AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: jsalk on 23 Apr 2007, 12:01 am

Title: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: jsalk on 23 Apr 2007, 12:01 am
Perhaps those of you who own our speakers can help me out.

Most everyone who explores the purchase of our speakers asks a similar question:  How does your speaker compare to speaker X or speaker Y?

The problem is, I have not heard many of the speakers in question and certainly haven't spent enough time with those I have to form a fair impression. And rarely have I ever done A/B comparisons. But most owners of our speakers purchased them to replace their current pair and are in a good position to spell out the sonic differences.

If you would be so kind as to compare and contrast the sound of the speakers we built for you to other speakers you have owned or spent considerable time with, it would be extremely valuable to those looking for comparisons.  And it would certainly cut down on the number of times I am asked to asnwer the same basic question.

Thanks, in advance, for your responses.  If we get enough of them, perhaps zybar can make this thread a "sticky."

- Jim
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: zybar on 23 Apr 2007, 12:02 am
It is now a sticky.

Great idea Jim.

George
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: audiotom on 23 Apr 2007, 01:09 pm
salk HT3's replaced Von Schweikert Vortex Screens

The VS have a magical disappearing aspect in the room and great imaging
The Salks have those same qualities but even more so. The VS had some grain in the treble end and not quite the resolution and tonal perfection of the HT3. 

I also evaluated VS 4 Gen III - very nice speaker - now pricey and sounded hifi ish compared to the SAlk.

I also demoed some JMLABS in my setup at home and they were similar to my screens but a little dry in the mid range and $4k (you could hear some cabinet colorations) Didn't do enough to justify the move up

I sent the screens on to a friend and he loves them

I bought the Salk sight unseen and it's been a torid romance ever since
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: edman on 23 Apr 2007, 03:26 pm
I own a pair of HT3's and the speakers they replaced were a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 jr's and a pair of Tyler Acoustics Linbrook 2's.
I had all three to ABC with at the same time. My comparisons were from actual side by side listening.
I have owned Martin Logan's, Magnepan's, ProAc's (big and small) and the Salk's make it very hard to stop listening to music that you actually become part of ... that never happened with the others.
I have my HT3's mated with a Simaudio I-7 integrated amplifier and the combination is hard to beat ....
After 35+ years of chasing 'the perfect tune' I have finally caught it thanks to Jim.
Owning a pair of HT3's is like the commercial where they want a house built around a faucet ... now, I want a house built around my Salk HT3's.

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: nicksgem10s on 27 Apr 2007, 02:48 pm
I am going to tell you that my new HT3 speakers have replaced all the speakers I have owned because they are significantly better IMHO than anything I have had in my system.

They most recently replaced a pair of Reference 3A Royal Master Series II monitors that I had paired with a Martin Logan Depth subwoofer.  This was a fantastic combination and one of my favorite sounding speakers but they have found a new happy home.

I have owned the following speakers over the last 3 years:

B&W 601s3
Von Schweikert VR-1
Coincident Total Eclipse (LCR monitors) with Martin Logan Grotto sub
Coincident Super Eclipse series II
Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE
Consonance Eric Grand
Reference 3A Royal Master series II with Martin Logan Depth sub

I have also listened extensively to many other speakers at a number of audio shops, other friends systems, and a couple of local audio shows.

Jim has built a speaker that does everything I have been looking for this entire time.  I did not know what I was trying to accomplish previously when I would buy a new pair of speakers and start trying all different types of cables.  I was taking a scattergun type of approach and just hoped I would be satisfied.

Now that I have the HT3 in my listening room I am in awe everytime I turn the system on and put on some music.

In one word they are musical.  I am not an audio reviewer so I won't get into exotic descriptions of the sound but they are very special.

For the first time since I got into this hobby I am really not wondering how much better another pair of speakers could sound.  I am listening to music.

I have been buying more new music now than I have in years and loving every minute of it.  If that doesn't sum up how good the HT3 speakers are I don't know what else to say. 

If you haven't heard these make an effort to hear them.  You may very well quit listening to gear and start listening to music.  That is what attracted me to high end audio in the first place.

THANK YOU JIM!      :thumb:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: 95bcwh on 27 Apr 2007, 03:36 pm
Salk HT3 is my first speakers, I bought it based on recommendation on this forum and never regretted it! Over the last two years I have auditioned stereo systems up to half a million mark. Some of the speakers I've listened to extensively are:
- JM-Lab 1027Be, JM-Lab Micro Utopia, JM-Lab Alto Utopia
- Paradigm Signature 8
- Legacy Focus 20/20
- Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 8
- MBL 101E
- Aerial Acoustic Model 7B, Model 9
- Vandersteen 5A
- Acapella Violon MK III
- B&W 802D, 800
- Dali Euphonia MS5, Helicon 800

In most cases, after listening to these speakers, I came out of the room with a smile on my face, because most of them were not able to make me feel like I want to sell my HT3.

With one exception - the Acapella speakers with their plasma tweeter really galvanizing my ears like no other speakers does. The more I listen to it, the more I appreciate its beauty. However, it's $50k/pair, the price is beyond me - thank God. :wink:

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Brucemck on 27 Apr 2007, 11:04 pm
In my system Salk HT2s replaced Krell LAT 1s and also Tyler Linbrook Supertowers

The HT2s have the "lack of compression" of the Krell's ... an ability to handle transients and "snap" that's pretty remarkable.  I found the LAT 1s a bit "hard" to listen to over extended periods of time, not unlike most ultra high powered solid state amps, something the HT2 ameliorated.  It's remarkable that they compare so favorably to $30k+ speakers.

The HT2s have the superb imaging and imgage sizing of the Linbrooks, with more precision.  The Linbrooks are really nice, but a bit too "laid back" and "lush".  The Supertowers are a bit like a SET amp: intrigue at first meet, but lacking over time in power and snap.  I've since moved those to my less critical bedroom setup, and they're performing really nicely.

The woodwork and finish on the HT2s are amazing, and put both of the speakers above to shame.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: craigamrine on 10 May 2007, 03:01 pm
Prior to my current Babinga HT1's (only sounding better, by the way), I owned a pair of ACI Saphhire III LE's.  While they were a wonderful speaker, they were a bit too "polite" and lacked the upper air detail and sense of live presence that the HT1's have.   They are coupled with modest 8" subwoofer and used exclusively for stereo music listening.  I had the luxury to have both in my condo for a bit, and doing A/B comparisons with them was very revealing of the differences.

-craig
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Philistine on 14 May 2007, 06:58 pm
My HT3's replaced a pair of B&W 803's.
As a Brit I grew up with the B&W house sound, the 803's being my 3rd pair of B&W's.

Before taking the plunge I listened to the HT3's at a local owners house, read the FVA thread on his search for a replacement for B&W's and dropped by Jim's house one very cold February morning for a demo.  As Jim has the HT3's dialed in sound wise most of the recent posts on this site are related to how nice the woodwork is and less so about how good they sound, I needed to take a critical listen.

Down to the detail:
I love clean, tight, fast and articulate bass - the HT3's excel, vocals (male and female) are very natural, and they are more detailed and less bright than my old B&W's.  Overall the HT3's are more musical and natural in their overall presentation, they're just more fun to listen to.  I would encourage any B&W owners to try out Jim's HT3's.  Or if you want to stick with B&W's I can sell you my REL sub (surplus to requirements)!   
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: craigamrine on 8 Nov 2007, 10:51 pm
My completely amazing HT1's that I bought from Jim were replacing a pair of ACI Sapphire III LE's that I owned for about 3-4 years. 

The ACI's were a beautiful speaker in their own right.  But for me, they lacked that stratospheric-level of upper end detail that the HT1's can give.  I brought a few friends over to A/B them.  It was a lot of fun to compare/contrast the differences between the two speakers. 

Obviously, no regrets with the switch :)

-Craig
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: craigamrine on 9 Nov 2007, 02:34 pm
Oops!  Dain-brammage setting in!  Looks I already replied to this poll several months ago.  Damn.  I'm losing it.
No more drinking before breakfast!

-Craig
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: jjgasp on 28 Mar 2008, 05:56 am
Replaced Dali Euphonias (MS-5s, CS-4, RS-3s) with HT3s, HTC, and HT1s, and have absolutely no regrets, other than wishing I had saved myself the trouble and purchased the Salks first.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Nuance on 18 Apr 2008, 02:15 pm
I have a pair of Santos Rosewood Song Tower's on order and they will replace a pair of Onix Rocket 850's.  The Rocket's will be used for HT and the Salk's for 2-channel (or 2.1 channel rather).

The Salk's excel over the Rocket's at everything but specifically the midrange lushness and detail.  The tweeter on the Rocket's can also be a tad bright, but the high frequencies of the Salk's is "just right," revealing every detail with an absolute airy smoothness without fatigue. 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: birdliver on 19 Apr 2008, 07:42 am
I have a pair of Santos Rosewood Song Tower's on order and they will replace a pair of Onix Rocket 850's.  The Rocket's will be used for HT and the Salk's for 2-channel (or 2.1 channel rather).

The Salk's excel over the Rocket's at everything but specifically the midrange lushness and detail.  The tweeter on the Rocket's can also be a tad bright, but the high frequencies of the Salk's is "just right," revealing every detail with an absolute airy smoothness without fatigue. 

Hi Nuance,
After spending many long hours over the last several months reviewing information on speaker choices, I, too, recently ordered a pair of SongTowers and a SongCenter and will very soon add SongSurrounds to my order. Your post is of great interest to me because my very short list also included Rocket 850s and they came quite close to being my choice. Knowing that I would not get the opportunity to audition the two choices It finally became clear to me that the Songtowers were the ones to order. My decision was based on all the positive customer feedback on the ST's peformance but just as importantly everyone's total satisfaction in dealing with Jim's organization and the obvious esteem in which they held both Jim and Dennis Murphy and the Salk organization. I still haven't heard the SongTowers but the positive feedback from current and new owners and your post in particular continue to convince me that my decision was the right one. It now seems like the clock has slowed to a crawl but reports like yours help with the waiting so it's really no big deal, because I couldn't be happier with my choice, so thanks for feedback. -birdliver
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Bill@LakeGeorge on 19 Apr 2008, 01:52 pm
My path to the HT3's and center was Swans 6.1 and center to Onix Ref 2 and center to GR Reaserch mods to the Ref's to the Salks.  The AV123 speakers don't belong in the same room with Salks both sq and beauty.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: AliG on 19 Apr 2008, 02:58 pm
The song tower is as good as the $8000 ProAc D38 speakers.. go figure.. aa aa aa
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mike1964 on 19 Apr 2008, 03:32 pm
I'm stepping up to SongTowers from a pair of zHorns (Fostex single-driver back-loaded horn), which I'm moving into my office system. 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Nuance on 11 May 2008, 05:15 am


Hi Nuance,
After spending many long hours over the last several months reviewing information on speaker choices, I, too, recently ordered a pair of SongTowers and a SongCenter and will very soon add SongSurrounds to my order. Your post is of great interest to me because my very short list also included Rocket 850s and they came quite close to being my choice. Knowing that I would not get the opportunity to audition the two choices It finally became clear to me that the Songtowers were the ones to order. My decision was based on all the positive customer feedback on the ST's peformance but just as importantly everyone's total satisfaction in dealing with Jim's organization and the obvious esteem in which they held both Jim and Dennis Murphy and the Salk organization. I still haven't heard the SongTowers but the positive feedback from current and new owners and your post in particular continue to convince me that my decision was the right one. It now seems like the clock has slowed to a crawl but reports like yours help with the waiting so it's really no big deal, because I couldn't be happier with my choice, so thanks for feedback. -birdliver
I am happy to have helped.  Congrats on your purchase!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: thomas_d92 on 11 May 2008, 05:10 pm
I just upgraded my fronts from Swan Diva 6.1 to Salk HT2. Next will be a Salk center channel to match the HT2's.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: oneinthepipe on 22 Sep 2008, 05:58 am
My SongTowers are on order.  Although I took a 10 year hiatus from audio (no, I wasn't in prison; my kids were small and liked to demolish things), over the past thirty five years, I have had numerous speakers, perhaps even more than some dealers, since my father was in the audio service business.  The SongTowers will replace my every day speakers, a pair of Spendor S3/5, that are the backup speakers for my KEF 101 Reference Series, which I don't play very often.  I have a small room and listen close to nearfield, and the Spendors are O.K., although not as crystal clear as the KEF.  I was fairly happy with the Spendors until I bought my new AVA gear, and then the Spendors' limitations became more apparent (and the attributes of the KEF 101, in comparison to the Spendors, became more apparent, too).

I've been pouring over the Salk reviews, and initially intended to purchase the HT-3, but the SongTower will arguably be easier to configure in my small listening room.  Obviously, I can't yet compare the Spendor and the SongTowers, although I expect the SongTowers to have a deeper, well-defined low end. I am not a fan of booming, sloopy bass, where the instruments or notes are indistinguishable and every low note sounds like a thump, and I have previously avoided changing speakers or adding subwoofers.  However, the reviews of the SongTower praise it's bass response, and I am expecting great sound, all around.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: ramsey86 on 25 Sep 2008, 08:29 pm
Acoustat 2+2 electrostats, I really only wanted to replace them because they are so big and imposing, but after a week with the ST's I don't miss them sound wise and especially compared to the Koa veneer.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: KevinK on 23 Jan 2009, 06:47 pm
SongTower QWT's and SongCenter replaced AV123 xMTM and X-CS.  A slight step up in price and magnitude difference in performance.  My wife was amazed at the sound from the ST's.  She said it sounded like there was a blanket over the old speakers and it was removed with the ST's.
nuff said.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: adydula on 24 Jan 2009, 01:32 am
Holy Cow!!

