I have had the opportunity this morning to have my hands and ears all over a Compact. I'll preface my review with these preconceived notions:

I. What is this? It's totally a digression. Why? WHY???

II. Nicely put-together launch material...Hmmm...the more I look at this thing, the more interesting it is...could be very cool.

III. Pete won't be able to resist buying one, if for no other reason than to be able to say that he did.

Which brings us to today:

1. Tiny; lightweight; adorable, really

2. Tiny

3. Crisp...a bit "plastic" sounding initially

3a. I think the crispness (if thought detrimental) is easily-enough rectified with the treble and bass controls

3b. Also, my music room is fairly "hard", so may be a bit harsh with the crisper-sounding unit

3c. The Classic sounds a bit truer in this space...but is also what I am used to hearing.

4. Classic initially sounded almost "muddy" in comparison, but still has more depth, warmth, and...well, a different kind of clarity

5. Number of extensions used in Compact seem to make a difference in sound quality (beyond the obvious elevation differences)

5a. I think this may be where I was getting the "plastic" sound from Note 3. above.

5b. Both extensions yielded more resonance than one, and one more than none.

5c. Not knowing how they are constructed, of course, I would suggest the extensions be filled with some sort of dampening, or foam insulation (still not much weight, there)

6. I was impressed with the sound in the most compact configuration, on the floor, and my ears at standing height; a testament to the characteristics of the multiple-axis, articulated array

7. The compact seems like it would be plenty loud for about anything, I think; Certainly anything I would do.

8. Plenty-o-bass for a baritone voice, and when closing in on the mic for increased presence and bass (affecting the voice, actually), the compact was not lacking at all. I think I am as impressed with the lower frequency output as I am with the portability. I was not expecting much fullness, yet I found plenty. I would not put it on the same level as a "full-size" L1, though, whose frequencies are noticeably broader, and more even in tone to my ears.

8a. I would like to hear acoustic upright bass through it.

9. This thing is totally handy. Where the Model II was, "Oh my gosh, for the increased portability, alone, it is worth having," the Compact is that, and more. For the super-simple user like myself...Ah, we can't get one anytime too soon, but, WOW, this is so much a consideration. I share some of the same "concerns" as other users who wonder why it doesn't have this or that, but have to say it is right on the money for what it is designed to do, and for whom it was created. The fact that it also sounds so good is just icing.

10. Can I keep it?


Pete, being the tremendous individual that he is, "Ha ha'd" my request to keep it, but offered to loan it from time to time. I appreciate the opportunity to give it a once-over today.

-- BabyBlueEyes; May 29, 2009 12:52 pm --
full thread here

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