AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: johzel on 26 Nov 2015, 03:45 pm
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I received a wonderful Thanksgiving present yesterday from Jim and the crew at Salk Sound - my new SILK AT monitors. I was reading an older Salk thread and liked Jim's description of the Audio Technology drivers. So, I inquired as to whether Jim might be able to create a pair of monitors for me with the ATs . . . and I left the design up to him. As we like to say in Wisconsin . . . "never throw the guide out of the boat!". The pictures show Jim's design - the new SILK AT Monitors . . . stained maple burled wood, a species native to our state. I couldn't be happier. I also included a picture of the speakers on new Skylan 4-post stands - made to the Salk's dimensions. Jim, thanks so much!!!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132483)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132484)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132486)
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Very nice!! I'm sure they sound even better than they look.
Wife and I were in New Glarus for the weekend beginning of October at the Lucky Dog Farm. Spotted Cow is here favorite, had to bring a couple of cases back with us to Illinois.
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Those do look nice! I'll bet you'll be thrilled with what comes out of those speakers. I assume they'll sound best after 100 or so hours, yes?
I wonder how their sound differs from the original Silks. Has Jim said anything?
I often wonder how a speaker's sound alters when a different woofer or a different tweeter is used.
Enjoy!
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Martyo, Excellent. :thumb: Feel free to stop by and say hi next time you're up. Or I'll meet you at Puempels!! Make mine a "Fat Squirrel". About 70% of all beer made is Spotted Cow . . .
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Johzel- I know you'll love these. I continue to be amazed at the work Jim and his crew produce- I love the look of the maple burl and the stain really complements the grain.
Hope you'll post some listening observations.
Ben
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They look amazing - enjoy!
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Those do look nice! I'll bet you'll be thrilled with what comes out of those speakers. I assume they'll sound best after 100 or so hours, yes?
I wonder how their sound differs from the original Silks. Has Jim said anything?
I often wonder how a speaker's sound alters when a different woofer or a different tweeter is used.
Enjoy!
Lots of break-in going on . . . I also have a new Spectrum Technologies Son of Ampzilla MK2 amplifier so a few hours yet for sure.
I do believe he's very happy with this design . . . It's my undestanding he's considering offering this as an alternative model to the regular Silks. This driver is a bit more expensive. But I best leave such discussions for Jim himself.
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Nice, these look fantastic! Did Jim use the AT with the LR motor? Please keep us updated with the break in.
Todd
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That is one amazing imitation of Walnut.
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That is one amazing imitation of Walnut.
:lol: You'r just trying to be a little :evil:
Bob
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Congrats! Beautiful speakers! Nice stands too.
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Congrats on these! As the owner of the original one-off monitors that Jim built with the AT woofers, I feel sure that you'll be very pleased with these. I'm listening to mine right now. Other than the veneer (obviously), the only outward difference I can spot is that the original design was rear ported rather than the front slot porting on yours (and the original Silks). I would guess yours are also a bit taller to accommodate the front porting. Did you have placement issues that necessitated the front slot? Do you know if Jim made other revisions to the original design?
Enjoy!
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Congrats on these! As the owner of the original one-off monitors that Jim built with the AT woofers, I feel sure that you'll be very pleased with these. I'm listening to mine right now. Other than the veneer (obviously), the only outward difference I can spot is that the original design was rear ported rather than the front slot porting on yours (and the original Silks). I would guess yours are also a bit taller to accommodate the front porting. Did you have placement issues that necessitated the front slot? Do you know if Jim made other revisions to the original design?
Enjoy!
Thanks. They are terrific right out of the box. Have only had one day of serious listening but all thumbs up. Extremely detailed and coherent - there may be speakers that do a better "disappearing" act but I've never owned any. You're quite observant. No, I didn't state any particular need for front porting and they are, indeed, a bit taller than the regular silks. I had these out in the room quite a bit initially and they benefited from being moved a bit closer to the wall. Not sure about any other differences . . . Jim will have to weigh in on specifics. By the way, have you found a need or desire to add a subwoofer or two to yours? The bass response is really very impressive for their size. Here's the thread that led me to the design request.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=125934.0
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Yeah, those are the pair I have. I'm a long time apt dweller and standmount guy, but, for that species, I've found these capable of serving the music very well without any desire to supplement the bass. Depending on your room size and listening habits, you may reach a different conclusion. I did find they worked best with some room around them (like most speakers). In speaking with Jim, the ability to work in tighter spaces was the one advantage he noted of the original Silks over the ATR's.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132637)
Thought you might enjoy seeing a pic of my pair in the wild.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=132637)
Thought you might enjoy seeing a pic of my pair in the wild.
