Editing Introduction to a Self Managed Life: a 13 hour & 28 minute presentation by FUTO software (section)

== Speakers ==

* '''Speakers''': I use <code>Vandersteen Audio</code> speakers. They have minimal cabinet resonance, phase coherent crossovers &amp; driver positioning, and even frequency response for clear sound.
* '''Amplifier''': An Rotel RB-1090 powers my speakers.
* '''Subwoofers''': Two HSU Research ULS-15 from Dr. Hsu, one of the inventors of the original subwoofer.

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=== Speaker Selection: Why I Use Vandersteens ===

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==== Minimal cabinet resonances &amp; diffraction off the bezel. ====

These speakers cost $1100 used when I got them, and under $900 were available with minor crossover issues. I like these for a very good reason; exceptional engineering with little/no attention put to marketing or looks. True function over form.

They have great frequency response AND phase response. Further, their shape avoids baffle diffraction &amp; cabinet resonances.

Do this - put your hands by your mouth and cup them. That weird boxy sound you get? That’s what it’s like when you have a speaker that’s a giant box. It’s why your television sounds like garbage.

When you look at these Vandersteens, you notice that even though it looks like a big speaker, the top part is actually just a pole. It’s nothing in there - it’s almost completely hollow besides the bass cabinet. Minimal baffle, minimal diffraction. When there’s diffraction that means you’re listening to the noise from the speaker driver PLUS the reflections off the cabinet that are milliseconds apart.

When you get used to hearing speakers that have minimal cabinet resonances and baffle diffraction, it’s really hard to go back to speakers that do. Everything else sounds like a speaker; this sounds real.

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==== Used market availability. ====

'''Inflation? What inflation?'''

In 2009 I bought a set of model 2 for $400 from someone with a leaky apartment, and in 2011 I had the choice of $1100 for high quality used or $900 for a set with minor, repairable crossover issues. Now, a set of 2c are $650, and 3a signatures are $1600 in good condition.

'''Low end models feature same high end engineering'''

99% of what you get in the Vandersteen Model 3a signature which is $7000 new and $1000-$2000 used you get in the lower end models like the 2c.

'''These are always for sale.'''

Anytime you to go ebay.com or audiogon.com , someone is selling a set of these.

'''Subwoofer? Why?'''

These are down about 1 dB at 30 hz. That’s insane. Most likely, the subwoofer you have with your soundbar or home theater produces less bass than these.

The extension along with a small cabinet does come at a price - you’re not going to 120 dB with a lot of low end with these. But, for most music and even movies at reasonable volumes in average sized spaces, you’ll get the full range experience without feeling like you’re missing out.

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=== Speaker Selection: Why I Use Axiom M3 ===

'''Quality engineering over marketing wankery'''

'''Axiom''' is a company that was early to the scene with direct-to-the-consumer online sales. Their “marketing budget” was a guy named Alan Lofft who answered people’s questions on an early webforum that looked like a usenet newsgroup with their logo in the top.

Axiom conducted research at the '''National Research Council''' in Canada, where double-blind tests were performed in which ordinary people would say what they preferred with regards to audio quality. Taking this scientific approach with input from the public, combined with extensive testing and design in a top quality facility allowed them to draw direct conclusions from how speakers measured to what people wanted.

'''Affordability'''

Although their prices have went up for brand new speakers, they can still be found dirt cheap used. Back in the day, their m22 speaker sounded similar to paradigm studio speakers that were near triple the price.

Speakers like the M60 that cost $800 new are no longer competitive deals at their current pricing of $2000/pair - but speakers like the M3 can be found for $160-$220, fit on a desk, and offer exceptional sound for dirt cheap.

'''Exceptional frequency response'''

Speakers like the M3 have a neutral frequency response and a very natural sound.

'''Minimal cabinet resonances'''

Take a look at the M3. Notice how the walls are not parallel? This lessens the type of internal standing waves that occur when a speaker is a perfect cube box. It’s a small touch, but little details like this show them actually focusing on engineering rather than making it look pretty, paying for annoying influencer marketing campaigns, and trendy nonsense.

Same deal with Vandersteens - you can grab the Model 2s used for like $600. These go down to about 30 hertz, very linearly. So you could easily use these without a subwoofer and get better bass than 99% of those computer speaker setups with their tiny subwoofers. These actually have a 10-inch passive radiator in the back and an 8-inch woofer in the front.

The key is don’t buy this stuff new. Just look through eBay for a few minutes, check AudioGon, and you can find insane deals. You’ll end up with speakers that absolutely destroy setups that cost 5-10 times more.

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