AudioCircle

Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => EVOKE Loudspeakers => Topic started by: Evoke on 24 Mar 2016, 12:23 am

Title: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 24 Mar 2016, 12:23 am
This is to introduce Evoke Loudspeakers. Evoke is a loudspeaker company whose mission is to build high end loudspeakers that perform many times their price. Evoke has begun production of their first speaker, "Eddie", a 3-way monitor featuring a high performance planar midrange. Please feel free to post for more information. The picture is of Eddie in a proto-cabinet. Production is now in production. Also - please feel free to visit the website. www.evokespeakers.com (http://www.evokespeakers.com)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139753)

Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: mresseguie on 24 Mar 2016, 01:45 am
Great to know Eddie speakers are now in production.  John has said wonderful things about Eddie.

How long till you have speakers available for auditions? Can you ship a pair to Oregon in time for an audiophile get together on April 16th? How much for shipping?

Has a price been decided upon?

Are walk-ins welcome? [I will be in L.A. at the end of April.]

I guess this is a good start.

Regards,
Michael
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Phil A on 24 Mar 2016, 02:04 am
Welcome to AC - speakers look great!
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: mr_bill on 24 Mar 2016, 02:04 am
Bump for an interesting new product! .......and for production going into production
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: srb on 24 Mar 2016, 02:33 am
Bump for an interesting new product!

At this point, I can't find it either interesting or uninteresting because you can only make that determination if the price is known.


.......and for production going into production

After which I assume availability will become available .....  ;)
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 24 Mar 2016, 05:15 am
Great to know Eddie speakers are now in production.  John has said wonderful things about Eddie.

How long till you have speakers available for auditions? Can you ship a pair to Oregon in time for an audiophile get together on April 16th? How much for shipping?

Has a price been decided upon?

Are walk-ins welcome? [I will be in L.A. at the end of April.]

I guess this is a good start.

Regards,
Michael

Hi Michael,

Well, I am pretty excited to see the EVOKE Circle, and look forward to a lot of good conversation, but even more GREAT LISTENING.

I have spoken with Mark Summers (the owner) regarding your GTG in April, and it is our intention to put every effort into making that happen for you, as well (hopefully) of getting you some of the NuPRIME gear you ask about too.

Should be magical.

At the same time, we have discussed maybe using your event to start an EVOKE TRIAL/TOUR if we have enough interest.

Regarding price; Pricing is always an issue and ever since I have known Mark and been advising on EVOKE, I have pushed for the PRICE/PERFORMANCE envelope I was familiar with with Brian Cheney and VMPS.

I have had the luxury of actually hearing these incredible speakers in my room, in my system, and I am selling all my VMPS speakers.

The large standmount EDDIE is slated to eventually retail at $3695.  Let me assure you, this Speaker will rival ANY StandMount in existence for INCREDIBLE ABILITY to reproduce MUSIC, as accurately as it was recorded, AT ANY PRICE.

Introductory Retail will be $3495.

However, to get the ball rolling, and Eddies out in the field, Mark has suggested a "FOUNDERS CIRCLE" for those who move forward initially.

There will be several advantages to being in the Founders Circle, and either Mark or I will post all of those quite soon, but the BEST thing is the Price for a TO BE ANNOUNCED number of pairs will be $2995 plus shipping.  This then will slightly increase gradually, until we meet our goals for each Founders Circle stage.

But anyhow, I do want to get "your ears" in front of a pair of these and watch your face.   :green:

Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: dB Cooper on 24 Mar 2016, 11:47 am
Come to Capital Audiofest, July 8-9-10
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: mresseguie on 24 Mar 2016, 12:33 pm
Awesome news, John.

I'll pass this along to the other guys who will attend the GTG.

Thank you!
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: zybar on 24 Mar 2016, 01:28 pm
This is to introduce Evoke Loudspeakers. Evoke is a loudspeaker company whose mission is to build high end loudspeakers that perform many times their price. Evoke has begun production of their first speaker, "Eddie", a 3-way monitor featuring a high performance planar midrange. Please feel free to post for more information. The picture is of Eddie in a proto-cabinet. Production is now in production. Also - please feel free to visit the website. www.evokespeakers.com (http://www.evokespeakers.com)


(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139753)

Wish you the best of luck on your new company and speaker.

