AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: jsalk on 19 Apr 2013, 05:58 pm
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Greg wanted a pair of SoundScape speakers and put a good deal of thought into the finish. He selected zebrawood which is a very inexpensive veneer. But rather than run the grain vertically, he wanted to run it horizontally and spray light black dye over the top of it and finish the front baffles in satin black.
I tried really hard to get some representative photos, but was not successful. This was one of the most difficult pairs to photograph ever. Here was the best I could do...
(http://www.salksound.com/gallery/ss8/ss8-zebrawood-blackdye.jpg)
And a close-up...
(http://www.salksound.com/gallery/ss8/ss8-zebrawood-blackdye-cu.jpg)
Greg replaced a pair of Veracity HT2-TL's with these speakers and I'm sure he'll post come comments on what he perceives as the differences.
Happy listening Greg!
- Jim
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Wow
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Beautiful, wish that I did my finish like that but with red dye instead. Congratulation on your new upgrade, Greg. :thumb:
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My favorite Salk speaker yet. :thumb:
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hot damn :o
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Jim, I think these are the ones you mentioned to me the other day. You are right, they are amazing! :thumb:
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Wow, those are beautiful!
I like the new Salk nameplate on them...is that the new standard nameplate?
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Wow, those are beautiful!
I like the new Salk nameplate on them...is that the new standard nameplate?
Jim : The Salk Face Plates are great.Please put them on my Super Charged Song Towers if they are Available.
Thanks Bruce Voigt
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:thumb:
:smoke:
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Those are beautiful
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Thanks to Jim, Mary, Dennis, and the rest of the Salk crew for turning out such wonderful products! Kudos to Jim, Pete (BigRedMachine), Brandon (Nuance), and Terry (TJHub) for putting up with my questions about the SoundScape 8's, RAAL tweeters, the Accuton midrange, etc.
Thanks for the compliments on the veneer choice. I wanted something a bit different and Jim went out of his way to match a Photoshop mock up image I sent him. I can attest to these speakers being difficult to photograph, but I gave it a shot. They SS8's a more of a grey color than it appears in the photos (the rear shot is probably the closest to the actual color). The sides look almost black in a dark room. This has been stated about Jim's speakers many times before, but pictures do not do these speakers justice.
(http://www.5000k.com/SS8_001.jpg) (http://www.5000k.com/SS8_002.jpg) (http://www.5000k.com/SS8_003.jpg)
As far as the sound of the SS8's compared to the HT2 TL's (with the LCY tweeter), what I am hearing so far is not a subtle difference from the HT2 TL’s - in a positive way. For testing purposes I tried to keep the playing field as level as possible by using the same speaker position, and even using my SMS-1 and sub which is crossed over at 80Hz. I was amazed at how much better/tighter the bass was with the SS8's, even with the same sub in the chain.
I used my standard demo playlist which starts with Sara K and Chris Jones’s live version of “Waterfall”. I immediately heard a noticeable improvement in clarity, tone/timbre, and weight. The soundstage ambiance was very natural sounding.
Avishai Cohen’s “Bass Suite #1” from “Adama” was much more coherent (not sure about the description) when he goes up and down the bass scale. With the HT2’s it seemed like the bass needed to be EQ’d a little bit (not sure what that is about) on that track. Cyril Lutzelschwab and Martin Hess's "Boxenkiller" (Focal demo CD #4) took another step towards the drum set being in the room. Christian McBride’s “Night Train” (Focal CD #7) sounded scary good, as did all of the Salk demo tracks! Both female and male vocals sound excellent.
I could go on, there wasn't single a track that I didn’t think sounded better than what I have been accustomed to - and I was trying to find one. Every track I listened to was more natural and realistic sounding, and yet more impactful when called for. Sibilants sound more normal and less pronounced. Tone is much more realistic. I was hearing more information in tracks – the old “never noticed that before” feeling was very common. This is saying something since I loved the HT2 TL's.
The soundstage seems better, but I’m not sure it is a big difference from my HT2’s (which in my house was very good) - at least with the closed back, which is all I have had time to test so far. It think the soundstage seems better due to the clarity and the improved tonal differences of instruments from each other.
