AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: johzel on 27 Dec 2016, 10:43 pm
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A very exciting day . . . my "sort of" Song3's shipped today. A BIG thank-you to Jim, Dennis and the Salk Sound crew for tackling this project during a time when they were very busy. Such a class operation - at every phase. I guess we're referring to the speakers as Song3 BEATs . . . BE for beryllium tweeter and AT for the Audio Technology midrange. Pictures and listening impressions to come . . . I'm sure :thumb:
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Sweet!
Is the AT mid on these the same as the one you had on the Silks?
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Sweet!
Is the AT mid on these the same as the one you had on the Silks?
Yes it is.
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The Song3 (BEATs) arrived today. :thumb: Here's a couple of pictures. As other SALK owners know - it is very difficult to capture the cabinet's real beauty. The finish is a Ropey Cherry with black dye. My wife actually said, "Wow, these are really pretty!" :icon_lol: Lots of breaking-in going on with the new speakers and the Exogal Comet/Ion power DAC. The Song3 BEAT's will be seeing 2-channel duty along side a Gallo HT set-up in our media room. If I were reviewing this Salk and Exogal combination I'd title it, "A Disappearing Act". They image like crazy. More to come on that . . . at some point. But the music is spectacular - right out of the box!!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155528)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155525)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155580)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155526)
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Salk never disappoints! Awesome looking speakers!
When you get more time with them would love to hear what you think between these and the Silks you had. As great as the Raal tweeter is it's not for everybody and I'm curious if this was one of the the reasons for your move to the Song3 BEATS.
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Nice pics, very nice speakers, great setup ! Nice variation on the Cherry finish. :thumb:
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wow, these look nice. I would have a hard time not using the salks for HT duty as well. No matter how good the Gallos are I can't imagine they're better than the Song3's.
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Salk never disappoints! Awesome looking speakers!
When you get more time with them would love to hear what you think between these and the Silks you had. As great as the Raal tweeter is it's not for everybody and I'm curious if this was one of the the reasons for your move to the Song3 BEATS.
When Jim and I were talking about the design he suggested the beryllium as it has the extension of the Raal, the dispersion of a dome, and would work well in this 3-way speaker. I noted its successful use in the Soundscape 8 BE's. I had liked the beryllium tweeter in a former pair of Ushers I owned. I was looking for fast, detailed, dynamic and lack of harshness but also something that would smoothly integrate with the midrange. I love a great midrange. So, I followed Jim's recommendation. From a design standpoint, Jim might choose to step in here??? We'll see if I like this as much of the Silk AT's . . .
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wow, these look nice. I would have a hard time not using the salks for HT duty as well. No matter how good the Gallos are I can't imagine they're better than the Song3's.
Absolutely correct. I'm running my 2-channel through the Exogal Comet/Ion which doesn't offer a HT Bypass and rather than looking for a different alternative - such as simply switching speaker cables back and forth from the two amps, I just decided to have two separate systems. The 2-channel was going to be upstairs once upon a time and the Mrs. stepped in . . . we had a discussion . . . it's not upstairs.
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Absolutely correct. I'm running my 2-channel through the Exogal Comet/Ion which doesn't offer a HT Bypass and rather than looking for a different alternative - such as simply switching speaker cables back and forth from the two amps, I just decided to have two separate systems. The 2-channel was going to be upstairs once upon a time and the Mrs. stepped in . . . we had a discussion . . . it's not upstairs.
At some point you may have to switch the cables for a movie or 2, but then it may be hard to switch back. BTW, I almost tried those Gallos on a closeout deal. I don't want to change the subject of the thread but do you like them?
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At some point you may have to switch the cables for a movie or 2, but then it may be hard to switch back. BTW, I almost tried those Gallos on a closeout deal. I don't want to change the subject of the thread but do you like them?
Different league, obviously, from the Salks . . . But for what they're closing these Gallos out for they're a ridiculously good deal - no brainer. Back to the regularly scheduled program, the same "ridiculously good deal" label applies both to the Salks and the Exogal equipment. Maybe even more so . . . talk about value for the dollar.
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Congrats. They look awesome.
Nothing like the smell of fresh Salks!
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What did the speakers cost?
As usual, they look great.
George
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What did the speakers cost?
As usual, they look great.
George
With upgraded drivers and standard finish with shipping . . . about $4500. Don't know if that will be the price if Jim should choose to make this a regular "model".