Just looked at the website and you don't have any pictures of your speaker...probably want to fix that ASAP.

If I looked at a speaker vendor's website and didn't see a single product picture, that would pretty much cross them off my list.

Just my two cents...

George
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: md92468 on 24 Mar 2016, 02:21 pm
Wish you the best of luck on your new company and speaker.

Just looked at the website and you don't have any pictures of your speaker...probably want to fix that ASAP.

If I looked at a speaker vendor's website and didn't see a single product picture, that would pretty much cross them off my list.

Just my two cents...

George

Agreed. If you announce a significant product launch and your website isn't ready, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence in the company. Ultimately a good product will likely overcome a bumpy start, but why shoot yourself in the foot right out of the gate?
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 24 Mar 2016, 03:58 pm
Thanks for the feedback, George. I was hoping that the production prototype cabinet would be truly final. The construction was perfect. But the veneer was garbage! So the production run has started with the final finish and that holds off the photo shoot. The site home page has the image of Eddie at the top of the thread. The website also shows images of the drivers. The cabinet technology page shows the actual cabinet too. When the photo shoot is finished the home page photo will be updated and the gallery will be loaded up. I'm showing you a picture I shot with my phone below that I was circulating with a small Golden Ears group that participated in the fine tuning of Eddie. Please forgive the wood as it's not final. I'll post a sample of that soon. Thanks!

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=139781)

Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: mresseguie on 24 Mar 2016, 04:12 pm
They have a FaceBook page with a frontal shot of the three-way speaker.

I think this is still in 'preview' mode and that we've been offered a sneak peek of what will be shipping in a few weeks. After reading both FB and their admittedly incomplete website, I know this is their first model and there are plans for other models in the future. Under the 'technology' heading, I discovered Eddie's specs. 89dB, 32 Hz to 30kHz +3/-3dB, 4 Ohms, 100 watts minimum, 24"H X 10.25"W X 16 3/8D, approximate weight 65 pounds.

Click a few tabs. Poke around a little.

I have never heard a VMPS speaker, so John's declaration that Eddie is so good that he's willing to sell his VMPS gear doesn't actually mean anything to me. However, I have figured out that either this speaker is over the top great sounding, or John is just being a cheerleader. Personally, I hope to be blown away upon hearing a pair. I'll even forgive John if a bit of cheerleading is involved so long as the results speak for themselves. :wink:

There will be a good seven audiophiles (certified addicts) at Alan's GTG next month who (hopefully) will get to listen to a pair of Eddies. Three or four of us are AC members, so expect to read opinions soon after the GTG ends.

Michael
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 24 Mar 2016, 05:25 pm
Hi Michael,

Thanks for your kind words, and those who have been on the VMPS Circle for any period of time KNOW, that I am a Cheerleader for gear that I like.

We all know that virtually EVERYONE has listening "preferences" and those preferences can be all over the map.

Mine, in general are:

Wide Realistic Frequency Response
Ability to produce Bass detail and Harmonic Overtones
Full and realistic Midrange
High End detail and Transparency
Macro and micro Dynamics in all Frequencies
I am a big fan of IMAGING, as in hearing specific performers in their own space proportional to the other performers
I am a big fan of a well formed SOUNDSTAGE with sufficient height, depth and width
I tend to want a speaker, system and room to give me accuracy rather than sonic leniency so that great recordings sound GREAT and bad recordings sound BAD.
I tend to like systems that transport me to the performance, rather than place the performance in the room.
I also like a system that allows me to hear most deeply into a recording and be aware of the most subtle details and sounds, without sounding analytical.  I have reams of very special Reference Cuts, where I have explored and uncovered details, that many systems do not allow you to hear.
And many more, including a reasonable price.