Ramsey86, I had a pair of Acoustat 2+2 electrostatic speakers back in 1986 or so...I had them for a week and took them back...I never could get them to play well at all.

I went to a pair of Magnapans and enjoyed them for years.

I have never run into anyone else aorund our area that even knew what Acoustats are!!

I will be replacing a pair of Dahalquist QX10's, which are still very good speakers that play very well..

These arent mine but a pix of them:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/view_images.php?cat=Speakers&catnick=speakers&cfid=107706&image_id=777614

So I am going out on a limb buying the SongTowers unheard, but i did it with the QX10's based on the same type of owner loyalty and reviews...

But I know there is better and for the size / price I think the QWTs' will be the best in this category!!

I am hoping the wood elves are working hard on my pair!! :D

I will post our experince in a few weeks!

Alex


Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: DMurphy on 24 Jan 2009, 02:48 am

I have never run into anyone else aorund our area that even knew what Acoustats are!!


I remember auditioning them back in the day.  They were one of those "head-in-a-vice" speakers.  If you moved up 3 inches, the highs did a disappearing act.  And even in the sweet spot, they sounded kind of constipated to me.  Definitely a specialty item.   
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: adydula on 24 Jan 2009, 05:18 pm
DMurphy...

I auditioned these at an Audio Store in Asheville, NC and was floored how well they played in the store..

I was not in the market to buy speakers, but these were so awesome to me at the time I sprung for a set..

But when we got them home it was an extreme dissapointment...there wasnt any low end..or even  mid low end .....this sucked big time.....the highs were there but very directional etc yes head in a vice describes it.

The mystique of a full panel electrostatic speaker was really intriguing, it just didnt work out at all for me!

Alex
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: adydula on 17 Mar 2009, 11:13 pm
My Dahlquist QX10 floor standing speakers are FOR SALE in the for sale circle...if anyone is interested.

Alex
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: bryede on 25 Jul 2009, 08:43 pm
My SongTowers replaced a new pair of PSB Imagine Towers.

I had been using Polk RT38i's with Dennis Murphy's xover mods for a while and I was itching for something more engaging and transparent. I admire Dennis' work so I decided to start on a pair of MBOW1 3-ways and even managed to track down the discontinued woofers. While I was amassing all the various things I'd need to set up a semi-competent workshop I noticed a new speaker that was getting a lot of press.

The new PSB Imagine line was on the cover of every magazine and getting rave reviews. In addition, they had sexy curvilinear enclosures so I knew it would be easy to convince the wife. I took chance and ordered a pair of the towers. They had great dynamics and revealed a ton of detail, but the tweeter seemed overly zingy and occasionally harsh. At first I thought I would just need to adjust to the PSB's audiophile sound, but I found myself avoiding recordings that brought out the worst in them.

Over the past months I have become too busy to resume work on the MBOW1's but I discovered the SongTowers. Now I've had them a little over 24 hours and I was instantly blown away by how coherent they are from top to bottom. My dad heard them and is now considering a pair. I don't want to say much more until I've spent more time with them, but they have a rightness about them that the PSB's didn't.

Maybe the PSB's are terrific speakers in someone else's living room, but I suspect the SongTowers are the better value in this price range.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: K Shep on 6 Aug 2009, 05:55 pm
I replaced PMC GB1's.  Great little speakers, however ST RT's are in a different class, IMO. 

(http://)

Kirk
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: bryede on 6 Aug 2009, 10:52 pm
My wife was amazed at the sound from the ST's.  She said it sounded like there was a blanket over the old speakers and it was removed with the ST's.
nuff said.

My wife will say she's not into hi-fi and can't hear things like I can, but when something is better she notices right away. It's like a drug-sniffing dog. It may find drugs whenever they're present, but it doesn't really want the drugs. :)
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: revrob on 15 Aug 2009, 03:29 am
My Legacy Classics of 12 years will soon be replaced by Salk HT3. While I have considered my Legacy's my reference speaker for years it simply does not compare to the Salks. I hope to have these for at least the next 5 to 10 years and so ends 1 year of upgrading my components.

Now I can just sit back and enjoy the music.

Peace,
Steve
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Rocket on 15 Aug 2009, 03:57 am
Hi,

Sorry I should have posted to this thread last year when I purchased my Salk Sound Ht2's.  I had a really nice pair of custom made speakers that used raven 1 ribbon tweeter and 2 x 7 inch focal kevlar mid/bass drivers in an mtm configuration.  I really liked this speaker but after almost 10 years of listening to them in my home I was getting bored of them.  I decided to go on a journey of discovery and along the way I built a pair of zalytron phenomenal speaker kit that used raven 2 and phl mid/bass drivers in a tmm confirguration.

I was very dissatisfied with this speaker because it had weak bass and it just didn't sound right.  I bought a pair of nuforce s9 speakers for $5500US retail and they were quite good.  Now I was getting closer to the sound of my raven/focal speakers but I still wasn't satisfied with the sound of the speakers.  The top end and midrange was quite nice but lacked a bit of detail that I was used to but the main issue was the bass seemed to overpower the rest of the speaker.

Luckily for me I was able to sell the zalytron speakers and received a good price for them.  The aussie dollar had risen in value compared with the US dollar and I decided to investigate purchase a pair of Salk sound speakers from Jim.  I contacted Dennis and Jim for advice.  Given the constraints of my budget and amplification that I used they recommended the HT2 speakers.  I ordered a pair in bosse pommele and had them sent to Australia.

On arrival I noticed that they were packed very well and there was no damage at all.  Given that they had been sent via ship to Australia I was surprised that they had no marks, scratches etc at all.  After setting them up in my system and about 30 minutes later they warmed up really nicely and sounded superb in my system.  Along the way I was able to upgrade me preamp and dac and on each occasion I was presented with an improvement in my system.  Jim was a class act to deal with and was very helpful.  If you look at the components that are offered with his speakers it really is a no brainer.  The improvements that I noticed were added detail, beautifully presented top end and the bass was excellent imo.

Btw the nuforce s9's have been relegated to HT duties.

Regards

Rocket
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: newzooreview on 13 Oct 2009, 12:06 am
I have a pair of HT1-TL's on order. They replace a pair of LSA1 Statement monitors that I had for about a month before I returned them for a refund. The Statements sounded good in many ways but had two fatal flaws: 1) a resonance or distortion at certain frequencies typical of female vocals and b) poor quality control on the Chinese production that led to two sets delivered with manufacturing defects. They did give me an introduction to ribbon tweeters, however.

Before the LSA monitors, I had Omega Loudspeakers Aperiodic 8" single driver speakers. They came with Visaton B200 drivers, and those sounded good for a couple of years until one gave out. Louis at Omega said that he had had a number of returns on those, and he recommended that I get his new hemp drivers installed instead. Unfortunately the speakers just didn't sound as good to me after that, and I had already noticed that some little two-way speakers I had bought for my bedroom (Ascend CMT-340 SE) were doing some things better than my big Omegas. So, I sold the Omegas and began my recent search.

Before the Omegas I had a pair of Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference monitors. I sold them to move to the single driver/low watt amp setup, but I liked them and was thinking of getting another Tyler pair until I came across Salk speakers.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: floresjc on 13 Oct 2009, 09:06 pm
Thought I would throw this in there since Jim indicated my system is going into final assembly and will be ready to pack up in a few days. My current setup is an Outlaw 1070 receiver (65wpc) with AV123 "Rocket" speakers. I have the 760's for the front mains, a "Bigfoot" RSC 200 center, and the 250 MKII for rears in 5.0 (no sub) setup. Pretty awesome sounding coming from mainly home theater in a box in college.

The entire setup with be replaced with a Salk/AVA 5.1 home theater system and Salk/AVA dedicated 2-channel rig. For the 2-channel system, I selected HT2-TL's, standard curly walnut finish with a touch of dark dye and upgraded the front baffle to solid claro walnut, also with a hint of the dark dye. AVA Insight EC preamp, Insight DAC and Insight double 440 will drive this rig (~250wpc).

The 5.1 system will have SongTowers (dome) as the front and rear channels, and a SongCenter. Jim is also building a custom Rythmik servo sub, using the 15" Rythmik driver and two 15" passive radiators. I believe this is the first sub of this type Jim has produced and according to Jeff Bagby, should be a real beast. The entire 5.1 system is done in an extraordinary waterfall bubinga I found online, but no other upgrades in finish or functionality (black plinths and baffle, dome tweeter). System will be driven by AVA Insight double 240 and 240/3 (~125wpc) and an Outlaw 990 processor. I also have a PS2100 2-channel preamp with home theater passthrough on this setup. Source is the new Oppo Blu Ray player, Xbox 360 and TivoHD.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: oneinthepipe on 13 Oct 2009, 11:02 pm
Thought I would throw this in there since Jim indicated my system is going into final assembly and will be ready to pack up in a few days. My current setup is an Outlaw 1070 receiver (65wpc) with AV123 "Rocket" speakers. I have the 760's for the front mains, a "Bigfoot" RSC 200 center, and the 250 MKII for rears in 5.0 (no sub) setup. Pretty awesome sounding coming from mainly home theater in a box in college.

The entire setup with be replaced with a Salk/AVA 5.1 home theater system and Salk/AVA dedicated 2-channel rig. For the 2-channel system, I selected HT2-TL's, standard curly walnut finish with a touch of dark dye and upgraded the front baffle to solid claro walnut, also with a hint of the dark dye. AVA Insight EC preamp, Insight DAC and Insight double 440 will drive this rig (~250wpc).

The 5.1 system will have SongTowers (dome) as the front and rear channels, and a SongCenter. Jim is also building a custom Rythmik servo sub, using the 15" Rythmik driver and two 15" passive radiators. I believe this is the first sub of this type Jim has produced and according to Jeff Bagby, should be a real beast. The entire 5.1 system is done in an extraordinary waterfall bubinga I found online, but no other upgrades in finish or functionality (black plinths and baffle, dome tweeter). System will be driven by AVA Insight double 240 and 240/3 (~125wpc) and an Outlaw 990 processor. I also have a PS2100 2-channel preamp with home theater passthrough on this setup. Source is the new Oppo Blu Ray player, Xbox 360 and TivoHD.

That folks, IMO, is the final word for two dedicated Salk/AVA systems (HT and 2 channel) in the same home.   :thumb:

When you upgrade, you don't mess around.  :D

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: floresjc on 15 Oct 2009, 09:37 pm

When you upgrade, you don't mess around.  :D

No I didn't mess around on this one. Originally, I was going to buy just a pair of speakers (ST or HT2-TL's) and replace my mains. That eventually waded into replacing the 5.0 and adding the .1 with the SongSub, which further moved into custom sub. And at the end I kind of wanted the best of both (5.1 and 2 channel) I could get, so I added the HT2-TL's. And then in the end, I spent a bunch more for electronics which were never in the picture to begin with because I didn't have enough for 2 systems. But I reasoned to myself that I would never have this kind of money again, and these items are all top quality, with many decades of quality use to come for me. I only have the AVA stuff in home (and the Oppo and other source equipment) and am thrilled at the difference they have made in my old gear. Can't wait to get the Salk's into play very soon.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Caustic Casey on 18 Nov 2009, 09:31 pm
After doing extensive reading here I am almost afraid to say this...

I bought the BOSE AM 5 system many years ago.  I then added the VS-10 center and the 161 rears.  I don't recall what I paid, but it was certainly too much.
I have been renting apartments all of my life until I reailized a dream, we got a home of our own.
I have to say I was always content with the BOSE speakers, knowing now that it was probably because I could never really push them.
Now in my new listening room, I started to really question the sound of the speakers in general.  That is when I started educating myself, and ended up here.
I am very excited about being a new owner of SALK Song Towers.  The waiting is the hardest part.
I want to thank Jim and everyone else for the valuable information provided that helped me make my decision.
See you on the boards....
Casey   
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: bryede on 21 Nov 2009, 01:32 pm
After doing extensive reading here I am almost afraid to say this...

I bought the BOSE AM 5 system many years ago.  I then added the VS-10 center and the 161 rears.  I don't recall what I paid, but it was certainly too much.
I have been renting apartments all of my life until I reailized a dream, we got a home of our own.
I have to say I was always content with the BOSE speakers, knowing now that it was probably because I could never really push them.
Now in my new listening room, I started to really question the sound of the speakers in general.  That is when I started educating myself, and ended up here.
I am very excited about being a new owner of SALK Song Towers.  The waiting is the hardest part.
I want to thank Jim and everyone else for the valuable information provided that helped me make my decision.
See you on the boards....
Casey

That's okay, some of the most ardent hi-fi fans I know are people who upgraded from Bose. With all the money they rake in I'm still unpleasantly surprised every time I hear their latest offerings. IMO, their speakers are merely designed to be very inexpensive to manufacture and to sound different from anything else in a store line-up. I am confident you will be very pleased with the Salks. Please keep us updated!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: avahifi on 7 Dec 2009, 01:18 pm
You guys might be interested in reviewing again the long thread herein that goes through the process I made in discovering Salk loudspeakers a few years ago.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=23787.0

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Dangerman on 14 Dec 2009, 10:02 pm
I replaced a pair of Soliloquy 5.0 monitors with Salk HT1s.  They are now serving as rear surround speakers in my HT setup, with the Salk's as mains.  The HT1s were a huge step up in performance and price.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Mudslide on 4 Mar 2010, 05:34 pm
You guys might be interested in reviewing again the long thread herein that goes through the process I made in discovering Salk loudspeakers a few years ago.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=23787.0

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

This was a really good thread, Frank, and it then directed my first interest in and impressions of Salk loudspeakers.  I was one of the many that hoped for a shootout, though.  It looks like a great association with Jim began with your search.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: ttsakai on 4 Mar 2010, 08:06 pm
My recently acquired HT-3 speakers replaced a set of Dunlavy SC-IV speakers which I had for 15 years (Stereophile speaker of the year in 1994). They were known for their time coherency design and accuracy. Rather large speakers (6 ft. tall x 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide) which overpowered my "smallish" room so I thought a change was in order.

