AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: jsalk on 8 Mar 2009, 03:55 pm

Title: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: jsalk on 8 Mar 2009, 03:55 pm
Jared wanted a pair of SongTowers in African bubinga.  Bubinga has long been a very popular finish for us, but this is the first pair we have done in that particular veneer.

Here are the resulting SongTowers...

(http://www.salksound.com/gallery/songtower/st-bubinga.jpg)

And a close up...

(http://www.salksound.com/gallery/songtower/st-bubinga-cu.jpg)

Happy listening Jerad!

- Jim
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: evan1 on 8 Mar 2009, 04:50 pm
 :drool: :drool:
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: oneinthepipe on 8 Mar 2009, 05:28 pm
Wow!
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Nuance on 8 Mar 2009, 07:49 pm
Look at that pattern.  Simply amazing!  :drool:
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Rapt on 9 Mar 2009, 08:40 pm
Wow  :drool:, that is my favorite veneer yet, congrats on a GREAT looking speaker  8)
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: earthbound on 9 Mar 2009, 10:56 pm
Jared is one lucky guy with great taste!
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Bill Baker on 9 Mar 2009, 11:00 pm
Beautiful speaker Jim. Everyone knows the wild Bubinga is my fav!
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: majorloser on 10 Mar 2009, 12:09 am
OMG those are freakin BEAUTIFUL!!!!!  :drool:

If anything like that makes it's way out to Oregon this fall I'm dead!
There is no way I'll ever be able to settle for anything less.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: rlee8394 on 10 Mar 2009, 11:33 pm
Damn! I'd have to listen in the dark else I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the music!!!  :drool: So Jim, would that configuration set one back price-wise? :green:

Ron
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Big Red Machine on 10 Mar 2009, 11:51 pm
Big brother:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3595/3305578875_4f4dec55a1.jpg?v=0)
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: majorloser on 11 Mar 2009, 12:01 am
Fine furniture is not supposed to sound that good!  :thumb:

You are some very lucky men.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: jsalk on 11 Mar 2009, 03:13 am
Ron -

Damn! I'd have to listen in the dark else I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the music!!!  :drool: So Jim, would that configuration set one back price-wise? :green:

Ron

"Custom" SongTowers have a base price of $1995, to which you simply add the cost of the veneer.  Enough bubinga to do a pair of SongTowers runs from $200 - 300 depending on the quality of the veneer.  $2250 would be a good estimate.

- Jim
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Bill on 13 Mar 2009, 01:48 am
I wish I could agree with all the favorable comments on these speakers, but I find them very unattractive. First of all, the pattern draws way too much attention to the speaker which I have always felt should blend in with the surroundings. And the pattern looks grotesque to me. I am not a Salk speaker owner so maybe I don't feel compelled to go along with popular consensus.

Bill
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Big Red Machine on 13 Mar 2009, 02:05 am
I wish I could agree with all the favorable comments on these speakers, but I find them very unattractive. First of all, the pattern draws way too much attention to the speaker which I have always felt should blend in with the surroundings. And the pattern looks grotesque to me. I am not a Salk speaker owner so maybe I don't feel compelled to go along with popular consensus.

Bill

SO it's safe to say Bubinga is not in your future.  We'll make a note! :bowdown:
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Gord_Toronto on 13 Mar 2009, 02:07 am
I wish I could agree with all the favorable comments on these speakers, but I find them very unattractive. First of all, the pattern draws way too much attention to the speaker which I have always felt should blend in with the surroundings. And the pattern looks grotesque to me. I am not a Salk speaker owner so maybe I don't feel compelled to go along with popular consensus.

Bill

My wife agrees with you Bill.  I wanted something a little wilder, but my wife rained me in
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Bill on 13 Mar 2009, 02:14 am
Hey Big Red Machine, I am truly sorry if I upset you, but I was memerly stating an opinion.

Bill
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: JerryM on 13 Mar 2009, 02:19 am
I wish I could agree with all the favorable comments on these speakers, but I find them very unattractive. First of all, the pattern draws way too much attention to the speaker which I have always felt should blend in with the surroundings. And the pattern looks grotesque to me. I am not a Salk speaker owner so maybe I don't feel compelled to go along with popular consensus.

