AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: a63vette on 19 Dec 2020, 10:33 am
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I don’t believe I’ve seen a “Waiting room” thread here - if ok with jim thought it would be fun. Currently have a pair of Song 3s in silver Gray burst over maple that were assembled yesterday. These will replace my WOW1s in our new living room. Can’t wait, I’ve wanted 3 way speakers since I was a kid putting together a Hafler kit. Embarrassed to say how often I check the tracker lol.
Anybody else?
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I have a pair of Jim’s new Soungtower II on order. I have always felt the original Songtowers were one of the best audio values ever. If the new ones are better yet, they should be spectacular.
Frank
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I have a set of Encore's on order that I'm very excited about. Won't reveal the details about them just yet. I'm currently 7 weeks in and am at 23% completion. And all I can say right now is that the suspense is killing me! Also embarrassed to say how often I check my status daily.
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This is a fun topic for a thread as I know what you’re all going through!
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Yep, for sure I remember what the wait was like. Once my Soundscape 8 order was placed the weeks seemed to slow down. Was very difficult to not check on the progress!
Jeff
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The waiting...is the hardest part.
T.P.
RIP
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Hello Salksters. This is my first post here.
I am anxiously waiting for the completion of a pair of Salk BMR Monitors in curly maple, dyed rose red. I've had many different speakers since my first system in 1980. However, these BMRs will be my first to not be purchased second-hand, or otherwise deeply discounted.
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A follow-up to my post above.
There is a sticky topic to tell what speakers you are replacing with Salks. I'm waiting to chime in there until I get my BMRs and can compare them to my trusty Bowers & Wilkins DM602 mains. I really like my B&Ws. The tweeters failed from playing Tidal, volume differences when a non-MQA song was followed by a (much louder) MQA encoded song... I took the opportunity to upgrade to the better OEM tweeter w/ wave guide.
My sub is a Rythmik F15HP.
Amp is a Denon AVR-X5200W, was rated 140 watts @ 8 ohms. I hope it will drive the BMRs to descent levels. My current speakers are slightly more efficient but my critical listening is practically near-field at 10' to 11'.
My system does home theater duty but music is what I care about most. My main source of music is Amazon HD on a MacBook via USB to a S.M.S.L. M500 DAC. I used to listen to more vinyl but the ease and the selection of music streaming has won me over.
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Wheeeew. Well, I'm just 4 days away from 4 months since my order/deposit. And I'm just at 29% completion. Where that puts me on the jobs completed is "Cabinets Veneered". Man. I was WAY OFF on forecasting the approximate completion of these. Heck, I maybe looking at getting these around Spring when I want to be outside (eek!)!
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In 2 weeks, it will be 6 months since my order was placed. The final topcoat completed almost 2 weeks ago, but still no assembly reported.
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Feel for you guys with the long wait times. Good thing is that once you do take delivery you'll have that pride in ownership of some of the finest looking (and sounding) loudspeakers for the price and it will be custom to you as opposed to the same thing everyone else has.
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Not waiting any more, got my new Songtower II speakers last week. They are awesome.
These are the first pair Jim showed here thus the short wait time.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220752)
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Not waiting any more, got my new Songtower II speakers last week. They are awesome.
These are the first pair Jim showed here thus the short wait time.
I'm ~8 weeks into my Songtower II wait so I have a way to go.
I got to hear Frank's yesterday briefly though. They sound very nice! :thumb:
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I enjoy this thread as misery (the misery caused by the wait for our new speakers) loves company.
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Hello,
First time post. Two weeks in for a pair of Song3 Beats in Piano Black. Based on the previous posts I will need to be patient, but the end product will make it all worthwhile. Status at 23%.........
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Not waiting any more, got my new Songtower II speakers last week. They are awesome.
These are the first pair Jim showed here thus the short wait time.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=220752)
Looking good. i bet you didn't think two 5" drivers could go that low. And good to see your Phil 3's again. I always thought those were the nicest pair my original cabinet builder did.
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'First time post. Two weeks in for a pair of Song3 Beats in Piano Black. Based on the previous posts I will need to be patient, but the end product will make it all worthwhile. Status at 23%.........'
