RATING 7 Amplifiers from BEST to WORST: Crescendo MKII Audiophile Speaker Review!

[@Jayiyagi]

*Hey guys! So I'm back but I wanted to get back on track by comparing some amplifiers with the Crescendo MKII Loudspeakers because these are unbelievably capable speakers that scales BIG TIME with different amplifiers! Anyone out there that has experience with these speakers?* Components in this video: Acoustic Zen Crescendo MKII (speakers): acousticzen.com/crescendo Aurender N20 (streamer): aurender.com/home/n20/ Harmony LAIV (dac): www.laiv.audio/product-page/harmony-dac PS Audio Stellar Gold (pre-amp): www.psaudio.com/products/stellargold-preamplifier Galion TS A75 (amplifier): www.galion-audio.com/products/ts-a75-power-amp-sold-out-for-international-clients-pre-order-for-1 AGD Productions Tempo (amplifier): agdproduction.com/product/agd-tempo/ ADCOM GFA-555ms (amplifier): adcom.com/product/gfa-555ms/ Brunoco Terra (integrated amplifier): 58787f.myshopify.com/products/terra-6l6pp-integrated?sca_ref=3824421.LMxVRnoykZ Brunoco Terra review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5fFkn6nltqLr5o Cambridge EVO150 (all-in-one): howl.me/cmefvbbb9Fd AXXES Forte 1 (all-in-one): audiogroupdenmark.com/product/axxess-amplifier-forte/ Related Videos: Axpona 2024 HiFi/AUDIO SHOW HIGHLIGHTS! Best of The Show 😮: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIWaq4dmqax-aNU Montreal 2024 Audio Show Highlights! Best of the show 😮: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipa9YaKcg953iKs Montreal 2024 Audio Show Highlights! TOP 8 New Audiophile Loudspeakers 😮: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbNoaRuq9yGpJY AXPONA Exclusive Interviews: MACO Macarias Speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYarhKmQa7Fkj7M Alta Audio Aphrodite Speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYPIhYSffah7mJI Gauder Akustik Speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pILJm3dtiZ6JqcU Pure Audio Project Speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKbZpmaQhseig9k Pure Fidelity Turntable/Tonearm: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6mqe2WElrNjirM PMC/Amphion/Esoteric/Advance Paris: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKDPYaKsotCbrLs MonAcoustic Platimon VC2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Cpc6OeoJmfq7s Starke Sound & Eversolo: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6ixfp13r7Ngbs0 Borrsen C1 Speakers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHmtioFnqc6poNk 0:00 INTRO 1:40 Acoustic Zen Crescendo: Crazy Audiophile Speakers 6:47 NAT Transmitter: BEST Amplifier For These Speakers! 9:03 AGD Tempo & Galion TS A75 Amplifiers: BEST BASS 11:54 ADCOM GFA-555ms: MOST NEUTRAL 13:34 Brunoco Terra: MOST UNIQUE 15:24 Cambridge EVO150 & AXXES Forte: MOST ANALTICAL Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM

[@goodsound4756]

It's Munich right now...

[@Jayiyagi]

@@goodsound4756 couldn't make it!

[@jeffwheaton1733]

Greetings, Great review on the the Zens. I have this speaker and indeed the amplifier is key. The pentode tube amplifier has very good synergy with the AZ MkII. I use Quicksilver M135, and a push-pull ultralinear 75wpc amp custom made amp like the Ref ARC Ref 75. Internal woofers use 10 awg wire and I use 10awg as well. Toe in and rake angle are important, and distance from the rear and side wall are critical . Regards, Jeff

[@ethimself5064]

The link to the speakers has a warning about not having the latest Security HTTPS, which may deter many people from going further. As well the Canadian distributor site is now defunct and is for sale(the domaine)

[@robstephens3119]

Hi Jay. Love your videos, to me You are the Best out there. Any ideas where I might get my Crescendo"s repaired ? I live in S.E. Georgia and would Love to not have to ship them out and back. HELP !

[@markymark6967]

I own the Crescendo MKII's and use them with the Coda #8 amp,Coda 07x preamp and the Luxman D10x cd player.. This combo is truly a fantastic sounding setup that has to be heard to be believed. Highly musical with great slam,dynamics and a soundscape to die for...This is a highly deserving loudspeaker that always garners top notch review's!!! Thanks Jay!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sounds like it got good synergy with my Galion TS A75, I need to get a pair in for review! Thanks for the mention, it was a pleasant surprise. The fact the TS A75 can tie with a $5k amp...

