviornment. For me, I'd rather sacrafice some sound quality for a room with a beautiful view and nice furnishings, I often think less is more. In saying that, while I can see the benfeits of an active design, I find the simplicity of one amp driving speakers and a nice minimalist setup incredibly appealing, hence the choice of a passive crossover. I do have the option to change to active at a later date.

My best point of reference is the Aslan Scanspeak speakers that I previously had. They gave an accurate and articulate audiophile sound. The Funkmeisters on the other hand, are an in your face "I am here" live sound. The singer isn't sitting back on the stage, they are up the front mixing it with the crowd. For a horn the imaging is absolutley incredible and the soundstage is like a wall of sound coming at you.

Are these the most accurate speakers?? no. Are they the most precise?? Probably not. Are they incredibly fun to listen to and enjoyable?? Absolutley...