I requested that Jim put magnets on the rear of the cabinet to hold the extra rear grill, but now that I have the speakers it has occurred to me that placing the rear grill on the back veneer multiple times will probably mess up the rear finish.
Anyway, I still have a lot of experimenting to do (no sub, open back, open back with poly fill, etc.) but I could easily live with things as they are right now and I don’t think I will be in a big rush to test anything new for awhile.
Update:
Tried the SS8's with no sub. Wow, I sure as heck don't need a sub for music anymore. Easily the best bass I have heard in my room. Tight and impactful. Haven't had the time to do measurements, but things sound so good that I don't want to mess with REW right now.
Update 2:
New attempt at pics. Unfortunately I can't get a photo that does these speakers justice. The satin finish is closer to a gloss finish than satin finish on the HT2's we had and the reflections look odd (like big smudges) in the pics. The veneer looks close to grey in our room, so these shots look closer to the actual color than the previous pics I took.
-Greg
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Beautiful!
Btw, I had magnets placed on the back of my HT2-TL (since sold....I miss them) and didn't notice any problems marring the finish with repeated use (didn't notice any issues on the front either).
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I'm extremely happy for you, Greg! I have enjoyed all of your planning and all of our chats about your future SS8's, and it is beyond words to see it come to fruition. I am truly excited for you!
The speakers look incredible, of course! You did a fantastic job as always, Jim!
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Congats Greg! :thumb:
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Beautiful speakers indeed. When I want the grain to show, I use a flash.
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I like the new Salk nameplate on them...is that the new standard nameplate?
Yes it is.
I do like the new nameplates compared to the older style, which were hard to read with the lighting in our room. Jim was wondering if he would need to keep both styles in stock, in the event that someone wants the old style nameplates.
FYI, our speakers were delayed a bit waiting for the new nameplates. I would imagine that getting the new nameplates won't involve a delay from now on, but check with Jim.
Here is a closer look - the nameplate is actually much shinier than it appears in this photo:
(http://5000k.com/SS8_004.jpg)
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Wow! Very nice. Congrats, and nice touch on storing the grilles too.
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Yes it is.
I do like the new nameplates compared to the older style, which were hard to read with the lighting in our room. Jim was wondering if he would need to keep both styles in stock, in the event that someone wants the old style nameplates.
FYI, our speakers were delayed a bit waiting for the new nameplates. I would imagine that getting the new nameplates won't involve a delay from now on, but check with Jim.
Here is a closer look - the nameplate is actually much shinier than it appears in this photo:
(http://5000k.com/SS8_004.jpg)
Thanks, I like that much better than the older ones. I will email Jim to verify that these will be what will be installed on my SCSTs.
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Wow! Those look great!
Two comments...is this correct, that zebrawood is inexpensive? It looks expensive! :)
He selected zebrawood which is a very inexpensive veneer.
Also, can you explain the dual grills on the rear? It looks like a dual open back design? EDIT: NM I get it. That one picture shows the L/R grill stored on one speaker for reference,
Congrats on your new speakers! :) -Jon
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Greg
excellent finish choice, isn't it great to visualize and have Jim apply his exquisite charm
Avishai Cohen - I see you are a lover of fine jazz
check out the video series Icons Among Us - stellar jazz underground - he is interviewed and seen in concert footage
enjoy your 8's
try them without the sub for curiousities sake
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Beautiful finish. I hope you enjoy the Bryston/Salk combo as much as I do.
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Those be perdy. Looks like some Thiel and Raal drivers in there.
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Beeee-U-tiful! Congrats.
Dang, Funkmonkey-Greg...for a minute there, I thought you upgraded. :slap:
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Thanks again to everyone for the kind words.
I felt that we needed to Golden Retriever proof the SoundScapes (they seemed a little wobbly on our carpet which has a thick pad underneath) and also make the SS8's easier to move around, since I like tweaking speaker position and toe-in.
After looking at Herbie's Giant Cone/Spike Decoupling Gliders ($257.86 plus shipping) I decided to head over to Home Depot to see about making some homemade gliders. I ended up purchasing 2 packs of 2-3/8 in. Round Concave Magic Sliders (4 per pack, $7.95 for each pack), 8 heavy metal washers ($2.64 total), and 8 1/2 in. Zinc-Plated Steel Axel-Hat Nuts which I didn't use - they will scratch the anodized finish of the spikes and I found that I didn't need them. The homemade version doesn't look quite as polished as Herbie's Gliders, but they work quite well and make moving the SoundScapes much easier.
