AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: desertrider on 17 Aug 2016, 06:16 pm
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Hey all-
I gave a short introduction in the newbies area, but essentially Ive been in this hobby seriously for about 8 years. Ive always loved music and film, but never really built anything in my own home until about 8 years ago. A friend of mine saw an ad on Craigslist for a mint pair of Polk RTi10's for $175 and told me "Dude, you have to jump on this!". I was a little apprehensive. I mean, my current cheapo Kenwood receiver and Pioneer towers worked fine, right? But he talked me into it. That was my first dip into the home theater pool. Funny story here. Wifey was pretty scrunchy-faced any time I wanted to add speakers or a sub, until I actually got a sub. We watched our first movie with it, she looked at me with a big grin on her face, and said "OK. I get it now". Thankfully she's blessed any purchase from there on out :thumb:
Fast forward to today. Wifey and I sold our house in March and are building new. Projected close date is October, but got a bunch of custom wiring done in the greatroom/theater area. Dual purpose room, but focused on home theater. 2 20 amp dedicated power lines, multiple sub runs, Atmos speaker wiring in the ceiling, speaker wiring for rears. As a result of upgrading from my previous 7.1 setup to Atmos, a new receiver was in line, and it was time time to retire my Polk RTi10's and CSi6 center for something better. I chose Salk based on hours of listening tests, and people's rave reviews on Jim's fabulous speakers. I spoke to Jim yesterday, and his listening tests are done and they're ready for packing and then shipping. Im guessing some time in the next week or so.
Right now we're still in an apartment waiting for our house to finish, so wont be able to truly put these to the test until we move, but Ill certainly be able to get a nice workout here in the meantime. I probably wont be able to get the traditional FedEx truck pic, but Ill definately get one with the poor driver who has to bring them to my door :icon_lol:
My music test list is as follows:
Steely Dan - Babylon Sisters
Jennifer Warnes - Bird On A Wire
Pearl Jam - Black
Dire straights - Brothers In Arms
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name Of
Norah Jones - Painter Song
Daft Punk - Solar Sailer
Gotye - State Of The Art
AC/DC - Thunderstruck
Yello - La Habanera
Aerosmith - Hoodoo/Voodoo Medicine Man
Muddy Waters - My Home Is In The Delta
Miroslav Tadic & Vlatko Stefanovski - Anadolu Oyun Havasi
Eric Clapton - Change The World
Knife Party - Bonfire
Tubular Bells - Tubular Bells (Extended Version)
I know all of these songs very well and is a nice mix of highs, lows, mids, quiet, raucous, and electronic music. Im SUPER excited to hear this playlist on my new Salks!
My equipment once all set up in the house is as follows (will be running 5.1.4):
Yamaha 3060 receiver
Emotiva XPA-2 (powering the Song3's)
Emotiva XPA-200 (powering the Songcenter RT)
Intel i7 HTPC for audio/video duty running JRiver Media Center Software
Salk Song3 fronts
Salk Songcenter RT center
Polk FXi A6 rear surrounds running in bipole mode
RSL C34E in ceiling for Atmos
Rythmik FV15HP sub
Harmony Ultimate One remote for everything
Soooo...thats it for now. Glad to be part of the Salk family!
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Welcome desertrider! I've been following your build progress on AH – you're getting satin black Song3s and SongCenter RT, right? Going from those Polks to the Song3 will be a major step up. Enjoy them.
I admit I dropped the ball on getting the FedEx truck photos when my Veracity STs arrived last week. I wasn't home when they arrived, and I found it difficult to explain to my otherwise approving wife just why such photos are important.
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Welcome desertrider! I've been following your build progress on AH – you're getting satin black Song3s and SongCenter RT, right? Going from those Polks to the Song3 will be a major step up. Enjoy them.
I admit I dropped the ball on getting the FedEx truck photos when my Veracity STs arrived last week. I wasn't home when they arrived, and I found it difficult to explain to my otherwise approving wife just why such photos are important.
