Pioneer A400. Harsh Sounding?

[matthewpiano]

The 780SEs are better speakers than the Dali Lektor 2s (very good though they are).

I'm sure you'll be pleased with the Missions but if you want to try something else at some point the original Quad 11Ls (as opposed to the later 11L2) make a glorious match with the A400. Very classy sub-£500 monitors, easily available used for around £150 these days.

 

[Sizzers]

matthewpiano:The 780SEs are better speakers than the Dali Lektor 2s (very good though they are).

I'm sure you'll be pleased with the Missions but if you want to try something else at some point the original Quad 11Ls (as opposed to the later 11L2) make a glorious match with the A400. Very classy sub-£500 monitors, easily available used for around £150 these days.

Matthew I always appreciate and respect your advice and opinions as you know.

Now obviously I need to try the Missions, but I do love the Dali's. Now I don't drive and there is no where any where near where I live where I can demo them with this amp, I don't really want to buy totally blind but which, in your opinion, is going to give the greatest detail and imaging? I wasn't necessarily looking at the 2's as I find the 1's give excellent detail.

 

[Sizzers]

matthewpiano:The 780SEs are better speakers than the Dali Lektor 2s (very good though they are).

I'm sure you'll be pleased with the Missions but if you want to try something else at some point the original Quad 11Ls (as opposed to the later 11L2) make a glorious match with the A400. Very classy sub-£500 monitors, easily available used for around £150 these days.

Matthew I always appreciate and respect your advice and opinions as you know.

Now obviously I need to try the Missions, but I do love the Dali's. Now I don't drive and there is no where any where near where I live where I can demo them with this amp, I don't really want to buy totally blind but which, in your opinion, is going to give the greatest detail and imaging? I wasn't necessarily looking at the 2's as I find the 1's give excellent detail as well.

 

[matthewpiano]

In terms of all-out detail I reckon the Lektors would win-out, but I think as an all-round package the 780SE is a step-up. They won't sound quite as fast as the Lektors, but you'll get a bit more body and sophistication to the sound and plenty of energy as well as the excellent imaging you admire.

Ultimately I think you should give the 780SEs a really good chance as they are superb speakers. If you find that you want that bit more speed and detail, then it will be time to consider the Lektor 1s or 2s.

All this is based on the thought that we are talking about the 780SE from the early 90s which look like the picture below:

(There was a later speaker of the same name which I am not as familiar with, although I believe that too was very good)

 

[the record spot]

Unless the 780SEs differ drastically from the 75 series, I'd expect the smaller 780 to be a little brother version. Maybe a slightly less extended, but still good bass and allied to better than average detail and imaging. The majority of the 1990s were kind to Mission and they turned out some belting speakers that take some beating today.

You won't go wrong for £35, you'll get a terrific speaker, well up on the abilities of either the Roths or the Dalis. Maybe you'd need to be looking at the Dali Ikon 1s, but with a ribbon tweeter, they're a different kind of speaker entirely to the Missions.

Like MP, I'd suggest you look up in the pricing categories to equal speakers, which, if sold now, would be nearer the £500 mark than further down the scale.

 

[matthewpiano]

If we are talking about the same 780SE, they were a bigger brother to the fabulous little 760 range and originally bore the Cyrus name on the front IIRC.

Like the 760s, they were a very popular partner for the A400 and took all the qualities of their little brothers (attack, fun, musical involvement) and put them into a more grown-up and refined sounding product.

They were one of a few products of the time (alongside the A400, CD63MkII KI-Signature, PM66SE KI-Signature, Rotel RCD965BX etc.) that performed well above what was expected at the price point and like those other products they didn't thank you for partnering them with low quality amplification or sources.

Will be interesting to see what you think of them.

 

[JoelSim]

A nice amp, I was going to say avoid metal dome tweeters as it can all get a bit tizzy. Phono stage not great, otherwise very fine.

 

[Sizzers]

matthewpiano:In terms of all-out detail I reckon the Lektors would win-out, but I think as an all-round package the 780SE is a step-up. They won't sound quite as fast as the Lektors, but you'll get a bit more body and sophistication to the sound and plenty of energy as well as the excellent imaging you admire. Ultimately I think you should give the 780SEs a really good chance as they are superb speakers. If you find that you want that bit more speed and detail, then it will be time to consider the Lektor 1s or 2s. All this is based on the thought that we are talking about the 780SE from the early 90s which look like the picture below: (There was a later speaker of the same name which I am not as familiar with, although I believe that too was very good) Yes, we are talking about the same speakers and I fully intend to give them a good go. Have managed to get the day off work tomorrow so I'm travelling to Brum to get the jumpers. Even if I don't get on with them I won't complain at £35. Initial thoughts on the amp is that it's just so musical and knits everything together beautifully so can't wait to hear it through some upgraded speakers. The guy said there's a slight volume crackle around level 6 but it will NEVER reach that level (can't see it getting past 2 to be honest, and that's with my Rothwell's!) Will get it properly serviced in due course but there doesn't seem to be any need at the minute. Thanks for all your opinions and advice guys, much appreciated.

 

[Sizzers]

matthewpiano:If we are talking about the same 780SE, they were a bigger brother to the fabulous little 760 range and originally bore the Cyrus name on the front IIRC.

Like the 760s, they were a very popular partner for the A400 and took all the qualities of their little brothers (attack, fun, musical involvement) and put them into a more grown-up and refined sounding product.

They were one of a few products of the time (alongside the A400, CD63MkII KI-Signature, PM66SE KI-Signature, Rotel RCD965BX etc.) that performed well above what was expected at the price point and like those other products they didn't thank you for partnering them with low quality amplification or sources.

Will be interesting to see what you think of them.

What do I think of them? Fook, they're good!!

Been listening to them for nearly 4 hours now; musically, tonally,imaging - superb. Only thing I'm not liking too much is that the bass is just a bit too forward, and seems to be missing something in the mid-range at times but I put that down to the forward bass (comparing Dali's! lol).

This amp is exceptional at low volumes (like number 1), and just loving it. Can't believe it Matthew, as it really is in showroom condition after 15 years, as are the speakers. I DO really like these speakers (£35!!!) and can't see me selling them, but guess the Dali's will be calling soon. IMO they will be a match made in heaven.

Thanks for all of your help and advice - you've no idea how happy I am with this.

 

[matthewpiano]

Sounds good to me. Really glad you are so pleased with your purchases. Enjoy!