EPI 120c / AR2ax comparison

A while back i got some free AR2ax's needing a refoam. I did those last week and have been enjoying the sound of them. Last night I finished up repairing a set of EPI 120c's I got from JP (Thanks JP).

The 120's were in real nice shape but the surrounds were toast and come to find out the spiders were separating from the VC. I reattached the spiders to the VC (both woofers) a few days ago and last night redid the surrounds. I think one of the woofers has been replaced as the basket is different. One is round and one has ears for the screws and only has 4 screws verses 8 for the other one. Other than that they appear to be the same cone, magnet and spider.

Build quality:

The AR is the hands down winner here. Although it is very ugly nude the drivers seem well constructed, the XO robust, the internal wiring large and soldered even to the drivers. The cab is much more substantial, detailed and of much higher build quality. It is also nice wood with what was once nice veneer I'm sure where the EPI is particle board covered in vinyl. The EPI also has very small internal wiring and clips, cheap plastic wire connectors, plastic tweeter plate etc. Pretty much opposite extremes in build quality. The EPI is much newer and it shows where things have gone as far as quality is concerned. I;m guessing the AR was a more expensive offering even given the date differences.

Sound quality:

- These are both being powered by a Pioneer SX-750 and placed in various positions.

Top end - I have to give the nod to the EPI's. I have always liked the inverted dome "airspring" tweeter since acquiring my Genesis II's. These I like as well. Airy is the description that comes to mind. Very open and clean. Switching back and forth the AR's have OK top end but the cymbal's and other HF elements should much more real ont he EPI. You get the metallic snap from a cymbal hit where the AR sound more thin and paper like.

Mid - Hands down the AR. The AR is a three way and has a mid driver. The EPI being a 2 way does the mids with the woofer. The difference is striking when A/B ing them. Vocals, piano, guitar etc sound much better and natural on the AR. When switching to the EPI there is obvious mid range suck out and lack of mid clarity and volume.

Bottom end - this one is tough but i will have to give it to the AR. The EPI surprisingly is a contender in this category. It actually seems to have quicker and tighter bass response. The AR goes obviously lower and is smooth but can seem sloppy and dead in comparison. The key being the EPI needs the loudness switch on and the AR needs it off. I also think amp matching would bring better results especially with the AR. I like the tightness and quick response of the EPI but feel with the right amp and settings the AR would be a hands down winner in this category. In this quick setup it is close competition.

Sound stage / imaging - The AR's seem to be more beaming and focused. The EPI's have a much wider soundstange and also seem to image a bit better. Nether of these speakers are imaging masters and rate OK in this category. I would say the EPI's are a pretty clear winner here.

So my pick - If i had to pick one set that would stay it would be the AR's. I like the EPI's but that lack of midrange is the big down side for me. I listen to a lot of music where the mid content is VERY important. Lots of instrumental and woman vocal stuff. If the EPI was a three way I might pick it. If the AR had the airsping tweeter it would be far superior. Given the better mid range, better build quality, much deeper bass, and overall smooth sound the AR edges out the EPI for me. This little comparison really makes me want to explore different tweeter options for the AR as other than that i think it is a really good speaker. This would not only make the AR better on top but i bet would widen the soundstage and make it less focused sounding although this might be more an issue with the mid driver than the tweeter.

Kelly

Hmm, I did not know that the spiders were separating. Any evidence of having experienced severe overexcursion (scrapes on the voice coil and a damaged end on the former) or do you think the glue just let go? Anyways, I've seen pictures around the internet and on Human Speakers showing both basket types and information indicating that there's no difference. Could be dependent upon the driver supplier and they may have been using up old stock with the new in that particular pair.

Speaking of the woofers, did you make sure to install the surround on top of the gasket as originally? Like Advent, EPI wanted a way to increase available excursion and it appears their solution was not to use a larger basket and masonite ring, but position the woofer farther forward with the surround on the gasket.

Overall, your review pretty much agrees with what I thought of the sound. Thinking about upgrading the internals? There should be just a single 10uF capacitor on the tweeter, though I'm uncertain what's in the treble level control.

- JP

Good write-up, Kelly. I'd also say a good assessment of the EPIs. That's a great tweeter, but matched with the 10" woofer in these, or even the original 8", it's not the strongest in midrange. I'm guessing the 120's 10" woofer may magnify the midrange issue? It was designed against Burhoe's plans, a bigger woofer model to satiate public opinion.

As for the build quality, Burhoe's goal was great sound at minimal cost- the drivers are nice, but the wiring, internal caps, spring clips and XO are all sourced from the cheapest recources. A rebuild with better-quality parts I betcha would have a dramatic effect. I've witnessed the EPIs open up with a recap.

I recall JP mentioning that was indeed a replaced later-model woofer, by the way. He was very open about that when they came up for sale/trade.

The spiders were about 1/2-3/4 separated from the VC former, I just glued them back on. Yes, i put the surrounds on the gasket as they were originally. The woofers were dated 2 years apart. They seem identical other than the lip on the basket. The rest of the basket, spider, cone, VC etc. all looked the same.

I have been listening some more and the EPI's are staring to grow on me a little more. sure opens up when you switch to them. Less bottom and mids but faster bottom and much better HF than the AR's I am assuming the AR could use caps.

K

I have some EPI 120C's around here somewhere. I tried ti listen to them once but promptly fried a VC in one woofer. I'll trade em to ya for some Maggies ????