Oh you mean the progress where I hijacked YOUR build thread? :icon_lol: Ive laid off because...well...thats just rude :oops:
Yep satin black. Funny story...when I decided on Salks, I was showing wifey all the gorgeous finishes, and she was like, uh, no. I want black. Her reasoning (which I get) is it'll match anything we ever put in our rack, and our tiles and nuetral theme in the house. OK. Twist my arm. Ill take black :thumb:
When I told my wife I needed a pic with the FedEx guy and why, I was kinda giggling and her response was :roll: hahaha
And yes. I know the Song3's are a huge step up from the Polks, but as my friends and wife said, this is your hobby. Youve got a new house, so do it right once.
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Here's something to whet your appetite while you wait...
(http://salksound.com/gallery/song3/s3-black.jpg)
- Jim
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wwwwwoooooooooooooo sexy!
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wwwwwoooooooooooooo sexy!
That's what they all say at first :thumb:.
You will probably be busy as you get ready to move into your new house – congrats on that too :beer:.
It might take you several weeks or months, to acquire some cool-headed rationality about these new speakers. Take your time. However, as one of the first owner's of Salk3 speakers, you now owe us and Jim a thorough, detailed, and glowing owner's review of this new design. We expect the right balance between objective rigorousness :roll: and adoration :bowdown:.
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That's what they all say at first :thumb:.
You will probably be busy as you get ready to move into your new house – congrats on that too :beer:.
It might take you several weeks or months, to acquire some cool-headed rationality about these new speakers. Take your time. However, as one of the first owner's of Salk3 speakers, you now owe us and Jim a thorough, detailed, and glowing owner's review of this new design. We expect the right balance between objective rigorousness :roll: and adoration :bowdown:.
I thought thats a given ;) Ill post an initial sound review from my playlist then follow-up when Im in the house. Im sure people will be interested in how they perform for home theater (other than the wimpy 3.0 Im listening to now). As am I :lol:
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YAY! :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Song3
Production Notes: Satin black - FRONT SLOT PORT
Speakers Shipped Finished
SongCenter RT
Production Notes: Front ported - satin black
Speakers Shipped Finished
Man I am soooo excited! Where's the backflip emoji? LOL
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Very nice, I've done so many used speakers in recent years I sometimes forget how exciting it is to crack open a brand new box.
AC/DC, Rage... also like to see some rock in the playlist!
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Likey, likey..
I really like the look with the front slot port! Can't wait to hear your impressions. I'm thinking these will be my next speakers. I'm dreaming up what my finish will be.
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They look fantastic!!!
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I've got to say something. (nothing earth shattering)
The first photos of the Song3 that Jim posted a couple months back left me feeling distant and uninterested in his new speakers. It wasn't the specs; it was how the drivers mixed with the chosen veneer. I just didn't care for it.
Now, however, with desertrider's new Song3s in all black I have a totally different reaction. These look really nice! Congratulations!
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I've got to say something. (nothing earth shattering)
The first photos of the Song3 that Jim posted a couple months back left me feeling distant and uninterested in his new speakers. It wasn't the specs; it was how the drivers mixed with the chosen veneer. I just didn't care for it.
Now, however, with desertrider's new Song3s in all black I have a totally different reaction. These look really nice! Congratulations!
Thanks mressequie I agree they look phenomenal in black.
Tracking shows they will be here Tuesday. *cough cough* I feel a bug coming on. Might need to call in sick ;)
Poor FedEx guy. 3 boxes, 217 total pounds LOL
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Tracking shows they will be here Tuesday. *cough cough* I feel a bug coming on. Might need to call in sick ;)
Have fun Tuesday. Jim includes big lag screws with hexagonal heads to attach the plinths to the bottom of the cabinets. If yours are the same as I received, you'll need a ratchet wrench, or a nut driver, with a ½" socket. Tighten them snugly, but go easy. Don't torque them down as tight as you can pull the handle on a ratchet wrench.
Remember, if you lick them or drool on them, you can't return them :nono:.
