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.