FORGET Tannoy! FYNE Audio vs. JBL vs. Klipsch - HiFi Speakers for Audiophiles

[@GreekAudioGeek]

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[@agent863]

The algorithm brought me here. And I'm glad it did. I watch a lot of hi-fi vids, and yours is right at the top of the list in production quality. Your attitude and demeanor are easy to watch, and really well presented...just saying. You've got a new sub. Thank you.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Awesome! Thanks so much for watching and subscribing!

[@jeffreythurston1822]

Nice discussion. We don’t get too much exposure to Fyne speakers here in the States. I had a similar eye and ear opening experience going from Focal Kanta to my new KEF Reference 3 Meta speakers. Keep up the great videos.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for watching! I agree about not having enough exposure about Fyne Audio here in the US. I hope to help change that with more upcoming videos.

[@bryantaylor2946]

Yes, there is a nice monster in Loch Fyne - it's name is Max!

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thank for letting me know. Merry Christmas Loch Fyne Monster Max!

[@stevedixon7802]

I have a pair of Fyne 502sp in gloss black. I am really enjoying them . I am driving them with a Line Magnetic 805ia with input tube upgrade a good power cord and synergistic fuse for winter use and a Circle Labs A200 for summer use. I am getting soundstage depth width with texture tone dynamics micro and macro and natural sound. Nothing is hyped or thrown at me. My source on this main system is a upgraded tube based CD both rectifier and output stage again with proper matching cord and fuse upgrade. I have been into hifi since the seventies. The current setup is the best overall that I have put together. I may later move to the 703s You do good work on your channel. Keep it up

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Sounds like you have a nice set up. Thanks for the kind words about my channel! Very much appreciated.

[@Spectrvm____]

As a fellow Fyne Audio user I feel like they're one of the more underrated loudspeaker brands out there perhaps because they put more money into their product than they do their marketing. I too wasn't sure about the concentric/point source design at first... Until I heard it with my own ears with many different genres of music. So musical! Suffice to say, I haven't looked back since. I also love the fact that they're mostly made in Scotland (as you pointed out) and the fact that their placement in your room is more forgiving than most speakers out there due to the bass port at the bottom. I feel like it's only a matter of time before everyone else catches on with this brand...

[@vladimirdorta6692]

Honest and very wise review, I hope it will help more people find Fyne speakers. I would love to listen to the new Vintage Fifteens!

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thank you for watching! I hope you subscribed to my channel. :)

[@georgetaylor3107]

Good job Michael - parallels my experience pretty much exactly with Fyne Audio speakers.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks so much!

[@hilde45]

Your comment about the difference in depth of soundstage stood out for me as the most important one. That kind of differentiation from the Klipsch -- if you are confident that you did all you could to extract this from both speakers -- is a critical difference. Critical.

[@HanifBarnwell]

First time viewer, thank you for this engaging overview; I definitely need to audition these next year.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks so much for watching! Please be sure to subscribe.

[@KarelSmout]

Same experience, but two serious steps down the ladder here: F501 over Magnat Project IV. The insight, the viceral feeling, the 3D, the effortless, and most important: the integration of treble and mids. Still F501 are a full tier and a full size-step lower, and that is not without consequences. At an 8th of the price that is to be expected: Cabinets, binding posts, crossover are not on the same level, and I'd love to upgrade to 7-series or even 1-series. But basic setup (bass-trax, Isoflare, co-axial floorstanders) setup gives a lot of the same virtues praised here.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for sharing! The 5 series are fantastic speakers for sure!

[@elgingaragegym]

Thanks for the great review. My pair should arrive in the next two weeks, excited. Gonna pair with the Riviera Labs Levante, 30 class A watts for late night listening, and 120 watts for louder stuff, but I am curious about trying my M-10x and SU-R1000.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

It's going to sound great. Just remember they need several hundred hours of burn-in before they sound their best.

[@clarice1001nights]

I recently purchased a device that strikes me in the same manner you have spoken here. Gustard Audalytic AH90 is a DAC, Headphone Amplifier, and Streamer. I describe it as 80% of what the Gustard A26 does at 1/3rd the price. The Gustard A26 & R26 may be a great addition to your enjoyment. I sang leading roles in opera for about 15 years. I studied with some of the greatest singers, and now I can enjoy their work and choices in ways that have been unavailable to me. Likewise, I humbly suggest a listen. I have found myself crying again, remembering and reliving things I heard for myself and now once again. I love your reviews. They are not numerous and when they appear you have thought through what you have not only heard but how it affects you. Super.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks so much for watching and your kind words!

