AudioCircle
Industry Circles => GR Research => Topic started by: Vedder323 on 31 May 2016, 02:27 pm
-
Got these up and running and listened for 4 hours last night.
Couple disclaimers:
1. While I am a reviewer and Danny is a friend of mine, nothing was paid or given to me to influence my thoughts or opinions about these speakers. In fact, the only "deal" or discount that was given to me was Danny honoring the same price that Rythmik quoted me for the plate amps. (20% off). Besides this, I did get a small break on the flat packs from Jay and Don but nothing to get excited about.
2. One of the drivers (M165NQ's) was DOA so these impressions are only taking into consideration that 2 of the 4 drivers are wired up and working. The picture is misleading because it appears all the drivers are working.
3. Im using temporary cheap wire right now, nothing is soldered.
4. Keep in mind, I am coming to you with impressions of both the Oticas and the servo subs as a package. I dont think anyone getting the Oticas is planning on using them without subs and that is for a good reason. While the Otticas play pretty low in room and would cover 85% of the entire spectrum, you must have something to help below 60hz.
Listening Impressions:
Treble:
The top end of the Otica's remind me of what I love so much about my Anthony Gallo 3.1s but push the limits to the extreme. Due to the physics involved of the Oticas being 2x taller than the Gallo 3.1s, the top end extension sounds more lively and natural in terms of height. With the Gallos, splashes and crashes can sound somewhat short and these limitations are nowhere to be found with the Oticas. In fact, contrary to what I was worried about with the tweeter being substantially higher than ear level, the cymbal hits and top end of everything was coming straight at me at or just above ear level. This goes to show the dispersion and off axis of those Neo tweeters is no laughing matter. In regards to top end tone, the Oticas make the Gallos sound delicate and polite, almost "toy like" as opposed to the way something should sound. While checking out something aggressive and rocking, cymbals hit with authority and sounded ballsy like I experienced with the Spatial M3s but there is one key difference: forgiveness. Because Danny nailed these drivers/networks, you have little to no stored energy on top so when the strike happens on the cymbal, thats all you get. At no point in the 4 hours did I feel tired of fatigued and this was approaching 87-92db listening levels at times.
Midrange:
The midrange and midband on the Oticas is superbly crafted. Tones and textures of vocals pick fights with anything I have ever heard. With well recorded material, you are rewarded with micro details in the human voice that will freak people out (These Bones - Fairfield Four). Male vocals have meat on the bones when they should and female vocals sound smooth as butter without a trace of grain, grit or edginess. All midband instruments ranging from electric to acoustic guitars will have you convinced you are listening to speakers that cost as much as a car. With the open baffle wedged design, this gives instruments the weight and heft needed to avoid sounding paper thin and presents material with substance that portrays all the benefits of a box speaker without the negative effects of being stuffed inside a box.
Bass:
Simply put, the most musical sounding bass I have ever heard by a country mile. Deep? Uh, yeah... in the teens and with authority! For the knuckleheaded baboons that say Danny is full of himself when he claims these play flat down to 20, allow me to make this perfectly clear. You have no idea what bass is supposed to sound like until you hear these. Yes, they play that low and yes, they play flat (I have measured them). Are there some caveats? Sure, the plate amp settings are confusing as heck and the subs must be pulled into the room 3 feet or more. Other than that, these could be the most realistic sounding subwoofers on the planet. Also, the integration to the Oticas blends better than peanut butter goes with jelly. At no point could I figure out where the subs were located and more important, where they handed over the work to the Oticas.
Ill save the rest for the video review when I cover these but I can say without reservation, I don't know of any loudspeaker at or around $4k that would even come close to what this system is capable of performing. I have heard speakers that cost as much as a car that cant compete.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=143954)
-
I would love to see some in room measurements of the low frequency < 100Hz with those OB subs. Can you post?
-
I would love to see some in room measurements of the low frequency < 100Hz with those OB subs. Can you post?
Ill cover all measurements when I knock out the video review. Are you a skeptic? :green:
-
Ill cover all measurements when I knock out the video review. Are you a skeptic? :green:
When is the video coming? Skeptic? Hardly. Curious to see what the OB looks like.
-
When is the video coming? Skeptic? Hardly. Curious to see what the OB looks like.
It will be a while bro, im super busy.
