Sonically are you getting the desired sound, and your only concern being the power required to achieve that? How do your FR5s sound with the HiFi Rose at lower volumes?
1 Like
The position of the volume control is dependent on how the amps designer spaced the step increments, nothing more. Als the level of the signal the amp is receiving and the size of the room are factors.
Indeed, however, I believe the poster was referring comparatively to the difference with the FR5s and his previous speakers, noting a need for more power from the amplifier. Some amplifiers better provide for increased current delivery with lower impedance speakers. To a degree I was hinting at the synergy, or possible lack there of, between the HiFi Rose amplifier and the FR5s. Not having either I can not comment further.
1 Like
The FR5 arenāt particularly low impedance. They are lower sensitivity than many but not hard to drive from a current perspective.
I wouldnāt worry about the position of the volume control unless youāre driving youāre amp into clipping or protection or sense a shift in sound quality.
1 Like
No problem at all driving my FR5ās with NAD M23, 200 watts into 8 ohmsā¦ by the time I hit 45 on the BHK pre volume, the wife and daughter will be complainingā¦ 
3 Likes
I also have NAD M23 and BHK Pre. Love their sound with my 20+ year old Avalon Symbols, thinking of getting FR5 or FR10. Would welcome any comments.
If you can afford the FR10ās go for them, but I would wait until they are on sale.
1 Like
Thanks for your reply. Iāve been thinking of waiting for an Axpona sale in April. Bought some electronics last April. But Iām not sure that speakers will be included in the sale. Any idea?
Do you know of other likely sale dates? BTW, I can get $3500 in trade for my Avalon Symbols, bringing the FR10 cost down to $6500.
2 Likes
This might be perfect for you, and you would be able to listen to the FR10ās at home for 30 days before sending your Avalon Symbol speakers away.
1 Like
As I understand it, one benefit of Purifi Eigentakt based amps is being insensitive to impedance variation. Iāve been intrigued by many implementations, but the M23 in particular.
Well, they do have very extremely low output impedance but the biggest performance thing that the purifi modules bring versus other class-D is that the distortion is much flatter versus frequency at high frequency and high frequency intermod is a massive amount lower.
3 Likes
I listened to the FR5 and FR10 in PS Audioās Listening Lab today, along with prototypes of their subwoofer. Liked the FR10 and was amazed by the depth of its soundstage. Liked the FR5 too, and its size and weight are a much better fit for me than the FR10.
I had a great time. Taylor was a fine host, and I had brief chats with Paul and Chris.
Not ready to order yet. I have fond memories of the Magnepan MGIIIAās that I had 40 years ago. Thinking of trying another planar speaker.
4 Likes
Arenāt the FRās planar speakers in the areas that benefit from planar drivers?
1 Like
Yes, @Hen999ry the planar ribbon midrange and planar ribbon tweeter make the FR10, 20 & 30 special.
2 Likes
I really meant āflat panelā speaker, where all of the drivers are flat and there are no cones.
1 Like
The FR10 (and FR5) are cleaner sounding and do not have the maggie grain. While I do like my LRS+, the PSA speakers are better speakers, by far.
2 Likes
My BHKpreā>NAD M23ā>FR5s setup has been a nice combination. For fun I switched out the NAD with my First Watt J2 low watt Class A amp. Really no problem driving the FR5s with only 25 watts. Iām at ~65 on the BHKpre volume with the J2 vs ~45 with the M23 for a ~75 db listening session. Maybe less dynamics but barely noticeable. The FR5s seem fairly easy to drive despite their rated efficiency.
3 Likes
Iām now questioning whether I really want to change speakers. I just spent some time tweaking the positioning of my Avalon Symbol speakers. They now sound better than ever, throwing a deep, wide soundstage that appears just behind the speakers and extends outside of them. Iāve always loved the way that they reproduce instruments and voices that sound completely natural. I augment the bass with a pair of SVS subwoofers.
Iām sitting here listening to an Angel recording of Rimsky-Korsakovās āScheherazadeā with Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Iām absolutely thrilled with the sound. I think itās better than what I heard in PS Audioās Listening Lab last week. I could live with this forever.
Iām 74 years old and not very strong. I donāt have the energy right now to buy, unbox, set up, break in, and audition new speakers. I might make an exception later if the FR5s go on sale for AXPONA.
Iām grateful to everyone who has replied to my posts.
The rest of my system:
Linn Sondek LP12 with EKOS tonearm, Krystal cartridge, and
Lingo power supply
Sutherland 20/20 MK2 phono stage with LPS power supply
PS Audio BHK preamp
NAD M23 power amp
PS Audio Stellar P3 power regenerator for the power amp
PS Audio Stellar P3 power regenerator for the source components
2 Likes