Music & the joy of hifi

Having 3 different kind of speakers (Tannoy Canterbury, Rogers LS3/5a 15 ohms and WE 755a) has enabled me the opportunity to ABC test the reproduction of music.

The Tannoy being the larger speakers demonstrate music with the most wide soundstage and yet relaxed sound. When playing the full orchestra music "Butterfly lovers", one can easily hear the placement of different instruments as well as detail sound of the various musical instruments. Given the wide soundstage, one generally enjoy a "wider" Emperor seat (should be called Emperor bench) as at least 2 - 3 persons can enjoy the music with sharp focal point instead of one. Moreover, one can always read the newspaper and listen to the music the same time as the music would just surround you and at ease with your ears and the environment. Really love the Tannoy!

The Westen Electric 755a fullrange, on the other hand, demonstrates its strong emotional ability and its smoothness in vocal and "live" like realism for violin and light instruments such as the "Er Hu". After using the 755a, I would say that its vocal reproduction is smoother then the LS3/5a as the sound need not be force out of the mouth of the singer. This, of course is subjected to personal taste and preference as I still own and like the LS3/5a.

According to one full range speakers lover, the sound from the LS3/5a is a bit "tense" and listening to the LS3/5a require some elements of "attention and concentration". Having said that, with proper placement of speakers, the LS3/5a with its small cabinet has the ability to project strong vocal. When driven by good powered amplifier such as the Mcintosh MC240, the LS3/5a is a class on its own.

In the end, in my view, the three speakers represent the 3 pillars of music representation ranging from full sound stage to focussed music with detail. The joy of music listening is that it helps to eliminate stress and take your mind to a state of calmness and peace. Whether the music comes from a large speakers or small ones, the emotional expression may be different but the end result is fulfilment of joy..