Guys,
No formal review yet, just some initial thoughts based on very limited listening and almost no time on the speakers.
These speakers are fast and punchy (It probably doesn't hurt that they have 450 watts per channel driving them and the amp has a dampening factor greater than 1000.)
While I am not fooled into thinking they are HT3's or my Vandy 5A's, they don't sound light in the bottom. Listening to Rusted Root's "When I Woke" the drums, bongos, and bass, were tight, not flabby, with good definition and pitch. There was a very solid foundation to the music and I really liked the way it "boogied". My feet were tapping the whole time.
The hi's were quite good as well. Cymbals and triangles had a nice detailed sound without sounding etched or grainy.
I listened to Natalie Merchant's "Tigerliliy" to get an idea of how a female voice and piano sound.
The midrange was clean and clear, but was just a little shut in and not quite as open as I remember the HT3's being. Natalie's voice was well fleshed out and had body and presence, but I would like to hear more texture and nuance. I would expect this area to get even better with break-in.
Piano had a very solid sound to it and had good scale and size. Nothing small or toy like here. The leading transients were just a little bit rounded and not as sharp and detailed as I am used to, but I bet that will also improve with some time on the speakers.
Overall, I am quite impressed with the level of performance, as well as the fit and finish of the Song Towers. In my limited time with them, they have been a pleasure to listen and kept me on the couch wanting to hear another song.
I believe that these speakers will work equally well in a HT or 2 channel environment. They have plenty of bass, yet are well balanced and no one part of the audio spectrum stands out over another.
Frankly, I can't figure out how Jim is building these in the USA and selling them for under $1500 a pair.
Stay tuned for more...
George