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Won't power 20.7s.... ($3.1k) Coda Ts v3 800w@4ohm 🔥 80k capacitance, 40 Motorola bipolar transistors, 3kw toroidal

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@CarlVanDoren So you tried it with a 20.7? I know it can power a LRS and 0.7i better than a class AB 200w amp that I tried against. It can power the "84db Quad 2905 but you are the first person who told me it cannot drive a specific speaker. Thanks for sharing so anyone with a 20.7 will know. This is valuable real world experience and is helpful to other potential buyers.

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@ThomasAndStereo Will it work with a 1.7i? Im currently using an amp you’re familiar with, moon w5.3

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@dajikbatarang1 I am planning to try it with the 1.7 In a week or so. I know it sounds more powerful than the w5.3

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@ThomasAndStereo im looking forward about hearing your feedback. I am seriously considering this amp. I run both Thiel’s and 1.7i’s.

[@AnthonySmith-b6d]

Great stuff as usual.

[@buddy7467]

Hey Jay, thanks for giving love to the Crescendo II. I've owned a pair for almost three years, love them. I would suggest using the Isoacoustics Gaia 1 and the AZ Hologram ll speaker cables, same wire used inside speakers. I mainly use a Line Magnetic LM-845 Premium and Pass 250.5, both are great. Also have a Vinnie Rossi DHT Lio that sounds very good. A pair of REL S5 SHO, Doshi v3.0 pre, LampizatOr Big 7 and Sonore Opticalrendu round out the system.

[@-nepherim]

Dominique Fils-Aime is an awesome recommendation, thanks for highlighting artists!

[@terryhk99leung36]

Great topics and great video..thanks so much. It is really useful to hear your take on various amp for this type speakers.. However, this speaker is rather rare and transmission line.. it would great if you continue this format for other more popular or more price friendly speaker and do your take on various amp performance.. One thing would also very helpful is to add your comments on the price/value ratio.. or mentioning the current/2nd hand price of these amp... so that ppl with different wallets size can all relate.. Furthermore, a reverse format is also very helpful.. Like various speakers for a popular amp... etc.. Again great video and thanks Jay.

[@thatsbod1041]

You should do a series where you investigate / recommend systems for different genres of music & the effect on those systems geared towards say classic when dealing with speed metal & vice versa & so on.

[@Bass_therapy_]

Sheeesh what a great review !!

[@Hare_deLune]

I have a friend who is a speaker specialist. He designs, builds, and repairs speakers. He told me once about being hired to integrate a speaker system into a house that was being built. By request, he designed and built concrete forms to turn the guy's entire basement into a line transmission device for the system. Yup. Think about that.

[@robstephens3119]

Who is this man ? I have a repair issue and I Really don't want to send these from Georgia to California. HELP ! Any ideas will help. Thanks ! Jay ?

[@ronaldweed6103]

They're AWESOME, but my room is very small. Great review 👏

[@grogmonster2408]

Great quality vid in every respect, well done, but how about coming down the price level a little for your next review, and testing out an SMSL A300 in BTL mode, used as dual monos putting out 400 watts RMS (tested by Amirm at ASR. Now that would be interesting !

[@jamesrobinson9176]

They pair well with line Magnetic, I can say that with certainty.

[@jiyadas]

Hey Jay, when are you going to review the Aurender N20 bud? Nice review btw!

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

never be afraid of large speakers in a small room!

[@johnkim3674]

Hey Jay, great review as always. Couple of questions. What is your reference system now? I don’t see you using the Terminator DAC or the Innuos streamer now. Are you on a search for a new reference set up? You mention the Laiv DAC in this video, is a review coming? Perhaps a DAC shoot out? Just curious as you seemed to enjoy the PS Audio stellar DAC from couple videos ago. Let us know!

[@Jayiyagi]

All of those are in the works! Stay tuned ;)

[@wyoflyboy4675]

I am new to tubes. Really stunned by the Brunoco 6L6PP. The Bruno Music Bar recordings are amazing. I own a pair of original Teckton Design 8ohm Pendragons. Will the Brunoco bring out the best in my speakers. I am a big into Jazz, vocals and classical music and Doobie Brothers rock. I am torn between the Brunoco and the Willsenton R800i. Thanks in advance for your input.

[@paolpricci6892]

Amazing speakers.

[@aceofspades6667]

Solid review.. also please hit up Sean and tell him his viewers are still waiting for the reviews he promised up back in Feb on the live stream. March, April, and now May have come and 0 ZF reviews. Insert the gif meme from happy Gilmore - we’re waiting

[@DBTAudio]

Jay, do you plan to do a review of the Aurender N20? I just bought one and have it paired with an MSB Discrete DAC with the word clock synced. It was a serious improvement. I replaced my Cardas Clear cable loom with Acoustic Zen Absolute Copper interconnects, Absolute speaker cables and Absolute 110 AES cable:

[@Jayiyagi]

Yes :)

[@jocakecman]

Will you review Usher speakers?

