Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Madisound Thor Speakers by rkeman

Model:	Thor
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$1500
Description:	Transmission line speaker
Manufacturer URL:	Madisound
Manufacturer URL:	Madisound

Review by rkeman ( A ) on March 08, 2004 at 13:58:07
IP Address: 12.168.121.2

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The Thor is a new transmission line speaker available in kit form from Madisound. It was designed by Joe D'Appolito to showcase the new magnesium cone Excel drivers from Seas, and represents the latest developments in transmission line geometry. The speaker consists of two 7" woofers flanking a 1" fabric dome tweeter in a midrange-tweeter-midrange (MTM) layout. The crossover is an optimized fourth-order network. The design is floor-standing with the transmission line venting to the top rear of the tall slender cabinet. The kit includes the drivers, finished cabinets with removable grills, pre-assembled crossovers, wire, input terminal cups, stuffing, and all the required hardware. Only a few simple handtools and a soldering iron are needed to complete the speaker. Assembly should take only an evening, even for the novice. The final product is quite handsome and professional in appearance.
So what does the Thor sound like? Neutral and uncolored are really the best terms to describe it. The speaker has a very smooth response resulting in accurate reproduction of instrumental timbres. The stereo image is wide and deep and the speaker is relatively insensitive to room placement. It performs best within a foot or so of the rear wall and somewhat further from the side walls. The bass response extends to approximately 40Hz with good authority and the clean "non-resonant" character of a well-executed transmission line. For most music and Hollywood blockbusters a subwoofer would be of little benefit. The Thor has a high output capability yet possesses a natural ability to resolve delicate musical textures with ease.
All of this does come at a price, however. The Thor greatly benefits from being matched with equipment that provides a high level of performance (not necessarily expensive!) and is unforgiving of poor source material. It can and should be compared to competitors costing several times more. For a relatively small investment in time and funds, the Thor will bring many hours of musical enjoyment. Highly recommended.

Product Weakness: Some assembly required.
Product Strengths: Smooth sound, fine imaging and musicality. Outstanding value.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bryston 4B-ST
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Wadia 25 DAC, Pioneer Elite DV-45A, Motorola Digital Cable Box
Speakers:	Madisound Thor
Cables/Interconnects:	Canare DIY
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, folk and pop
Room Size (LxWxH):	26 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Normal furnishing with an acoustic tile ceiling
Time Period/Length of Audition:	About 18 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Some assembly required.
Product Strengths:	Smooth sound, fine imaging and musicality. Outstanding value.