Bill

Grotesque? Wow. :icon_surprised:  As three-dimensional as the front of these speakers appears in a photo, it must really be something sweet in person.

I am not a Salk owner either. I have, however, had the unique opportunity to sign final permits on some really beautiful work from some very talented cabinet makers. Jim's cabinet making skills are amazing, in my book. He is a gifted and rare craftsman, IMHO.

Then again, our choice in dogs isn't the same, either.  :thumb:

Have fun,
Jerry

Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Bill on 13 Mar 2009, 02:33 am
Hey Jerry, you seem to think that "grotesque" is maybe a little overboard, but that's what I see. The pattern looks like somebody's curly hair has been glued to the cabinets. And yes, the finishing work is exemplary; however the choice of veneer is questionable from my vantage point. I like sardines with jalapeno peppers and I'm guessing most people don't.

Bill
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: oneinthepipe on 13 Mar 2009, 02:56 am
Hey Jerry, you seem to think that "grotesque" is maybe a little overboard, but that's what I see. The pattern looks like somebody's curly hair has been glued to the cabinets. And yes, the finishing work is exemplary; however the choice of veneer is questionable from my vantage point. I like sardines with jalapeno peppers and I'm guessing most people don't.

Bill

Read Bill's other posts.  Mostly, he complained that a T5 preamp didn't sell as quickly as he hoped/expected, or he questioned other forum member's statements or made other critical comments.  There have been many posts about other Salk speakers, but Bill never commented positively about any of those speakers, TTBOMK.  Most folks seem to make comments about what they like, and Bill seems to make comments about what he doesn't like, except for the sardines with jalapeno peppers, which Bill acknowledges is out-of-sync with other people's taste.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Phil on 13 Mar 2009, 03:03 am
When I showed these to my wife she said, "Sure they are beautiful but what do they sound like?  That is what counts."   :o   

Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Bill on 13 Mar 2009, 03:07 am
I didn't realize that making a negative statement on the look of a speaker would stir up a hornet's nest of protest. It was merely a comment. When I see what seemingly looks like biased almost cult-like behavior on a forum, it seems to get the better of me. Sorry if I have offended anyone. Maybe I'll move on to a less sensitive "Circle".

Bill
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: DMurphy on 13 Mar 2009, 03:22 am
Ya know--as soon as I saw Bill's post, I was so tempted to post a plea that no one express outrage or sarcasm.  I actually found it refreshing to see some disagreement over what is certainly a fairly aggressive design.  I love it, but I can see where others wouldn't.  Bill was just stating an opinion.  And I think the dog is outstanding.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: zybar on 13 Mar 2009, 03:23 am
Hey guys, let's cut Bill some slack and not kill him over his posts.

While I certainly don't agree with his view or choice of words, one of the things that makes Jim's Circle so cool is the higher tolerance for dissenting opinions.  If we lose that, this Circle goes down to the level of some other vendor Circles here at AC or even worse, like some forums we see outside of AC.

BTW, as usual, I think Jim's work is outstanding.

George

  
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Art_Chicago on 13 Mar 2009, 04:26 am
I do not get it! What is the point of this thread? Well, I find this veneer amazing, but there is no way I'd order it because it does not fit my furniture, and yes, it attracts too much attention.  Bill does not like it, he has chosen to share his opinion. Who cares? Why so many are upset? It is a custom veneer, and more important, it has neither negative nor positive effect on ST's great sound!
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: cujobob on 13 Mar 2009, 05:31 am
At first, I was all about piano black speakers because they had a certain elegance to them while also blending in with a room nicely...but now I'm all about the fancier veneers.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: BoB/335 on 13 Mar 2009, 09:07 am
  I think sardines with jalapeno peppers are  "grotesque"!

I am not a Salk owner or fanboy. Someone can dislike anything. I just thought that "grotesque" was a rather strong word.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: AliG on 13 Mar 2009, 10:33 am
When someone come to you home and comment on your wife that she's not pretty enough, are you going to be so 'open-hearted' and say" Who cares, why so upset?"

High end audio are personal, people feels passionate about their speakers, so it didn't surprise me when I see reaction like this?