-
Nice write up Ron and they speakers / sbus look great together :beer:
Man, you just wiat. Once you get the other 2 NQ's wired up and some hours on all those caps (up to 300-400 for the platinums ), you are in for a treat ! Those additional 2 NQ's will make a PROFOUND improvement to what you are hearing now.
They sound good "out of the box", but once they have some burn in time, they really start to sing
Enjoy !
jay
-
I am sure I missed it, but what constitutes the roughly $4k cost?
Was that just the kit + flat pack?
George
-
I am sure I missed it, but what constitutes the roughly $4k cost?
Was that just the kit + flat pack?
George
The NX-Ottica kit (including flat pack), the parts (drivers / amps) for the OB servo subs, and a dual H-frame flat pack (optional) would come in at under $4500
jay
-
The NX-Ottica kit (including flat pack), the parts (drivers / amps) for the OB servo subs, and a dual H-frame flat pack (optional) would come in at under $4500
jay
Thanks Jay.
Sounds like a tremendous value for a high level of performance.
Just not sure of my speaker building skills...
George
-
Thanks Jay.
Sounds like a tremendous value for a high level of performance.
Just not sure of my speaker building skills...
George
I couldnt hang a shelf from IKEA bro... you would do just fine.
-
George,
I really suck at woodworking.
I had very little problem building Jay's predecessors H-Frames. Basically glue and clamps. I was very worried and it worked out very well.
Finishing can be done at a local body show with car paints if you are like me with painting. Or use something like DuraTex from Danny for a hard finish.
You just need the space to get a bit messy, but I just put towels down on the rugs and it worked fine. The wood glue cleaned up with water.
Good luck with your decision.
-
Thanks for the vote of confidence guys.
Vedder323,
Looking forward to your full review.
George
-
With the paint, I found using a roller and flat enamel worked extremely well. I think we often get stuck in a rut of going super glossy or glass like, as if is the only finish that looks good but thats not been my experience. Like HAL mentioned the Duratex would also work just fine. By the way, this was my first time doing wood veneer and it was easy...
-
Great initial write up Ron.
Nice write up Ron and they speakers / sbus look great together :beer:
Man, you just wiat. Once you get the other 2 NQ's wired up and some hours on all those caps (up to 300-400 for the platinums ), you are in for a treat ! Those additional 2 NQ's will make a PROFOUND improvement to what you are hearing now.
They sound good "out of the box", but once they have some burn in time, they really start to sing
Enjoy !
jay
+1 :thumb:
George,
I really suck at woodworking.
I had very little problem building Jay's predecessors H-Frames. Basically glue and clamps. I was very worried and it worked out very well.
Finishing can be done at a local body show with car paints if you are like me with painting. Or use something like DuraTex from Danny for a hard finish.
You just need the space to get a bit messy, but I just put towels down on the rugs and it worked fine. The wood glue cleaned up with water.
Good luck with your decision.
And if all else fails there are some of us on the site who would build and finish the speakers for you.
Mike
-
I'm surprised there isn't a HAL MS-3 active crossover upgrade available for these.
-
Thanks Jay.
Sounds like a tremendous value for a high level of performance.
Just not sure of my speaker building skills...
George
George,
I've designed these cabinets (both speakers and subs) so they go together as easily as possible. As I recommeded to Ron , doing a few dry assemblies before actually gluing them up is a great idea just so you get a feel for how it all fits togther. The cabinets will easily stay togher when dry fit, surprisingly solid asctually.
You would have to pick up a few clamps and for the Otticas, I do recommend either a couple of band clamps or even a set of ratcheting tie downs that can be wrapped around the cabinet and snugged up to pull evenly inwards.
Everything in these cabinets either fits into dado's or is located with dowels so they are pretty much all self aligning.
jay
-
Jason,
If folks were interested, I can make a MS-3/dspMusik version of the crossover.
I have a demo system to use that is with the LS-9's now.
Add about 50% to the cost.
-
Jason,
If folks were interested, I can make a MS-3/dspMusik version of the crossover.
I have a demo system to use that is with the LS-9's now.
Add about 50% to the cost.
Thanks.
-
What's the output difference of the 2 driver VS. the 3 driver H Frame?
-
Nice build! Looking forward to the video review... :thumb:
Best,
Anand.