Very nice TwymanJ!
Did you make the stands yourself?
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Very nice TwymanJ!
Did you make the stands yourself?
Thanks. No, I wish I had that kind of ability. They're the Core Audio Designs stands in walnut. Technically, a high quality stand, and, I think, a good cosmetic match with the Salks.
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Those look amazing, TwymanJ. Congrats!
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Wow, very nice. They must weigh a ton. What equipment do you have hooked up to them?
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Wow, very nice. They must weigh a ton. What equipment do you have hooked up to them?
They do weigh a ton for their size. I believe each speaker shipped at 38 pounds. I have an Oppo BDP-93 (as a transport) running to an Exogal Comet DAC (also used as "preamp") into the new SST Son of Ampzilla II amplifier. The combination is marvelous. Still breaking in - but together - the best I've had. Interestingly, so far, I haven't felt the need for a subwoofer. I have a couple, someday I will throw them into the mix. New Year's resolution: Start streaming music . . . whatever that is :)
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They do weigh a ton for their size. I believe each speaker shipped at 38 pounds. I have an Oppo BDP-93 (as a transport) running to an Exogal Comet DAC (also used as "preamp") into the new SST Son of Ampzilla II amplifier. The combination is marvelous. Still breaking in - but together - the best I've had. Interestingly, so far, I haven't felt the need for a subwoofer. I have a couple, someday I will throw them into the mix. New Year's resolution: Start streaming music . . . whatever that is :)
Nice! Would love to see a pic of the whole system.
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Nice! Would love to see a pic of the whole system.
Here you go. The Son of Ampzilla MK2 sitting on top of BDI cabinet. The Exogal Comet on the inside - not in view.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=134008)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=134009)
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Hi,
Thanks for the photos. Hope your really happy with how the speakers sound in your system. Jim builds great speakers.
Cheers Rod
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Those look great. Are they breaking in well?
Do you live in New Glarus? Or just like their beer? I'm just up the road from NG, about 15 miles in Verona.
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Congrats on the purchase. They look wonderful.
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Those look great. Are they breaking in well?
Do you live in New Glarus? Or just like their beer? I'm just up the road from NG, about 15 miles in Verona.
Both :thumb: We are, indeed, neighbors!! Drive through Verona all the time on way into Madison. And live about 2 miles from the brewery . . . Fat Squirrel and Milk Stout nowadays. The speakers and amp are doing great together . . . haven't been listening a whole lot lately as we're finishing off a lower level where my audio gear will find its new home.
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Congrats on the purchase. They look wonderful.
Thanks . . . and sound the same. Must say, my wife even likes their looks . . . so long as I keep the grills on and she doesn't have to look at those ugly black round things :lol: Jim's work is even more gorgeous when you get to see it up close and in person.
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Jim's work is even more gorgeous when you get to see it up close and in person.
Indeed. I'm still in awe of mine.
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Both :thumb: We are, indeed, neighbors!! Drive through Verona all the time on way into Madison. And live about 2 miles from the brewery . . . Fat Squirrel and Milk Stout nowadays. The speakers and amp are doing great together . . . haven't been listening a whole lot lately as we're finishing off a lower level where my audio gear will find its new home.
If you are ever giving demos, I'd love to hear them. I do get into New Glarus from time to time.
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If you are ever giving demos, I'd love to hear them. I do get into New Glarus from time to time.
Be happy to . . . when things get all arranged here will send you a PM. Will have a liverwurst, limburger cheese with raw onion on rye sandwich waiting for you . . . it is New Glarus after all.
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Hi,
Just wondering what made you choose the SST Son of Ampzilla II's? Did you get the opportunity to compare different amplifiers.
I had the previous Son of Ampzillas and sold them to a friend and upgraded to the Ampzilla 2000's. I had some problems with one of the mono blocks and shipped it back to Wyred 4 Sound for repair. Really good quality customer service and I'm totally happy with the product. I'm also a Salk Sound customer having shipped HT2's, HT3's and rhythmic subwoofer all the way to Australia.
Really good quality and value system you have at your home.
Cheers Rod
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Hi,
Just wondering what made you choose the SST Son of Ampzilla II's? Did you get the opportunity to compare different amplifiers.
Really good quality and value system you have at your home.