So everyone who reads my comments (cheerleading) should keep these preferences in mind

My excitement, as I explained on the VMPS Circle, was due to a couple years of searching for a speaker that had the above qualities and performance, with a price that was reasonable and affordable to the enthusiast who enjoys HIGH PERFORMANCE LISTENING as much as I do, and well as has a passion for simply listening to music of all kinds.

Will this speaker work for everyone?

Surely not.

Others may have different criteria of their personal SOUND, and even a certain Aesthetic or look.

You cannot please everyone, but I tend to think anyone who spends sufficient time with this speaker, who takes the time to set it up properly, who shares similar preferences, will find it EXACTLY what the Doctor Ordered.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: aldcoll on 24 Mar 2016, 09:14 pm


How long till you have speakers available for auditions? Can you ship a pair to Oregon in time for an audiophile get together on April 16th? How much for shipping?


Since I am the host of the Oregon Get Together I would like to thank mresseguie for jumping :bounce: on this chance to hear this new speaker.

I am also proud to host the event and I think I will look at upgrading the two jars of pickles to add Olives and maybe those little Onions?

mresseguie had sent me the link to your Facebook posting shortly after John C. had posted his VMPS speaker collection for sale.  While I have never had the pleasure of hearing the VMPS it's presence and admiration is well documented.

Once again if I can be of any service while the "Eddie's are here I will be glad to assist.  And if there is some additional folks that would like to hear them while in this neck of the woods please speak up.  I might have to get a second day of pickles :thumb:

Alan
Title: Evoke "Eddie" Auditions and Founders' Circle
Post by: Evoke on 27 Mar 2016, 11:36 pm
If you are going to be in Los Angeles and want to hear the production prototypes of EDDIE, PM to make arrangements. The finished production model will be revealed at an upcoming event. More on that later!

For the early adopters there will be a "Founders' Circle". This will include special introductory pricing, upgrade privileges and lifetime discounts on future models. Eddie should be in stock in 6 to 8 weeks.

Eddie has been busy. The crossover just completed 3 more rounds of tweaks. It's ready!

Last night Eddie binge watched "House of Cards" (great studio mix), this morning a reference recording of Rhapsody in Blue, and this afternoon rockin' to some Human League on Pandora Hi-Res this. Who is watching "The Walking Dead" tonight?  Eddie is.

Title: EVOKE Debuts at "THE Show" in Newport Beach this June
Post by: Evoke on 30 Mar 2016, 11:21 pm
Just a heads up. EVOKE will be debuting at THE Show in Newport Beach this June. I look forward to everyone having a chance to hear Eddie. I can't name the electronics company we've paired up with yet - but when tested with Eddie, the high power amps had Eddie singing its praises!

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140144)
Title: Evoke EDDIE Planar Speaker Production Update
Post by: Evoke on 7 Apr 2016, 10:31 pm
Here's a status update on Eddie. All the parts are arriving every day. The cabinets are currently in final CAD with production samples ready for approval next week. Eddie is also undergoing performance testing. Can't wait to see those results! And today was a lot of fun when UPS delivered Eddies logos. The deadline is approaching. Eddie will debut at T.H.E. Show in Room 1046 this June!

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=140710)
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 15 Apr 2016, 11:06 pm
It's official. EDDIE will be debuting at T.H.E. Show in Newport Beach from June 3rd to 5th in ROOM 1046. It's on the same floor as the bar! You can buy tickets at http://theshownewport.com/buy-tickets/   EDDIE will be powered by NuPRIME electronics and connected with WiWires cables. NuPRIME was one of the amps used for development and together with EDDIE the sound is amazing.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141284)  (http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141285)


You can also find NuPRIME at their Audio Circle at http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=199.0
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: srb on 16 Apr 2016, 12:36 am
EDDIE will be powered by NuPRIME electronics and connected with WiWires cables.

WyWires (http://www.wywires.com/)
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 16 Apr 2016, 09:16 pm
Since, I am loving the EVOKE Speakers and an NuPRIME Dealer, I will take a little responsibility for putting these guys together at THE SHOW.

I know I will be there in an Ambassador and Dealer Capacity, so I hope to see you all.