-
With the paint, I found using a roller and flat enamel worked extremely well. I think we often get stuck in a rut of going super glossy or glass like, as if is the only finish that looks good but thats not been my experience. Like HAL mentioned the Duratex would also work just fine. By the way, this was my first time doing wood veneer and it was easy...
Amen on the glossy finish...
Those speakers look like they belong in that room!! Great job!
-
Nice pre-review. I know these speakers sound incredible. Once you get them dialed in, they're gonna exceed your expectations.
-
Let these burn in for awhile and then put better xover parts in them......will blow your mind....a whole nuther level.....Ferrari level. You want the Jantzen Wax foil coils: 12 gauge for the midrange coil and 14 or 16 gauge for the tweeter coil and Clarity Cap MRs. See this link for info on two others who tried the Zantzens versus the stock Erse:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=141060.80
Tyson said on another thread that the fully burned in Clarity Cap MRs were definitely better than the Sonicaps.
Speaker drivers/open baffles this good demand the best xover parts.
-
Where can we get the 2.5 mH Jentzen wax/foil inductors Ric ?
I have used the Clarity MR caps before, I was hapy with the results
jay
-
Where can we get the 2.5 mH Jentzen wax/foil inductors Ric ?
I have used the Clarity MR caps before, I was hapy with the results
jay
You think the Clarity MR caps sound better than the Sonicaps by-passed by Sonicap Platinums?
-
Parts Express is the only US dealer for Jantzen that I know of. Check out their stock, if they don't have what you need you can custom order it and it will come in on the next shipment (could be over a month). Check the Jantzen site for values made.
Here is a place in Europe that seems to stock tons of them: https://www.audiohobby.eu/en/5539-jantzen-audio-wax-coil
You don't pay VAT or other tax. Never ordered from them. But if I needed Jantzens fast (and why would you want to listen to those veiled Erse's) then I would give them a try.
-
You think the Clarity MR caps sound better than the Sonicaps by-passed by Sonicap Platinums?
Mike,
I was actually using the Clarity MR's as coupling caps in the Jolida, I haven't used them in any speaker YET but I do plan to at some point. I found them to be extremely neutral and very tranparent. When I installed them, it was like liftng a vail, I know, that's a cliche but it's how the overall presentation seemed to change. It didnt take overly long either, there wasn;t a huge burn in period.
"Upgrading" caps is always a bit of concernn, how much return do you actually get for your investment ? Yeah, in the case of my amp I installed the MR's into,, it did make a difference, but could I have attained the same results with a Gen 1 Soniccap for far less money ? Hard to say unless you do a back to back comparion.
I'd love to compare the MR's alone vs the Sonicap G1 bypassed with a SC Platinum as I'm a fan of the Platinum bypass caps, I use them on the dodd pre now and i've used them as bypass caps in the high pass filter feeding Neo3's a couple of times .. one of these days I'd like to do some comparisons including using the Jupiter coppers as bypass caps.
Ric, yes, I checked PE but they didn't have the value. Will check out the link you posted :beer:
jay
-
Here is a place in Europe that seems to stock tons of them: https://www.audiohobby.eu/en/5539-jantzen-audio-wax-coil
You don't pay VAT or other tax. Never ordered from them. But if I needed Jantzens fast (and why would you want to listen to those veiled Erse's) then I would give them a try.
But don't believe their "in stock" status on a particular coil you want. I made an order today and later, after paying, they sent me an email saying they were back ordered. Who knows when I will get them. Probably NOT fast.........
gab
-
Of course, they don't stock the value YOU want. They say they have everything in stock....not possible. Anytime you see that you email first and ask if they have stock on the item you want.....and if not, how long before they get them. Just like Parts Express, they will probably just get them in with the next order. These coils are pretty much custom.....too bad. Danny should stock the ones used in his speakers (and Clarity Cap MRs).....then we would all win. He can make money selling updated xovers and we can get better xovers/sound without looking for exotic parts all over the world.
-
At least Parts Express doesn't lead you on saying everything is in stock. Wish I had gone with them for a special order. Oh well live and learn
-
Maybe everything will be okay with these folks. Here is a DIYaudio thread concerning them:
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/parts/257989-audiohobby-eu-trustworthy.html
-
Let these burn in for awhile and then put better xover parts in them......will blow your mind....a whole nuther level.....Ferrari level. You want the Jantzen Wax foil coils: 12 gauge for the midrange coil and 14 or 16 gauge for the tweeter coil and Clarity Cap MRs. See this link for info on two others who tried the Zantzens versus the stock Erse:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=141060.80
Tyson said on another thread that the fully burned in Clarity Cap MRs were definitely better than the Sonicaps.