Cheers Rod
A couple of things. Quality of sound of course. The SST name is legendary (is it safe to say that). The reviews of the new amps are certainly excellent. Was looking for more power for the Silk AT's - they're not terribly efficient and the Son Of Ampzilla MKII comes in at 220 watts into 8 ohms, I wanted a balanced amp to pair with my Exogal Comet DAC that uses a balanced output, the amp will fit in my BDI cabinet and while it's "hefty" I can actually lift it (no more 100 pounds amps for this "old" guy - it has a fairly small footprint for an amp with it's power and specs), and in the end I was able to get the amp at a decent price (mine was an unused "back-up" show sample from RMAF). Finally, Walter at Underwood hifi highly recommended the amp. I have to say I really like this amp - best I've had to my ears. And I have had many excellent ones (W4S, LSA Statement, 2 Van Alstines, 2 Odysseys, a Naim, a Modwright, etc. etc.). Of course, this one lists significantly more than most of those at $3500 so it ought to. At any rate, I'm entirely happy with this system and I guess that's all that matters. (I do have a pair of Gallo CL-S 12 subwoofers I've yet to use - plan to integrate those in some day - have just enjoyed the Silks all by themselves).
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Hi,
I also bought both my SST amplifiers from Walter and had them shipped to Australia. I received a good deal as well. Happy listening to your system.
Cheers Rod
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How do these differ from the original Silk? I see they both use the RAAL tweeter but other than using the AT instead of the Scanspeak, what other differences? Are the dimensions the same? Frequency response?
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How do these differ from the original Silk? I see they both use the RAAL tweeter but other than using the AT instead of the Scanspeak, what other differences? Are the dimensions the same? Frequency response?
Certainly the AT is the major difference.
The regular Silks are 8” W x 14” H x 11” D and play down to 42Hz as per Salk’s website.
My “Silk AT’s” are a bit bigger measuring 9” W x 16” H x 12” D. Their sensitivity is 87db and frequency response is 47Hz – 40kHz +/-3db. I do have a frequency response graph somewhere if you are interested. Both speakers are front ported. I notice the tweeters on the Silks are “offset” a bit in their cabinets. The Silk AT’s tweeters are not – they are dead center in their cabinets.
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Those are gorgeous. Congrats!
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Certainly the AT is the major difference.
The regular Silks are 8” W x 14” H x 11” D and play down to 42Hz as per Salk’s website.
My “Silk AT’s” are a bit bigger measuring 9” W x 16” H x 12” D. Their sensitivity is 87db and frequency response is 47Hz – 40kHz +/-3db. I do have a frequency response graph somewhere if you are interested. Both speakers are front ported. I notice the tweeters on the Silks are “offset” a bit in their cabinets. The Silk AT’s tweeters are not – they are dead center in their cabinets.
I am seriously considering the original Silk. I don't want to use a sub so I will go for the one that digs deeper.
Although I hear that the AT driver has a glorious midrange and as a lover of female vocals, like Cassandra Wilson, that might the way to go. I doubt I could go wrong either way.
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Added a tweak to the system today. Wow . . . was surprised. Great purchase - worth the price. Equi Core = 300.
http://www.corepowertechnologies.com/
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Question, is this the same AT driver used in the Vapor Audio Cirrus Black?
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Question, is this the same AT driver used in the Vapor Audio Cirrus Black?
Sorry. Absolutely no idea. You'd have to call Jim and ask.
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Hello, Digitaldude.
I don't have either of the Salk speakers nor do I own the Cirrus. [I heard the Cirrus at Axpona 2014 and noticed a lack of the lower bass.] However, I do own a pair of Fritz LS/5-R speakers which share the Scan Speak Illuminator 5.5" midwoofer driver as the Silk speakers.
These 5.5" drivers deliver very satisfying bass levels even at very reasonable listening levels. The midrange clarity is excellent. When I show the speakers to friends and acquaintances, they cannot get over how great the bass is especially considering how small the midwoofers are.
In my (more or less) humble opinion, once we get into the Illuminator/Revelator/Audio Tech/Satori/Seas Excel level of midwoofer drivers, most of us are just splitting hairs trying to determine which one is the 'best'. Sure, they have different qualities, but I'll wager that in a truly blind listening test, most of us would be more than content with any of the configurations. I don't mean an A/B comparison - I mean if you listen to speakers A behind a curtain, you'll love them. Likewise, if you listen to speakers B, you will love them. It's only when we are presented with different packages that our eyes and our imaginations push us to lust after this or that variation.
I'm as guilty as the next guy of constantly pouring over all the eye and ear candy looking for my next pair of speakers, but when the day is done and I'm listening to my speakers, I know damned well they are really nice sounding speakers.
