Procella Audio Systems Compared
The following article was taken from a review written by an audiophile with over 20 years’ experience of high performance home cinema systems.
As a designer and developer of high end residential properties, when the opportunity arose to create his dream cinema, he spent more than 4 years researching the project.
His expertise and attention to detail make this perhaps the most in depth, comparative review of high end home cinema systems ever published.
You can read the feedback from visitors to the clients completed cinema at the end of the review.
PROCELLA AUDIO
Speakers: 3 x Procella Audio P815 (LCR), Bi-Amped; 4 x Procella Audio P8 (Surrounds)
Subwoofers: 2 x Procella Audio P18
Pre-Amp/Processor: Sherbourn PT-7010A
Power Amplifier(s): 1 x Sherbourn 7/2100A
SYSTEM PRICE (RRP) £67,800
POSITIVES
- Superb ambience.
- Near perfect clarity and accuracy for both mid-range and treble.
NEGATIVES
- Abysmal clarity and accuracy for the lower end of the frequency spectrum
- Slow, boomy bass and sub-bass single-handedly ruining everything that’s positive
- Feeble dynamics.
- Very poor volume capability
- Speakers are ugly and awkward to install
- Terrible value for money
CONCLUSION
Superb ambience and crystal clear mid-range and treble are completely overbalanced by abysmal slow boomy bass and sub-bass, weak dynamics, and poor volume capability, with the system prone to distorting.
It is simply astounding and wholly unacceptable that a system this expensive is unable to play even Dire Straits Brothers In Arms SACD track Money For Nothing at Cinema Reference Levels without the speakers distorting.
With its marketing spiel regarding having been “originally designed for the reference theatre at DTS” by “two former engineers from DTS” I had very high hopes for this particular brand. It therefore came as a bit of a shock to discover that what we have here is simply yet another example of an expensive brand of audio equipment whose audio quality disappointingly fails to live up to expectations.
AUDIO QUALITY: 3.8
Clarity & Accuracy: 5
Dynamics: 1
Ambience: 8
Volume Capability: 2
Ear Fatigue: 2
Versatility: 5
VALUE FOR MONEY: 2
OVERALL: 3.2
STEINWAY LYNGDORF: S-SERIES SYSTEM
Speakers: 5 x Steinway Lyngdorf S-15 (LCR and Surrounds)
Subwoofers: 2 x Steinway Lyngdorf Model LS Boundary Woofer
Pre-Amp/Processor: Steinway Lyngdorf P1 Surround Processor
Power Amplifier(s): 4 x Steinway Lyngdorf A1 Digital Amplifier
SYSTEM PRICE (RRP): £52,390
POSITIVES
- Spectacular clarity and accuracy
- Near absolute realism
- Outstanding ambience
- Incredible dynamics
- Zero background noise
- Requires very little (if any) acoustic room treatment
- Amazing value for money
NEGATIVES
- None whatsoever
CONCLUSION
Steinway Lyngdorf have taken the rule book when it comes to audio equipment design and in doing so have created audio equipment that is truly revolutionary. In auditioning Steinway Lyngdorf system I found that I had discovered what can only be described as the Holy Grail of both music hi-fi and home cinema audio systems.
Steinway Lyngdorf have achieved as close to audio perfection as you are ever likely to experience and have become the new Reference Standard for home cinema audio equipment.
AUDIO QUALITY: 9.8
Clarity & Accuracy: 10
Dynamics: 9
Ambience: 10
Volume Capability: 10
Ear Fatigue: 10
Versatility: 10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 10
OVERALL: 9.9
REVIEWED: The final system installed, tested and enjoyed….
Unlike most reviews, this was written by an individual researching how best to spend his own money. The installation of his dream cinema was completed in the summer of 2013. When pictures of the installation were posted on the internet it created so much interest the client began hosting events for fellow audiophiles to experience what his remarkable cinema system could do. Here is a selection of quotes from these visitors.
“The depth of thought that has gone into every aspect of the home design is brilliant. It’s an audio and visual treat”
“The wall of sound was beyond what words can describe. You have to experience what a Steinway Lyngdorf home cinema set up can do. The clarity at such amazing volume levels was stunning”
“I’m absolutely lost for words”
“The classical tracks were simply stunning. The clarity, dynamics, and sheer impact were astonishing but it’s the detail and realism of the instruments that is truly special. I sat there with my eyes closed and my spine tingling in sonic heaven”
“I would say that that is the best £100k ever spent on a home cinema”
“The cinema room has to be seen to be believed. Attention to detail is first class. You could almost believe the band or orchestra were actually in the room with you!”
“The Steinway system easily out performs a commercial cinema. The bass from Tron was earth shattering. I’m surprised my fillings didn’t come loose!
“Nothing draws attention to itself, other than the sheer quality of the installation – the bass isn’t overbearing, the treble isn’t too bright or wearing, the visuals are crystal clear… Even after a couple of hours of film there was no listening fatigue whatsoever…. it was just ‘right’.
“A quite epic room”
“The Steinway Lyngdorf system gets better each time I hear it. It just gets everything right.”
“It’s shocking that more home cinema professional installers and reviewers don’t put the Steinways on the pedestal they deserve”
“I can only echo what has been said – a totally silent sound floor, inky blacked out walls that disappear and perfect audio clarity. With unbelievable volume and a vast spacious soundstage it’s basically everything you could ever possibly want from a cinema and then some.”
“Simply an amazing set up; stunningly thought out and put together.”
“I struggle to see how it can get any better!