Couldn't be happier with my decision to change!  :thumb:


Tracy
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: GhostintheToast on 8 Mar 2010, 03:34 pm
You guys may laugh but I replaced (or will replace) Infinity Interlude 10s and a 36 center.  They were my first and only home speakers, purchased from Circuit City about 8 years ago.

Infact you can buy them here if you have a neice/nephew in college:    :green:
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/ele/1631904373.html
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: charmerci on 8 Mar 2010, 05:51 pm
You guys may laugh but I replaced (or will replace) Infinity Interlude 10s and a 36 center.

Eh, some guy here actually admitted  :o to replacing his Bose with some Salks....
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: writeface on 8 Mar 2010, 07:02 pm
A pair of HT-3 and HT-C replaced Aperion 6T, 6C, and Bravus 10D sub. With HT-3 I don't need any sub.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: darwin on 9 Mar 2010, 01:49 pm
I replaced my Magnepan 3.6Rs, 1.6QRs, and CC3 center, and infinite baffle sub, with four SongSurround II - RTs, one SongCenter - RT, and two SongSubs. While the presentation is a bit different, the SSIIs are every bit as revealing as my Maggie 3.6s. I was concerned that I would miss my Maggies. I haven't missed them at all. Not having the headache of speaker placement to deal with any more is a big plus in my book, too.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: sabciu on 26 Mar 2010, 03:37 am
I am in the process of replacing my Revel F12 Concerta's. They have been an outstanding set of speakers for me! However, given the Salk name, word of mouth, and performance reviews, I am taking the plunge! They are on order as of today. I ordered mine with the ribbon tweeter upgrade as I have begun to appreciate classical music and anticipate better performance based on the reviews. I will post my reaction once I receive them. Bottom line is that I will either keep the F12's, or the new Salk's. I couldn't audition the Salk's so I had to go by what everyone is saying about them....can't wait  :drool:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Bigload on 10 Apr 2010, 02:32 pm
I replaced a set of Polk LSi9 book shelf speakers with a set of SongTower dome tweets.  I have always liked the LSi9's and felt all things considered, they were the best speaker Polk makes and are a great bang for the buck at $1000/set.  They have a ring radiator tweeter and also play much lower than you would expect them to.  They are not the typical Best Buy Polk speaker.  HOWEVER.... I was ready for something better and all of the reviews and forum recommendations (especially here) pointed me towards the Salks.  The Salks are simply in a whole different class than the Polks they replaced.  As good as the little Polks were, the Salks were better in every regard.  The stunningly attractive appearance, the crystal clear and neutral presentation of details, imaging and soundstage, and the ability to play impressively low and distortion free due to the QWT design all combine to make the Salk a huge upgrade to what I had.  I run the 2 channel set up with AVA Insight Pre/Vision DAC combo and an Insight 240 amp. 

I am so impressed with the SongTowers, I am now diving in even deeper.  I have ordered a complete set of Veracity speakers for my HT room as well....HT2TL's for fronts, HT1TL's for rears and a HTC2 center.  My current HT set up is built with Polk RTiA9 fronts, RTiA7 surrounds, CSiA6 center, FXiA6 rears and a SVS PB12-Plus sub.  The RTiA9's are huge 500 watt speakers and are are monsters.  They do a very decent job in a HT setting given adequate power, but again the Salks are just in a different class.  I really had never thought the RTiA9's sounded un-natural or colored at all until I set them side by side with the Salk SongTowers.  So that sealed the deal.  I am looking forward to getting all of the new Salks here and installed.  And please note I am not bashing any of the Polks here.  I have enjoyed them very much.  They are just no match for the Salk speakers in my opinion. 

I did hang onto the LSi9's and demoted them to bedroom duty.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: floresjc on 17 May 2010, 03:34 pm
Bigload -

Very nice setup. What are you powering your Veracity home theater with? Do you have amps already or are you getting more AVA gear since you seem to like the Insight/Vision combo?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Big Red Machine on 17 May 2010, 05:15 pm
Is it a bad thing to replace Salk's with Salk's? :icon_lol:  5 product lines and counting.  I'm bad. :evil:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Kwebb on 17 May 2010, 10:24 pm
I replaced my 5.1 system (sold it on audiogon) comprised of 2 pairs of Onix Reference 3's, an Onix Reference 100 (center channel), and a paradigm servo 15 with a pair of HT2-TL's, an HT2 center, a pair of HT1 components in Ellis 1801 cabinets, and a Rythmic 15 servo sub.  I can't wait till the Salks are delivered, they are supposed to be coming very soon.

Kyle
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: jd3 on 17 May 2010, 11:42 pm
Replacing my NHT SuperZero surrounds with SongBirds.  That's one Salk speaker that Pete hasn't had (yet!) :icon_lol:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Bigload on 21 May 2010, 03:35 am
Bigload -

Very nice setup. What are you powering your Veracity home theater with? Do you have amps already or are you getting more AVA gear since you seem to like the Insight/Vision combo?

floresjc...

You are right, I do like the AVA gear.  I could not be happier with my 2 channel set up using SongTowers and AVA power.  I have been exchanging some emails with Frank and I have my eye on a 260 for the fronts and a 240/3 for the surrounds and center, both with the double die option.  I currently have an Onkyo TX-NR5007 AVR and a couple of Emotivas...a XPA-2 and a XPA-3 in my HT room.   I will definately keep the Onkyo regardless of which amps I use.  I have to convince myself the AVA's are worth the extra cash over the Emo's, especially in a home theater.  Despite their low cost, the Emo's are good amps too.  I guess I will get the new Veracity speakers in about a week or so.  Plan to hook them up to the Emotivas, take a listen for a few weeks and go from there. 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Big Red Machine on 21 May 2010, 10:03 am
AVA will be a major improvement over the EMo's.  Will be a killer set up.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: floresjc on 21 May 2010, 07:56 pm
I'm with BRM, if you're going to go, go all the way!

I've never used Emotiva, although I seriously considered them given the kind of prices you can get them for. I still may invest in a UMC-1 processor someday, but I don't really need to since the Oppo will decode all the new formats for me.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Bigload on 22 May 2010, 12:06 am
I'm with BRM, if you're going to go, go all the way!

I've never used Emotiva, although I seriously considered them given the kind of prices you can get them for. I still may invest in a UMC-1 processor someday, but I don't really need to since the Oppo will decode all the new formats for me.

Ya, I know.  My history tells me that I am a sucker for an upgrade.  I will most likely get the AVA's.  I just hate to pull the trigger on that without even listening to the Emo's first.  And also... I can't tell my wife the Emo's are inadequate until after I actually hook them up. 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Big Red Machine on 22 May 2010, 12:33 am
Don't waste your time with the Emo's.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: floresjc on 24 May 2010, 03:56 pm
Bigload -

I guess I was assuming you had the Emo's a long time, but sounds like you just got them and haven't used them yet. If thats the case, then send those things back, get the AVA. Or, if you have some time in with the Emo's, sell them used and get a little towards some AVA  :wink:

I'm not tied to any one brand of amp, but I have zero complaints about the gear Frank has built for me, and he offers pretty good upgrade path in the future if thats your cup of tea.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Bigload on 25 May 2010, 03:12 am
I've had the Emo's for a year and a half?? or so.  I really think (in my limited amp experience) that they are not bad amps at all, especially in a HT set up.  My issues are a couple of things... 1) The AVA gear I have in my 2 channel set up sounds absolutely great and gives a very detailed presentation that I believe outperforms the Emo's, and 2) With a new Salk Veracity surround system on the way, I would like to have amps that I felt would be a good match for the speakers and get everything out them.   So.... I did order the Insight+ 260 and Insight+ 240/3 both with the double die option.  I will probably sell the Emo's along with all of my old HT stuff when my new stuff all gets here.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: dakulis on 13 Nov 2010, 12:21 am
Well, my path to Salksound is a finally over.  I am the happy owner of the HT2-TLs that Bill Baker at Response Audio listed for Jim on Audiogon.  Frankly, it all started with getting back into audio about 6-7 years ago.  A friend laughed at me trying to listen to music on my Ascend 5.1 surround sound set-up.  He found, fixed and sold me a 1960s era Fisher integrated tube amp and reconed by 1977 era Altec-Lansing Stonehenge IIs.  The sound was "incredible".  The music sounded just like what I recalled listening to in my youth on tubes and old speakers.

About a year and a half ago, I ran into a review on Jim's HT3s and began reading everything I could find of Jim's speakers.  That lead to a call to Jim and a long discussion (can you believe that he fields all of these calls, gives you his time and expertise and does that over and over again?).  Jim actually talked me out of the HT3s or HT2s because he didn't think my Fisher would drive them to their best ability and the HT3s would overwhelm my room.  He recommended I look at the SongTowers so I read everything I could on the SongTowers and started drooling.  A few months later, I thought I had put the cash together and convinced the wife to take the dive on new SongTowers then a minor financial crisis arose and the cash was spent to cover it.

A year later, I made the "mistake" of deciding to upgrade my system and bought a Unison Research Unico off of Audiogon.  It is a lovely amp and it worked well with my CD player.  Immediately, I noticed a huge difference in the soundstage coming from the Altecs.  It had depth, width and location.  That was good news.  Suddenly, I noticed that the "warmth" was gone, detail was present and the Altecs weren't doing a very good job of letting me hear music as I should be hearing it.  Passages that had been "warm" revealed themselves as instruments being slurred together and any kind of rock sounded like every instrument, voice and sound was coming from a cave.

Another call to Jim.  That lead to an order for new SongTowers in a slightly darker and orange, standard walnut veneer and the wait began.  Now, you guys know how painful that wait is, right?  You reread every review sixteen times, you read every post on this site about the SongTowers some more, stare at the galleries and drool over Jim's speakers.

Last Sunday night, I made "mistake" number 2. I looked on Audiogon and typed in "Salk".  Now, I have done this before.  The typical scenario is that you find never find a pair of Jim's speakers.  On rare occasions, you find a pair but by the time you find them, they're already sold.  Well, much to my surprise, I find 4 pairs of Salksound speakers - 2 HT3s, the Audio Response HT2-TLs and a fairly new pair of SongTowers.  (Now, I tell you this not so that you can run to Audiogon and buy any of the speakers because, frankly, I was a little disturbed by the thought of buying speakers off Audiogon and depriving Jim of income after all the time he spent with me and because you want to see this business continue and thrive.  So, you can imagine my relief when I learned that they were actually Jim's speakers and he would see the money.)

Back to my initial discussion with Jim and me drooling over the HT3s and HT2s.  (I don't believe that Jim was doing the HT2-TLs just yet).  Anyway, I knew that I didn't want to move up the product line to the HT3s for the reasons that Jim described before.  But, the HT2-TLs were the speaker I would eventually buy and Jim agreed that it made sense to buy the HT2-TLs and forego the SongTowers, if I could pull off the dollars.  So, now the question, how to convince the wife that this made financial sense now.  Well, that's a long story but the short version is she agreed it made sense to purchase them rather than buy the SongTowers now, sell the SongTowers down the road and purchase the HT2-TLs later.  So, the waiting, reading, rereading and pouring over this site haven't stopped but the end is in sight. 

Jim, any idea how much 1 round trip ticket to Binghamton and 1 ticket from to Binghamton, NY to Spokane might cost?  I can ride back with the HT2-TLs in the seat next to me.  It might be cheaper than Fed-Ex ground, right?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mark funk on 24 Nov 2010, 10:08 pm
Here they are,


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=33384)
 
This is what they replaced,

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=33385)

Standard curly cherry,


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=33386)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=33388)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=33389)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=35553)


                                                                                              :smoke:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: PJam1995 on 13 Dec 2010, 06:48 pm
I replaced Klipsch f-3 synergy with Songtowers. Songtowers should be here tomorrow (Tue) as I have been tracking them from Michigan to North Carolina every few hours :lol:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: dakulis on 16 Dec 2010, 11:49 pm
Mark,

I don't get it.  You replaced those incredible looking speakers with Jim's HT2-TLs?  Geez, what were you thinking?  But, I'll bet you sold them on Audiogon for 10K or so so you came out ahead, right?  LOL
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: catastrofe on 29 Dec 2010, 08:33 pm
I replaced Thiel CS1.6s with SoundScape 10s.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: highfilter on 29 Dec 2010, 08:48 pm
I replaced a pair of Klipsch RB-61 bookshelf speakers with the Salk SoundScape 10s.  :thumb:  :thumb:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mark funk on 18 Feb 2011, 05:08 pm
dakulis,

                  No 10K is not enough. At one time they looked like this,


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=25330)


I think I like my HT2-TLs a little better. The Dahlquist served my well for over 30 years and
they have been through the wars believe me.


                                                                                     :smoke:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Don_S on 18 Feb 2011, 05:21 pm
Mark,

Your "after" picture of the DQ-10s broke my heart.  Mine were stolen in 1992. If they were destroyed I hope it was mercifully quick and they didn't suffer like yours did.  :bawl:

My real hope is they will come back to me along with the 1.5" solid-walnut stands I built for them with love and marked my name on the bottom.  :thankyou:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Saturn94 on 18 Feb 2011, 07:23 pm
dakulis,

                  No 10K is not enough. At one time they looked like this,


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=25330)




I think I like my HT2-TLs a little better. The Dahlquist served my well for over 30 years and
they have been through the wars believe me.


