Planar Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Eminent Technology LFT-IV Speakers by slbenz

Model:	LFT-IV
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1850
Description:	Full-range push-pull planar magnetic speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Eminent Technology
Model Picture:	View

Review by slbenz ( A ) on April 05, 2004 at 11:39:35
IP Address: 67.92.242.67

Add Your Review
for the LFT-IV

These speakers were originally marketed as the smaller version of the LFT-IIIs. This is a full-range push-pull planar magnetic to simulate the detail and speed of electrostatic speakers. First, this is one of the most neutral sounding speakers I have ever heard. Voice, whether male or female are rendered true-to-life. Detail and speed is similar to electrostatics that I have heard and owned. Soundstage is massive but still retains pinpoint detail of location and height in the recording. Theses speakers can separate two individual singers that are performing side-by-side or front to rear. Sometimes it is eerie as to how these speakers can render excellent recordings. Even a high-quality FM signal will sound great on these speakers. Unlike electrostatics, the beaming effects is less pronounced and the sweet spot is more forgiving and larger than typical electrostatic speakers.
These speakers excel on jazz, classical and vocal recordings. Surprisingly, they even do very well on Rock and R&B recordings. Just be prepared to give these speakers high-quality wattage. You will need a minimum of 75 watts at 8 ohms according to the manual but I would strongly suggest at least 100 watts instead if you listen to your music loud. This speaker will not produce extremely loud quality sound. It is only rated to a maximum SPL of 105dBs. Rated efficiency is only 80dB/1W. Best when used in a small to medium sized room. Using these speakers for home theater, you feel that you are part of the movie. Very involving yet you can listen to them all day because unlike other designs, these do not have overemphasized highs. These speakers also have a built-in crossover network which lets you tailor the highs in three positions to your liking. I have mine set in the middle setting.
This speaker is approximately 58" H x 18" W x 12" D and weigh 60lbs. each. The speaker is constructed out of real oak wood standing on four adjustable spiked feet. Behind the speaker is a baffle on each side made of particle board to help reinforce and smooth out the bass. This speaker like other planare are very low maintenance. Dust is not really an issue for these speakers vs. electrostatics that are more susceptible to dust. The only maintenance I do with this speaker is oil the wood from time to time. If you have high-power quality wattage available, don't listen to your music or movies extremely loud and want a very neutral sounding speaker, you should try to seek out these speakers for an audition. You may be hard pressed to find these speakers since Bruce Thigpen, the designer and owner told me that only 300 pairs were only made. Good luck and happy listening!

Product Weakness: Can't play extremely loud like dynamic speakers. Need high-power amp due to low efficiency rating.
Product Strengths: Neutral sound, great soundstage, height and detail. Not as beaming in sound as electrostatics.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Parasound HCA-1205A
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Parasound AVC-1800
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony CDP-CX240
Speakers:	Eminent Technology LFT-IV
Cables/Interconnects:	Cobalt Cables Speakers and Interconnects
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 18 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments:	Cement Floor with Wall-toWall Carpeting
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Two months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Power HTS-1000
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Can't play extremely loud like dynamic speakers. Need high-power amp due to low efficiency rating.
Product Strengths:	Neutral sound, great soundstage, height and detail. Not as beaming in sound as electrostatics.