13-Jan-2018, 13:16
That's a difficult question to answer conclusively. I think the CM8's with say a 220 would be better than the Phantoms in some respects, but fall short in other areas. I have listened to a well set up pair of silver Phantoms and with some material the bass performance does a fair job of imitating my KEF Blade's with D800 or 1000Pro power. Ultimately the KEF's are better, but the Phantoms get an awful lot closer than they should considering the price differential. That said, I suspect that the CM8's with 130 or 220 would provide mid range detail and insight that betters the Phantoms, on the flip side the Phantoms will probably sound a little more coherent. So the ultimate answer might depend on why you like the sound of the Phantoms so much. To be frank, you would need better speakers and the 220 to beat the Phantoms in most areas, and probably a 440 with some significantly more expensive speakers if you want to 'out bass' the Phantoms as well as bettering mid-range performace etc. It is a matter of taste of course, I know some people dislike the Phantoms considering the bass to be too dominant, cries of 'boom boxes' etc.
As a warning, those little Phantoms may have whetted your appetite for something that may ultimately prove to be very costly!
As a warning, those little Phantoms may have whetted your appetite for something that may ultimately prove to be very costly!
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12
