Posted by Joseph Oberlander on December 16, 2003 at 11:24:43:
In Reply to: Scenarios vs. Mosaics posted by Timmer on December 01, 2003 at 11:48:05:
- The off-axis response is far better with the Mosaics, since they are a planar speaker. They radiate very much like a ribbon tweeter, which is quite decent. Now, these are NOT big panels, so expect a comfortable 2-3 ft sweet spot. No note is the nearly complete lack of change when you stand up versus sit down.(my main gripe with the Scenarios). These are good for ambient music as well.
- The Mosaics were designed with a Denon 3082 as the test receiver(verified my one of their distributors I met in person several months ago). This is a huge economic savings for the average listener. The Scenarios require a real amplifier, which anything that is rated at 50% more power at 6 ohms versus its 8 ohm rating(ie - real 6 ohm receiver) will run the Mosiacs just fine. As for your receiver, it won't possibly handle the Scenarios, but might just work with the Mosaics.
- Both will be very good speakers for your acoustic, due to the wood floors. You may have to turn down the trebel and/or bass a bit or put in a rug. Of course, deadening a room is easy compared to making a cave sound more alive.
- As for wow factor, remove the front grills. Looks much more modern and definately NOT a typical speaker with those two planar elements staring at you. :)
- Finally, it's a budget ML marketed at first-time buyers who want the quality and design, but cannot afford $2000 in amplifiers and equipment to drive it. Sound-wise, it is very close to the Magnepans, but in a vastly smaller and more WAF-friendly form. It will also go louder and handle jazz and rock, which is something that the little Scenario isn't quite up to.