Speaker drivers/open baffles this good demand the best xover parts.
No one in the US carries the Jantzen wax foil in that value.
I also have the guys at Erse looking into making some foil inductors with that film but with real Copper. We'll see.
The MR cap is their best cap, but a bit of a sideways move from the Sonicaps. Drop a Platinum by-pass cap in there and get a lot more difference. Better still (but real expensive) would be to use a Jupiter cap. Their Copper foil ones are really good.
-
Danny
Please listen to these coils rather than repeating what Erse says about the copper purity. These coils deliver transparency way, way beyond your standard 16 Erse coils.
Tyson has the Super 7s....I believe they have the Platinum bypasses......I believe he prefers the Clarity Cap MR's.
-
To wrap up my intrusion into this thread, this is the response I received this morning from the audiohobby.eu team regarding the Jantzen coils:
We expect to ship your order middle of next week.
All Jantzen coils are produced against an order - the number of different coils is so big, nether we no Jantzen keep them in stock.
Typical production time is 1-2 days and we get it with another 2-3 days with courier. We already added this morning your coils to nearest shipment, it should be shipped from factory thsi Friday +-day, and on Tuersday+-day we will get it and ship it for you.
Once we ship it, we will provide you tracking (you'll get mail notification). All our parcels are shipped as registered Airmail, it will be USPS on your side. Normally it takes 5-10 working days to arrive.
We have examples when customer in US get his parcel in 5 days and we also have customers who got it in 2 weeks, all depends on USPS - how fast they process parcels. All parcels we ship typically leave Estonia's border in 2 days,
Kind regards,
Audiohobby.eu Support Team
-
Danny
Please listen to these coils rather than repeating what Erse says about the copper purity. These coils deliver transparency way, way beyond your standard 16 Erse coils.
Tyson has the Super 7s....I believe they have the Platinum bypasses......I believe he prefers the Clarity Cap MR's.
I'm not doubting what you say you hear. But if I can have the same wax film used and rolled here in the US with high purity Copper I would prefer it. So I am looking into it.
-
Hmm, it seems I am being mentioned here re: parts. Let me just make a few things clear regarding my choices and preferences. The Sonicap Gen 1 with Platinum bypass is excellent. I was perfectly happy with it for a long time. But lately I've been chasing down 2 ideas.
First, I wanted to aggressively go after resonance, and caps & coils were 2 areas where I see at least 2 manufacturers had made serious attempts at just that issue. So I decided to try the Clarity Cap MRs and the Jantzen wax copper foil inductors.
Second, I wanted to get away from bypass caps completely and just have my main cap do all the work, so to speak. The Gen 1 was too warm and not detailed enough when I removed the platinum bypass cap. So the Clarity Cap MRs were put in place without bypass to see if they would be a good fit without a bypass on them. They were a great fit. But keep in mind that I also run a slightly warm sounding DAC and a warm sounding tube preamp (using RCA 6sn7 tubes warms things up nicely) and perhaps one of the smoothest and most musical sounding SS amp on the planet (the Pass designed Burning Amp 3). So for me the ultra clarity and ultra transparency were perfect. Lost the warmth of the Gen 1 caps, but in my system I didn't really need it.
Maybe one day I'll experiment again with bypass caps (perhaps some Jupiters), but for now I'll stick with the MRs alone.
And Danny is right - if we can get the same design but American made, I'm all for that. I think the main point with the Jantzen is the wax used for resonance control, that's what makes them special. If someone local can take that basic idea and make it even better (like better copper quality for example), then we all win. I know I'd buy it in a heartbeat.
OK, sorry for taking this thread even further off topic....
-
No problem for the derail as its all relevant information. All to often I think we can get wrapped up in whats "best" and conveniently thats typically what we decided to go with. Being unbiased in different caps and inductors means you have tried them all, allowed them to burn them in and walked away with a better understanding of whats-what. Id like to believe that even the stock caps and inductors with the kit are going to knock most peoples socks off. When it comes to better components, sure they can make a difference. What I try to avoid is taking someones else experience as a gauge for the ultimate last word in what is truly better. I plan on experimenting myself with as many logical combos that I can. This leads me to mention, we should come up with a sticky for parts links and impressions that people are using for the Oticas. This would be a good resource for people purchasing the speakers and making decisions on what they should consider if they do want to tinker around.