So you know, everyone gets to 23% quickly, myself included with Song3 Encores. That's just cabinet cut and glue up. Those next steps for veneering and finishing are what take a major dose of patience. Especially for special veneers or finishes. But, as a soon to be two time owner of Salks I can definitely say the wait is well worth it. At least Jim is up front about lead time so you know before you take the plunge how sorely your patience will be tested. :-)
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Yep, no issues in waiting for a great set of speakers. Congrats on the Encore speakers! Would love to hear what those sound like one day.
To pass the time the wife has us working on a kitchen remodel for our home. That should keep me distracted for a while. :D
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I ordered a set of Song3 Encores and a matching SS 7C in the middle of January. Should I be worried that they are still only at 11% (Deposit Accepted)?
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Song3 BeAT's on order here...they just left Lake Orion, MI via FedEx headed my way. It did take around 6 months to build them, but I feel confident it will be worth it. I eventually stopped checking and kinda put it out of my mind, but then towards the end, the progress meter really started moving fast in my case. Before I knew it I got a tracking number. I love to consider the fact that before I placed my order these speakers did not exist and they were custom-built to order.
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Song3 BeAT's on order here...they just left Lake Orion, MI via FedEx headed my way. It did take around 6 months to build them, but I feel confident it will be worth it. I eventually stopped checking and kinda put it out of my mind, but then towards the end, the progress meter really started moving fast in my case. Before I knew it I got a tracking number. I love to consider the fact that before I placed my order these speakers did not exist and they were custom-built to order.
No worries - I was in the deposit stage for a couple of months :D
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Hi Dennis.
Yes I am surprised with the deep reach and tonal accuracy of the woofers in my new Songtower II speakers. The Phily 3s are better yet but at one third the price the Songtower IIs are formidable!
I always thought that the original Songtowers were the absolute best value speaker Jim makes. Although I have not heard many of his more recent products, I suspect the Songtower II is a strong contender to keep this rating.
To be short, I absolutely love these speakers and they are getting better and better as I play more music with them. Strongly recommended.
Frank
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Hi Frank Glad to hear i didn't mess up the Song Tower lineup. Of course, the Phil 3's are still the bass
champs--22 Hz vs 34 Hz for the ST's--but the new ST's go almost 10 Hz lower than the originals with the Seas ER15 woofer. They're about equal to the BMR's, but with much higher sensitivity.
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Just ordered a pair of Song 3 today.Walnut with burst edges. Jim was super helpful and really nice.Now the wait begins.
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Just ordered a pair of Song 3 today.Walnut with burst edges. Jim was super helpful and really nice.Now the wait begins.
I remember ordering my first pair from Jim in 2010. A pair of Song Towers with the RAAL tweeter. Special stainless screws with a veneer he said that he had that I would like. Sight unseen. And at no additional cost. When I received them I was delighted with his choice. I still own them today and they sound wonderful!
Thanks Jim!
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I have a VERACITY HT2C in black satin on order. I chose black so the speaker "disappears" visually when watching TV. Order placed on March 5, so it'll be a while... But definitely worth it based on my experience with my new (to me) used Song3 BeATs I purchased.
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My order's at 52% now!
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Work and home projects have had me pretty busy these past few weeks that I forgot to check on the status of the speakers. I was happy to see that the progress moved up slightly to 29%. :D
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Just ordered what I am telling myself is my LAST pair of speakers, Song3 Encore 9.5. Now trying to finalize finish. I am super excited.
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Just ordered what I am telling myself is my LAST pair of speakers, Song3 Encore 9.5. Now trying to finalize finish. I am super excited.
Never say LAST, but I don’t see myself ever changing out my Encores :thumb:
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Never say LAST, but I don’t see myself ever changing out my Encores :thumb:
What made you decide on Encores? What finish did you select?
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What made you decide on Encores? What finish did you select?
I auditioned the SS 8’s and the Exotica 3’s at Jim’s and regret not splurging for the E 3’s he took on the show circuit, even though they were over my budget. While I was in analysis paralysis, he launched the Song 3’s, which had me thinking of a return trip to his shop. Then when he launched the Song 3 Encores and after all the reviews I read about them, I gambled and placed my order for them without the audition.