My suggestion to you is call Jim of Salk, Fritz of Fritz Loudspeakers, Ryan of Vapor, Rick of Selah, Klaus of Odyssey, etc. and arrange for them to send you a pair of speakers to audition for a few weeks. It's is the only sure way for you to know 100% that this or that pair of speakers suits you best. I think most of them have very reasonable return policies. Go ahead, man. Give it a try. It's what I should have done 2 years ago. You'll spend a little on shipping charges, but it's not that much in retrospect. Heck, I drove many hundreds of miles to a dozen audio shops, flew to Chicago for three days for Axpona '14, and read hundreds of reviews and spent God knows how many hours researching before I even began committing to decide which speakers I wanted. How much money did I spend doing all that? :duh:
Enjoy your journey!
Michael
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Question, is this the same AT driver used in the Vapor Audio Cirrus Black?
DigitalDude,
This is from the thread where Jim first mentioned these drivers - this seems to imply that these particular AT drivers are proprietary to Salk Sound - that's how I read it??
"A while ago, we asked Per Skaaning (one of the most knowledgeable driver manufacturers in the world) to build some nice midwoofers for us. But for some reason, we never did anything with them. When we ran across them recently, we decided to couple them with our RAAL tweeters and build some nice monitors."
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Question, is this the same AT driver used in the Vapor Audio Cirrus Black?
What driver is used in this model?
- Jim
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What driver is used in this model?
If the website is up to date, it is the Audio Technology C-Quenze 18H52 (http://www.audiotechnology.dk/iz.asp?id=4|a|135|||).
Steve
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This is not the driver we are using. We are using the 15H52 which excels in midrange quality. The 18H52 would require a larger cabinet and, since it is a larger driver, it would beam a bit more.
- Jim
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My suggestion is to stick to Salk sound. I would not recommend dealing with ryan from vapor audio he still owes me 20,000 us dollars for th last 2 years and no longer respond to emails and has not paid back a penny. Salk sound has excellent reputation a good business ethics. Your investment is in better hands.
Salk sound can build you Real custom speakers should you require changes.
My experience with vapor audio has been a total nightmare. I'm down 20,000 us dollars and not once has ryan actually contacted me or arrange to ge the funds paid back. This should give you a good indicator on the people your dealing with,
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You just couldn't leave this topic alone, which is about a Salk speaker in the Salk forum. :(
You've already aired your dirty laundry and dissatisfaction ad infinitum (and ad nauseam) about your transaction in the Vapor and other circles. Please don't soil another manufacturer's circle. PM someone if you must.
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Just warning a fellow audiophile to stay away from scam artist, it's the least I can do. Freedom of speech, I'm pretty sure nothing wrong in recommending or advising based on personal experience. Btw someone suggested vapor audio so I feel I can chime in and give my 2 cents worth?? Calm down boy!!
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Btw have nothing but good things about Salk sound. Someone mentioned vapor audio on thread. Ain't the forums about sharing experience good or bad?
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This is not the driver we are using. We are using the 15H52 which excels in midrange quality.
- Jim
Jim,
Having lived with these speakers for a bit now I can vouch for their "midrange quality". They're marvelous.
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Added a tweak to the system today. Wow . . . was surprised. Great purchase - worth the price. Equi Core = 300.
http://www.corepowertechnologies.com/
Could you explain what this is and how it works, and what it did for your system? I am interested but technologically backward. Thanks.
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My suggestion is to stick to Salk sound. I would not recommend dealing with ryan from vapor audio he still owes me 20,000 us dollars for th last 2 years and no longer respond to emails and has not paid back a penny. Salk sound has excellent reputation a good business ethics. Your investment is in better hands.
Salk sound can build you Real custom speakers should you require changes.
My experience with vapor audio has been a total nightmare. I'm down 20,000 us dollars and not once has ryan actually contacted me or arrange to ge the funds paid back. This should give you a good indicator on the people your dealing with,
And this is the wrong place to do it.
I highly suggest Jim deletes your posts. You have a problem with Ryan take it up with him.
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And this is the wrong place to do it.
I highly suggest Jim deletes your posts. You have a problem with Ryan take it up with him.
This is from a long time ago. This has evolved a lot since this post. They've come to an agreement.
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Dragon-vibe -
We appreciate very much your positive comments. Thanks.
That said, we take great pains to avoid discussing other companies business practices or products. They really have no impact on us or what we are trying to do. So, if it wouldn't be too much to ask, could you kindly edit your comments and remove references to the concern you are having an issue with? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, in advance, for your cooperation.