-
To wrap up my intrusion into this thread, this is the response I received this morning from the audiohobby.eu team regarding the Jantzen coils:
We expect to ship your order middle of next week.
All Jantzen coils are produced against an order - the number of different coils is so big, nether we no Jantzen keep them in stock.
Typical production time is 1-2 days and we get it with another 2-3 days with courier. We already added this morning your coils to nearest shipment, it should be shipped from factory thsi Friday +-day, and on Tuersday+-day we will get it and ship it for you.
Once we ship it, we will provide you tracking (you'll get mail notification). All our parcels are shipped as registered Airmail, it will be USPS on your side. Normally it takes 5-10 working days to arrive.
We have examples when customer in US get his parcel in 5 days and we also have customers who got it in 2 weeks, all depends on USPS - how fast they process parcels. All parcels we ship typically leave Estonia's border in 2 days,
Kind regards,
Audiohobby.eu Support Team
Received my coils today. So about 2.5 weeks or so to get them. Well packaged and a good price. I would recommend the audiohobby.eu guys for the Jantzen wax coils.
gab
-
Received my coils today. So about 2.5 weeks or so to get them. Well packaged and a good price. I would recommend the audiohobby.eu guys for the Jantzen wax coils.
gab
Nice!
Looking forward to hearing about your listening impressions. Hope it goes well.
-
No problem for the derail as its all relevant information. All to often I think we can get wrapped up in whats "best" and conveniently thats typically what we decided to go with. Being unbiased in different caps and inductors means you have tried them all, allowed them to burn them in and walked away with a better understanding of whats-what. Id like to believe that even the stock caps and inductors with the kit are going to knock most peoples socks off. When it comes to better components, sure they can make a difference. What I try to avoid is taking someones else experience as a gauge for the ultimate last word in what is truly better. I plan on experimenting myself with as many logical combos that I can. This leads me to mention, we should come up with a sticky for parts links and impressions that people are using for the Oticas. This would be a good resource for people purchasing the speakers and making decisions on what they should consider if they do want to tinker around.
Good idea - but why limit it to the X-Otica's? Maybe a "sub-forum" for all the different GR Models? (or each of them).
Every now and then, I think of a change for my Platinum Cap bypass setup for my LS6's. Right now, I'm unhappy with my room setup (doubt I would notice subtle changes), but my gracious Wife (SWMBO) is allowing me to rotate the setup in the room by 90 degrees - won't be as aesthetically pleasing, but should sound much better. Hope to have the changes complete by the end of the weekend - it's quite a bit of work.
-
Gab,
I am thinking about trying the Jantzens in my GR LS-9 crossovers. But I am curious about size. If they are very much larger than the coils they replace, then I would have to come up with a whole new board. Not sure that would be worth it.
-
Ill save the rest for the video review when I cover these but I can say without reservation, I don't know of any loudspeaker at or around $4k that would even come close to what this system is capable of performing. I have heard speakers that cost as much as a car that cant compete.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=143954)
Looking forward to that review. ETA?
-
A pic of one with the new sloped triples, still haven't made a choice on grill color for the subs :scratch:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=145217)
jay
-
Damn, that looks professional, factory made!
-
Looking at Vedder's subs and Jay's subs, I didn't know there were two (or more) variations of them. What are the differences?
-
that is a gorgeous finish. i wish you included some pitures of the process of applying the veneer.
-
Looking at Vedder's subs and Jay's subs, I didn't know there were two (or more) variations of them. What are the differences?
The Rythmik A370PEQ amps that drive the subs can handle a 4 ohm load. Danny's 12" OB drivers come in 8 ohm and 16 ohm versions. So you can build the sub with either two 8 ohm or three 16 ohm drivers. A third option would be two 16 ohm drivers if you thought you might want to add the third driver to each side down the road. You would give up some output vs two 8 ohm drivers but if you wanted to add that third driver later on you would only need to buy two more drivers instead of six.
Another option is driver orientation. Usually one of the drivers is oriented opposite the other(s) and wired out of phase. However you could orient all the drivers in the same direction and wire them in phase.
