Bookshelf Fest 2016 & MingDa Release
EVENT · SPEAKER SHOOTOUT · AUDIOEXCHANGE · 2016
Every year the question comes: “How does my bookshelf compare to what’s out there?” “Is it still relevant?” “Does it still sound good?” It’s not easy to find out — which is exactly why we host the Bookshelf Fest. Come and listen, find a sound you love, and aspire to own it. Move them between amplifiers. Does a bigger amp make a difference? Will valves make it sweeter? Will solid state bring more bass? And meet like-minded individuals over a beer and steak.
MingDa MC845 — The Valve Anchor
The MingDa MC845 with its 300B/845 configuration worked beautifully for most of the bookshelves on show. It did struggle slightly with the power-hungry Vivid at only 20W output, but for everything else its sound was superb — even making the surround speakers sound stunning.
SVS Bookshelf
A force to be reckoned with. SVS bookshelves have the ability to play loud with utter composure — never harsh, always rocking.
Roksan Kandy K2 TR5
Truly a high-end speaker. The ribbon tweeter has a particular resolving ability — subtle nuances and lovely airiness. The bass when placed correctly is amazing and tight. On the right amplifier this becomes totally unbeatable in value.
MingDa MC3008ABSE
The bigger brother of the MC845-C12, this 300B/805 amplifier produces a healthy 40W — enough for all but the most demanding bookshelves. To my ears almost as good as its 845 sibling, yet perhaps the king in the upper registers.
Vivid V1.5
What more can be said about the Vivid V1.5 that hasn’t been said? This year, with some serious amplification behind it, it shone like never before. Don’t play with low-power amplifiers here — 70W and above, and they bloom.
KEF LS50
This speaker never ceases to amaze. In excellent company, it held its own and garnered a substantial number of votes. An easy driver that flourished under crystal-clear valve amplification.
Acoustic Energy Radiance 1
One of the stars of the show. For the price, a bargain — punching in the R50k bracket. Beautiful bass, articulate highs, voices flowing freely from its midrange. Stunning.
