System is primarily for music. On occasion it is used for films.
In comparison to the level of many members systems this is very inexpensive
The system works together really well, has great synergy.
Amazing how much bass the Steps achieve. And how they disappear even in a less than optimal set-up. System resides in a family room used all the time. And we must take the wifes' sensibilities into account. Still, at times, I can pull them out in the room and wow!
The sub is mainly for movies, on occasion for music. Mostly when I forget to power it off!
You are welcome. I appreciate and value your input. Nice to get such praise from one whose opinions I respect as yourself.
I had looked at the Stereophile review you mention and it along with others helped make up my mind.
Additionally, quite a few years ago, I had heard an Audio Physic floorstander; the Virgo perhaps? Just don't remember. In any case the speakers were pulled out far into the room and spaced more widely apart than any other pair I'd seen. Well the soundstage, imaging and all that great audionut stuff just blew me away! I had never heard anything like it. These things just disappeared. And the stage was thrown far to the outside of the speakers.
So when I began putting together a new, more house friendly system and saw the Steps I figured if they had any family resemblance to the APs I heard all those years ago I had to have them. I'm not talking remembering what the Virgos sounded like and their sonic attributes but the indelible impression they had left on me vis a vis soundstage, blah, blah, blah.
I wanted something smaller too. I had sold my previous system which had bi-amped Mirage M5's. It just took up too much room. But I loved the way the Mirage threw a great stage and disappeared. Of course this only happened on the occasions when I could pull them out into the room (after I got married; as a batchelor that was never a concern) and listen. Most of the time they were too close to the wall, didn't image well, emphasized and bloated bass. They really need room to breathe to sound their best. So I decided the whole system had to go. But I wanted something that would image well, disappear and mimic the M5s stage.
When figuring out which direction I wanted to go (and I had plenty of time to do so; I was recovering from a full knee replacement so had plenty of time to cruise the net and research) I thought back to a previous sub/satellite system I had in the 80's comprised of Boston Acoustic A40's and an A/D/S PB 1500 with the C1500 crossover. I had really liked that system and in general like the way monitors disappear so easily.
So thats what led me to the Steps.
Since I've begun a small collection of vintage gear I thought what fun it would be to have vintage speakers to go along with the rest. And after reading many of your posts and conversations we've had I learned the 4 ohm nominal load, or more precisely a widely varied curve, could be hard on the amps.
So the AR-7s came along, 8ohm nominal impedance and require 15 watts minimum. Plus they are true bookshelf/monitor size. I thought great. Haven't heard them yet, they just arrived and are in fantastic shape. Will hook them up to the Vincent on next day off. Should be getting the 299 back in 2-3 weeks and can't wait to hear that!
What little information I've found on them comes mostly from the classic speakers site. Seems like they were only manufactured for a year '73 through '74. Any other information anyone can point me to would be appreciated.
Well I think I've rambled long enough. Until next time.
Thanks for posting your system. Very nice -- it looks like you've made some really excellent choices in terms of value-for-money.
I took a look at the Stereophile review of the Audio Physic speakers, which as I'm sure you know was very favorable, with the very understandable exception of its handling of large scale orchestral works. It's impedance curve, shown in John Atkinson's measurements, suggests to me though that it will not be an ideal match for tube amplifiers, such as the vintage integrateds you acquired. The treble would tend to be over-emphasized, and the mid-bass and lower mid-range under-emphasized, with a tube amp. But I'd imagine that the AR will be a different story in that respect!
