This is a new review of Madisound’s kit speakers (Vifa A/V kit - $423.62 per pair) which I’ve been using for almost a year. A few days ago, just for the curiosity, I decided to audition some above average speakers at a local electronics retailer (Tweeters). After a salesman set up a system for me in a listening room covered with acoustic panels and all, I popped in Diana Krall’s All for You and a CD by Electric Skychurch (new age with some good bass beats) in a Sony CD player that’s higher up than my own. Then it was connected through Denon AVR-5803 receiver priced at $4K (way above my own receiver). In the room, there were speakers by Boston Acoustics, Mirage, Sonus Faber and Vienna Acoustics (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach & Haydn series). The ones I tried start at $999 and go up to $4,450 per pair.

To my surprise, none of speakers at around $1K price tag (Boston Acoustics VRM60-C, Mirage OM9B, Sonus Faber Concertino) could create the soundstage as nicely or have the clarity as Vifa A/V kit. Diana Krall’s voice either did not have as much illusion of coming from the middle or not as airy and detailed. The only ones that matched up to Vifa and may be just a bit better was Vienna Acoustics, especially Beethoven which is priced at $4,450 a pair. Beethoven puts out more powerful bass than my Vifa (has 7” woofers compare to Vifa’s 5” woofers).

Anyone has had similar experience or contrasting views? Or feels that the comparison could have been done in a better way? I’d like to hear them.

Thanks.