                                                                                     :smoke:

Those Dahlquist are great speakers.  Back in the 80's I auditioned them and really liked them.  But I ended up getting a pair of ADS L1290/2's instead which I still have 24+ years later.  However, their reign may soon end as I received a pair of HT2-TLs a couple days ago. :wink:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mark funk on 18 Feb 2011, 08:02 pm
Stands for DQ10s. Back in the late 70s Martyo and I lived together and worked together and both had DQ10s. We had the guys in the back do a government job for us and had them make a set of stacked 10s :o. At that time Martyo had a Sun of Ampzilla, it got a little hot but sounded dam good back then.


                                                                                               :smoke:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Audioexcels on 25 Feb 2011, 10:40 am
First time posting in here.  It's great to see some Madisound guys have somehow made it through the world of DIY and into at least some sort of money profit business while still providing a very cheap vs. mainstream company priced product.  Kudos to you Jim and the others that have helped make this journey a great one that I hope lasts many a years to come!

I will never replace the speakers I have, but I can say a friend that has heard a LOT of speakers in home, in hi-end stores, at CES, you name it, he's had an ear there.  I have heard him speak "very little" about anything out there, but the most recent and I believe only 2nd speaker (LOL!) he mentioned to me was the current version HT3's that he very much enjoyed.  I told him ribbons have it...especially with a fine metal driver like the Seas!

So here's my .02...I'd LOVE to see a thread with the subject being, "what speakers did you replace to get A) Wife approval, B) Something to show off even a high end furniture rep, and C) To the priceless ones that would say=are those making music???  I thought they were some fine art gallery display!  Honey, come over here...these beautiful things play music!!!

Good job Jim and continue the adventure!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: DeanZ on 8 Sep 2011, 08:56 pm
Salk HT1-TL's and Salk Veracity Center replaced Vandersteen 2C's and a Boston Acoustics Center.
After years in the hobby and moving through mid-fi JBL's and Polks and Boston Acoustics, et al, I purchased the Vandees feeling that for the first time I was really hearing audiophile quality sound and a true soundstage. I spent about 10 years happily with the Vandees and just decided it was time for a change. Started to do some research on line and fell upon positive comments about Salk products. Based upon budget level and wanting speakers that were smaller in profile than the wide faced Vandees, chose the HT1-TL's with ribbon tweeters.
From the first notes on the supplied demo disk, my jaw hit the floor. Good as the Vandees were, they for me are not even close to being in the same league as the Salks - precision of the soundstage width, depth and height, realism of strings and piano notes, top to bottom coherence, I could go on and on. I've heard lots of equipment but my system has never presented music that could pull you in emotionally until I heard the Salks. Yes indeed I have swallowed the Salk cool-aide.
System consists of:
ProJect RPM-5 with Speed Box, Ortofon 2M Black
Emotiva USP-1 and UMC-1
Panasonic BD80, Hi Def Cable, Wii, Apple TV
Sharp 70" LED LCD
Salk HT1-TL, Veracity Center with Ribbon tweeters
Def Tech Surrounds
Aperion Audio Subwoofer
Rotel 1095 5x200w amp
Morrow interconnects, Belden 10 gauge biwired

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: shawbros3 on 10 Sep 2011, 03:45 am
I replaced some Mirage 1090i with the Songtowers.  Everything about the sound has improved, except for the width and depth of the sound-stage.  They image very nicely and sound super accurate, but don't quite have the disappearing act like my monitors.  I feel the 'boxiness' sometimes at higher volumes.

I recently got a pair of Tekton Lores and enjoy the Songtowers more.  The Lores are pretty sweet, but not as detailed as the Songtowers.  The sound is totally different with full-range drivers, more immediate and warmer but not as much bass.  I might be putting them up for a local sale really soon.     
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: baxtr on 14 Sep 2011, 02:19 am
I replaced a pair of Onix Strata Minis with Salk HT2-TL's finished in bamboo.  Awesome upgrade.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: sierrarider on 15 Sep 2011, 03:46 am
I've replaced a trilogy of Energy RVS mtm's in the front with the Songtower QWT's and Songcenter. Going to build my Songsurrounds myself to replace the RVSS surrounds when I can find the time. The Energy's weren't bad, just no comparison to my Salks. Plus, it was time for a change! I love my Salks...
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: won ton on on 15 Sep 2011, 12:28 pm
i replaced some martin logan aerius for salk ht2-tl's in pau ferro rosewood.as good as the logans were they don't compare to the salk's
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Big Red Machine on 15 Sep 2011, 12:47 pm
I'm gonna have to give these here Sulk speakers a try one of these days.  A lot of folks drooling over them.... :drool:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Gzerro on 28 Sep 2011, 09:06 pm
I will soon be replacing B&W CM5s, B&W CMC2 Center, and some Klipsh surrounds with a Song Tower System.

My original intent was to add CM9s for mains, but decided to do a more detailed review of options before making that purchase. To be honest I didn't do a very good job of researching alternatives before purchasing the B&Ws. I also had a very bad experience with the post-sale service from the B&W dealer so I didn't really want to continue to do business with them. I still feel they are pretty good speakers, but once I started auditioning alot of other options in the price range I found them to be in the middle of the pack and over-priced relative to other options.

I chose the Salks because of the very balanced sound top to bottom, clear mid-range and open high-end. I found them to image very well and they have a transparent quality that really impressed me. I will admit the looks were an important factor as well.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Austin08 on 11 Jan 2012, 03:29 am
I have owned quite a few high end speakers from various high end manufacturing that include Totem, Thiel, Triangle, Paradigm sig, Vienna Acoustic, Sonus Faber, Martin Logan, Wilson Audio, just to name a few. I would live peacefully with either Totem Wind or Wilson Maxx 2. Both was really excellent in music reproduction, sound stage, bass, midrange was supper. All those quality is not enough to convince my wife to let me keep them in my house because she dislike the Totem look and the Maxx is like an ugly monster in her living room. I am about to buy a used Wilson Sophia untill I came across this website. Athought, I requested an audition of the Ht3 but no body live near my house.  I decided to give Jim a call and coincidently, he is working on the new prototye soon to be name soundscape 8. The price, the features, the design is much to my wish list plus all the positive reviews on this site. I order a new pair. Wait and see how it is stacking up again other brand mention above. I can tell the future is looking very promisses now than ever.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Art_Chicago on 11 Jan 2012, 10:14 pm
all right ! I guess it is time for Jim to tell us something!

I have owned quite a few high end speakers from various high end manufacturing that include Totem, Thiel, Triangle, Paradigm sig, Vienna Acoustic, Sonus Faber, Martin Logan, Wilson Audio, just to name a few. I would live peacefully with either Totem Wind or Wilson Maxx 2. Both was really excellent in music reproduction, sound stage, bass, midrange was supper. All those quality is not enough to convince my wife to let me keep them in my house because she dislike the Totem look and the Maxx is like an ugly monster in her living room. I am about to buy a used Wilson Sophia untill I came across this website. Athought, I requested an audition of the Ht3 but no body live near my house.  I decided to give Jim a call and coincidently, he is working on the new prototye soon to be name soundscape 8. The price, the features, the design is much to my wish list plus all the positive reviews on this site. I order a new pair. Wait and see how it is stacking up again other brand mention above. I can tell the future is looking very promisses now than ever.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: jsalk on 16 Mar 2012, 01:46 am
all right ! I guess it is time for Jim to tell us something!

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=104226.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=104226.0)
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=104583.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=104583.0)

- Jim
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Frans on 22 Mar 2012, 06:04 am
I am in the process of replacing my ancient Miller & Kreisel S-150THX 5.1 (http://www.laaudiofile.com/s150thx.html) system with a pair of Soundscape 12 speakers. The SS Center and M7 Surrounds are still being crafted, but it should be excellent when it's all done. The only original part left will be the Sub!

The SS12 speakers were initially driven by my trusty Pioneer Elite SC-37, but it's been relegated to Pre-Out duties due to the addition of a Wyred 4 Sound MC5 (http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/p/74030/117839/332926) amplifier. It was pretty clear that despite having 140w @ 8 ohms the Pio was not driving the SS12 the way they deserved. The W4S MC5 is a cool running Class D beast and is the best of both worlds - high power, low standby wattage and runs cool without the need for a dedicated 20A outlet. Plus it makes the SS12s positively sing!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Vulcan00 on 22 Mar 2012, 05:12 pm
I am in the process of replacing my ancient Miller & Kreisel S-150THX 5.1 (http://www.laaudiofile.com/s150thx.html)

Frans:
I have the M&K S-150thx system also. I am not usings them at all right now. Although clearly they are not in the same league as my HT2-TL's, I have used the sub MX350thx  some. They still make a fine 5.1 system.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: charmerci on 22 Mar 2012, 06:14 pm
I am in the process of replacing my ancient Miller & Kreisel S-150THX 5.1 (http://www.laaudiofile.com/s150thx.html) system with a pair of Soundscape 12 speakers. The SS Center and M7 Surrounds are still being crafted, but it should be excellent when it's all done. The only original part left will be the Sub!


You're using a sub with the SS system? Why?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: ratso on 22 Mar 2012, 07:20 pm
very much a to each his own, but i would always use my dual rythmik subs with any speaker i would have including the SS'. not as much work for the mains, and even the soundscapes can't put out the clean impactful bass of two 15" subs.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: milford3 on 22 Mar 2012, 07:30 pm
Replaced these.  Wish I still had them.  Model 11


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=59833)
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Frans on 22 Mar 2012, 07:36 pm
You're using a sub with the SS system? Why?

Fair question! Part of my motivation of going with the SS12s was to eliminate the need for a dedicated sub.

I will be spending time assessing the difference in thunder now that the Wyred 4 Sound amp is in place. Historically speaking the dedicated .1 LFE channel in conjunction with a kick-ass powered subwoofer has been pretty freaking amazing - we're talking powerful impactful bass. I wasn't getting the same thunder when I was bi-amping the SS12's lower posts with less power using the Pio SC-37. This is an important area that 2-channel speakers tend to overlook, and that's to have a powered sub to properly supply the thunder needed for movies and video games.

I will be setting my Speaker Configuration to SW=OFF and have the Pio send the full band to the already set to "Large" front speakers, but without a Crossover @ 80 Hz (finger crossed that this will work as expected).

Fun stuff to do this weekend! If anybody measures earth tremors in Seattle - it's just me messing about. :-)

Now where's that Top Gun 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray?

Frans
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Frans on 22 Mar 2012, 08:11 pm
Replaced these.  Wish I still had them.  Model 11

Replaced them with what?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: sounddog on 29 Mar 2012, 01:08 am
We just replaced our Magnepan MG12s with HT2-TLs. Some other speakers we considered were larger Maggies (1.6 or 1.7), VMPS RM30, Vandersteen 2Ce or 3A, Gallo Reference 3.5, and Martin Logans. While we still have a real affection for Maggies, we especially loved the clarity of the Salks, as well as their much better bass.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Austin08 on 29 Mar 2012, 03:01 am
We just replaced our Magnepan MG12s with HT2-TLs. Some other speakers we considered were larger Maggies (1.6 or 1.7), VMPS RM30, Vandersteen 2Ce or 3A, Gallo Reference 3.5, and Martin Logans. While we still have a real affection for Maggies, we especially loved the clarity of the Salks, as well as their much better bass.

I agree, Long time ago, I use to have Maggies. I loved their clarity and quick trasition attack but the lack of bass and difficult room placement that have turned me off. Since then, I had changed a lot of speakers- few are better and few are worst in some respect but nothing get me exciting like my SS8. This speaker sure stay in my system long time till Jim's next big thing. :D
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: bakufu on 29 Mar 2012, 12:58 pm
apogee divas with emerald physics cs1.3's.

the divas were with me for 13 years, so i got to know them well -- their strengths and their weaknesses.  as good as they are, i've never quite understood the cult following they acquired.  they're highly sensitive to room acoustics, placement, amplification (better have lots of it), and the bass is never quite right.  they throw a huge and detailed sound-stage, and for classical vocals and chamber music (the bulk of my listening) they are superb.

the 1.3's match or exceed them in every respect.  i'm currently driving mine with three inexpensive, lightweight, cool-running class D amps (from wyred4sound), and using a prism orpheus as my preamp/dac with spatial computer's room correction software.  the 1.3's are ugly little beasts, at least compared to the toho-sci/fi look of the divas, but it's just huge fun to watch friends of mine who were familiar with my previous system pick their jaws up off the floor.  as one of them said to me following a listening session, it is the timing and tonal accuracy which astounds. 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: screener on 11 Apr 2012, 06:56 am
I replaced a set of Mythos Ones with the Songtowers. Couldn't be happier.

Thanks Jim at Salk
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: squirrel_nut on 26 Apr 2012, 05:13 am
thought this would be a good thread for my first post.  my father was the head recording engineer for RCA in Chicago in the early 70s.  he would take me to the studios at night when he had unfinished work. i used to play around with instruments left in the studios, mostly drums, with kettles being my favorite to pound on. the coolest thing i remember was the lathe room, where he would cut albums to take home to my older sister. sadly, she has given all of them away years ago.. artists like chicago, alice cooper and the guess who. ebay would have loved those one of a kind vinyls. what does that have to do with the speakers i am replacing? well, JBLs were all they had in the RCA studios at that time and my father always told me those were the ones to get when i got older and started buying my own equipment. i remember enjoying their sound in the studios. he would cue up some music off the tascam reels and give me a soldering iron with some wire to create things. my first real job at the age of 16 was used to save up for my first speakers & electronics. i bought a technics integrated, turntable and a pair of JBL L19s. i have had the L19s ever since. they are 36 years old and i still love the way they sound, especially in the mid and high freq..  a lot of non-audiophiles have told me my current stereo with an EAD Sig-8, parasound hca-855 amp and oppo 83SE is by far the best they have ever heard. i know better, but the JBLs still sound smooth and sweet.  its time to see what a modern speaker design sounds like, so after much reading, and a little listening (B&W, PSB and Maggies) i have ended up here with an order for a pair of SongTowers.  I hope Jim and all his forum followers are not all talk. i wont like something just because i researched it and bought it... so it must be the greatest deal in speaker-dom. nevertheless, i have a great feeling about those boxes that will be heading my way in a few weeks.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Frans on 26 Apr 2012, 02:31 pm
I hope Jim and all his forum followers are not all talk. i wont like something just because i researched it and bought it... so it must be the greatest deal in speaker-dom. nevertheless, i have a great feeling about those boxes that will be heading my way in a few weeks.