(http://cf.ydcdn.net/1.0.1.59/images/main/A5socketwrench.jpg)
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1/2". Got it. I'll have that and a bib ready on Tuesday lol
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I've got to say something. (nothing earth shattering)
The first photos of the Song3 that Jim posted a couple months back left me feeling distant and uninterested in his new speakers. It wasn't the specs; it was how the drivers mixed with the chosen veneer. I just didn't care for it.
Now, however, with desertrider's new Song3s in all black I have a totally different reaction. These look really nice! Congratulations!
I ordered the Song3s in black as well!
They do look great!
After seeing the pics, the wait is going to be unbearable!
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I ordered the Song3s in black as well!
They do look great!
After seeing the pics, the wait is going to be unbearable!
Nice! :thumb:
Let me give you advice that you wont follow (because I dont think anyone does). Dont bother checking status every day. LOL
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Nice! :thumb:
Let me give you advice that you wont follow (because I dont think anyone does). Dont bother checking status every day. LOL
Are you psychic?
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Gggrrr according to FedEx tracking they arrived in Flagstaff yesterday. I couldve made the two hour trip up there, picked them up, drove them home, and listened to them tonight if there was a way.
But no. Gotta wait for my poor FedEx guy on Tuesday :icon_lol:
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Gggrrr according to FedEx tracking they arrived in Flagstaff yesterday. I couldve made the two hour trip up there, picked them up, drove them home, and listened to them tonight if there was a way.
But no. Gotta wait for my poor FedEx guy on Tuesday :icon_lol:
No sense in gnashing your teeth over FedEx. Watch this, and be glad you aren't buying Dominator DMX10s.
https://youtu.be/mNzr6lfiHJE (https://youtu.be/mNzr6lfiHJE)
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No sense in gnashing your teeth over FedEx. Watch this, and be glad you aren't buying Dominator DMX10s.
https://youtu.be/mNzr6lfiHJE (https://youtu.be/mNzr6lfiHJE)
What?!? A salesman with a conscience? I don't want that. I want a pair of Exotica DMX10s! Don't tell my wife about the financing, okay?
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So did you come down with the delivery flu?
Are gou currently tracking every 10 minutes to make sure they weren't delivered to the wrong address?
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So did you come down with the delivery flu?
Are gou currently tracking every 10 minutes to make sure they weren't delivered to the wrong address?
Um YES! I told my lead last night when I got off I would be taking a sick day today. I mean, priorities, right?
8/23/16 3:59 AM PHOENIX, AZ 85027, US On FedEx vehicle for delivery
I woke up early this morning and couldnt get back to sleep so now Im refreshing the delivery page. I really wish my FedEx guy had a normal time for delivery but he doesnt for my apartments. Could be in 10 minutes could be in 8 hours uuugghhh. They really need to put GPS on these guys so we know where they are! haha Gotta be ready though so I can get the required pic of the truck ;)
Im hoping I can show some self control today so I dont get kicked out :oops: 60 more days until my house is done and give these things an honest workout!
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Gosh...this is painful. Sitting here my PC trying to pass the time waiting. Every time I hear a truck and dont hear a knock on the door is killing me. I might need a Xanax LOL
(This is my attempt to get you guys as anxious as I am hahaha)
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Cruel. Just cruel.
I take my dog out to do her business, staying within seeing distance of my building. Just standing there waiting for her. All of a sudden my eyes light up...blood pressure rises...heartrate increases...I see a man in purple walking away from the front of my building.
"FedEx guy!" I yell.
He stops, acknowledges me, and waits as I walk/run towards him.
"You have my 210 pound delivery I take it?"
He laughs and says, "No, Im Express. You must be waiting for ground."
He turns and walks away while I stand there in the middle of the parking lot probably looking dazed.
Cruel, FedEx, just cruel.
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I am almost as excited as you are.
After you get your delivery I'll tell you my story when I had speakers delivered (Soliloquy 5.0)
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WOOHOOO! Ill let the pics speak for themselves. After I get them unpacked, put together, and in place Ill do a quick listening review based on my previous playlist-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=148969)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=148970)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=148971)
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Well all right! :thumb: :green: :banana piano:
Your neck was probably getting stiff after all that looking & waiting.
