Any thoughts on comparing the FR-5’s to the LRS+?
I know a few forum members have the pluses.
I can compare the LRS+ to the FR20’s, but I know, that is not the comparison you’re looking for.
I am thoroughly impressed with the LRS+, and is by far one of the best value speaker purchases one can make. Vocals are wonderful, musical instruments are wonderful. I have a subwoofer in my system, so the limited bass of the LRS+ is not an issue. The FR20’s are much better, much smoother, way more refined, with better bass, better imaging, and so much more open and natural sounding (and should be for the price difference). I have heard the FR5 at Axpona, and imaging was quite good, especially for that room at Axpona, but I have not heard them in a home environment, so cannot fairly comment on the full capabilities or limitations of the FR5, but can mention that the PS Audio flat panel ribbon tweeters are fantastic.
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Having owned several Maggie’s and currently the FR30’s, my approach might be more focused on the room and system that they will be playing in rather than the speaker-to-speaker differences.
Dipoles like the Maggie demand a relatively large and balanced room, with lots of clean power, and often subs. Box speakers like the FR5 are less room and component dependent.
I personally feel the PSA ribbon tech is superior to the Maggie diaphragms, but on the other hand, the continuity, top-to-bottom, of an all-the-same driver compliment is hard to beat.
Both are good. No bad choice.
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Thank you very much. I have the LRS+ and did an inhome with the FR-5’s then sent them back. I too use REL TZero’s (2) to augment the LRS+. I found additional detail on SACD’s with the FR-5’s but not as good bass. I’m a fan of 60’s rock & roll and love the Beatles and Ronstadt and find them both extraordinary on the Maggie’s. The image is real and life size. The SACD’s I own are the complete Octave collection so I don’t listen often. I’m rethinking my decision but struggling with the price/value/sound issue and am, obviously, confused. I love the planar sound/realism and don’t want to make an expensive mistake.
Cordially,
Michael Barnard
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So, you have had both speakers in your home and you are asking us our opinion? Dude, trust your experience over any one else’s. Your room, your system, your money.
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As @straightwire mentioned, both speakers are good. Even with having the FR20’s, I still experiment by putting my pair of the LRS+ into the main system for a few days from time to time. The maggies are simply fun speakers. For their under $1000 price tag, as you already know, they are an excellent choice. You should not be doubting your choice, unless you really miss how music sounds through the FR5.
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While I haven’t heard the LRS+, I’ve heard the LRS and .7 and other maggies. I’m not surprised that you like them. Dipole panels have some unique sound quality characteristics including a sense of spaciousness and envelopment and kind of a “headphone” effect.
Generally, their panels are not very extended in the bass (FR5 plays way deeper and louder). However, dipoles radiate 4.8 dB less energy into the room and so excite room modes less. This can improve clarity because of not exciting problematic room modes as much. However, I wouldn’t say bass is “better” than a good monopole, especially down low.
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