Ok - Here is the final write up on the Human Model 81's.
These speakers were a real trip down memory lane. For those of us old enough to remember what audio was like in the late 70's, before CD's, the Human 81's are a tribute to that era. They are an exceptionally versatile loudspeaker with the ability to make music from about 40 Hz up to and beyond our ability to hear.
On Tony Bennett's live SACD, his voice comes through with fantastic clarity. His voice is huskier/raspier than it was 40 years ago, and these speakers pick up that aging voice with ease. You can "see" him walking around the stage, and the 81's gave one a real feeling of enjoying the show.
Diana Krall "Live in Paris" was another disc that had me enjoying the music and forgetting that I was reviewing speakers. Her sultry voice was soothing, and the jazz band accompanying her was palpable, especially the stand up bass.
For old time's sake, I swapped out the Marantz 7703 preamp - Parasound M700 power amp for a 10 year old NAD Integrated amp. Hitting the loudness button and firing up some AC-DC "Live at Donnington" was TOO much fun. The 8 inch woofers hitting the bass drum with authority - I felt like I was in my college dorm room.
On Uriah Heep "Live at Birmingham" (recorded in 1973 - an incredibly well recorded live CD) the 81's show a real prowess in rocking the house without ever sounding congested. July Morning is a true rock anthem of 12 minutes, and Byron's vocals are crystal clear, even through the hard driving band's guitars wailing.
If you ever experienced the EPI and Epicure speakers from 40 years ago, you know quite a bit about the 81's. They are neutral, easy to drive and seemingly bullet proof. They can play any kind of music and make you forget you are hearing speakers.
Highly recommended, and one would be hard pressed to find a better value for $540 per pair.
