Each one of us listens differently and likes different kind of sound. Here’s my impression of your two speakers’ reproduction of this track, Subbu:
At least for this track, I liked the Heresy III’s better… a lot more to my liking. This is pop-rock and the Heresies made me rock with it… I found my head swaying to the song every time I replayed it. This result, I consider most important - the song should produce the primary impact expected on the listener. For this youthful swinging song, it’s that. The Heresies did it, the Ahujas didn’t.
I am inclined to conclude that for peppier songs/albums/genres the Heresies are the one to go with. In fact, this kind of speakers are best suited for fast, peppier music. i felt the same listening to Prem’s JBLs, even the Linton Heritage, I suspect the KLH5 might fall in this too… what separates them is how well each resolves the bass, and that goes hand in hand with the price. If a headphone analogy is to be given, I’d say it’s the Grado sound… nothing beats it when it comes to rocking!
Coming to the Ahuja’s, they didn’t do it for me on this track. Yes the mids are clearly pronounced. The guitar sounded truly special on it. An analytical listener might enjoy these speakers especially on the right kind of music. And I believe that music would be slower, mid-centric music - think blues, country, old Hindi romantic and the kind. There’s also the DIY (subjective) love to go with them.
The ‘veil removal’ effect of the Ahuja’s is obvious even in the video, but this veil isn’t really all bad. It’s intentional in the Heresy - it’s how they are designed, for a purpose. Rock listeners and those who want to swing to their music don’t like to listen to clear, separated voices and instruments as much as to a harmonised symphony of sound enveloping them.. a wall/dome of sound if you’d call it that.
Also, the Ahuja’s are currently bright. Don’t think I could listen to them for long without getting fatigued. But that’s something you can work upon. Once that’s achieved, they could delight the listeners on the right genres (mentioned above). Achieving that without compromising on the transparency would be an interesting challenge for the DIYer in you.
And thanks for that YouTube playlist. It looks like an interesting mastering project on Indian songs.
Can you put up another comparison video of the two speakers on opposite kind of music? Say an old blues track or Norah Jones? It would provide an interesting counter to this one.
As for whether to keep the Heresies or retire them, I’d suggest don’t decide too soon. I read somewhere you bought them un-auditioned. This is a lovely sound that can grow on you. If your listening space allows it, I’d suggest keep both - and listen to the appropriate genres through each. But it’s not elegant/convenient, even if possible to do. I just want you not to regret selling the Heresies later.
