One of the biggest “problems” with being an audiophile is that there’s always something better than what you currently own. We often convince ourselves that we’re totally satisfied with our systems and don’t plan any more upgrades, but this false sense of contentment is always betrayed by the next audio purchase. And it doesn’t help our cause when speaker and component designers are constantly innovating and improving the sound of their gear.
Earlier this year, I purchased the Hawthorne Audio OBsession Reference Monitors. You can read my review of the original OBsession here:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=134269.msg1425860#msg1425860The components comprising my two-channel system and my listening preferences are listed in my profile.
The original MTM version of the OBsession is incredible, but something better came along – the OBsession 8 -- which consists of the same AMT tweeter with a single 8-inch driver. I was particularly intrigued by the OB8 due to its new design, higher sensitivity, and its input from Danny Richie who designed the crossover and asymmetrical wings. Of course, the crossover includes high quality parts such as Sonicaps and air core inductors. But when Darrel mentioned that he planned to create a cultured marble mold, that's when I decided to upgrade to the OB8. I wanted to be among the first to grab a pair. I believe the OB8’s will be priced at $2,500 - $3,000.
The OB8’s have a 98 db sensitivity and includes a “brilliance” adjustment on the back consisting of a precision resistor selector knob. The OB8’s are designed to be used with a subwoofer(s) that can play up to 150 – 200Hz. I’m using Danny’s DIY dual 12” stereo OB servo subwoofers for bass duty. And like all other open baffle speakers, you’ll need to place them a few feet from the back wall.
Fit & FinishThe baffle is comprised of cultured marble with a hint of ceramic, all of which contributes to the 32 pounds of each speaker. I worked with Darrel and Diana Hawthorne to choose the color I wanted for the baffle, and decided on a copper leaf, once again. Aesthetically, both my wife and I love the look of the OB8's over the original OBsession because the darker, smoother copper tone blends in better with the décor. It’s such a gorgeous speaker, and I’m sure we’ll get plenty of compliments from family and friends. I also like the outriggers. I think it’s a nice touch and adds to the appeal of these speakers. The wings are cool, too. At first, I had the large wings facing inward, but the sound opened up a lot with the wings on the outside. It's amazing how a minor change can result in a major improvement.
The SoundI’m not gonna spend a lot of time attempting to describe the merits of the sound with fanciful terminology and over-hyped enthusiasm. Instead, I’ll keep it short and simple: three words define the sound of these speakers – clean, true, and dynamic.
The OB8's are a lot cleaner than any speaker I’ve owned. Really clean. They sound like a good power conditioner is plugged into each of them. The purity of sound unveils more natural sounding vocals and micro-details. Quite frankly, it took me a day or two to get accustomed to the cleaner sound. Every other speaker I’ve owned sounded congested compared to the OB8’s. I suppose part of the reason is that the rear wave is free of coloration. If you stand behind the speakers, they sound just as good as if you’re in front of them. Not every open baffle speaker can convincingly pull off that trick.
The OB8’s are true to the recording. In fact, their greatest asset is the ability to get the instruments right. Likewise, the vocals are utterly amazing in their realism. This doesn’t happen across the board. Of course, some CDs sound better than others. Nevertheless, I believe what every audiophile is searching for is the truth in the recording. With these speakers, my search is over.
The dynamics are on another level! Over the years, my system gained a reputation among my local audiophile buddies of being laid back, and that’s the way I convinced myself that I liked it. In reality, my system has always lacked the dynamics I knew was lurking on my CDs. Since this is my first high sensitivity speaker, I don’t know if the killer dynamics are an attribute of 98 dB speakers, or if the crossover design or drivers are the major contributor, or a combination thereof. At any rate, the dynamics are astounding without being annoyingly tipped up in the highs.
Initially, there was something a bit off about the presentation, so on the third day of critical listening, I towed them in slightly and everything locked into place. A huge smile engulfed my face, and that was the moment when I realized that I discovered the elusive sound I had been chasing for the past 15 years.
ConclusionMy wife is enjoying the OB8’s more than me, and that's NEVER happened! Let that sink in… In fact, she’s pleaded with me several times not to change the speakers again because she’s so enamored with the aesthetics and the sound.
With every other speaker I’ve owned, I knew within the first couple of days that I’d eventually trade them out because I could hear the flaws in them. This is the first pair of speakers where I’ve truly said to myself that these can be my last pair of speakers. I have performed modifications on the last few speakers I’ve owned, but with these, I honestly cannot find any fault with them. No, they don’t have low bass, but they’re not designed to. Can they be better? Well, I’m sure you can upgrade some caps or something, but there’s no reason to do so.
The OB8’s have nearly all of the attributes many audiophiles would want in an open baffle monitor – a ridiculously good tweeter, incredible midrange, nice aesthetics, custom color options, cultured marble baffle, ability to adjust the treble, innovative design, and optimized crossover by Danny Richie. Just add bass and stir it up!
Without a doubt, the OB8’s are a better speaker than the original OBsession, and they should be. Since the OB8’s are the best speakers I’ve ever owned, I wholeheartedly recommend them.
