Had YG Carmel 2 and upgraded to 3. Not even comparable; an entirely different speaker and its insanely good. 87db so need to match it thoughtfully.
YG Acoustic Speakers
- Thread starter Minatophase3
- Start date
If you have a sub, no. If you don't, yes
Basically, Talus is an insanely good two-way, with all the benefits that a simpler design brings. But because of the cabinet size, it won't sound as "full" as the Ascent, but if you add an inexpensive REL sub or two, you can "fill" that bottom octave nicely.
And finally, if you don't want to mess with subs, get the Ascent or, even better, a Summit!
I have not directly compared those two speakers, however, I own YG Hailey 1.1s and YG Sonja XVi speakers and have compared them. The Hailey 1.1, like the Talus, is a great two way speaker. The XVi is a four way. On some music, solo vocal with guitar for example, the Hailey 1.1 sounds just as good, perhaps in some ways a bit better, than the TOTL XVi. However, on any more complex music such as solo grand piano or orchestra or chorus or opera etc., the XVi is more complete, just more music from the recording can be heard. The same is true with rock, solo Springsteen vs. the E Street Band for example. It isn't as simple as just adding a sub. The sub will augment the Ascent very well, too. Both are excellent speakers but the Ascent will be more versatile.
I may need to move my system to a smaller room so from that standpoint a quality two way floorstander like the Talus plus a sub sounds like the way to go. The Ascent may be better in a bigger room but the bass may overwhelm and be more difficult to control in a smaller dwelling - as well as cost a bit more.
I'm considering the Carmel 2 -> 3 upgrade as well.
Did they improve the current transfer of the crossover? I understand the sensitivity remains the same. Although I think Stereophile measured the 2 at 85db. So, it needs power.
One of my "complaints" with the 2 is the fact that it needs a lot of amplifier for it to "come alive" if you will.
I was told the Reference 3 series improves this in many ways over the 2.
I really want to stick with YG as the new ownership and technical team there seems to be making improvements.
While at the same time respecting the intital investment from current YG owners. Eg. offering them an upgrade path.
I heard the Summit at its debut at Munich a couple of years ago and initial impressions were very good. A very enjoyable sound. I then left the YG room to hear other gear and reflected on the sound of the Summit as compared with my the YG Kipod Signature passives.
On second hearing it was clear that the Summits lacked the resolution and transparency of my Kipods with a distinctly warmer but less acomplished sound. Given the price differential that's not unreasonable.
Earlier in the year I purchased the Hailey 2,2s and I am delighted with them. Significantly better sound quality than the Kipods, but again to be expected from a newer, bigger and more advanced design. The character of the sound essentially the same but much bigger, discerning and revealing.
i have not heard the stand mounts yet, but expect to do so over the weekend at the HFNRR Show at Ascot this weekend.
Whilst obviously cost and room size are key considerations my YG journey started with the Carmel1s which were superb apart from lacking the scale of my later buys.
The aluminimum cabinet models in my experience seem to have a more neutral sound and the Carmels work well in smaller rooms.
On second hearing it was clear that the Summits lacked the resolution and transparency of my Kipods with a distinctly warmer but less acomplished sound. Given the price differential that's not unreasonable.
Earlier in the year I purchased the Hailey 2,2s and I am delighted with them. Significantly better sound quality than the Kipods, but again to be expected from a newer, bigger and more advanced design. The character of the sound essentially the same but much bigger, discerning and revealing.
i have not heard the stand mounts yet, but expect to do so over the weekend at the HFNRR Show at Ascot this weekend.
Whilst obviously cost and room size are key considerations my YG journey started with the Carmel1s which were superb apart from lacking the scale of my later buys.
The aluminimum cabinet models in my experience seem to have a more neutral sound and the Carmels work well in smaller rooms.
As far as I could hear, there is not a thing that hasn't been improved in Carmel 3 over 2.
Out of all the Reference speakers, the Carmel was the one with the biggest jump in performance overall. It's truly extraordinary now.
Hi, I'm very interested in the evolution of this thread! Any update? My short list is YG (Talus/Ascent) or Vivid Audio (Kaya 45)
Trying to evaluate other members advice is not easy when you are pretty certain you you are almost there and an opportunity pops up a bit above the preferred budget such as the used Carmel 3 on USAM.
That would be my choice over the Talus.
They work well in smaller rooms and well worth stretching the budget a bit to buy.
Well said and definitely agree - YG Carmel 3 could be a speaker for 10-15 years and you would be happy
I've been enjoying my original series Carmels for 12 years. I'll be switching someday, and will likely look at the 3 series (or whatever version occurs at the time).
Similar threads