I really wanted the bass punch that the Satori 9.5 delivers, which it does, hands down. Fantastic sounding and very budget friendly to boot.
While I marvel in awe at some of the incredible veneers that people choose, I’m one to admire the beauty of simple straight grained wood.
I went with straight grained Walnut, dyed orange. The pics don’t do them justice, but to my eyes, they’re like a Harden dining room table or a Kittenger desk. Simple, Classic and will never go out of style or will I ever get tired of looking at.
It’s an understated value of Jim and his team’s work, I just love to look at them and polishing them is a joy.
I think the speaker would be more popular in my opinion if the Eton mid didn’t look visually smaller than the tweeter above it, I actually emailed Jim about pulling it and spray painting the outer metal ring silver to visually increase the appearance of its size. I haven’t gotten around to this yet, but will someday.
I predict you will be very happy with your decision...
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177194)
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Thanks so much for taking the time to write this post. Like you, I really want the bass punch. My new home has 12 foot ceilings and I want room filling sound and bass I can feel (for when I am in that kind of mood). I was pretty sure I knew what I wanted when I ordered. bamboo with a black baffle. Now I am thinking silver/gray dyes and either a black or gray baffle. However, again, like you. I like things simple and classic. timeless which brings me back to oak or walnut.
I auditioned the SS 8’s and the Exotica 3’s at Jim’s and regret not splurging for the E 3’s he took on the show circuit, even though they were over my budget. While I was in analysis paralysis, he launched the Song 3’s, which had me thinking of a return trip to his shop. Then when he launched the Song 3 Encores and after all the reviews I read about them, I gambled and placed my order for them without the audition.
I really wanted the bass punch that the Satori 9.5 delivers, which it does, hands down. Fantastic sounding and very budget friendly to boot.
While I marvel in awe at some of the incredible veneers that people choose, I’m one to admire the beauty of simple straight grained wood.
I went with straight grained Walnut, dyed orange. The pics don’t do them justice, but to my eyes, they’re like a Harden dining room table or a Kittenger desk. Simple, Classic and will never go out of style or will I ever get tired of looking at.
It’s an understated value of Jim and his team’s work, I just love to look at them and polishing them is a joy.
I think the speaker would be more popular in my opinion if the Eton mid didn’t look visually smaller than the tweeter above it, I actually emailed Jim about pulling it and spray painting the outer metal ring silver to visually increase the appearance of its size. I haven’t gotten around to this yet, but will someday.
I predict you will be very happy with your decision...
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177194)
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Those encores are beautiful!
I'm planning to make an order in the next few weeks - I'm looking for a 3.0/3.1 channel for my modest townhome with the idea that this setup will work in a larger dedicated Home Theater room in my next home down the line.
I'm currently debating between Supercharged SongTowers & SongCenter along with a Rythmik 12, or going with a pair of Song3 BeATs and seeing if Jim can make a matching 2-way center that's a similar size to the SongCenter (the 3-way centers at 12-14" tall just won't fit), and then adding subs when I have a bigger space.
Anyone have any thoughts on that? I don't watch too many action type movies that would really benefit from a sub, but I listen to a lot of rock (Phish, The Dead, King Gizzard, Pink Floyd, Radiohead) that I think may be perfect with just the BeATs...
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Thanks for the compliment, again I was after the look of finely crafted furniture with my selection.
I’m replying again to clarify something... by Bass Punch, I’m not implying that the Bass is artificially boomy.
It’s very realistic and if it’s in the track, you’ll hear it beautifully. On the Salk demo disk that is included in the purchase, one track comes to mind:
Lyle Lovett’s “She’s already made up her mind”
Now when you think of Bass, Mr. Lovett’s name probably doesn’t come to mind. But it’s wonderful on that track and the 9.5 Satori handles it beautifully.
I’m into Jazz these days, but with the likes of Snarky Puppy and GoGo Penguin, the Encores really deliver on acoustic and electric bass.