Jim's speakers are the real deal. My dad was (is) an audiophile and had some impressive hardware as I was growing up - starting with a quadrophonic setup in the 70s and Quad electrostats, ESS, and the venerable Infinity Kappa 9. It wasn't until I got the Salk Soundscape speakers that I could rightfully claim that my system sounds better than his at its highest peak. FWIW.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Big Red Machine on 26 Apr 2012, 02:41 pm
  I hope Jim and all his forum followers are not all talk. i wont like something just because i researched it and bought it... so it must be the greatest deal in speaker-dom. nevertheless, i have a great feeling about those boxes that will be heading my way in a few weeks.

Ha!  Joke's on you!  We're all scammers here and get a cut from the sale of Jim's speakers to lure gullible folks like you into our snare! :dance:

jk  you will love them.  Which tweeter?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mick wolfe on 26 Apr 2012, 11:47 pm
Perhaps those of you who own our speakers can help me out.

Most everyone who explores the purchase of our speakers asks a similar question:  How does your speaker compare to speaker X or speaker Y?

The problem is, I have not heard many of the speakers in question and certainly haven't spent enough time with those I have to form a fair impression. And rarely have I ever done A/B comparisons. But most owners of our speakers purchased them to replace their current pair and are in a good position to spell out the sonic differences.

If you would be so kind as to compare and contrast the sound of the speakers we built for you to other speakers you have owned or spent considerable time with, it would be extremely valuable to those looking for comparisons.  And it would certainly cut down on the number of times I am asked to asnwer the same basic question.

Thanks, in advance, for your responses.  If we get enough of them, perhaps zybar can make this thread a "sticky."

- Jim

Spendor 2/3's.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: squirrel_nut on 27 Apr 2012, 02:45 am
Red:   went with the standard OW2. i wanted the RAAL because of all the positive press i have read, mostly in this forum. couldnt convince the wifey of its magical properties. the speakers have been a hard sell with her since my current system with JBL L19s sounds so good to her already. jim's cabinetry is what won her over, so i let her pick out the vaneer and finish. i wanted fiddleback maple dyed green. she got the curly maple in smokey silver which is fine with me. she could have gone fuschia for all i care, just give me the salk sonics!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Caustic Casey on 10 Aug 2012, 04:25 am


I had "inherited" a Logitech sub from my brother a while back, it was the first time I ever had a "sub" in my listening room.  It was garbage, and when it finally bit the dust, I thought, if I can tolerate this speaker, which was actually made for computers, how happy will I be with a Salk Sub?
Jim recommended a 12" Rythmik and of course I went with it.  (I just assumed I should go with the Song Sub to match the ST's).
Real Excited....

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: glangford on 11 Sep 2012, 01:42 pm
I'm replacing a set of paradigm studio 10s with a set of supercharged song towers in dark curly cherry.  I really liked the studio 10s, but wanted a little better bass capabilities w/o a sub.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: PETE6737 on 8 Oct 2012, 08:11 am
Frank Van Alstine,
Thanks for posting the link for the thread that went through the search that led to Salk speakers. As I read all 21 pages, I thought to myself, " I hope I have that same instant love that you found with Salks when I audition the SS8s at the end of this month..." I will be replacing 15 year old B&W Matrix 803s and I hope that the salks will win me over as they did for you! Regards, Pete

Edit 10-28-12
As expected, I fell in love with the SS8s and ordered a pair. The B&Ws are already sold, I'm going from 5.1 to 2.0...Now the wait begins 60 days and counting...tick...tock...tick...tock
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: JerryLove on 15 Dec 2012, 02:19 am
The list is long and the direct replacements are custom, so not useful.

My SCSTs are sitting where there might otherwise be my B&W 801S2's. Though the S2's go lower, there's less clear HF and an odd blurring-together of midrange sounds relative to both the customs that had replaced them and the SCST. Once I add a sub, there will be no up-side to the 801S2's.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: PMAT on 15 Dec 2012, 05:41 am
Tick.... tock.... tick.... tock.... All great thing are worth waiting for. The wait is the foreplay. Try not to blow the fuse too quickly. The joy of anticipation makes everything around you so alive. Wish i were immersed in it now. It is perfectly acceptable to scream.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: fathead on 18 Jan 2013, 04:35 pm
 :dance:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: rohrej on 4 Apr 2013, 01:42 am
I replaced a pair of Yamaha NS-777 speakers with Supercharged SongTowers.  No comparison!  I thought I would miss the bass (the quantity, not the quality) but even that isn't the case, the SongTowers sound great full-range in my space!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Prez16 on 4 Apr 2013, 05:28 pm
I am planning to upgrade my Aperion Grand Towers with Salk SoundScape 8's.  Has anyone listened to both? can someone tell me how they should compare? Thank you
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: MikeC78 on 10 Apr 2013, 06:09 am
Replacing Polk LSi15's with SCST's w/ W16 driver upgrade.  I'll post pics once I receive them! :D  They will be in a satin black finish.  The suspense is killing me, since I bought these without hearing them.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Austin08 on 12 Apr 2013, 10:21 pm
I am planning to upgrade my Aperion Grand Towers with Salk SoundScape 8's.  Has anyone listened to both? can someone tell me how they should compare? Thank you

You should start a new seperated thread/topic. That way you got more respone.

As far as SS8s performance. I am very happy with them. That is saying a lot since all of my ex-speakers were considered top performer by others.
I have never had a chance to listening to Aperion so no comments here.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Ace Deprave on 14 Apr 2013, 11:11 pm
Replacing Polk LSi15's with SCST's w/ W16 driver upgrade.  I'll post pics once I receive them! :D  They will be in a satin black finish.  The suspense is killing me, since I bought these without hearing them.

I too am replacing Polks (RT12's circa 1995) with SCSTs with the W16 upgrade!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: HerculePirate on 5 May 2013, 04:35 pm
To give a very different spin to the thread.
I did replace my TacT M2150XDM and Salk HT3's with Genelec 8260A's.

You can have look at my gallery for a few pics.

Thanks

HP
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Stunami on 3 Jun 2013, 10:11 pm
HT3 will be replacing my Magnepan 2.7 QRs.  Deposit ready to go in. :P
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Stunami on 13 Jul 2013, 08:47 pm
Correction.  Moving to the SS8 now
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: MukAudio on 20 Aug 2013, 05:28 am
I originally sold a 5.0 setup of Paradigm Studio 100s, a CC-570, and a pair of ADP-470s to swing a used pair of HT2-TLs or HT3s in early 2010.  Things didn't work out and I've been waiting for the right time ever since.

Anyway, I just sold Paradigm Signature S2s and have a used pair of HT3s on their way.  I can't wait to join the Salk family!

Mark
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=85551)
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mg8 on 14 Sep 2013, 04:50 am
I did a complete system rebuild.  The Veracity ST's and Modwright KWI-200 were purchased based on reviews, no first hand experience.  After a year or so of ownership, I sold Sonus Faber Elipsa, ARC REF75, Bel Canto DAC/PRE 3.5 vb mk2 and replaced with the Veracity ST and a Modwright KWI-200 with Phono and DAC.  So many firsts here: MTM transmission line, RAAL, SEAS W16, and integrated amp.  Everything is burned in except the amp (180 hours only) but I really like what I hear form the Salks (and the Modwright).  The RAAL tweeters were unfamiliar to me and I would have previously said that I'm a paper/natural fiber cone driver kinda guy.  I generally shy away for the B&W type of sound as I think the metal and diamond tweeters are too bright and color the natural tones.  I appreciate them and think they are very good speakers - just not my flavor.  Happily, the RAAL is articulate and natural.
Long story short - I am very happy the choices.  So far, I have found the Veracity ST's play a wider range of music very well than the Elipsas.  The combo of REF75 and Elipsas deliver a midrange performance that few speakers can match (in any characteristic).  As you can tell, I wanted a smaller footprint with high performance and fewer "boxes".  I think the RAAL delivers a solid presentation and the Seas W16's really deliver more punch than the Elipsas could (in my space).  The W16's are quite surprising actually and they hold together fairly well at higher SPL's.  I have been told my amp and these W16's take a bit longer than some of their peers to "burn in".  Based on what I hear, that continued goodness will exceed my expectations.  I was warned that the RAAL is too fast for the woofers.  I have learned this is not a concern and this may be an antiquated concern from several years ago. The RAAL is a really non-fatiguing and accurate high-frequency performance.  I feel the PRAT and coherence is very good.  I have always like narrow baffle speakers as they give a less invasive presence.  I can recognize more of these speakers character as the narrow baffle allows them to be unobtrusive at distances further than I normally have speakers off the back wall. Letting these speakers "breathe" improves the image but they sounded good at 18" as well (14'x19.5' room).  They seem to do well in a broad range of locations and are not "touchy" about placement.  I haven't done the final laser level placement yet but they are 25in from the back wall, 6.5ft a part (at the tweeters) and 9.5ft to the listening position.
I did also have my Mac Mini upgraded by Mojo Audio and my Oppo BDP-95 by EVS while the Amp was being built.  These changes also contribute to  the narrow gap of this system and a much more costly predecessor.  I am impressed with the Salk speakers and would encourage anyone to "make and effort" to hear the Veracity ST if they want a great performing, high value, high quality, small form factor floor standing speaker.  I really can't remember the last time I hear a speaker this size perform this well. I am glad I did!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Austin08 on 15 Sep 2013, 06:37 pm
I did a complete system rebuild.  The Veracity ST's and Modwright KWI-200 were purchased based on reviews, no first hand experience.  After a year or so of ownership, I sold Sonus Faber Elipsa, ARC REF75, Bel Canto DAC/PRE 3.5 vb mk2 and replaced with the Veracity ST and a Modwright KWI-200 with Phono and DAC.  So many firsts here: MTM transmission line, RAAL, SEAS W16, and integrated amp.  Everything is burned in except the amp (180 hours only) but I really like what I hear form the Salks (and the Modwright).  The RAAL tweeters were unfamiliar to me and I would have previously said that I'm a paper/natural fiber cone driver kinda guy.  I generally shy away for the B&W type of sound as I think the metal and diamond tweeters are too bright and color the natural tones.  I appreciate them and think they are very good speakers - just not my flavor.  Happily, the RAAL is articulate and natural.
Long story short - I am very happy the choices.  So far, I have found the Veracity ST's play a wider range of music very well than the Elipsas.  The combo of REF75 and Elipsas deliver a midrange performance that few speakers can match (in any characteristic).  As you can tell, I wanted a smaller footprint with high performance and fewer "boxes".  I think the RAAL delivers a solid presentation and the Seas W16's really deliver more punch than the Elipsas could (in my space).  The W16's are quite surprising actually and they hold together fairly well at higher SPL's.  I have been told my amp and these W16's take a bit longer than some of their peers to "burn in".  Based on what I hear, that continued goodness will exceed my expectations.  I was warned that the RAAL is too fast for the woofers.  I have learned this is not a concern and this may be an antiquated concern from several years ago. The RAAL is a really non-fatiguing and accurate high-frequency performance.  I feel the PRAT and coherence is very good.  I have always like narrow baffle speakers as they give a less invasive presence.  I can recognize more of these speakers character as the narrow baffle allows them to be unobtrusive at distances further than I normally have speakers off the back wall. Letting these speakers "breathe" improves the image but they sounded good at 18" as well (14'x19.5' room).  They seem to do well in a broad range of locations and are not "touchy" about placement.  I haven't done the final laser level placement yet but they are 25in from the back wall, 6.5ft a part (at the tweeters) and 9.5ft to the listening position.
I did also have my Mac Mini upgraded by Mojo Audio and my Oppo BDP-95 by EVS while the Amp was being built.  These changes also contribute to  the narrow gap of this system and a much more costly predecessor.  I am impressed with the Salk speakers and would encourage anyone to "make and effort" to hear the Veracity ST if they want a great performing, high value, high quality, small form factor floor standing speaker.  I really can't remember the last time I hear a speaker this size perform this well. I am glad I did!

