Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Talon Audio Peregrine Speakers by J-PMatt@Comcast.Net

Model:	Peregrine
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$6800.00
Description:	Two Way Ported Monitor
Manufacturer URL:	Talon Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Talon Audio

Review by J-PMatt@Comcast.Net ( D ) on May 22, 2003 at 21:04:17
IP Address: 68.45.82.147

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I heard the Talon's at the Stereophile show in New York at the Hilton back in 2001. The Peregrine version 2's were being driven by Electrocompaniet components, which I had fallen in love with at the Stereophile show in Chicago back in 99'. I walked into the Talon/Electro room looking to hear the "NEMO" mono blocks again, and at the time had never heard of Talon Audio before. The gentlemen working the room were quite nice and willing to let listeners hear their own music. I had just purchased the remastered "Yellow Submarine" CD and was very interested to hear what the Electro gear would do with some of my favorite music that had really gotten the sonic overhaul. Also, if looks were any indication of sound quality, I was optimistic regarding these speakers because in my opinion they were beautiful.
Flash forward a few months and understand that I was really bummed out about the Peregrines. I wanted them, but they were just beyond the point of affordability for me at the time. Then after doing mucho homework and investigation on the internet, I found a dealer who was having a nice sale on the original Peregrines at a more affordable price. That gentleman was also very nice and informed me that the older model was nearly identical sound wise although the cosmetics were not of the same caliber. Also, if I was not happy after my audition, I could send them back for a full refund.
I bought them. They arrived and I set them up and allowed them to run for a full week while I was on vacation. At the time, they were being driven by Monarchy Audio SE-100 delux mono blocks,(I bought 5 more of them for a song for my Home Theater system) a well reviewed and often reviewed pair of amps in their own right and deservedly so. My preamp was the Monarchy Model 18B Preamp/DAC combo with piggy back upgrades. My transport is the Wadia Model 8 that I would later have modified. I had two Monarchy DIPS between the transport and DAC. Overall a pretty decent little set-up. Interconnects at the time were Transparent RCA digital from Trans. to DAC. Kimber HERO's from DAC to amps, and Straightwire Black Silc from the amps to the Peregrines.
When I returned a week later, I checked to make sure nothing had melted and sat down to listen to music. First off, they image like a son of a gun. Or if you prefer, they image like B&W's, which should be a compliment in any audio enthusiasts book. Vocals were spot on, but I expect that at these prices. Depth of soundstage was also very good, but seemed to change depending on the recording which is typical of any speaker with fine resolving power. After about an hour, it became obvious to me that these speakers were excellent and capable of all the audiophile tricks that are comensurate with equipment that carry prices like the Peregrines.
But there was something lacking. At the time I couldn't put my finger on it precisely, although I was sure I was missing impact. They just weren't grabbing me in the way I hoped. And of course, it didn't escape me that my components were possibly lacking as well, and so the hunt began. Within months, all but two components were replaced in my system. You can read what those components are in the associated equipment section of this review.
I will say this. Only the Wadia transport and the Peregrines still remain in my system, and the Wadia was sent out for modifications. Damn good ones too. So why do these two remain after all this time? As for the Wadia, I like many of you am waiting for a transport that can read SACD and DVD Audio. Until then, I'm sticking with redbook, upsampled though it is. And I can't complain. I'm happy with that little tank.
As for the Peregrines, they only got better with better gear, and never failed to let me know that they were aware of every upstream move I made in the rest of the system. (Not always with approval) They definetly appreciate power, and the Electro amp I drive them with gives them plenty. Sometimes I think I need a sub, and I've tried them. The Velodyne HGS-12 was a nice fit, but frustrating as all get out. I'm sure you know the drill. Just when you think you've got it dialed in right and everything sounds great, you put on another disc, or change source, or it rains, or the Dow drops......you understand? I'm sure some of you do.
I've thought about replacing them. If for no other reason than because I get bored and speakers can offer so much bang for the buck as far as upgrades or component changes go. I don't know what I'll go with instead, and I'm in no rush to change. I don't think I'll sell them either. My little girl loves violin, and has told me on occasion while listening to a soloist through the Peregrines that it sounds like the player is in the room with us. In her words, "Daddy, I can see where he is standing"! She also wants to know why the Home Theater speakers DON'T sound like THAT.
Yeah, I think she'll get the Peregrines.

Product Weakness: Not the last word in low frequency reproduction, but damn good for a speaker of it's size.
Product Strengths: Read the review.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Electrocompaniet AW 250DMB 250 watts per channel, pure class A topology
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Electrocompaniet E-4.7
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Basis 1400 with modified Rega RB-300 and Benz Micro ACE low output MC. Modified Wadia Model 8 transport feeding modified Perpetual Technologies P!A/P3A dig. to dig.-dig. to analog convertors.
Speakers:	Talon Audio Peregrines
Cables/Interconnects:	Stealth silver all the way around
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Usual suspects
Room Size (LxWxH):	40 x 30 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	owned since 2001
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	MIT Z-Center
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not the last word in low frequency reproduction, but damn good for a speaker of it's size.
Product Strengths:	Read the review.