As a proud owner of Ht3s,and having been talking to Jim on finishes for a pair of Soundscapes 10s for several weeks, I decided to make a pilgrimage to RMAF. What an experience.
Upon arriving, I immediately rode up to the eleventh floor, directly into the exquisite Salk suite.As Jim and I were in the middle of a pleasant conversion, it happened. Even from where we were standing,off to the side kitchen nook of the room,it was immediately apparent that the Soundscapes were everything and more.
The music was instantly engaging and I felt completely immersed in the performance. The speakers disappeared in the room effortlessly. Pinpoint imaging and distinct separation of individual instruments. One of the most critical elements - Tonal balance is exceptional - with full body and ambience of each respective instrument. Dynamics - attack was stellar. Seamless integration top to bottom. To say I was stunned would be an understatement.
Song after song, the Soundscapes removed the veil around the music to reveal it's essence. Jim and Dennis had outdone themselves! I was speechless!
Jim then showed me the engineering behind the sound. A knock on the bass cabinet clearly demonstrated the lack of resonance with the 2inch thick cabinets. The baffle options certainly add the flexibility in tayloring and enhancing the musical experience. The opposing passive drivers providing tight precise bass response.
Jim's stream player is a perfect media option. The iPad interface option is a nice feature to manage all your music. We had been listening to it all day and combo with the Soundscapes impeccable. There were a lot of turntable front ends and the stream held it's own.
After having been blown away, I decided to spend the rest of the day on a speaker quest - to see just how others attempted to pull off the ultimate in sonic reproduction. Room after room, price no object, nothing else moved me. Wilson Sophias, kef $47k, Sonis Faber $45k,on and on. Only the Vanderstein 7 at $50k and backed by $50k in audio research and also in another room with $$$ aesthetix were in the same league.
after visiting some of the other stellar small companies that I own equipment from Galibrier, Zyx, Doshi, I felt what better way to end my only day at the fest than to be treated once more to the sounds of Salk.
Thank you Jim and Mary for the great experience. I will savor the day that Soundscapes grace my humble home.
All the best
Tom