Since the Tannoy D700s have anchored our main floor system (90% music, 10% tv/sports) for so long, and we were replacing some of the media room speakers, I felt it was time to perhaps re-evaluate if i wanted to keep the Tannoys or move to something else. For a long time i had thought about some Monitor Audio offerings if they ever designed a 3-way speaker and over 10 years ago they finally did (a couple of generations along now). Since that point i've had the chance to hear other speakers on the main floor and recently, a bunch of them in A/B testing. Some of these models really shocked me. The detail that came out of a pair of Angstrom Legatos (bookshelves) and vintage ADS 1590 was surprising and very pleasing. I didn't realize the detail that seemed to be lacking or missing.
This comparison was to evaluate the possible LFRs as replacements given the great soundstage they present. Now i did a comparison of Axiom M60Ti vs the Tannoys in a thread a long time ago (
https://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/u...nnoy-vs-axiom-vs-monitor-audio-very-long) and even back then i had observed something in the upper midrange and vocals of the M60s compared to the D700 that sounded a bit muted. This was also a shock since i had long described the M60s as bright. However, a speaker can be forward sounding without being harsh or fatiguiing. I know Axiom has undertaken major tweaks since, so the test of the LFR880 vs. our Tannoys now follows.
All methods for the comparison are listed in this thread:
https://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/u...ker-comparison-m60ti-vs-m60v4#Post444002I will reiterate and emphasize, there are no ‘winners’ in the audition just to be clear. I’m only reporting what I perceived as sound differences in character between these sets of speakers. I will however state what my/other auditioners' preferences were after everything was done.
Tannoy D700 vs Axiom LFR880Right off the bat it was easy to tell which speaker was which as I've heard both many times before just in this past week. It was easy to observe that the Tannoys were the speakers that have more open vocals, more forward but smooth. Thinking that this clarity would carry throughout the session, i was surprised when i observed that piano notes were pretty similar between the Tannoys and LFRs. Both speakers presented good details in these areas.
The Tannoys were more directional. I could really pinpoint the vocal source whereas the LFR vocals were a bit more blended across the front, somewhat less localized. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as people have describe this as being more spacious. Interestingly, it is the exact impression i had when i first heard the LFR at the Axiom factory about four years ago! Audio memory is short on specifics, but for general impressions, that is notable character which just got repeated during this A/B test.
The LFR880s had a rich midrange and bass, and as mentioned strong vocal detail but the presence seemed to be as if the vocals were moved to the middle or back of main instruments. Some may describe this as closed, or slightly veiled as well, the opposite of forward, upfront, in-front presence with vocals. The LFR midrange drums had a far greater presence, much punchier than the Tannoys which really gave life to some music. Additionally, the low end was also much more evident especially at the very deep end like with organ pipes (Sao Gan song). It also had more weight with low guitar notes adding volume to the music and to the room (was warm and pleasing). This added weight is welcome on bright recordings (Summertime - The Sundays). However, the LFR seemed to lose bass control on Sleepy Maggie – Ashley Macissac becoming a bit bloated or 'fat' perhaps. There was lesser guitar strumming detail on Seasons – Chris Cornell but the vocals here were more spacious than the Tannoys (similar effect as the vocals less localized noted earlier).
Overall each speaker has its pluses and minuses.
LFR880 –richer midrange, full bass, spacious vocals and big soundstage but upper midrange and vocals/highs are closed, veiled, more recessed (but some people find this pleasing as if the treble control was turned down but IMO it sounds like I strain harder to hear details in the softer parts of sound like acoustic guitar, fingers rubbing on the strings, breaths of the singer in the mic and overall clarity of all of that), and of course, the extra amps and cables (and possibly space if you don’t use a multi-channel amp) required to drive the LFR
Tannoys D700 – reasonably smooth and clear vocals, decent midrange and bass weight, very acceptable soundstage, somewhat directional, very efficient to drive, but weaker bass, moderate midrange with good detail but not outstanding, sometimes have to turn up the SPL to get a bit more warmth in the bass to fill the room. Odd considering it uses a 10" woofer for this!
Personally i like both speakers. They both have good detail but i'm drawn by a more forward sounding speaker that has clarity. Four different speakers tested against the Axioms over the years all had this greater clarity. The spouse really likes the new Axiom sound and finds it more pleasing to her ears. I'm the opposite. Oddly enough, neither the Axiom LFR880 or the Tannoy D700 fulfill quite what i'm looking for so i'm on the hunt for another D700 replacement. For now, the Axioms will continue to anchor our media room but i haven't yet decided if i'm keeping the old (more clear sounding) Ti or whether i will keep the new V4. That's another thread.
