This is a simple system that I put together as I got tired of getting up to change CD.. I love the Wilson mid range and the great bass from them.. The FPB 400cx is amazingly smooth and controlling and tames the focal tweeter well. The Pre is a KRC 3 What else needs to be said.. The Connect is Krell sound all the way but they were short lived and replaced by their all in one pre amp dac server
Its a easy to listen with a Wilson stage and those who know that know what I am talking about
OK gone is the ML based system replaced with this new Wilson based system.. Once I went dynamic speakers I was never happier.. Gone with the big monolithic figures and rear wave control . I love the dynamics and detail of the Wilsons
I have replaced the Transparent CAST with Krell Silver Audio CAST and they are much better. I will be trying The Nordost MMF CAST that are Krells top line they say !
The Rythmik can blow away most commercial subs.(It ate my Sunfire for lunch) That being said most people think a sub is great if it pumps out 120 DB at 63 hz. The real set up for a sub is done with a SPL meter and a test tone disc. It keeps up with the CLS with its direct servo design. I built mine a bit different than the 3 cubic feet box that Brian suggests.The 24 db X-over mates well with the CLS. The finish is a textured spray on paint. Its 6 coats over 3 coats of flat black. Its a time consuming deal but it gives a great durable finish. Positioning of a sub is KEY ! I am playing with the idea of adding a second one and redesigning both boxes to match my CLS frames and grills.
System edited: The stands are done and on. They are a form fallows function design. They are metal powder coated 5/16 x 1.5 wide . The crossover and rear brace as well as the panels are all mounted with rubber washers. to eliminate any vibration. It makes a huge difference in clarity and detail. They raise the panels 8 inches off the ground to give a wider deeper cleaner sound stage !
These luckily were a re panel Speaker. You still can get the new panels from ML . Its really the only thing that goes south on ya. Yes they have the best space and transparency I have heard. The single panel design has no competition in detail and sound ! !
You are so lucky to have the CLS. They are still my reference for spaciousness, air and transparency from the midrange up.....and that was 20 years ago? How did you prevent them de-laminating or blowing up? I thought all the original CLSs had died and gone to heaven?
yes, Joey ,The full range has a distinct sound that is hard to replicate! The Quads are good but not as sweet as the CLS midrange and overall neutral sound ! The KPS 25s really sounds smooth with them. Its as close to analogue as I have heard
These are the CLS Ia . I had Jim Power at Martin Logan tweak the Cross over to make it work even better. Its as good as it gets with the Krell. The Ia series had the best bass of any ones! The IIz was a bit leaner on the bass and it was a bit easier to drive. Something I have no issue with .
The Kps 20Il is a good unit., I would have bought one but the biggest factor is that if it breaks your SOL. They do not service them any more and Laser mechanisms are rare ! Would I upgrade ? ............YES if you find a KPS 25 for a good deal. Its a bit more detailed with a sweater midrange. The bass is typical Krell. Deep and powerful.
The curved panels can play havoc with a room that is not set up for them. I ran Maggies for a while and they are just as bad. That being said NOTHING can give the detail like a CLS! I prefer a sub with them with the X-over set to 50 hz and 90* phase. Currently mine is right behind me in a alcove corner. Its non locatable.
Do you find that curved electrostats like ML's work better than enitrely flat panels ....this is just my impression and I suspect it has to do with the different radiation pattern - making the Ml's easier to place in a room?
I have a Kps 20i/L. I was thinking of upgrading to Kps 25s. Have you any listening experience with the 20I/L? Any input is appreciated. I also have a FPB 200 and ML SL3's. Love the sound. Thanks. Carl
Do you have the CLS2z or the earlier model? The CLS2z is my second favorite electrostatic speaker. Best I ever heard it was on Audio research VT150s monos/ Ref3 pre. It had such soul with all the dynamics and bass you could wish for. I was very surprised as people always say they dont have bass.
System edited: This is my new system that replaced my old one, which was Martin Logan Quests hot rodded by me and a Krell amp into a Theta Miles . This new KPS 25s and the CLS out perform my old system two fold.
