David@FrankHarvey said:
SteveR750 said:
I'm intrigued by Cno's comments about the R700, R900 series, and of course they are allegedly using trickle down blade technology. How do they compare to the old reference series, of which there are a few interesting used examples around tta the moment - what are the highlights out of the olf reference range: 203, 205 or 207? I have read on various (older) forums that there is a big difference sonically, and that the reference series are usually felt to be "better".
The R Series is quite different to the previous Reference range. I'd say the R Series is a more "pallatable" sound for many, easier on the ear. Don't be under any impression that the R Series is "better" than the older Reference - I'd still take 201s or 205s over any of the current R Series, for my own personal use.
The 205 is the strongest model in the range, and in my opinion does about 85% of what the 207s are capable of - the 207s are better for larger rooms, but do require better amplification (usually monoblocks!). The 205s are fine with most high quality power amps like Bryston, Chord, or Classe. Very few people have purchased 203s after hearing them in comparison to 205s.
I have just posted something very similar on Steve's other thread (as I hadn't come across this in time).
@Steve
I agree with everything David has said....and only differ when it comes down to my own personal taste
Due to the nature of the 205/2s, I like them paired with amps that have a more sympathetic treble eg. Electros, high current Class A like MF AMS, MacIntosh, Powerful Icon Audio Monoblocks, Arcam (Class G) etc.
I really didn't like them on the end of Chord (too bright/forward/analytical), Linn (sounded cold and uninvolving) and Rega Isis/Osiris (sounded unemotional).
When it comes to amps, I have yet to hear an amp that the R Series sounds bad with (provided it has enough current to control them).
If the New Refs sound anything like the Blades, what you will get is better resolution than the old Refs, while keeping the more natural treble of the Blades. I strongly suspect that the New Refs will be less fussy about the tonal nature of the amp they are paired with.....but will still require high quality amplification and source due to their revealing nature.
I'm not really familiar with Proac, which I would expect to be less neutral than the old Refs but fussier than the R Series when it comes to the tonal matching with the amp ie. They sound great with Tubes/Class A, but "can" sound a little bright if poorly paired up.