(http://www.justmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/catwindowblind.jpg)
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WOOHOOO! Ill let the pics speak for themselves. After I get them unpacked, put together, and in place Ill do a quick listening review based on my previous playlist-
Congrats :thumb: Now the fun really begins, a whole 'new' library of music to listen too. 8)
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Well...damn. How can I possibly think of something that hasnt already been said about Salk speakers already? So many adjectives.
First, build quality. I mean, perfect. Every seam, every joint, is perfect. One little thing...Im a bare wire kinda guy. I dont do banana clips. The posts that Jim puts on these speakers are excellent. They screw out to reveal a hole to put the speaker wire through and screw down. Not some cheap aluminum crap, but nice. Well built, smooth threading.
Damn these things are heavy lol.
On my listening test I was blown away. I dont know what to say. The highs are incredibly crisp, the mids are clear, the bass is tight and clear. Damn.
Honestly, Im not into the whole "chocolatey bass" and "dreamy airy highs" crap, but what came to mind as I was going through my playlist was when a buddy of mine rented a Cadillac CTS and let me drive it. I normally drive a Honda Civic, which is a nice car. But the Caddy? Smooth...refined...perfectly constructed...and tight. Thats how these Song3's are. Simply effortless in their delivery.
Jim, your accolades dont even come close to the joy listening to your speakers bring. These are truly a work of musical art. Thank you. These will bring me pleasure for years to come.
I will do an extensive music and movie test in a couple of months when I get into my house and report back. But for now, this 3.0 Salk system I have is truly the best Ive ever heard.
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Well...damn. How can I possibly think of something that hasnt already been said about Salk speakers already? So many adjectives.
Give it some time. As you listen to more and more of your music, you'll find some real surprises. Enjoy the whole process as your ears & brain adjust to the new sounds :green:.
After a few weeks, or whenever you have the time, play your old Polk speakers. Then you'll be amazed at just how good the new Salks are, all over again.
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Those tweeters seem toward the airy side, a little soft and easy. Though Jim's integration didn't make them stand out for that quality, so I have no complaints as it has a great easy-to-read-through character. The Song3 is easy going, feels like it's easily expressing itself; and wont punish you so bad for using equipment that isn't as good as they are. That required taming the mid driver which Jim did well. Again though, I'd love to hear them in a more optimal room because imaging was off when I got a listen. It seemed space dependent though, as I've heard the same issues be corrected easily by moving speakers.
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Jealous.
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OK a little more listening, as well as catching up on our favorite TV shows. First though, I forgot to mention the satin black finish. Its really nice. Its in between piano gloss and flat. Really classy, and wifey loves it.
Ive never been one who has believed when Ive read this, but Ive never had a speaker this accurate before. But...there is a noticeable difference with the grills off. It really makes the ribbons shine. And sparkle. And do the things they do. Midrange and bass are the same to my ears.
Another analogy...compared to my previous Polks and now the Salks, its like Ive been looking through a dirty window that has finally been cleaned. Everything is simply cleaner.
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Compared to Polks you just changed paradigms!
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One more thing I forgot to mention. The crossovers. My God. Dennis and Jim have created magic. I listen to a large variety of music, and some of the electronic music I listen to can sweep the spectrum from top to bottom in a single song, and these Song3's dont even breathe hard. Its really incredible. Silky smooth transitions.
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:o :o :o :o
I can't believe you're still posting... If I were you I'd lock myself up and not come out until I played every cd I own (which is about 2000)...
8) :green: 8) :green:
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Compared to Polks you just changed paradigms!
They're Salks not Paradigms!
(Sorry, I couldn't resist! :roll: )
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:o :o :o :o
I can't believe you're still posting... If I were you I'd lock myself up and not come out until I played every cd I own (which is about 2000)...