If you got these for your HT Setup, they’ll deliver without a sub, but I’m not implying that you’ll get all the LFE effects from a given movie without one... but an 8” might be all you need unless you want to rattle the dishes.
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Fantastic, thanks for the input! At this point I don't need "dish rattling" LFE, I don't think my neighbors would appreciate it! But once I have a dedicated home theater I may, and I can certainly add a sub (or two!) as needed in the future!
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I auditioned the SS 8’s and the Exotica 3’s at Jim’s and regret not splurging for the E 3’s he took on the show circuit, even though they were over my budget. While I was in analysis paralysis, he launched the Song 3’s, which had me thinking of a return trip to his shop. Then when he launched the Song 3 Encores and after all the reviews I read about them, I gambled and placed my order for them without the audition.
I really wanted the bass punch that the Satori 9.5 delivers, which it does, hands down. Fantastic sounding and very budget friendly to boot.
While I marvel in awe at some of the incredible veneers that people choose, I’m one to admire the beauty of simple straight grained wood.
I went with straight grained Walnut, dyed orange. The pics don’t do them justice, but to my eyes, they’re like a Harden dining room table or a Kittenger desk. Simple, Classic and will never go out of style or will I ever get tired of looking at.
It’s an understated value of Jim and his team’s work, I just love to look at them and polishing them is a joy.
I think the speaker would be more popular in my opinion if the Eton mid didn’t look visually smaller than the tweeter above it, I actually emailed Jim about pulling it and spray painting the outer metal ring silver to visually increase the appearance of its size. I haven’t gotten around to this yet, but will someday.
I predict you will be very happy with your decision...
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=177194)
What electronics do you use? I have a pair of Encore 9.5s (I think that's what they're called) and am looking at a few other options besides my Ayre and Odyssey amps.
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What electronics do you use? I have a pair of Encore 9.5s (I think that's what they're called) and am looking at a few other options besides my Ayre and Odyssey amps.
Nothing really exotic, but everything works well with each other
A Pio Elite 7.1 Receiver
Oppo CD/DVD player
Salkstreamer
Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Benchmark HPA4 line amp
Benchmark AHB2 Amp
Blue jeans and Benchmark cables.
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Thanks, JDoyle. Who needs exotic when you can have a great setup like you've put together? Enjoy!
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Thanks, JDoyle. Who needs exotic when you can have a great setup like you've put together? Enjoy!
Thanks... one last thing to mention. Yes, problems with gear can (and did) happen. With both Salk and Benchmark, I needed some problems addressed.
With Salk, I got Jim on the phone (he actually answers the phone!) My Salkstreamer board was off to Pontiac and it got some new Linux updates installed and was fixed.
Same thing with Benchmark, after some emails, my DAC was off to Syracuse, but when they couldn’t replicate the problem, they still installed a new board.
IMHO, this is priceless and virtually non existent in today’s world...
I’m extremely happy with my system as it stands today and I’ll be enjoying it for many years to come.
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+1 on Jim’s service.
I have a Salk StreamPlayer II that I bought used from someone. The hard drive became corrupted about 2 years after I bought it. I contacted Jim. He walked me through a few troubleshooting steps then had me send it back to him. I got it back a few weeks later with a new hard drive for a very reasonable cost. Most other companies would have left me to sink or swim on my own. Not Salk!
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Put in an order for Soundscape 7 FS. Black Cabinet with Sapele front baffle.
Looking forward to them.
N
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I'm ten months in waiting for my Encores. I've had a few different speakers in my room, since I sold my Usher Audio speakers way to soon. My brothers have loaned me some of their spares, but it's just not the same. I'm at 64% and have been there for a while.
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@coach - The meter will move before you know it. My BEATs were at 64% for a while and then everything moved very rapidly. I’ve a single Salk/Rythmik 12 on order at 17%. I must put it between the speakers. It’s too pretty to sit in the corner. LOL
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artofaudio, I hope you're right. I want my speakers. I want to be in my sweet spot again. I want to be in my room with my Encore's when the grid kicks in about 9:00pm. I've let Jim know that he doesn't have to ship them. I live about 25min from Salk Sounds and will pick them up myself. Man, I can't wait.