Great write up. Could u tease us with some pictures, please.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mg8 on 4 Oct 2013, 11:27 pm
From this: SF Elpsa, (demo'ing s a few amps, Ayre M-XR, ARC REF75 and against my ARC REF110: bought the REF75)

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=88036)


To this: Salk Veracity ST in Chestnut burl and a Modwiright KWI-200 w/DAC and Phono, Mojo Mac Mini and EVS mod OPPO 95


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=88037)

Other stuff:  Blue Circle BC6000 and FX-2, Oyaide R-0 and R-1 duplexes, Oyaide RCA and duplex covers, P/C-079 with Acrolink 4030-ii a/c cables, AQ Everest Speaker Cable (covered with Black tech flex), AQ Eagle eye dig coax to the oppo, AQ Coffee USB, Atomic Audio Mac Platform, Custom 2" walnut shelves  from Timbernation (2nd on the way for the top of the Salamander).  Experimenting with the WA Quantum cable chips.  Very happy with the full change out - the Veracity ST speakers are excellent!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Austin08 on 5 Oct 2013, 12:37 am
Mg8,

That is a big change you got there. Though, the SF was supposed to be a better speaker..... :icon_lol:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mg8 on 5 Oct 2013, 01:15 am
Mg8,

That is a big change you got there. Though, the SF was supposed to be a better speaker..... :icon_lol:

The SF Elipsa is an excellent speaker.  I appreciate what each does, greatly.  The Salk is a better fit for my space and I am pretty sure it won't be the last pair of Salks for me and there are many high-end brands that I won't buy again.  I would buy Sonus Faber again though. I'd really like to hear the Silk verses the Guarneri Evolution.  It is very easy to love a speaker like the Veracity ST: sonic performance, custom options, build quality, and 1/5th of the price. :thumb: 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: robcentola on 14 Oct 2013, 11:28 am
thought this would be a good thread for my first post.  my father was the head recording engineer for RCA in Chicago in the early 70s.  he would take me to the studios at night when he had unfinished work. i used to play around with instruments left in the studios, mostly drums, with kettles being my favorite to pound on. the coolest thing i remember was the lathe room, where he would cut albums to take home to my older sister. sadly, she has given all of them away years ago.. artists like chicago, alice cooper and the guess who. ebay would have loved those one of a kind vinyls. what does that have to do with the speakers i am replacing? well, JBLs were all they had in the RCA studios at that time and my father always told me those were the ones to get when i got older and started buying my own equipment. i remember enjoying their sound in the studios. he would cue up some music off the tascam reels and give me a soldering iron with some wire to create things. my first real job at the age of 16 was used to save up for my first speakers & electronics. i bought a technics integrated, turntable and a pair of JBL L19s. i have had the L19s ever since. they are 36 years old and i still love the way they sound, especially in the mid and high freq..  a lot of non-audiophiles have told me my current stereo with an EAD Sig-8, parasound hca-855 amp and oppo 83SE is by far the best they have ever heard. i know better, but the JBLs still sound smooth and sweet.  its time to see what a modern speaker design sounds like, so after much reading, and a little listening (B&W, PSB and Maggies) i have ended up here with an order for a pair of SongTowers.  I hope Jim and all his forum followers are not all talk. i wont like something just because i researched it and bought it... so it must be the greatest deal in speaker-dom. nevertheless, i have a great feeling about those boxes that will be heading my way in a few weeks.


We're getting out ST's at the same time! Ha. It's crazy buying something from reading online with no audition, but I'm more than confident that we made the right choice! I auditioned the same three you did too.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Mudslide on 14 Oct 2013, 01:37 pm
thought this would be a good thread for my first post.  my father was the head recording engineer for RCA in Chicago in the early 70s.  he would take me to the studios at night when he had unfinished work. i used to play around with instruments left in the studios, mostly drums, with kettles being my favorite to pound on. the coolest thing i remember was the lathe room, where he would cut albums to take home to my older sister. sadly, she has given all of them away years ago.. artists like chicago, alice cooper and the guess who. ebay would have loved those one of a kind vinyls. what does that have to do with the speakers i am replacing? well, JBLs were all they had in the RCA studios at that time and my father always told me those were the ones to get when i got older and started buying my own equipment. i remember enjoying their sound in the studios. he would cue up some music off the tascam reels and give me a soldering iron with some wire to create things. my first real job at the age of 16 was used to save up for my first speakers & electronics. i bought a technics integrated, turntable and a pair of JBL L19s. i have had the L19s ever since. they are 36 years old and i still love the way they sound, especially in the mid and high freq..  a lot of non-audiophiles have told me my current stereo with an EAD Sig-8, parasound hca-855 amp and oppo 83SE is by far the best they have ever heard. i know better, but the JBLs still sound smooth and sweet.  its time to see what a modern speaker design sounds like, so after much reading, and a little listening (B&W, PSB and Maggies) i have ended up here with an order for a pair of SongTowers.  I hope Jim and all his forum followers are not all talk. i wont like something just because i researched it and bought it... so it must be the greatest deal in speaker-dom. nevertheless, i have a great feeling about those boxes that will be heading my way in a few weeks.

Fear not.  Take it from a lifelong lover of JBL's, and a constant owner of them since 1968, you will be THRILLED with the Salks.  Play your current speakers side by side with the Salks and see what you think.  BTW, I still own a variety of JBL's...but they'd be gone in an instant if I could afford to replace any of them with Jim's or Dennis' speakers...many of which I've auditioned...including A/B'ing against a variety of JBL floorstanding and shelf mounted models.

Enjoy your new toys!   :D
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: SCompRacer on 18 Nov 2013, 05:04 pm
SoundScape 8's replaced InnerSound Eros MK III's powered by InnerSound MK II active crossover bass amp and Sanders ESL amp. I had these for over 7 years and really enjoyed them. The small sweet spot was the only complaint I received when I hosted music meets. It was musical chairs to listen to your selection in the sweet spot.


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=23896)


(http://www.polkaudio.com/images/showcase/218_107_big.jpg)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=90096)
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mr_bill on 18 Nov 2013, 05:05 pm
I've heard the Kayas and talk about a small sweet spot - but in that spot was a definite wow!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Kinger on 18 Nov 2013, 08:42 pm
I like your panel stands SCompRacer.  So do those actually balance on there without any fear of tip over or do you also have them secured to the wall somehow?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: SCompRacer on 20 Nov 2013, 01:55 am
I've heard the Kayas and talk about a small sweet spot - but in that spot was a definite wow!

True that!

I like your panel stands SCompRacer.  So do those actually balance on there without any fear of tip over or do you also have them secured to the wall somehow?

Thanks Kinger! I host a music meet every now and then. I do a south and west wall setup depending on size, so I made stands instead of hanging on wall. We also have a cat. I need to take the treatments down after listening or he will bound off the behind speaker trap and jump on the stacked Tri Traps (8 feet high). Then the wife can't get him down and we all know where that is headed...lol

Here is kind of a close up. The tops are offest the amount the floor mouldings stick out from wall. The GIK's have a wood frame so they sit well. I also cut some slots to keep cables separate. That also makes it easier to clean under the cables.

(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp260/scompracer/Krell%20KSA-250/krellder.jpg) (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/scompracer/media/Krell%20KSA-250/krellder.jpg.html)

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: rocker9999 on 24 Sep 2014, 10:46 pm
Did anyone out there have Sonus Faber speakers or consider comparing some of the Sonus Faber speakers to the Salk's?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Austin08 on 24 Sep 2014, 11:42 pm
Did anyone out there have Sonus Faber speakers or consider comparing some of the Sonus Faber speakers to the Salk's?

Check page 6 of this thread.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: robcentola on 29 Sep 2014, 08:23 pm
"standard" SongTowers moved swiftly to Veracity SongTowers. :)

Will be at my door tomorrow!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Airborn on 15 Dec 2014, 10:01 am
Replaced these AV123 Strata Mini speakers and Butler TDB 3150 amp with SAS 10A pre:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=64085)

With these Salk Sound Veracity HT3's and Ncore NC 400 mono amps with W4S STP-SE pre:

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=108913)
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Audiophonicshz on 20 Dec 2014, 07:58 am
This thread has been such a treat to read.  I'm seriously thinking about replacing my Paradigm Signature front soundstage with the Soundscape system.  I currently have a pair of S6s, and a C5 front.  I'll replace them with the SS8s and the Soundscape C8.  What do you all think of how the two systems compare?  Above all I enjoy the beryllium tweeter that the Paradigm sigs have. Its a very sweet sound but I feel that they are a bit clinical/lack body and warmth.  Do the Salks fare well in those areas?  Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Rocket on 20 Dec 2014, 08:47 am
Hi,

I've been very happy with Salk Sound HT2's and in 2013 I upgraded to HT3's.  I think you really need to have a listen to the Soundscape SS8s, perhaps, at a show which Jim attends or listen to them locally. 

Cheers Rod
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: fearsome on 6 Apr 2015, 04:08 pm
Hi,
I replaced my SV Sound MTS 01 towers with a pair of Salk Songs (without the ribbon tweeters). The SV's were quite good, but not in the same class as the Songs. I'm glad I got them!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Don480 on 1 Jun 2015, 06:17 pm
True that!

Thanks Kinger! I host a music meet every now and then. I do a south and west wall setup depending on size, so I made stands instead of hanging on wall. We also have a cat. I need to take the treatments down after listening or he will bound off the behind speaker trap and jump on the stacked Tri Traps (8 feet high). Then the wife can't get him down and we all know where that is headed...lol

Hi, I am curious if you have tried mounting the acoustic treatments higher and what kind of results you got?  I currently have mine higher only because that was what I was advised at the time and not really digging what the panels are doing to my highs.  Thanks!

Here is kind of a close up. The tops are offest the amount the floor mouldings stick out from wall. The GIK's have a wood frame so they sit well. I also cut some slots to keep cables separate. That also makes it easier to clean under the cables.

(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp260/scompracer/Krell%20KSA-250/krellder.jpg) (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/scompracer/media/Krell%20KSA-250/krellder.jpg.html)


Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: SCompRacer on 1 Jun 2015, 07:36 pm
Hi, I am curious if you have tried mounting the acoustic treatments higher and what kind of results you got?  I currently have mine higher only because that was what I was advised at the time and not really digging what the panels are doing to my highs.  Thanks!


Greetings Don. I've never tried mounting them higher. Matter of fact shortly after posting that pic I removed the treatments directly behind the speakers. I had performed a room sweep and found a few dB mid range drop. Removing the panels behind the speaker restored the mids.

The SS8's are on the long wall open to the main level. Ceilings are 14', like 10,000 cubic feet for main level. This room behaves differently than enclosed rooms with walls close to both speakers. The two 12" subs are now also between the speakers and close to the wall so the 25-35Hz frequencies arrive at listening position. I really need 15" subs for the size of space, but don't play the low stuff enough to spend the coin I guess (pipe organ, dubstep). I'd love to have the 25-35Hz +- 3dB.

(http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp260/scompracer/Salk%20SoundScape%208/salk_ss8_system_10.jpg) (http://s417.photobucket.com/user/scompracer/media/Salk%20SoundScape%208/salk_ss8_system_10.jpg.html)
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: WGH on 1 Jun 2015, 08:23 pm
The Salk HT2-TL's replaced the Von Schweikert VR2's. The design is similar: 2 woofers, 1 tweeter in a quarter length transmission line design. Even though I modded the Von Schweikert's to the max squeezing every ounce of performance out of them the sound quality of the Salk's was easily head and shoulders above the VR2's in every aspect from tight bass, clear treble, imaging, midrange and cabinet fit and finish.

Wayne
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: knucklehead on 21 Jun 2015, 03:56 am
Hey everyone! My name is Ken and I have a pair of SongTowers. I might as well make my first post here answering the question of this thread - how did I come to owning Salk speakers?

My last tower speakers were the Emotiva ERT 8.3. A very good speaker in 2009 when I bought them. For 6 years I enjoyed them - its a very nice sounding speaker but do need a sub to round out the audio spectrum - that had always bothered me about so-called full range speakers. They replaced a pair of 10 year old Infinity IL40 tower speakers that I owned since new. They were 'ok' but I've heard better and decided to find something else. Which is where the ERTs came into the picture. The ERT's were a step up from the IL40's which never had that mid-bass intensity that the ERT's had. Both speakers were very good in the tweeter department. When I sold the ERT's last fall (2014) I had decided to use a pair of Emotiva ERM 6.2 bookshelf speakers and integrate them to a pair of (IMO) very good DIY 12" subs - seemed like a great idea - I could set the bookshelf speakers on the subs. That didn't work out so well - integrating two subs with bookshelf speakers is not as easy as it might seem. I'm picky when it comes to natural sounding bass - I hate 'enhanced' or 'double bass - some people like it - I do not. I decided I needed to go back to a tower speaker - specifically one that did not need a sub to 'help' them.

When a pair of used SongTowers with the OW2 tweeter came up on the Emotiva Lounge I was interested. I had already read Nuance's thread over at AVS. I have to say I was skeptical about the claims of a pair of 5" woofers making good bass response even after reading so many reviews. I'm no longer a skeptic. I decided to give them a try  anyway since the price was certainly right - and the option of buying the custom made Selah Audio 3 way center with them for 'cheap' (I'm a cheap bastard!) helped push me towards the purchase. I made the deal and 'oops' - I got an email from the seller - he'd had an accident with the L/H speaker - it would need repair and did I want to go through with it if it were sent to Salk for repair. I did. I have to say that the repair looks perfect - a crushed corner can't be easy to fix but Jim's crew is very good - I could find nothing that indicated that corner had ever been repaired. I'm mightily impressed with the fit and finish of these 4.5 year old speakers. They are finished in fireburst over curly cherry and look outstanding.

I did something with these speakers I seldom do with ANYTHING I buy - I tossed the packing boxes - these speakers aren't going anywhere! They are fantastic sounding. I am amazed at the highly refined mid and low bass on these speakers. I get a stupid grin on my face every time I fire up the preamp/amp and sit down for a listening session. It is so nice to have a pair of speakers that don't need to be paired up with a sub or two to make them sound right. I drive these Song Towers with an Emotiva XSP-1 preamp and an old but very good sounding Onkyo/Integra M-504 stereo amp. Its a dual mono design - the only thing the two channels share is the chassis and the 110v line in. Oh - and it has some really beautiful green watt meters.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: ccssid on 12 Jul 2015, 02:40 am
Had Wilson watt III / Puppy II.  Replaced with Salk S.S.8.....  Wonderful improvement with my room setup.  And more Importantly: WAF.  She loves Jim's finishes.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: desertrider on 10 Jul 2016, 04:30 pm
Hey guys. My decision to purchase Salks was about a year in the making, but was accelerated 4 months ago when wifey and I decided to sell our house and buy new. The new build allowed me to do a proper Atmos setup (getting 4 pre-wires done in the ceiling) and a couple extra sub runs from the back of the room when/if I decide to get a second sub. Sooo, I started auditioning about 1-2 pairs per week. I listened to everything I possibly could, and continually being disappointed (surprisingly, to me at least). A few brands I just didnt care for, including B&W's (CM10's up to 803 Diamonds). After many auditions, the only pair that really sounded nice to me were the Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 and the Olympica series. but...THE PRICE! Couldnt justify it with wifey.

