bhobba, can you tell us more about the big brothers, provide a link, etc? I've been waiting for a long time for bigger version to materialize.
Hi Rich
Its the ML3's mate. Lenehan Audio has not got them up on the website yet. But I do have some pickies:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;sa=user;id=3110They are flat to 25hz, lined with steel etc just like the ML1's. They come in three versions - the basic, plus R's, and Reference. I can't tell you the price because I got them when they had an introductory price of $14k for the Reference (cant recall exactly what the others cost but as a rough guide I seem to recall about $6k for the basic and $8k for the Plus R). I think that introductory offer has now expired but if you are interested contact Lenenan Audio - you may be lucky.
I was so bowled over by the References I purchased three pair pretty much on the spot (I hadn't heard them at that stage - it was based on the ML1 Reference and what I was told about them) - one pair of what Lenehan Audio calls the limited edition, one pair for a friend to get the introductory price because he can't take delivery right now, and one pair to tide me over until the limited editions are built which is a few months away. I have heard prices like $22k bandied about when the introductory offer is over - which is why my friend was so keen to get it even though he can't take delivery now. The idea was I could trade up to the Limited Editions or on-sell them - I hadn't made up my mind at that time. But since then Eric (the Tranquility DAC guy) has indicated he would like one to check out for use as one of his reference systems so I will be sending it out to the US similar to the ML1's. That's good news for you guys because I will giving it a stopover like the ML1's so you can check them out. The bad news is by that time they will almost certainly be much more expensive if they are not already.
How do they sound? Well they are simply the best speakers I have ever heard. I have been there while they were compared to other speakers like the B&W 804D - no contest - it simply blew them away. I have heard of guys who nearly bought other much more expensive stuff but for some reason popped around to hear them and instantly bought a pair.
I will actually be running my pair from an 8w SET. Here is what one guy said of that combo:
'Then a Trafomatic 8W SET valve amp got a chance to play, and offered up a Diana Krall live recording with absolutely stunning quality. You wouldn't want to throw anything too dynamic at it, but oh my god the HiFace/PDX/Trafomatic/ML3 combination did something magic together.'
Evidently my ML3's will be delivered next week and I think you can understand my excitement.
Because I have waxed so lyrical about them you may think I have some commercial connection to Lenehan Audio. I don't. I am simply an enthusiast who is now retired and can spend a bit of time checking out and posting about this stuff. I also enjoy sending my gear around for people to hear and see what they think.
Thanks
Bill