Choosing between Array 1400, K2 S9800 or True-extent Beryllium...
Lately I have been thinking a little about choices I can make for my 'big' system. I am very satisfied with the sound of what I have now: E145 (closed cabinet) +2123+2420/2344/radian-alu-dia's all active on 6 30W class A amps on a modified M553 crossover, silver cabling, very nice sound. Plays everything from Daft Punk to The Carpenters, jazz and classical, sounds very open and intense.
But I have seen an Array 1400 system for sale for 4.500 euro. And I have seen a K2 S9800 system for sale for 10.000 euro (euro / dollar is about 1/1).
A 3rd option could be to get some H9800 horn copies from Guido and equip them with Radian + True-extent beryllium dia's, all for the cost of about 3.500 euro. I really like the 2123, but with these instead of my 2344/2420 I could get my crossover point a little lower to say 1000Hz and probably get nicer highs.
But my current system is so tuned to my taste that all the different options that I have investigated over the past years have not 'made the cut' and instead my system keeps being improved bit by bit. Yet it is stil very ugly...
I am afraid the Array 1400 system won't make the cut due to it being passively filtered and bass reflex and not being a 'high sensitivity' design. The K2 S9800 looks nicer with the better bass, the 9V biased crossover and the Be drivers, and is uniformly regarded as a top class speaker. The BLS horns + radian + true-extent could be magical, on par with the 476Be driver/horn from the Everest. But the system will still be ugly and I still need 6 amps for the active system.
What would you do?
K2-S9800 vs. 1400 Array vs. 4365 vs. M2 vs. 4367 vs. DIY
If you love your 30 watt class A Marantz amps and insist you want to use these, then your best plan is probably to continue in the DIY realm. This wouldn't be my first choice however.
How important is dynamic impact and the ability to play loud? I love the 1400 Arrays, but they are not my favorite when it comes to elevated listening levels or dynamic impact.
I have never been a fan of the K2- S9800. I think it shares in the 1400's shortcomings in dynamic impact and falling apart at higher SPLs without offering the splendid imaging and voicing of the 1400.
You might want to consider going the 4365 route. It is dynamic, images pretty well, has an excellent natural sound and will likely be discounted soon as the 4367 rolls out.
Then there is the M2 and the passive variant the 4367. I too share your reservations about the DSP and amp requirements of the M2. That said, many seem extremely pleased with them. The 4367 may be an excellent option as a passive alternative to the M2. For me, this system is still an unknown quantity. I hope to remedy that in the coming months.
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