Don Shaulis has posted a review of the Acoustic Technologies Classic Series loudspeakers ($2650/pair) at Stereo Times. His conclusions:
For most music, bass from the Classics was satisfying both in quantity and quality. Most important, it was balanced, surprisingly solid, and appropriate. Many speakers, in an attempt to increase bass, throw it out of balance with the rest of the music. This was not the case with the Classics. However, I would not have objected to more bass in some instances provided the quality could be maintained. My main system has paired subwoofers and I don’t have to worry about offending neighbors so I am used to more bottom end.
While the upper frequencies were not as extended as with multiple-driver speakers, they were not truncated and had a natural decay. My only criticism of the Classics is I would have preferred more top end extension on pianos, guitars, and (especially) violins.
Can I say there is no box coloration with the Classics? I expected some due to the design but as I changed components I realized what I was hearing was merely reflective of the ancillary equipment. I could definitely make the Classics go lean and mean or fat and warm depending upon the associated electronics. If I did hear any coloration it was slight and not objectionable. In fact it provided a pleasant warmth and body.
All speakers make compromises and certainly the Classics were no exception. But I did not find them objectionable. I was too busy thoroughly enjoying the music. Many speakers can capture the basic core of music. But the Classics did not capture it; they set it free. Music had life and a presence that made me feel like I was there. Unlike many more costly speakers, the Classics get out of the way of the music. In another sense, they get out of the way period since they are so room-friendly and beg to be listened to off-axis. Although they perform very well in a small listening room, they also thrive in modern, open-architecture living areas. In short, these speakers are for real-world listening conditions.
You can read the full review here.
