Here are some photos of unpacking and setup on my homemade stands. The stands are made from Home Depot materials. Metal tubes are filled with sand. Base is 1.5" solid red oak. Each stand weighs 22lbs! But, they are temporary as the monitors will sit on the powered woofers after they arrive.
You can see the Super Alnico Monitors and Original Super 7 XRS' side by side, both in zebrawood.
More listening last night was very satisfying. Compared to the Super 7 Alnicos, these have even better imaging, definition of instruments, transparency, high frequency extension. Slight edginess that may be due to need for more break in. They had 20 hours from the factory. About 25 now. Should have 50 by the end of the weekend. I've done tons of tube rolling to optimize with the 7's. It may be that I just need a slightly warmer tube in one spot or another. But, it's great to have the confidence about these for the long run. Very minimal doubts compared to any newly acquired equipment probably ever.
One thing I notice is some experiential understanding of what is meant when "speed" is mentioned. I noticed almost immediately that the music was more alive. It seemed that the speakers were keeping up with the music more than I've heard prior. I guess it is that thing called PRaT (pace, rhythm, and timing).
I also noticed more dynamics (micro, macro, I'm not sure). It's like more use of dynamic range - illustrations are when a pianist emphasizes a note/chord or when the tom-tom is struck. It just jumps out more.
Thank you Louis; you are a master!Anyway....... here are some photos to peruse: