Not no mo.
You didn't scratch my speakers did you? Drool is okay. We can sand that out.
Check for dry drool spots, but certainly no scratches. I was scared to touch anything but the sample veneer pieces.
So you like them the same as the SS12 or SS10? What did they give up to the SS12? Obviously frequency extension on the lower end, but what about dynamics?
Well, as Mike mentioned below, the 10's and 12's should offer a bit more openness transparency due to the extreme minimal speaker baffle. It's possible I'd have to hear them side by side to notice the difference, but who knows. If you already have 10's or 12's you're not missing out on anything. Likewise, though, if you'd already owned the 8's I doubt you'd be wanting to upgrade to the 10's or 12's. But if you're looking for SS10 and 12 calibre sound with a higher efficiency and without breaking the bank, these are the speakers for you. Heck, if I had a pair of Linkquitz Orions or Revel Salon2's I'd sell them immediately for a pair of SS8's. They are a game changer in this price range, and personally I think they are more attractive looking than the 10's or 12's. I've only heard one other speaker that was on par with the midrange of the SoundScape series, and it's the Vandersteen Model 7. Considering that speaker starts at $45,000 and is super finicky to set up, I think I'd choose a pair of SS12, 10's or 8's over even those; the Vandies just wouldn't be worth the hassle, nor would they sound amazing in smaller rooms IMO. I could be wrong about that, though.
Dynamics wise...well, think of it like this: Dual 8" woofers in each speaker equals more surface area than what the 10's offer. Pair that with a higher efficiency and it was clear to me that the SS8's are at least as dynamic as the 10's, though probably more. The 12's still hold the crown for ultra dynamics, though; they do cover then entire frequency response after all.
The differences in sound between the SS8 and the SS10 or SS12 may be debated, whereas the advantages of the SS8 in efficiency, size and cost appear clear.
That is exactly my line of thinking. Well said.
Wow, those are stunning! I was trying to decide between HT2-TL's or HT3's, but maybe I need to reexamine my budget to move up to a pair of these.
It's certainly no tiny jump in cost, but if you can swing it you will not be sorry. At the risk of sounding like a stupid cliche, these speakers honestly perform way above their price classification. I'm trying to determine which organs I can live without so I can sell them and get a pair.
Seriously, though, if you can, do it!
I should make a quick couple notes to further comment on the design and sound.
1) The attention to detail on these things blew me away. The all black Salk emblems, black spikes and red speaker plinths was such a cool touch; looks so beastly! One of the things that just made me smile was you get two different "grills" for the open-back midrange: one that is similar to a standard speaker grill with the framing and speaker cloth (the open configuration), and a second that is not just a frame but fully solid piece (the closed configuration). This is probably not news to you current SS owners, but just little touches like this make these speakers even that more special.
2) We were listening with the midrange cabinet fully stuffed with polyfill but with the backs open (correct me if I am wrong, Jim). Even in this configuration the sound stage depth was so powerful and realistic...I was just so blown away. Certain sounds would project from 6-8 feet behind the speakers, while others would be several feet outside the speaker boundaries and sometimes even next to my head (as if rear speakers were on). Needless to say the SS8's were completely enveloping, like a true live orchestral performance. The ability to adjust the amount of fill and listen closed or open-back is such an awesome feature, as it allows you to tune the speaker to your room. I love it!
3) Finally, I want to say this particular pair of speakers didn't have justice done to them with photos. Jim took some, I took some (only phone pics, though), and none of them reveal the true brilliance of this paint job, and it has nothing to do with Jim's picture taking skills, so please don't mention that. They are simply so stunning in person that a great camera still cannot capture them fully. Seeing the brilliance of these speakers in person literally transformed me back to college when I purchase a used 1994 5.0L Mustang GT (it was pristine). The color of red on my car was almost identical to the one on the SS8's, though admitedly Jim did an even better job then Ford did.
Anyway, congrats again to Quan; he's going to be in seventh heaven!