I was able to use the Soundocity outriggers from my HT2 TL's to stabilize the SS8's. I didn't think they would be wide enough for the SS8's, but they fit perfectly. I did remove the pointy tips from the spikes.
Now the speakers are rock solid on the carpet and are pretty easy to move around. Not sure if decoupling the speakers from the carpet made an audible difference or not.
(http://www.5000k.com/SS8_005.jpg) (http://www.5000k.com/SS8_006.jpg) (http://www.5000k.com/SS8_007.jpg)
(http://www.5000k.com/system_8_2013.jpg)
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Nothing like a little extra DIY work to improve upon an already excellent product, Greg. :thumb: Now your new babies are secure and the finish on the spikes will remain unmolested. Nice work buddy - it looks awesome!
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Beautiful finish. I hope you enjoy the Bryston/Salk combo as much as I do.
Thanks Pete, so far, so good :thumb:
BTW, how do you like the Cary Audio SLP 03?
-Greg
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Nothing like a little extra DIY work to improve upon an already excellent product, Greg. :thumb: Now your new babies are secure and the finish on the spikes will remain unmolested. Nice work buddy - it looks awesome!
Thanks Brandon. Unfortunately I scratched the tips of a four of the spikes when I tested the first version of the sliders. It's not a big deal since these speakers aren't going anywhere - they are keepers.
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Nice speakers! I do like that veneer quite a bit. And since you can't capture it well in a photograph, you'll have to open your home to the Salk community...I see no other option :thumb:
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wow those are really stunning. congrats
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Beeee-U-tiful! Congrats.
Dang, Funkmonkey-Greg...for a minute there, I thought you upgraded. :slap:
:o :o :lol: I would be a liar if I said I hadn't thought about it!!!
This Greg chose a really nice veneer too! :thumb: beautiful speakers Greg
-Greg
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A beautiful finish indeed, Jim, and I have no doubt that they do recorded music with fine detail top to bottom and breadth of life.
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Thanks Pete, so far, so good :thumb:
BTW, how do you like the Cary Audio SLP 03?
-Greg
I'm testing the system with the oppo BDP 105 direct to the amp and through the slp03 in a comparison. Will advise in a week or so. I have a promotional exam Wednesday. Will have time after then.
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Not sure if decoupling the speakers from the carpet made an audible difference or not.
I have been using Herbie's decoupling gliders for a hand full of years on a couple different speakers. Tested with and without. In my experience you would hear an audible benefit by going with herbies product over your DIY solution... Of course if it is just the movability of the speakers and not a sound benefit tweek, then you have achieved it and saved some bucks.
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:o :o :lol: I would be a liar if I said I hadn't thought about it!!!
This Greg chose a really nice veneer too! :thumb: beautiful speakers Greg
-Greg
:lol: Thanks Greg. So when are you upgrading from your HT3's?
-Greg
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I have been using Herbie's decoupling gliders for a hand full of years on a couple different speakers. Tested with and without. In my experience you would hear an audible benefit by going with herbies product over your DIY solution... Of course if it is just the movability of the speakers and not a sound benefit tweek, then you have achieved it and saved some bucks.
Hmmm, it wouldn't cost much for you to compare your Herbie's to my home made version :wink:
Yes, I added them for movability, but who knows, they may have improved the sound. Since the speakers are new I don't really have much of a "before sliders" listening reference and no real desire to test with and without sliders right now.
-Greg
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:lol: Thanks Greg. So when are you upgrading from your HT3's?
-Greg
Well, Powerball just came to SoCal, so I might be able to afford an upgrade soon :wink:
:beer:
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Well, Powerball just came to SoCal, so I might be able to afford an upgrade soon :wink:
:beer:
:lol: You must you have better luck with lotteries than I do!
-Greg
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Pics in my posts are updated - more accurate to the look of the speakers.
Call it break in or maybe my hearing is adjusting to the SoundScapes, but I would swear the SS8's sound better now than when I first received them and that is saying something. These are flat out awesome speakers :thumb:
Thanks again Jim!
-Greg