For the next couple of weeks I get to play with these small British floorstanders, the 1920s, from My Audio Design (MAD). Designed as a tribute to the classic LS3/5a, the 1920s are roughly the same dimensions--except in depth, where the 1920s are much deeper. The 1920s are ported, however, unlike the sealed LS3/5as. They are also much more efficient--90 dB vs. 82/83 dB. That means they should mate well with my 27 wpc Unison Research Sinfonia integrated amplifier.
After just a few hours of listening, I've noticed that the 1920s possess a
very classic British sound, which means they are extremely smooth and refined. It's been a while since I've heard an LS3/5a, but I'm going to say the 1920 is more extended in the bass while matching the older speaker's natural midrange. The 1920s are also much more attractive, with thick-walled cabinets finished in a rich walnut veneer. You won't find the LS3/5a's sloppy Velcro fasteners on these baffles.
Thanks goes to the 1920's designer, Timothy Jung, who is friends with Colleen and asked us to give them a listen before they head to another reviewer in the US (they came to us directly from their first American review). There's currently no distributor in the US for MAD, but the entire line is becoming popular in the UK and the rest of the world. After seeing the export prices on the 1920s, I would think that they'd retail for between $2500 to $3000 per pair in the US, which indicates they are a strong value.
I'll follow up after I've let them warm up and play for the next two weeks. Until then, you can check out the entire speaker line from MAD on their
website.
