SpeakerTalk

Craigb · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2012 11:04 am Post subject: Agony Aunt Please help

Dear Agony Aunt,

I have a big problem that I hope that you can help me with.

I have access to listen to several KEF based Transmission line designs as well as Concertos, Calindas, 104ab(kits), 103.2s, C80s, C60s, even the occasional Carlton and/or a Celeste, right down to a C15.

But today I hooked up a TDL RTL2 and it actually sounded great! I really enjoyed listening to it. Am I being possessed?

Does this mean i am moving to the dark side? What can I do?

Regards

Confused.

proffski · Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2012 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: Agony Aunt Please help

Dear Lost and Confused,

The RTL2 is a fine loudspeaker and if it is important to you (it is to me) the soundstage is laser sharp, certainly better than any multi unit IMF designs I have heard. It seems faster on bass transients and agile.

If you like it then enter the dark side, especially if the price is right.

Agony Andrew.
_________________
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a
man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill

Craigb · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 10:46 am Post subject:

Thanks for that. Great advice.

After spending more time listening I have worked out that it is the difference in delivery that has attracted me. I have always loved the laid back sound of KEFs and will never lose that. The TDLs are much more "in your face"(Brighter?) and the sound stage is impressive. I am now eager to see if I can find better speced examples but they seem rare in our neck of the woods.

proffski · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 12:16 pm Post subject:

Certainly "in your face" but not over the top.
To me they have a "German" sound. Shocked

These are no longer manufactured, where did you hear them?
_________________
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a
man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill

Innercity126 · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 7:56 pm Post subject:

I owned a pair of RTL3’s back in the late 90’s. Loved them! Their full sound and speed were intoxicating. They certainly made for an exhilarating sound, and could be driven with mere watts. I would still love to have a pair today. I say embrace the ‘dark side’ and let loose your audio inhibitions…

clubsport911 · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2012 9:17 pm Post subject:

I have to say, Ive also fallen for the TL thing by listening to some £7k PMC's (cannot remember the model)

Bass..... Hmmmmm leervly

Tempting!

proffski · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2012 9:42 am Post subject:

TL 200 · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 3:01 pm Post subject:

I have to say, Ive also fallen for the TL thing..............
by listening to the Cambridge Audio TL 200.
Please no groans...... three of the four speakers used in them are Kef-made. I think it's a beautifull combination, B-139 and TL.
They really produce a powerfull bass, great mids (due to the B110's) and a sparkling high. The first TL's i ever heard and i was astonished. Build me a pair of B-200 based Bailey tl's and since then i never wanted anything else than tl. I think it's the openess and ease of the sound which does it for me.
Thank God i could buy a pair a oouple of years ago.

proffski · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 7:05 pm Post subject:

TL 200 · Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 7:54 pm Post subject:

TL 200 · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 4:03 pm Post subject:

proffski · Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 7:50 pm Post subject:

The MKV Ricther was nothing more than a streched version of the Bailey TL or Labyrynth published in 'Wireless World' in 1972. THe main difference was the ribbon tweeter.

The length was just under twice that of the original and was extremely difficult to get to work properly.

Crossover was changed many times before the speakers were "Tri-Amped"
Later with yet more tweaks the B110 was changed for a different version with yet more alterations to the crossover.

Link: http://tinyurl.com/d8tk7tj
_________________
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a
man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-Winston Churchill

TL 200 · Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 6:18 pm Post subject:

Funny, the Bailey's i build are the ones in figure 1.
I used B200 SP1054 and an Audax Tweeter (HD100D25 as i remember well).
Don't know about the X-overs, bought the whole thing as a DIY kit. Later i had a pair of X-O's build by a HiFi-dealer. Took some time with the damping material to get them sound good. I used bitumen, 1 cm thick woolen carpet and 2,5 cm BAF sheet to tune them.

Craigb · Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:50 am Post subject:

Sorry for the delay, but I've been off to the land of Oz for a short break.

Looks like this thread has gone off topic somewhat. I was not debating the merits of TL designs, which I have alot of opinions of, but the merits of a speaker not much bigger than my 103.2s that create a great sound that is so different from what I usually listen to.

To answer Proffski I got these a couple of years ago on our local internet auction site at a very reasonable price, tested them out and then put them in storage, which was a big mistake. Now That I have found the time to really put them through there paces, I was blown away. I am keen to see if I can snare some more upmarket versions but they come by here very rarely.

If I had to choose between these and my 103.2s I still think the 103.2 would win, but for me it would be close.