For those of us still in doubt of modern coaxials with high powered modern(SS) AND/OR vintage-type(read valve)low-powered amps, I must share that its not only Beyma but also P-Audio of Thailand who are known for making very good coaxials that are very poular as studio monitors, not to mention home stereo.
I was slightly skeptical about the sonic quality of P-Audio coaxials, till I heard the 12 ones some time ago(never heard the 15 version, but I can imagine, somewhat . . . ).
Case in point is that Audio Nirvana aka Commonsense Audio had this to say about the P-Audio coaxials that they have been selling for years now.
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As an example of the quality, the BM12CX38 weighs 31 lbs, has a cast frame, 4 inch voice coil, and 2 inch compression driver. It handles 600 watts RMS (woofer) and is 101 db efficient (in cabinets). The CX38 series of drivers, along with our 6.5 to 15 inch Audio Nirvana full-range and coaxial drivers, are the best sounding speakers we've heard in 40 years in the business.
The PAudio BM15CX38 weighs 38 lbs, has a cast aluminum frame, 4 inch voice coil, and 2 inch compression driver. It handles 600 watts RMS (woofer) and is 101 db efficient (in cabinets). The woofer cone is paper. The accordian style pleated surround is treated cloth. The compression horn tweeter uses the woofer cone as the dispersion lens. There is an acoustically transparent dust cap to protect the tweeter, which uses a spun aluminum horn.
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Link :
PAudio Coaxial Speakers For Sale. Full-Range, One Speaker, High Efficiency, DIY, Monitor Speakers.
It is pertinent to mention that they are now apparently left with only the 15" coaxials listed at $895 a pair. The 12" and smaller drivers were obviously sold out some time back by these guys. Then, P-Audio discontinued this design and replaced it with these
http://www.paudiothailand.com/pdf/products/SN15-500CX6.pdf
http://www.paudiothailand.com/pdf/products/SN12-500CX3.pdf
http://www.paudiothailand.com/pdf/products/SN8-250CX4.pdf
It was then that Commonsense dictated (pun intended) that they start manufacturing their own coaxials instead. Therefore, the write-up about the 12 and 8 coaxials was amended(their "replacements" announced in block capital letters) on their page as reproduced under-
QUOTE
The PAudio BM8CXA 'Special' weighs 12 lbs, has a cast aluminum frame, 2 inch voice coil, and 1 inch compression driver. It handles 200 watts RMS (woofer) and is 98 db efficient (in cabinets). The woofer cone is paper. The accordian style pleated surround is treated cloth. The compression horn tweeter uses the woofer cone as the dispersion lens. There is an acoustically transparent dust cap to protect the tweeter, which uses a spun aluminum horn. We recommend running the woofer fullrange and using a single capacitor for the tweeter. We can advise on the best value capacitor for your system. DISCONTINUED. RECOMMEND AUDIO NIRVANA SUPER 8 COAXIAL INSTEAD ($350/PR).
The PAudio BM12CX38 weighs 31 lbs, has a cast aluminum frame, 4 inch voice coil, and 2 inch compression driver. It handles 600 watts RMS (woofer) and is 101 db efficient (in cabinets). The woofer cone is paper. The accordian style pleated surround is treated cloth. The compression horn tweeter uses the woofer cone as the dispersion lens. There is an acoustically transparent dust cap to protect the tweeter, which uses a spun aluminum horn. We recommend running the woofer fullrange and using a single capacitor for the tweeter. We can advise on the best value capacitor for your system. DISCONTINUED. RECOMMEND AUDIO NIRVANA SUPER 12 CAST FRAME INSTEAD ($298/PR).
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The write-up of the 15 AN coaxial is reproduced as under-
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The
Audio Nirvana 'Super 15 Coaxial' ($698/pr) has a frequency response from 26 hz to 25,000 hz. You can expect at least 99 db efficiency in any of our cabinets. It handles 70 watts continuous RMS (normal listening level will be about 1/10 watt). Impedance is 8 ohms. Voice coil is 2.0 inches (50 mm) for the woofer and 1.5 inches (38 mm) for the tweeter. Magnet weight is 4.3 lbs (woofer) and 4 oz (tweeter). Total weight is 19 lbs. The woofer cone is made of paper. The surround is accordion style and made of treated cloth. The frame is cast aluminum. There are separate terminals for the woofer and the tweeter so the speakers can be biwired, if desired. The compression horn tweeter uses a titanium diaphram and surround and rare earth neodymium magnet. This speaker is more properly called a 'triaxial' because it has a whizzer cone for midrange information. The best classic coaxial drivers were also triaxials.
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The point one tries to make is that if a firm like AN were selling(and lavishly praising) P-Audio coaxials alongside their own drivers, till they were all sold out, then those Thai Coaxials must have been very good, No?
However, I am at a loss to comment whether the present day line-up of P-Audio coaxials live upto their predecessors' name. Any pointers on that, anyone?