Ive been a member at AVS  Forum and a lurker at Audioholics and here for quite some time. And the one speaker that always has bugged me was the Salks. Ive not read one bad review, and Jim has settled himself in the hifi world as a master. Sooooo....I pulled the trigger like most of you all, un-auditioned. Ordered a pair of Song3's and a Songcenter RT. Right now theyre about 50% done. The funny thing, with all of the cabinet options the ONLY one wifey would agree to is silk black LOL. She said it will match the rest of your gear. OK, OK, twist my arm lol.

Im not replacing as nice of speakers as many of you, a pair of Polk RTI10's and a CSIA6 center. I think this is a major upgrade! The new Salks will be powered by an Emotive XPA 2, and XPA 200 for the center.

Excited to be part of the Salk family!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Miney on 21 Dec 2016, 12:15 am
These SilkTowers (adopted from a loving home; thanks mintchris!) replaced a 13 year-old pair of B&W CDM7-NTs....

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=152621)
note: they're really not so orange - lighting is low, and iPhone camera used).


Executive Summary:  Not a fair fight....  The SilkTowers knocked the B&Ws out of the park.

I bought these sight and sound unseen after several years of drooling on this forum.  Now that they're in my house, the looks alone more than justify the price... but as soon as the needle drops POOF they disappear, wrapping the music completely around my soul.  Incredibly clean and clear, top to bottom.  And speaking of bottom, much more punch. Awash with detail, each instrument is incredibly distinct.  And yes, true to the source.

Anyhoo.... happy to demo them to prospective Salk buyers (zip 19565). I'd also recommend a visit to Jim's shop... meeting he and Mary was even more priceless than seeing and hearing the magic of his ways.

Cheers!
Paul
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Big Red Machine on 21 Dec 2016, 01:09 am
This is what is sad about the mainstream audio followers: a Salk speaker is so much better than so many mass marketed speakers it isn't even funny. Not the best speakers on the planet, and not intended to be, but so much better than speakers 2x and 3x the price. Get the word out. Let's make Jim a millionaire!! :thumb:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: putz on 21 Dec 2016, 01:46 am
These SilkTowers (adopted from a loving home; thanks mintchris!) replaced a 13 year-old pair of B&W CDM7-NTs....

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=152621)
note: they're really not so orange - lighting is low, and iPhone camera used).



Love the finish on these. Now you need to match the molding to it. It will complete the room.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mresseguie on 21 Dec 2016, 02:11 am
These SilkTowers (adopted from a loving home; thanks mintchris!) replaced a 13 year-old pair of B&W CDM7-NTs....

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=152621)
note: they're really not so orange - lighting is low, and iPhone camera used).


Executive Summary:  Not a fair fight....  The SilkTowers knocked the B&Ws out of the park.

I bought these sight and sound unseen after several years of drooling on this forum.  Now that they're in my house, the looks alone more than justify the price... but as soon as the needle drops POOF they disappear, wrapping the music completely around my soul.  Incredibly clean and clear, top to bottom.  And speaking of bottom, much more punch. Awash with detail, each instrument is incredibly distinct.  And yes, true to the source.

Anyhoo.... happy to demo them to prospective Salk buyers (zip 19565). I'd also recommend a visit to Jim's shop... meeting he and Mary was even more priceless than seeing and hearing the magic of his ways.

Cheers!
Paul

Paul,

What veneer was used for these speakers? I just love burls and other similar woods.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: JerryM on 21 Dec 2016, 02:55 am
Paul,

What veneer was used for these speakers? I just love burls and other similar woods.

Michael,

Check out this Thread (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=147457.msg1577218#msg1577218).
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: screener on 22 Dec 2017, 12:22 am
I'm sitting here admiring the finish on my Veracity ST. They replaced a pair of Songtowers RT I purchased in 2010. The Veracitys arrived 2 years ago.
A little late to the party but heh it's the Holidays.

Enjoy everyone.


Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: birbygdad on 7 Jan 2018, 02:04 pm
Well, thanks to Jim and his crew my walnut Song 3 Speakers will be here Tuesday! Yahoo! I will report on them ASAP but I know they will be awesome. In the long ago I started in this music listening hobby with AR 5s, then AR 3as, along with Dynaco A 25s. I had a brief dalliance with Bose 901s in those days. Along the way I had for a long time some Maggie’s (MG 1), then some kit built small speakers which I still have. I also have some refurbed Ohm 2.2000s in the tv room. There have also been some Paradigms along the way (7se and minimonitors). I’ve spread these out over the family. My plan is for the Song3 to be my last Speakers! I’m 70! Ha!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: ErichGS on 28 Jan 2018, 09:03 am
Have Salk HTS MTMs right now.  Those will move to the rear and have a set of SS8s and an SS7c on order.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: DFpritchard on 31 Jan 2018, 07:24 pm
I am new to Audiocircle.  Just ordered a pair of Salk Song3, largely base on impressions shared on this forum.  The Song3s replace Bluenote Ducale monitors I bought used but found WAY too bright, almost glass-like in the higher frequencies.  The Ducales use a ceramic tweeter from Accuton, so the RAAL in the Song3s should improve that listening experience.  Prior to the Bluenotes, I had Harbeth monitors driven by McIntosh integrated.  Great British boxes, but not quite as symphonic (depth of soundstage, placement of instruments) in presentation as I like.  Before the Harbeths, I had Sonus Faber Amatis, which were as rewarding to listen to as they were to see.  The SF Amatis are power hungry but performed well driven by Levinson 432.  Looking forward to the Song3 which will be driven by a Parasound Halo integrated.  Still listening to the same music, and expecting great things from the Song3 especially with voice (Eva Cassidy a real favorite).   
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: birbygdad on 6 Feb 2018, 07:02 pm
As I posted elsewhere on this circle, I have received my Song3 speakers. As others have said they look terrific and music sounds just right through them. They are very well worth the wait. There is a synergy at play with the cabinet, the drivers and the crossover that allows one to enjoy old recordings all over again. And yes, Eva Cassidy was indeed a magnificent talent.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Branson4020 on 23 Oct 2018, 09:00 pm
The veracity STs I am now waiting for will replace some Klipsch Fortes, vintage 1987.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: rmdtexas on 29 Nov 2018, 08:41 pm
Hi,
 just ordered Song 3 BeAT's to replace Monitor Audio Silver RX-6 which were temporary replacements for a pair of Magnepan 1.6s that finally died after many years of constant use.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: TransportPlanner on 30 Nov 2018, 12:30 pm
My Silks (used, but with new dark walnut cabinets... how many speaker manufacturers will do that?! :D ) will replace some Tannoy Monitor Gold 10"s (LSU/HF/III.LZ/8), vintage c.1970. The Tannoys, very kindly gifted from my parents, were really meant as a bit of a stop-gap; I was originally planning to buy some ProAc D2 speakers or something similar, but after reading about the Silks, I decided to go with them instead.
I actually like the Tannoys too much to sell them (especially as you can't pick up another decent pair that easily now), so I might get the crossovers rebuilt/upgraded and banana plug terminals installed, and use them in a secondary system at some point. They're quite detailed but a little on the bright side with my current Chord DAC/Primare set-up, so I would probably pair them with a tube amp in future. Plus, they just don't provide enough bass for movie watching, which is probably at least 50% of my system use...

Very excited to get my Silks soon and explore newfound reaches of high-fidelity sound!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: bwcarpe on 1 Dec 2018, 09:08 pm
I replaced my NHT 2.5i's with the Song3 Encore after listening to them 2 years in a row at RMAF.  My son gets the NHT's and I get an upgrade.  Isn't that called a win-win?  Happy to have joined the Salk Sound cult!

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=187489)

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Joe Frances on 8 Feb 2019, 05:18 pm
My Silks (used, but with new dark walnut cabinets... how many speaker manufacturers will do that?! :D ) will replace some Tannoy Monitor Gold 10"s (LSU/HF/III.LZ/8), vintage c.1970. The Tannoys, very kindly gifted from my parents, were really meant as a bit of a stop-gap; I was originally planning to buy some ProAc D2 speakers or something similar, but after reading about the Silks, I decided to go with them instead.
I actually like the Tannoys too much to sell them (especially as you can't pick up another decent pair that easily now), so I might get the crossovers rebuilt/upgraded and banana plug terminals installed, and use them in a secondary system at some point. They're quite detailed but a little on the bright side with my current Chord DAC/Primare set-up, so I would probably pair them with a tube amp in future. Plus, they just don't provide enough bass for movie watching, which is probably at least 50% of my system use...

Very excited to get my Silks soon and explore newfound reaches of high-fidelity sound!

Transport Planner:  Did you get your Silks?  What do you think?  Could you give us "Doubting Thomases" a good non-professional's opinion/review so that we can make the choice in lieu of say something from ProAc or Harbeth?  Not that you have to know those speakers, but that you think the Silks are long-term keepers for those of us who want a monitor that has a nice open non-fatiguing sound that works in smaller spaces....Thanks,
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: TransportPlanner on 13 Feb 2019, 12:29 pm
Transport Planner:  Did you get your Silks?  What do you think?  Could you give us "Doubting Thomases" a good non-professional's opinion/review so that we can make the choice in lieu of say something from ProAc or Harbeth?  Not that you have to know those speakers, but that you think the Silks are long-term keepers for those of us who want a monitor that has a nice open non-fatiguing sound that works in smaller spaces....Thanks,

Hi Joe (or should I say, perhaps this forum's longest lurker  :wink: )... I received them in December, and they both look and sound fantastic.
Initially, I was running them with a Primare i22 (80W@8ohm), which as Jim told me, will run them, but be a bit on the underpowered side. What surprised me was how this manifested itself. While I had to crank the volume dial moderately high to get decent volume in the room (particularly for movies), I actually still got good amounts of bass, just about without clipping, and the highs were crystal clear. What left me a bit disappointed was that vocals seemed recessed and nasal.
Thankfully, I got a fantastic trade-in offer on a Primare i32 (120W@8ohm), and so I snapped it up. Well, what can I say, this transformed the experience! For the first hour, I just said "wow" with each new song I played. To my great surprise, the greatest difference was with the vocals... instead of being recessed, they now seem to pop out into the room, and sound much fuller and richer! Furthermore, the imaging and soundstage were both noticeably better - the soundstage often seems to extend past the speakers, while imaging is really good. I'm not sure whether all these changes are simply due to having more power on tap, or whether the i32 perhaps has a bit of a warmer, fuller sonic character anyway, but either way, I'm not complaining. It just leaves me wondering now if the Primare i35 (150W@8ohm) might give a further improvement of almost the same amount... an expensive thought!!
To be honest, I'm now really happy with my setup as it stands. I may consider a further amp upgrade down the line, but I can say that it already sounds fantastic as-is. I would say that, as long as you are willing to spend the money on an amp that's powerful enough, you will absolutely be happy with buying some Silks!

What perhaps came as most surprise to me was just how good they are with watching films. While buying them (combined with a Spotify Premium account) has increased the amount of music I listen to, the biggest plus is how good films now sound. The bass really is fantastic. They might have been designed for apartments, but let me assure you, my friend came to visit on a Saturday night, and we watched The Dark Knight at what might be described as "cinematic" volume levels. My friend commented every time there was some action - you could literally FEEL the thud as Batman punches someone, for example. Sure enough, halfway through the film, my upstairs neighbour sends me a polite text asking me to lower the volume a bit... oops!  :duh:

The only thing that the Silks seem to struggle with a little bit so far is the shootout scene in Heat. This may be due to just needing even more power... or perhaps the gunshots are too fast and sharp for the Illuminators to manage with well. But this is probably the about the hardest movie scene to reproduce well for most speakers/audio set-ups. Perhaps Jim can offer some insight here...

Either way, I'm not disappointed at all with the Silks, and get great enjoyment from listening to them. I think that you will, too  :wink:
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: RonN5 on 6 Mar 2019, 03:20 pm
For the past six years, I enjoyed the lively, big soundstage, you are there presentation of the Tekton Lores.  Nevertheless, I had a growing list of speakers that for various reasons, I wanted to try, including; small Maggies, Ohm Walsh, Spatial Audio open baffle, Salk RAALs, Tekton’s new mid/tweeter array.  And seemingly, the list kept growing which made it hard to make a change.

Fifty miles away, another Audio Circle member had purchased his 4th pair of Salks, the Songtower3 BeAT, which meant that his 3rd pair, the Veracity STs had to go in order to make space.  I don’t know why, but when I saw his posting, I contacted him, went to his house to listen, persuaded him to bring them to my house, and before long, after my own posting on Audio Circle, the Lores were in boxes headed to a new home in Dayton .

I positioned STs about where the Lores had been; 3’ out from the rear wall, 10’ apart and with the listening position 11’ back.  The room is big, 12,000 cubic feet, open concept, 10’ ceilings, drywall, glass, ceramic tile with throw rugs, furniture, wall hangings and window treatments.   It’s slightly live, but having 20’ open behind the listening position helps to counteract reflections so I never felt the need to add special acoustic treatments.

Being only 8” wide and 42” tall the Veracity STs aren’t very imposing. Cue up the music and hit play, and you might be a little concerned that you will be underwhelmed. WRONG!

The RAAL tweeter imparts planar/electrostatic clarity and tonal accuracy while the Seas midwoofers provide the dynamics of a cone speaker. The low end is powerful and deep... so much so that you can’t believe that two 6” drivers can do what they are doing. Bass definition is excellent... bass guitar and standup bass notes are easily distinguishable.

