I am aware there are people who own only one system based on a pair of loudspeakers. Speakers that are said to do everything, sounding great with all types of music. There's no disputing this fact and I'm sure this is certainly true for most people including me at one point.
Nevertheless, as time goes by I realise that all systems particularly loudspeakers are a compromise. There isn't a speaker that's perfect, in other words one that can do it all. All speakers have a sound signature of their own including those which are claimed to be neutral. To me, it's just a matter of finding one that suits one's taste and listening preferences.
I came to this conclusion after I reassessed the Graham LS5/9 in the main system last week, replacing the Marten Duke 2. I compared both earlier last year and found the Marten to be a superior speaker, sounding better than the Graham in almost all areas except human voice reproduction. After I made some upgrades to the system (new streamer, DAC, new power conditioner and some mains cables), it's somewhat a level playing field now as the upgrades have bridged the gap between both speakers. The Grahams are sounding much better now, not as warm or dull as I thought of earlier.
In summary, what I think is a pair of speakers that do it all does not exist. Of course, one can choose to just live with a pair since everything sounds great through it. However, it will sound different (or better) once you make the switch. I'm now having a slight dilemma whether to have the Graham or Marten in the main system as both sound good albeit different mainly in tonal character and the bass. The LS5/9's bass performance can't match the Duke 2 as it sounds a little smeared and doesn't go too low, but from the midrange up to the treble it gives up very little.
I currently do not have a good room to set up a second system so the surplus speakers (and amps) will not be utilised. I do enjoy swapping amps and speakers on an occasional basis though. I used to have four pairs of speakers but it's now down to two. A friend says I'm crazy when I told him I may want to add another one in the near future, the Proac Response DB1. Perhaps I'll stay put for now since there's no end to this game. It appears that I may be a victim to my own preaching.
Nevertheless, as time goes by I realise that all systems particularly loudspeakers are a compromise. There isn't a speaker that's perfect, in other words one that can do it all. All speakers have a sound signature of their own including those which are claimed to be neutral. To me, it's just a matter of finding one that suits one's taste and listening preferences.
I came to this conclusion after I reassessed the Graham LS5/9 in the main system last week, replacing the Marten Duke 2. I compared both earlier last year and found the Marten to be a superior speaker, sounding better than the Graham in almost all areas except human voice reproduction. After I made some upgrades to the system (new streamer, DAC, new power conditioner and some mains cables), it's somewhat a level playing field now as the upgrades have bridged the gap between both speakers. The Grahams are sounding much better now, not as warm or dull as I thought of earlier.
In summary, what I think is a pair of speakers that do it all does not exist. Of course, one can choose to just live with a pair since everything sounds great through it. However, it will sound different (or better) once you make the switch. I'm now having a slight dilemma whether to have the Graham or Marten in the main system as both sound good albeit different mainly in tonal character and the bass. The LS5/9's bass performance can't match the Duke 2 as it sounds a little smeared and doesn't go too low, but from the midrange up to the treble it gives up very little.
I currently do not have a good room to set up a second system so the surplus speakers (and amps) will not be utilised. I do enjoy swapping amps and speakers on an occasional basis though. I used to have four pairs of speakers but it's now down to two. A friend says I'm crazy when I told him I may want to add another one in the near future, the Proac Response DB1. Perhaps I'll stay put for now since there's no end to this game. It appears that I may be a victim to my own preaching.