I do not get it! What is the point of this thread? Well, I find this veneer amazing, but there is no way I'd order it because it does not fit my furniture, and yes, it attracts too much attention.  Bill does not like it, he has chosen to share his opinion. Who cares? Why so many are upset? It is a custom veneer, and more important, it has neither negative nor positive effect on ST's great sound!
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: zybar on 13 Mar 2009, 11:40 am
When someone come to you home and comment on your wife that she's not pretty enough, are you going to be so 'open-hearted' and say" Who cares, why so upset?"

High end audio are personal, people feels passionate about their speakers, so it didn't surprise me when I see reaction like this?


Barry,

Your analogy above highlights exactly why people think audiophiles are a crazy bunch.

We are talking about speakers, an inanimate object - not something that is alive like my wife, kids, etc...

While I am extremely passionate about my audio hobby, I am certainly not going to compare any of my gear to my treasured family.

I think we all need to take a step back and try to gain some real perspective here.

George
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Big Red Machine on 13 Mar 2009, 12:05 pm
I did what pipe did before I responded and tried to ascertain if Bob was just being witty or was he in fact, truly crapping on the thread.  I determined it was crapping by carefully analyzing his responses to other threads using Mr. Peabody's Thread Analysis Machine.  I would love to crap on other's threads when we are high fiving all around about some piece of gear I personally dislike for good reason, but I don't.  If I feel strongly enough about it, then I PM that person with my perspective.  It just struck me as kinda rude that he felt compelled to express his distaste for the veneer when we all can agree that not everyone would choose that.  I don't personally like starburst finishes, but I don't go out of my way to post a response saying I don't care for that person's choice.  oops, guess I just did!!  Need to change the batteries in the Machine.

See, now Bob feels bad because he thinks we hate him.  We don't.  We just want him to refrain from being negative at the expense of other's feelings (the actual speaker owners, not us loiterers).  Didn't your parents always tell us to only say something if it was nice, otherwise clam up?  We still love you Bob.  Don't go away because we called you out.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: martyo on 13 Mar 2009, 01:15 pm
Quote
I did what pipe did before I responded and tried to ascertain if Bob was just being witty or was he in fact, truly crapping on the thread.  I determined it was crapping by carefully analyzing his responses to other threads using Mr. Peabody's Thread Analysis Machine.  I would love to crap on other's threads when we are high fiving all around about some piece of gear I personally dislike for good reason, but I don't.  If I feel strongly enough about it, then I PM that person with my perspective.  It just struck me as kinda rude that he felt compelled to express his distaste for the veneer when we all can agree that not everyone would choose that.  I don't personally like starburst finishes, but I don't go out of my way to post a response saying I don't care for that person's choice.  oops, guess I just did!!  Need to change the batteries in the Machine.

See, now Bob feels bad because he thinks we hate him.  We don't.  We just want him to refrain from being negative at the expense of other's feelings (the actual speaker owners, not us loiterers).  Didn't your parents always tell us to only say something if it was nice, otherwise clam up?  We still love you Bob.  Don't go away because we called you out.

That's why I tell you your a classy guy, Pete.  :wink:
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Art_Chicago on 13 Mar 2009, 02:29 pm
When someone come to you home and comment on your wife that she's not pretty enough, are you going to be so 'open-hearted' and say" Who cares, why so upset?"

High end audio are personal, people feels passionate about their speakers, so it didn't surprise me when I see reaction like this?


Barry,

Your analogy above highlights exactly why people think audiophiles are a crazy bunch.

We are talking about speakers, an inanimate object - not something that is alive like my wife, kids, etc...

While I am extremely passionate about my audio hobby, I am certainly not going to compare any of my gear to my treasured family.

I think we all need to take a step back and try to gain some real perspective here.

George

George, well said!  the analogy between a wife and loudspeakers does seem a little odd  :wink:
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Nuance on 13 Mar 2009, 02:33 pm
Bill - it's your opinion, so don't get offended dude.  People have the right to disagree with you, but don't take it as offensive.  

Likewise, it's Bill's opinion, so ease up on him.  He has the right to dislike them.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: BrianM on 13 Mar 2009, 03:14 pm
grotesque


1. odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre.
2. fantastic in the shaping and combination of forms, as in decorative work combining incongruous human and animal figures with scrolls, foliage, etc.


