Finally the wait is over!!
Yesterday I received the first HT1-TL (curly walnut), somewhere along the way the shipping got a little screwy, and they weren't able to deliver the second HT1-TL until this afternoon..
I have to say, these speakers are something special. I upgraded from Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1's; while those were fantastic little speakers, I wanted to step it up. These Salk's certainly do the trick.
For now I am running HT1-TLs powered by an Onkyo A-9555 integrated amplifier. My source is a Macbook, I am primarily outputting apple lossless over an airport express, then into a MSB Link Dac III.
The lighting in my condo is fairly dim, so bear with the pics--they aren't the greatest.
Upon first glance (at least on my computer monitor) the front baffles appear to be black. In actuality I upgraded to a solid wenge, which is very dark, but a nice touch. I haven't been able to see them during the day, but I am sure the contrast will be much greater. Here is a better close up...
a shot from the couch..
off angle..
and here is what I plan on doing with the Sierra 1's...
Future plans include the following upgrades:
- Anthem AVM-50 or similar
- Some sort of powerful 5-channel amplifier
- HT2 Center
- Custom built subwoofer enclosure to match the speakers, which will house a 15" TC Sounds driver and a 500 Watt OAudio Amplifier
I have to be careful because I live in a condo and between the HT1-TL's and that sub I will be looking at absolute overkill... better make friends with the neighbors....
For now I have but nothing but great things to say about these speakers. They image really well, provide a nice wide soundstage, the bass goes low, and they sound fantastic on even less than ideal formats.
Jim, you have another extremely pleased customer. Whatever formula you are using, keep using it--it works.