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The Song3 (BEATs) arrived today. :thumb: Here's a couple of pictures. As other SALK owners know - it is very difficult to capture the cabinet's real beauty. The finish is a Ropey Cherry with black dye. My wife actually said, "Wow, these are really pretty!" :icon_lol: Lots of breaking-in going on with the new speakers and the Exogal Comet/Ion power DAC. The Song3 BEAT's will be seeing 2-channel duty along side a Gallo HT set-up in our media room. If I were reviewing this Salk and Exogal combination I'd title it, "A Disappearing Act". They image like crazy. More to come on that . . . at some point. But the music is spectacular - right out of the box!!
6[/img]
Interesting that you should mention imaging. I asked Jim this morning what he thought of the Beats, and he mentioned that a particularly hard-to-please crew member had extolled their imaging qualities. That's something that's very hard to predict. Although the Be dome tweeter does have superior vertical dispersion compared to the RAAL ribbon, its horizontal dispersion isn't as wide. So that's not what explains it. I suspect it has to do with the way the off-axis response rolls off very evenly, and to how easy it was to optimize phase relationships between the mid and tweet. Too bad those drivers are so expensive.
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What midrange is that? I'm curious how they compare as well, given the AT monitors are no slouches.
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What midrange is that? I'm curious how they compare as well, given the AT monitors are no slouches.
It's the same Audio Technology driver used in the AT monitor. By the way, I also asked Jim if he'd recommend a different bass driver for this speaker and he said keeping the Satori 7.5 woofer was the way to go. So, that's unchanged from the original Song3. Here's the thread which led me to asking Jim about using the AT in the Silks. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=125934.0
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I have 4 words for them, BEE YOU TEE FULL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would love to hear them with those different components used. My Silk AT's should be here soon, hopefully anyway. Agonizing wait :?
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Would love to hear them with those different components used. My Silk AT's should be here soon, hopefully anyway. Agonizing wait :?
Agonizing wait . . . that pretty much describes it :thumb: You'll love the AT's . . .
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Wow those are absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your purchase! Just curious, do you use the subs when listening to music with the songs?
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Great looking speakers.
Do you have the grill upside down in the 3rd photo?
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Great looking speakers.
Do you have the grill upside down in the 3rd photo?
Not any more . . . :thumb:
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Interesting that you should mention imaging. I asked Jim this morning what he thought of the Beats, and he mentioned that a particularly hard-to-please crew member had extolled their imaging qualities. That's something that's very hard to predict. Although the Be dome tweeter does have superior vertical dispersion compared to the RAAL ribbon, its horizontal dispersion isn't as wide. So that's not what explains it. I suspect it has to do with the way the off-axis response rolls off very evenly, and to how easy it was to optimize phase relationships between the mid and tweet. Too bad those drivers are so expensive.
Interesting that you should mention off-axis response. My wife and I enjoyed our glass of wine by the fire this evening. About as far off-axis as you could get. And the music was simply wonderful. Caught me totally off guard.
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John, Your off axis scenario usually occurs when a piano or guitar is playing in the next room, yet you know it's live, your system is certainly top shelf. Jim seems to be able to design great sounding speakers with ribbons or domes, passive or active bass, and his woodwork is sensational with some of his exotic veneer choices being stunning.
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Wow those are absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your purchase! Just curious, do you use the subs when listening to music with the songs?
Kinger, sniffing out the blasphemers? :tempted:
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Wow those are absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your purchase! Just curious, do you use the subs when listening to music with the songs?
Nope. Absolutely not. That was the point of moving from the Silk AT's to these . . . mission accomplished :thumb:
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The Satori is pretty sweet. Very good drivers in that speaker, as long as they play well together.
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Congrats on your gorgeous new speakers. Mine should be done next month. Please give us a quick review if you can.
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Wow those are absolutely beautiful! Congrats on your purchase! Just curious, do you use the subs when listening to music with the songs?
Nope. Absolutely not. That was the point of moving from the Silk AT's to these . . . mission accomplished :thumb:
I'm wondering if I responded to this a bit hastily. I am not using the subs because I didn't want to move cables back and forth between two independent systems. I am aware that there are those who believe running a pair of subs, even with full(er) ranged speakers has a positive impact upon room dynamics . . . am open to and interested in people's experience and expertise in this regard . . . And a very happy, healthful and prosperous New Year to all!!
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When Jim and I were talking about the design he suggested the beryllium as it has the extension of the Raal, the dispersion of a dome, and would work well in this 3-way speaker. I noted its successful use in the Soundscape 8 BE's. I had liked the beryllium tweeter in a former pair of Ushers I owned. I was looking for fast, detailed, dynamic and lack of harshness but also something that would smoothly integrate with the midrange. I love a great midrange. So, I followed Jim's recommendation. From a design standpoint, Jim might choose to step in here??? We'll see if I like this as much of the Silk AT's . . .