- Jim
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This is from a long time ago. This has evolved a lot since this post. They've come to an agreement.
Sorry I missed the date. I thought it was new due to the way "new posts" show up.
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Could you explain what this is and how it works, and what it did for your system? I am interested but technologically backward. Thanks.
Just saw this. Sorry. Sure. At the time I was running a full 7.2 HT system and my 2-channel system off the same circuit and power sources. I was having some system noise and even a ground loop. This didn't fix the ground loop (but I did solve that issue) but I did think it added a bit of clarity and quieter background in my system. Fair to say, I think, such tweaks aren't a starting point is a system and there are many other areas that likely give you bigger bang for the buck. But what it does, I think this is a nice piece.
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Btw have nothing but good things about Salk sound. Someone mentioned vapor audio on thread. Ain't the forums about sharing experience good or bad?
Please read the guidelines - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=about;area=posting-guidelines "The "no dirty laundry" policy" or "Defamatory remarks
Do not use this site to make defamatory remarks about people or organisations."
I've not had perfectly smooth experiences with every single vendor on Audio Circle. There are things that not every single individual will like. That's just the nature of things.
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Johzel, awesome set of speakers you have there. I just placed an order for the Silk AT Monitors myself. Nice to see a fellow WI member too.
The stands that you had made to Jim's specs. What are those specs? I might as well get a set ordered too while I wait for the speakers to get built.
We can chat more later.
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The stands that you had made to Jim's specs. What are those specs? I might as well get a set ordered too while I wait for the speakers to get built.
Hi, sorry for not replying sooner. Specifically, the Skylan stand's top plate is 9" x 12" inches and the stands are 24" tall. At Noel's suggestion for stability I went with the 4-post design. FWIW, mine are filled with long grain rice.
And, these Silk AT's and Skylan stands may be for sale very soon. Never being one to leave well enough alone I've been talking to Jim about upgrading (wrong word maybe), make that changing to a new design . . . taking these AT features into a floor standing loudspeaker . . . gone for a bit and likely listing these soon. :duh:
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Thanks for the reply, and I did get the info from Jim. I can't imagine the gut wrenching decision to part with that pair you have. They are absolutely stunning. But yes, looking at your room, a tower speaker would fill the room better. You could just utilize them in a home theater application too.
I will be using mine in a smaller room so they should be perfect for it.
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Hi, sorry for not replying sooner. Specifically, the Skylan stand's top plate is 9" x 12" inches and the stands are 24" tall. At Noel's suggestion for stability I went with the 4-post design. FWIW, mine are filled with long grain rice.
And, these Silk AT's and Skylan stands may be for sale very soon. Never being one to leave well enough alone I've been talking to Jim about upgrading (wrong word maybe), make that changing to a new design . . . taking these AT features into a floor standing loudspeaker . . . gone for a bit and likely listing these soon. :duh:
Should be listing these in the next day. Looking forward to moving onto a "new" project with Jim using this same AT driver . . .
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I think I have just bought these from the second owner - really looking forward to enjoying them in my office setup.
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I think I have just bought these from the second owner - really looking forward to enjoying them in my office setup.
Congrats! What made you choose the AT vs the Illuminator version? I see there's a pair of the Illuminator model on sale at the same time as the AT model on Audiogon.
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Two things. First, I have an atma-sphere S-30 that I'm using in the setup now which only produces 30w and I thought the higher sensitivity was better (but what do I know). Second, I liked the finish on these. I admit that I am a bit concerned about the size of these vs the other version as I'm using them in an office location, but I'm guessing I'll get over that.
What perspective would you bring ....... I'm always keen to learn.
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Congrats! What made you choose the AT vs the Illuminator version? I see there's a pair of the Illuminator model on sale at the same time as the AT model on Audiogon.
I see you have a pair of the Illuminator model - what drove your decision?
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I see you have a pair of the Illuminator model - what drove your decision?
Thanks for the rundown. Probably not a bad call with the more sensitive AT versions.
I remember asking Jim about the difference between the two when I was deciding (mainly because there was already a pair of AT built and for sale on their website) and I can't remember exactly what he said. I think it was something to the effect of the increased sensitivity being the biggest difference, but the Illuminator being a tad warmer... something like that. I believe he said any sonic differences were slight and both were excellent.
In any case, I'm certain you'll love the AT version. I adore my Silks to the point that it's hard for me to want to upgrade to anything that isn't the SoundScape. The RAAL tweeter is a revelation.