Received a pair of CLSIIZ with new panels made in 2009(according to the serial no.).
My old pair are CLSIIA with panels replaced in 2003,panels were manufactured in 2000,according to the serial no.
The new pair sound way more refined with a lush midrange,something totally absent on the old speakers.The lush midrange may actually be a sign that the high frequency response of the new pair with the 2009 panels is more extended.Certainly,the IIZ present a much easier load to my 100WPC tube amp than the IIA,which absolutely will not sound decent without the benefit of an elec. crossover relieving them of frequencies below 160 cps.The new IIz speakers also benefit from working 160 and up,but the tube amp can drive them fullrange quite decently,something that it can not do with the IIa.
I am especially happy with the added midrange lushness,something that I have missed since my days with ESL57.
My old pair are CLSIIA with panels replaced in 2003,panels were manufactured in 2000,according to the serial no.
The new pair sound way more refined with a lush midrange,something totally absent on the old speakers.The lush midrange may actually be a sign that the high frequency response of the new pair with the 2009 panels is more extended.Certainly,the IIZ present a much easier load to my 100WPC tube amp than the IIA,which absolutely will not sound decent without the benefit of an elec. crossover relieving them of frequencies below 160 cps.The new IIz speakers also benefit from working 160 and up,but the tube amp can drive them fullrange quite decently,something that it can not do with the IIa.
I am especially happy with the added midrange lushness,something that I have missed since my days with ESL57.