So, having experience with both, what is your read on the differences between the RAAL and the beryllium dome? I've heard a couple of Salks with the ribbons, and they seem to have very nice treble. In my present system, I'm not much concerned with vertical dispersion, as I listen to music sitting or it is background while I am in another room. The Song 3 package does seem like a nice starting point, and as a long-time Spendor owner I am all about the midrange.
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Vertical dispersion isn't an issue with the RAAL. It's not quite as good as a 1" dome, but it's good enough that you won't notice any difference if you sit or if you stand at a normal listening distance.
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Vertical dispersion isn't an issue with the RAAL. It's not quite as good as a 1" dome, but it's good enough that you won't notice any difference if you sit or if you stand at a normal listening distance.
Yes, sitting in your camp. I too, prefer (metal) domes. Auditioned some Martin Logans with folded ribbon, okay but no "wow" factor that you'll hear about. Axiom (for example) makes a remarkable titanium unit... these are their V3's of the M2.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155672)
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Yes, sitting in your camp. I too, prefer (metal) domes. Auditioned some Martin Logans with folded ribbon, okay but no "wow" factor that you'll hear about. Axiom (for example) makes a remarkable titanium unit... these are their V3's of the M2.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155672)
Nice looking setup.
I think Dennis was referring to the Be dome being slightly better at vertical dispersion, not an overall quality or preference. Dennis takes care to discuss measurable elements here, not a personal opinion.
But I retain no such wisdom, so to give you my opinion...there is no better HF transducer in terms of delivering a clear and smooth reality than a RAAL (not any ribbon).
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But I retain no such wisdom, so to give you my opinion...there is no better HF transducer in terms of delivering a clear and smooth reality than a RAAL (not any ribbon).
Yeah, a pair of raw RAAL tweeters sells for about as much as a completed pair of those M-L speakers. Makes juuuuust a bit of difference in the materials and technology a manufacturer can put in a product.
I've heard a couple of different Salk speakers with RAAL tweeters. They're really, really nice. And that's speaking as a Spendor fanboy who thinks their speakers have better treble than most people say. The RAALs don't seem to have more treble, there is just less "background" behind it so you hear more of the music.
I'd love to hear johzel's Song 3-BEATs (the "Song Waltz?"). Before I retired, work put me in Chicago for about half of each month, but not so much now. I wouldn't un-retire just to audition a pair of speakers, but.....
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I think Dennis was referring to the Be dome being slightly better at vertical dispersion, not an overall quality or preference.
Understood, thank you. I've not heard the RAAL in a home audio environment but welcome the opportunity. My point, of the ribbons I've auditioned, a quality dome can be just as good, or better.
I see the Salk line has both. The Wow1's look impressive is all respects.
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I'd love to hear johzel's Song 3-BEATs (the "Song Waltz?"). Before I retired, work put me in Chicago for about half of each month, but not so much now. I wouldn't un-retire just to audition a pair of speakers, but.....
You're welcome anytime . . . fill your car with New Glarus beer (only sold in Wisconsin yet half of it is drank in Chicago), local cheese and sausage and more than pay for your trip!!! :thumb:
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You're welcome anytime . . . fill your car with New Glarus beer (only sold in Wisconsin yet half of it is drank in Chicago), local cheese and sausage and more than pay for your trip!!! :thumb:
I live in Fort Collins, Colorado. Bringing craft beer from somewhere else is pretty much a modern definition of "taking coals to Newcastle." Although cheese and sausage go well with other things available in Colorado.....:-)
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So, having experience with both, what is your read on the differences between the RAAL and the beryllium dome? I've heard a couple of Salks with the ribbons, and they seem to have very nice treble. In my present system, I'm not much concerned with vertical dispersion, as I listen to music sitting or it is background while I am in another room. The Song 3 package does seem like a nice starting point, and as a long-time Spendor owner I am all about the midrange.
I'm using two Rythmik F12SEs with my HT2-TLs and with the use of Dirac room correction the combo sounds excellent :)!
Bill
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It is always hard to capture the full effect of seeing speakers in person, but here are some pictures we took just before packing these. The finish is black dye over ropey cherry.
(http://salksound.com/gallery/song3/s3-BeAT-blackcherry.jpg)
And a close-up...
(http://salksound.com/gallery/song3/s3-BeAT-blackcherry-cu.jpg)
Happy listening John!
- Jim
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Jim,
Any chance you'll include the specifications on these speakers for curious onlookers? :D
Thanks,
Michael