I will be having another NuPRIME/EVOKE listening session soon with the new MCH K-38 NuPRIME amp and will report back with the extended listening outcome.

I have been using this amp with the VMPS Speakers and if the EDDIES have the same interaction with this AMP, I am not sure I will be able to contain myself.

Audio has not been this exciting in a LONG TIME.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: shauk786 on 16 Apr 2016, 10:01 pm
I recently heard the Evoke speakers with Nuprime electronics and have to say after going to at least 10 years of CES, and THE Shows in Vegas and Newport Beach, and listening to the most expensive systems at the shows, I have never heard anything as natural, and real sounding as this.

I bought a full VMPS Home Theater System, and have had many great names in electronics including Bryston, Cary, etc, and they don’t sound anywhere as good.
 
I know I will be at the Evoke and Nuprime room in Newport.
Title: Thanks for positive comments shauk786
Post by: Evoke on 17 Apr 2016, 06:57 pm
Thanks shauk786  for your positive feedback! When you design a product it's easy to believe you will accomplish your goal. It's another when you get validation from real music lovers. Can't wait for you to attend THE Show. It will always be our goal to deliver an incredible product to best those many times our price.  Oh - by the way... It's amazing how well television shows are being mixed these days. In particular - House of Cards sounds really great. That sound guy must  be an audiophile too!
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 22 Apr 2016, 04:49 pm
WyWires to supply all internal wiring for Eddie. There are 3 different versions so that the tweeter, midrange and woofer all have the correct wire to deliver the performance each driver needs.  http://www.wywires.com 

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=141758)
Title: Evoke EDDIE Planar Speaker Serial Plates
Post by: Evoke on 30 Apr 2016, 05:15 am
All the pieces are coming together. THE Show is about 30 days away. Components are stacking up for assembly. As soon as the cabinets arrive - time to roll up the sleeves and make it all come together!

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142156)
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: mresseguie on 30 Apr 2016, 07:49 am
Guess what I did today?

My wife and I are traveling this summer and we just spent three nights in the Coast Redwoods area of Northern California. Then, we drove a helluva long ways south just so I could spend a few hours in John Casler's man cave listening to Evoke's EDDIE speakers powered by Nuprime components. I'm glad I did. Perhaps I ought to write it this way: I'M GLAD I DID!

John or Mark will have to fill in the details of which songs were first played, but the first track was a Bela Fleck tune that did an excellent job of demonstrating Eddie's bass capability. It's clean, fast, clear, and sweet. Yeah, I said sweet because the bassist was standing not four feet in front of me and I could hear every note. It was a live recording. The audience was really enjoying the tune and I could see them to my front, my left, and my right.

The next track demonstrated the midrange planar driver's capability. Okay, a bunch of the songs demonstrated it. I'm at a loss for some words. I'm not some professional reviewer with a handy audiophile '100 must use vocabulary list' booklet sitting beside my iPad tonight. The clarity left me grinning. I could really hear the guitars, the strings being plucked or strummed. In a later track of my choosing, Natalie Merchant's voice rang out clear and wonderful even though the recording was clearly not the best. I happen to love Natalie's voice. Half-way through the track I told John I was angry with him because I could finally hear this is a poorly recording.

Before I forget, between the Nuprime amp and preamp, and the EDDIE speakers, there is no hiding a poor a recording. You are going to get an earful of clarity of music that won't mask poor recordings. If the recording has warts, you're going to hear them.

It was around this time that I shared my bias with Mark - I told him that I prefer dome tweeters and that getting me to really enjoy a ribbon tweeter would be a challenge. Oh, I have heard a very few speakers with ribbon tweeters that I liked, but by far I prefer dome tweeters. [Yes. We exist.] I listened to several tracks that I knew had the potential to sound bright or have sizzle if played on speakers with inferior tweeters. For the most part these ribbons performed admirably, but there were two tracks that irritated my ears. When I told John and Mark about that sizzle, Mark reminded me that there are two dials in back that allow one to adjust settings to one's liking. He reached round to make an adjustment and asked me to listen again. Hot damn, but the sizzle was gone and I listened to the track again, but this time without mentally cringing. That dial worked magic.