The midrange is detailed without a hint of bite... pianos really sound like pianos... guitar strings, mandolins, violins are just sweet and the clarity is right on.

The top end is open, airy, clear and detailed...the tone/pitch of snares and cymbals are perfect, so are triangles, xylophones, and drum rim shots.

Voices are beautifully and clearly presented, no glare, in a word, ‘captivating’.

I’m “feeding” the STs with an Oppo 205 into a Power Modules Belles 22a tube/mosfet hybrid into a Parasound Halo 23.  The sweet spot is a 2-3 feet wide and the vertical dispersion 11’ back is good... stand up and the top end doesn’t disappear.  No HT duty…only music.

The soundstage is massive... extending 5’ beyond the speakers left and right with excellent depth and believable height and instrument size.  Presentation is about 5 rows back.  These are NOT boxy sounding speakers in any way, they completely disappear.

Needless to say, my enjoyment level has gone up significantly.  Not only am I listening more because the STs just sound so darn good, but the visual pleasure is a huge and unexpected bonus.  The Veracity STs ooze care and craftsmanship.  It is like having a beautiful piece of art that makes you smile every time you walk by it. 

Two thumbs up, much appreciated and definitely worth your consideration!


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=191658)


Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Joe Frances on 9 Mar 2019, 07:53 pm
My Silks (used, but with new dark walnut cabinets... how many speaker manufacturers will do that?! :D ) will replace some Tannoy Monitor Gold 10"s (LSU/HF/III.LZ/8), vintage c.1970. The Tannoys, very kindly gifted from my parents, were really meant as a bit of a stop-gap; I was originally planning to buy some ProAc D2 speakers or something similar, but after reading about the Silks, I decided to go with them instead.
I actually like the Tannoys too much to sell them (especially as you can't pick up another decent pair that easily now), so I might get the crossovers rebuilt/upgraded and banana plug terminals installed, and use them in a secondary system at some point. They're quite detailed but a little on the bright side with my current Chord DAC/Primare set-up, so I would probably pair them with a tube amp in future. Plus, they just don't provide enough bass for movie watching, which is probably at least 50% of my system use...

Very excited to get my Silks soon and explore newfound reaches of high-fidelity sound!


Hi TP:

I am not sure you check this Forum very often any more, but on the off chance, now that you have had your Silks for awhile, and considering your prior experience with Harbeths, I was wondering if you could tell us how you like the Silks, and how they compare to the other speakers you have owned?

JF
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: MiamiAngler on 2 Apr 2019, 02:34 am
Made a huge leap in speakers, replaced my 7 year old KEF LS50’s with Song3 BeATS.   The KEF’s served me well with a Paradyn sub.  Nice affordable combo that did well with jazz music.   The BeATs are incredible speakers, the Beryllium tweeter and Audio Technology midrange have really impressed me.   Great bass from a front ported speaker that sits close to the wall.    I have bought my last pair of speakers.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mevans on 14 Apr 2019, 01:28 am
I'm new and seeking advice.  I've only recently discovered the Salk company and am giving serious consideration to purchasing my first pair, the SS9.5s.  I currently listen to Proac Response 3's, which I believe date from the early 90s.  Has technology advanced sufficiently with regard to music reproduction in the last 25 years to justify updating my speakers?   I am a lay person (retired lawyer) who doesn't know anything of electronics but enjoys listening to music.  As a lay person, today's drivers don't appear to vary significantly from mine - dome tweeter, cone woofer.  As I don't expect to get the chance to make a side-by-side comparison, can anyone explain the nature of the advancements that have been made over these years?

By the way, if any members live in the DC area and wish to catch up for a beer, or sit in a casual poker game, please let me know.

Mark Evans
Falls Church

Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: DFpritchard on 14 Apr 2019, 05:57 pm
Welcome to the forum.  Though a forum newbie myself, I have found the discussions herein to be informative, honest and occasionally helpful.  Like yourself, I did not know of Salk speakers, had never heard them, but bought a pair of Song3s last year largely because of the discourse on this site.  The experience has been uniformly positive, in terms of the quality of music and the incredible craftsmanship (very important to me) of the Salk line.  I know that materials in the various speaker elements have changed somewhat, as have design approaches to crossovers.  That said, I have no idea, qualitatively, what these changes/advances mean in the context of speaker sound.  There is some discussion of the evolution of speaker materials, and hw that translates to speaker performance, on the Salk website (e.g., Beryllium in a tweeter, use of Alnic magnets).  What I do know from my own experience is that, without question, my hearing has changed over the last 30+ years.  That may be the bigger factor in determining whether to replace the excellent ProAc Response speakers with Salk speakers or anything else.  What are you listening to? Source: Cds, SACDs, streaming, vinyl?  What about amplification?  As I recall, the ProAcs were pretty power-hungry.  The SS9.5s may be less so but you still want to consider listening levels.  What do you want out of speakers: soundstage, depth, imaging, flat-line frequency response, bass, 'loudness', beauty (a very real part of the Salk experience, though it has nothing to do with how the speakers sound.  Take a look at the gallery on the Salk website.  Works of art.)?  I think these and other psychoacoustic considerations will provide context for the physics of the replies about materials that other, more learned members will provide.  Enjoy the process.     
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mevans on 14 Apr 2019, 07:29 pm
DF--

Thanks for the thoughtful and thorough response.

I agree 100% that the Salks are works of art.  And, I share your view that the appearance of speakers is extremely important, perhaps as much so as the music.

To be honest, I listen mostly to the Sirius/XM 'elevator' music channel, Escape.  But, every now and again when my wife is out, I put on some cd's, find my favorite chair, and crank up the system.  I listen to 60s pop but also jazz and blues.  Never developed much of a taste for classical.  System powered by two Adcom 5400 amps, one for each speaker.

I can't really speak to sonic features I'm looking for.  More a matter of knowing what I like when I hear it.  Actually, I've probably not seriously auditioned any other speakers since buying my Proacs maybe 20 years ago (or more).

I think I probably need to audition the SS9.5s.  I believe Salk will be at a show in the DC area in November.

Mark
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: golddustpeak on 2 Jan 2020, 01:58 pm
I'm in the process of changing my system from a pair of Lowther Medallions driven by SET 45s, to a pair of SS 6Ms driven by a MC 240.

My wife hates the appearance of the Medallions and has helped pick out the veneer for the SS 6Ms so I'm hoping that she will be happier.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: GM1055 on 16 Jan 2020, 06:16 pm
I bought the Salk Song3Beat,got them in late July of 2019. I'm having a hard time getting any decent bass out of them. I have tried everything, to cables different amps,preamps,Isoacoustics footers,maple platforms. I don't know what to do anymore.  Gary
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Delta77 on 16 Jan 2020, 09:21 pm
I bought the Salk Song3Beat,got them in late July of 2019. I'm having a hard time getting any decent bass out of them. I have tried everything, to cables different amps,preamps,Isoacoustics footers,maple platforms. I don't know what to do anymore.  Gary

I just ordered a Decware Z-Rock-2 in hopes of adding low to mid bass in my system..(3-4 month wait)..
my system is a little bass shy at low to mid volumes..

Don't know if it's going to work for my needs..
It’s nearly impossible to find one on the used market..
If it doesn't work for my needs , it should sell in a hurry..
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mresseguie on 17 Jan 2020, 12:38 am
I bought the Salk Song3Beat,got them in late July of 2019. I'm having a hard time getting any decent bass out of them. I have tried everything, to cables different amps,preamps,Isoacoustics footers,maple platforms. I don't know what to do anymore.  Gary

Gary,

Post a couple photos of your listening room and tell us the dimensions of your listening room plus any adjoining side rooms/spaces. My original listening room was designed by a sadist who must have invested serious time and effort to design a bass sucking/midrange destroying space. My wife - after 3+ years of my groveling - allowed me to relocate my system to our formal living room.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: GM1055 on 17 Jan 2020, 01:02 pm
Thank you for your reply, but I have had several speakers in that room,Focal 948 Aria,Tekton Pendragons, Ushers, Egglestonworks, they sounded good in there.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: NINaudio on 18 Feb 2020, 04:09 am
Will be replacing my venerable Boston Acoustics Lynnfield VR 950 towers and VR10 center with Song 3's and a Song 3 center.   :D
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Ledhead26 on 8 Oct 2020, 12:41 am
Replaced a pair of Aerial Acoustics 7T with a new pair of Salk BeATs and couldn’t be happier!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: someguy on 16 Nov 2020, 03:09 am
First Salk purchase: replaced the non-existent low end of my Kef R300 with a Salk Rythmik 12 Subwoofer. I love it.
Second Salk purchase: replaced the built in speakers on my dad's tv with a self-powered Salk SongTower. He loves it.
Third Salk purchase: replaced the Kef R300's with Veracity ST's. I strongly assume I will love them.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: senna1a on 22 Jan 2021, 01:36 am
Replaced NHT 3.3’s (relegated to 2nd system) - picked up an original set of Veracity HT3’s. Couldn’t be happier.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: almostbuff on 22 Jan 2021, 03:15 am
@Ledhead26 - The Aerial Acoustics 7T is a pretty impressive speaker.  I auditioned a pair years ago and was impressed.  I have some 3A Beats on order.  Can you elaborate on the differences and what you like more about the Beats? 
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: wilbur_the_goose on 6 Mar 2021, 12:59 pm
Replacing Paradigm Studio 100 v5.  It's a very good speaker, but the Salk is in a different league.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: thedudeabides on 1 Apr 2021, 09:03 pm
Unlikely to replace them but I may soon compare a pair of Salk’s to PBN Montana SPi’s, which would be a tough test indeed... they are basically my “forever” speakers... I have preferred their sound even to newer PBN’s. Super clear midrange, abundant tight bass and sweet highs. Should be interesting!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Savheagle on 4 Sep 2021, 01:23 pm
New to the forum...pretty jacked up!  Been reading up on lots of speakers and really captivated by Salk and reviews from owners. Bought Wharfedale Lintons in March...they replaced 34 year old Phase Techs and even older B&O bookshelfs.  Drove 15 hours, one way, to listen to BeAT's and the white Veracity's available on website.  Really enjoyed meeting Jim, Mary and getting the tour.  Love the Song3 BeATs!! Gave Jim a check before driving back South and look forward to going back in March, probably, to pick them up! Thanks to all of you and your comments about the speakers or never would have made the drive to listen!  I know will be BIG upgrade from the Lintons!
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Yrage on 13 Sep 2021, 02:06 pm
New to the forum. I recently purchased a pair of Veracity ST monitors.  I have owned several speakers over years and these are special. These replaced a pair of Alta Rhea. What a difference! The Veracity’s are in a class above the Altas, in every aspect. Clarity, detail (specially in the midrange), overall sound quality.
Only have less than 75 hours on them,  can’t wait until I get more time on them.
Thank you Jim.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: bbslo on 1 Dec 2021, 09:04 pm
After moving into a house with a much larger open concept living room/kitchen, I replaced my (new to me) Totem Rainmakers with (new to me) Salk Songtower QWT. Though I think the Rainmakers are a great speaker, the Salks provide better sound in the larger room and, as a speaker that costs about twice as much as the Rainmaker, is notably better across the board. The Totem tweeter is a double-edged sword that does provide some extra sparkle sometimes, but also can be too bright occasionally. I had been intrigued by Salk Sound and Philharmonic Audio for many years and I'm so happy to finally have a chance to enjoy to the Songtowers.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: Mariusz Uszynski on 1 Dec 2021, 09:10 pm
I replaced 16 year old NHT with Dynaudio X44.I'm very happy with the upgrade.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: tofuman on 13 Dec 2021, 09:33 pm
Dunlavy IVA
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: strat95 on 14 Dec 2021, 06:29 am
Dunlavy IVA

Curious, what were they replaced with?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: tofuman on 14 Dec 2021, 07:41 pm
SS 9.5
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: strat95 on 14 Dec 2021, 09:56 pm
SS 9.5

Very nice!!  Would you please provide some insight into the improvements?
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: mr_bill on 14 Dec 2021, 11:28 pm
Loved the Dunlavy IV except for size.
The SS 9.5 must be really good
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: tofuman on 16 Dec 2021, 05:46 am
I had the IVs (Blk) initially which I replaced with the IVAs (Nat Oak).
Sonicaly the IVAs are superior to the IV in every way especially driver integration.
Of course the IVA was priced twice as much, $8000 vs $4000.
Both IV & IVA are 6' tall and weigh 180lbs each.
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: rajsma on 17 Dec 2023, 03:48 am
Replaced Paradigm Studio 100 with Song Tower
Title: Re: What speakers did you replace?
Post by: KaseyC on 28 Dec 2023, 01:54 pm
Good Morning from a rainy Kalamazoo MI!

Although, I'm from Lansing, visiting Kalamazoo for business for a few days.  Well, I bought a used pair of SongTowers from a fellow enthusiast in Lansing yesterday.  I brought them home and A/Bd them against a pair of Vienna Acoustic Bach towers.  I can't believe the difference.  I thought the Bach's were a decent speaker but OMG.  The STs just opened up and made the Bach's sound horrible.  I suspect the source choice has a bit to do with it.  But with Pseudo Jazz (Al DiMeola, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, Peter Autscbach Projekt, etc.) and any well recorded rock/pop - the image was just outstanding.  The Bach midrange just felt constrained.  I use an A/B switch for two speaker sets and two receiver/amps to manage HT vs. stereo listening with a Cambridge CXA81/CXC transport.  I've been a TL fan since the mid '70s when I first listened to a set of IMF Studio Monitors.  TLs are getting difficult to find - so I jumped on a pair in our local Lansing market.  Another check off the bucket list! :D