Ron (Vedder323) built a two driver version with opposite driver orientations while Jay built a three driver version with all the drivers oriented in the same direction.
Mike
-
yest another option is to use the NX800 amps (2 x 400 watt mono blocks) adn drive either 4 , or 6 12 drivers.
I haven't done any 4 or 6 driver flat packs to date..... that MAY change
Note, if anyone buying flat packs is thinking of orientating all the drivers in once direction, pleaes let me know when we're talking so I can cut the roundover on the baffle accordindly and also forgo the wiring pass through on the baffle
jay
-
Another option is driver orientation. Usually one of the drivers is oriented opposite the other(s) and wired out of phase. However you could orient all the drivers in the same direction and wire them in phase.
Ron (Vedder323) built a two driver version with opposite driver orientations while Jay built a three driver version with all the drivers oriented in the same direction.
What is the difference between driver orientation -- same direction vs. opposite, out of phase?? Any sonic differences? Pros and cons?
-
The Rythmik Audio HX800XLR3 works well with either a 4 or 6 stack of H-frames with the GR- Research servo subs. Split the wiring in half and you are good to go.
-
What is the difference between driver orientation -- same direction vs. opposite, out of phase?? Any sonic differences? Pros and cons?
Well, with the one driver facing rearwards in either a 2 or 3 driver setup, yo uget a more even distribution of the weight. That last pair I built, I faced them all forwards out of curiosity. They are not going tip over on you unless someone plows into one, and in that case, the tower with the one reversed drive may also go over :cry:
Now, I wouldn't have expected any sonic difference but, using the same amps and the same drivers that were in another pair of triples I had been using, I've had to reduce the gain onthe amps by 3 or 4 clicks and the bass seems to be even cleaner/tighter with more ooomph behind it. I am pretty surprised at this and was not the only one to notice the change.
I've mentioned it to Danny and beleive he will try his next set like this to see if he gets similar results
jay
-
I have been mentioning the reverse directions and saying this was "not" the thing to do. You have drivers with their acoustic centers not together and facing different directions......always seemed silly to me.....just to get weight distribution centered. I am glad someone finally actually listened. My thoughts are confirmed. When I used two of them they were on an open baffle both the same way. My friend in Oregon has 3 on an open baffle all facing forward with great results. See here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=142235.0 This way you can align the voice coils with your main speakers if you like as well. This is more important the higher you xover (like with wedgies, etc.).
-
Hey EarlyB, Ric
I've continued this over in my sub flat pack thread, didn't post that pic to take this thread OT , was just posting a pic of the Otticas/Subs together
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=139480.new#new
jay
-
Ron, nice build. The knotty hickory with the white turned out great and thanks for taking the time to give your listening impressions.
What are you driving the NX-Oticas with?
-
Wind Chaser and myself had our first Audio Circle get together with Captainhemo and his business partner recently. When we walked in Wind Chaser went right to the speakers like a magnet and was absolutely smitten by the color, fit and finish, and overall look of the Oticas. I could see, "I Want These" in his every gesture. The picture of them in this thread does not do justice as to how nice they look in real life.
Upon listening I could tell the high performance quality of the system and would have to guess that these represent some of Danny's best work. Not to mention the excellent build of Captainhemo and co with their passion for high end audio and their being such gracious hosts.
Overall I would say those lucky enough to put together this system will be richly rewarded with a very high caliber sound. I would say that you do need room behind the speakers to get the best result and for me that means at least 4' behind them. Actually that's not true, for me I would want at least 6' min. but would prefer 8', 10', or 12' if possible. But then again that is my preference for any speaker.
The system was not optomized for the listening position we sat in. Bass was weak, imaging and integrationed suffered a bit. The couch is pulled 1/4 into the room to make space for a work area behind. That is where the best sound was.
Rocket Ronny
-
Wind Chaser and myself had our first Audio Circle get together with Captainhemo and his business partner recently. When we walked in Wind Chaser went right to the speakers like a magnet and was absolutely smitten by the color, fit and finish, and overall look of the Oticas. I could see, "I Want These" in his every gesture. The picture of them in this thread does not do justice as to how nice they look in real life.
Upon listening I could tell the high performance quality of the system and would have to guess that these represent some of Danny's best work. Not to mention the excellent build of Captainhemo and co and their passion for high end audio and their being such gracious hosts.