[@bengleason508]

It would be interesting if you got Alta Audio back in with some of these amplifiers.

[@upsidediy3945]

Im interested in a 2'x4'x3' box- with 2-10" and a 6"9". Connected to shelf stereo, or bluetooth receiver. Basically 2-10s and 6x9.

[@brooklynknightss]

Jay which would you recommend? Klipsch rp-280fa or the Definitive technology D17s

[@slawek6829]

Your opinion on the Michi x5 ?

[@r1verrat1977]

Making want to buy the NAT Magma M's and NAT Magnetic Pre amp

[@macoygunida]

Where is h390?

[@rw3915]

Dude, why don't you have a Pass Labs Class A amplifier, at least a XA-160.8 mono blocks. How about reviewing a good preamp such as an Audio Research Ref 10? Just sayin that's all... 🙂 Keep up the good work.

[@suwatt6019]

Agreed

[@G3rain1]

People who film moving drivers should use global shutter cameras.

[@MsCorbacho]

Envious ( on a good way :) ,…of the Technics R2R that i see behind !

[@saint6563]

To all: Which Dominique album has the best sound quality? Thx

[@Jayiyagi]

I think every single one is an absolute masterpiece but the album “nameless” is really top notch

[@peterdesmidt8742]

What's the pricing on these?

[@Jayiyagi]

$24,000. Shown in the first few minutes of the video but I understand it’s easy to miss.

[@peterdesmidt8742]

@@Jayiyagi Thanks, Jay. Sorry I missed that. Regarding singers, check out Carolin No if you haven't.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@peterdesmidt8742love the duo!

[@philstevens9914]

Montreal, now lets not forget the smoked meat. Especially Smoked Meat Petes on a Tuesday night.

[@Jayiyagi]

Mmmmm you got me all hungry

[@philstevens9914]

@@Jayiyagi Tuesday night is live music jam night. Jimmy James usually plays there. Musicians just turn up, plug in and jam!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Want bottom end integrate subs 😮 JLA cr-1 active crossover w Rel CS 😊

[@davidelmquist8670]

These kind of speakers should be Bi amped

[@Jayiyagi]

You certainly can!

[@sofaking1180]

What would be the benefit of a bi-amp connection? Just curious.

[@buddy7467]

I own a pair and talked to Acoustic Zen Robert Lee about biamping. He said to just use my Line Magnetic LM-845 Premium. He sent me jumpers, and I purchased Hologram II speaker cables that are the same internal wire.

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

I wouldn't call those tweeters "ribbon". They look more like planar coil designs.

[@paulomontero12]

How loud do u play your music

[@Jayiyagi]

60-90db

[@chrisf9011]

I turn mine up to 11.😏

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Nice & informative. =) #Bass

[@jamesmansion2572]

3rd order Linkwitz/Riley? Can you point me at how that works, please?

[@Jayiyagi]

What would you like me to explain?

[@johnstuartsmith]

If you haven't got the curiosity or ability to Google the topic yourself, you shouldn't expect someone else to type out what could be a couple of semester's worth of electrical engineering basics for you.

[@jamesmansion2572]

@@johnstuartsmith I think you are missing the point. Linkwitz Reilly crossovers are always even order. Maybe YOU should do some googling? The claim of a 3rd order LR is clearly BS. Seems you know no more than Jay?

[@johnstuartsmith]

@@jamesmansion2572 Actually, I DID miss the point. I (quite incorrectly....) assumed that your comment was a request to have someone explain everything they knew about crossovers to you because maybe you thought Linkwitz/Reilly sounded like something amusing. It is I who needed to delve deeper into the subject before jumping into the comment section.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@jamesmansion2572 ah I missed that too. I stated its a 3 way speaker. Which it is but im not sure what they exactly mean by 3rd order linkwitz riley… maybe they are referring to the roll off but that would be incorrect

[@alexfoxpoker]

Crescendos retail for $18,000.00/pr ... Thanks! I just ordered similar speakers Aperion Verus V8T for $1999 each :)

[@townofdudleysixth]

Came from the short - not exactly budget or easy to find, especially in the UK.

[@RelaxationAcoustics]

😂😂😂 Mulah got me weak

[@WorksopGimp]

$25 grand

[@cremersalex]

Coffins!

[@Interloper187]

AZ support isn't great

[@Gullsz]

I don't believe you

[@pavelpolyakov5763]

I have DALI Oberon speakers, which are ten times cheaper. I bet a farm they don't sound ten times worse!!! Moreover, these Crescendo speakers don't even look expensive to appeal to the high-end snobs!

[@pavelpolyakov5763]

24k, no thanks, I stopped watching.