8) :green: 8) :green:
I know right lol
Well since there arent many S3's in the wild I wanted to share everything that came to mind even if seemingly insignificant.
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I know right lol
Well since there arent many S3's in the wild I wanted to share everything that came to mind even if seemingly insignificant.
What serial numbers do you have?
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What serial numbers do you have?
I didnt find any. Maybe Jim can answer that
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There are no serial numbers per se. We go by the invoice number on the original order.
This was the fourth production pair shipped to date (production recently started) with a number of units in production that will ship shortly.
- Jim
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How do they sound!
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How do they sound!
Theres a bunch of initial listening impressions on the previous page, but I did put in another couple of hours this morning.
Im not into all the crazy adjectives you sometimes read like chocolatey bass (WTF does that mean?) but I will say these speakers are stunning. They are so silky smooth, and I have to mention again the crossovers. Ive listened to several songs that sweep the spectrum and nothing stands out...in other words the highs arent bright and harsh, the mids arent in your face, and the bass isnt muddy or sloppy. Everything is simply perfectly balanced, with no apparent sound signature other speakers are known for. I get it now when reviewers say Salks are simply transparent and dont color the sound at all. In other words, what a speaker is SUPPOSED to be. Kudos again to Jim and Dennis for the crossover work on these!
I wanted to comment also on an interview I read last night (I forgot who was talking to Jim but remembered the spirit of the interview). It was asked why his cabinets arent super fancy (like Focals or the crazy designs of B&W). His response was partly because his goal was that all that fancy design requires extra cost to the customer, and doesnt necessarily contribute to sound. I really, really admire that. Yes, Jim makes the most beautiful speakers in the world, but a speakers job really isnt to look pretty. Its to deliver music the way it was intended. Period. A speaker shouldnt call attention to itself, but rather call attention to the sound coming out of them. Jim has perfected this.
I need to throw this in too, as I was expecting this. Speakers like this not only make music sound cleaner and better, but they also accentuate terrible recordings. I love alot of 80's music, and damn. WTF happened? The mixes are terrible in general. Theyre flat and lifeless, and Salks make that ever so evident. Such a shame. But I will say those "loudness mixed" recordings sound even more flat and lifeless!
All in all Im blown away. These Song3's are marvelous. And I get all the praise of RAAL ribbons have received now too. Theyre outstanding.
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I really appreciate any components ability to shine a light on poor recordings! I have a turntable setup that is absolutely brutal on poor recordings, and I've come to expect as much.
Good to know!
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Vinyl copies from 80's or remastered will be better than the digital of the time... but it's not all good even so.
I expect these speakers to gain popularity. They're easier going than supercharged Song Towers, and the bass is reinforced. It's a nice contrasting flavor. They probably do better with more gentle amps, where supercharged Song Towers drivers get real good with death grip (esp. class A), at least when I've heard them in other speakers.
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Congrats on your purchase desertrider. Those look absolutely fantastic. I wasn't really keen on the way the Song 3's looked when Jim first posted his photos of the black with white figuring, but the satin black of yours as well as the silver automotive finish recently posted completely changed my opinion on the looks of these.
One question I do have though. I have yet to see these with the grills on and was wondering if you might be able to post a picture of yours with them installed?
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Congrats on your purchase desertrider. Those look absolutely fantastic. I wasn't really keen on the way the Song 3's looked when Jim first posted his photos of the black with white figuring, but the satin black of yours as well as the silver automotive finish recently posted completely changed my opinion on the looks of these.
One question I do have though. I have yet to see these with the grills on and was wondering if you might be able to post a picture of yours with them installed?
Here you go-
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=149280)
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Sweet!
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Just thought I'd share...
I just brought them home!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=151281)
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Desertrider- so how are you liking your speakers now? Its been a little bit since you got them. Are they still meeting your needs?
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Desertrider- so how are you liking your speakers now? Its been a little bit since you got them. Are they still meeting your needs?