[@tictocbang7443]

Thanks for the video. I've got modded La Scala speakers and never realized what they could do until I put a stupidly expensive pair of ICs (Shunyata Omega) from preamp to monoblocks and very good speaker cables as well. Everything from chamber music to prog now sounds insanely immersive, fully transparent and the imaging is as good as anything I've heard, including Focal, Wilson, Acapella, Audio Note, Vandersteen and more. I clearly hear the clacking of according keys, piano benches creaking, musicians breathing, it's just so natural. Caveat: I do use a sub, but the frequency balance is beyond anything I've achieved with some very good components over the years: APL, Lamm, Wright Sound, Audio Research, etc. I find the heritage Klipsch--with the cast iron horn--sounds considerably richer than the polycarbonate versions. Really glad you love these. Your coverage in the video is super informative. If a speaker sounds compressed, I find it impossible to connect with it. I've never been moved by Tannoy, but would love to hear the Fyne. One of my SET monoblocks is 4W 2A3. Can these be driven with that little power? Thanks again!

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for watching! They can easily be driven with that power ASSUMING you are not trying to play rave-like levels. Having owned La Scala's, they are a speaker that is crying out to be modded/upgraded and they would then be great! Stay tuned as I also have several more speakers being sent to me in that price range as well.

[@tictocbang7443]

@@GreekAudioGeek Thanks a lot. Really appreciate your deep dive into these.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

@@tictocbang7443 Thanks for watching! I hope you'll subscribe.

[@dmitriy2853]

For the first time I hear reliable words about sound quality from a person who actually has hearing. Bravo! They will start to really play only after 500 hours of operation.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thank you for watching!

[@dmitriy2853]

Glad to meet you on your channel!

[@pierregalin1269]

I discovered Fyne at Axpona earlier this year. The room with the Fyne Vintage 15 was the highlight of the show for me. My impressions veey much align to what is being described here. Huge sense of scale, I've never felt so immersed in the music. It's almost eerie. Great review!

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Great speakers for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@terencehughes9170]

I believe Fyne audio was borne from design/engineering staff from Tannoy. The concentric driver design is widely used by Tannoy in their Prestige range of speakers.

[@davidbowman6319]

I really like your enthusiasm and honesty. I get some notion of why, but not enough beyond your love for them. For me to get more useful information, I need comparisons to other speakers and a more precise vocabulary.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

I totally understand. Thanks for watching!

[@ericlofroos2405]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve been contemplating buying the La Scala AL5’s for over a year now for the exact same reason you mentioned. But, after receiving glowing reviews of this speaker I’m considering buying this instead. I’m just scared to give up the huge sound stage that the La Scala brings out.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

These speakers sound big as well. But stay tuned - I have another speaker coming in for review at that same price point in the next couple of weeks that may be great for you. Subscribe so you'll be notified as the videos get posted. :)

[@masterblaster2626]

Hello - You mentioned time alignment, and since I have Vandersteen speakers, I've seen a number of videos where R. Vandersteen emphasizes this quality in his design (actually, time & phase alignment). Have you had an opportunity to listen to the Vandersteen Quatro CT by any chance? Thanks for posting.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

I have. VERY nice sounding speakers.

[@masterblaster2626]

@@GreekAudioGeek Thanks so much for your reply. New to your Channel and really like it so far. Look forward to future videos.

[@dksculpture]

I agree with your take on “detail”. Well articulated. 👍 Subscribed!

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Awesome, thank you!

[@damianzaninovich4900]

That was a fine job of articulating these speakers and what you listen for. I am always sceptical when a manufacture says made somewhere other than China but most of their products are manufactured in China. That being said my amp is a Doge 10(China), my turntable is Technics 1500c(Malaysia), cartridge Nagaoka and Denon dcd a100 cd player (Japan). Canton Vento Reference 7 speakers(Germany). Would like to try a coincident driver based speaker like these one day.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sunilm3181]

Excellent video. Which of you amplifiers sound best with Fyne.? How does your Luxman sound with Fyne?

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thank you for watching. The Luxman 509x sounded very good. The VAC 170i integrated sounds incredible.

[@scotttait2197]

As an electronics engineer with a specialisation in audiology these are amongst the best i've heard suffice to say certain other brands are hyped up to point of making them unrealistic , Fyne Audio have great engineering and quality to back it up. that equates to an extreme price tag for the "higher tier" models , and sadly the element of society that attracts

[@GreekAudioGeek]

The engineering pedigree and background of the Fyne Audio team is among the best of any manufacturer for sure!

[@tongleongsim9202]

Well done and true music lover narrative. Hopefully, Fyne is not going to end up in the hand of fund manager just like Tannoy did.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

I agree. Tannoy did not end up in the hands of a fund manager though. It was bought by Music Tribe which is owned by one person.