How does this ribbon tweeter stack up? Hmm. It's pretty damned good. It's at least as good as the Scan Speak Ring Radiator tweeter in my speakers in Taiwan. As I didn't do a side-by-side comparison, I can't declare one or the other an absolute winner. I can tell you I like this tweeter. I can also say that I want to listen to one more dome tweeter before I make a decision to buy a pair of Eddies. [Sorry, Mark. I can't let go of my dome tweeter bias without a fight.]

Geez. It takes so much time to type on my iPad. I'm going to cut this short, and add an edit in the morning.

Quick recap: These speakers are excellent sounding. There is great balance between the three drivers. The midrange is so clear and revealing. My two-way speakers just don't compare. What else? I like these speakers! They are heavy - sixty pounds per speaker. Imaging is exceptional in my opinion. These speakers gave me that "you are there" experience.

Disclosure: Mark did not offer me a special deal or discount. I'm not getting paid by him or John. Unfortunately, no one offered to buy gas for my 1200 mile drive from Oregon. John gave me a few chocolate chip cookies and a raspberry drink.

That's all for tonight. It's 12:50 am. Good night.

Michael



Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: maty on 30 Apr 2016, 08:55 am
@mresseguie

What was your favorite Nuprime model with those boxes?

Quote
For the most part these ribbons performed admirably, but there were two tracks that irritated my ears. When I told John and Mark about that sizzle, Mark reminded me that there are two dials in back that allow one to adjust settings to one's liking. He reached round to make an adjustment and asked me to listen again. Hot damn, but the sizzle was gone and I listened to the track again, but this time without mentally cringing. That dial worked magic...

From a computer (very optimized to multimedia), the Izotope RX-5 De Hum VSTplugin is very useful.

(http://maty.galeon.com/WP-imagenes/soft/iZotope-RX-5-De-Hum-65-130-18000.png)

I use him with foobar2000 (music) and BS Player (video).
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: mresseguie on 30 Apr 2016, 03:39 pm
Hello, Maty.

We used the Nuprime MCH K-38 with a DAC-10 for both DAC and preamp the whole time. Everything sounded fantastic. I had originally planned to hook up the ST-10 amp to hear how it sounds, but I honestly forgot to do this because I was so enjoying the music and accompanying conversations about the development of the speakers.

John says the MCH K-38 is sonically very similar to the ST-9 amps, but I didn't independently verify this.

Michael
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: maty on 30 Apr 2016, 04:42 pm
MCH K-38 / ST-9 are "warm". With the very detailed DAC-10 (ESS Sabre) they have to be a good combination.

MCH K-38 / ST-9 with DAC-9 (AKM AK4490) maybe too "warm" I think.

And thank you!
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: johzel on 30 Apr 2016, 07:24 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong but these look remarkably a lot alike the VMPS 626 speakers (pictured below)??

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142197)
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 30 Apr 2016, 07:27 pm
Guess what I did today?

My wife and I are traveling this summer and we just spent three nights in the Coast Redwoods area of Northern California. Then, we drove a helluva long ways south just so I could spend a few hours in John Casler's man cave listening to Evoke's EDDIE speakers powered by Nuprime components. I'm glad I did. Perhaps I ought to write it this way: I'M GLAD I DID!

John or Mark will have to fill in the details of which songs were first played, but the first track was a Bela Fleck tune that did an excellent job of demonstrating Eddie's bass capability. It's clean, fast, clear, and sweet. Yeah, I said sweet because the bassist was standing not four feet in front of me and I could hear every note. It was a live recording. The audience was really enjoying the tune and I could see them to my front, my left, and my right.

The next track demonstrated the midrange planar driver's capability. Okay, a bunch of the songs demonstrated it. I'm at a loss for some words. I'm not some professional reviewer with a handy audiophile '100 must use vocabulary list' booklet sitting beside my iPad tonight. The clarity left me grinning. I could really hear the guitars, the strings being plucked or strummed. In a later track of my choosing, Natalie Merchant's voice rang out clear and wonderful even though the recording was clearly not the best. I happen to love Natalie's voice. Half-way through the track I told John I was angry with him because I could finally hear this is a poorly recording.

