Hello, I am considering going from Legacy Audio Aeris speakers to FR 30’s. I have not heard the Aspen FR 30 speakers yet, so I’m looking for opinions on both the speakers themselves as well as whether the move from the Aeris is an upgrade.
Thanks
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I cannot comment on the Legacy speakers in comparison, and cannot really comment on the FR30, but I can comment on the FR20, which has the same flat panel ribbon midrange and tweeter as the FR30.
My streamer/dac is the Grimm MU2, preamp is a Levinson 523, power amp is a Levinson 534, and have Front Row Reserve interconnect between components. I also have a REL Carbon Special sub with the system.
Imaging is spectacular. The purity of sound is spectacular. The quickness of the midrange and tweeters is quite nice. With the right source material the FR20’s disappear. I have no desire for any other speakers.
I also have a tube preamp and a tube power amp that I will put into the system from time to time with the FR20’s. When listening to jazz , piano, trumpets and drums, in particular, sound life-sized and with all the nuances to die for. Same with well-recorded female vocals.
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I am not familiar with Legacy Aeris, but FR30 is one of the best speakers I have heard in my listening room. I started with a pair of Thiel 3.6 driven by Krell more than 30 years ago, then switched to a pair of high-efficient Silverline speakers. Later on, I moved to their flagship Monte Crystal speaker driven by BAT all tubes setups.
But FR30 sounded better than all of my previous speakers, and I do not plan to change to anything else, unless PSA produces FR50 in future. 
One thing about FR30 is the placement; they need to be moved away from the side and front wall to breathe better. Mine is 6’ from the front wall; less than that you may not get enough depth and could get too much bass. If your room is less than 20’ deep FR20 may work better.
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Thanks, my room is 25 feet deep
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Thanks, My only concern with the Aeris is its a bit too warm. Treble detail is a bit recessed. This makes them totally non fatiguing, but I want a bit more detail.
Welcome!
Thank you. Ive been a long time reader here
What gear is driving your speakers?
Im using a McIntosh MC 462 amplifier and a McIntosh C 53 preamp
Are you not running your speakers with the Wavelet processor to adjust them to your room? Also that warmth may be coming from your McIntosh gear.
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I have the wavelaunch processor. I don’t think its the McIntosh stuff. A friend has Mac gear with different speakers and has more treble energy. I think Legacy is voiced this way. Most likely to prevent listener fatigue, but they may have over done it…at least to my ears
Also, I have a BHK 250 I’ve used with the Aeris speakers and have the same results. To my ears, the Legacy’s need a smidge more treble energy. I’ve read great things about the FR 30. As I can’t audition them first I thought I’d ask the forum.
If the Wavelet setup says it is correct for the speakers in your room and you think the Mc gear is not the issue then have you tried adjusting the seating distance or height to see if you hear any change good or bad. I currently own two different brands of speakers with AMT style tweeters and both are critical of height and distance. If you have and it didn’t help then maybe the Aeris voicing is just not for you. It has always been my understanding that Bill was concerned about listening fatigue and brightness when voicing his speakers so what you are hearing may in fact be intentional.
As to the FR 30’s the 30 day return policy is in effect an audition period just an expensive one.
Ive owned and loved the Aeris speakers for ten years. As I lurch into decrepitude I am looking to make a change. I am willing to trade a bit of bottom end dynamics for a tad more high end sparkle. I guess I am asking if the FR 30’s will give that to me.
There is also an approx. one thousand dollar return shipping fee that is an issue. As wasting 1K isn’t high on my list of great things, I would probably just keep them. This is why I am looking for insights on the FR 30’s on the forum. I appreciate any and all input from you all. Thanks
After ten years it’s certainly worth the try. I looked long and hard at the Aspens about this time last year but went in another direction. My dedicated room is 9’x17’x26’ and I was looking at the FR 20’s to avoid room overload. I could deal with the bottom end with the four Rythmik subs.
Only one?
May I ask what speakers you chose? My room is 25x23x9. Not ideal but I work with what I have.
Qualio IQ Ultra. The semi open baffle design makes them fairly easy to place in the room. They would be a good fit with the current provided by the 462. There is a larger model coming shortly which will be reviewed by 6 Moons.
I am a bit suprised that more owners of FR20 & FR30 haven’t chimed in yet. The speakers show up only rarely at TMR, and don’t last long when they do show up.