High End Audio - Searching for my loudspeakers

After living with the Kinergetics KCD-40 CD player for a while, I was of changed mindset that I should pursue loudspeakers as my next step. Although I had originally considered staging my component upgrades from CD player towards loudspeakers (the logical purist approach), I embarked on a different approach, possibly driven by emotion as opposed to logic.

While in the high-end audio circles, I came across loudspeaker technologies which are not based on cone speaker drivers and dome tweeters. One such technology is ribbon and planar magnetic loudspeakers Another esoteric loudspeaker technology is the electrostatic loudspeaker. The ribbon and electrostatic loudspeakers are sometimes combined with traditional cone woofer technology to cover the bass portion of the audio spectrum.

I researched and investigated various speakers of different technology types. There are some very beautiful high-end speakers of the traditional cone driver design built in very refined wooden speaker boxes. I had the occasion to audition various loudspeakers. Martin Logan is one manufacturer of the electrostatic/cone woofer hybrid loudspeaker. Apogee and Magnapan are two manufacturers of the ribbon/planar loudspeaker. I eventually settled with the Apogee Duetta Signature ribbon speakers.

When I visited the audio store that carried the Apogee Duetta Signature speaker, I brought along my B&K 200-watt amplifier. I auditioned the speakers in the store's setup which was most sufficient. I then went on to explain that I would live with my B&K until such time when finances would allow the purchase of a sufficient amplifier to drive the Apogee speakers. My B&K amplifier was feeble in its attempt to drive the Apogee speakers which are known to require high current and dips to around 2 ohms for certain audio frequencies. My B&K amplifier kept causing "blips" in the sound, although it never actually clipped. The salesperson at the store was understanding and kind enough to not laugh at me. Perhaps he saved the laughing for his trip to the bank!

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