Hi Michael,

Let me assure you the pleasure was all mine, and you and your wife (who is INCREDIBLE :thumb:) are welcome anytime.

The Cuts we played were:

Bela Fleck - Live version of the preamble and Amazing Grace featuring Victor Wooten one of the Worlds best Bass Players.

Ricki Lee Jones - Dat Dere

Roger Waters - Ballad of Bill Hubbard from Amused to Death, in Q-Sound (your wife "loved" the sonic affects in the beginning few minutes)

Black Light Syndrome - DUENDE, which demonstrates a systems BASS abilities

Nils Lofgren's Keith Don't Go, which is also a STANDARD Reference Cut for demoing systems for years.

Quote




Before I forget, between the Nuprime amp and preamp, and the EDDIE speakers, there is no hiding a poor a recording. You are going to get an earful of clarity of music that won't mask poor recordings. If the recording has warts, you're going to hear them.

It was around this time that I shared my bias with Mark - I told him that I prefer dome tweeters and that getting me to really enjoy a ribbon tweeter would be a challenge. Oh, I have heard a very few speakers with ribbon tweeters that I liked, but by far I prefer dome tweeters. [Yes. We exist.] I listened to several tracks that I knew had the potential to sound bright or have sizzle if played on speakers with inferior tweeters. For the most part these ribbons performed admirably, but there were two tracks that irritated my ears. When I told John and Mark about that sizzle, Mark reminded me that there are two dials in back that allow one to adjust settings to one's liking. He reached round to make an adjustment and asked me to listen again. Hot damn, but the sizzle was gone and I listened to the track again, but this time without mentally cringing. That dial worked magic.

Yes the genetic heritage of the EVOKE Eddie is strong in the ability to MAKE the sound your own.

Kind of silly to have a "fixed" speaker when all our systems, rooms, hearing abilities, and preferences are so varied.

Buying a "fixed" sound speaker. is like walking into a clothing store that only has suits in 42L.  They just won't fit everyone.

Quote
How does this ribbon tweeter stack up? Hmm. It's pretty damned good. It's at least as good as the Scan Speak Ring Radiator tweeter in my speakers in Taiwan. As I didn't do a side-by-side comparison, I can't declare one or the other an absolute winner. I can tell you I like this tweeter. I can also say that I want to listen to one more dome tweeter before I make a decision to buy a pair of Eddies. [Sorry, Mark. I can't let go of my dome tweeter bias without a fight.]

Geez. It takes so much time to type on my iPad. I'm going to cut this short, and add an edit in the morning.

Quick recap: These speakers are excellent sounding. There is great balance between the three drivers. The midrange is so clear and revealing. My two-way speakers just don't compare. What else? I like these speakers! They are heavy - sixty pounds per speaker. Imaging is exceptional in my opinion. These speakers gave me that "you are there" experience.

And as I posted you privately. what you heard is just the "tip of the berg".  Once you have EDDIE in your system you get to start the process of variables in set up and adjustment that eventually will take you to a "personal sound' that fits YOU.

Quote
Disclosure: Mark did not offer me a special deal or discount. I'm not getting paid by him or John. Unfortunately, no one offered to buy gas for my 1200 mile drive from Oregon. John gave me a few chocolate chip cookies and a raspberry drink.

That's all for tonight. It's 12:50 am. Good night.

Michael

Again, it was a GREAT PLEASURE to "talk the talk" and Hear the Sounds with someone who appreciates them at the same level.

And my regards to you wonderful wife who was a delight (although you know my bias) and was correct when she said she was "The Good Wife".  Thanks for the kind words and have a great trip.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 30 Apr 2016, 07:32 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong but these look remarkably a lot alike the VMPS 626 speakers (pictured below)??

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=142197)

Yes the VMPS 626R was the EVOKE EDDIE's DNA donor, with significant Genetic Engineering.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: johzel on 30 Apr 2016, 07:40 pm
Yes the VMPS 626R was the EVOKE EDDIE's DNA donor, with significant Genetic Engineering.