[@netster]

Wow! I feel like i want to own one. Must be very expensive speaker. Thanks for the video!

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mayhemz.95]

Just bought the fyne f501 for £650, is that good price? Gonna paid it with a denon x1700h for movies

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Hi - I honestly don't know what the pricing in UK is. But you're going to have a great sounding system. Just make sure you play them a bit before any critical listening to let them sound their best.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

* * * My Gear List & Links: * * * New FYNE Audio Speakers: www.fyneaudio.com/product/f704/ Cables: - STEALTH Audio Cables: www.stealthaudiocables.com/ Ethernet Audio Gear: -- Waversa Ethernet and HDMI filters:www.kevalinaudio.com/copy-of-waversa-systems-inc -- I use TWO of these switches: amzn.to/3RehXtP -- I also have the two small D-Links plugged into this unit - it helps tame the brightness that will happen using just two of the smaller D-Links without this one: amzn.to/3Dnrbyo -- Here are the cables I use between the switches: amzn.to/3DjWERW Audio Gear: - Fyne Audio Speakers: www.fyneaudio.com/product/f704/ - Rupert Neve Headphone Amp: amzn.to/3R7sM1n - Klipsch La Scala Speakers: amzn.to/3kTrIl2 -- SVS Subwoofer: amzn.to/3NBJjJS - Puritan power conditioner: www.puritanaudiolabs.com/products/master-purifiers/psm156/ - Previous Power conditioner for the main system: amzn.to/3Y86i1R -- Power conditioner that used to be for the main system, but is now used for all my Ethernet Switches and Subwoofer: amzn.to/3HB5Hzt - RevOPods isolation feet - Link to the dealer I got them from - Tell Ron I sent you: www.liquidhifi.com/contact/ - IsoAcoustics Isolation feet: amzn.to/3Sg49Qi -- VAC integrated tube amp: www.vac-amps.com/productPages/Sigma170i.html -- AQUA La Scala Tube DAC: www.aquahifi.com/la_scala.html -- Antipodes Audio K22 Streamer: antipodes.audio/k22.php -- Wellfloat Vibration Platforms: wellfloat-global.com/ Camera and Videography/Studio Gear: - Canon C70 Cine Camera: amzn.to/3NFNLXU -- Sony FX3 Cine Camera: amzn.to/3kVZ9Ec - Aputure Studio Lighting: amzn.to/3HfZngr - Anton/Bauer Titon Extended Battery Kit: amzn.to/3SUwWtS - Voighlander Macro Lens: amzn.to/3L1vR1q - Sony 24mm wide angle lens: amzn.to/3YG2QMa - Sony 85mm lens: amzn.to/3XknnVB - Manfrotto Tripod: amzn.to/3YzMwg8 -- Mathews Lighting Stand: amzn.to/3vjrR6t - Neve Shelford Channel Strip: amzn.to/403ehiC -- iMac Computer used: amzn.to/3jb8qax -- Empirical Labs Distressor: amzn.to/408T475 -- RME Fireface Audio Interface: amzn.to/3HhWdZs -- Warm Audio WA-251: amzn.to/3RdzAdc -- Warm Audio WA-47: amzn.to/3wDuiP2 -- Sennheiser Professional MKE 400 Directional On-Camera Shotgun Microphone for iPhone: amzn.to/3WN3kPw -- RME D/A: amzn.to/3Y8cMhc -- Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone: amzn.to/3HdECSB - Lighting stands (3 of them: amzn.to/3I8HQZb) Misc: -- Apple TV I use: amzn.to/3XOWFpe -- Laser tape measure I use: amzn.to/3Dmdgse Disclaimer: SOME of links provided are amazon affiliate links: I earn a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you! I use the funds to help grow the channel, investing in better equipment for the reviews and video production! Thank you!

[@ZEN_X999]

Hi and thanks for your detailed sharing of your findings. Do you have a video on how your connect your routers and switches to your modem for your streamer ?

[@stevenburdick424]

When you find "your" sound you will know it. Looks like you found the speakers that speak to you. Pun intended. Congratulations

[@zambotv8150]

They're beautiful

[@johnparks6172]

I'm considering these speakers as well as the Canton Vento 100s. How do the Cantons compare to the Fynes.

[@bills8770]

The Canton have a brassy presentation. Unusual. They sound big...like huge. But a voice should not be 6 feet tall. Or a guitar. The Fyne have a very defined soundstage because of the point source driver. I remember we used to run four speakers on our receivers when I was a teenager. Like more and bigger is better. But it doesn't sound real.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Canton makes nice speakers. But not in the same league as the Fyne's. I'd take the Fyne's over the Canton in my PERSONAL opinion.

