Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Sequerra Met 7 Mk IV Speakers by jonbee

Model:	Met 7 Mk IV
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$800
Description:	Compact Monitor Speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Sequerra
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on November 10, 2003 at 10:44:35
IP Address: 216.58.198.66

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for the Met 7 Mk IV

I owned a pair of the original Met7s and the matching Met 8 sub back in the mid '80s. At the time I was impressed with their strengths: good imaging and cohesiveness, but couldn't get around a "cupped hands" coloration in the mids. As a long time lover of planars, I was very sensitive to that. A few years ago Sequerra came out with the MkIV (which is now superceded with the MkV, shown in the picture, priced at $750!). I ran across a used pair at a good price, so I wanted to re-visit them.
I must say, I was stunned when I heard them. The midrange coloration is gone, and the mids are now clear and clean, and open. The top to bottom coherence remains extraordinary, and the bottom end has been extended. The midbass is about as good as any I've heard, and they are as neutral and dynamic as you would expect in a $2k monitor. The highs are delicate, natural and clean. IMO this speaker is in the class with my departed Revel M20s, except for low bass extension!
This is a textbook example of properly executed minimalist design. Only 2 crossover elements, good drivers and a solid, well designed cabinet produce a truly high performance speaker. At $750 new, or less used, this is a steal. I think they are at least on a par with the GR Research AV1, among the very best sub $1000 small speakers around.

Product Weakness: No low bass, not as transparent as ribbons or stats. Cabinets not as nice as the high priced competion.
Product Strengths: coherence, vanishingly low coloration, dynamic. PRICE!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Audio Refinement Complete
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 7000/Monarchy dip upsampler/Bolder modded ARTDIO
Speakers:	Merlin TSM, Infintiy Modulus(older)
Cables/Interconnects:	Mapleshade Golden Helix
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No low bass, not as transparent as ribbons or stats. Cabinets not as nice as the high priced competion.
Product Strengths:	coherence, vanishingly low coloration, dynamic. PRICE!