I further understand your enthusiasm.  The 626's actually cost a bit more as I recall . . .
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: *Scotty* on 30 Apr 2016, 08:52 pm
John, do you happen to know what the crossover points are?
Scotty
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 30 Apr 2016, 08:59 pm
First, thank you Michael for taking the time to listen to EDDIE. It is always nice to get real-
world feedback. I think I agree with you on just about everything - and in a case where we
differ - neither of us is right or wrong - but more on that later.

I'm pleased you liked the low-end performance. It's hard to imagine that a speaker of this
size would do what it does. Your hearing it validates that more than any amount of words I
can write.

As for the midrange - I'm so delighted you enjoyed it. It truly has a lot of detail and will
reveal exactly what is there - and not there in the case of a poor recording as you
discovered. But as we said - it doesn't make that music unlistenable - we will always enjoy
our favorite recordings.

I have to take a moment to comment on NuPrime. They have a similar philosophy as EVOKE
- and that is to create very high performance products at a reasonable price. That's not to
say there aren't better products out there - BUT NuPrime products are insanely wonderful
for their price - and even compared to products MANY times their price. It's one set of
electronics amongst a few that I use in testing as a reference.

Now I want to stick my toe in the water on traditional drivers vs. planners or ribbons. While
you loved the Strat F1 midrange, you had some issues with the ribbon tweeter. In the end
we tweaked the levels and you found the sound that was correct for you. While most high
end speakers lack any control - save those that are bi and tri-amped, Eddie has mid and
high level controls. This can really help, as you saw, in accounting for the differences
between a live or dead room and personal taste.

When I say personal taste I'm not talking about opinion. Let me explain. I have a friend who
has some upper hearing loss. He can still hear highs - but with less sensitivity. So by adding
several dB to the tweeter - he enjoys a sound that works for him - but one that I find overly
bright. Is either one of us wrong - absolutely not.

So let's look at your bias toward dome tweeters over ribbons. I would never argue Ford with
a Chevy guy or vise versa. That said, there are some pretty amazing tweeters out there.
The Scan Speak Revelator being one of them. Another personal favorite are the RAAL
drivers. Going way back Infinity used the RTR electrostatic in their Servo-Statik 1A system -
truly amazing, sexy, lush. Accurate no. Mesmerizing yes! So as EDDIEs father, I had to
make a choice and I felt a ribbon was the best match to the Strat F1 mid. You had
commented that you looked forward to going back home and listening to your speakers with
the dome tweeters. I will be interested in your thoughts after you do that and welcome you
to bring them to compare the highs with EDDIE anytime.

In future conversations I look forward to understanding (Michaels) thoughts and feelings
more. It's that kind of input that leads to better and more revolutionary products.

Thanks again, Michael, for spending some time with EDDIE and writing your impressions
here about him.

P.S. The cookies were very good...
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 1 May 2016, 12:49 am
I further understand your enthusiasm.  The 626's actually cost a bit more as I recall . . .

That may be true, as the 626R had several levels.

The 626R Jr was VERY inexpensive, but a fully stripped down version, sans mega woofers, and with spiral ribbon tweeter.

But the regular 626R with all upgrades including premium caps (not as good as those in the EDDIE) FST Tweeter, MegaWoofers, and premium cabinet (also not as good as the Eddie) was well over $4k retail.

So to come in at this price point, with all the genetic engineering is a crazy good price.

The "Founders Circle" Price, and Benefits Mark has offered, is even beyond "crazy good".

Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 1 May 2016, 12:55 am
John, do you happen to know what the crossover points are?
Scotty

Hi Scotty,

I do not, but I know Mark does.   I am not sure how much of the "Secret Sauce" he will be divulging.

I have seen a few measurements that are VERY IMPRESSIVE, but I'm much like Brian, who didn't stress WHAT a speaker measures, since I just want to know what it sounds like, and these seem to sound great.

I do know that Mark has said all the drivers either are proprietary or employed in a very solid way.

