Summary: I''ve been using these speakers for awhile now and I have to say they are by far the finest speakers I''ve heard yet. I purchased this set to replace the Dynaudio System 340 I''d had for about a year and I think the CDT''s offer a much more transparent sound. Accuracy is obviously of the highest order with CDT. These are audiophile quality speakers for the discerning listener, so if you''re out for the absolute loudest stereo on the block these speakers probably aren''t for you. The tweeters are smooth and articulate without the slightest hint of harshness or strain, even at excessive volumes. The 4" midrange is clear as a bell with light and airy vocals that sound as though there coming from miles beyond the windshield. A couple of the other reviews I''ve read here complain about the lack of bass from the 6 1/2, but that''s far from the truth. The only thing I can think is that these people are using inferior equipment. In my system the midbass is rock solid. I can turn off my subs and still FEEL the bass in my chest. These speakers do require a substantial amount of power though. Again the midbass is smooth as silk with a sense of presence that few other speakers can rivial. The crossovers are another hit. Transparent sound and seamless integration between woofer, mid, and tweeter. I''m what you might consider an audiophiles audiophile, and I can''t find a single thing about these speakers that I don''t like. If you''ve been looking for speakers that rivial that of a high-end home audio system, here they are.
2001 Lexus LS430
McIntosh MX406 CD transport
McIntosh MDA5000 D/A converter
(3) Luxman CM4050 amps
(2) Phase Linear Aliante SI 12" subs
CDT HD-642DT components
IXOS cables
Install by Paul Wagner and Co. Boston, MA
Strengths: You name it. Pinpoint accuracy and a soundstage that''s as wide and deep as a football field. The price, these speakers are ridiculously inexpensive.
Weaknesses: I''d be hard pressed to find any, but if I had to be picky I''d say the looks of the speakers. There not exactly pretty. For the sound there capable of they could be a bit more elegant looking.
Similar Products Used: Dynaudio, Magnat, Focal, A/D/S, OZ, Boston, Helix.
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Summary: I have both the HD-642st set, and 2 CDT Sv100 10" subs, running of the Aura MR 4150Q 4 channel amp, putting out about 150 per channel. I cant even describe how beautiful it sounds. I recommend CDT over every other speaker on the market. They are the best out there, and the best value, hands down.
Strengths: Best sounding components I have heard. Beautiful, crisp sound, and perfect sound dispersion.
Weaknesses: None.
Similar Products Used: I have heard a lot of speakers, and not much compares to the CDT's aside from Dynaudio.
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Summary: I've used the CD Tech 3-ways for almost a year now, and I have to say that my Boston Rallys actually sound better! It's not that I haven't used the right amps; both were at one point running off a beautiful 2x200 PPI art series.
The CD Technologies are definitely at a good price. They sound VERY lush - good if you listen to orchestrated music (which I do). The tweeter is accurate, musical, and not deafening. If anything, it could be a little bit brighter. But that's easily fixed - get a good equalizer, and pair the speakers with a bright amp.
The disappointment is the midbass. The 6" driver is not exactly pounding, and it's not like I'm not sending enough power to it. In fact, it sounded better with a 50Wx2 Xtant and a line driver than with just the 200x2 PPI. Granted, there's only so much one can do with a passive crossover, but I would have liked even a little boom from the midbass. Still, when it comes to music, it's clear that the 6" driver is playing the tunes faithfully and accurately.
I could say go for Focal or Dynaudio, which seem to be CDT's main competitors in the audiophile crowd. But honestly, there are many non-audiophile brands that sound just as good with the correct equipment. If you want some boom without active crossovers, go for a Boston Acoustics component set - either a 2 or 3 way, and give it POWER. On the other hand, if you have $800 at your disposal, it would be hard not to recommend Focal or Dynaudio. I would only recommend the CDT's if you have a VERY QUIET CAR, a bright, powerful amp, the right kickpanels for their 3-way set, and a lot of classical music.
Summary: For the price I think its decent...the only thing is that the 6 incher just sucks the big one. I tried enclosing it and had no better results...tried taking off the subnet crossover and that seems to have helped a little bit. Next I'm going to throw on an active xover and put the 6 on bandpass so hopefully it'll sound a bit better, otherwise I'm going to give the 6 the axe and get a set of either Illusion, Diamond, or Focal 6's or maybe even 8's I'm a huge fan of midbass... PS-these things need juice, plan on giving them +100watts, I had mine going with 200 out of a bridged ppi pc4400, and it took all that juice...now I have it biamped, and need to turn up the gains off the bottom...
Strengths: Clear high/midrange
Weaknesses: Midbass
Similar Products Used: crappy pioneer comp set...
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Rating Reviewed by: Art(Unregistered User)
Review Date April 30, 2000
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 years
Review 5 of 7
Summary: Excellent speaker system at a very attractive price. Detailed, highly musical sound, rich midrange, smooth treble. Highly recommended.
Strengths: musical and refined
Weaknesses: none
Similar Products Used: None
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