AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => ACI => Topic started by: Capt. Z on 22 Nov 2010, 05:08 pm
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I bought my Sapphire speakers in the early 90's, way back when they came with the Kevlar tweeter. I did upgrade to the Focal diaphragm and than to the SS tweeter, to turn my Sapphire II into Sapphire III.
I know that the Newer Sapphire Speaker no longer uses the Focal mid-bass driver but an Scan Speak driver, which delivers lower bass.
However, I am wondering how my Sapphire III differ in sound to the newer Sapphire speakers.
For subs I do use two ACI Sub one, which I converted into Titans, but with a more powerful amp.
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As an owner of both the Sapphire III and Sapphire XL I can tell you with confidence that the Sapphire XL just takes it to a new level. Smoother, more natural, more transparent, lower, deeper, richer bass, more detail -- a considerable improvement across the board. The Sapphire XL is a remarkable speaker, especially at its price point.
The sonic signatures are different, though, IMO. The Sapphire III can be a little "hot" up top and a bit forward. The XL, never. It's very smooth and easy to listen to, without sacrificing openness and detail, with a laid back presentation.
HTH.
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Thanks for the comparison.
Can't really hear the hot on top with the Scan Speak tweeter. The old Focal tweeter could sound hot . Then I used a Scan Speaker 9500 in my II to III conversion, and not the Scan Speak 9300 that came with the upgrade kit.
I may say that my Sapphire III leans slightly to the natural - lean side.
Also I am using tubes in the Source and amplification.
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I agree totally with Kimchee . . . as good as the Sapphire III is, the XL series is just better in almost every way. Closer to live music . . .
As I was preparing for retirement from audio, I knew I just had to keep the last two pairs for myself, there was no way I was giving them up!
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I agree that the Sapphire are something special. Guess that's why I have mine now for about 20 years, and I will keep them much longer.
However, They have not had much playing time in the past, since I have my new Hornshoppe Horns. Now, wide bandwith, single drivers are much different than a cross-over design, and there are moments I need the Sapphire, especially for classical music.
Wished another Sapphire owner with newer Sapphires lived close by and I could listen to them.
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Wished another Sapphire owner with newer Sapphires lived close by and I could listen to them.
Hear them, and I bet you'll buy them :D
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If money was no object and if I was not married and without kids I may just would do that. :icon_lol:
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.