It appears that this is a "total design" exercise with a lot of care taken to integration of all components, including the cabinet.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: agdev01 on 1 May 2016, 06:51 am
Saw the news announcement on the show website and found this thread.  Look forward to seeing and hearing these at the show. 
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 1 May 2016, 06:36 pm
agdev01 - Thanks for your post... Can't wait to see you at the show! Please introduce yourself from the Audio Circle when you are there!

Scotty - I saw your post and have been wondering for some time when this question would come up and how I would answer it. I think John did a really good job. But please allow me to elaborate.

Personally, I don't listen to specs myself - I listen to music. That said, engineering and measured performance are important. And it isn't just one thing - it's everything that contributes to good performance - both measured and audible. That's what John talks about as an integrated approach. So EVOKE designs try to be much like a good meal. All the courses are great by themselves but complement and go together with each other as a balanced experience.

But let me attempt to answer your question on crossover points. Simply - you shouldn't hear them. If you can hear one driver stopping and the other beginning, then the crossover design and the driver matching didn't work. [There’s a huge tech conversation we could have - but I’ll skip that for now.]

So what are the crossover points? I don't mean to ramble or deflect - but the integration of the entire product is part art and part science that involved countless listening hours. In the end I want you to know that an insane amount of musical passion as well as engineering goes into every EVOKE instrument. As such, there are certain technologies, their mixes and some specs that are proprietary - or as John put it, “secret sauce”…

Bottom line - In the end EDDIE has to speak for himself. If when you listen you're still hearing a speaker instead of the music, then I haven't done my job.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: John Casler on 1 May 2016, 11:59 pm
Scotty,

Also, while as I stated, I don't know the hinge points for EDDIE, the VMPS were (towards the end) at around 220Hz from the Woofers to the Neopanel, and 6.9Khz from the Neo, to the FST tweeter.

I have a feeling, after we are actually seeing production models being placed, that Mark will spill some of the "sauce".
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: James Romeyn on 4 Jun 2016, 03:51 am
Scotty,

Also, while as I stated, I don't know the hinge points for EDDIE, the VMPS were (towards the end) at around 220Hz from the Woofers to the Neopanel, and 6.9Khz from the Neo, to the FST tweeter.

I have a feeling, after we are actually seeing production models being placed, that Mark will spill some of the "sauce".

One of the nice things about a 3-way is its LF driver can be optimized for a narrower range vs. a 2-way with a mid bass crossed three octaves higher.  Generally the LF driver in a 3-way cuts off lower too. 

60 lbs is a lot of mass for speaker this size.  It looks sharp too. 

I'd love to see graphs for sensitivity, phase angle, and impedance magnitude.     
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: rustydoglim on 4 Jun 2016, 12:46 pm
Before you read my feedback on Evoke, and for those who are not familiar with my posting (for the past 10 years since NuForce days), I want you to know that I rarely compliment another manufacturer's product. I have never met Mark 2 days ago at T.H.E. show, also didn't realise that he has been raving about NuPrime's amp here.
There are two things that impressed me.
1. Mark is a genuinely nice guy. That might not be important to everyone who they buy it from, but it is important to me.
2. Evoke Eddie is extremely coherent and everything just sounded right.
Title: Re: Evoke Loudspeakers Launches New Planar Speaker
Post by: Evoke on 7 Jun 2016, 08:54 pm
Before you read my feedback on Evoke, and for those who are not familiar with my posting (for the past 10 years since NuForce days), I want you to know that I rarely compliment another manufacturer's product. I have never met Mark 2 days ago at T.H.E. show, also didn't realise that he has been raving about NuPrime's amp here.
There are two things that impressed me.
1. Mark is a genuinely nice guy. That might not be important to everyone who they buy it from, but it is important to me.
2. Evoke Eddie is extremely coherent and everything just sounded right.


Rustydoglim -


I really appreciate your very kind words. Personally, I think it is important to do ones' best to be real and authentic. I feel EDDIE and our future products will be very good. That said... At EVOKE we want people to know that we truly care. Integrity is everything to me.


BTW - your second point makes me very happy as this was my supreme goal  :thumb:


Mark