[@MrJESandoval]

I completely agree with your review! I literally set up my new F703s today and I’m enamored. Which DAC(s) have you paired with your 704s? I’m considering upgrading my Bluesound Node X to either the Denafrips Venus II or Terminator II R2R DAC. I’m wondering if you have an opinion on pairing either of them with my 703s? My system includes the Pathos Twin Towers/TT integrated amp.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Hello! I am currently running an Aqua La Scala tube dac. Upgrading from your Bluesound will get you some pretty big sound improvements! I can't speak as to which DAC you'd like better as it's really personal taste.

[@MrJESandoval]

Thanks for your reply. The basis of my question is what is the highest level DAC that the F300/400 speakers could fully complement? For example, could they take advantage of the full resolution and musicality capabilities of a DAC at the level of the $14k Chord Dave? If so, then it’s safe to say they can get full capability out of the Denafrips Terminator II I’m considering, which at $5k is at the high end of my DAC budget.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

I have run DAC's, streamers and servers upwards of $20K during reviews and the difference are easily discernible. BUT - you need to make sure the rest is up to it such as placement of the speakers in the room, acoustical treatments, cables, and the rest of your system. You are running a VERY good integrated amp so. you are all set with that. Do you have a local dealer that will loan you DAC's before you buy from him? Because you will need to make sure you like their sound character as well.

[@tbullard3]

I’m been considering the F703s and Jbl S3900s. I wonder how they compare. Has anyone here had the chance to listen to both yet?

[@De132an]

As my Kef Reference 1 Meta, made in UK! 🇬🇧

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Love it!!!

[@mickbroad2059]

I think he got bitten at Loch Ness!

[@toddclarke1580]

Ive listened to a few nice concentric speaker systems, and no matter how incredible they may sound, my mind cant visually connect with the tweeter inside the woofer . Its just a mind disconnect for me, no matter how incredible it looks and sounds. Its a odd experience. I like to be able to pass my ear in front of just the tweeter without the mid-bass driver interfering if need be.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for sharing your opinion! I honestly did not experience the same issue you did - but that's what's great about having so many different designs - people can find what works best for them.

[@bills8770]

The mid-bass driver is acting as a waveguide. It's 100% what speaker designers are looking for. It's cohesive, and easier to place.

[@scotttait2197]

No they are designed manufactured and built in Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mediascapes2011]

I am really not as sure as you, honestly, I feel you were a tad closer at loch ness.

[@adamnocon9432]

At this price point I would go with Sound Lab company’s smaller, $14,795 Ultimate 545 electrostatic panels.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Interesting. Have you heard the F704's in person to compare?

[@adamnocon9432]

@@GreekAudioGeek Haven't heard. I own Quad's Classic ESL 63 Electrostatic - A Legend in its Own Lifetime, and Beyond. Bought it used for just $1300. I can't compare them, but I will not spend $18,995.00 for F704's, especially, that my JBL Studio 530 (when on sale for $250 a pair) comes very close (no kidding).

[@GreekAudioGeek]

@@adamnocon9432 Huh - So you haven't heard them but you prefer them over the F704's. I've heard the JBL 530's. That's interesting that you think they come close to the F704's. Especially with the the completely different driver set up and technology. But to each their own I guess.

[@buttonman1831]

As a former Cornwall IV owner, Klipsch are extremely overrated. The look nice but the cabinet quality is appalling, you can literally scratch them with a fingernail. The drive quality is equally terrible with stamped cages and thin plastic horns. The grills had a tendency to sag over time which is a know issue. When I spend 8K Cdn on a set of speakers, I expect much better quality than this. The sound, well they sounded good but I have owned speakers for less money that to me sounded better to me. You also mentions this resonance issue, I have also found this with the Cornwall Iv's. It was often, but on some track this honky quality would make itself know very evidently. They didn't image particularly well either, but this is a bit of a tradeoff with horns. The soundstage was pretty good though.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

Thanks for sharing. I agree!

[@n.lyndley.9889]

Klipsch have some great attributes, but they should be thoroughly ashamed of their build quality and component quality - inexcusable.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

@@n.lyndley.9889 There are certainly areas that can be improved for sure.

[@gaborozorai3714]

For what they offer Cornwalls are a bargain, even if there was a significant price hike from the III's to the IV's. And what they offer is supremely effortless, live, natural sound. Only trade-off is that some recordings can excite some upper bass boxiness, but even that is room-dependent to some degree. Of course they're not for everyone, nothing is.

[@GreekAudioGeek]

@@gaborozorai3714 Having owned them, there is also a significant amount of midrange coloration and boxiness that to some sound pleasing, and to others area deal breaker. I didn't realize it until I upgraded away from the CWIV's. Having said that, I still enjoyed those speakers.