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@coach, That's what I did, I'm maybe 30 minutes away from Salk Sound. Once I knew my SoundScape 8s were ready picking them up myself was all I could think of. Took a half day off work, got them home, hooked up and playing.
Enjoy those Encores!
Jeff
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I have waited 4 1/2 months on some Veracity STs, and they are still at 11% (waiting for panels to be cut).
@coach - if you’re at 10 months and still waiting, then I’ll try to stay patient…
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Hey Jeff and artofaudio. Curious as to what speaker cable you're using now and what have you tried. A lot of guys here have recommended Anti Cable. What are your thoughts?
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I ordered mine September 2021, they should be arriving today!
Full Koa veneered Supercharged SongTower, SongCenter, and Rythmik F12! They'll be doing double duty for music (MusicHall MMF 7.3SE & NAD 613), and Home Theater (hence the center). Cannot wait to get these setup as soon as they arrive!
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my first pair of songsurround plus are done, in silver quilted maple. picking up next weekend from jim. the second pair of them in padauk was ordered in april and my bepures in white ebony (yes, i like to mix and match) in may. still planning on adding a center, probably the supercharged SC or song3 and maybe another pair of songsurround plus. so a while to go still.
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"Unfortunately they were unable to route this for delivery today. I have reached out to the terminal to get this rescheduled "
Jinxed myself... hopefully I'll get them tomorrow!
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philliam
The waiting has been as bad for me as a kid at Christmas. But it's gotta be soon.
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Ran home at lunch to meet the delivery truck... I'll be setting up my new 3.1 Koa setup this evening!!
(https://i.imgur.com/PKQWA0c.jpg)
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Congrats on delivery!
Nice to see all the F12's on order. Thought maybe they were unusual. I've got duals on order.
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SS6M since 28 april. Can't wait 8)
11% ...
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Happy for you on the new toys. I got some good news. Looks loke mine will be ready in a couple of weeks. Once Jim & Co get back from the Seattle Audio show, mine will be completed. It'll be longest two weeks of my life :)
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The F12 is incredible, I watched The Gray Man on netflix last night - action flic with tons of explosions and whatnot - it's detailed without being boomy, on Dark Side of The Moon I felt the heartbeat during lead in/out almost as much as I heard it. I've certainly got some more playing around with the myriad settings on the back of it to really tune it in, but I'm excited to give it a bit of a workout this weekend!
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I am a 1st time poster and am 7+ months in on a pair of SS 9.5s with Curly Cherry - Cordovan Dye finish. Great to know that Jim and Mary's business is booming during these interesting times. I think we all are thankful for their passion of continued development of new products with fantastic sound and high value. Quality takes time and am looking forward to my pair of American made transducers!
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@Hawk, that veneer and finish, on a pair of SS 9.5 will be just stunning.!
Jeff
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Just placed my order for SS7C in Zebrawood and my progress is up to 5%. :lol: I'm just now remembering the excitement/compulsion of clicking "Track Your Project". Anyone else have the SS7C? Would love to live vicariously through you until mine is delivered.
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My Encores just went to 69% The final topcoat is done. For those that know, how long before I'm picking them up?
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My Encores just went to 69% The final topcoat is done. For those that know, how long before I'm picking them up?
Your best bet will be asking Jim. After the final topcoat it probably needs time to dry before final assembly, then testing and final inspections. It sounds like you might be local so that might happen very quickly for you assuming everything goes well in testing. My best guess is you are in the 3 weeks to 1.5 month range. But that’s entirely just speculative lol.
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Do cables count for this fun tread?If so, I just ordered; Cardas Cygnes - speaker cables, Puritan Ultimate - power cable, Puritan Classic - power cable.
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Pair of Encores and a pair of Bepure2’s
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Picked up my Encores from Jim yesterday. Due to some work were having done at the house, their still in the boxes. But I did open one to take a look,and they are gorgeous. Curly Cherry with fireburst. I have to put my whole room back together, equipment and all.
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Coach,
I'd really like to see a picture of your new Encores in Curly Cherry Fireburst! Hoping it will carry me over until my 9.5's with Curly Cherry - Cordovan (currently at 23%) move to the next stages.