In some ways it's quite an apt term for the curly bubinga.
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: fishinbob on 13 Mar 2009, 03:40 pm
Well, I liked the slam about the cult-like behavior in his reply. :lol:

Truly fantastic looking veneer by the way......
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: DMurphy on 13 Mar 2009, 03:59 pm
grotesque

1. odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre.
2. fantastic in the shaping and combination of forms, as in decorative work combining incongruous human and animal figures with scrolls, foliage, etc.


In some ways it's quite an apt term for the curly bubinga.

There ya go.    Case (thread) closed. 
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: BoB/335 on 14 Mar 2009, 01:14 am
I did what pipe did before I responded and tried to ascertain if Bob was just being witty or was he in fact, truly crapping on the thread.  I determined it was crapping by carefully analyzing his responses to other threads using Mr. Peabody's Thread Analysis Machine.  I would love to crap on other's threads when we are high fiving all around about some piece of gear I personally dislike for good reason, but I don't.  If I feel strongly enough about it, then I PM that person with my perspective.  It just struck me as kinda rude that he felt compelled to express his distaste for the veneer when we all can agree that not everyone would choose that.  I don't personally like starburst finishes, but I don't go out of my way to post a response saying I don't care for that person's choice.  oops, guess I just did!!  Need to change the batteries in the Machine.

See, now Bob feels bad because he thinks we hate him.  We don't.  We just want him to refrain from being negative at the expense of other's feelings (the actual speaker owners, not us loiterers).  Didn't your parents always tell us to only say something if it was nice, otherwise clam up?  We still love you Bob.  Don't go away because we called you out.


Hey, I'm Bob and I said I loved those speakers (and my wife does too!)
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Rocket on 14 Mar 2009, 08:35 am
Hi,

I wish I could have afforded just a little more money and purchased my speakers in bubinga.  I went for bosse pommele which look quite good but I have a preference for bubinga.  Perhaps next time when the aussie dollar is stronger against the US.

Regards

Rod
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: BoB/335 on 14 Mar 2009, 11:42 am
Hey Rocket,

How about some pics?
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Nuance on 14 Mar 2009, 03:38 pm
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=60849.0

Rocket's speakers are in the first post.

So Bob, how's the speaker hunt coming?  Have you had a chance to audition anything else since the GTG?
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: zybar on 14 Mar 2009, 03:42 pm
Hi,

I wish I could have afforded just a little more money and purchased my speakers in bubinga.  I went for bosse pommele which look quite good but I have a preference for bubinga.  Perhaps next time when the aussie dollar is stronger against the US.

Regards

Rod

Your finish looks excellent and was a very good choice.

George
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: audiotom on 17 Mar 2009, 12:48 am
As one of the other HT3 solid front burbinga owners
I gotta say those song towers look great in it Jim!

Bill - a flash really makes these look more electric than in real life
and a photo does not do Jim's impeccable woodwork justice

there have been a few finishes I wouldn't have picked, but I certainly admired them and they looked good in the respective room

how many other manufacturers put so much care and options in their finishing
and at such reasonable prices too, not to mention on such a great sounding speaker

off my audiogon system thread

(http://cgim.audiogon.com/i/vs/s/f/1234145361.jpg)
Title: Re: SongTowers in curly African bubinga
Post by: Kpt_Krunch on 22 Mar 2009, 05:16 pm
One thing I will say - speakers are supposed to 'disappear' into a room, those (and lot of Jim's custom veneer's ) definitely do not disappear into a room LOL.

And I agree with Bill - I think for speakers that veneer is not very appealing, but then again I didn't ask and it's definitely to each his own. For all we know, the purchaser has an entire room of bubinga furniture and these speakers will fit right in there and be 'lost' in the decore. Bottom line is it is the sound that is the most important. What I think is really cool is that Jim will build a speaker with just about any veneer you want - and like anything custom, it will rock some peoples world, and make other people throw up.

Bill, I guess we can cross you off the bubinga list :) (me too).

Personally, I like a Piano Black finish first, cherry veneer would be my second choice but only with a nice darker stain (not too light). I also like a more standard wood grain, nothing to exotic (if having a wood grain at all).