Hey brubacca...yes they are. They are wonderful. As a reminder, I wont be in the new house for another 6 weeks or so, so I havent really been able;e to give them a true workout. But for moderate volume 2 channel music...amazing. Im really enjoying the ribbon tweets. I know it sounds strange, but its odd to hear such crystal clear highs (and I mean HIGHS) without sounding harsh or brassy. Its really nice. So clean.
So for the limited weird shaped room theyre in now, and not really set up for theater yet, theyve blown away my Polk RTi10's. I can only imagine how nice they'll sound once they can stretch their legs a bit :) Absolutely ZERO regret buying these.
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You know, theres a risk in ordering speakers as fine as the Salk Song3's. The risk isnt that they sound good. Thats undeniable. They will. The risk is all your favorite recordings, when played through the Salks, thier flaws will be revealed. How ever, with that said...
These speakers blow me away. Ive never experienced sound like what Im hearing in 2 channel as Ive heard from these. Im consistently blown away by their transparency. Im not a man of many adjective-laden audio posts, but these are the finest speakers Ive ever heard. They emit emotion from me. Theyre so damned good.
Im excited to get into my house ion 30 days and get my entire 5.1.4 set-up set up. I believe these Song 3's will blow me away.
Again.
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... These speakers blow me away. Ive never experienced sound like what Im hearing in 2 channel as Ive heard from these. Im consistently blown away by their transparency. Im not a man of many adjective-laden audio posts, but these are the finest speakers Ive ever heard. They emit emotion from me. Theyre so damned good. ...
Sweet; Congrats!! :thumb:
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I sold my magnepan and ordered yesterday a pair of song 3 in Walnut Burst. Can't wait to see how the finish will look like. :D
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I'm sure the speakers will exceed your wildest dreams!
True audio porn! I can't wait to see yours!
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I sold my magnepan and ordered yesterday a pair of song 3 in Walnut Burst. Can't wait to see how the finish will look like. :D
Jims finishes? First Class.
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Hi desertrider,
I was on the fence to jump on these speakers, but after you mentioned that 80's music sound flat not sure what to do!!!! :cry:
Is your music in "regular" 16/44 format?
I just recently started building a 2.1 system to listen to my 70s-80s music collection.
BTW, Congrats on the new babies!
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Hi desertrider,
I was on the fence to jump on these speakers, but after you mentioned that 80's music sound flat not sure what to do!!!! :cry:
Is your music in "regular" 16/44 format?
I just recently started building a 2.1 system to listen to my 70s-80s music collection.
BTW, Congrats on the new babies!
Yeah 16/44 format. Dont get me wrong, theres alot of stuff recorded well, but much is not. And then we get to the 90's when the loudness wars started becoming prevalent.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war
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UPDATE: We're all moved in to our new house, and my multipurpose/theater room sounds AMAZING. I have made a thread on avsforum with pics of my setup, and full details.
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/15-general-home-theater-media-game-rooms/2646833-blackangst-s-multipurpose-theater-room-done.html
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UPDATE: We're all moved in to our new house, and my multipurpose/theater room sounds AMAZING. I have made a thread on avsforum with pics of my setup, and full details.
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/15-general-home-theater-media-game-rooms/2646833-blackangst-s-multipurpose-theater-room-done.html
Have you rented any movies with Dolby Atmos yet? I was wondering if the ceiling speakers enhance the experience.
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/experience/dolby-atmos/movies.html (http://www.dolby.com/us/en/experience/dolby-atmos/movies.html)
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e104/blackangst/Mobile%20Uploads/20161118_075729_zpszrcwofcy.jpg)
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Have you rented any movies with Dolby Atmos yet? I was wondering if the ceiling speakers enhance the experience.
http://www.dolby.com/us/en/experience/dolby-atmos/movies.html (http://www.dolby.com/us/en/experience/dolby-atmos/movies.html)
Yes I have. Its extremely immersive and realistic. Even the DSU upmixer is amazing. It makes a TREMENDOUS difference. Remember, Atmos is object based, unlike traditional channel based sound. So for example instead of a sound coming from behind or on your side, it may slightly behind and up a little. Its pretty incredible.