The D700, with its fairly high sensitivity, does not demand a “megawatt-range” amplifier for output power in watts. Its load characteristic (reactive) and its low minimum impedance (3 ohms) do, however, demand an amp that can deliver lots of currrent – both sustained and for peaks – in terms of amperes. When first acquired, the Audiolab amplifiers (8000A and 8000P) used to regularly complain and shut down their current limiting circuitry to communicate their dissatisfaction to me…
Having now owned this pair of D700’s since early 1995, the seven year exposure to them has, if anything, reinforced the decision to buy them.
Like many people, I’ve occasionally fantasized about other speakers, but never found a pair for which I would be prepared to ditch the Tannoys.
My musical tastes cover a fairly eclectic range (from classical, via jazz & new age, to 50’s/60’s rock ‘n roll) and my collection of music includes around 500 LP’s, 250 cassettes and 600+ CD’s. I also spend a fair amount of my free time listening to music (mainly as a refuge from television, which I am happy to leave to the rest of the family).
Having set the stage, the performance of the D700’s (in the context of the system outlined below and the listening room) is probably best communicated via the use of “bullet points”:
* Bass extension: They “go low” without the “one-note samba” effect
* Bass reproduction: Clear and with good transient handling (fast)
* Mid-range: Clear and detailed while retaining a natural warmth
* Treble: Very clear and detailed – on some CD’s can be a bit bright
* Integration between drivers: Almost impossible to detect (to my ears)
* Overall “sonic signature”: Natural to neutral with a slightly warm mid
* Sound at volume extremes: Very little shift in tonal balance between soft & loud
* Very high levels: Still “tolerable” despite breaking windows, etc
* Imaging: Very stable images – fixed in space, depth and height
* Staging: Broad soundstage – extends well beyong both speakers
Ditching the “buzzword feedback”, some subjective comments:
* Orchestral pieces portrayed as if the orchestra was “there” in the room
* Classical music with wide dynamic range is well reproduced – loud & soft
* Jazz is just magic! (as is new age from Windham Hill and Narada)
* Rock ‘n Roll does just that – it rocks and it rolls
* Female vocals are probably strongest point – Annia Lennox is sublime
* Male vocals: very good with operatic and all others
The D700 comes close to being my ideal speaker – performing well across my range of musical tastes.
I would strongly recommend that, if there is a pair on demo nearby, take the time to give the D700’s a listen – its an “ear-opener”….