Overall I would say those lucky enough to put together this system will be richly rewarded with a very high caliber sound. I would say that you do need room behind the speakers to get the best result and for me that means at least 4' behind them. Actually that's not true, for me I would want at least 6' min. but would prefer 8', 10', or 12' if possible. But then again that is my preference for any speaker.
Rocket Ronny
Hey Ron
It was a pleasure meeting both you and WindChaser, glad you guys made the trip up. I've met a few people from AC in person now and your comment about passion for high performance audio is a trait amongst us all :thumb:
I'd agree 100% abou the space, the more the better, wish I had more ! That being said, people can get impressive results in less than "ideal" spaces, this stuff is probably more forgiving than people may think.
As mentioned, really enjoyed the visit man, both of you are welcome back any time ! One of us probably should have snapped a pic or two .....
jay
-
Where's the video? :x ;)
-
Where's the video? :x ;)
Funny, I mentioned that to Don after the fact, we could have at least shot some pics huh ? None of us even thought of it :(
Michael and his wife will be here soon, we'll be sure to get some pics this time around :)
jay
-
I thought he was asking about Ron's (Vedder323/New Record Day) review. I would not expect that review for a few months. First off Ron needs to get everything fully broken in (which can take 400 hours with platinum caps) before he starts to make serious comparisons. Then he needs enough listening time to fully appreciate the speakers. Then he has to shoot and edit the video.
So it will probably be awhile yet. Be patient. Based on Ron's other reviews I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Mike
-
Michael and his wife will be here soon, we'll be sure to get some pics this time around :)
jay
Hi, Jay.
We ought to arrive in Kelowna 8/22. I'll be bringing my spanking new Don Sachs Model 2 (SP14) tube preamp with us. I'll pick it up in Nelson a couple days before. Let me know if you want to hook it up to your system. I could drop it off at your place upon our arrival (kinda like last time).
See ya soon!
Michael
-
I thought he was asking about Ron's (Vedder323/New Record Day) review. I would not expect that review for a few months. First off Ron needs to get everything fully broken in (which can take 400 hours with platinum caps) before he starts to make serious comparisons. Then he needs enough listening time to fully appreciate the speakers. Then he has to shoot and edit the video.
So it will probably be awhile yet. Be patient. Based on Ron's other reviews I'm sure it will be worth the wait.
Mike
Dooh, I kind of miss-read that, sorry :(
Hi, Jay.
We ought to arrive in Kelowna 8/22. I'll be bringing my spanking new Don Sachs Model 2 (SP14) tube preamp with us. I'll pick it up in Nelson a couple days before. Let me know if you want to hook it up to your system. I could drop it off at your place upon our arrival (kinda like last time).
See ya soon!
Michael
Ohhh, you pulled thr trigger ? 8)
I'll shoot you an email
jay
-
Definitely pulled the trigger.
This is a repost from another thread:
"My upgrades are as follows:
Walnut case
Khozmo 64 step remote attenuator
1.0 uF Jupiter cap to drive low impedance SS amp. [I had considered the Deuland cap, but I'm not convinced I needed to spend $400 more to chase those last few percentage gains.] I've decided to buy the Nuprime ST-10 amp for Taiwan. It can be delivered there from the factory in Taiwan and avoid any ugly import duties (and the price is a bargain).
All film cap upgrade using Mundorf Tube caps
Two pairs of CV181 tubes
I added XLR connectivity.
Don sells a nice cryo treated PC that he says improves the sound nicely. I expect to buy one, but I'll wait until I actually hear it to decide.
As I mentioned last night. I've been approached by three gentlemen who recently purchased the Model 2 and they can't believe how good it is. I hope to provide my equally stunned and delighted impressions in a month.
I plan to buy a nice tube amp next year. I may decide I gotta have Don's tube amp, or I may go with the Taiwan made tube amp I auditioned last year. It's so hot and humid in Taiwan most of the time that I can't see using a tube amp and tube preamp during the hottest months, so I want a reasonably cool running SS amp that won't break the bank.
I'll be in my Oregon home briefly in September if anyone is in the area and wants to listen to how it sounds paired to my AVA 400R and Gustard X20u DAC. "
-
I plan to buy a nice tube amp next year.
Hopefully, you'll get a chance to swing by and hear the new Coincident. I think it may very well be the last amp I ever buy. :D